Like many people, I used to call phone sex lines - remember those? - to have some fun when I needed a release back in the 1990s.
Sure, I was married, but you know how that goes after your first child arrives.
We had fun, just not as often. What had been a sure thing isn't quite as sure. And men, as saying goes, do have needs.
Feeling horny and alone at home one day, I felt the need to call one of those phone sex lines.
I dabbled around, chatted with a few women. Not much happened. Being curious, it hit the button for the bi men room. Let's see what that has to offer, I thought.
After a few so-so chats, I was greeted by a man who said his name was Mike.
Mike had a deep sexy voice, one that, I suppose, made the ladies swoon along with some men. It did catch my attention.
I introduced myself as David, in my early 30s, living in west suburban Chicago. We got to talking and the conversation eventually turned to sex. Gee, what a surprise.
Mike, who said he lived in the northern suburbs, wondered why I was on a phone sex line with other men.
"Guess I was just being curious," I said.
Mike, who sounded older than me, said, "well, you won't be the first."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Many guys are 'just being curious'," he said. "It's human nature. Everyone is curious to some degree. Everyone."
I was surprised by his comment.
"Really? Are you sure? I wonder what my friends would think if they knew I was here taking with a man," I said.
Mike paused and replied. "You'd be surprised. Many of your friends would love to be in your shoes right now."
To be honest, that caught me off guard. I was surprised and, frankly, intrigued. I wanted to talk more with Mike.
"How long have been calling this line? Have you been with other men? How did this all start?" I asked.
Mike laughed.
"Whoa, slow down, David. I've been calling this line a few years. Yes, I've been with other men. It started I guess about 20 years ago when I was in my 30s," Mike said.
We talked a bit more. Nothing too sexual. Then Mike told me about a special event he attends once every month.
"We get together at a house on a quiet street in the northern suburbs. Usually 15 to 20 guys show up the last Wednesday each month. At noon," he said.
"What happens there?" I asked.
"Well, that depends on you. Clothing is optional. Everyone is given a basket for their clothes when they walk in. Some stay clothed. Some get naked. It's up the guy," Mike said.
Curious, i told him "go on."
"Some guys talk to other guys, sipping a drink. Like I said, some guys keep their clothes on. But there are others who get naked and just chat nude with other guys - who are clothed or naked - in the house. Usually the kitchen is popular because munchies are there," he said and laughed.
By now, i had started to twitch, picturing the setting. So I asked the follow-up question I'm sure Mike wanted to hear.
"Does any... fun take place," I said.
"Oh, it's lots of fun visiting," Mike said.
"You know what I mean," I said.
He laughed.
"Yes, there is some fun that goes on. Again, it depends on the guys. Some are content to have a few drinks and visit. Others are interested in more intimate encounters," Mike said.
"More intimate?" I asked.
Mike laughed.
"Come on, David, you know what I mean. This is a sex line. Why don't you visit a party sometime and see for yourself?" Mike asked.
"What would happen if I did show up?" I asked
"You could be our guest of honor," he said.
"Guest of honor? What does that entail" I asked.
Mike chuckled warmly.
"I can't reveal all our secrets. Guess you will have to attend to find out," Mike said.
We talked a bit more about each other's lives, nothing too sexual, until I had to get going to my job. Mike was in his 50s, it turns out. and semi-retired.
The thoughts of what Mike told me stayed in my mind. I worked the late shifin those days. When I got home that night, the house quiet, I thought about Mike's party and got aroused. I wondered what he meant by "guest of honor."
"Ah at least it's good jerk-off material," I thought as I stroked to mental images he had planted in my mind. I thought of naked men walking around, having fun, watching others.
About a month later, on the last Wednesday, I found myself caught up with work by the mid-morning. My wife was at her job. Our son was at day-care. I dug out the scrap of paper with the address Mike had given me.
"What's the harm?" I thought. "I don't have to do anything. MIke said I could have a few beers and talk with other guys. That sounds like a great break from the routine."
So I hopped into my car and drove up to the suburb maybe 20 or 25 miles from me.
I found the house, one of those min-mansions we see more and more. It was a busy street, so I had to park two blocks away. I walked to the front door, rang the bell and was met by man whose deep voice sounded very familiar when he said "hello."
"Mike? I'm David," I said.
