The roar of the surf almost drowns the cries of sea birds darting in and out of the waves. The breeze was steady along the rugged cliffs, something Brandon had sought for the desired effect it would have on the images he shot.

Alan smiling, standing barefoot on the sand, his hair streaming out away from his face. The deep blue-green waters of the Pacific at his back, the rocky Sonoma coastline over his shoulder. The boy was radiant, the joy of this place evident on his face as Brandon tripped the shutter release a dozen times.

The yellow and blue shirt, the off-white collarless jacket stood out perfectly. The Italians would be pleased, Brandon was overjoyed. Delveccio had certainly been an easier sell then Mr. Wong and his Chinese buddies.

That simple meeting with the Chinese, two days after the Italians left, had begun with tea being served, much as they had expected. The factory owners had been accompanied by a Mr. Wong who it seems was with the Chinese government and part of their foreign trade delegation.

Theresa had certainly not been prepared to meet a foreign dignitary, a fact noted by Mr. Wong right away.

"You have no representative of your government available?" The man had asked.

"I assure you, Mr. Wong, we had no idea a representative of your government was going to be present. It was never mentioned in the correspondence or the phone calls we received. I hope you do not feel slighted, there was no intention of breaking protocol on our part."

Wong seemed to turn his disgust on the factory owners and their rapid exchange in Chinese was fairly heated. The whole time Alan stood and sifted through the clothing samples hanging on a nearby rack. Occasionally Wong would glance at the boy and then fire off another sting of harsh words at the owners.

Theresa sat quietly, helpless to say anything, but she did look over at Brandon who shrugged. There was nothing they could do.

"Excuse me, young sir," Wong finally said, his remark addressed to Alan. "You are here as the person that will sell this product?"

Alan smiled, stepping forward and offering his hand to Mr. Wong.

"Alan Bennett, sir. I was chosen to wear the clothing for the advertising campaign."

"Yes, you model clothing," Wang said. "Do you find it adequate?"

Alan nodded. "If you mean comfortable, yes it is. I have been wearing one of the coats here all week."

"Ah, a practical young man. A warm coat is an item of great luxury," Wong said.

"Luxury? In some climates it's a necessity," Alan replied. "I remember mornings waiting for the school bus when a warm coat like this would have felt like a luxury, but I didn't have one."

Wong seemed intrigued by the boy's comment and Brandon knew Alan was once again working his magic.

"You come from a poor family?" Wong asked.

"Not poor in spirit or love, just money. The farm didn't leave us much to spend on what you might think of as luxuries. The coat I wore to school was my father's, and I only got to use it when he didn't need it for the day."

"You came from a farm to ... to all of this?" Wong asked.

"Yes, fortune smiled on me. I like the coats, but I wish you had some different colors, that's all," Alan said.

"The colors do not please you?"

"Black and blue are nice colors, but they're kinda dressy for most kids, they would have a limited use."

Wong nodded and Brandon suddenly knew why. The man had been fishing for something to use against the owners, the two small men cowering at the table. Now Alan had said the colors were not what most kids wanted, bingo.

"You see these items in other colors on sale here? The color would help you chose which coat to buy?" Wong asked.

"Sure, the color is important. Most kids have to wait in the cold for a bus every morning, its dark and people are on the roads driving to work. Color is a safety issue, a black coat almost makes a kid invisible and that's dangerous. Parents think about stuff like that when they buy clothing for their kids.

"But if you had say ... an orange coat or a red one, maybe even add some of that reflective material they make now, that would be a real good seller."

Alan smiled at Wong and the man gazed back. Quickly he turned to the owners and fired off a bunch of questions. They nodded and Wong seemed mollified.

"What is this reflection material you said and how would it be applied?"

Alan leaned down and took off his sneakers. "See, the stripe here on the heel is reflective; it catches the lights from an approaching car so a driver can see you." He put his shoe back on and picked up his coat. "If they sewed a stripe of the material across the shoulders and maybe around the cuffs then the coat makes the kid safer standing out there in the dark."

Wong smiled, the first time he had done that since they started.

"This can be done; it will take only a little time to obtain the proper materials. You have brought us good advice, for this I thank you," Wong said. Then he turned to Theresa. "I see we are not ready to discuss advertising at this time. It has been our error, I apologize."

