Leave a Comment » Simon " Frizz " Frizzell sneaks away to the rodeo on weekends , and it 's not until after he wins a buckle that he tells his parents about his bull - riding . He knows they won 't approve of his choice of sport , but his parents own a Christian bookstore , and he couldn 't possibly tell them the whole truth : he 's gay . And so are some of his rodeo friends , like Dante and Ryan , and Jacky - a young man he wishes could have been more than a one - night stand . When Simon sets his sights on his dreams , he finds work with Dante and Ryan , and bumps into Jacky on the job . Jacky Douglas is a rodeo fanatic , plain and simple . He loves the ride , and he loves the cowboys . He fell hard for Frizz when they met , and theirs was a one - night stand made in heaven . When they meet again , Jacky thinks it 's a stroke of luck . Frizz takes some convincing , but once he 's on board , they begin a relationship . The fledgling romance faces a challenge when news of it travels all the way to the one place Frizz doesn 't want it to go : his parents ' bookstore . " Hey , kid , give ' em one hell of a show . That 's all you need to do , " said the old man standing near the bull chute as Simon Frizzell walked past to take his ride on Geronimo 's Revenge , the bull he 'd drawn . He kept the Frizzell part quiet and went by the nickname " Frizz , " ostensibly because of his curly red hair . No one on the rodeo circuit knew his last name and everything that went along with it , and that was exactly how he wanted to keep it . " I 'll do my best , " Simon said as he checked his equipment over for the last time and got into position . Bull rope , protective vest ? Check . Hat , chaps ? Check . Sanity ? Well , by most people 's standards that was debatable , but from the rush of blood through his body and the zing , bordering on a high , that sang through his brain , he could put a check behind that as well . The handlers signaled that they were ready , and Simon climbed on the rail . " Ladies and gentlemen , Simon the Frizz will be riding Geronimo 's Revenge , one of the meanest bulls on this part of the circuit . So put your hands together and let him hear it . " Simon the Frizz . That was a new one , but he liked it . He heard the people in the stands around the outdoor ring whoop and holler . It was doubtful that any of them had ever heard of him before - this was only his sixth rodeo . He 'd wanted to ride rodeo since he was big enough to sneak away from his folks ' place to the ranch next door and pull himself up the fence so he could see the men practice busting broncs and take turns riding the bulls . This was what he 'd always dreamed of doing . Simon waved from the top of the fence , smiling wide and mugging for the crowd . Then he climbed over the fence and settled on the bundle of caged power that was Geronimo 's Revenge . He could smell sweat and pure testosterone coming off the beast . He waved to the crowd one more time and then took hold of the rope , making sure his legs were in the proper position before giving the signal . The bull leaped out of the gate , landed , and then bucked straight up , turning in midair , landing and then turning the other way . By sheer luck and the grace of God , Simon managed to stay on . He jumped again and began to whirl . Simon moved with him , trying his best to anticipate the animal 's next move . His training said one thing , but that voice in his head told him something different . He went with the voice , and dad - gum , he was right . That fucking bull switched directions , but Simon was ready . It wasn 't pretty , and he forgot to use his hand the way the professionals did to make it look easy , but he was still on . Simon yelled at the top of his lungs , shouting the joy of lasting this long to the universe . The bull switched gears again , and Simon felt his balance begin to go . Just one more second . He held on , using his legs to last just a split - second more . The bell sounded , and Geronimo 's Revenge seemed to have had enough . He jumped straight up once again , then landed on his front hooves . His rear hooves touched the ground and then bounced right back up . Like being flung from a slingshot , Simon flew off his back . Thankfully , he had the presence of mind to let go of the rope , and instantly he was in the air , sailing over the bull . Simon landed and rolled , hoping like hell the bull didn 't come after him . He 'd only just come to a stop before he scrambled to his feet and raced toward the fence . He didn 't even look back as he climbed the fence . Bang ! The fence shook , and Simon leaped over and onto the ground . He found his feet , barely , and one of the spectators grabbed his arm to keep him from sprawling into the stands . " Whooee , what a ride ! " the announcer called . " The kid 's okay . Let 's give him a hand for making the count ! " The crowd cheered , and Simon went to take off his hat , but realized it was gone . Someone shoved it into his hand , and Simon turned in time to see one of the rodeo clowns nod to him . Simon waved the hat in return and then climbed on the fence , holding his hat high to the Saturday rodeo crowd while he waited for the score . " Well , folks , it wasn 't pretty , " the announcer said , and a chuckle went up from the ring of bleachers that lined the ring . " But Frizz stayed on Geronimo 's Revenge , and that 's a feat , I must say . The score for that ride is 87 . 