Change comes to all of us. For Theo Bascopolis, the first time is when he's fifteen. He finds his life falling apart when his father discovers Theo is gay and orders him to become straight or leave. Having no choice, in spite of what his father might think, Theo leaves. But where can a fifteen-year-old go? Especially when it starts to rain. He thinks things are looking up when he meets a striking man named Franky, who seems very attracted to him. However, once again Theo's life changes when he learns all Franky wants is for him to hustle. And so Theo becomes the rent boy Sweetcheeks. However, Franky underestimates Sweetcheeks, and the results of the ensuing fight sees Sweetcheeks fleeing to Washington DC, where he crosses paths with a group of rent boys who take him in. Finally Sweetcheeks has a family, a home, and an additional source of income in the form of apartments they're able to rent out. His life changes again a few years later when a mysterious tenant by the name of Mark Vincent becomes the reason behind the assault on one of Sweetcheeks's boys. Vincent visits the boy in the hospital, bringing with him his equally enigmatic trainee, William Matheson. The instant attraction blindsides Sweetcheeks. In spite of knowing love isn't for rent boys, he hopes Matheson can see beyond the body he's offered to so many. But Matheson has secrets of his own. Can Sweetcheeks overcome his insecurities enough to believe in the quiet man who's come into his life? Can Matheson keep his actual occupation a secret without it jeopardizing their budding relationship?

Pick Up the Pieces

I folded my lips together and refused to say anything.


I dropped my eyes. I couldn’t bear being thought of as a stupid kid, even though I was.


“—parents.” Dr. Rosen patted my shoulder. “If they’d just accept their kids….” He sounded as tired as he’d looked earlier.


“That’s how most boys wind up on the streets. Get up, Sweets. We’re going home now.” Tim paused at the door. “Thanks, Doc. Send me the bill, okay?”


“I’ll do that. Take care of yourself. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks for your own physical.”


Once we were back in the apartment, Tim turned to me. “You won’t be going to work until we hear from Dr. Rosen. Meanwhile, I want you to put on a few pounds.”


“Yes, sir.” I couldn’t help laughing at the look he gave me.


“That’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh. Okay, Sweets. These are the rules: no drugs.”


Chapter 15