“Winging It”

By: Pee Jay
(© 2010-2011 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 2
Time to Decide

A few months into their relationship, Adam and John had steadily escalated things to significant other status, though their relationship hadn't been consummated thanks to John's cautious, reserved nature. John told Adam that they should wait until they moved in together to go all the way. Adam was looking forward to living together and applying steady pressure to that end.

John was holding out and not quite sure why. He had a pretty good idea where things were headed. In his mind, when he acquiesced it would be a betrothal of a sort and therefore needed serious scrutiny.

It was rare that one of them was seen without the other. John was with Adam every minute he wasn't working. He caught himself daydreaming about Adam at his desk and having trouble concentrating on his work. John had acquired some deep seated feelings for Adam and finding it harder and harder to abstain from a full commitment. If John were honest with himself, he would admit that he loved all that was Adam, wholly and fully. And that he surely did, his thoughts could attest to it.

Adam, for his part, with all his impulsiveness and spontaneity was beyond infatuation. He didn't recognize the depth and extent of his feelings. Quite simply, he had taken the plunge. He had been snagged hook, line and sinker. Adam wasn't aware of it but he was out of circulation, he was hopelessly committed. He was stuck in a rut called John and happy as a Lark to be there.

Adam was the perfect match for John. Whereas John was the quintessential worrier and prone to over analyzing things, Adam spiced their relationship with verve and a certain joie de vivre. He provided the spark that John needed and craved. Together they achieved harmony, they were in balance, they were in love.

John went directly to the airport after work every day. There were many times he co-piloted the Aztec when Adam was shuttling VIP's or delivering airfreight. He logged those hours and enjoyed it immensely, if only for Adams company.

If Adam were out for a lesson or on a charter when John arrived, Mr. Hughes would leave and John would hold the fort down until Adam returned and locked up.

John could hardly contain his anticipation when Adam was gone. He would alternately sit and pace the FBO floor and monitor the tower for the first hint of Adams voice, all the while glancing at the end of the runway. He knew he would hear Adam on the radio before he saw him but he couldn't help himself. When Adam returned they would lock up and spend the night at the Condo.

One night after Adam locked up and the two were at Jim's place, Adam broached the subject for what seemed to him, the umpteenth time.

"John, what's the problem with us living together? We both know its right. Why are you doing this?" Adam looked like a little kid pouting. John thought he was cute as hell, but Adam had ache in his heart, he was lovesick and longed to be with John.

Facing away from Adam, John smiled. He knew Adam wanted to make love. "You have a one track mind and it's in the gutter most of the time. Did I hit the nail on the head, horn dog?"

"Well yeah, but that's not all of it. John..." Adam stopped in mid-sentence. He approached John from behind and put his arms around John's waist as he rested his head on the back of Johns shoulder. In a low voice he said softly, "I love you," then he swallowed hard.

That was a big one for Adam. He had never said that to anyone, his family aside, and he had just bared his soul to John. Though Adam wore his heart on his sleeve, he wasn't accustomed to voicing his innermost feelings.

The gravity of the moment wasn't lost on John. It hit him like the force majeure that it was. He was feeling it, too. John turned in Adams arms to face the inevitable. He hugged Adam firmly as he rubbed his back and pulled his head in, cupping it with his hand. He stroked Adams soft fine hair. Without further thought, John said softly, "I love you, too," then trembled slightly.

It was a first for John as well. If it were a big deal for Adam it was next to impossible for John to impart his intimate feelings. He felt like he had released a handful of helium filled balloons, it was liberating. He had done it and loved the sound of the words and the young man he was holding.

They stood in silence embracing neither one willing to let the interlude pass. At that place in time, they were as one in body, mind and soul; dictated by emotions beyond their control.

Adam raised his chin and kissed John on the neck then lowered his head, "How `bout it, Babe? You still haven't answered the question."

John thought to himself, `You have to hand it to the guy, he's persistent'. John decided what Adam wants, Adam gets, and he wasn't going to torment his lover boy or himself any longer.