3 . He 's in the money , folks . " The crowd cheered once again . Simon knew that because of his ranking , most of the score had been for the bull , but he 'd take it . Like the announcer had said , it might not have been pretty , but he 'd done it . Simon waved one last time and then climbed down from the fence and headed around the arena walkway toward the space between sets of bleachers . " Frizz , you did it , " Gardner cried as soon as Simon made his way behind the crowd . Simon and the bronc rider had formed a deep friendship over the years . They 'd grown up relatively close together outside Oklahoma City and had discovered a mutual love of rodeo . Simon and Billy Bob - which was why he went by Gardner - shared rooms at rodeos to save expenses . Gardner 's dad was like a second father to him , and they were the only two people who knew Simon 's little secret . " Can 't believe you stayed on that sumbitch ! " Gardner teased . Leave a Comment » Love Comes in Darkness , the follow up to Love Comes Silently released at midnight last night . This story really truly touched my heart . The opening scene with Howard in the car and being left by the side of the road came to me while I was laying awake one night . The helplessness , loneliness , and fear of being stranded that way had me shaking and I couldn 't get those feelings to go away until I 'd written the scene . " I didn 't mean that and you know it , " Howard retorted . Riding in strange cars was always very disorienting for him . He had no idea how fast he was going , and the sound of the road varied with tires , pavement , and even the wind . Cedric had shown up at Howard 's with what he said was a new car . But there was none of the scent he equated with a " new " car , and the seats had enough lumps that Howard had to consciously keep from fidgeting . He only hoped he wasn 't riding in some sort of death trap . On the surface the offer sounded good , and a few days ago , Howard probably would have said yes without question . Before what had happened . Cedric lived just down the street in a second - floor apartment . It was summer , and when Howard had opened his front door , he 'd felt the sun on his face , so he 'd decided to take a short walk . He 'd picked up his cane and made sure he had his keys before he closed the door behind him and navigated the two steps down to the walk . Eight steps later , he reached the sidewalk and began his careful journey to Cedric 's . The air had been warm , and people must have had their windows open , because he 'd heard snippets of conversation mixed with television programs as he made his way . He knew where he was by the feel of each section of the sidewalk . To most people it felt the same , but to Howard 's keen senses , small differences in pitch , places where tree roots had raised slabs , even cracks , were like signposts telling him exactly where he was . At the large crack that made one piece of the walk rock slightly , Howard took two more steps , then made the turn as he verified with his cane that he was truly where he thought he should be . He took the twelve steps and climbed the three stairs to the porch in front of the house . He stepped across the porch , careful to avoid the loose floorboard . Howard felt for the doorbell and was about to ring it when faint sounds drifted down the fourteen steps he knew were in front of him . Howard pulled open the screen door and quietly took a step inside . Yes , it was what he 'd thought . Loud moans reached his ears , and then a cry of , " Fuck me , " in what was most definitely Cedric 's voice . Howard stood stock - still , unable to move . A Harley Davidson rumbled as it came up the street , the potato - potato sound vibrating around him . Howard opened the door and stepped out , then let it close behind him . Then , as dejection cascaded off him , Howard had slowly made his way home . " But you need help , " Cedric said again , and Howard refrained from grinding his teeth . " There are so many things I can do . " Cedric stroked Howard 's leg , so Howard pulled it away , shifting closer to the door . When they 'd first met , Cedric had been solicitous . He 'd helped without intruding and had actually made Howard 's life easier and better . Howard had fallen in love with him quickly - way too quickly , it turned out . " I don 't think so , " Howard said . " Just give it a little more time . " They were on their way to a party being given by his friend Ken , and he just wanted to get there and have a nice evening . He should have canceled on Cedric and called to see if Ken could pick him up . " I 've given things plenty of time already . How long am I going to have to wait before we can be together ? " Cedric asked . Instantly Howard regretted this whole thing and wished he was back home , where he wasn 't under Cedric 's control . " Get out ! " Cedric said roughly . " You think you 're so independent and don 't need me , then you can find your own way to the party . Now open the damned door and get the hell out . " " Get the fuck out ! " Cedric screamed , and suddenly Howard was more afraid of Cedric than anything else . Howard felt for the handle and pulled it . He pushed the door open and unfastened the seat belt . Then he carefully got out of the car and stood up . He closed the door . Tires squealed , and he turned away as bits of gravel pelted him . He listened as Cedric 's car sped up and the sound disappeared into the whizzing of traffic as it zoomed by him . Howard didn 