BRIAN

It had been a little over a month since Eve had pulled my ass out of Cocks&Tails. I hadn’t seen a lot of her since that night. I’d been too busy with the Stockwell Campaign. The guy was making it harder and harder to make him acceptable to the masses. His homophobic attitude was getting difficult to hide....even from myself. His so called crusade to clean up Liberty Avenue for decent law abiding citizens was nothing more than an attempt to push the Gay community underground so he didn’t have to see it. The guy had a major hard on for the Gay Community and I didn’t know why. I spent more time cleaning up his personal appearance disasters than actually coming up with copy for his campaign. The guy couldn’t go a day without saying something homophobic. If he wasn’t such a big client with the keys to getting me out of this *burgh* I would have told him to stick a 12 inch dildo up his tight ass and get over it.

I was trying to spend a little time on the WPITT account. The WPITT’s director called me with the idea of branching into Television. I suggested that Local Cable TV seemed like the best venue. It would reach a target audience, be easier and less expensive to produce and allow a chance to critique the program before trying it in a more formal—--fuck a more expensive and highly competitive market. 

The managers wanted to give all of the DJ’s a shot especially the morning crew. I disagreed. I’d looked at the ratings from all the radio programs and taken time to listen to all the programs. The afternoon programs didn’t have the ratings and the DJ’s were too inexperienced and unknown to anchor a TV program. The few late night DJ’s weren’t that well known either. Last was the morning crew. Although their program was the #1 rated program on WPITT I didn’t think they could hold a TV audience. Their topics, antics and banter were good for early morning radio but it wasn’t what I thought would work on a TV program. I didn’t think they could make the transition from radio to television. They didn’t exactly have the screen presence. 

I suggested Eve. Ty accused me of being biased. Through Eve’s hairstylist the most obviously Gay man ever I learned that Ty was spreading the rumor that Eve and I were fucking. I didn’t bother to dignify his accusation with a response. Yes, we had fucked but that was in the past and had nothing to do with why I recommended her. Eve had the looks, the voice, she was well known, and most importantly she had the charisma. It exuded from her. She was a natural. If anyone could make a success out of a cable show and carrying it to local TV it would be Eve. Her expertise in dick sucking and her round delicious ass had nothing to do with my recommendation. 

Just to silence any doubts I suggested a screen test with all the DJ’s. We hired a few people for an audience and let each DJ set up their own program. 

Eve’s only real contention was the DJ’s from the morning program. The morning crew wanted their show to have a casual off beat feel. They were all dressed casual--jeans, khaki’s, t-shirts, polo shirts. They came off forced and unnatural. They were trying too hard to be casual, to entertain, to be funny. The audience didn’t seem to connect with them. 

Eve wore a pair of dark blue jeans and of course her ever present suede: dark brown suede boots, suede braided belt hanging low on her hips, a multicolored braided suede chocker, wrist band and dangling suede earrings. Nothing overtly sexy. She just dressed like she normally dressed. Eve came off sexy, funny, and energetic. Eve lit the screen up. Before I walked into a meeting I always gave myself the pep talk to *Glitter and Shine.* Eve *Dazzled and Sizzled.* Her personality and energy sparkled on camera. She walked right down into the audience and asked questions. She relaxed the audience with her easy banter and off center jokes. The expression *stole the show.* described Eve’s performance. After the screen tests no one doubted that Eve would be the best DJ suited to do a cable TV show.

Ty bitched like a high school girl when Eve was selected to host the new cable show. He attempted to undermine Eve but he didn’t have the clout. The radio director and I were firm in our decision and we told Ty so. I also told Ty I was not the one he wanted to fuck with and stay the hell out of my way or I‘d make it so difficult for him that he‘d quit just to get away from me. I was still pissed about his part in the whole *bad date* shit. He was the asshole that introduced Eve to Wayne Clemons. I let him know that too. I also let him know he was walking a very tight line with me. The SOB got the message and accepted what he couldn’t change.