"Yes, the answer has always been yes in my mind." John winced as he allowed his inner self to overtake his being and could only imagine how Adam must be feeling.

"It took you long enough to get there. Still, all in all, I'm happy. When?" Adam asked as he tightened the screws on John.

"As soon as we can work it out, Hon. I have to find out when my lease expires. My place is too small for two. We'll need more room."

"John, you were supposed to do that two weeks ago. What the hell?" Adam was hoping it wasn't another one of John's ploys. He was getting frustrated with the whole thing.

"I know, I know. I'm really gonna do it now, absolutely, I promise."

Before Adam could respond John said, "You know what?"

"What?" Adam said as he drew his head back to look John in the eye.

"I don't care when the lease is up. There's only one month's rent at stake. Screw it. Let's start looking now, okay?"

Adam was grinning madly and put a lip lock on John. The two kissed passionately as if to shake on the deal. When they finished, Adam took John by the hand and led him to his room.

One Friday in late October, the managing partner of John's office was going to be out for the day and the news spread quickly. The company was on flextime so John was able to stay late or come in early provided the company wasn't closing the quarter or fiscal year so he began to formulate a plan.

John was approaching the forty-hour mark and still hadn't taken his long solo cross country. That meant a minimum of three touch and go's, or crash and dashes as the case may be, at three different airports and the total distance had to be 150 nautical miles with one leg at least 50 nautical miles long. He would ask Adam to accompany him, which he wasn't supposed to do, but John knew Adam would go along with it.

John planned to reserve the 152 for the last slot Friday and the first two slots on Saturday morning to complete the trip. They would leave late Friday afternoon to arrive before dusk since John wasn't night certified. John designated the first destination as Manchester, which was an uncontrolled field at 60.55 nautical miles from home.

It was a romantic lake resort town frequented by tourists, nestled in the mountains with assorted restaurants, a boardwalk, and an abundance of quaint Victorian style inns. He wanted to make dinner reservations at one of the better eating establishments so he could wine and dine Adam. John was planning to go all the way with Adam.

They had already professed their love for each other and began to search for a place to live. John reasoned, 'Why prolong the agony?' And he loved Adam like no one he had ever known. So he set out to square it away with him.

"Adam, will you go with me on my long solo cross country?"

"Yeah, why do you ask? You know I will," then he gave John a look as if to say `duh'.

"Well it's supposed to be solo but if you don't say anything it'll be the same as me doing it alone."

"I'll sign you off now if you want. You're an excellent pilot and we've taken longer trips than that."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence. I was hoping we could spend Friday night in Manchester then complete the trip Saturday morning. What do you think?"

Adam smiled at John and hugged him firmly. He was going to spend the night with John out of town, in Manchester! He was borderline giddy with the thought and ready to bubble over. They were in Adams bedroom and held each other for some time. Adam leaned back and said, "Of course I'll go," then he kissed John.

John smiled and lowered his head to Adams shoulder. "Good, I made reservations at an inn and restaurant. I thought if we left at four we would arrive a little after five and still have some daylight to walk around before dinner. You know, walk through some galleries and shops, touristy stuff. It can be our first special night together."

Adam couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Did Father John just say what I thought he said?" Adam teased exuding delight.

"There's no priest here so you must be hearing things. Apparently you've been breathing thin air too long. And your eyes are bugging out, too. Yup, definitely thin air syndrome," John said grinning.

"For someone that has their head in the clouds, you should know." Adam shot back then clipped John on the back of the head with an open palm.

John pushed Adam backwards onto the bed then pounced on him. After a quick kiss he began to tickle Adam relentlessly. Adam was near tears and begging for relief when John let him up gasping for air, only because Adam was going to "wet his pants".

John hurried out of the bedroom not wanting to be on the receiving end of Adams backlash and made a dash for the kitchen, which was neutral ground.

