More Tricks:
A Second Collection of Tales
(It could happen to anyone!)
Copyright 2011 - Mike Wilson
Smashwords Edition, License Notes:
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Table of Contents
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The two teenagers were strolling around Paris at night. They had wandered away from the rest of their group, who were dining at a cafe, near the Eiffel Tower. Phil and Mark were enjoying the sensations of the Parisian night. Phil, who tended to lead the way, turned and gestured to Mark.
"C'mon, let's check this other place out."
"You sure? Will they let us in?"
"Just come on."
So Phil led the way into a small establishment. a couple blocks away. They were able to order a beer, no questions asked. This was Europe in 1975, and it was utterly different and grand to both teenagers. They sat and chatted, and then Phil met another black man, older than him, and the two of them moved off and chatted, leaving Mark alone with his thoughts. He looked around the place, some kind of bar/restaurant, and when someone tried to make eye contact with him, he would look away. He felt uncomfortable here, and wished Phil would come back around. Eventually, a stranger walked right up and sat at his table.
"Are you new here?" said the man in a thick accent. Mark looked over at him, and saw a guy not much older than himself, with a small clipped beard.
"Yes, I'm with a student group, and we're visiting for a couple of days."
"Are you with anyone here?"
"Yes, my friend Phil, who was over there a minute ago..." Mark pointed to where Phil had been, hoping that he would return soon.
"Well, just relax, I'm sure your friend is okay. Say, would you like another beer?"
"Well, I suppose…yeah, why not. Say, what's your name, by the way?"
"I am Jauqes. And you are...?
"My name is Mark. Glad to meet you," said Mark, extending his hand.
Jauqes took it and gave it a shake.
"You must be Americans then. So far from home, oh my."
Mark looked Jauqes up and down before answering. He was lean and attractive, with a short leather vest over a ruffled shirt, and a small cap. Almost like an artist.
"Do you paint, Jauqes?"
Jauqes replied with a guffaw.
"I guess it is my look tonight. No, Mark the American, I do not paint. I work in a, how do you say, bank? Credit Lyonnais.
"Oh yeah, I've seen those," said Mark excitedly. He was becoming more thrilled by the minute to be making this new connection. Even his groin was stirring, a fact which he tried to conceal by shifting his legs.
Jauqes was looking Mark over, too, and caught the movement.
"Say, Mark the American, I like your look, you know what I mean? You look nice, look good."
Mark reddened. But he could not deny his feelings. Carried away by the beer and the whole scene, he blurted out,
“I Like you too, Jauqes!" Then, realizing what he had done, he covered his mouth, and looked around.
"It's ok, no worry, Mark. We are in a safe place tonight. But: Let's you and I go for a walk, ok? Let's go outside?" Jauqes gestured. Mark nodded, and shakily stood up.
"Don't you want to finish your beer first?"
"Naw, I have to go" Mark gestured -"take a piss."