My First Week Back in the Big Apple ... Wonderous, Indeed!

Hi Folks! Will here. For the first time in a while, I have a title for my blog that pretty much explains itself! So, let's dive back in.

My warm welcome to Brooklyn, followed by a magical night at the Roxie, only needed a third component to prove that good things come in threes! And, this third component was finding a great job at one of NYC's famed "Carriage Trade" retailers within the first week of being back!

One of my first sights when arriving in Brooklyn.

I have to give credit to my sister-in-law for coming up with the idea. But, after all, she did spend a lot of her career as a "headhunter." I'm sure she was motivated to get me gainfully employed, so I could find my own apartment and give them back their "couch!" LOL.

All suited up for my new job.

I remember the interview as being a rather quick and straight forward - a "one-two punch" in terms of how quickly the personnel manager looked me over and hired me. My retail experience, communication skills and the fact that I was wearing my favorite midnight blue Armani double-breasted suit, helped me to land this spot in one visit. BTW, my sister-in-law and my niece not only came along to show me the way, but accompanied me right into the waiting room of the personnel department. I have to say they were my good luck charms ... particularly my little niece. You see, in 1992 right after her birth, I was asked to be her Godfather. It was and still is an honor, and is something I really cherish to this day.

So, with my prior sales experience in the men's department of a very prestigious San Francisco retailer, I was assigned to the Men's Designer Department of this legendary New York store. There was a vacancy in the department created by an internal promotion. So, they urged me to start the next day. I was thrilled!

A great place to start my endeavors in New York.

That next day was a bit of a challenge. The department manager and his assistant were both very cordial and welcoming. But, that's where it ended. I could virtually feel a chill from the other sales people in the department upon my introduction. It sort of reminded me of scenes from the movie The Women, when Joan Crawford was interacting with her fellow sales folks at the perfume counter of Blacks Fifth Avenue. LOL. Yes, this was the wonderful reality of the commissioned sales world ... competitive doesn't even scratch the surface! (Meow!) Even thought I am sensitive by nature, I was not going to let a bunch of puffed-up sales queens get in my way. So, I wanted to dig right in and let them know that this was not my first (retail) rodeo!

Meanwhile, my social life had become just as busy. I had a potential new beau. Although it was not "sex at first sight," something inside me told me it would be worth the wait ... and it was. The fireworks and sizzle were certainly there ... but, I could sense a lot more was just below the surface. I had the same kind of feeling just after meeting my first partner, Tommy. That relationship was my "rock" for 14 years. It was only his demise from A.I.D.S. that finally separated us in 1989. Remembering this very special and unique feeling, I knew I was more than ready for him, us and the rest of our lives! Like I said before - this might sound corny and melodramatic - but, here we are 31 years later.

My stay in Brooklyn quickly proved to be awkward for all parties involved. My intended mission was accomplished (and then some!). I was working, dating and doing a pretty good job on "Take Three" of living in New York. It was time for me to have my own place. It turned out well that I didn't try to live with my new beau right away.

Washington Heights ... my new digs.

I found a nice, simple studio apartment just north of his place on Riverside Drive and 155th St. in Washington Heights. "The Heights" was an adjustment. It was so far away from central Manhattan and my work. But, I had my heart set on this new man and knew my proximity to him mattered a lot. I got to meet his friends and got invited to a lot of dinners and events.

I knew my ambitions were starting to take shape. I just had to be cautious ... something that I am not used to. But, patience paid off some six months later, when he acknowledged my diligence and asked me to move in with him. I was so happy! This is when the greatest (and ongoing) chapter of my life began! So stay tuned, as I return with my next episode - The growing pains of love and living together!

Bio of Will Seagers:

Will Seagers (also credited as Matt Harper), within his multifaceted careers and participation in numerous gay communities across the country in the '70s and '80s and beyond, worked as a print model, film performer, and DJ, just to name a few. He made iconic appearances in releases from Falcon, Hand in Hand, Joe Gage, Target (Bullet), J. Brian, Steve Scott, and more, including in lead roles in major classics like Gage's L.A. Tool & Die (1979) and Scott's Wanted (1980). He brought strong screen presence and exceptional acting to his roles and was scene partners with many fellow legends of classic porn.

Will Seagers, present day

You can read Will Seagers' previous blogs for Bijou here: