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

We learned the man had already signed the lease when Paul and I were about to go out one evening and saw him moving in. Not that he had much to move…some boxes that held his clothes, I guessed, a long, flat case, and a big statue of a dog. He saw us standing there with our jaws hanging open—well, mine was; hadn’t John heard what I’d said?—and gave us a cool onceover and a nod and proceeded up the stairs.


“Well, that’s a fine kettle of fish.” Paul stared after our newest tenant.


“Really? I wasn’t trying to be amusing.”


I scowled at him. Tomorrow wasn’t Wednesday, but I’d give John a call and see about meeting him at his office. I had to talk to him about this…this…kettle of fish.


The next day at ten a.m., I arrived at John’s office. Fortunately, his secretary was on a coffee break.


“Sweetcheeks!” He rose and came around his desk. “Uh…I missed you!”


“Yes! Oh, and hey! I got the apartment rented out!”


Chapter 24