A Stepbrothers Desire

This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction.

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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 71

Note: Long chapter to make up for the long spells between chapters. Enjoy!

I woke Sunday morning to the smell of coffee wafting up the stairs into my room. I vaguely remember Ty kissing me goodbye as he left with Dad, heading to Asheville to be with Gigi as she undergoes a surgery to remove some blockage or something like that. The visual of that wasn't pretty. I was awfully glad I hadn't set my sights on medical school. The things those guys have to witness and deal with. No thanks!

I dragged myself downstairs and mom thrusted a tall coffee into my hand.

"Have a good night?" she asked.

"Yeah, did you?"

"We certainly did. A good blues band was playing at Tony's Bar and there was a good turn out," mom said with a wink.

"Venturing out. I'm impressed," I said.

"Working the political arena has some new perks," mom said. "What are you plans for the day?"

"According to my phone and a text from Tristan, I'm to meet him and Jack at the club to hang out at the pool. Which, the more I think about it, sounds like a great plan!"

"I think it does too. You need some sun too. Sporting a "moon tan" these days," she said with a laugh.

"Please don't let Ty ever hear you say that, Mom. It's funny but he would never let it go!" She cracked up.

"Josh, I need you back around 3. You need to shower and be dressed. There's a bit of a surprise for you this afternoon. Bill and Ty being gone makes it really great timing."

"What is it?" I asked.

"I hardly think I need to define "surprise" to an up and coming freshman going to the University of Virginia to specialize in law!" she barked. My head leaned back just a bit in case there was bit a spit to fly my way. She laughed. Go get your suit and let me put some sunscreen on you. You will burn like a lobster if you don't pay attention," she said, swatting my backside as I turned toward the stairs.

I showered and dried and put on my white bathing suit with the dark blue stripes. It was a good one Ty had picked out for me. He said it showed off my ass and my thighs. And I had to agree. I looked good in this one. Ty said short legs shorts look good on guys with long legs.

Mom applied the sunscreen, leaving me with shiny, smelly skin. I packed my sundry pool items including beach towel, goggles, water bottle filled with ice water and flip flops in a backpack and headed out.

When I got to the club I noticed a lot of cars in the parking lot. Guessed it would be a busy day at the pool. I checked in and wandered down the long hall to the pool entrance. I stepped out into the sun which was so bright. It was going to be a hot day. I spotted Tristan and Jack in lounge chairs over in the far left corner. No matter what, I am always a bit intimidated by this crowd. I got a few "hey's" from school mates as I headed over.

"Hey guys!" I said. Tristan got up and pulled another lounge chair into the corner. "Hey Jack, you're looking buff. That job is working you hard!"

"Shit you have no idea. It's manual labor all fucking day!" replied Jack.

"Dang, Tristan, you look good in that swimsuit. Where did you get it?" He was wearing a yellow bathing suit that fit him "nicely" to say the least, accenting his gorgeous ass and thighs.

"Online, of course. Where else is a guy going to get a cool swimsuit? Not at the mall, that's for sure!" he laughed.

"Hey," said Jack. "I got mine at the mall. Something wrong with it?" Jack asked.

"No babe," said Tristan. "You simply transcend its very "normal" appearance," Tristan quipped, as he pulled something out of his bag.

"Wow, what a view!" snapped a voice from behind me. I turned and found Ford Fisher standing there with his towel thrown over his shoulder, holding a gym bag.

"Hey Ford!" I gasped. "We were just commenting on Tristan's swimsuit," I laughed.

"I understand why," he said, taking a good long look at Tristan's backside.

"Hey," barked Jack. "Do you have to stare?"

"What are you barking at stud? You got some hunkiness going on yourself. You look good stretched out on that chair. Stand up and we'll give you a stare too!" snapped Ford. Tristan laughed and gave me and Ford hugs.

"Glad to see you too, Ford Fisher," said Tristan.

"Do you really think so?" asked Jack. "I mean," and he stood up out of his chair. He actually gave us a pose. Typical of Jack to get comfortable when the attention is pointed at him. We all raised our hands and gave him a 5 finger score. Ok, so we were all laughing and it was clear to me and to everyone else at the pool, we were going to be the group to beat. This was going to be a fine day.

Ford pulled up a lounge chair beside mine and we all settled into our chair taking in the sun, heat and smell of chlorine.