I wrote a few promotional copies for the new TV show to be announced on different radio programs in heavy rotation. I enlisted Daphne and Justin to pass out flyers at the colleges. Deb of course hung a promotional poster at the diner. Ernest even allowed me to post a few promotional posters at Cocks & Tails. Eve had mentioned his club on her radio program several times. He was thankful for the free publicity. Eve stated she owed him one. As much as I hated to admit it so did I. 

I worked out all the details with the cable station, consulted with Eve on a set design that would be comfortable to her. The main thing I did was include a large picture window that would look out on to the street. I know it had been done before but I liked the concept. I could picture crowds gathering there waiting for a chance to be seen on TV even if it was a local cable station. I was banking on the window becoming a focal point of the program. Eve decided that she wanted a structure free show. It wasn’t a talk show, or music show it was in her words a, *whatever the mood strikes me show.* If anyone could make it work I knew Eve could. I suggested Saturday night 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. time slot. Two reasons most people didn’t get to clubs on Saturday until after 12:00 a.m. which meant that if Eve held their attention they could watch her show and still make it to the clubs. For those not going out the time was early enough so that they could watch and still get in bed at a reasonable hour. 

I had been spending so much time working on the Stockwell campaign, the Cable show and my other ads I was literally exhausted. A quick fuck or blowjob in the backroom of Babylon was all I had the time to squeeze in my schedule. I hadn’t been to the diner for Sunday breakfast in over a month. I seemed to be spending my Sundays sleeping late and working.

For Eve's cable show was named *The Nightbeat.* The first show I stood with the camera crew. The show’s new DJ started the intro music, the blinds covering the picture window were pulled back showing the crowd that had assembled outside and Eve walked out. Applause, whistles and catcalls greeted her appearance. Unlike the screen test when she dressed casually tonight she was dressed to visually seduce. She wore a mustard colored (only a Fag would know mustard was a color) suede dress that barely brushed the top of her thighs. The dress was cut to a deep V in the back giving a tantalizing sneak peek of her tattoo. She had on a pair of knee high boots with four-inch heels in the same color as her dress. The color was a perfect compliment to her dark coloring and those hypnotic eye of hers. The words Dazzle and Sizzle were the prefect words to describe her tonight. 

Her show was spontaneous and over the top. A mixture of dance, guest appearances and taking questions and requests from the audience. And of course she had two guest co-hosts: Daphne and Justin and her guests were her Daddy, Emmett who were passing out samples of their food and of course business cards to the audience.

Eve, Justin and Daph’s energy radiated from them. Justin looked absolutely beautiful. The blue shirt he had on was the perfect shade to his sky blue eyes. The jeans he wore emphasized his waist and bubble butt. I wanted to grab him off the stage and fuck him senseless. The hour long show passed by quickly and smoothly. I was betting that Eve’s show would be a hit. 

After the show the premiere party was held at Cocks & Tails…Eve’s choice. Justin and I spoke briefly. Just to say hello. He mentioned he hadn’t seen me at the diner. I told him how busy I’d been. I had to stress I was busy with work. He gave me a sly little smile. We didn’t spend a lot of time talking. Mostly he danced with Daphne and Eve. I made plans with Eve to meet her for lunch Sunday. I picked a tall, dark and handsome trick and took him home and fucked him senseless for a few hours and then put him out. As I was showering before bed I realized that I was still horny. I knew another trick wouldn’t take the edge off. The only person that could take the edge off was Justin and I knew it was time that I got my *baby boy* back in his home. Back in my bed. I just didn’t quite know how to go about it.
----------------------------
Sunday afternoon found me in my usual seat waiting on Eve. Justin must have been in the back when I walked in. I didn’t see him but I knew he worked the breakfast and lunch hour.

I patiently waited for Eve. Last night I noticed she‘d picked up a tall, handsome man of her own. He was about 6 feet, black hair, blue eyes and a great ass. The way he was leaning in and talking to her I knew the conclusion was forgone. Eve had found her prey. She‘d scoped him out separated him from the herd and she was in predator mode. I knew before the night was over he’d be well fucked and out of her house before daybreak. I smiled. I could predict what she would do because it was what I’d do. That was the thing that Eve and I shared. Predators were always on the prowl.

