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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 23
Friday night Ty and I did have a date night. We checked out an indie movie at the Bird Theatre and had some Mediterranean food. Ty had to help me order since I haven't eaten food like that before. He was able to pick up the bill as I again didn't have any money. We had a good night out, which was seemingly more simple than we once had thought. Saturday, Bill took us to the men's store to pick out ties for the Christmas dance at the country club. Ty convinced me to wear a bow tie which I thoght was ridiculous until I saw it on and I looked amazing. He would have to help me tie it so it would be all good. He later picked up Tristan and headed to the West Side to meet up with Caleb while I waited for Jack to finish up with his football party. Of course my team won and I couldn't wait to give Jason some static about it.
Jack texted me that he was home and the address so I headed out to his house. He lived out past the historic district in a more neighborly type district. His family had a modest two story house. His mother opened the door and invited me in. She was really nice saying that Jack had some very flattering things about me. He came downstairs having taken a recent shower. His hair was partially wet.
"Hey Josh, how you doing man?"
"Good Jack. Did you enjoy the game?"
"Well it didn't finish as we expected but it was suspenseful for sure," he said, leading me to a door that led to the basement. As I descended down the stairs, I found a palace of leisure waiting for us. It was so cool. There were vintage wood paneled walls, with a small kitchen and a bar in the corner, banners on the walls, an older sectional, slightly worn and a large flat screen tv.
"Is this your man cave?" I asked. "Its really cool," I said with amazement. Ty and I could definitely do with something like this. I dropped down on the sofa and Jack sat down beside me stretching back on the arm. He told me about the game that afternoon. Nothing eventful was said. I told him about my date night with Ty. Being closeted as he is, he said he could understand how we would feel self-conscious. Then I got him to open up about his knee injury.
"So Jack, being that we are both injured jocks, I was wondering about your story. Were you a rising star who got knocked down?" I asked. He laughed.
"Well, I was going to be a god linebacker I was sure. Everyone thought so," he admitted. "I wasn't going to be center attention like you. Was it bad on you?" he asked, turning the tables.
I told him about the attack and the fact I had to give a deposition on Monday. I told him everything that happened right up to where the trash cans came crashing down on me and I couldn't remember anything after that until I was in the hospital. He was hanging on to every word. I took for granted that everyone knew the story but he didn't go to our school so only saw the news and heard Dr. Perrow's take on my situation. He shook his head in disbelief.
"Fuck who has something like that happen to him?" he asked in utter shock.
"Well, I guess you screw with a crazy guy and you pay the price. The fact is, it was only because of a car that he got the better of me. If he had tried to attack me like a man, it would have been him in the hospital," I said confidently.
"Hell yeah!" he said.
"I'm serious, Jack. What he did to Ty left me angry for a long time. I was ready to fight. He took that away from me and took my game as well. Jason's dad warned me about "rabbit holes" and I experienced them just like he said. I fell into dark moods. Blasted my step dad, wandered the house in the middle of the night. Of course, Ty and I hadn't fully admitted our feelings yet and I almost lost him before we got going but I think that us coming clean with each other helped me out of it. I really do," I said.
"Damn Josh, that's some inspiring shit. When you decide to sit down and write the book, let me know. I write like a whiz in case you didn't know. I will scribe all that out for you!"
"Wow Jack, I didn't know that. That might be a conversation for another time, indeed!" He laughed and a few minutes later, the basement door opened and light streamed down the staircase.
"Jack, honey, your pizza is here," said his mom from the top of the stairs.
"Oh cool," Jack said. "She ordered us a pizza in case we were hungry," he said excitedly. I was glad to hear it because I was hungry. On the way back upstairs, he told me he had a strict agreement with his parents that they not invade his man cave without prior warning. I laughed. Oh God, how Ty and I needed a basement!
We munched out on that pizza and told some funny stories. He screamed with laughter when I told him about my worst game and I threw the ball across the field and into the opposing team's hands, not once but twice in that game. He told me about pulling away from the gas pump one day with the nozzle still in the tank. I was laughing so hard.
"What happened?" I asked in absolute suspense.
