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

Wills turned over and snuggled back against me, his ass against my groin, then pulled my arm around him, mumbled something I couldn’t make out but was no doubt “I love you,” and fell asleep.


The next morning we packed, had a last breakfast at Davis House, and took the shuttle to the airport. We checked our luggage and were able to grab a burger for lunch before we flew home.


It was just about three when our flight touched down. Wills had left his car in the long-term parking lot. We retrieved our suitcases from baggage claim, walked to the car, and stowed themin the trunk.


On the drive home from the airport, Wills’s cell phone rang. As soon as we’d landed at ReaganNational, he’d turned it on. With one hand on the steering wheel, he flipped open the phone.


“Matheson.” He almost snapped to attention. “I’m just on my way home now, sir.”…“Very well. I’ll drop Theo off and come right in.” He flipped the phone shut. “That was Mr. Vincent.”


Chapter 116