Justin came to my table poured my coffee and gave me the Sunday morning paper.

“Hey, Brian,” he gave me a genuine Sunshine smile. "Sorry I was in the back when you came in."

I was so caught off guard by the smile that it took me a moment to respond.

“Hi ya, Sunshine. How’s it going? How‘s school?”

If possible his smile got brighter, “Okay. School’s great. Which was something I wanted to talk to you about.”

He paused. I raised my eyebrow waiting for him to continue.

“In my Life Art class we are supposed to do a portrait. I’ve done sketches before but I’ve never really done a portrait. I’m going to do one on Molly and Mom. If I can just get Molly to stop fidgeting so much at her sittings. And we have to do a series of interesting faces and I’m going to do the family. I think we all have interesting faces…then if you have time I‘d like to do one of you. It would require you sitting still for a few hours.“

I tried to appear nonchalant when in fact I wanted to burst out smiling. I could see the seduction scene playing in my head. Me and Sunshine alone in the loft. I already knew what the conclusion would be. 

“Sure. Just let me know when you want to do it and I’ll arrange some time.”

Justin became so excited that I agreed. He started talking about the type of portrait he’d like to do. He became so engrossed in talking about his art I was actually surprised when he slid in the booth with me. I sipped on my coffee and listened intently to Justin. I commented on some of his ideas for the drawings and paintings he had to do. He said he did most of his painting at the studio on campus. The apartment was too small for him to set up an easel and the paint fumes bothered Ethan. I told him that when he did my portrait because of my long working hours we’d have to do it at the loft. He agreed.

I was so engrossed in talking with him that I didn’t notice that Eve had walked in. When I did notice her presence she was leaning back against the counter smiling at Justin and me. She was in a cream colored silk suit with a very short skirt. The double-breasted jacket was adorned with pearl in laid buttons. She wore a pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings. The perfect picture of conservatism. Well, except for the skirt. Justin hopped up and kissed her on the mouth. 

“You look great this morning Eve. Why so dressed up?” Justin asked.

“I went to church this morning. You know some people do that on Sunday morning,” she teased playfully.

Justin laughed. “You and Daph may be the only two people I know that do.”

Now that was a surprise. I didn’t know Eve attended church. After being raised in a religious household I thought like me she had her fill of religion. I guess I was wrong. I listened as Justin and Eve talked and laughed about last nights show. Eve slid in the seat opposite me. 

“I’ll be right back with your breakfast.” Justin said. He turned and gave me his Sunshine smile. I was positively melting from his attention.

“Don’t fuck this up,” Eve warned.

I gave her an annoyed look. “Thanks for the advice, but I think I know how to get a man.”

“Yes, you do,” she agreed. “But you don’t know how to get Justin.”

I started to protest, but she put her hand up to silence me.

“You could fuck Justin right now if that was all you wanted but it isn’t. You know all about seducing him. You know what his pleasure spots are because you created those pleasure spots in him. BUT it’s going to take more than the lure of a good fuck to get Justin back.”

“So, what will it take to get him back?” I asked snidely.

“You’ve sucked him and fucked him. Try dating him.”

“I’m not his little tragically romantic violinist,” I scoffed.

“No one’s asking you to be. All he wants is an effort. Justin isn’t asking for flowers, romantic poems and candy but he is asking for more than a backroom rendezvous, alley blowjobs, fucking strangers at the Baths and most importantly he loves you. He doesn’t want to have to watch you fucking and sucking another man in front of him and he wants you to care if another man fucks and sucks him in front of you.

I listened to her. I wanted to tell her it did bother me when I watched Justin being sucked off in front of me. I was just trying to give him what I thought he wanted. A chance to experience more than just me. I had already realized Justin wasn’t like me. He was more emotional more caring. As much as I hated to admit it I did need Eve’s help. I was treading in unknown waters. And she was right I didn’t want to fuck this up.