't move . He didn 't even have his cane with him . He had folded it up when he got into the car , and it must have shifted when Cedric braked , because he didn 't have it with him . Slowly , he took baby steps back from traffic . Just a few - he didn 't dare go any farther . He had no idea where he was or what was around him , other than cars passing by . Was there a ditch , a wire fence , a creek ? He had no idea . At least he should be far enough back that he wouldn 't be hit . " Don 't panic , think , " he told himself as he pushed down the fear that welled inside him . With no points of reference other than the cars flying by and the ground under his feet , he was lost and getting more confused by the second . To make matters worse , the wind was coming up and the heat from the sun he 'd felt when he 'd first gotten in the car was gone . He inhaled deeply and groaned when he smelled water in the air . It was likely coming off Lake Superior , but it shouldn 't be in that direction . Either that or he was very turned around and even more lost than he thought . He patted his pockets quickly and found his phone . Breathing a small sigh of relief , he raised it to his ear . " Call Ken , " he said , and then he took a deep breath to calm his nerves . " Ken , " Howard said when the phone was answered , but all he heard was a mumble . " Patrick , is that you ? " Two simple vocal tones sounded . " I need Ken . We were on our way to the party and … well , Cedric and I had a fight , and he left me along the side of the road . " A long wait followed , and then he heard movement behind Patrick . " Howard , what happened ? " Ken asked as he came on the phone . " Patrick looks like he 's ready to kill someone . Are those cars I 'm hearing ? Are you by a freeway ? " " Yeah , " Howard said as he swallowed hard . " Cedric kicked me out of the car . I 'm standing by the side of the road . We were on our way to the party and we had a fight . He kicked me out of the car and left me , " he repeated , desperation kicking in . " Is she okay ? " Howard asked , forgetting for a moment about his predicament . Seven - year - old Hanna had been through leukemia treatments , and everyone hoped she remained cancer - free . " She 's fine . Just routine follow - up , " Ken said . " I called you last week and … shit , Cedric answered your cell . Let me guess , he didn 't give you the message . " " Do you know where you are ? " Ken asked . " We 're on our way to the car . " He heard a door close in the background . " I must be someplace between Marquette and Pleasanton , but I 'm not sure where . I 'm by the highway . We 'd been traveling for about ten minutes , I think , if that helps . " " It does . Just stay on the line , " Ken said . " We 're leaving now . " The connection clicked , and for a second Howard thought he was going to lose them . " Hanna and Patrick are in the car with me . The phone is on hands - free , so I can drive . " " Okay , " Howard said a bit nervously as cars continued to zoom by . " I think someone is stopping . God , I hope it isn 't Cedric coming back . " " Okay . The car is definitely stopping . But I don 't know if it 's Cedric 's . " He would have known the old one by the ticking sound the engine made , but he hadn 't immediately registered a unique sound for Cedric 's latest car . Howard heard a car door slam closed and he flinched slightly . " Yes , please , " Howard said , turning toward the sound of the voice . " I have friends coming to get me . Can you tell me exactly where I am ? " " I 'll stay with you until your friends arrive , " the man said . " They can call you when they get close . " Howard relayed the message to Ken , who swore again . " You can sit in my truck if you want , " the man said . Howard heard him take a step closer , and he tensed . The man 's touch on his arm made him jump , but only for a second . " Sorry . I didn 't mean to startle you . Let me guide you toward the truck . " His touch was gentle and he stayed slightly behind , guiding rather than tugging Howard forward . Cedric had never gotten the hang of walking with him . He 'd always tried to pull Howard along . " I 'm Gordon Jarrett , but my friends call me Gordy . " " I didn 't mean that and you know it , " Howard retorted . Riding in strange cars was always very disorienting for him . He had no idea how fast he was going , and the sound of the road varied with tires , pavement , and even the wind . Cedric had shown up at Howard 's with what he said was a new car . But there was none of the scent he equated with a " new " car , and the seats had enough lumps that Howard had to consciously keep from fidgeting . He only hoped he wasn 't riding in some sort of death trap . On the surface the offer sounded good , and a few days ago , Howard probably would have said yes without question . Before what had happened . Cedric lived just down the street in a second - floor apartment . It was summer , and when Howard had opened his front door , he 'd felt the sun on his face , so he 'd decided to take a short walk . He 'd picked up his cane and made sure he had his keys before he closed the door behind him and navigated the two steps down to the walk . Eight steps later , he reached the sidewalk and began his careful journey to Cedric 's . The air had been warm , and people must have had their windows open , because he 'd heard snippets of conversation mixed with television programs as he made his way . He knew where he was by the