"This is fine, Mr. Wong. Product development is a long and tedious process, we'll be ready when you are." Then Theresa nodded. "Next time I will make sure we have a suitable representative here to meet you. You have been most kind."

The Chinese delegation shook hands all around and then left. Theresa smiled at them all and shrugged. But then she gave Alan that look.

"I think we have a winner. You saved us the embarrassment of losing that contract, now they'll be back. I don't know how you do it Alan, but Thank God you were here."

And that thought made Brandon smile, the boy was quite astounding.

"Wow, I thought we were gonna land in the water," Alan laughed as the wheels of the plane screeched down on the tarmac of the runway in San Francisco. The boy had been on a natural high all week, the Chinese had only been the beginning.

"City by the bay, remember? It's a wonderful town, you'll love it," Brandon said.

Jack and Barry sat across the aisle, reunited and smiling. Their vacation three years before had brought them to San Francisco; this was like reliving all those wonderful moments.

They rented an SUV, something big enough to carry all of Brandon's equipment. Jack never mentioned the need for something fast and secure, which was always on his mind. The magazine ad had appeared four days ago, the distribution was national. There was no telling what the response would be, but Jack and Barry had to be prepared.

They drove into the city north along the One-o-One towards the north end of town. Alan gawked and gasped at the skyline while Brandon smiled, enjoying every minute of the boy's first encounter with California. They had planned three days here before moving north into the wine country.

The one and only planning session for the trip had consisted of a short discussion over dinner at the Italian place off the lobby on Thursday. It was kept short because that was the evening Barry had finally arrived and Brandon knew that Jack wanted some quality time alone.

"OK, four tickets to San Francisco then three nights at the Fairmont," Brandon began. "Get some shots around the city, cable cars and all the lovely stuff. Then north towards Santa Rosa and on into the wine country. Italians, they'd have to love some photos in the vineyards.

"Then into the trees, redwoods make a wonderful backdrop. Guerneville, the Russian River at it's scenic best and then on to Jenner and the coast. Seven days tops, a little business, some wonderful goof off time at the resorts before we jet off to Los Angeles."

"Los Angeles? What will we do there?" Jack asked

"Vacation of course," Brandon said. "Alan wants to see Disneyland and Theresa's buying, how could we turn down an offer like that?"

Jack laughed. "OK, you sold me. Disneyland, now there's a security nightmare."

"I have no doubt you can handle it gentlemen."

Brandon was thinking of what Jack had managed yesterday morning, their Sunday visit to church. He had awakened Alan bright and early at eight-thirty. The boy had no idea what was afoot.

"I want you to get up and shower, we're going out," was all he'd said.

"Out? It's too early," Alan groaned. "Where are we going?"

"Can't tell you, security matter, very hush-hush," Brandon said while trying to hold back the smile.

"Now you're messin with me," Alan laughed as he rolled out of bed.

"Jack and Barry will be here soon, let's shower, sweetie."

The hot water brought them both awake as Brandon resisted the boy's usual morning attack of friskiness. He urged Alan into casual dress and managed to get some toast and a glass of juice in the boy before Jack knocked on the door.

"Morning, gents," Jack said. "Is everyone ready?"

"Ready for what, Brand won't tell me," Alan said.

"OK, we're going to take a little trip downtown. You'll be out in public so I want you to wear these." With that Jack pulled a pair of dark framed glasses out of his coat pocket.

"Glasses? I don't need ... oh, a disguise," Alan laughed.

Barry reached around behind Alan's head and pulled the boy's hair back, slipping a black tie around the hair and creating an instant pony-tail. The men stood back and stared.

"Pretty good, he looks different," Jack said. "Not a lot, just enough to fool the eye."

"What's that mean?" Alan asked.

"You don't present the same image as the one people will see in the magazines, it will fool them ... enough to get by I think," Brandon said.

"It may not be necessary but let's go find out," Jack said.

Barry brought the car around from the garage and they all climbed in. The church was established in a small old building about twenty blocks south. Jack had scoped it out two days ago ands talked to the pastor.