"It snapped out of my tank, flew back and hit an old station wagon's windshield and cracked it all the way across!" He had to take a break because we were laughing. "The man in the car yelled for 911 because he thought his wife was having a heart attack! She wasn't, of course, but damn, that was funny. My dad was not happy," he said in a reverent voice. What was also funny is that some old kung-fu moving was on TV and I hadn't seen one of those in years. It was a little stunning, actually, but you can imagine Jack and I started putting imitation kung-fu moves on each other until we were splayed out across the basement floor carpet. Two things came to mind during our "playtime;" first, he was strong. He had some real push down in there, and second, the wrestling reminded me of a certain boy from a long time ago. I forgot how physical exertion and horniness work hand in hand and I got super horny and so did he.
I was laying there on my side and he on his back and we were both panting. Wearing jeans during our altercation made us hot.
"Jack, you are so cool. I could have done with a friend like you a long time ago," I told him.
"Me too, Josh. It's never like this with Jason," he said. We looked at each other for a few moments and I couldn't resist asking, "you want me to?" assuming he knew what I was saying. He said, "yes, please," and I leaned forward and kissed him. I remembered the kiss when we were in the woods and this was nothing short of incredible. He had defined lips that seemed to anticipate whatever I was going to do next and he put his hand on the back of my head to pull me closer. I put my hand on his chest and felt his firm pecs. We broke the kiss after a few minutes. I was so hot. Jack, being a top like myself, I didn't see a reality of me fucking him but if it had been Ty or Tristan, I would have gotten some ass that night. I rolled on top of him and he said I wouldn't get much traction with that but he gave in. He lifted his legs as I kissed him and I could feel the dry hump starting to kick in.
"Don't think that bottoming makes you less masculine, Jack. I used to think that until one night when Ty took over and laid into me. It was hot like I have never felt hot. Know what I'm saying? If you ever get to that point with Tristan and he decides he wants to take over, you might have to give in," I told him. He moaned quietly.
Breaking the tension, he looked up at me and said, "You're a big sissy, Josh." `I drew back shocked at this accusation. Then he started laughing. "All the time wanting to kiss on boys! Pathetic!" he said, getting up off the floor.
"Seriously?" I asked. ""Oh yes please Josh. Kiss me stud!' I was just waiting for you to invite me to fuck you," I said mocking him. His face turned to surprise.
"You wish and I didn't call you a stud, brothah!" he said and we started laughing again. Jack turned serious again and decided to use the moment to talk about sex. What sex was like between Ty and me. I was honest with him. I knew it was turning him on. He asked about Tristan and I didn't volunteer much. I told him Tristan and I were kissers but it was all in fun. He didn't seem worried especially when I told him what Tristan said about being more my step brother than Ty and also that Tristan said he would never want someone that had been Ty's love before. He said the texts with Tristan were great and they were meeting on Sunday. Nothing intimate, just meet and get to know each other. I was thrilled. Jack's maturity was evident when he said that he was afraid if he rushed Tristan into sex, they may not have a chance at something more long term.
As it was getting close to curfew time, I told him I had to go.
"This has been a great evening Jack. Thanks for inviting me over. You and me are cool, right?" I asked.
"Very cool," he said. I said good night to his mom who said I was welcome anytime. She was glad Jack was making new friends and I headed home. Damn, he was a really cool guy, I was thinking. I felt very confident he would treat Tristan as he deserved. The one conversation that stuck with me was when he suggested that staying in the closet was going to become harder as long as he went out with guys like Tristan because Tristan, like Ty, didn't care about people's opinions. Why it mattered so much to Jack and me was not clear to me. I mean, who was going to call me "sissy" to my face and not expect a backlash. Did I care what the prisspots of Brumfield High thought of me? Jack and I landed on the same issue at the same time. He would only feel some pain, but Ty and I had another problem. We were step brothers and that was bigger than just "coming out."
When I got home, I saw Ty's car in front of the house. He was home but the lights in his room were off. I came in the back door and headed up stairs. Mom and Bill were watching some late night tv in their room. I told him goodnight. I went into my room and tried to enter Ty's room but the bathroom door was locked. That was a clear signal that worried me to no end. I gave him his privacy except for the fact I texted him and said, "good night. Love you". A few moments later, he texted me back and said "night. Me too." and then there was nothing. I was dying of curiosity but more than anything, this wasn't the time for drama. The holidays were coming.