feel of each section of the sidewalk . To most people it felt the same , but to Howard 's keen senses , small differences in pitch , places where tree roots had raised slabs , even cracks , were like signposts telling him exactly where he was . At the large crack that made one piece of the walk rock slightly , Howard took two more steps , then made the turn as he verified with his cane that he was truly where he thought he should be . He took the twelve steps and climbed the three stairs to the porch in front of the house . He stepped across the porch , careful to avoid the loose floorboard . Howard felt for the doorbell and was about to ring it when faint sounds drifted down the fourteen steps he knew were in front of him . Howard pulled open the screen door and quietly took a step inside . Yes , it was what he 'd thought . Loud moans reached his ears , and then a cry of , " Fuck me , " in what was most definitely Cedric 's voice . Howard stood stock - still , unable to move . A Harley Davidson rumbled as it came up the street , the potato - potato sound vibrating around him . Howard opened the door and stepped out , then let it close behind him . Then , as dejection cascaded off him , Howard had slowly made his way home . " But you need help , " Cedric said again , and Howard refrained from grinding his teeth . " There are so many things I can do . " Cedric stroked Howard 's leg , so Howard pulled it away , shifting closer to the door . When they 'd first met , Cedric had been solicitous . He 'd helped without intruding and had actually made Howard 's life easier and better . Howard had fallen in love with him quickly - way too quickly , it turned out . " I don 't think so , " Howard said . " Just give it a little more time . " They were on their way to a party being given by his friend Ken , and he just wanted to get there and have a nice evening . He should have canceled on Cedric and called to see if Ken could pick him up . " I 've given things plenty of time already . How long am I going to have to wait before we can be together ? " Cedric asked . Instantly Howard regretted this whole thing and wished he was back home , where he wasn 't under Cedric 's control . " Get out ! " Cedric said roughly . " You think you 're so independent and don 't need me , then you can find your own way to the party . Now open the damned door and get the hell out . " " Get the fuck out ! " Cedric screamed , and suddenly Howard was more afraid of Cedric than anything else . Howard felt for the handle and pulled it . He pushed the door open and unfastened the seat belt . Then he carefully got out of the car and stood up . He closed the door . Tires squealed , and he turned away as bits of gravel pelted him . He listened as Cedric 's car sped up and the sound disappeared into the whizzing of traffic as it zoomed by him . Howard didn 't move . He didn 't even have his cane with him . He had folded it up when he got into the car , and it must have shifted when Cedric braked , because he didn 't have it with him . Slowly , he took baby steps back from traffic . Just a few - he didn 't dare go any farther . He had no idea where he was or what was around him , other than cars passing by . Was there a ditch , a wire fence , a creek ? He had no idea . At least he should be far enough back that he wouldn 't be hit . " Don 't panic , think , " he told himself as he pushed down the fear that welled inside him . With no points of reference other than the cars flying by and the ground under his feet , he was lost and getting more confused by the second . To make matters worse , the wind was coming up and the heat from the sun he 'd felt when he 'd first gotten in the car was gone . He inhaled deeply and groaned when he smelled water in the air . It was likely coming off Lake Superior , but it shouldn 't be in that direction . Either that or he was very turned around and even more lost than he thought . He patted his pockets quickly and found his phone . Breathing a small sigh of relief , he raised it to his ear . " Call Ken , " he said , and then he took a deep breath to calm his nerves . " Ken , " Howard said when the phone was answered , but all he heard was a mumble . " Patrick , is that you ? " Two simple vocal tones sounded . " I need Ken . We were on our way to the party and … well , Cedric and I had a fight , and he left me along the side of the road . " A long wait followed , and then he heard movement behind Patrick . " Howard , what happened ? " Ken asked as he came on the phone . " Patrick looks like he 's ready to kill someone . Are those cars I 'm hearing ? Are you by a freeway ? " " Yeah , " Howard said as he swallowed hard . " Cedric kicked me out of the car . I 'm standing by the side of the road . We were on our way to the party and we had a fight . He kicked me out of the car and left me , " he repeated , desperation kicking in . " Is she okay ? " Howard asked , forgetting for a moment about his predicament . Seven - year - old Hanna had been through leukemia treatments , and everyone hoped she remained cancer - free . " She 's fine . Just routine follow - up , " Ken said . " I called you last week and … shit , Cedric answered your cell . Let me guess , he didn 't give you the message . " " Do you know where you are ? " Ken asked . " We 're on our way to the car . " He heard a door close in the background . " I must be someplace between Marquette and Pleasanton , but I 'm not sure where . I 'm by the highway . We 'd