Page 5 of The Bathhouse (Roosters #10)

A series of boring meetings with his management team followed.

Reed had trouble concentrating. His mind kept traveling back in time.

He’d been hurt, and their time together limited, but he regretted nothing.

It had been a time of exhilaration and discovery.

That time had formed his identity and sense of self.

Over the years, Babyboy had become a memory, a recollection to be savored. Now, he wondered what might have been and if he would get a second chance with this long-lost love.

Am I doing the right thing ?

They’d taken such different paths in life.

An old expression kept running through his mind.

You can’t go home again . After years of idealizing his encounter with Babyboy, reality was sure to pale in comparison.

Wouldn’t it be better to just hang onto his memories?

They were both at a very different stage of life.

They had experienced ups and downs that had changed them in so many ways. Reality could be a bitch.

Damn it. Reed couldn’t let this chance go by. This man had made a huge impact on Reed’s life and left an imprint on his heart. Joseph was his what if person, and he had to see this through.

The endless minutes dragged on. It seemed like once his manager, Dave Torres, had his hooks in Reed, he was reluctant to let him go.

Torres kept going on about the improvements he’d instituted.

Angling for a raise, no doubt. But Reed had other things on his mind.

Promptly at noon, he stood, announced he had an important engagement and took his leave.

He was pleased to find Joseph Castro already waiting for him.

“Hello, Mr. Barton. What can I do for you?”

Several things came to mind, but they were too dirty to mention -- yet. “Well, for one thing, you can call me Reed.”

Joseph chuckled, his teeth, even and white, contrasting pleasingly with his olive skin. “My pleasure, Reed. I am at your service.”

Wonderful. Get on your knees and take my cock between those pouty lips . “Right now, I’m looking for a meal and a drink. Any suggestions?”

“Quite a few, actually. The Spiral Restaurant in Sofitel Philippine Plaza is well known for its fabulous buffet spread. It gives you a taste of dining in twenty-one different countries.”

“Sounds amazing. I’d like to try that sometime. Perhaps another day. Today I’m looking for a light lunch and an enlightening conversation.” Reed stared intensely into Joseph’s dark chocolate eyes. “Where would you go?”

“Well… Actually, I’m off duty and I’d planned on going to Bistro Remedios. It’s dedicated to Filipino cuisine and many locals eat there.”

Joseph was taller than many Filipino men, maybe 5’10”, and his body appeared lean and strong. Reed drank him in, already losing his appetite for food, but committed to going through the motions. “It sounds perfect. If you’re on your own, can I persuade you to have lunch with me? My treat.”

“I would love to join you, and I promise a good conversation.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

As they walked to Bistro Remedios, Reed kept sneaking looks at Joseph. “Did you recognize me immediately?”

Joseph stopped in his tracks. “Of course. I never forgot you.”

Reed’s pulse quickened. A spark of realization rattled him, a moment of insight that told him, this could be the start of something special. Then he remembered why Joseph had left. “But your boyfriend… Are you still together?”

Joseph was silent for a moment. “There is no boyfriend.” He changed the subject quickly and started chatting about the neighborhood.

Reed wanted to question him, but he realized it wasn’t the right time. Instead, he listened to Joseph’s chatter. The man’s accent was music to Reed’s ears. It made Joseph appear even sexier, if that were possible.

It didn’t take long to reach their destination, a quaint Filipino restaurant with old world charm. Reed took in the antique furniture and fixtures. “I feel like I’ve gone back in time.”

“I thought you might like it.”

“Yes, I like old things.”

“Lucky for me,” Joseph replied with a wink.

What did it mean? Was he flirting? “Yes, we’ve both gotten older, but you look the same.”

“And you, Pogi, look even better.”

Yes, definitely flirting. Reed felt the years slip away.

The restaurant tables were separated by thick pillars and offered a bit of privacy. A waiter appeared shortly and handed them huge menus offering a large array of traditional dishes. Reed ordered a bottle of Chardonnay and the man disappeared.

“Do you need help with the menu?” Joseph asked.

“I’m familiar with some of these dishes, but I’ll let you order. You’ve done great so far.”

The wine arrived and orders were taken promptly.

Joseph raised his glass. “May we always be grateful for the past, find joy in the present, and remain excited for the future.”

The words brought hope to Reed’s soul. He wanted to take a leap of faith, but he needed to know more about Joseph’s past. Still, he raised his glass and said, “Tagay!”

Joseph responded with “Cheers!”

The food came quickly. For starters, there was fresh vegetable lumpia, Filipino spring rolls, followed by servings of bamboo rice and crispy fried Tilapia.

Reed hadn’t come for the cuisine, but he was impressed by the food.

He took a bite of the fish and looked up at Joseph.

“This is delicious. I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed a meal so much. ”

Joseph smiled seductively. “Perhaps it’s the company.”

The comment took Reed by surprise. He didn’t expect Joseph to be so bold, but it was playful and very much welcome. “For sure, it’s the company.” He hesitated. “But I need to know more about you, Joseph.”

“I’m an open book, Mr. Reed Barton. What do you want to know?”

Reed winced at the formality. “Start at the beginning.”

“I grew up in a rural town. Our economic situation wasn’t good, so I came to Manila to find work.”

“Tell me more.”

“My father was a tenant farmer in the Central Plain of Luzon. He grew rice on a small plot of leased land, enough to feed the family, and sold a portion to pay expenses. Life was hard, but they sent me to school. When I finished school, my parents encouraged me to move to Manila and look for work so that I could help support them. My older sisters had married and gone off on their own.”

