I have a gay friend of mine, Kevin, who is 23 and has never been to Provincetown! And considering that he doesn't live more than 100 miles away, the entire concept must really be unbelievable! But it's true.
Now, I've been thinking of going up myself; but was debating whether-or-not to bring him along. The problem, you see, is that I love him. "Problem?" You ask. Yes, considering I've been with my lover, David, for almost three years.
Kevin and I have had many problems; trying to control the feelings we have for each other and keeping our relationship as only "friends". I'm the one who usually breaks first, being very weakened by the whole situation, and always the one that gets hurt.
Ever since Kevin told me this, I've always wanted to be the first person to bring him there, but I've always put it off. You see, Kevin is very attractive and unattached. For me to bring him there, would run the risk of getting hurt, if he were to meet someone.
Well, on this particular morning, one of my rare days off, I decided to go there with him. It was one of my stronger days and I thought I could deal with anything that might happen.
I called him at around nine, to see if he wanted to go. Needless to say, he did. He asked if I could bring my sleeveless "Union Jack" tee-shirt for him to wear. I was taken a back for a moment. This is from someone who used to work at a clothing store, and has 10 times as many clothes as I! I agreed. He would need an hour to get ready; being one who "primps".
I got ready in about 15 minutes, and packed everything we would need: towels, blanket, a change of clothes, brush, condoms; all the essentials.
I wore a pair of tight, blue shorts and my grey, sleeveless Yes "90125" concert tee-shirt, light blue socks and my low, Nike sneakers.
After finishing my fourth and final cup of coffee, I loaded up the car and was on my way to pick him up.
I stopped for gas first. By the time I got to his house, he was already outside waiting for me (a rarity). He was wearing his acid- washed, Levis cut-offs (with tears in all the right places), and a pair of high, Nike's. He was holding a Newport in one hand and a his brush in the other. I don't think I've ever seen him without that brush.
Kevin McCann is about an inch or two shorter than I; 6'3". He has long black hair; always perfectly in place. Brown eyes and a moustache. His tan is better than mine; seeing that he took the summer off from working.
He climbed over the passenger door and into the car. I drive a maroon, '74 MGB.
"What's up?" he asked with a huge grin.
I broke. I thought I'd be able to do this, but I can't. I thought I'd be strong enough, but I'm not. Don't let it show. Do it.
I gave him my standard, "Not much."
"Did you bring the shirt?" he asked.
"Yeah. It's in the bag behind your seat."
He found it and put it on. It never looked better. I pushed the tape into the player and we were on our way, regardless of my weakness and misgivings.
It took a little less than two hours to get there, which is about normal. All the while I was concerned if the car would make it; being the first long, haul that I took it on since I put it back on the road earlier this year. It performed wonderfully. My prayers certainly didn't hurt.
"Are you ready for this?" I asked, excitedly, as were neared the city limits.
"Yeah." He nodded with approval, a twinkle in his eye.
As we past the "Now Entering Provincetown" sign, I screamed. "HERE IT IS!!" I always did have a flair for the dramatics. Well, it was like taking a sugar-addict to the candy store.
The tour began with a couple of drives down Commercial Street. The first, with his favourite song playing, "Baba O'Riley" by the Who. The second, with mine, "Pour Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard. Kevin just gazed from one side of the street to the other; his eyes full of wonder.
"This is Heaven," I said.
"I can see why," he replied.
"You know, Kevin, you should keep your mouth closed. It's very unbecoming," I razzed.
"You, bastard!" He laughed and hit me.
We parked the car in one of the public lots on Bradford Street, and walked back to Commercial, where we began the heavy task of "just browsing".
We spent about two hours, walking up and down and up Commercial Street. We must have looked into every clothing store. Of course, we also made the cursory stops at "Remembrance Of Things Past", "Shop Therapy" and the Army/Navy store.
I did see a shirt that I wanted to buy, but it would have to wait until later; being on a limited budget. If, after the day was over, I had enough money left, I would get it.
I enjoy being with Kevin. Walking around P-Town with a cute guy by your side can make one feel, proud. I don't know if that's the right word to describe the sensation. It's a strange feeling, watching people's heads turn and the whispering to others. He's a great "looker".
I was getting very excited, just watching him walk in front of me. There is a large tear in his shorts (I would not doubt it, one bit, if he put it there himself. He's the kind of person who would.), in the back, giving a wonderful view of one of his naked cheeks. When he wears them, he either has a g-string or nothing else on. I later found out, that there was "nothing else". Needless to say, I did a lot of "lagging behind" that day.
By this time, I was getting very hungry; having not eaten anything today. We stopped at a restaurant (I forget the name. It was utterly forgetable.) and I had a burger and a couple Bloody Mary's. Kevin had a huge breakfast in the morning and resigned himself to a couple bottles of beer, Bud of course. It was nearing three-thirty when we finished, time to go to the Boatslip.
Along the way, I pointed out the "Meat Rack" and Spiritus. I also tried my best to explain the "Tea-Dance" to him, a concept he had never heard of.
The "Tea-Dance" had only a small gathering. Well, it was a Thursday, and late in the season, at that. But it was a good-looking group, none-the-less. We walked around a bit and then sat down on one of the raised areas on the deck and consumed a few beers each.
We pointed out all the cute guys to each other, with comments like: "I'm in love!" "Oh, God, look at him!" "What are you doing tonight?" A couple of guys were sitting outside on their balcony. One got up and was only wearing a towel. I mock yelled "Take it off!!" Kevin laughed. He went back in his room. "No! Come back!! Oh, I'm in love," I lamented
"I wanna stay," I announced to Kevin. He just looked at me and smiled.
I tried my best to talk him into it, but was unsuccessful. He had to be home, besides we didn't have a hell of a lot of money to spend. "Well, I'll stay and you can hitchhike home," I joked. He didn't laugh too hard at that one. But he knew I was only kidding.