been traveling for about ten minutes , I think , if that helps . " " It does . Just stay on the line , " Ken said . " We 're leaving now . " The connection clicked , and for a second Howard thought he was going to lose them . " Hanna and Patrick are in the car with me . The phone is on hands - free , so I can drive . " " Okay , " Howard said a bit nervously as cars continued to zoom by . " I think someone is stopping . God , I hope it isn 't Cedric coming back . " " Okay . The car is definitely stopping . But I don 't know if it 's Cedric 's . " He would have known the old one by the ticking sound the engine made , but he hadn 't immediately registered a unique sound for Cedric 's latest car . Howard heard a car door slam closed and he flinched slightly . " Yes , please , " Howard said , turning toward the sound of the voice . " I have friends coming to get me . Can you tell me exactly where I am ? " " I 'll stay with you until your friends arrive , " the man said . " They can call you when they get close . " Howard relayed the message to Ken , who swore again . " You can sit in my truck if you want , " the man said . Howard heard him take a step closer , and he tensed . The man 's touch on his arm made him jump , but only for a second . " Sorry . I didn 't mean to startle you . Let me guide you toward the truck . " His touch was gentle and he stayed slightly behind , guiding rather than tugging Howard forward . Cedric had never gotten the hang of walking with him . He 'd always tried to pull Howard along . " I 'm Gordon Jarrett , but my friends call me Gordy . " Leave a Comment » There are times as a writer when you are hit by an idea that really knocks your socks off . When that happens , you get down on your knees and thank your lucky stars . Stranded was that kind of story for me . There are many plot points that have been used again and again . I 'm not saying there is anything wrong with them , they work . But coming up with something different is difficult . So when I saw a car sitting in the desert when I was in Albuquerque for a convention , I had one of those excited moments because I thought of handcuffing my hero in the car . The heat , the tension , the stress … all of it hit me at once . All the will to survive that would be sapped by the heat and I was excited . I had already been thinking of a life imitating art type of idea , so the story for stranded started to take shape . From there I developed my characters and then wrote the story . I really hope you 'll give it a try . And I hope you love it . Is this life imitating art or art imitating life ? The only thing he 's sure of is that the situation he finds himself in is a copy of a scene he filmed earlier , only this time , there is no director yelling " cut " and no crew to rescue him . Terrified for his life , Kendall takes comfort remembering happier times with his long - time lover , Johnny . He hasn 't seen Johnny in weeks since Johnny stayed behind to finish his latest best - selling novel . As he attempts to survive scorching - hot days and freezing nights , Kendall tries to figure out who did this to him . Could it be Johnny , or the research assistant he suspects Johnny is having an affair with ? Both options fill him with bitterness . Or is it a more likely suspect ? Kendall has a stalker who sends him flowers and always seems to know where he is . But what does this stranger have to gain by leaving Kendall stranded in the middle of nowhere ? The door buzzer sounded . Kendall hated to leave , but he knew it was probably the messenger , so he turned and left the apartment , then took the flight of stairs to the main level . Sure enough , he saw a bicycle messenger waiting outside the door . He took the package and gave the kid a tip before making sure the door closed tightly and then going back to the apartment . Johnny was back at work , immersed in his story , and Kendall knew he needed to let him work . " So , what do you think ? " Johnny asked . The lid of his computer was closed and Johnny handed him a glass of iced tea . " I figured you could use something to drink . " " Yeah , I think so , " Kendall said as he took the glass and drank down half of it . " This is … . " Kendall swallowed . " I think this could be very powerful , but I don 't know if I can do it . " He opened the script and found the pages he wanted . " The main character gets stranded in a car . You know I 'm claustrophobic , and they want to handcuff me in a car for hours on end . " Kendall could already feel the sweat threatening to break out all over at the thought . Johnny read for a few minutes . " Hey , think about it . The car will only be parts of a car , because they have to film it . So while it 'll look like you 're stuck in a car , you won 't really be . " Johnny handed him back the script . " I think you 're trying to psych yourself out so you won 't have to do this . " Johnny sat next to him . " Here in New York , you 're a big fish . Everyone knows who you are , and yes , you can get almost any part you want . But this would be like starting new . You should be excited , not afraid . " " No . I 'm only returning the favor . You encouraged me with my first book , and now it 's time for me to do the same for you . You need to spread your wings . " Johnny lightly patted his leg and then leaned in and kissed him softly . Kendall hoped for something a little warmer , and attempted to pull Johnny closer , but he pulled away . " I have an appointment