“I admire your desire to help your parents.”

Joseph shrugged. “They helped me; it was my obligation to help them, especially since I didn’t have a family of my own.”

“But how did you come to the States?”

Joseph forced a nervous laugh. “I met a woman.”

Suddenly, Reed understood. “A rich American woman?”

“Yes.”

“Go on.”

“This woman traveled to Manila frequently and stayed in the hotel where I worked as a masseuse. She was older, but attractive and she took a liking to me. Eventually she offered to bring me to America on a K-1 Visa. I knew I could make more money in the States, money that I could send home to my parents, so I accepted her offer. She had no idea that I’m gay.

I started going to the bathhouse to satisfy my needs.

When she found out, that was the end of our relationship and the end of my time in the States. ”

“You deceived her.”

“I’m not proud of what I did. I was young and wanted to help my parents. That’s not an excuse. I’m just telling you my reasons.”

Reed knew a red flag when he saw one. Joseph had used manipulative behavior to get what he wanted. No doubt, he would do it again to fulfill his desires. Perhaps a promotion, a raise…

Of course, Reed wanted something as well. Sex. And he could play the game as well as Joseph. Why not go for it? Tit for Tat.

“Joseph, you had no choice. I understand perfectly. It’s just that watching you work today, you appeared so competent, I assumed you’d been doing this kind of work for years.”

“Thank you. At one time, I worked for another company. Then a friend told me that Barton was hiring and paid more. I’m so glad I took his advice. We would never have reunited otherwise. And I enjoy this job very much. I try to do my best, but…”

Reed waited for Joseph to say more. Finally, he prompted him. “But?”

Joseph’s well-marked black brows pulled together in a frown. “Things changed after the pandemic.”

“Of course. We were closed for a while, but that couldn’t be helped.” There was another prolonged silence and Reed pressed Joseph. “Did something happen when the office closed?”

Joseph looked down at his plate. “I don’t want to make trouble.”

Reed felt a prickle of unease. “You won’t if you tell me the truth. Whatever you say here is between us.”

There was a long pause as they looked warily at one another and then Joseph spoke. “The call center did not close.”

Reed stiffened. “That can’t be right.”

“Our manager decided to keep the office open for workers who were able to stay in the building. Maybe one quarter to one-half of the employees, including me.”

“Are you telling me that you didn’t leave the building? That’s absurd. Who made this decision?”

“Dave Torres.”

Why am I not surprised ? “Did he stay in the office as well?”

“No. He put me in charge. He brought us food and left it at the door. We wore masks and slept on the floor in sleeping bags.”

Reed was furious. He hadn’t been told any of this. “Did anyone get sick?”

Joseph shrugged. “A few left. They may have been sick. Or maybe they were fired because they couldn’t keep up.”

Incredulous, Reed shook his head. “How could so few workers keep up with the calls?”

“We stopped working shifts and took calls day and night. I was forced to set hourly quotas for each employee. We were promised bonuses, but we never got them. Mr. Torres threatened to fire those who couldn’t make the quotas.

” Joseph tried to cover his anxiety. “Please don’t say anything.

The pandemic is over, and I don’t want to lose my job. ”

“Don’t you worry. Someone will be fired, but it won’t be you.”

“I don’t want anyone to lose their job because of me.”

Reed took a calming breath. Perhaps this was what Joseph had wanted all along. Torres’ job. He’d consider that possibility when he had time to think. For now, he wouldn’t let it spoil the evening. “Let me worry about this. I want to talk to the team members, and then I’ll decide how to proceed.”

Joseph sighed heavily. “Can I say something?”

“Please do.”

“Thank you. I wanted to work from home. It would have been easier to quarantine in my apartment, and I believe others would have done so as well. I tried to talk to Mr. Torres about it, but he wouldn’t listen.

Even today, it would be helpful because our workspace is so crowded.

It would be less expensive than moving to another building. ”

Impressive . Why hadn’t Reed’s manager mentioned this at the meeting? Joseph wasn’t just a handsome face. He was smart and enterprising. “I like the way you think, Joseph.”

A smile split Joseph’s face. “We are a good team.”

A team ? Reed’s brow furrowed, but his thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of an ensemble of Filipino folk singers. The group started to serenade them.

Joseph made eye contact and pressed his knee against Reed’s. Reed didn’t move away. Under the table, he rubbed his leg against Joseph’s.

“What do you think?” Joseph asked as the trio moved on to another table.

Reed grinned. He was thinking about some after dinner delights. “I think I’m ready for dessert.”

“Let me order the dessert. I guarantee you will love it.”

What Reed had in mind wasn’t on the menu, but he could wait. “Go ahead. I trust you.”

Smiling broadly, Joseph called the waiter over. When dessert arrived at the table, Reed watched Joseph take a spoonful. The Filipino sighed and licked his lips.

Reed pulled his gaze from Joseph’s lips. “What is it?”

“Sikreto ni Maria, a sweet rice topped with ice cream and fresh sweet mangoes.”

Reed took a taste. “This is heavenly.” For a few minutes, they were quiet, concentrating on their desserts. Finally, Reed pushed his plate aside. “This was a wonderful meal. Thank you.”

“I should be thanking you.”

“You can thank me by extending our evening.”

Joseph offered up a seductive smile. “Yes, I’m free, and I’d love to show you a little more of Manila.”

Reed sighed inwardly. He wanted to get this man into his bed, but anticipation was half the fun. He told himself to take it slow and let Joseph set the pace. Smiling across the table, he replied. “You’re hired.”