A Present-day Family
A short story by David Lee © 2018
It was nearing the 10th year of John's marriage to Melissa. Everyone who knew them considered it a match made in heaven. Mr. and Mrs. McNeil were both intelligent and good looking, and they had two attractive children, Cody aged nine, and Abbie aged seven. If you were to look up the word "family" in the dictionary, you might expect to see the McNeil Christmas photo as the illustration.
John cared about his wife and the kids, but he'd had a growing feeling of restlessness for the past couple of years. No matter what he did to suppress his desires, the embers still smoldered. In addition, Melissa's feelings for him seemed to have cooled.
Back when he was just a little boy, he'd had an unusually strong interest in other boys. It was more than the usual tribal instincts of young males who tend to bond together instead of seeking out the opposite sex. Most guys go through a stage in which boys are cool, and girls have cooties, but this was more intense.
He loved seeing other boys in their underwear or less, if possible. Their bodies looked beautiful to him.
One day, his friend across the street and he showed off their little penises, John was eager to touch his buddy's. He might even have kissed it, but they heard someone coming, and quickly pulled up their shorts.
They got together the following day, inside the garden shed, and felt each other up for several minutes. He was in heaven! He loved his friend's cute little circumcised dick. He wondered why his was different, but his friend didn't know, and John knew better than to ask his parents. If he did, they would figure out that he'd been comparing with other boys. He remembered being told that he shouldn't show off his boy-parts back when he was about three years of age. At the time, he didn't recall pulling down his pants, but he must have, and they evidently saw him do it. Ever after, he'd been very secretive so that adults weren't aware of his activities. That added to the mystique of pursuing forbidden fruit.
His cautious nature served him well in middle school and high school. He was never the one to initiate anything remotely sexual with his buddies. Boys who did that around the wrong kids often got bullied. John dodged those problems, but as a result, he also missed out on exploring his sexuality during puberty.
He was careful in high school to date only the kind of girls who wouldn't allow a boy to go too far sexually. So, he earned the reputation of being a young gentleman, the kind that parents trusted with their daughters.
College years are often the time when young people break with the values of their parents' generation, trying out alcohol, drugs, and sex – a sort of rebellious period in their lives. It wasn't like that for John. If anything, he became more conservative, and more like his elders.
From his earliest remembrance, one of the things he'd always wanted in life was a family. During those formative years, he made a conscious decision that he would forego the sexual pleasures he craved and go deeply into the closet. This would be his sacrifice. If people could give up chocolate for lent, he could give up other males for the rest of his life, couldn't he? All it took was will power.
A mutual friend had introduced John to Melissa their senior year at Iowa State, and the rest, as they say, was history. Their goals in life were so similar that it was as if fate had created them for each other.
The first day Paul Price joined the firm where John worked, was like a new awakening. Paul was a few years younger, and cute as hell! His blond hair was cut high and tight on the sides and back but longer on top. His beard was quite short, sort of like a three-day growth. And, he didn't have on a wedding band.
He was like a Greek god but sculpted in firm flesh instead of marble. The secretarial staff nearly creamed their undies when he graced them with a smile.
On top of everything else, Paul had a great personality. He was smart but didn't act as if he were better than anyone else. In short, he was a wet-dream come true.
John knew this man was temptation in a business suit. When John's eyes met Paul's, it was like the communion of two soulmates. Only because of his years of self-discipline, was John able to keep from having an erection when they shook hands.
After Paul had met several other people in the office, the CEO, Edward Kress, brought him back to John's desk. He notified them that they would become a team, working with their London affiliate in developing advanced avionics communication technology. He suggested that they take a long lunch break at the Hilton on the company's dime to get acquainted.
The thought of being a two-man team with Paul was both exhilarating and frightening for John. Although he longed to be in close contact with this handsome guy, he wasn't sure he could keep from straying with that much temptation around every day.
Over their two-hour lunch, the men did bond as their boss had suggested. Paul seemed to be in awe of John, a fact that the latter found almost humorous. Here he was practically drooling over his young companion, and Paul seemed to feel privileged to be in his company.