with one of the librarians at Columbia . " Johnny glanced at his watch . " I 'll only be gone for a couple of hours , and when I get back , we can have dinner together . I promise . " " On a Sunday afternoon ? " Kendall asked , but Johnny was already up and going . He grabbed a light jacket and hurried out of the apartment . Kendall didn 't know what the hell to do , so he went back to the bedroom and opened the book he 'd started earlier . But he couldn 't concentrate . A cell phone ringtone sounded , and he snapped the book closed and located Johnny 's phone . He answered it to stop its incessant ringing . " Hello , " Kendall said tentatively . The line was quiet for a few seconds . " No , that 's okay . I 'll see him later . " The call disconnected , and Kendall stared at the blinking number . He set the phone on the coffee table and was about to go back to his reading , but instead , he picked up the phone again and brought up the call history . While there was no name in contacts , Johnny had been getting calls from the same number every few days for at least the past month or so . Kendall closed the phone and placed it back where he 'd found it . He needed something to do , so he decided to start dinner . He chopped vegetables and got them ready to cook . He seasoned the beef he 'd bought earlier and let that sit to build up some flavor , and peeled potatoes before getting them ready to boil . The entire time , Kendall found himself staring every few seconds at Johnny 's phone , and finally he allowed himself to voice what he was fearing : Is Johnny having an affair ? At least that would explain the complete lack of interest . God , he didn 't want to think so , and his heart ached . He still loved Johnny , and he needed him . Johnny was his anchor , his rock - he always had been . " I know , and you 'll have it . I need to think things over . I know how you feel , and I 'm giving this a lot of thought , " Kendall said as he wandered over to the window , peering out at the relatively quiet street below . " I have to be honest that I 'm nervous about doing it . " " Of course you are , " Sal said . Kendall settled on the bench and watched the people and cars as they navigated the narrow street . " This is going to be different with all new people , but I know you 're right for this part . I 've represented many people who 've gone from Broadway to Hollywood over my career , and rarely have any of them received a vehicle as perfect for them to make the transition as you have . " " Don 't take that tone with me . I know how you feel about enclosed spaces , but that 's why it 's perfect for you . Use that fear in the movie . Let them see what that does to you and your character . Don 't run from it - embrace it . Trust me , " Sal said , and Kendall sighed softly . " I told you it was perfect . " " If you say so , " Kendall said as a cab pulled up in front of the building . " As I said , I 'll be sure to call you Monday morning . " The cab door opened , and Johnny got out . " I need to go . Johnny just got home from the library , and I need to get dinner ready . " Kendall 's smile at the thought lasted until he saw another man lean out of the cab . He appeared to be speaking to Johnny . The other man disappeared from view back in the cab , and Kendall saw Johnny lean inside the vehicle for a few seconds and then back out once again . Johnny closed the cab door , and Kendall could have sworn he saw a huge smile on Johnny 's face before he disappeared from view . " I 'm here , " he said . " Tell the people in Hollywood I 'll do it . " Kendall said . Maybe three or four months on his own to explore a bit and figure out what he really wanted wasn 't such a bad idea , after all . 2 Comments » Former model Brent Phillips now works the other side of the camera . He makes his money on senior portraits but wants to create an art exhibition . His only problems are lack of a central image and a three - week deadline . Leave a Comment » By The Creek is the culmination of an idea that I got from my good friend Mary Calmes . I wasn 't sure I could write a young adult story at first . I 'll admit this story kicked my butt as I wrote it . But I love it . The story really warmed my heart and as I was completely captivated by it . During the editing process , I often got caught up in the story . There are many things about this story that are me . I used alot of my own teenage experiences and feleings . In alot of ways , this is the story I wish I could have written when I was seventeen . This was what I wanted , but at the time I didn 't have the words . Now I do and I really hope you enjoy this story . Soon - to - be high school junior David Harper hates his family 's move to the country . There 's nothing to do , and he misses his friends in the city . But he doesn 't have a choice . His mother 's job is in Mason County now , so David and his mom are too , and he has to make the best of it . Benjamin is Amish , and cooling off in the swimming hole is one of the few liberties he and his brothers enjoy . A friendship with an English boy is not - but that doesn 't stop him and David from getting to know each other , as long as it 's on the neutral ground by the creek . After David risks his life to save Benjamin 's father , the boys ' friendship is tolerated , then accepted . But before long , Benjamin 's feelings for David grow beyond the platonic . Benjamin 's family and the rest of the community will never allow a love