I slept uneasy that night and say Ty at breakfast. He was quiet but pleasant. I asked how the movie was with Caleb and he said it was fine. He had a lot of work to do with his shop because of the number of items sold on Saturday and he had to box things and make shipping labels. I could see there was a lot of effort involved in his business but he seemed to be doing well. I asked if I could help but he said he would do it. Bill asked if I could help him get the water fountain shut off and drain the lines because we could have a freeze at any time and the water had to be cleared from the lines to prevent breaking. We got that done and I showered and dressed and headed out to meet Ginny. She took me to some cool West End place where I had a cubano sandwich. Hadn't had one before but it was good. We compared notes on school, politics, her mom, and the mystery with Ty. She said she and her mom had picked out her dress for the christmas dance. Ginny is so funny. She said she thought she should apologize for putting so much effort into it since our "date" was for show. I quickly corrected her and told her our date was a date, whether Ty was there or not. She was my friend and besides that, it was only fitting that a guy of my standing be seen with a beautiful girl in a beautiful dress! She laughed and blushed at the same time. "You're too much, Josh Warner," she said.
There was nothing to report on Sunday evening. I said hey to Ty in his room and he said he had some homework to finish. He would talk to me later. Well later never came so I did my homework and watched the latest episode of Walking Dead with Bill and mom then turned in. I decided before I fell asleep that I would address this problem tomorrow with Ty and I didn't care if he was pissed off. I don't know what I did and I certainly couldn't make amends for it until I knew!
Monday went by slower than I hoped. People were starting to feel the Thanksgiving holiday and we were excited to have Wednesday and Friday off. Some of the teachers were determined to do their jobs as usual and some were more relaxed since it was a holiday week. When that last bell went off, I was out of the school, in my car, and on my way home. I waited for Ty and he pulled up soon after me. He came into the kitchen and I jerked his backpack out of his hand.
"Hey, what the hell?" he barked.
"Come with me," I said and I pulled his arm. He pulled back, creating resistance.
"Please Ty, come with me. There is something I want to show you!" and I dragged him out the front door and we walked up the sidewalk toward Willowby Park. I asked him how his day was and he said it was fine. He was sighing as if I had totally infringed on his time and inconvenienced him.
"Why are you taking me to the park, Josh? I really don't have time today," he said.
"Ty, give me a break please. You know your attitude is unsettling me and you're being a jerk! II intend to find out why you feel like I deserve this and what I can do to correct it. That's all and it's not a lot to ask!" I said, taking his arm and directing him through the park entrance. I walked him to the far end and found the path into the woods. I found the landmark that Jack and I had located that lead to the creek. Very quickly, we found the creek.
"Why are we out here in the damn woods? We could get ticks out here!" he barked.
"Take a seat," I said pointing to a fallen tree. He leaned against it and picked up a skinny stick and started picking at the bark. I sat down beside him, facing the running creek water.
"I love running water," I said quietly.
"I do too, really," he replied.
"Ty, the last few days remind me of some difficult days we've had in the past. I need to fix it. I can't stand it anymore. What did I do?" I asked quietly.
"Nothing really, Josh. I'm sorry for making you feel like that. I was unfair."
"Then what is wrong? I don't want to have holidays with you upset or miserable? Did Caleb do something to you?" I asked. He was quiet for a few minutes.
"It was something I did to him," he said. I maintained a blank face hoping he would continue without me prodding.
"I kissed him, Josh. I kissed Caleb and I don't know what you will do. I'm terrified," he said, looking down at his feet. I knew that look, where he wouldn't look at you when he was confessing. I chuckled lightly, but didn't want him to think I was laughing at him. He shot me an evil look..
"How did it happen?" I asked.
"We had such a good time and he was so cool at the movies. He sat between me and Tristan and we poked and prodded at him, like we were kids. It really felt like that. It seemed he really loved the attention. So, when we got back to his house, Tristan got some texts from Jack and Caleb and I were out his back porch." He paused and looked up at me. "He said he had a terrific time and that an evening with Tristan and me was incredible. So much better than the clowns he usually ran around with. It made me feel really good and I did feel attracted to him. I really did, Josh and I'm so sorry. I know you're gonna be mad. I know it," he said. I touched his arm and told him I wasn't mad.
