Tales of Akron

[In Chapter 22, Mike placed a photograph of Dan, his lover, on the bookcase in his office. Mike and Chester Jennings, one of his workplace friends, discussed where to place a same-sex partner's photograph in the office. They agreed that Dan's photograph would get lost on Mike's messy desk. Dan would be visible to Mike and to anyone in the office from the bookcase. On the way home, Mike was elated. He had taken a stand -- he had Dan's photograph in his office -- no apologies, no explanations, no regrets.]

          Dan greeted Mike at the door with a hug and a kiss. Mike hungrily returned the kiss.

          "You kiss as if you've never been kissed," Dan laughed. "Want some more?"

          "Yes. I want some more of your kisses. Let me tell you what I did today."

          Dan raised a hand to silence Mike. "But first, white or red wine?"

          "Champagne! I need to celebrate," Mike laughed.

          "Fresh out of champagne. Would you settle for white wine?"

          Dan opened the bottle and poured the cool wine into crystal wine glasses.

          "New wine glasses?" Mike asked.

          "Thought you'd never notice. I took the afternoon off and drove to that new antique mall in Medina. Just east of the corner of Highway 18 and 71.

          They've got some treasures and some bargains. That's where I got the glasses. I want you to go to the Medina Antique Mall with me this weekend.

          Several other things I want to show you and perhaps buy -- if you approve."

          "Let me tell you about today," Mike said with some agitation.

          The two men walked into their living room and sat side-by-side on the sofa.

          "You see, I took a photograph of you to work today. I put it on a shelf in my bookcase. So, I can see you from my desk."

          "Any reactions?"

          "Chester was in the office when I put the photo on the shelf. He thought it was a good idea. Just as we finished, Hardstone strolled down the hall and stuck his head in the door. I said we were redecorating the office. He said that was great and kept walking. Frankly, I don't think he saw the photograph. But, I don't care. I took an important stand and I'm glad."

          "I'm glad you're glad," Dan said. "I suppose the shelf in the bookcase is a place of honor, a shrine to Dan and his love for you?"

          Mike laughed. "No, I'm not sure it's a shrine to you or to our love. The shrine to our love is here in my heart and brain. Frankly, it's a photograph and it reminds me of you. When people come in the office, they know that photograph is of someone I love."

          "Sounds good to me," Dan laughed. "How about another glass of wine? Let's go out for dinner. I'm not in the mood for either of us to cook."

          "Down your wine," said Mike. "Let's go to Pazzzo Ristotante. I'm in the mood for Italian food and dark red wine."

          "What a man. You think the thoughts I want to think. Italian and dark red wine," said Dan. "Whoa, you may have to drive. Three glasses of wine on an empty stomach and I have a buzz that says designated driver."

          "I'm not in any better shape. But, I'll drive."

          They sat in Mike's car and he drove out of Highland Square turning onto Market Street and driving west to Pazzzo's.

          "Yep, I'm glad I put your picture in my office," Mike laughed. "I'm proud of me for having the courage."

          The next thing Dan knew a medic was prying them from their car. The car was up over the sidewalk and seemed to be climbing a telephone pole.

          "Two other cars involved," the medic said. "We're going to need backup medical help here and send the ambulances. We got big problems."

          Dan turned and saw that Mike was unconscious. Blood was running out of his mouth and from a large cut on his head.

          Dan opened his mouth to say something and everything went black.