"I've nearly memorized everything you've published in the Avionics Review. You're a genius!" Paul exclaimed while they were eating their salads. "I never dreamed I'd be working with you."
"I've really been dependent on the pioneers like Arthur Collins."
"So has everyone else whose followed him, but you've taken the science further than most of them, and you're still a young man. Who knows how much more you'll accomplish?"
"With your help, that might be possible. I want you to know that whatever breakthrough we might make as a team, I'll make sure you get equal credit. You have more recent training at the university than I have."
"That may be, but guys like you are advancing the field too rapidly for academia to keep up. This is where it's at, as they say."
What was cool about their conversation was that it was truly mutual admiration, and not a form of insincere flattery. It boded well for their working together.
Over the next few weeks, they did make some exciting progress. Their counterparts in London were eager to have face to face meetings to offer their input. They didn't want to exchange ideas over Skype or other similar sites for fear of being hacked. What they were doing could be worth millions, if not billions, of dollars to the company in the long run.
Thus, after about three months, Mr. Kress felt it was time for the men to spend a couple of weeks abroad to coordinate with the London team. Paul nearly fainted at the projected cost of flying them roundtrip to Heathrow. He said that he didn't mind flying coach, but their boss wanted them to take the most comfortable accommodations available.
"The price I quoted will give you sleeper-seats from New York to London. They're almost like being in a single bed with nearly seven feet of space to stretch out in completely flat, or slightly inclined as you wish. It may seem costly, but you'll arrive refreshed and be able to accomplish more when you get there. That outweighs the benefits of pinching pennies. I'll put you up in a fine hotel as well."
"You could save money if we share a room," Paul suggested. "We're likely to want to talk shop in our off hours anyway."
"Yes, that might be a good deal for everyone," Mr. Kress agreed. "If you do that, I'll extend your time past the week or week and a half I think you'll need. You might take a side trip to Paris or Brussels, on us, of course."
That seemed like a very nice reward to both men, but John wondered if Melissa would object to having him gone so far away for that amount of time.
"That sounds like a wonderful opportunity," Melissa exclaimed when she heard the details. "I have some comp-time coming, and I can be home before the children get out of school, so they won't have to go to a sitter or your parents' house. It'll give you the chance to concentrate fully on your job, and maybe relax a little at the end of the day. You and Paul should enjoy the night-life over there if you have the chance. He seems like a compatible guy.
John wasn't exactly sure what to make of Melissa's attitude toward his being away. On the one hand, he was thrilled his announcement hadn't led to unpleasantness; on the other, he felt that she might not miss him as much as he'd assumed she would.
After flying to JFK, with a connection at O'Hare, the guys boarded the commodious jet with the sleeper lounges for their overnight flight to London. It was an entirely different experience from what they'd had in past air travel. Following a substantial snack, they were able to get comfortable and sleep for a good part of the trip.
It was afternoon, local time, when they arrived at their hotel. They had a short meeting with their overseas team, and then went to dinner with them.
Everyone hit it off well, and the likelihood of getting a lot done looked very promising.
John and Paul had a difficult time getting to sleep when night fell in London. Their internal clocks would take a while resetting themselves. So, after taking their showers, they propped up in their beds and talked for a while.
Both shared personal information that they would have withheld from others in the office. John mentioned that his marriage wasn't the wedded bliss it looked like to people on the outside. He even admitted to being restless and unsure if he'd been wise to commit so young.
Paul confessed that he'd had an affair with a married friend which had ended badly and left him wounded. His friend had rejected him after the divorce, so he felt doubly bad.
Eventually, their melatonin pills kicked in, and they were able to sleep.
The next morning, they felt pretty good. Both had rested well but had been cold in the night when the temperature had gone down. They intended to ask the maid for more blankets before another night. However, they forgot all about it as they rushed to meet their ride to the London office. Once there, they got down to business quickly. The day seemed to fly by.
That evening, they decided to forgo the sleeping aids and try to drift off naturally.
"Do you think taking a warm shower followed by a massage would help us relax?" John asked.