"So. you are on fire today," I said quietly to Ford. "Good night?"

"Oh yeah, had a really good night. Didn't get past the back seat of the car but it didn't matter. He was hot!" Ford said. I nodded in approval.

"Ty headed out with his dad so he's gone for a few days."

"They should get there in another hour given how early they left," said Tristan.

"Cat going to play while the mouse is away?" asked Ford.

"No, I have way too much to do in the next few days. A lot," I added quietly.

"Goodbyes," said Jack. "I know it has to suck." He was so correct, I couldn't comment.

After chatting and working up a sweat in the heat, I decided to jump into the pool. I remembered Ty and I swimming at the beach and I loved his skin in the pool water. It was so smooth and silky. You know that my dick flopping around in a bathing suit just made me horny. I should have satisfied myself this morning! Ford came in after me. After swimming some laps and dodging the other kids in the pool, we settled against the edge.

"So, um last night, well, I'm concerned it might not have been good for Beau," Ford said, quietly.

"Why?"

"So, he was game for it. We kissed and made out and one thing led to another. I fucked him Josh. I really did," Ford admitted, looking around. No one was close to hear us. "It was sooo good," Ford added.

"Well that sounds good. What went wrong?" I asked.

"He didn't cum!" he exclaimed. I mean, he was hard the whole time but he couldn't get off. I didn't know what I was doing wrong. Anyway, I don't know if he will see me again. I feel bad. Fuck!" he said, dipping his soft brown hair into the water and out of his face.

"It's no big deal, Ford. It's a bottom thing. Happens to Ty on occasion. I mean, he usually does because we're comfortable in what we do. But I don't think it's uncommon for a bottom not to get off, especially if its like the first time or they're nervous. Was everything clean?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, he was great. And oh my God, I was so glad Ty gave me a little bottle of lube for my glove compartment!"

"We all have bottles in our glove compartments thanks to Ty!" said Tristan as he swam up beside us. I hadn't noticed him getting in but I had to laugh because I had one in my glove compartment too.

"Tristan, Ford is concerned about a guy bottoming and not cumming. It's no big deal is it?" I asked.

"Oh hell no. It's very hard sometimes. I myself usually stay hard but I might not get off. I don't get worked up about it. I'm really hoping my top pops a load into me and that makes THIS boy very happy," Tristan said with a wicked grin. Ford's eyes popped open wide.

"Oh fuck," he growled. "Then I have nothing to worry about cuz I did that!" Ford said.

"Little football stud," Tristan added.

"Speaking of studs," Tristan said, pulling Jack close to him as Jack swam up to us.

"What are y'all huddled about?" he asked.

"Sex talk!" Tristan said. Jack rolled his eyes and started to pull away. Tristan pulled him back to us. In the commotion, Ford copped a feel of my semi hard cock under the water. I stiffened with shock.

"Shame on you!" I said with a giggle. "Between this silky swimsuit and your hot fuck, I'm about to go full on hard!" I said.

"I just had to and I wish you would," Ford said with a guilty grin.

"You couldn't handle this top," I said.

"I know. I pretty much guessed that. Give me some time," he said. As I leaned against the edge of the pool, Ford fell to my right side. I put my arm around his shoulder. Tristan fell into my left side and Jack to Tristan's other side. We hung out there for some time. If I could've had my way, I would have taken them all into my arms and huddled in the water like that. I dared any of the other pool guests to comment on the "gay team" holding up the side of the pool to say anything. I mean, even the roll of eyes would have sent me off. These were my friends and we were enjoying this. We were living the moment, not chasing it, for once!

Ford cleared out first as he had a family dinner somewhere across town to attend with his parents. "Can I see you this week?" Ford asked. Just a few more things from your playbook I want to look at."

"For damn sure!" I said. "Text me," I said.

I left next, leaving Tristan and Jack. They had done really well together this summer and I was happy to see Tristan settled. I needed him to be happy. He was technically my "other" boyfriend and he deserved the absolute best. I gave him and Jack big hugs and headed for my car.

When I got home, I noticed an unfamiliar car parked in front of our house. I parked behind it and gathered my back pack and headed in.

"Hey Mom!" I shouted, entering the front door.