"So while we were out there, I pulled him down toward me and I kissed his cheek. He acted like he was shocked but I don't think he really was. He told me I could do it again and he met me that time and I kissed him on the lips. It was really sexy. It wasn't the same kind of kiss you and I do but I got turned on. Fast, too," he said. "You're a little bit to blame too, Josh. You make it look so easy and fun but now I'm wondering if you secretly have the hots for them," he said.
"Whoa buddy, I haven't kissed anyone you don't know about and that's been Micah, Tristan and Jack. I have been honest with you and you know these are people who pose zero, as in, absolutely no risk to you or us and they all knew about us, " then I added, "Remember, these people know about us and how I feel about you. Caleb doesn't have that insight so in his mind, you could be an available guy. That could really fuck things up. Know what I'm saying?"
"Yes, that's a good point. And I'm not blaming you, I just thought it was easier than it was. I felt so guilty, like I was cheating on you," he admitted.
"What did Caleb say about the kiss?" I asked.
"He said he didn't mind doing it but he wasn't expecting all that. He said he really liked that we could hang out again and he sort of liked the affection but didn't if he could do more. I told him that wasn't what I was looking for without telling him I had a boyfriend, especially as he was trying to be a real friend. He said that was cool."
"Well Ty, I think you have explained it to yourself already. It was meant to be affectionate and that is nothing more that I do with Tristan. I care about him and can show him that affection without it leading to sex. Everyone thinks that if you're kissing, sex is inevitable and I'm not sure I agree with that."
"I can see that. You don't think I was cheating on you?"
"Do you think you should feel guilty about kissing Caleb when you know I jerked off Jack, right over there against that tree?" I said, pointing to the tree. His cum is sprayed all over that area right there!" I said pointing to a leafy area just away from the tree. Ty started laughing. "You are so gross!" he shouted.
"Tell the whole park," I replied. "It wasn't gross. It was hot!" I said loudly.
"I am so stupid sometime, Josh. I was so fretted I couldn't face you. You think I'm silly don't you?"
"Well, Ty, I always credit you as being the mature one. You have your feelings and beliefs and attitudes all in check and wasting two days on a boycrush kiss just isn't worth it. Know what I'm saying?" I asked.
"Yeah, I do. I'm sorry Josh. I didn't mean to shut you out."
"To be honest, I kissed Jack again Saturday at his house. I was going to tell you but you weren't talking. It too was no big deal, we didn't take our clothes off and no one came. We were wrestling and I felt like I did when I was a kid and it turned me on. But Ty, he is going for Tristan full speed ahead so I think that won't happen again. You ok?"
"You didn't get naked or do anything oral? I'm not going to worry about it, especially after all the feelings I just went through."
"Good," I said and I pulled him to me and started our ritual kissing. It was so awesome being by the creek, in nature and outside, and feeling our passion again. Yes, I got him up and led him to the tree. Yes, I unzipped his jeans and released his hard cock. Yes, I got on my knees and sucked him in. He kept looking around but no one was out in these woods today. He was so hard, it must have been a day or two for him. Just pushing my finger in between his legs and massaging his hole while I sucked him got him over the hump fairly quick.
"I'm cumming, Josh. Holy shit, I'm cumming!" and I gripped his cock so that he shot a pretty good load out. I just nabbed the head of his cock in the last few spurts and swallowed a bit of his jizz. That tangy flavor hit my tongue almost immediately. He tasted good too. His body stopped spasming and he calmed down. I helped him zip back up and he smiled at me.
"I didn't deserve that," he said.
"You always deserve that babe, as long as you're not imagining Caleb doing it instead of me," I said laughing and teasing.
"That's not funny Josh. You know he would be a good cocksucker with those lips," he shot back.
"Don't think I haven't already thought of it," I said, leading him out of the woods.
"I think you size people up by how they kiss and if they possibly give good head, Josh! By the way, that's a sexy place. I have never been in that part of the park. I'm glad we cut the ribbon on it," he said laughing. "We should put up a plaque!" he suggested. I could picture that and it made me laugh as well. Ok, crisis averted and all was back on track. Wednesday, the parents would be in the office part of the day and Ty and I would make really good use of our freetime. Very good use!