"Is that an invitation?" Paul wondered aloud, hoping he wasn't reading too much into it.
"It is if you want it to be," John responded.
"Yes, I'd like that," Paul blushed. "You're welcome to shower first."
"I thought we might do it together..."
"That would be especially nice."
As one might imagine, being naked together under the cascading water led to a lot of intimate contact. They barely managed to keep from coming before drying off and climbing into John's bed. He brought along a dry towel to help keep the sheets from getting soaked with their ejaculate, which he assumed would be abundant.
Pulling Paul on top of him, he started rubbing their bodies together. Neither of them lasted long as weeks of pent-up desire drove them to their climaxes.
After a few minutes of post-coital bliss, Paul began to feel guilty.
"I sort of set this up by offering to share the same room with you."
"You didn't hear me object, did you?"
"No, but now I feel like I may have messed up your marriage with my lack of self-control. Given my past experience, I should know better!"
"Hey, I'm the one who started this tonight, and if anyone should feel guilty, it should be me. However, I don't. I've already told you about my marital situation. We married too young, before we really knew what we wanted.
"Sure, we were as happy as lots of couples for several years, but things began to change after the birth of our daughter. It was a difficult pregnancy, and our marriage suffered. In the past couple of years, I've realized I might not be cut out to live my life with a woman. Now, I know for sure what I've been missing."
"See, I've messed you up!"
"No, aren't you listening? I felt this way before I ever met you. It would've happened eventually with someone, but I'm glad it's with someone I care about. I thought I made that clear last night."
"Someone's liable to get hurt anyway, and I don't want it to be either of us. I care about you too."
"Then let's be optimistic and assume we can work it out. People get divorces every day."
"But, you stand to lose a lot in the process. She could ruin you financially."
"I'd rather live in poverty with you than be rich as Midas without you."
"That's all very noble, but the bills still have to be paid."
"So, you don't want me if I'm poor?"
"I want you any way I can have you, but I'm afraid you'll be miserable if your wife gets most of what you have. I know from experience it can happen."
"Please don't worry over the future. I'm not that Kevin guy you loved in the past. Sleep in my bed tonight, and let's enjoy what we've shared. Besides, it will be warmer!"
"Okay. Will you cuddle up to my back?"
"Hell, Yes!"
Paul woke up with a smile on his face as he felt John's lips on the back of his neck. They showered together, but they didn't engage in sex play despite their hardons.
After a pleasant breakfast in the dining room, they were again met by a driver to take them to the office.
The men hadn't discussed how they would interact in the company of others, but both realized it would be best to simply work together in the same manner they had since first becoming a team. However, occasionally, their eyes would meet for a split-second longer than necessary, and a slight smile would light up their faces.
Some of their British counterparts wanted to have dinner together that night and they again went out as a group, but on Wednesday, John and Paul shared a quiet meal in the hotel restaurant. Then they went up to their room to relax.
For about half an hour, they reviewed the day's progress, making a few notes for further discussion. After that, they undressed down to their underwear and stretched out on John's bed.
"I wonder what the maid thought when she figured out only one bed's been used." Paul said.
"She was probably figured one of us got lucking and slept elsewhere. She was likely happy that she didn't have to make up two." John grinned. "I doubt housekeeping ponders who sleeps where or with whom. And if they think of it at all, they probably don't give a damn. Will you sleep with me again tonight?"
"Sure. I have to enjoy every little bit of time we have."
"It won't stop when we get home. We might not have as much opportunity at first. I'll have to be careful not to make separate living arrangements too quickly because it might give her an unfair advantage. I'm not going to cheat her out of a good settlement, but I certainly want to co-parent the kids."
"You ARE going to be walking a tightrope. I can't jeopardize your chances, especially with your children. The couple of times I've been around them, I've found them adorable."
Once John and Paul began making out, most conversation ceased. The few words they exchanged were for making sure the other was comfortable with what they were doing.
"Let's shower before we go any further," John whispered in a voice thick with lust. "I want to give your smooth ball-sac a tongue bath."
"I'd like to suck on your nuts too," Paul smiled.