like that , and a secret this big can 't stay secret forever … . David sat on the front steps looking across the yard . He was as bored as he could ever remember being in his life . They 'd moved into the house three weeks ago , and he had absolutely nothing to do . His mother was at work , and she 'd left strict instructions about what he could and couldn 't do . They 'd already unpacked everything , and David had spent the past two days watching television , but there was no cable and they only got three stations , so basically television really sucked . He 'd gotten his mother to take him to the video store earlier in the week , but he 'd watched all the movies already , and she hadn 't had time to take him back so he could get more . Standing up , David shut the door and decided to walk across the field to the line of trees and see what was there . The summer sun was warmer than he 'd expected , and David wished he 'd brought something to drink by the time he was halfway across the field . He thought about turning back , but continued forward , eventually reaching the line of trees that bordered the open field . Turning around , he looked back at their house , which seemed so small and low on the land , before walking beneath the cool shade of the trees . The ground near the stream was squishy , but there seemed to be some sort of path , so he followed it , climbing over fallen trees and across grassy spots where the trees parted . Eventually he came to a spot where the stream deepened at what David figured was on old - fashioned swimming hole . The stream widened and for a short time appeared deep and almost still , with a large flat rock on the other side and a fallen tree running along his side of the stream . David sat on the log and took off his shoes and socks , then dipped his feet into the surprisingly cool water . He sat for a while , listening to the breeze , and he was about to get up and start heading back when he heard something or someone approaching . God , he hoped there weren 't any bears out here . For a second he sat still , unable to move as fear gripped him . Managing to get his brain working , David pulled his feet out of the water . He 'd started tugging on his socks and shoes , getting ready to run , when a boy appeared from the woods on the other side , near the rock . David nearly dropped his shoe into the water as he stared silently at the dark haired boy about his own age staring back at him from across the swimming hole . David had known , deep down inside , that he was different from the other boys . For as long as he could remember , he 'd dreamed and fantasized about other boys . At school , he 'd heard the guys talking about girls and which ones were pretty or hot , but they did nothing for him . Now , show him pictures of strong legs and a handsome chest , and he couldn 't seem to pull his eyes away . Instead of girlie magazines under his mattress , he had men 's underwear catalogs . All through school , David had dreaded gym class , afraid something would happen and he 'd get a stiffie in the showers or something equally embarrassing . He 'd had a lot of friends , but they were mostly girls . Staring at this boy with dark hair , deep blue eyes , and what looked like the palest , softest skin he 'd ever seen made David 's mouth go dry and his breath hitch . 2 Comments » Shared Revelations was just released by Dreamspinner Press ! ! ! ! When I was writing this story I swear I was channeling my dear friend and wonderful authior Amy Lane . I really hope you like it ! ! ! It 's the sixties , but that doesn 't mean it 's easy to be different . Eddie Baronski spent his high school years looking out for his partially deaf friend , Jack Emmons . Now that they 've graduated , they spend their free time at Green Bay 's newly renamed Lambeau Field , taking in the practices . Jack was the unfortunate one in the group , even if his family had money . When they were kids , Jack had had a difficult time hearing , and as he 'd gotten older , he 'd been able to hear less and less . The other kids had picked on him mercilessly , but he never heard half of it anyway . He wore hearing aids that sometimes whistled , and in a group like this , he often turned them off because the ambient noise drove him totally crazy . Jack was also the closest person to a brother Eddie had . When the other kids had teased him , it was Eddie who 'd taken them on . Sometimes he 'd won and sometimes he hadn 't , but once they became friends , no one picked on Jack with impunity . And that extended even to now . Jack was his brother in every way that counted . Eddie was an only child , and while Jack had older brothers and sisters , he was his parents ' " late in life baby , " and the other kids had been nearly out of the house by the time he and Eddie had met in junior high . " Hey , " Donny griped , rubbing the back of his head , but Eddie simply glared at him before turning his attention to the field . The guys were running play after play , practicing for the game in a few weeks . His friends all liked Bart Starr and thought he was the cat 's meow , but Eddie watched Johnny Grant . He wasn 't one of the stars of the team , but for some reason Eddie could always pick him out of the group of players , his eyes gravitated toward Grant wherever he was on the field . Eddie knew damned well why , but he tried not to admit the truth , even to himself , because after watching an hour of practice , Eddie would have