Chapter 1 - Jack
The buzz of my phone alarm slowly pulled me out of my groggy sleep. It was a long night, but we had fun dancing at Charlie's. The dance floor was a little bare since school doesn't start until next week and the new class of gays hadn't moved in yet, but it gave me time to catch up with Adam and Thomas, who I had barely seen over the summer. Thomas was finishing up his summer internship with Equality Arizona, and he had just gotten back from Flagstaff where they were holding some HRC event. Adam was finally back from his home in Chicago. It was great to have them back, I was tired of depending on Grindr for a social life.
I reached up and grabbed my phone, 8:30 am. Jesus what was I thinking, this was too damn early. But the pool was calling my name and I couldn't stay in my bed forever. With all the willpower I could muster, I threw back the sheets and sat up in bed. I made my way to my closet, got dressed in some workout pants and an old tank, grabbed swim gear and a change of clothes and headed to the kitchen to grab a granola bar and a water bottle. I didn't want to eat too much before getting in the pool but still needed some energy and hydration to get over last night.
My roommate Kim was asleep on the couch, with Netflix asking her if she's still watching Parks and Rec on the TV screen. I had seen this scene a million times - she comes home drunk at 3 or 4 am from some frat party, either full of pride that she said no to some fraternity douchebag or feeling ugly because she didn't get laid. So she decides it's a good idea to watch some TV, and just one episode, then face-plants into the couch, lights out.. I grabbed an extra bottle of water and granola bar and placed it by her hand which dangled off the couch to the floor. After turning off the TV, closing the blinds and grabbing my gear, I went to the garage and mounted my scooter.
Yes, it was super gay, but I loved my little scooter. Wine Red. Metallic. Matching helmet. But in Arizona, there really was no better way to get around. The sun was always shining, you didn't have to worry about sitting in a hot car, and there was nothing like turning heads when pulling up to the club and parking right out front. Or, more importantly saving $500 a year on a parking permit on campus. Yes, it was super gay, and yes, I loved it.
With little fanfare (where the hell is the paparazzi?), I pulled into the parking deck at the SRC. A veritable ghost town at this time on a Saturday, I got a prime motorcycle spot still in the shade. You never know how important shade is until you live in the desert - both actual shade and the kind thrown by queens. The day was starting to warm up as I walked into the rec center. I would say it was going to be another scorcher, but in Phoenix, every day is fucking hot, and by August you just get used to the oppressive heat. Like my nagging parents, it's always there.
I swiped my SunCard as I smiled at the girl sitting at the check in counter. I've seen her there all summer, but I still didn't know her name. Smiling, I walked on by. I could feel her eyes follow me as I turned past the desk to head to the pool. I liked being looked at, even if it was from some hetero girl - I worked hard on my body, and I liked when it was appreciated. I turned my head back and caught her looking, so I cocked a grin and wiggled my ass. She flushed bright red, but smiled and turned back to Facebook on her phone. Oh, how easy it was.
The locker room was deserted at this hour on a Saturday, it was summer so school wasn't in session, plus whatever students were around for summer classes were hungover or getting ready to do the walk of shame. I undressed and pulled on my speedo, dark maroon with a small pitchfork stitched on the side - a keepsake from my time on the ASU swim team freshman year. I had never really liked the competitive aspect of swimming, but I enjoyed the scholarship money that it gave me - until they slashed the scholarships for the non-money making sports. Go Devils!
Towel in hand, goggles hanging around my neck, and my ass squeezed nicely into the tight swimsuit, I headed through the communal showers to the pool. It was already bright and hot outside, but I knew that would make the pool that much more luxurious. The pool itself was empty except for Marco sitting atop a lifeguard stand, in a red tank top, gold and maroon board shorts, sunglasses and a ridiculous looking straw hat.
"Hey man! What's up?" he called, "You coming back to the team this year?"
"I don't know, have they decided to stop being assholes and actually make it worth it?"
Marco was senior this year, and captain of the swim team. We met a couple of years ago when I started here at ASU, and he was one of my first friends here. We spent a lot of time training and it was great for me to have someone older who could show me around campus and get me oriented. However, after the first year I quit the team and we grew apart. Different circles, different goals. Mainly, he wanted to bang chicks, and I wanted to bang him. Let's just say it was best for my heart that we didn't spend too much time together.
"Naw bro, you know how it is," he chuckled. "You do it for the love of the sport, not for the money."
"No," I smiled back, "you do it for the chicks."
"What can I say, it's a perk!" He smiled and lifted up his shirt showing off his tan, tight six pack leading to a perfect V that disappeared below his trunks. "Girls love this V almost as much as I love their tits!"
"Oh I know, guys can't keep their hands off this," I turned and slapped my ass. He started cracking up.
"Oh yea brah! Get it!" Marco laughed and lowered his hand down from the stand for a hi-five, I slapped it. I started stretching as he asked, "So, how long are you swimming today man?"
"I don't know, on Saturday's I don't like to keep count," I replied as I stepped forward and stretched my calves and hamstrings. "I just go for about an hour, trying to keep a good pace, let my mind settle."