Naturally, their desire to please each other in that way led to lying in a 69-position. Giving and receiving at the same time was a turn-on which propelled them rapidly toward an almost simultaneous climax.
The rest of the week passed in much the same manner. John and Paul worked hard every day and played around in some form or other every night. By Tuesday of the following week, their project was wrapped up. Everyone involved felt great about what they'd accomplished.
That night, the whole team all went out to dinner to celebrate. Arriving back at their hotel with full tummies, and a bit to drink, the lovers contented themselves with falling to sleep in each other's arms.
On Wednesday morning, John and Paul checked out of their hotel and took a train to Paris, passing through the "Chunnel." It was an interesting experience knowing they were traveling under the channel. If they'd dwelt on it, they might have felt a little anxious about what could happen if there were a terrorist attack.
They booked a hotel which was within walking distance of several tourist attractions and wasn't too expensive. Seeing the sights together gave them special meaning. It was like a honeymoon to be remembered.
Saturday, they arose early to take a ferry across the channel and a bus to Heathrow where they boarded a plane for home. Their "interlude" was over. Or was it?
John was feeling the effects of jet-lag on Sunday when Melissa said they needed to have a serious conversation about their marriage. He assumed that she must have guessed about his feeling for Paul, but he was alert enough to let her take the lead and not offer any information.
"We both realize things between us aren't what they once were. I believe we married too young, before we knew our minds completely."
John couldn't help thinking she was using almost the exact words he'd said to Paul
"So, what are you proposing we do?" He asked.
"I think we should go our separate ways. If we have a "no contest" divorce, it wouldn't drain all our savings."
"What about the kids? Do we co-parent equally?
"No, I think it would be unsettling for them to go back and forth between two households. It would be best for them to remain in this house and live with the parent they're closest to emotionally."
"I've been close to them!" John insisted. "Who's always taken them to the doctor or the emergency room? Who comforted them during storms?"
"That's my point exactly. They should live with you. I'll be moving to Europe, anyway, if all goes according to plan."
"What?"
"Bernadette's been offered the chance of a lifetime to head the company's branch in Amsterdam. She wants me to go with her as her second in command. It's my chance to be who I really am."
"Wow! What exactly is that, and when did this all come about?"
"It's been a long time in the making. I never told you that during my freshman year in college I had a torrid affair with another girl. I knew I wanted a family, so when it ended, I decided to go straight, so to speak. I guess it didn't work. I need another woman."
"This is a lot to digest all at once."
"I know, but I've already contacted my lawyer. He disagrees with some of what I want to do because he thinks I'm being too generous, but I don't want this to drag on. I'll give you full title to the house and cars. I'll keep the $25,000 I have in my savings account, and I'm willing to pay $500 a month in child support. I think that's fair. I'll also relinquish any parental rights. Cody and Abbie shouldn't be left in limbo, and neither should you."
The minute he was alone after Melissa's announcement, John contacted Paul with a very short text message. He was careful not to say anything that might be used against either of them in the future. He asked Paul to join him for a drink at a small tavern near Paul's apartment.
Melissa showed no overt concern about his leaving the house to visit a bar. She thought he might need to drown his sorrow, but she did remind him to take a cab if he overindulged. She didn't want anything to happen to him.
Once Paul and he were ensconced in a booth where the light was low, he was finally able to tell the whole story. He tried not to leave out any of the details.
"So, you see," he concluded, "I'll soon be a free man. I'll have my children and my house, and I can have you as well!"
"This seems too good to be true! You don't suppose she's having you followed to see who you're with and try to get something on you."
"I honestly don't. I've known her for 12 years, and she's never been like that. Obviously, I'm being careful in case she has a sinister side that she's kept well-hidden. But, I'm not into conspiracy theories."
Although he was pleased with how things were working out, John was still a little shell-shocked. He hadn't anticipated that Melissa might want out as badly as he did. He'd thought he might have to fight her for the children. Now that was all taken care of in the agreements she'd signed.
What surprised him even more was the attitude his son and daughter exhibited. Their mother had prepared them for her eventual departure, and they didn't appear to be overly upset after she left.