As soon as Adam was able, he sauntered into the kitchen. John was sitting at the island sipping a beer when Adam clipped him on the back of the head on his way to the fridge.

"Hey, abuse will get you nowhere. Do it again and your dead meat. It'll be death by laughter."

John was hoping that was the extent of Adam's redress and his feigned protest was enough to even the score.

"I haven't begun to exact my revenge. You're a marked man in deep you know what. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes."

"These are awfully big shoes to fill. Maybe you can grow into them," John said on a condescending note then laughed.

"Very funny, Mr. Gaboris. I feel a headache coming on. I think it'll be here Friday night."

"You wouldn't?" John said. He looked at Adam who was grinning from ear to ear with a twinkle in his eye. "You would, wouldn't you? I wouldn't put it past you."

"We'll see," was all Adam said ignoring John as he walked by.

John grabbed him and pulled him into his lap then locked his arms around Adam so he couldn't move. Adam was bouncing and squirming as he tried to free himself to no avail. John was laughing loud and not sure how much longer he could maintain his hold on his boy.

"Now who's in deep doodoo?" John said laughing.

"Let me go, Gaboris," Adam demanded.

That made John laugh all the harder. It was more than he could stand. Adam in distress, it was too funny.

"I'm going to let you go for now but you better behave," then John released him. He couldn't hold him any longer if he wanted to.

Jim came out of his bedroom to see what the buzz was about.

"Hi John, what's going on here? Are you guys fighting?" Jim said with a knowing smirk on his face as he focused on Adam. He wanted to witness the antics.

"Yeah, it's a to death thing," Adam said. John did a double take on Adam. Man, the guy kept getting better all the time. To death rang a bell in Johns head. John thought he was incredible.

"Adam was receiving some overdue discipline. I think he's all the better for it," John said.

"You're pathetic. I don't think I like you anymore," Adam said taking a beer from the fridge.

"Get over here, Boy. And I shouldn't have to tell you twice," John said as he and Jim laughed. "I'm waiting!"

"Don't hold your breath, Mr. Gaboris," Adam said defiantly.

"Son, you're fighting me," John said in his best parental voice.

Adam laughed and said, "You ain't seen nothing yet."

The three chatted idly for a few minutes then Jim went back to his bedroom. Adam, with John in tow, returned to Adam's room.

As they stripped to their underwear, John said, "So we're going to make the trip then? It will be nice and romantic, just the two of us."

"It's a go, Babe. There's nothing scheduled for Friday afternoon. When I get to work in the morning I'll reserve the time slots for us. Now come to bed," Adam said as he pulled John into the sack. They rolled around and struggled for a few minutes trying to get the upper hand on one another then gave up and drifted off.

John may as well have called in sick Friday morning. He was on cloud nine all day and didn't accomplish much of anything. John had committed himself and was ecstatic with his admonition. He stared at the monitor on his desk but all he saw was Adam beside him, in front of him, on top of him, underneath him. Adam was all over the place in his thoughts.

"What's wrong, John?" a voice behind him resonated.

John pivoted in his chair to regard the figure behind him. His boss was standing tall and inquisitive as John straightened up in his chair. "Nothing Will, why do you ask? I'm fine."

In a low voice Will said, "Your work has been lacking lately, to say the least, and you're one of my top producers. Join me in my office," then Will turned and left.

'Oh shit,' was all John could think. They were looking for a new, more expensive place to live and he was in trouble at work. Adam's income was modest at best.

The only thing that came to mind was the commitment they made to additional expenses. John swore silently to himself at the timing. He loved Adam that much he knew. He would go to any length to be with him, of that he was certain. What would it cost? The possibilities spun in John's mind.

In Will's office with the door closed, John sat uncomfortably.

"What's wrong, John?"

John sat in place rigid and mute. He sensed that life as he knew it was about to change. It wasn't a pleasant feeling.

"If you have a problem, maybe I can help, or at least offer some advice." Will was making every effort to nudge John as gently as he could.