I had received some texts from Jack saying he and Tristan had an amazing time Sunday afternoon. They walked around Midtown and checked out a fair going on by the river. He was crazy about Tristan and was happy we had introduced them. I asked Ty what Tristan had said and he confirmed that Tristan basically said the same. Tristan was going to be at one set of grandparents at the beach for Thanksgiving so he was out of pocket for the weekend. He and Jack would be off schedule for Christmas because Jack would be in DC for the first week of Christmas while Tristan would be in Atlanta the second week of Christmas, getting back just in time for New Year's. We would all go to Lisa's party which would give us a chance to party together. Finger's crossed nothing fucked up in the meantime.
And Wednesday morning came, on multiple levels. The parents were at work for a half day or so. Mom would be home after lunch while Bill would probably slip home after 3. Lawyers and billable hours, you know. With the house quiet, I was only just waking up when Ty came into my room.
"It's cold," Ty said, rushing to the other side of my bed. I lifted the cover and he slipped in and snuggled with me. The previous night, Ty talked to me about the aftereffects with Caleb. Caleb is playing hot and cold so we don't have any evidence he is really gay or not. Ty and I agreed it seems that he might use Ty's affection as an ego booster or maybe it turns him on even though he is not attracted to guys. I googled that and it is not uncommon among teen boys to get turned on by affection from guys, especially when they feel safe. It was an interesting sociology discussion. In any case, we have to be cautious with him but have no immediate concerns.
Ty snuggling up to me was what I was most interested in at the moment. Facing each other side by side, and wrapped in each other's arms, we kissed and felt each other. Our hormones hit fast and hard and, in an unusual twist, he ended up impaling himself on my cock and riding me. We don't do that often as it is hard on my cock. I don't bend back that easily and I will get tired fast but he rode slowly and bend forward to kiss me off and on. He controlled the ride by staying on his knees. It was slow going down and coming back up and it got me very close much faster than I wanted. I rolled him onto his side and used some funny position drive him home. His legs were crossed over mine as I fucked him on our sides. He came with force and so did I immediately after. By the time we detangled, we were moist from sweat and it wasn't cold anymore. By the time, we were in the parent's master shower which we had only used once or twice because it was glass and roomier than our tub, he got hard again.
"No way, babe. I can't fuck again that quick. My dick will break off," and we both laughed.
"Who said I need you to fuck me again?" he asked sarcastically. He pushed me down to my knees and the fucker had me suck him off. I almost believe I was about to become one of those bottom bitches but for some reason, him cumming twice was becoming a thing. I don't know if he was going through puberty again or what. He just couldn't get enough. What I was learning about myself, is that it wasn't whether I wanted to suck him off or not. It was the fact that turning him on, and feeling him respond to the attention and seeing him satisfied, and knowing that was all me doing that, turned me on in exchange. Hearing those soft moans and gasps he makes, well, it's much better than the crap you watch online. The load wasn't going to be big so I took a chance and I sucked it out of him. I was correct. It was just enough to taste but not overwhelm. I stroked myself as I sucked him but I didn't cum again. I would have another chance at that later, perhaps. Hopefully, he will be satisfied for the day!
Ty took some chicken out of the freezer to thaw because he was making dinner for the family including Ginny tonight. The kitchen was a mess because mom had pulled out everything for Thanksgiving. I'm glad it is a spacious kitchen because she is going to need all the room to prepare Thanksgiving for two families. Yeah, Ty and I were excited that we would have Bryce to ourselves. Bryce was chill and would be easy to entertain.
Ginny came over and Ty's chicken dinner was perfect. It was really unfair because my mother was just beaming that I had a girl over. This may not have been the best part of my plan. She would be so disappointed to know it wasn't Ginny that I was in love with. Ginny, Ty, and I were playing cards at the breakfast table after dinner. We were laughing and joking and prodding each other during the game of Hearts and mom came in and asked if Ty wanted to let Ginny and me have some personal time. Ginny squashed that very quickly asking if he could stay. She didn't have times like this around her table at her house and this was a perfect night for her. Mom said Ginny was so thoughtful and agreed.
