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

“But weren’t you in public relations?”


Shit! That was what I’d told Jack. Who’d have thought—”I had some decent accounts and managed to put together a sizeable down payment.” I really wasn’t a good liar; I’d get back to the truth. “This house was not only in foreclosure, but it was also in need of a good deal of repair, so we got it at an excellent price.”


“My friend Paul and I.” I saw no need to tell him about the other boys.


“I’m not sure that you do. Paul was and is a very good friend, but he and I were never lovers.”


“Thank you for clarifying that. I did wonder. Paul no longer lives here?”


“No. He’s a California boy, and he grew homesick. I bought out his share. That was just before Wills moved in.”


“I’d like to see the apartment now.” The corner of his mouth curled up in a smile, and I caught my breath. The smile faded into a frown. “Something wrong?”


Chapter 95