Will was a large, middle aged African American man with a deep voice, paternal in his management style. John liked him in a big way and respected the man. He had always been forthright and upfront with him. John had been to his house for dinner on a few occasions and got on famously with his family.

"No you can't but it's nice of you to offer. Oh, and by the way, I don't have a problem, Will." John was doing his best to avoid eye contact and more than cognizant of his imploding situation.

"John, is it a woman?" Will pressed on. "We can talk. I know you well enough to see there's something wrong." Will bored into John with his eyes as if to say he wasn't leaving until the matter was resolved.

John saw the intent in Wills eyes and decided to come clean and let the chips fall where they may. He wasn't out to his parents, or anyone else for that matter, but he didn't feel like hiding from Will any longer. He wanted to get it off his chest and Will was the fatherly type and more friend-like than boss.

John exhaled with a sigh, looked up and said, "It's not a woman, Will. And yes, it's love. I can't think straight. I am so..." He was going to say 'in love' but changed his mind. "I'm so embarrassed."

John started fidgeting as his eyes became watery and couldn't stop himself. Tears began to well up in his eyes. He shed tears of joy, tears of happiness, tears of relief and tears of regret for what may come. He let it all hang out for the first time in his life. He put his hands to his face wondering what the hell he had done. He wished Adam were there in the worst way.

"It's okay John, take your time." Will was silent for a few moments. "What's his name?" Will asked in a warm assuring tone, devoid of judgment.

John looked up and blinked the tears from his eyes then said, "His name is Adam." That was all he could eke out then he swallowed hard to quell the sob that was building in his chest. He was for sure that his career was over.

"It's okay, John."

Will came around the desk and sat next to him. He put his arm around John then encouraged him to get it out of his system. John sat there and trembled slightly. A few minutes passed before John was able to regain his composure. He dried his face and blew his nose with some tissue from Wills desk. John looked at Will to see he was smiling but wasn't sure what to say. He stared at the top of Will's desk waiting for him to speak. He was ready to clean his desk out.

"That wasn't so bad was it?" Will asked.

"That depends on what's coming next" John said sullenly, still gazing at Wills desk. John had already resigned himself to joblessness. He had money in the bank, not a heck of a lot. He was trying to play it out in his head. How long could he hold out before he was on the street, or worse, had to move home?

"John, your job is secure if that's what you're thinking. We minorities have to stick together," Will said then chuckled trying to lighten the mood.

John looked at him with a weak grin. The man certainly had charisma. He wanted to hug Will but knew that was inappropriate. John thought the dude was a class act and wished he could be like him.

Will sensed that John was feeling better so he withdrew his arm. "John, I don't claim to understand it but it's perfectly fine with me. The company has a policy toward minorities and sexual orientation is part of it. So you see, neither one of us can be discharged for being who we are."

John liked the sound of that and felt a new bond with his boss. He silently wished his father were like Will and wondered how he had acquired such a cosmopolitan outlook. John surmised that Will must have experienced some degree of discrimination in his fifty some years of living and felt compassion for him.

"Back to the reason we're here," Will said as he reclaimed his chair behind his desk. "You're one of my best employees, John. Your work has always held up to the auditors. In fact, I don't recall having a problem or question arise on your behalf. Lately, your production has been significantly off and that's the reason I called you in here."

John was looking Will in the eye as he spoke. When Will paused for emphasis, John took the opportunity to speak up. "I'm aware of it Will and I promise I'll correct my performance. I've had a lot on my mind recently so it's been hard to concentrate. Will, we decided to move in together. That's what I've been preoccupied with."

"As much as I appreciate your candor, your personal life isn't any of my business. Professional people should be able to separate domestic problems from job related issues. I want you to think about that, okay?" Will paused for a moment. "John, why don't you take the rest of the day off? Think about what I've said over the weekend and give it a fresh start come Monday. I have faith in you."