And so much for a leisurely Thanksgiving morning. Oh wow, Mom was like a warden in a Turkish prison! Josh, fold those napkins! Bill, pull out the china! Ty, pull out the silver. Check to see if anything needs polish! Bill took Ty and me into his study to have a Father/Son talk.
"Boys, this is a big event for your mother. It's the first big entertaining she has done since you moved here. You all are doing great today, but please just acquiesce and do as she asks. It will all be fine when everyone is seated and enjoying the afternoon. Get my drift?" he asked, giving us a wink. Ty and I agreed. We formed a game plan that Bill and I would work in the dining room setting out the silver and the china and Ty would hang in the kitchen to be mom's right hand. I didn't know the proper placement for silverware and Ty shot me a website showing which pieces went where, including the little dessert fork. Only a couple of pieces needed cleaning so I was able to do that quickly.
Mom was so funny when she caught on to our formation.
"Good thinking guys! I like your strategy!" she said, hauling a tray of asparagus out of the oven. Ty had pulled two pumpkin pies out of the second oven and set them on the table to cool. The turkey, which was cooked last night, was placed in the oven to warm. Mom was great about making juicy turkeys. Once you've had one of those overcooked, dry things, you never want to make that mistake again.
Ty and I showered at noon and got dressed. Ty and I wore sweaters rather than collared shirts since they were more comfortable. The Chatleys arrived promptly at 1 pm. The food was mostly prepared and the table looked really nice. Mom kissed Ty and I on the cheeks telling us we had really stood up to the occasion. She also warned us there better not be any cutting up during dinner. "What, you think we're going to start a food fight, Mom?" I asked. Bill looked up from the parade on television and coughed. "Better not," he said. Ty and I cracked up.
It was a loud commotion with their arrival. All the hugs and greetings and compliments and what not. We quickly dragged Bryce upstairs. Ty had a bottle of vodka in his liquor stash so we each took a shot in order to take the edge off things. He was nosey and slipped into Ty's workroom. Ty explained his store to Bryce who was amazed that Ty had a real business that made money.
"Hey Mom," shouted Bryce from the top of the stairs. "You need to come up here and see this!"
"What is it honey?" she asked.
"Just come up," he said. She came up the stairs and smiled at us, thinking we had a big surprise. She went into Ty's room and said, "Oh heavens! What a treasure trove!" She picked up items and studied them. Looking at an old, hand held mirror, she looked at Ty and said, "Ty, you have some amazing things here. You have a good eye." He briefly described how he had set up the store to make some money started last year. He ventured out and purchased more this year but it was taking a lot of effort because things were selling quickly. The rest of the family had piled into the room and it had gotten crowded.
"Look at these lamps," mom said. "I have earmarked them for myself but I haven't settled up with Ty yet," she said, lifting one to show Mrs. Chatley. Mrs. Chatley had picked up a pair of candlesticks and was eyeing them and looking at the bottom.
"Ty," she said, "these are Baldwin brass candlesticks. Where did you get them?"
"I got them out in Chatham County when we drove out there for the day. I thought they were nice. What's Baldwin?" he asked.
"Well, that's a brand of brass that is highly collectible. Valuable to the right buyer. You have these seriously underpriced at $35," she advised.
"Wow, I didn't know about that," he admitted.
"I'm going to offer you $75 if I'm permitted to buy something without going online," she said smiling. Ty gulped.
"Really? I don't want to take advantage," he said.
"I could have paid $150 for these at the right antique store. They are a steal for me and a good sale for you!" she said. She handed them to Ty who put them in a box for her. "Ty, I would recommend looking at the labels on the bottom or your items and researching the names and companies. There are some very valuable things floating around because young people today throw their parents things out not knowing they were very well made pieces and could be worth a lot of money. You need to learn how to spot these things as you clearly have a keen eye."
"Wow, Mrs. Chatley, I know how to spot real silver and stuff like that. I wasn't aware of the branding. That's really helpful," he said.
"I would like you to stop by my house one day and let me walk you through some of the things I have inherited as well as collected so you can see the branding. You may pick up on some ideas of things to look for."
"That is so thoughtful, Julie. That's a generous offer," mom said. Bill was nodding in agreement.