I let out a resigned sigh, “So what do you suggest?“

She reached inside her purse and pulled out two tickets and pushed them across the table to me.

“My radio show producer gave me these tickets. It’s just a carnival. It will be fun, you get a chance to do more than get high and look for fucks. You can actually enjoy each other’s company. Tickets are for next Saturday. I know how much you like to suck and fuck on Saturday but I think you can miss one night.“

I didn’t immediately pick up the tickets. “Now how do I ask him to go with me? I just can’t ask him on a date.“

“Tell him the carnival owners asked you to come up with some ads for them. Tell him you want a *young and fresh* look at the carnival. Make him think its work related. Offer to pay him. Get him to accept. Once you get him to go relax and have a good time.“

I picked up the tickets and put them in my jacket pocket.

“Thanks,” I said grudgingly.

She just laughed. Justin came back with our order. As he was setting our plates in front of us Eve kicked me under the table and motioned her head towards Justin.

I took a deep breath, “I have a proposition for you that involves another carnival?”

He laughed. “You seem to be involved with a lot of carnivals lately.”

“Yeah, imagine that. Anyway I’m looking into doing a few ads for the Greater Pittsburgh Carnival. I was going to the carnival Saturday night. I thought maybe you’d come with me and give me a *young fresh* look at the carnival. Of course I’ll pay you.”

Justin had this goofy little smile on his face. “Ah, yeah I don’t see why I can’t do that. I‘m free. I have to work until 7:30 p.m. put I‘m free after that.”

SURPRISE didn’t even begin to describe my emotions when Justin accepted. Today just seemed to be filled with surprises. I tried not to sound to desperate. “That’s good. I’ll pick you up here then. It’ll save time.” 

It would also keep us from dealing with Ethan. Justin smiled and then Deb called him. He gave a little wave and walked away from the table. Eve got up to go to the ladies room. Of course it was *family central* today. Michael walked in as Eve was walking to the bathroom.

“Hey, Bri. You didn’t tell me you were eating lunch here,” he said squeezing in beside me. He gave me a kiss on the mouth.

“I agreed to meet Eve for lunch.”

Michael pouted, “You’re always spending time with Eve.”

“Well, Mikey the radio station pays me big bucks to promote Eve‘s image. This is a business lunch. We’re going to talk about the new cable show.“

“What is there to talk about. It’s just a local cable show. It’s not even being broadcast on one of the big stations.“

I looked at Mikey. I was beginning to realize Mikey didn’t care much about what I did in advertising although he wanted me to not only participate in his comic book hobby and career but to know about it. The bell jingled and I looked up and was surprised to see Vic and Rodney walk in. He spotted me and headed to my table. They slid in the other seat.

“Where’s my baby?” Vic asked. “ She told me she was eating lunch here.”

“She’s in the ladies room. She should be out shortly.”

Eve came out of the ladies room and I watched as she hugged and kissed Vic and Rodney. I got up and let her slid in the booth. I was not about to be stuck in the middle. We were all talking and eating when surprise, surprise, Lindsey, Melanie came in with Gus and Abe. Of course I had to move to let Mikey out. Mikey and sat in the booth with Lindsey, Gus and Abe and I slid back in to my usual booth. It was good to see Gus. I played with him for a little while before Lindz lifted him back in the booth with her. It was like one of Deb’s family dinner. The only people missing Emmett and Ted. I would be totally surprised it they walked in.

My telephone rung and I answered the call. Stockwell of course. He wanted to talk about his campaign. No surprise in that. He always wanted to talk about his campaign. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Eve leaning over the booth reaching for something. I briefly thought about asking her what she was reaching for but I didn’t. She said something to me and I brushed her away. I was trying to concentrate on Stockwell. Eve finally leaned across me to reached past me her body pressing against my chest. Now I was really curious. With her short skirt if Vic or Rodney cared to look they would probably see more than they wanted to. Eve started to wobble. I held the cell telephone with one hand and my arm went across Eve’s thighs. My hand was up her skirt almost touching her ass.

