“I’m always going to love this town,” said Carlos, taking his partner’s hand as they and their real estate agent walked along the near-empty boardwalk. “Asbury Park issued us our marriage license.”
“Well, you and Kip would be very smart to buy something here as soon as you can,” said Larry, pulling off his tie in the heat. “The prices have already escalated dramatically, and now that the billion-dollar development project has the green light, you can be sure things are only going to get more expensive.”
“Yeah,” Kip agreed. “Once they pour that money into developing all this empty space on the waterfront, Asbury Park should really return to life.”
“I hope to God they don’t ruin things by tearing down all the interesting and historic places.” Carlos frowned. “I’m still sick about the Palace. Who’d have thought a wrecker’s ball would demolish the nation’s oldest indoor amusement park? It was on the National Register of Historic Places and everything. I’ll never understand what passes for progress.”
They slowed as they reached the decaying old Casino, with its wind-scarred copper filigree work. “You haven’t heard that they’re going to tear this place down, have you, Larry?” Kip asked. “I’d die if they destroyed this place. It’s my favorite building in Asbury Park.”
“Well, I know there’s a few preservation groups who say they’ll never let it be torn down,” said Larry. “But I guess you can never say never.”
The three men stood looking out toward the ocean and discussed the fact that gays and lesbians had found a tolerant community in Asbury Park, a town grateful for the help these newcomers were giving to its revival.
“Asbury Park is what South Beach, Florida, was twenty years ago,” said Carlos. “We want to get in on the turnaround.”
Kip agreed. “Yes. We love the way we have been welcomed in Ocean Grove, and we’re thrilled with our inn. We already have reservations for next season. But by the end of the year, we’ll be finished with our renovations on the Dancing Dunes. We’ll be ready to take on another project.”
“Well, should we start looking at what’s available now?” asked Larry. “Even though you don’t think you’re ready to buy quite yet, you can start educating yourself on the Asbury Park market. I have a couple of listings right now that, with some tender loving care, could be fabulous bed-and-breakfast places.”
“Sounds good,” said Kip. “And, Larry? Before I forget. Can I have a few of your business cards? I have some friends who are interested in finding something in Asbury Park as well.”
As Larry took out his billfold and handed over the white cards, a police car skidded to a stop in front of the Casino.