positive." Joseph said. "I could get killed here on the so called safe streets of New York or any city and in my hometown as well."

Richard realizing that he had a point dropped the subject and they continued talking about themselves and their lives. Richard told him about his parents who lived out on the Island. He told Joseph about how, in the beginning, his parents had trouble learning to accept the fact that he was gay. Then about how they finally came to accept his sexuality to the point whereby they help him with some money as a sort of 'advance on his inheritance.' "That's the term they prefer to use rather than saying it’s an allowance," Richard joked. "They tell me that it's just a way to prove to me that they will never disinherit me, and that I'm their son ----no matter what and that I am welcome to come home anytime."

"I think that is sweet," Joseph said with a tinge of sadness in his voice. "I lost my parents in an auto accident when I was very young and was raised by foster parents. They never really loved me. They did it for the money the state paid them and also to have an extra hand on the farm. That was another reason I wanted to get away and be free. So I joined the Army and here I am, having lunch in New Your City, with a guy that I met less than a day ago. A guy that has me doing and thinking about things I would have found repugnant 24 hours ago." Joseph took a deep breath and glanced up at Richard. "And, damn it, I'm having a ball."

"Well I hope you are having fun, because I am." Richard smiled and said in a determined voice, "Joseph, tell me if there is anything you would like to do or see. Anything at all."

"You're going to think I'm nuts," Joseph answered, "but there is one thing that I have been wanting to do, but it's silly."

"Tell me!" Richard insisted, "Tell your fairy god daddy now! Tell me and I'll try to wave a magic wand and grant your wish."

After much cajoling and getting assurances that Richard would not make fun of him, he shyly confessed, "I would love to go for a carriage ride through Central Park. I saw it once in a movie and I have been dying to do that. Can we try it? I'll pay; it's just that it's not the sort of thing one does alone. Come to think of it, would two men do it? I always pictured it with lovers, you know, a man and woman together, snuggling."

"And what's to prevent two male lovers from enjoying a night of snuggling together, in a horse drawn carriage in Central Park," Richard smiled and said with determination in his voice, "Yes, Yes, we will do it. Why should the 'heteros' be the only ones to be able to make love and enjoy themselves like that? Would you like to do that tonight or tomorrow night?"

"Don't you have to work tomorrow night?" Joseph asked, "I can't have you taking any more time off. I don't want you to get fired."

"I told you that I asked for a few days off, besides I told them that if they needed me, they could get me on my cell phone. Besides if they do need me and