"Not at all," said Mrs. Chatley. "He has great taste, he just needs to back them up with good pricing so he's not an antique dealer, but can make some money," she said.
"Dear," said Mr. Chatley, "you might want to check out the thrifts more regularly and leave those antique dealers alone!" he said, he and Bill laughing at the husbandly advice.
"I wish I had some of the things my mother had collected but it got scattered to the wind in the estate. She would have loved these candlesticks," she said. "Oh, and Kevin, I will be sure to check out those thrifts for your replacement golf clubs," she said, with her and mom laughing at the retaliation. We all filed out of the room. Ty just made $40 on top of the $20 he was scheduled to make. Oh he was going to be taking me to a nice dinner somewhere after Christmas!
When we got downstairs, Bill handed me a card from the mail pile sitting on the foyer table. "I think this is for you, Josh," he said quietly, handing me a card. It was from my dad. I opened it and there was a card with two $100 bills in it, telling me to have a good holiday and use the money for some Christmas presents. I didn't say anything to anyone. I hiked myself up the stairs and stashed the card in my desk drawer. I was elated, especially just having gone through Ty's store, to have a little money for Christmas but I was fucking ashamed I hadn't even called him yet. I told him we would talk over the holidays but I had been too self absorbed. I would call him this evening when everything was quiet. I really needed to be thankful for his generosity and not be so selfish that I act like a jerk. This $200 was really nice.
Dinner was amazing. Mom looked so at ease. I can tell why they liked her at the charity events. She was a good manager. They talked about the balls and other events, including Mr. Buxtehude's mayoral campaign, while we, the teens, talked about other things. In the end, you could tell Mr. and Mrs. Chatley really appreciated us hosting them and to be honest, it was fun having company. Would have been just another supper night for us without them.
After dinner, the parents went to the family room and stretched out on the furniture. We headed upstairs where we decided another quick shot of vodka was called for and we chilled in Ty's room. Ty explained to Bryce that we intended to change up the bonus room to a den so that we could chill. He thought it was a good idea. Their house has a bonus room upstairs for just that. The bowl game was on so we had Ty's tv tuned in while we hung out but his parents were ready to go later that evening so the night came to an end. I took some time to call my dad. He answered, "Hey, Josh. Happy turkey day," he said.
"That's corny, dad," I said.
"Isn't it, though?" he asked and we both laughed.
"Hey dad, before you say anything I want to thank you for the Christmas money. I have been going nuts trying to think how to get anyone a christmas present without asking for money. I really appreciate it," I said honestly.
"I figured you would be worried. It's not a lot but it should get you through, I hope," he said.
"No, it's perfect. I only regret I didn't call you sooner. It looks bad if I just call when you send money. I don't want it to look like that," I said.
"Hey Josh, that's nice of you to say. I can guess you have been really busy. How's school?"
I told him that all was good, just one paper rewrite. College applications were in but I knew where I was going to go. He told me his company had scholarship money available to employee families and told me to apply. He would send me their form. I mean, even if it was $1000 it was still free money. I told him I would. Mom's firm has that too so not only did I have to complete college applications but now I had to apply for some free money. I told him the money he gave me previously was successfully invested and was getting some dividends. He was happy we had invested it all. He said he might stop through right after Christmas to see some family. I thought Imight be able to do go down and meet him for lunch or something. He seemed really excited at the idea. I told him I didn't want to promise and then something come up so I would let him know for sure once I knew when he was coming. He asked about my situation with Ty and I told him everything was smooth right now. I told him about the plans for Christmas and he shared his.
With Mom and Ty out shopping on Friday, Bill and I did some running around and he took me to a photoshop so that I could get my Christmas present thing for Ty in process since I had some money. I wasn't specific with Bill but just told him I was framing a picture for Ty for keepsake, nothing special. He didn't ask further. The rest of the weekend was coming and going and family stuff. The time went by very fast and then we were back in school. Next weekend is the Christmas Cotillion so it would be very exciting and nerve racking as well. I had no idea what to expect from this thing. Ty would get me through it, though. He went last year and I would practically know everyone there anyway, except for some of the private school kids.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and feedback! More exciting things to come!!