They were a little clingy at first, like they perhaps feared he would leave them too, but all he had to do was hug them and reassure them he would always be there for them. There weren't any of the nightmares or bed-wetting incidents that some children seem to suffer.
Shortly after Melissa's departure, the kids' school had spring break. John took a week of vacation so that they could do some fun things together. Paul took two days off to give him a long weekend and spend time with them too. John felt it would be good for his children to get better acquainted with his boyfriend to see how they would all get along.
Since there were several attractions they wanted to see in the Des Moines area, John felt it was to their advantage to rent rooms in a hotel for a couple of nights. He booked adjoining ones with a door between. That way, Paul could be near, but not in the same room.
When they got there, Cody had a different idea.
"Why don't you and Paul stay in the same room, and Abbie and me in the other one? That's how we did it when Mom and Bernadette took us to the Quad Cities overnight. I think they slept together. You could do that since you're both boys."
"We could share a room, but I'm not sure we'll sleep together. If there were a storm, you kids might crawl in bed with me, and that would be pretty crowded."
"We might sleep through it. This place is really quiet. I heard the lady at the desk say it's been sound-proofed because of being near the airport."
Paul did share John's bed for about an hour after the kids were fast asleep but was in his own spot in the morning when they got up.
Cody and Abbie enjoyed the Living History Farm west of the city. For children living in an urban area, it was a real treat. The other favorite spot was the Reiman Gardens in Ames, a few miles to the north. There was a special exhibit of large sculptures made of Lego blocks, and Cody, especially, was fascinated.
The botanical gardens weren't quite as exciting, but the children did love seeing all the birds and butterflies which flew freely within the huge dome.
The men were able to continue their romantic relationship despite John's parental responsibilities since his parents were pleased to have their grandchildren stay with them anytime John asked. He told them about his feelings for Paul, and they understood.
The men also continued to take the kids places together. They might go to a park, out for dinner, and enjoy various events as a family unit. Everyone got along great.
"Are you going to get us a new mommy?" Abbie asked out of the blue one morning as the kids were having breakfast with John.
"Would you like me to?" He responded.
"No, my friend, Kylie got one and she's mean. I don't like Bernadette either."
"Okay, I wasn't planning to find you a new mommy, anyway."
"Could we get a new daddy?" Cody wondered aloud.
"Do you want to replace me?"
"Nope, we could have another one instead of a mommy. "Sean has two dads, and it's pretty cool. They got married last summer, and now they're a family."
"Hmmm, that's an interesting thought. Do you have anyone in mind?"
"How about Paul?"
"Yeah, could we have him for another daddy?" Abbie chimed in. "You could ask him when he comes over for dinner tonight."
"I suppose I could, but it might be more convincing if you kids asked."
"We could do that," Cody agreed.
Paul had scarcely entered the kitchen door when the two children ran to greet him.
"Me and Cody want to ask you something," Abbie told him.
"No, Abbie, it's `Cody and I want to ask you something." John corrected.
"No, Daddy, it's not you; it's Cody!"
"Okay, we'll work on grammar later. Go ahead."
"Paul, will you be our second daddy? Me and Cody want you to be."
"Um, John, did you put them up to this?"
"They were the ones who came up with the idea and wanted me to ask you, but I said they should."
"Do you want me as well?"
"Of course, I do!"
"How soon do you want to do this?" Paul asked.
"Right now!" Abbie insisted.
"We can't make it official until the divorce is finalized, and that could take another six months. But, you could move in as soon as possible," John offered.
"Move in tonight!" Cody insisted.
"It might take all weekend, but I could start sleeping here if you want." Paul answered.
And so it was that Paul and John began their new life together. About seven months later, they had a small wedding with the children as their attendants.
That year's Christmas letter included a picture of a new family who looked very happy.
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Author's notes: If you enjoyed this little tale, I'd love to hear from you. My contact info is: dlee169@hotmail.commailto:dlee169@hotmail.com. I do my best to answer your emails. Please put the title of the story in the subject-line so I can rescue your correspondence if it gets cast into the spam folder.
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