“Got it!” she exclaimed triumphantly. 

I leaned my head back to see her gripping a bottle of honey.

“Well, I’ll be damn. Here I come all the way from London to see you and what do I find but some guy’s hand up your ass.”

I turned to the refined voice and I knew who she was instantly. Tall, beautiful, model slim, silver eyed, platinum blonde. Her long shoulder length hair brushed the collar of her fur coat. She was dressed in a lavender wool pants suit that was a perfect foil for her porcelain skin and cool coloring. The picture on Eve’s shelf didn’t do her beauty justice. Surprise, Surprise. Heather. They just kept coming one after the other.

Eve squealed and practically leapt in her arms. Everyone was staring at them. Eve’s feet were dangling off the ground and her arms were wrapped around the slender neck of the elegantly dressed beautiful woman whose hands were passively cupping Eve‘s ass. And the kiss they were sharing was far from chaste. I knew for a fact tongues were mating. We were all speechless. Finally the kiss broke and Eve’s feet slowly touched the floor. Heather held Eve’s face between her long elegant fingers. The look she was giving her was pure adoration. Love.

“Why didn’t you call me? I would have picked you up.” Eve told her smiling.

“I ran late. I tried to make your first show last night. But I didn’t wrap things up as quickly as I wanted to.”

“I’m glad you are here,” Eve told her.

Eve finally realized we were all staring and she turned to introduce Heather. I could see that Melanie and Lindz were not only appraising Heather but also the relationship between Eve and Heather. Vic seemed to be confused. He knew his daughter was straight but Heather was totally in love with Eve. The way a woman loved another woman. I could see clearly on his face that he was trying to figure out what was going on.

I allowed Eve and Heather to squeeze in the booth and I took up the end.

“So how did you two meet?” Vic asked.

I could see he was still trying to adjust to this new development in his daughter’s life. Since Heather had shown up she had continuously touched Eve in some way of fashion. Eve didn’t seem to mind. To be exact Eve seemed to encourage it.

“I rescued her from a group of Butch dykes at the Gay Pride Parade in Atlanta. I saw all these dykes in a circle near a booth. I decided to see what was so interesting. That’s when I spotted Eve. They had her cornered.”

Eve laughed, “Don’t listened to her Daddy. She’s exaggerating I was fine. I had everything under control.”

“Those dykes were ready to eat you alive. So, I saved you.”

“For yourself,” I asked.

Heather’s silver eyes settled on me, “Could be,” she answered.

The rest of the conversation flowed around the newest arrival. I was a little angry and confused. Eve had once told me she’d never fucked a woman. It was obvious to a blind man that she and Heather were very……close. Heather did tell everyone she was originally from Maryland. Like Lindz she was a WASP. Rich family. Old money. She worked as a photojournalist. We were all so wrapped up in talking with Eve that I don’t think any of us realized my Mother was there until she spoke.

“Brian, I’d like to speak to you.”

I cringed just hearing her voice. Like I said the day had been one surprise after another and it wasn’t even 2:00 p.m. yet. 

I slid out of the booth to face my mother. I could feel Justin by my side. I don’t even know how he got there he was just standing next to me. I felt his fingers intertwine with mine.

“Okay Mom. Speak.”

She looked around with distaste. “Perhaps we can speak somewhere…..else.”

“No Mom. If you want to speak with me you can do it here.”

She pursed her lips. “You were always difficult.” She paused and looked around the diner again with distaste. “I left message for you. You haven’t called me back. Had you called me back I wouldn‘t have had to come to this place to talk with you”

“I’ve been busy Mom.” It wasn’t a lie I had been busy. 

“What did you want?”

She looked around nervously. “I was hoping I could talk with you about …….your life.”

I knew I wasn’t going to like this but I had to ask. “What about my life?”

Like I said I knew I wasn’t about to like what she had to say. I could feel Justin squeezing my hand. I gave him a reassuring squeeze.

“Like I said the surprises have been happening one after the other today.” I told Justin.

------------------------------------
THE CONFRONTATION (Various POV’S)

“You’re my son and I’m trying to save you from damnation. This lifestyle you’re leading is a condemnation to Hell. You have to change your wicked ways. You and this young man you are with are courting Hell. You more so than this child. It is bad enough that you are….are a sodomite but to corrupt this innocent child.

“He didn’t corrupt me. I wanted him.“

Joan ignored him. “You are a child. You can still be saved. But my son…Brian he has much more to answer for. The Bible makes it clear if Brian continues to lust after you and other men he’s going to Hell. It’s written in the scripture. Just as the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of men lusting after men He will destroy Brian and you too young man and all those like you. Sodomites are and abomination in the eyes of the Lord. The Bible clearly states it.” 

“That’s not really what it states.” 

Brian and his mother both turned to the voice. Eve rose from her seat and stood in front of Brian like a shield. Her eyes locked with eyes similar to Brian’s. The only difference these eyes were cold, hard and mean. 

“Who are you?” Joan demanded. 

“Brian and Justin’s friend. And I’m rescuing Brian and Justin because unfortunately I don’t think they are equipped to deal with you on the subject of the Bible. I on the other hand am more than qualified.” 

““He is a practicing and disgusting Homosexual. A SODOMITE!” She sneered contemptuously. 

Eve gave a playful laugh. “Brian practicing sodomy?” she teased. “Nah, you are so wrong about that. He’s not practicing ANYTHING. He’s quite proficient. When it comes to being a homosexual he’s a professional.” 

Snickers and giggles greeted Eve’s announcement. Brian pinched her ass playfully. And she had to bite down on her lip to keep from squealing. She promised herself that she would get him for that later. 

“Who are you? Are you one of his homosexual friends?”

Eve continued. “As for my sexual orientation it really shouldn‘t matter. I‘ve probably sucked as much if not as many dicks as your son. I‘m not Gay so does that make the fact that I suck dick forgivable?” 

Joan gasped in outraged. Although Eve couldn’t see his face she knew Brian’s face was contorted into his trademark tongue and cheek smirk. 

“I’m going to have to disagree with you on that Eve. I do believe I’ve sucked more dicks than you have.” 

Eve turned around and blasted Brian with one of her cold stares. “See there you go again half listening. I said *as much* not *as many.* There’s a difference Kinney. So I may have sucked one dick 1000 times and you’ve sucked 1000 dicks. We both have sucked dick 1000 times. Do you get it?” She asked as if she was talking to a dunce. 

“Well, I’m sure I had more fun sucking 1000 dicks compared to you having to suck the same dick 1000 times.” 

“This is not a competition, Kinney. This is not an Olympic sport. No one is going to give us a gold medal for dick sucking. Besides I’m just a little more selective about what I put in my mouth unlike someone that I won’t name,” she said derisively. 

“I’m sure everyone is quite aware that you are talking about me,” he smirked. “And for the record I don’t just stick any dick down my throat. Don’t rag on me because men throw themselves at me and I’ve had more opportunity to suck dick than you have.” 

Eve squinted her eyes angrily, “Men throw themselves at me too. Men are literally begging to get a taste of me. If I choose I can get licked and suck 10 dicks a day. It just doesn’t happen to be my choice.” 

“Since when?” Brian asked scathingly. “Last night or this morning?” 

Eve Bristled. “Since non of your fucking business.” 

Justin cleared his throat. Eve and Brian looked over at him. He pointed to Mrs. Kinney. 

“Eve I think you were having a discussion with Mrs. Kinney not blasting Brian.” 

Eve looked a little chagrin. She had forgotten all about Mrs. Kinney while arguing with Brian. He gave her his tongue and cheek smirk. She’d finish this later. She still wasn’t sure how she and Brian had gotten so far off track. 

She cut her eyes at him, “We will finish this later, Kinney.” 

