right, I’m from upstate,” Joseph said as he went to the washbasin, lathered up his hands and face, and rinsed himself off. He did not think it was important to tell the old man that he was in the military. “How old are you? You act like a stupid kid, throwing money around like that.”

“Fifty-two and still going strong,” The man answered, handing Joseph some paper towels. “And yes, young man, I do like to throw my money around. It’s mine, I earned it, and if I want to give it to a sexy young guy like you, that’s my business. You never know, I might get lucky, but even if I don’t, it gives me a hard-on just to be able to think of the possibilities. When you get to be my age, just being able to have a conversation with a young stud like you is as good as sex.”

“Fifty two is not that old. I’ll bet there is still plenty of fire in your belly yet. You sure don’t look that old, and if I were in the market for a mature man, you just might fill the bill. I’m not in that market right now, though, but if I were, you would make one hell of a good sugar daddy,” Joseph said, crumpling up the paper towel and heaving it into the wastebasket. He then reached into his rear pocket, took out the money and held it out for the man to take back.

“No son, you hold on to it. I’m in the insurance business, but I love fishing. I like to cast my bait on the waters and see what kind of fish I can land. Sometimes I get lucky, but most times I get taken. This time I think I got lucky.” He walked to the door, opened it, turned, put his fingers to his lips, and blew a kiss to Joseph, saying, “In case you come back to the ‘Big Apple’ and find yourself alone and want to go out for a good meal, a few drinks, or perhaps a roll in the hay, I’m available. One never knows what the future holds. That boyfriend of yours might even be stupid enough to drop you. Keep the card and the money. Use it as your insurance policy.” And with that he left the room and returned to the party.

Joseph just stood there looking at the hundred-dollar bill and the business card. Letting out a low whistle, he placed the card and money back into his pocket. He ran his comb through his close-cropped hair and returned to the kitchen. He didn’t say anything to Richard about the rest room meeting and they continued to serve the rest of the meal. During dessert, congratulatory speeches were made and many toasts were proposed to the happy couple. Some very nice things were said. Then someone set up a stereo player and there was some dancing. Joseph could not get over seeing two men holding each other and dancing together in public.

Richard had to pull him back into the kitchen and tell him to stop staring. “What are you gawking at? What do you find so unusual? Don’t you think gay men like to dance together?” Richard asked him in an angry tone. “Damn it! Stop thinking of it as two