Terry O'Reilly

Before the advent of the Internet, men looking to make sexual contact with other men would cruise rest stops, shopping malls, and parks. There they often left messages on the walls of restrooms hoping to meet someone of like interest. Alan Daniels, a young Vietnam veteran, has recently been questioning his sexuality. He takes a chance and writes a note in the john of his local municipal park. Handsome, sensual Tom Clarkson, a college student going to school mainly to avoid the draft, is intrigued by a new message he finds in the park bathroom. Is Tom destined to spend another night indulging in meaningless sex, or could the note lead to something more? Only one way to find out ...

Graffiti

“I don’t think that makes you a coward,” Alan said. “I enlisted in the Navy because I didn’t want to be drafted. I found out before I signed that I would be using my accounting degree after basic training, not be in direct combat. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t have signed. Might’ve gone back to school, too.”


“You could have gotten married and had kids. That keeps ya out, too,” Tom said winking at Alan.


Alan looked at him and half smiled. “I don’t think that’s very likely to happen now.”


They both laughed and the atmosphere between them began to relax. 


“No, I have my own place. A dump really. But it keeps me away from the old man and his lectures.”


“Um…tell me about being…uh…liking men. If you don’t mind me asking about that?” Alan said.


“Nothing much to tell. I like guys. I like havin’ sex with ’em.”


Tom told the story of his coming to realize he was homosexual. Alan listened, seeming to hang on every word. 


Chapter 13