“I’ll be waiting.” 

She glared at him for a few more moments before turning her attention back to Mrs. Kinney. 

“I apologize for the interruption. Sometimes your son can make me forget my name. But that’s neither here nor there. What is here and there is what we were discussing which is the Bible. When you talk about sodomy I guess you are referring to Genesis, Chapter 18 verse 4 that talks about the wicked men of the city who circled Lot’s house and tried to force him to give up his visitors who were two Angels. The passage actually reads: 

*and they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came into thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them.* 

“Which basically means they wanted to have sex with them. Now God did destroy Sodom and Gomorrah but the passage doesn’t come out and say He did it just because men wanted to have sex with men. I mean when you think about it actually men were attempting to *rape* other men. That was the sin. Rape. Plus Sodom and Gomorrah was an evil place brimming with all kinds of sin. And of course, in that time if you brought someone into your home as guests it was your duty to protect them from harm. The passage doesn’t state that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah just because men wanted to have sex with men. It destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because and I quote from the Bible the Angels said in verse 13: 

*For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.* 

Please tell me where in Genesis does it say that the only reason Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed was because of men having sex with men. Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed because it was a city brimming with sin. Do you think Sodomy is worst than murder, rape, incest………..child abuse?” 

She locked eyes with Joan. Joan knew that the last example was a dig at her. At Brian’s childhood. 

“Or maybe you are referring to Leviticus 18:22 where it reads: Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

“See, eve you admit the Bible states homosexuality and sodomy is a sin… an abomination,” Joan exclaimed self-righteously.

Eve was not moved, “Maybe. Leviticus 11:10-11 and I’m paraphrasing here; that to eat anything from the seas and rivers that have no fins are scales is an abomination. I’m sure you’ve eaten crab, lobster and I’m sure there are countless other seafood that could fit in that category that people—God fearing people eat every day.”

For a few seconds Joan and Eve seemed to be in a stand off. Eve watched as Joan’s eyes glittered like polished marble, cold and hard. 

Joan was unprepared to talk with anyone who could quote the Bible word for word or to talk about her failure to protect Brain from his father’s abuse. She’d come to confront Brian in his den of iniquity about his sins not be confronted with her own shortcomings as a mother. She had no idea that there would actually be someone in the place who actually had read a Bible. 

“You may try to twist God’s words all you want young lady. But it is clearly written that sodomy is unnatural and God will punish it with damnation.” 

Eve shook her head in disagreement as she watched the cold, mean woman standing in front of her. She was determined that she would not allow Joan to use her religion to hurt Brian. 

“I don’t twist God’s words Mrs. Kinney. I usually leave that up to self righteous hypocrites.” 

Joan gasped in outrage. She narrowed her eyes at the petite woman standing before her. “What do you know of God’s words?” 


“What about *All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God,* or *Judge not lest ye be judged* and my favorite, *Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.* Are you without sin, Mrs. Kinney?” 

Joan inhaled deeply her face red and blotched with rage. “Young woman,” Joan began in her cold mean voice, “How dare your question me. Do you even believe in God?” 

‘Yes, Mrs. Kinney I believe, but more importantly I have Faith. You see Mrs. Kinney Faith is believing when you have no proof. I have utmost Faith for when all else fails its all you have. I believe in a compassionate forgiving God. A God of love and Grace. The Bible gives proof of that. I believe in a God that so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son. I have Faith that contrary to what you and others like you believe that God loves all his children that believe and love him. I also believe in his Grace. His Grace is eternal. Outreaching ever lasting. *If not for the Grace of God go I.*

Mrs. Kinney God doesn’t need your help to condemn anyone to Hell. He created the world in six days don’t you think he can punish sin without your help. If homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord punishable by damnation then let God issue that punishment. Not You. You aren’t God. Have you never heard: *If you be is humble servant, then be so.* Do not overstep you boundaries. God does not need your assistance to condemn someone to Hell. He never has. And who are you to say who will and won’t go to Hell. You are not God. Maybe I’ll live to see our so-called religious community show the Gay community a little common courtesy and some of that Christian love, forgiveness and Compassion you all tout so loudly. If the religious community was as loving and compassionate as they claim to be they would realize that the word *Gay* is just another word for people. Gay, Straight, Bi are all words for people. That’s the bottom line. We are all people. God’s Creations. So to answer your question Mrs. Kinney yes I believe in God. I just don‘t believe in your God.” 