"Thanks, Will. Thanks a lot. Man, if I was in Perkin's section, I'd be screwed now. You're the best, Will. I really mean it. If there's anything you need at crunch time you can count on me."

Will smiled, "Just bring your A-game come Monday, okay kid?" He said rising behind his desk then he extended his hand to John.

John stood up, shook Will's hand then said, "You got it. And thanks again, Will."

John was half-way to the door when Will said, "John?"

John turned to face him, "Yeah?"

"Maybe you could bring him to dinner sometime."

John obviously liked what he heard, he was beaming. "That would be great, Will. I'd like that. Anytime, just say the word." John headed for the door and entered the world renewed.

Will grinned as he watched John leave his office, smiles and all. For some reason he liked the kid. Gay or straight, he didn't care. The kid was okay in his book. He sat down at his desk smiling and shaking his head, `Ahh, to be young and in love.'

John went to his apartment to change and pack for their overnight excursion. He was feeling good about his session with Will. He felt baptized or anointed or something. He didn't know what it was, it was cathartic for sure. As far as he was concerned, all was right with the world and he had a place in it.

It was early afternoon so John decided to hit the drive-thru at a burger joint and pick up lunch for himself and Adam. When he arrived at the FBO, Adam was seated behind the desk reading the newspaper, feet on the desktop. John had the idea to ding the bell and startle the hell out of Adam but the aroma of burgers and fries beat him to it.

"Hey, Babe," Adam said lowering the paper.

"Hi yah sexy, where's Señor Hughes?"

"He went to lunch. What ya got in the bag?"

"Nothing."

"Bullshit, did you bring me lunch?" Adam felt hunger pains as he inhaled the aroma.

"No I thought you would be gone. It's for the cute air traffic controller in the tower."

Adam bounded out of his chair around the counter toward John with an evil twinkle in his eye. John took off running for the door. He threw the door open to the tarmac and ran to the front of the Aztec skipping intermittently and laughing. Adam abandoned the chase and went back inside to eat his lunch, locking the door behind him.

When John tried the door, it was secure. He pounded on the glass and yelled that he had decided to take his long cross country alone so it was okay that he was locked out. John started walking around the building toward the parking lot as though he were going to leave. He was grinning inwardly.

Adam unlocked the door and took off in hot pursuit of John, caught up to him and jumped on his back wrapping his arms around Johns neck and his legs around John's waist, "You're not going anywhere without me, you hear?"

John bent forward under Adams weight laughing, unable to straighten up in his weakened state. "Get off me before I call the cops. This is assault. I'll have you locked up. Get off me damn it." John was laughing so hard he fell forward on the ground with Adam clinging to his back, pleased that his boy was so predictable and he could evoke the response he was looking for.

Adam kissed his neck and held him down for a moment before he let John up. As Adam climbed to his feet, John noticed one of the A&P (airframe and power plant) mechanics watching from the tarmac in front of the adjacent hangar. He pretended not to notice.

Adam extended his hand assisting John to his feet. John accepted and once on his feet, they noticed Mr. Hughes in the parking lot watching from his car. They made their way inside the FBO where Adam went back to his then cold burger and fries. The air in the FBO was somber.

John wondered what the hell else could go wrong in one day. Adam was noticeably disturbed but felt secure having John with him.

Mr. Hughes came in the front door with a stolid look on his face and sat at his desk behind the counter. Adam was eating the balance of his lunch on the sofa in the reception area with John at his side.

Eyes were darting back and forth while no one spoke.

John said softly, "I love you in case you forgot. We are going to be lovers before the day is over. Don't let the old man spoil it."

"That's nice but now my boss knows about us. Did you see him in the parking lot?" Adam asked with trepidation.

"Yes, I saw him and felt him glaring at us when we stood up. Did you see the guy at the hangar watching?"

"You're shitting. One of the mechanics saw us?"

"Yeah, I don't know his name but I definitely know his face. We've been in there enough that I know who he is," John said.