The man assured him that they often had celebrities attend services, but everyone came for worship and nothing else. No one would call attention to the boy, that's all that mattered. Barry took them down Broadway, around Columbus Circle and edged down a few blocks more before he started looking for a parking spot.

The neighborhood was in transformation, a lot of new things were happening to the old city around here. They found a place and Barry parked.

"OK, we have a little bit of a walk," Jack explained. "Straight down Tenth about three blocks. Time to test the disguise."

Brandon walked beside Alan, Jack and Barry hung back to watch. No one seemed to look at them with any undue curiosity.

"So are you finally going to tell me ... ?" Alan asked.

Brandon sighed. "I don't know if this will be the place you want, but I had to do this for you ... for us. We're going to church."

Alan's face broke into a grin. "You remembered ... what's it like?"

"The Metropolitan Community Church is a place of worship and so much more. They accept anyone with faith ... that's all I know, the rest we have to find out," Brandon said.

"Anyone ... even gay people?"

"Yes, especially those who feel left out of God's divine purpose, that's what the minister told Jack on Friday. I just wanted you to have something important back in your life, something I knew you missed. "

Alan took his arm and squeezed it. Brandon looked in the boy's eyes and saw the emotions rising. He still believed the power of God had brought them together, he needed to believe that. This seemed like a good place to revisit those feelings.

And here on the streets of a city so huge, so diverse, they came to the front of the church. It looked like a community center and a church, with brightly colored shapes painted on the walls. But even before they walked inside Brandon could see the people gathering outside before the service.

People of all kinds stood in the small crowd. Black, White, Hispanic ... and many of them gay, lesbian or transgender. But they had one thing in common, they were all smiling. Heads turned their way, and Brandon nodded to several of the men.

And right on cue, Jack and Barry stole the attention as they held hands. The eyes turned towards these handsome hunks, Alan was all but forgotten. And then the doors opened and everyone slowly filed in.

The next two hours were special and not just because Alan seemed uplifted by the service. Brandon listened to the singing, a Gospel choir that really put their hearts into the music. But the sermon was filled with hope and peace, the message seemed to reach out to Alan and he cried with joy.

The pastor spoke of tolerance and love. His message was about the world as a community, the responsibility of each man to his brother and how that meant taking responsibility for the welfare of others. He might have invoked the name of Jesus once or twice, but the focus was not on the divine, it was on mankind.

And even after the service, as the community of worshipers gathered to socialize, Brandon felt himself watching Alan. Had he done the right thing bringing the boy here? For all too soon the world would own that face, could he still come here then?

It would be tragic to give the boy something like this only to have it taken away. Jack must know that as well, his was the final decision. But they would be away so much of the time, away from these warm and endearing people. Brandon finally cornered the pastor.

"Reverend Beale ... Brandon Clark, this is our first time attending."

"So glad to meet you ... you don't sound like a New Yorker, are you living here now?

"Part of the time, I'm from North Carolina and so is Alan. My friend Jack spoke with you last week," Brandon said.

"Yes I remember ... the boy model. Did he enjoy the service?"

"He did, it brought tears of joy to his eyes. You have a new member I think ... but that's going to become an issue for him and for the church."

"Fame can be cruel, what can I do to help?" The Reverend asked.

"Fame and a gay lifestyle, you must understand the issues that can create for him. I don't want his faith to suffer once again; he already went through that once when his father discovered that difference. Besides we'll be on the road a lot for work, he won't be able to attend here on a regular basis."

"The MCC has churches throughout the country; you would be welcome at any of them."

"My issue is his safety and security," Brandon said. "His face will soon be everywhere in the media, we already know that much."

"I could chat with him online; offer my spiritual guidance that way when he can't join us at the service."

"You would do that?" Brandon asked.

"Did you listen to the message today?" The Reverend asked with a smile. "He is just as important to me as any hundred of these others. The family of man should be one of sharing and compassion. Are you committed to him?"

Brandon nodded. "Yes, he's my life."

"And then why should I feel any less towards him? We are all family here. No one is turned away because of their fortune or misfortune; all are equal in a spiritual and temporal sense."

The man drew out his wallet and handed Brandon a business card. "E-mail me at your convenience; we can iron out the details."