"No need to shout!" barked my dad, my real dad, Dan Warner, currently residing in Kentucky where his job with Caterpillar keeps him busy.

"Dad! What the hell are you doing here?" I screamed.

"A bit of a surprise," mom said, walking down the stairs.

"Dad! Wow, I'm so glad to see you!" and he approached, gave me a look over, and hugged me.

"Sun looks good on you, SON," he said, trying to be humorous.

We headed for the family room. "What brings you here?" I asked.

"Well, I'm being considered for a new position, Josh. They are interviewing me tomorrow at the corporate office downtown. It's an executive position. They flew me out here so I figured I would get a few minutes with you. It's very exciting." he said, with not much inflection. Dad was a bit monotone compared to me and mom.

Mom handed us glasses of sweet tea and took a seat on the couch beside me.

"Oh my God, would you be moving here?" I asked.

"Not here per se, but I would be moving. I would be up in Northern Virginia. A lot closer, I should think. I would love to be closer, Josh. I don't have any family out there and I work all the time. You're gonna be grown in a day or two and I want to be closer. Is that bad?" he asked.

"God no! I would love to have you closer. That is great news. They gonna give you a raise?"

"Oh Josh, as I said, its an executive position. It will be a significant raise. But that's not the point. This is a chance to put all my experience to good use. They are really excited. As long as I present well tomorrow, the job should be mine." I really was so happy.

"What do you think, mom? Good news?"

Mom said with a grin, "I don't blame your father one bit for wanting to be closer, especially to you. And I'm really proud of him for promoting himself so responsibly. He's finally growing up!" Mom said, and raised her glass of tea in salute. We all did.

"And I'm going to accept that assessment with all the love that comes with it!" dad said, in response and with a raised eyebrow. I had to crack up.

Mom took us to the Capital Bar and Grill, on top of one of the tall buildings downtown for dinner. We had to park and take an elevator up 25 floors. I looked out the windows in the lobby over the city. The view was incredible. We were ushered into the restaurant by a pretty lady wearing a black dress. It was an amazing place with wood paneled walls, brassy fixtures, dark table clothes. The crowd reminded me of the club dining room. Everyone was dressed nice. Ty would have loved it. I understood why mom said I had to be dressed. Now that mom is a member of government, and chief of staff for the mayor, she automatically belongs, she explained. The room was full of government people who knew mom. Some of the men stood from their chairs as we passed and nodded to her.

"Mom," I said, in a gasp, "is all that required?" My dad was looking amazed at the respect they paid her.

"Josh, this is my new life. Its hard to believe sometimes and I'm paddling like hell underneath to keep it all afloat but yes, I get that respect now. I have to act like I expect it, not like a flattered school girl." She paused for a moment and looked toward dad. "It's a little overwhelming for a country girl who made it to the city," mom said.

"And you deserve every minute of it, Karen. I am so proud of you," he said with a genuine voice. I was happy to see them getting along and while I hated that my dad left us all those years ago, it seemed like we had all grown. The fact is, not one of us would be celebrating any of this growth if they had stayed together. I guess things really happen for a reason.

I looked at the menu. Since they didn't list the prices, you couldn't use that as a guiding factor.

"May I take your drink orders?" a young, and very handsome waiter said. I gave him a serious body and face check just as he did a double take on me which embarrassed me just a bit. "They didn't warn me that THE Josh Waner would be dining with us tonight. Welcome," he said to me, with a smile and a discreet wink. I nodded to him and gave him a big smile. Ok, that was the most awesome thing ever! Where the fuck was Ty when things like this happened!

"Nevermind me," mom said, cracking up. "I'm just the chief of staff. No clout here. None, whatsoever!" mom quipped, accepting her glass of water from the guy.

"I'm just their driver," said dad, pointing to mom and me. Our table broke out in laughter and the people at the other tables turned to inquire what was so funny.

"See what you started?" I said to the really cute guy. He laughed and put his hand over his mouth.

"You're going to be a fun bunch for a Sunday evening. Welcome to you all!" he said and he flitted away. Ok, so this was like one of the scenes from a porn movie. I could slip back to the restroom, giving him a cool glance along the way. He could slip back with me and we could take up a stall and go at it. That fine ass needed some cock tonight! And as horny as I was at that little daydream, I knew that's all it was. But it was a great fantasy all the same.

The crab cakes were better than any porn scene, that's all I could say. And I'm not going to describe that molten chocolate cake!

Monday was a quiet day. Everyone was gone - Dad to his job interview, mom to work, dad and Ty were in Asheville. Ty called last night to fill me in on the trip. Seemed he took forever to check in with me with a call but I had texts along the way so I knew he was ok. He had the funniest story about Gigi, which I have to tell.

He and dad found their way through the hospital to Gig's room. She was resting waiting for her surgery which will take place today. Ty walked in and before he could make his grand announcement that he was there, the nurse said, "Rise and shine, Miss Georgia! You have comp'ny!" Ty said Gig's eyes popped open as if she really weren't sleeping and gave the nurse a horrified look.

"I am NOT the third runner up to the Miss America Pageant! Nobody's called me Georgia in forty years, which was damn near the last time I broke a sweat! Now, get out of here so I can give some lovin' to my very beautiful grandson and his father!" Gigi exclaimed. Ty was cracking up the whole time he was telling the story. I was too. I could literally hear the southern drawl combined with her dismay and it was hilarious.

I was watching some episodes of The Mandalorian on Disney when the doorbell rang. I paused the show and went downstairs. Tristan was at the door.

"Hey Josh," he said as I opened the door. He marched in, causing me to step aside.

"Hey Tristan, what are you up to?" I asked. "Ty is..."

"I know where Ty is," he said. He seemed in a flurry. You had to watch Tristan when he got like that. No telling what was driving it. I followed him upstairs. He landed in my room, on the side of my bed.

"I need to talk to you, Josh."

"Sure, what's up?"

"Yesterday, at the pool," and he paused. "I detected something unusual between you and Ford. Are you fucking him?" Tristan asked directly. I was stunned and speechless.

"Well, Captain Nosey! I see you're in rare form today. What is wrong with you?" I asked. He remained quiet. "No, silly, I am not fucking Ford."

"He want you to?" Tristan asked.

"Well I don't think he would turn me down but it's not like that. Hasn't Ty talked to you about it?" I asked with surprise.

"He said you two are like brothers even though you've just met. You seemed really fucking close yesterday. Secrets and whispers and all that. I just had to know, and I"m sorry for being so direct. It's been on my mind all night."

"Tristan, even if it's none of your business, after everything that happened earlier this summer, Ty and I have been keeping our relationship very close. Ford is amazing and I want to support him as the new quarterback and yes, I really enjoy his humor and I think he's cute as fuck. But no, we are not doing anything. I like being his mentor for what little time I have. He has amazing potential! There, you feel better?" I said, taking a seat beside him.

"Yes,. and I believe you. I just got really paranoid."

"Why did it bother you so much? I don't understand," I said.

"Josh, you think this thing about you leaving is just for you and Ty. Well, the rest of us are feeling it too. I'm dreading it, Josh. I really am. You are like, my, I don't know what to call it. You are my..."

"Other boyfriend?" I offered.

"Yes, that's one way of putting it." He laid back, propping his head with his arm. I laid on my side to face him.

"Tristan, I'm feeling all of this too. Yes, you know leaving Ty is all I think about but you, Bryce, Jason, Jack, Ginny, Lisa, YOU, Ford, mom and dad, YOU!" I emphasized, I'm going to fucking miss you all. Tristan, if it hadn't been for Ty, I would like to think I would have deserved a guy like you to be my boyfriend. I don't want you to feel like a runner-up but, it was Ty from the start. But you, well you're everything to me. Please remember that., I need you to know that."

"Really? Because Josh, I have to confess something."

"Uh-oh." I said and he giggled. His eyes flashed and his skin glowed much like the first time I met him. His short hair had perfectly formed curls.

"Remember all those times I said I would never take Ty's throw aways? I would never date his exes? Remember me saying that?" I nodded.

"I lied. I fucking lied. Josh, if he had ever formally dumped you, you wouldn't have been single long. I would have dropped everyone for you. You know that right?" I nodded that I did know that.

"You're a liar," I said with a laugh. "Trying to convince me I wouldn't be a viable option. Devilish!" I snapped. "But I always knew if me and Ty didn't exist, you and me would."

He smiled. "Josh, you remember New Year's eve?"

"When I took your virginity for the sake of you and Jack? I think on it often. I sometimes wonder what I could have done to make it better than it was. Why?"

"You do? Really? Well, I'm also going to confess that you taking my virginity, that wasn't just for Jack's sake. I intended that to happen. Didn't know how or when it was supposed to happen but it was going to happen. Just so happened he made that comment about not wanting a virgin because he has a big dick and Ty jumped on it. Josh, whether Ty would ever know about it or not, I had already decided it was going to be you. You would be the only person ever good enough to take me the first time. There. The truth's out there. You mad about that?" he asked.

"No, I"m not. In fact, I will always cherish the fact that it was me. I don't care what the circumstances. I have respected Ty and you and Jack, while you were with him that is. I agreed to that. But, if anyone was to be responsible for making your first time what it should've been, it was going to be me. There. You mad about that?" I asked.

"Absolutely not! I'm glad we have all that out in the open. I know that my "fooling around" with other guys has pissed you off and I felt the same about you and your flings. But I don't blame you for wanting those experiences."

"Some of your "fooling around" was risky, Tristan. That thug quarterback, for instance."

"Yes he was bad. He was hot but he was bad," Tristan said, looking up at the ceiling.

"I didn't want you to get hurt but I would have come running. Anytime or anything you needed. And I always will, Tristan. Always," I said in a whisper. He made a surprise move and climbed on top of me. My body became electric. His silky sports shorts felt so nice and the skin of his legs straddling me felt good too.

"Tristan, this is risky. I'm really turned on right now," I admitted.

"Oh, I can tell," he said laughing. "Your hardon is pushing through my shorts!" He remained like that and we were both quiet. The feel of his perfect asscheeks taking in my cock like a perfect fit was overwhelming.

"Are you more horny because you miss Ty or because I'm riding you right now?" and he was performing a little grind on my dick. I was hard as a fucking rock.

"It's about fifty - fifty!" I said, trying to be funny. He drew back and punched me hard in the chest and had a mean look on his face.

"Owww!" I barked. "That hurt! What was that for?" I snarled.

"You could have given me a seventy percent since I am the one grinding on you!" he snapped. I was a bit pissed and I pushed up and caused him to topple over onto his back. I, myself, landed on top of him. I grabbed his wrists and held them down.

"You want to get aggressive with me? Not sure that's a good idea!" I hissed. I was breathing heavily. He was too but he didn't break his glare into my eyes.

"Josh, finish this. Close the gap. Give it to me. One more time. Please," he said, taking my hand which I had relaxed and guiding it to his shorts, and into the leg of his shorts. He wasn't wearing underwear which I could tell earlier but now I could feel the warmth of his skin, his dick, the short hairs around his balls. He guided my hand to his ass and my finger touched his hole. I sucked in air.

"It's right there, Josh. It's that easy. Just take me and do all those things you've imagined. You'll go off to college knowing you had everything you...ever......wanted," he said ver slowly. I leaned forward and kissed him. I knew this kissed. We had kissed enough for me to know what message his kisses gave. This kiss was the tractor beam. He was reeling me in. Sucking me in. His warm tongue danced around my lips. I had to breathe so as to not suffocate. He raised his hand to my cheek and I cupped one hand over his ear as our bodies clung together, as his legs wrapped around my waist. My cocked begged to be let loose, to be guided into that sweet hole. My finger pushed on that hole and I could feel and see his hardon sticking out from his shorts.

"I'm going to say just this, Tristan. I love you. I love you baby, with all my heart," and he smiled gently. "But I'm not gonna do this. I just can't." and I got off him. He looked as if he was going to storm away. I grabbed his arm before he left my room.

"Think about why I'm not doing this, Tristan. Think about that person we share our lives with." He was quiet. He looked embarrassed. His eyes became watery.

"I'm sorry, Josh. That moment was worth a thousand words and I'm really sorry I pushed it. I just..." and he started to cry. My eyes welled and I put my arms around him. His face fell into my chest. "I'm going to miss you so much. So much," he said.

"I know, babe. I know." And the truth was, I did know. And I did want him. And I would have given him one singular amazing session of fucking that he would have rememered for years to come. We both would have, but I was determined to stay on the high road.

