Page 299 - Some Dance to Remember

Some Dance to Remember 269

front of my mirror told me that. I had to get over thinking it was wrong to
groom and work with gifts you’ve been given. I held back from going for
it. Finally, I had to. I knew I could be as good as, even better, than guys
who were making it with their bodies. I had to work out. I had to go to
the gym. A lot of guys train hard because they hate their bodies. Not me.
I wanted the challenge, the discipline, the Look of a man with muscle.”
He turned the pages in the photo manuscript of Universal Appeal,
watching his images alternate with Ryan’s prose.
“Being a man is the most important thing in the world to me. I
wanted to see if I could perfect manhood in myself, for myself, and if other
men appreciated it, well and good. I thought maybe there were guys like
you. I wanted to see what I was really made of. No one was more surprised
than I was the way my body took to training.”
He handed the manuscript to Ryan.
“Look at those old snapshots. There’s no compromise in those eyes;
and there’s no compromise in my eyes now.
“I never entered the physique contests until you made me psychologi-
cally ready, and I judged my body and Look backed it all up. It’s the same
way with Universal Appeal. I don’t think it’s wrong to cash in on my Look
and your talent for words. I don’t think it’s wrong to present us properly.”
The mist grew heavier in the Patio garden.
“We’ve gone public with the contests,” Kick said. “So what if we make
a little money going more up close and personal into this book? I could
use it. You could use it. Money could free you up from writing the stuff
you write that’s too good for those gay rags that pay you next to nothing.
You could write novels. You could write screenplays.”
“You could play the hero.”
“I’m sure January would take a film option on anything you write.”
“Kind sir,” Ryan said. “My only fear with this manuscript is that it will
ruin our privacy. I want you out there, riding the public edge. Everyone
on Castro wants to be a star, but you’re the only one with real potential.”
Ryan lowered his voice to a whisper. “I’m selfish. I’m afraid if millions love
you, I’ll see you even less.”
“No matter what happens because of this,” Kick said, “I give you my
solemn promise. You’ll go everywhere with me. We’re fellow travelers.
We’re a high-test blend.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” Kick positively grinned over the dishes.
“I never want to walk up to you in some strange restaurant someday
and have you introduce me as someone you used to know.”

©Jack Fritscher, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved
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