Alan walked over about that time and the Reverend shook his hand with no mention of his conversation with Brandon. The boy seemed quiet on their walk back to the car and Brandon gave him time to think. And it wasn't until they got back to the condo that the boy let his feelings out.

"I like that church, Brand ... but we're going to be away so much ... "

Brandon handed Alan the business card. "The reverend wants us to e-mail him; he proposes to maintain contact with you online with you when we're away."

"He does ... that's so cool, but why?"

"He said the family of man should be one of sharing and compassion. I think he wants to guide you, and yes, that is very cool."

It was very cool; Alan had found something he could believe in. And once they were ensconced in the Fairmont Hotel the boy had begun his correspondence with the Reverend. Brandon couldn't ask what Alan told the man, he had to trust the boy not to get them in trouble.

But soon they were out on the streets working. Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, The Presidio ... all became backdrops for the clothes and the boy who wore them. And finally they began to encounter some looks as Alan walked around, the face had some recognition here, but it couldn't have been the Letterman show.

Theresa had called as soon as she heard; they had been bumped off the show. One of the candidates for President had been given precedence, and that seemed logical. If anything Alan was relieved, he had only seen Letterman's show twice at Brandon's insistence. The boy was not a fan of late night television.

But the entertainment news played big in this town because of the large gay population, Alan had been seen. Of the six high end magazines left on their hotel room coffee table, three of them had the toothpaste ad with Alan in it.

The boy had positively squealed at the discovery, jumping around the room with delight. And then with a second look he discovered something on the very edge of the printed page.

"It says 'B Clark-Stanford Agency', that's you Brand ... you're famous too."

"Wow ... neat huh?" Brandon chuckled.

"Aww, you've been through this before. It looks great ... I feel proud."

"As you should, sweetie. The first step in what should be a long and glorious career selling toothpaste and dog food, or maybe they'll let you do underarm deodorant commercials once your body starts growing hair."

Alan pounced and soon they were on the carpet in a tickle fight. The boy always lost at these matches, but he never gave up. And as always it dissolved into a kissing match where Alan always won on points.

But if their mornings were filled with photo shoots, they had the afternoons for love and the evenings for exploring the city. Jack never called their room before six to discuss dinner plans; maybe he was busy as well.

Alan had taken to watching the men and their love affair. His study was subtle, not at all intrusive, but he seemed fascinated. Jack had put up with the observations and finally confronted Brandon with his thoughts.

"The boy seems to be curious about Barry and I, you've seen it I'm sure," Jack said one morning as Alan changed in the SUV.

"I'm sorry; I don't think he means anything by it."

"Oh, but I think he does mean something," Jack said with a smile. "I think he wants to know what it's like to be in a long term commitment. That bodes well for you, my friend."

"Then you guys are a fine example. In the beginning his needs formed the basis for our love, now we're both more secure with the feelings. He has to wonder where this is all going."

"And do you ever wonder?" Jack asked.

"Sure ... hell yes, our relationship has never been challenged. Alan doesn't look at other men, he said he never would. But the promises of youth often change."

"Not always, you have something special there," Jack said.

Their first walk down the Castro was quite an event. Alan was beginning to enjoy the disguise by now, embellishing it with this little black beret he borrowed from Barry. Brandon took him into shops and they bought all kinds of things.

Alan chose some pretty sexy thong underwear and that got a rise out of Brandon. The boy squealed with delight when he finally noticed.

"You know who gets to see these, don't you," Alan giggled.

"I don't think Theresa is ready for that," Brandon deadpanned.

"Don't spoil my fun, silly," Alan laughed.

They sat on grass amidst the windswept hillside of Golden Gate Park. The bridge had a fascination for them both, probably its grand size and history. But the bay stretched out to their right and the ocean occupied the horizon to their left.

"I really love this place," Alan said, "I could live here forever."

"I felt that way the first time I came here, but there are so many places you haven't seen yet, it's too soon to decide," Brandon said.

"Maybe ... but if I chose this place would you agree?"

Brandon wrapped his arm around the boy's shoulder and pulled him close. "I could be happy anywhere if you were there."

Alan was silent a moment, and then he giggled. "The Sahara Desert?"

"Ahhh ... hmm, nope, too hot."