to shift in his seat a few times to hide the wood he was sporting . There was no way he could admit what he was feeling to anyone in the world . But his eyes rarely left the field as he watched Johnny run plays with the other guys . " Bart 's doing great , " Skip said from next to him , pointing out the star of the team , and Eddie nodded , agreeing silently as he watched his own star on the field . But what he thought he loved most were the tight pants and the way Johnny kept bending over all the time . Every now and then Johnny 's practice uniform would ride up , giving Eddie the fleetingest glimpse of skin before the shirt fell back into place . Eddie knew he was being completely ridiculous , and he knew nothing could ever come of his infatuation . And for God 's sake , no one on earth could ever know how another guy made him want things he could never have . " It 's getting late , " Skip said . " Dad wants me back at the store by seven , so I gotta go . " " Okay , Mr . Whipple , " Skip quipped , jumping out of the way before Eddie could take a swipe at him . " Don 't squeeze the Charmin . " Skip hurried away and up the stairs with Donny right behind him . Once they were gone , Jack moved over , and Eddie noticed him fiddling with his hearing aids . " Is it better now ? " Eddie asked , and Jack nodded slowly as he continued to watch the men on the field . The practice wouldn 't go on for much longer . It was starting to get dark , and while they could work out under the lights , Eddie figured they 'd already been practicing for hours . Sure enough , before he could say anything to Jack , the men started walking to the sidelines , gathering their stuff and headed into what Eddie knew was the entrance to the locker room . Jack stood , and Eddie did as well , and both of them walked up the stadium seats and through the empty corridors , their footsteps echoing off the walls until they reached the outside . " Were you able to get tickets to the game next Sunday ? " Jack asked as they passed by George in his booth . " No . I can 't afford them . You ? " Eddie asked , and Jack shook his head . Both of them were lucky if they got to go to an actual game once a year , and some years they weren 't able to swing that since tickets were just that scarce . They both said good - bye to George , and he waved at them as they passed . Jack walked across the parking lot to where the old car his mother had given him was parked . They called the old Cadillac " the Boat , " because the thing was huge and rode like a land yacht . " I 'll see you tomorrow , " Eddie called , and Jack continued walking toward his car . He knew Jack hadn 't heard him . Jack had told him that even with the hearing aids , according to the doctors , his hearing would continue to get worse , and in the next few years , he wouldn 't be able to hear anything at all . Eventually Jack turned around , and Eddie saw him wave . He returned it and watched Jack get into the car , and heard the engine start before his friend drove away . Eddie walked to where he 'd left his bike , got on , and pedaled twice before he realized the bike didn 't feel right . Stopping , he looked down and saw that his back tire was totally flat . " Damn it , " he swore and walked the bike back to the rack . The parking lot was empty when he looked around . Eddie returned to George 's booth , but he was gone too , the gate and doors locked up tight and the only phone around was in the closed guard booth . Eddie had no idea how he was going to get home except to walk . Figuring he had no other choice , Eddie started walking . At least it was still warm , and along the way he could probably find a pay phone to call his dad . Eddie fished in his pockets to come up with a nickel and remembered he had one tucked in the corner of his wallet . Sighing loudly , he headed toward the road on the far side of the parking lot . Headlights shone around him , and Eddie turned as a car moved in his direction and pulled up close , the convertible top down . Eddie could hear the radio playing . He noticed the deep - red paint and white scoops along the side of the impressive sports car before he saw the man driving it - Johnny Grant , in the incredibly handsome flesh . " Is something wrong ? " he asked in a deep , rich voice that sounded like Eddie 's mother 's hot chocolate felt in the middle of winter . Eddie hesitated for a split second before sliding down the plush seat and closing the door . " Thank you , I appreciate the lift . " He thought about asking to take his bike , but Johnny giving him a ride was favor enough . " We 're all big fans , but can 't afford tickets very often . My dad knows someone who knows the coach , so we get to watch the practices . The guard at the gate lets us in . " They stopped at the corner , and the air in the car got real still . Eddie got a nose full of Johnny 's rich , herbal scent , mixed with a hint of soap . He wanted to lean closer and inhale deep , but he stared ahead . Damn , he was just inches from the man who gave him wood just from thinking about him . Thankfully he 'd left his shirt untucked , so he could use it to cover the huge woody he was sporting right now . " Eddie , " he supplied . " Straight up Military to Dousman and turn right toward town . " Eddie was trying to figure out how he could delay getting home . When the light changed , they took off , and Eddie laughed as the wind whipped his hair . He was riding in a car with Johnny Grant .