"You know what, John? I don't care anymore it's too damn difficult to hide. I would rather be unemployed with you than sneak around. If I'm with you I can be happy anywhere and I do mean anywhere. I'm over it."

"I don't care anymore either, Adam. I had a tête-à-tête with my boss today. I thought I was going to be fired but it worked out. He wants to meet you and I want you to meet him. I know you'll like him. I feel closer to him than my own father. He's a great guy and he knows all about us."

"That's cool, but Mr. Hughes is sitting over there, c'mon let's get this over with."

The two of them walked around the counter toward the desk Hughes was occupying. Adam sat on the corner of the desk and stared Hughes down not saying a word. He was ready to tell the old man to shove it and John was there to back him up and take him home.

They sat there staring at each other, neither one making an effort to speak. It was, perhaps a minute, but the deafening silence and tension in the room made it seem like hours. John was awed by the stamina Adam exhibited. John wondered where that was coming from. He had never seen Adam so intent, so focused. It was a kind of brinkmanship, a push and shove type thing without words or deeds.

Finally, Adam chose to break the silence and Hughes looked away. "Mr. Hughes, we're taking the 152 this afternoon and not coming back until mid-morning. The reservation is in the book. It's paid for in advance. We'll be leaving soon."

"Adam, can we talk?" The old man asked still gazing out the window.

"Go ahead, what's on your mind?"

Adam was primed and pumped. He was ready for battle. If the old man wanted conflict, Adam was geared up and ready.

Hughes saw it, too. The last thing the old man wanted was a contest.

"Adam," the tired pilot said arresting the conversation. "I'm and old man. I flew in WWII, the Korean conflict and downed a lot of enemy aircraft. I'm lucky to be here and not entirely proud of what I did. I'm not an intelligent person, and I don't claim to be. What I know, I know for sure. I saw you and John a few minutes ago on the lawn. I've suspected something like this for some time now. I've always liked you. In fact, I've never trusted an employee more than I do you."

The old man cleared his throat then became pensive, still avoiding eye contact. He appeared to be gathering his thoughts. He turned his attention to Adam and said, "I've wanted to talk to the two of you for some time now. I'm not sure of myself at this point and would like to reserve my thoughts until next week. Do you have any students tomorrow?" the old man asked.

"No, and unless someone calls in the next few minutes, there are no lessons scheduled for tomorrow," Adam stated. "Mr. Hughes," Adam said. "Do you have a problem with us?"

There's that persistence, John thought. He was proud to be with Adam and wanted to embrace him then and there.

"I guess not or maybe I do. I don't know. What the hell do I know?" the old man said. "My wife and family are gone. To grow old is to change a lot, and things have changed. We'll talk next week. I'm not mad or looking to fire you. There's a proposition I've been mulling over."

Adam went on the uptake, "Mr. Hughes, you and your generation deserve the credit for the quality of life we enjoy. Without your effort, our generation couldn't live our lives freely and openly. We owe you big time. But, you're right. Things have changed."

"Thanks," the old man said. "Have a nice weekend and don't forget to lock up," was all Mr. Hughes said then he rose and excused himself.

Adam came to the front of the desk, wrapped his arms around John and kissed him with great affection and conviction. Now more than ever, he was convinced that John was all he needed.

All John could do was embrace him and admire all that was Adam. He had a deeper appreciation for him after the ordeal, the guy was truly amazing.

The duo retrieved their overnight bags from their vehicles and tossed them in the cargo area of the 152.

Seated in the cockpit, John had pre-flighted the aircraft and waited for the most important person in his life. He recalled everything that had happened and realized how it made him feel for Adam all the more. With Adam, anything was possible. He didn't want to consider going forward without him. To John, they were as one, inseparable.

As Adam closed and locked the office, he was pondering his future with John and where it may lead them. There were no guarantees but if he were with John, he could face anything. He climbed in the aircraft and kissed his other half. He was ready to commence their sojourn into life. Nobody said it was going to be easy.

To be continued...

Posted: 01/07/11