"The North Pole?"

"Nope, elves give me the creeps."

"But you said anywhere," Alan laughed.

"Anywhere with you, not anywhere. Besides, think of poor Jack and Barry, they would be miserable in those nasty places."

"Will they have to be with us forever?" Alan asked.

"Quite a while I think, at least until we go to Plan 'B,'" Brandon said.

Alan laughed. "I'm afraid to ask, what is that?"

"You decide to stop being famous, we'll have piles of cash and we can buy Alcatraz and turn it into a private paradise," Brandon was laughing now.

"Ew, never. That place sounds creepy. How do I stop being famous?"

Brandon smiled. "I don't think that's even possible at the moment."

"I'll know when it's time to stop, God will tell me," Alan said.

But all too soon it was time to pack up and head north, at least the trip took them across the bridge. Alan held his hand as they sped across the span; the water seemed to be miles below them. And then they were across and Alan looked back one last time.

North of Santa Rosa they were in the wine country and they spent the afternoon taking photos, but by four they were headed down the road to Guerneville, and that's where they encountered the trees. The bigger redwoods were further north, but these were still quite impressive.

"Lord, look at those," Barry said.

Alan gaped and of course they had to pull over. "Amazing, you could build an entire house out of one tree," the boy said.

"Damn, listen to this," Brandon said, reading from the travel guide. "Redwoods were here when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. The trunks of many trees can grow to over twenty feet in diameter at the base, and some of them top out at three hundred and fifty feet or more. The oldest of those ancient trees reached an age of about two thousand years, the average now is almost six hundred years."

"Amazing," Jack said. "Makes me feel young again."

They all laughed and climbed back in the car. Guerneville, the center of tourist trade up and down the Russian River was a delight. They took a small lane off the main highway and found themselves on a private drive loaded with potholes.

"The Sequoia Inn is where Barry and I stayed last time we were up here. Totally private and totally gay," Jack announced as they hit another bump sending them all towards the roof. "Sorry, I'll slow down."

"What can we do here," Alan asked.

"Tomorrow we go to Jenner and shoot on the beach. The redwoods are all around this area, maybe a hike on Friday if you like," Brandon said.

"I mean does the resort have activities," Alan asked.

"Oh, entertainment," Jack grinned. "I guess so. Fishing, boating, nude swimming, hiking .. ."

"Whoa ... nude swimming?"

"If you're into that kind of thing, um ... just don't mention your age, OK? Think eighteen at all times, Alan."

"Yeah, got it ... do we have to swim nude?"

"I will if you will," Brandon said.

"Done deal," Alan replied. Jack and Barry howled with laughter until they hit the next bump.

The resort was quiet; most of the guests had taken the van into town for dinner. A tall handsome Latin looking manager greeted them in the drive as they pulled up.

"Mr. Abrams, so nice of you to return, we have your rooms waiting."

"Hello, Carlos. This is Brandon, Alan and I suppose you remember Barry."

"Barry, so nice to see you again," Carlos said. The two men hugged and everyone went for their bags.

"You must have made quite a hit on your last visit," Brandon whispered.

"You have no idea," Jack laughed. "But then I wasn't on duty."

He and Barry were to share one cottage, Alan and Brandon another. The cottages offered more privacy, and they overlooked the pool. The resort had twenty rooms inside but Jack seemed to know what he was doing. Carlos stopped before the cottages and gave them a few words.

"You just missed the van, but I think it was full anyway. It might be a bit nippy for swimming this evening, but the hot tubs are delicious when it's cool outside. Don and Brad are entertaining in the lounge this evening, just a short program tonight.

"You're pretty much at the end of our season for the year. Most of the entertainment is still going on in town, and we have a new restaurant that opened last summer. Don can probably make you something to eat if you wish, but there's always the town for a little fun."

"We'll probably try a place in town after we get settled, thanks Carlos," Jack said.

"Have fun, guys," Carlos said before he left.

"Oh I have to hear that story, Jack," Brandon laughed.

"Maybe ... just don't ask Barry to tell it. Lies nothing but lies," Jack grinned. "OK, see ya in two?"

Brandon nodded, two hours seemed just about right.

