5 Jan 13, Lanai, Hawaii
Dearest Mandy,
I know how you feel about getting things the old fashioned way, such as a letter. Are you still Amish, and refuse to get an email addy? If you’re not, you can email me at RedDragon288@gmail.com.
You’re probably wondering why I’m sending this from Hawaii. I’m on vacation. I did move to Detroit. I’m very happy here. I met a wonderful man. He’s a few inches taller than me and dark. But then anyone’s darker than us Irish. Ex-Marine. He owns a bike repair shop in Millenium City. We moved in together after a week of dating. I know you think that’s quick, but with men, it’s different. I’m not gushing. You know I’m not like that. I’m still your strong, Spartan little brother, who sometimes shies away from public hugs and kisses even with my own siblings. I do want you to meet him. I want you to see how happy he makes me, even by being in the same room. That’s as romantic as I’m going to get.
I called dad for Christmas. He’s trying to accept it. Mom I think still doesn’t want to. Lizbeth spoke for her. She tried to put the guilt trip on me. You of all people know how that works with me. She’s the oldest so I think she thinks she’s Mom. Mom was working as usual. Did you go? You could have talked to me if you did.
Hope your business is going all right. Did you find a partner yet? I mean a job partner. I know your love life over the last six months will be longer than your resume – ha! Just kidding.
Love you best,
Steve.
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Jan 13, 2013
NYC, NY
Hello, long lost brother of mine!
Kidding, you know I am.
Why don’t you come up to New York? It’s only a 2 hour plane ride, and you can ride the subway to my place in Brooklyn. Yes, I’m starting to have a Brooklyn accent. Yes, you will laugh at me.
I love your letters, and have kept every one of them that you sent in the service. I still remember how you tore yourself up coming out, and now you have a man. Is he good to you? He’d better be, or he will feel the wrath of the older sister upon him!
Mom and Dad are old fashioned, though Dad, since he’s a teacher, is a little more open-minded. I’m sure he saw this stuff in school. Mom though, all wrapped up in her hospice volunteer work, is dealing with the dying and old fashioned types of people. Between you and me, she does it because she feels she’s paying for the quick death of Grumma, when she hardly spent any time with her.
Don’t let Lizbeth get you down, or up as the case may be. Ever since her divorce, she’s been very picky and peculiar. She won’t come to NYC because of the artsy-fartsy types I hang around with, nor will she bring Nicole. I got Nikki (She HATES when I call her that and spell it that way!) some Hello Kitty fake makeup for Christmas and she loves it. You can’t go wrong with Hello Kitty, Steve.
Back to your man – because you know I ramble in these things, it’s the only place I can other than my journal – I want to meet the both of you. You both can take a plane and sleep in my bed, I’ll take the couch, no worries! Just change the sheets when you’re done doing what you’re doing. Or maybe I’ll pick up some guy and give you some competition! We’ll wake the neighbors!
And just so you know, Mr. Know-It-All, I’ve only had five guys over my apartment over the last six months. Danny is still a friend with benefits, but I really liked this guy Tiomis – no idea what name that means, but he was this cute little Indian guy with the funny accent. Mom and Dad would have freaked! Danny’s okay, I guess, but not a long-lasting partner. He smokes too much dope. (And yes, I’ve been clean for three months.)
I haven’t gotten a job partner, but I did get some comish’s, mostly from smaller startups. We all try to work together, we little businesses. I’ve gone and networked to some places and now have a contact to get on the subway – not that any of my little guys would pay for one of those. It’s a hand-to-mouth existence, but I’ll always have time and room for you and your beau.
What’s his name, by the way? Silly man, you didn’t tell me. And you gushed, yes, you did. You said more about him than you did about anyone else. Are you blushing yet? Hahaha!
Okay, Sunny’s wanting to go for his walk. I’ll post this on the way.
Talk to you again soon!
Mandy~~