explained that he did not think he could get into see him this weekend, but that he would try. If he did make it, it would have to be an ‘on the spot thing’. He asked him to give his regards to his father and mother, and then he hung up. The rest of the week was spent in class and study. He and Ibrahim really burned the candle down from both ends. Ibrahim wanted to know why Joseph was so worried about passing.

“Look, you have been speaking Arabic almost 24/7 for weeks now. Unlike the rest of us, you also are speaking it off base when you are with your girlfriend and her family. You are the best in the class, that is, after me,” he said smiling, “you should have no problems passing.”

“Just passing is not going to impress my future family.” Joseph said, “I guess I have become an Arab at heart. You know how they always want to be on the top. If they fight a battle and lose they consider it a ‘Nakba’, a catastrophe. If I can’t prove that I am the best, I will lose face. Fazzi expects it and Kassie is not willing to admit that I’m anything less than a superman. You know, one who can leap tall buildings with a single jump.”

They really hit the books. Joseph wanted to keep going even through the weekend. Ibrahim finally put his foot down and said, “Enough is enough! If we don’t know it now, we never will. It is Saturday evening and I say we take the rest of the weekend off and get in some serious relaxation. You can stay here and study if you want, but, I am going into town and I hope to get laid. I’m leaving. You are welcome to come with me or you can do what the fuck you want. I need some relaxation and I need it tonight!”

Joseph decided that he would take a break also. He decided that he was going to go into the city and spend some time with Rich. He was about to dial his number when he remembered that Rich might be at the theater or on stage. By the time he got to the city Rich should be home and in bed and…those thoughts about crawling into his bed and snuggling up to him came floating into his mind and his cock started to get hard.

Slamming the books shut and packing a few essentials into the canvas overnight bag, he picked up his pass and drove into New York City. Finding an overnight parking garage not far from Rich’s place, he walked over the few blocks to the apartment. He took the elevator up to Rich’s floor and inserted his key into the lock, opened the door slowly and entering the apartment.

It was dark and the light from the hallway showed only an empty apartment. Calling out, he got no response. He put on the light and called out again, but no one answered. His mind filled with possibilities: Bet he went to his dad’s place. I might as well make myself at home. No use trying to contact him tonight. He would just be pissed off at me for not calling and letting him know that I was coming. It’s close to mid-night so I might as well shower and get some sleep. I’ll call Long Island in the morning he decided. An hour later he was sleeping like