The little cottage seemed very nice, clean and warm, the two best things to consider. The tub was huge and obviously made for a double occupancy, so was the bed.

"Sweet," Alan said. "This is fun already."

"No, this is work, fun starts next week," Brandon said.

Alan slid into his arms for a kiss. "Do we have time for a bath?"

"For you, anything," Brandon said.

The tub looked inviting; there was even a bottle of bubble bath provided, only in a gay resort. Brandon filled the tub as they undressed. One capful and the bubbles began to form.

Alan was finally left standing in that tiny little thong. "You like?" He asked.

Brandon groaned and grabbed the boy, running his hands over the silky material and feeling Alan respond. "Oh sweetie, you feel so good."

Alan did a slow peal, the thong sliding down to his ankles where he kicked it away. A pose, a giggle and they slid into the tub together.

"I've been thinking about this all day," Alan laughed as the bubbles rose around them.

"Hmm, must have been those redwoods," Brandon said, nibbling on the boy's neck.

"Yeah, all that wood." His laughter rang out, bouncing off the tiled walls.

Brandon smiled. "You're such a goof ball."

"Hey, teen idol here, I'm no goof ball."

"I hear the teen idol gig is overrated," Brandon said. "But we'll see what happens next week at Disneyland. Are you going in disguise?"

"Nope, Jack said it's time to face the music," Alan laughed. "And then there's New Year's."

They had all gathered in Theresa's office for the interview that past Saturday morning. The two representatives of Teen Star magazine were in their mid-twenties, Bobby Waite and Jessica Mason. Alan had greeted them in his usual out going fashion while Brandon sat back to watch.

Both young women had that young professional image, but they seemed excited to be getting the scoop on this rising young star. It was going to be Alan's first chat with the fan magazine industry.

"Alan, have you seen our magazine before?" Bobby asked up front.

"No, I haven't really paid much attention to the magazine industry before I began modeling," Alan replied.

Jessica smiled. "That's fine; we don't have much of a readership amongst male teens. Our readers are mostly young women and girls who like to keep abreast of the current stars in Hollywood. We present information and bios of teens in the film and music business, but you have the image we think they'll like as well."

Bobby moved right on. "So you're sixteen and lived in North Carolina all your life. How did you break in to the modeling business?"

"I met Brandon Clark, one of the Stanford Agency's photographers. He was out scouting for new talent and asked me to do a photo shoot."

"Amazing," Jessica said. "And what did your friends at school think of all this?"

Alan laughed. "I didn't tell them, I wasn't sure what to tell them. But things happened so fast and I found myself here in New York almost overnight."

"And what's it like to be a model?" Bobby asked.

"It's a lot of work, but great fun. I have a personal trainer to keep me in shape and I do have to be careful of what I eat, but nothing too hard. I've met some interesting people and I'm going to be traveling very soon."

"On a personal note, did you have to leave any special young ladies behind when you came here?" Bobby asked.

Alan smiled. "I didn't have a real girlfriend, but there are lots of special people in my life."

"Is there anything you would like to tell our readers?" Jessica asked.

"OK, yes. I'm not sure how many years I can work in the modeling industry, at some point I will get older and I don't know what that will mean to my career. I think the most important thing a young person can do is get the very best education available.

"At some point our lives all change and we have to be able to change with it. Right now my face might be valuable in the advertising business, but later on in life I may have to choose a different career. I can never forget that, I need to get myself ready, and that means being a good student and eventually going to college."

"Do you have other interests in mind?" Bobby asked.

"I've considered the business end of the advertising industry. I like people and developing the skills to work with others interests me. But I also want to get involved in other issues involving youth.

"I've been very lucky, but I know there are so many young people out there who just need a chance to prove themselves. I think there are some causes I'd like to become involved with in the near future."

"Many stars lend their names to needy causes, I think you'd do very well at that," Jessica said. "So how are you going to handle all this sudden fame?"

"There are so many options," Alan said. "I suppose the modeling will bring me to the attention of other professionals. I don't see myself as a singer but I might like to try some acting in films."

"Well you're certainly on the right track for that," Bobby said. "I want to thank you for being so candid with us today."

"Thank you both too," Alan said.