Mom and I had a quiet dinner. I thawed some turkey burgers earlier and grilled them for us. She had hers without the bun. I devoured mine loaded with tomato, lettuce, and mayonnaise. We talked quietly about dad's interview which we were expecting to hear about any time. Gig's surgery went well and she was recovering quietly in the Intensive Care Unit. Bill was meeting some friends for a dinner and Ty was out on his own to explore the city. I didn't like that but he would find something to entertain himself until Gigi was awake again.

On Tuesday, having learned that my dad got the appointment as executive vice president, went out with Ford and played football. As the warm morning turned to a hot daytime, we ended back at the pool for a swim. The pool was quiet on Tuesday. Ford and I talked and chased each other around the pool. It was fun, very innocent time. I loved his company so much.

"I talked to Ricky," he offered. "We've been talking on the phone," Ford said.

"Moving on from Beau?" I asked.

"We're ok. We talked last night. He said he wouldn't mind a repeat, somewhere other than the backseat of the car but he didn't want to tie me down. He says football...well, you know. He doesn't want to compete with that."

"That's fair," I said. "It is, and I wouldn't mind seeing him again. But Ricky, he draws you in, doesn't he," using his hands to bring the water to his chest.

"Yes he does," and I wasn't able to talk about the threesome he and Ty and I had. But I understood. He dripped sex.

"I want to meet up with him. He all but invited me to come see him in the country. I'm afraid, though, he won't be another Beau. He will like me and I will like him. You know?"

"I do know and you're gonna have to be your best guide on this one. It's not up to me to tell you what to do. He is special, no doubt about it. In terms of having someone special to do things with, you could a lot worse. Ricky is a chuck of gold."

"I think so too but I don't want to hurt him. He will feel left out."

"You're gonna have to figure that one out, Ford. But on another front, I need to make sure you understand something, about the football season."

"I'm listening."

"Ford, you are a junior. A lot of your team are juniors. You lost some good seniors."

"I have evaluated the team skillset. What are you going to tell me, Josh?" he asked impatiently.

"Whatever happens this season, we take it. Unless there is blatant laziness or incompetence, you have to take what happens and keep building on. I don't want to hear that you're depressed or giving up. There is no quitting. You just keep moving forward. You get what I'm saying?" I asked.

"Yeah but I'm not prone to moodiness," he laughed and splashed me with water.

"Doesn't matter what you're prone to. The success of each game plays on your esteem whether you like it or not. If this turns out to be a growth season but not a winning season, accept it."

"Coach said similar things to me and he said he's going to be watching for emotional swings in me. I think everyone is aware what could happen this year and its terrifying. But Josh, I'm giving this my all. Thanks for saying these things. I trust it coming from you."

I returned home and it was time to get dressed once again. Tuesday night was dinner with the Tatums. Ginny's mom had suggested a dinner at their house which I thought would be fine. Mom was working late with a committee on waste disposal and that sounded like trash, no pun intended so I headed out to West End before the traffic got bad.

I pulled into the driveway and Ginny met me at the door.

"Josh!" said a male voice standing in the foyer. "Come in, son!"

"Hi Dr. Tatum, how are you? I asked, shaking his hand.

"Come come," he said, leading me back to the family room. Ginny's house was bright, with white walls and gray trim. Very modern compared to ours. The ceilings were high and all of the rooms had ceiling fans. The dining room table was set so I guess Mrs. Tatum was "doing it up nice."

"Josh," shrilled Mrs. Tatum with her husky voice. She was wearing a dressy top and her hair and make up was perfect but she was wearing sweatpants and slippers underneath which caused me chuckle.

Ginny, who had barely gotten a word in, guided me into the kitchen where Mrs. Tatum shoved some spritzy drink into my hand.

"Josh, there is just a bit of gin in that drink but not enough to hurt anything," she said.

"We like them," said Ginny cracking a smile.

"I hardly think a bit of gin," and Mrs. Tatum pulled a big casserole dish from the oven. It smelled like something only God could have created.

"What's that?" I asked, taking a sip of the drink. The drink also had a bit of mint in it which caught my taste buds by surprise and caused me to cough.

"Its chicken, wrapped in bacon, baked in sour cream and cream of mushroom. Delish!" quipped Mrs. Tatum.

"We like that too," laughed Ginny.

"Um, I'm sorry, Mrs. Tatum but I don't eat pork," I said, just trying to pull a little "street theater" like Ty would do.