“There is only one God, young lady,” Mrs. Kinney told her. 

“I’m aware of that Mrs. Kinney. One of us believes in the wrong God,” Eve paused briefly, locked eyes with Mrs. Kinney to drive her point home, “And it’s not me.” 

“Well, I have never!” Joan sputtered indignantly. 

“Then it is about time you did,” Eve answered evenly her eyes never leaving Joan’s. 

Too angry to form an intelligent retort Joan turned on her heels, head held high and marched to the door. 

Just as she reached it Eve called to her. “Mrs. Kinney?” 

“What do you want now young lady?” Joan asked impatiently. 

“Perhaps you should think about your beliefs, your Faith, Grace and where you are going when you leave this life. For the place you find yourself when your life ends may begin in *He* but it may not end in *aven.*” 

Joan gasped at the insinuation. She understood fully what Eve was hinting. She gave Eve a frigid stare that would bring most men or women to their knees. Eve didn’t even blink. Joan turned and marched out of the diner still cloaked in her religious superiority. The tinkling bell over the door announcing her departure as it announced her arrival. 

The diner was quiet. Eve would even say it was deadly quiet. All eyes seemed to be glued to her. When she stood up to confront Mrs. Kinney on her views she hadn’t thought it out thoroughly. She just knew she couldn’t stand by and allow Mrs. Kinney to ram her twisted religious views down Brian and Justin’s throat. 

Eve took a deep calming breath, stepped forward and turned around to stare up into Brian’s face. She was prepared for his anger. For hadn’t she just jumped in a conversation that had nothing to do with her. Hadn’t she just insulted his mother even if that was far from her intent. Instead of seeing his murky eyes flashing at her in anger she encountered a look that she wasn’t prepared for. Brian looked confused. She decided to use his confusion to her advantage. 

“I guess I should apologize for how I talked to your Mother, but I can’t. I know I shouldn’t have interfered in your discussion with your Mother but I felt that you were ill equipped to deal with the topic at hand. So, while I admit I should have held my tongue I will not apologize for what I said.” 

With the words said Eve just stood quietly waiting for Brian’s explosion. Brian leaned down and kissed her on the lips his forehead resting on hers. 

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “You and Justin are always there to rescue me.” 

Eve felt his warm breath against her lips as he spoke. He kissed her sealed lips once more licked his tongue across her bottom lip. He straightened up and lightly caressed Justin’s jaw. He leaned in and kissed him on the lips. His lips lingering on Justin’s a second too long for the kiss to be seen as anything but intimate. Without another word he turned around and walked out the door. Eve didn’t turn around until she heard the jingle of the bell on the door signaling he had exited. 

Then as if on cue one hand clap turned into two, then into three and then everyone in the diner was clapping. The next thing she knew she felt herself being lifted up and hugged and looked into Justin’s misty blue eyes. 

“Thanks, Eve. For Brian and me. He really needed someone to stand up to her for him.” 

Heather lifted her from Justin’s arms, “Hey Blonde Boy back off she’s mine,” she teased. Heather’s kiss was warm and caring. She set Eve down on her feet. “You did good baby.”

“Thanks,” Eve muttered as Heather’s lips pressed against hers.

Her Daddy was next hugging his daughter and kissing her on the lips. “You did good Angel Cakes, you did real good.” 

She beamed, “Thanks Daddy.”

“Damn right she did good!” Deb exclaimed. “That’s my niece. She’s just like me. Outspoken and courageous!”

Even Michael stood up and hugged her. “You really put her in her place.“

What had Brian said earlier. The surprises were happening one after the other.