Sam rode Sweet Summer Storm slowly along the trail that led from the hacienda to the vineyards. He was alone, except for Wolf. For many months now he had lived happily at the ranch with Ramón as his lover. They had made love almost daily, sometimes several times a day. They had gone for long rides over the dela Vega property. Frequently they went to Sacramento with Ramón’s friends for a night of drinking and laughter at the cantina. Often they would spend the night at the hotel.
While Sam enjoyed these times, as spring approached, he had become increasingly restless. He was not used to being idle. This life of total leisure began to lack direction, seeming to have no purpose.
When he had asked Ramón what he intended to do with his life, what his plans were, his lover had laughed and said
