Somethin' to hide

The months went on and Herbie did not relent on the tour schedule he had for the band. It was 1979. Evolution would be their fifth studio album; which would feature their first top 20 hit; Lovin’ touchin’ squeezin’ penned by Steve alone. He’d told them it was about a girlfriend he dated once who cheated on him. “ “Great song” They all agreed, “We want more hits, so you and Neal keep it up.” Ross said. A snicker from Steve and Neal made the others shrug their shoulders. Gregg was a little perturbed; he was part of the song writing team as well.

Herbie made more money in the last year then the last 2 years before Steve appeared combined. He also kept his word with Steve, not that he still didn’t desire him but he knew he needed to keep a level head. Steve could cause him to not think straight and he needed his business bearings if he wanted to make it to the top and stay there. Steve and Neal were another matter; Neal had broken his own vow of not leaving Steve alone.

When they went on tour and stayed in the same hotel room it was only a matter of time before they would be in each other’s arms and they’d have to keep their lovemaking quiet, no crying out, no squeaky bedsprings, no bed knocking against the wall, they usually got on the floor to avoid all of that. When there were band meetings there was always some inside joke that kept Steve and Neal in stitches, or occasionally Steve and Herbie would look at each other; Neal would be the only person to know the meaning of the extended looks between the two men. The other members of the band generally interpreted the looks as Steve being Herbie’s new found pot of gold, little did they know the smoldering sexual passion between the gazes, particularly from Herbie’s side. “We’ve got Day on the green coming up in just 3 weeks.” Herbie said tearing his eyes, off of Steve. “We’ll be performing with some good groups, so I want you to keep that in mind.” Herbie droned on, they didn’t hear anything they hadn’t heard already.

When the meeting was over; Neal caught up with Steve as he was leaving the building heading for his car. “What are you doing tonight?” Neal asked. “I got a heavy date, man.” “Anyone I know?” “You’ve seen her, I’m sure.” She was that cute brunette in the front row at our last concert, she had on the cut off at the shoulder Journey tee shirt and huge…” Steve put his hands out in front of him to signify large breasts. Neal didn’t really remember; he had his eyes on another woman out in the crowd. They had fun back then seeing which woman they could bag for the night. All of the men had their followers, but Steve always managed to beat them at least two, sometimes three to one. “You boys doing alright?” Herbie came up behind them, slapping each on the back. “Yeah, Steve was just telling me about the hot and heavy date he has tonight.” “Does she know you swing both ways?” Herbie scoffed as he walked away. Steve was angry, because he didn’t; he was propositioned by Herbie and chose not to turn it down. “What about you, jerk off?” Steve called after him. Herbie shot up his middle finger and went on to his car. “Bastard.” Steve mumbled under his breath.

“Jerk off? Those are strong words for our manager.” Ross said as he and Gregg exited the building. “What’s with you two anyway? I swear he looks at you like he is a cat observing a canary he’s about to eat.” Steve laughed at the analogy; and said. “Nothing he just said something that wasn’t true.” Ross left it alone. He sensed it was more to it and that Steve and Neal were talking about something personal. “See you guys later. Ross and Gregg walked to their cars. Ross whispered to Gregg "you get the sense of a love triangle between those three?" "Yes, and I don't want to think about it." Both men laughed and got into their cars.

Steve turned his attention back on Neal. “Herbie’s just jealous.” “I don’t know why he would be.” Steve said. “What about us?” Neal asked searching his face. “What about us?” “So what was that we had?” Steve looked down. “I have feelings for you.” Then he looked up to face Neal. “But, what exactly do we have, but heavy petting and sticking our fingers in each other’s asses; I mean we’re grown men in our twenties scared to go “all the way” “I’m willing to take that adventure.” Neal said. “But who’s going to be the bottom? Steve asked knowing Neal would fight hard to stay the aggressor “You got me there.” Neal said. “By the way, why did you want to know what I was doing tonight?” Steve asked. “Tena wanted to invite you over for dinner, she knows that we are……………close, I talk about you all the time.” “Well…..I have my own idea for dessert tonight; but perhaps Melody and I can swing by for dessert.” “You think that would work.” “Sure, why not.” The men parted. Steve got in his car and thought about Herbie’s words. He knew he loved and wanted women, he didn’t even have a ready answer as to why he gave into Herbie and Neal, but it didn’t make him bi, freaky maybe, try-sexual maybe but not gay. He knew his history with Neal was not over; it was only a matter of time before they both succumb to the passion that consumed them every time they saw each other. Only a matter of time. Steve thought to himself as he pulled into his driveway............