"Our next issue goes to print in two weeks. Theresa has given us some great photos to use so I can pretty much assure you of a full page spread." Bobby smiled. "I imagine your popularity in the teen market will skyrocket from there."

Alan laughed. "Yeah, I've been warned. No more casual walking down the street."

Bobby turned to Theresa. "Will Alan be based here in New York for a while?"

"For the time being. He has a photo shoot in California next week, what did you have in mind?"

"If we did a follow up just before Christmas, would you be willing to allow him to attend some publicity events?" Jessica asked.

It was Theresa's turn to smile. "Within reason, yes. He's a bit young to enjoy the club scene if that's what you're asking."

Bobby smiled. "Most of our readership couldn't get through the door either. But two years ago we sponsored a New Year's party for kids, an afternoon event. I was thinking we ought to revive that idea."

"We had a few bands and some celebrities attended, it was very successful," Jessica said.

"If Alan is in town I'm sure we can arrange something," Theresa said.

Alan slid his body over on top of Brandon's. "Will you be jealous when all the little girls want to have my autograph and hold my hand?"

Brandon smiled. "No, because I know you'll do it to be polite, but you won't have to like it. Being famous means giving a part of yourself away, but then you've always been very generous."

"I draw the line at kissing them," Alan said. "There's only one person who gets my kisses."

Brandon laughed. "And I know Theresa appreciates that."

Alan dug his fingers into Brandon's ribs, hitting that ticklish spot and they both splashed water all over the bathroom floor. Brandon's only defense was to grab the boy, which of course was what Alan wanted.

The kisses were great but the bubbles were fading and the bath water losing its warmth.

"You can molest me later," Brandon promised, and he knew the boy would hold him to that.

Jack and Barry were sitting outside on the cottage steps looking hungry.

"You rested?" Jack asked.

"Bubble bath," Alan replied. "Now I'm hungry."

"See, I told you we should have taken a bubble bath," Barry said.

"Later, sweetie ... now we go fill my empty stomach," Jack said.

The town of Guerneville was one long main street running parallel to the river. All sorts of boutiques had sprung up here along with the older well established businesses. It all had the flavor of an old pioneer town, a carefully cultivated look.

There were a few bars for the older crowd and a few family restaurants. They chose the pizza emporium because they could get a table for four. There were other families of the gay and straight kind in the place and the atmosphere seemed warm and friendly.

Alan gazed about the room at all the posters and photos on the walls.

"The town was founded about a hundred and fifty years ago," Jack said. "The state was still in the pioneering stages back then but San Francisco was a boom town. Lots of folks came up here back then, it was quite a summer resort, still is."

"Was San Francisco a big attraction for gay people back then?" Alan asked.

"Probably not, but then there were a lot of men on the frontier and not as many women. The Bay was a real attraction for ships and the sailors on them. People from all over the world came there and I imagine some of them were gay. But then came the Gold Rush and the city grew huge. More people means more gay people too, but I can't answer your question, I just don't know."

"Wow, that was a pretty good non-answer," Brandon laughed. "Alan, all those years ago the gay population wasn't very visible, they didn't want to be."

"Sure is different now," Alan said, looking at the gathering of men around the room. He noticed a young girl looking at him from across the room and he smiled at her.

"Hmm, fan at two o'clock," Jack said, noticing the girl. "And she's coming this way."

Clutched in her hand was a magazine and Brandon knew what was coming.

"Excuse me," the girl said. Pretty little thing, all of twelve years old. "Are you Alan Bennett?"

Alan smiled to prove his identity. "Yes I am ... what's your name?"

"Lisa Barnes ... I saw your picture in the magazine just today, and I couldn't believe it was really you, wow."

"I'm here doing a fashion layout, lots of photos," Alan said. "Do you live here?"

"No, we're down from Eugene, Oregon, that's where I live. Um, can you sign the photo for me?"

"I'd be happy to Lisa. You have beautiful eyes, did you know that?"

The girl blushed and nodded as Jack produced a pen. And there on the page with Alan's photo, toothbrush in hand, he wrote:

"To Lisa with the beautiful eyes. All my very best, Alan Bennett."

"Oh ... thank you," Lisa said.

And Alan leaned up to kiss her cheek. "Thank you too," He said.

