Schoolteacher Julian Reynolds is disillusioned with the seedier side of gay life in New York City with its self-absorption, vanity, and preoccupation with sex. When his long-time relationship with his high school sweetheart ends, he returns to his hometown and vows to live a simple life free of the extremes of the gay lifestyle and romantic entanglements. With that end in mind, he rents the carriage house next door to a large Tudor-style home.<br><br>Tate Butler, a former student of Julian’s, lives in the big house with his mother. Tate is bitter and withdrawn after losing a leg while serving in the Marine Corps during the war in Afghanistan. Fearing rejection from his mother and blaming himself for his father’s death, Tate stays firmly in the closet and punishes himself by refusing to learn how to walk again.<br><br>Can Tate and Julian help heal each other’s pasts and forge a real and lasting future together? Or will the driveway that separates their houses prove too wide a gulf to cross?

The Marine Next Door

“I will,” Julian said. He was so relieved Virgil was leaving that he ignored Virgil’s innuendo as to Tate’s actual existance. He walked Virgil to the door and out onto the stoop.


“Oh yes, I forgot one thing, you got your treat,” Virgil said, turning to Julian. “Now here’s your trick.” And with that Virgil pulled Julian into a tight embrace, pinning his arms to his sides, kissing him full on the lips.


Julian pushed him away. “Damn you, Virgil!” he spat.


Virgil left Julian standing on the stoop as he made his way to his car, laughing as he went.


Julian didn’t watch Virgil drive off. He turned and went back into the carriage house, seething. What had made the Virgil he once loved into such a jerk? What kind of spell was cast by that particular sub-culture of the gay community that changed men so much? He was glad to be well rid of it.


That thought reminded Julian of Tate. God! I’m glad he didn’t show up while Virgil was here. No telling what Virge would say…or do! Julian thought.


Chapter 31