The girl hurried back to her family to share the autograph. Alan smiled, embarrassed at his own reaction to the girl.

"That was the sweetest thing I've ever seen," Barry said with a sigh.

"Well done, Alan, you made her day," Jack said.

"My first autograph, wow."

Their food came and Alan just couldn't stop smiling. Brandon chuckled; it wouldn't always be this easy. Sharing Alan with the young fans would take some getting used to, but he had to do it. The personality behind the smile would all become a part of the boy's public image.

He couldn't kiss them all, but this had been a special moment. Brandon could tell the boy was excited by the attention. When it became a thousand screaming girls things would be quite different, but then that lesson lay ahead.

They walked the street after the meal, gazing in shop windows. Alan kept bumping him and Brandon knew that signal by now, the boy was heating up. But holding the boy at bay for a while longer would only increase their passions later on; Brandon was looking forward to that release.

Back at the resort they saw a few men gathered around the pool but it was too cold for swimming.

"Hot tub anyone?" Barry asked.

"Um, I've never been in one," Alan admitted.

Ten minutes later they all met at the hot tubs laid out in the garden behind the resort. Of the six tubs only two were occupied and they were greeted as they approached. Rather than join the strangers, Brandon decided that the four of them could share a tub of their own.

Jack and Barry were wearing towels, Brandon and Alan had their swim suits on. The water was warm and inviting so Jack and Barry dropped their towels to get in. It was the first time the men had been naked in front of Alan, and Brandon for that matter.

Alan tried not to look, but he did. The view was spectacular, and it inspired Brandon to abandon his own suit leaving Alan with a choice. It was dark enough, the garden lit with torches spaced out around the perimeter and the boy made his decision, dropping his suit.

It was cozy, although the tub could have seated eight. Jack and Barry both had several tattoos on their bodies, and they shared one in common.

"What's the tattoo mean?" Alan asked, pointing to the one on Jack's shoulder. It depicted a skull over a crossed rifle and an arrow.

"Special Forces ... silent and deadly, the arrow and the rifle," Jack said. Then he laughed. "That's why Carlos remembers me so well."

"Oh? I sense a story behind that," Brandon said.

"Yeah, well after the bar fight Carlos examined him," Barry said with a smile. "He was sure there had to be some cuts and bruises on Jack but nope, just on the other guys."

"Bar fight?" Alan asked.

"Oh, sorry kiddo, just the usual Army/Navy thing," Jack said. "They got rude and I had to teach them a lesson."

Carlos came out the back door of the hotel and walked over to their tub.

"Good evening, did you have a good time in town?"

"Fine, Carlos, just fine," Jack said.

"Get you something to drink?"

Drinking in a hot tub, oh brother, Brandon thought.

"Courvoisier sounds good ... Brandon?"

"Yeah, a small brandy sounds fine."

They enjoyed the night sky, watching the night birds out chasing the bugs attracted to the torches. Carlos returned with a small bottle and four snifters which he set on the end of the tub. Alan didn't say a word, but Brandon saw him looking.

Jack poured three small amounts and looked over at Brandon who nodded. The boy deserved a little taste, nothing more. Glasses in hand the four of them made a toast.

"To friends, and those we left behind," Jack said.

Alan watched the others smell the liquid and he took a sip. A cough and his eyes immediately watered.

"Damn, that burns going down," Alan said, coughing again. "But it tastes good."

"Brandy is a very strong wine, but this is a special occasion," Brandon said. "To friends and lovers," He said with a laugh, raising his glass. "This is truly special."

Alan sipped again, it was easier now. The hot tub and the liquor, the boy would be a tiger in bed tonight. Tomorrow would be a full day. A shoot in the trees and then on to the beach, a full day indeed.

And after an hour of conversation in the hot water they all felt ready to get out. The nudity didn't seem to matter any more as they said their good-nights. Brandon led the way back to their cottage and they both went straight to the bed.

Alan gave Brandon a kiss and snuggled in close.

"So you like kissing little girls, huh?" Brandon asked. No answer, the boy was fast asleep. It was all he could do to keep from laughing, so much for a sexy night. He reached over and turned out the light.

On to Chapter Eleven

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