"Huh?" she said, loudly.

"I don't eat pork. It's a cultural thing. I hope you understand," I said. Ginny was doing all that she could to stifle laughter. Mrs. Tatum set the dish down with some force.

"Oh for heaven's sake," she hissed. "Ginny, why didn't you say something? All this work..."

"I'm kidding, Mrs. Tatum. I absolutely do eat pork and it smells amazing!" That's when Ginny burst into laughter.

"You two, get out of my kitchen! I swear, you think you were all back in high school again!" she said. Then she cracked up as well. "Josh, things have never been the same since you moved here. I swear! How's your mom, sweetie?" she asked in a nicer voice.

The chicken tasted every bit as good as it smelled. There was white rice on the side and some zucchini side.

"Listen you two," said Mr. Tatum. "The success of this thing is based on two principles. First there is study. You know that. And, just so you know, there are two studies. Ginny and I looked at each other.

"What do you mean, dad?" asked Ginny.

"There are the reading assignments. The professors will give you a syllabus and you will never hear anything relating to that syllabus again in your life. Chapters to be read. Homework to be completed. I put pop quizzes on my syllabi and you know there are always students complaining when they come into class and cry that I'm giving a pop quiz! Never surprises me!" We all laughed. "It's your job to manage that syllabus. Do what it suggests. Read, complete, prepare. Got it? Because the first question on your exam is going to be from something you were supposed to read and was never lectured in class. It's a dirty trick but everyone of us do it."

"Aha!" I barked. "This is a trade secret dinner. You're giving us all the answers, aren't you?" I said.

"You are correct. If you drop the ball on the syllabus after my guidance, you deserve what you get! The second study is the lecture. You will wonder at times where the hell that information came from. Lecturers love to lecture and there may be a multitude of things a professor will offer in the classroom. Don't think for a minute that his lectures will satisfy the exams or that the chapters will. You have to study them both. Many students struggle until they learn the two sided college system!" Mrs. Tatum nodded her head in agreement.

"Now, the second thing is sleep." I raised my eyebrows. I had no trouble sleeping. "The trouble with sleep is too much is as bad as too little."

"Always been the case," said Mrs. Tatum.

"You need to find the right amount and work it into a pattern. Some people sleep a bit and then do things only to sleep a bit again. Others need a long haul. You will know if you are oversleeping because you will be tired when you wake up. Too little sleep catches up with you over time. Remember that!"

"That's cool. I did not know that," I replied, cutting into the very tender chicken.

"The short of it, Ginny, Josh," said Mrs. Tatum, "is that there are a number of kids who won't be in your second semester classes because they will fail the first semester and have to come home and work for the city or the McDonalds until they can get back in. The kids who party and succeed are the ones who did all their work PRIOR to the party. The ones who are at parties all the time but not doing the work, well, say goodbye before they leave at the end of the semester."

"Well said, honey," said Mr. Tatum. "Well said," he repeated with emphasis.

"I think Josh has gotten by with little sleep this past semester!" Ginny said, looking at her fork, showing no hint of suggestion. I looked up at her in total surprise. She gave me a sinister grin and I almost choked on my food.

"Bitch!" I mouthed silently. Ginny almost spit her drink out trying not to laugh.

"You having insomnia problems?" asked Mrs. Tatum. I told myself, "poker face poker face!" Ginny and I both cracked up laughing. I guess the notion of me fucking my boyfriend most nights, costing Ty and I both loads of sleep hadn't crossed their minds.

We played some Blackjack with her parents after dinner then Ginny and I went through some of her memorabilia in her room. She liked showing me things from her past.

"Josh, we're leaving behind a lot of people. How do you feel?" she asked, taking a seat on her bed.

"Tore up, Ginny. I'm trying to keep things moving but I think about my friends, our friends, a lot."

"So you brought that snob Lisa and me together..."

"And?" I said laughing at Ginny's description of her new best friend.

"She's been like a sister this whole semester. Saying goodbye to her was terrible. I adored her, Josh. I just wondered if there was anything that could've brought us together sooner, when we were younger. You know?"

"I doubt it, Ginny. Not that I'm bragging but you didn't have anyone to bridge the gap. I was the bridge. You weren't cliquish and she was a snob. Why would you two ever have been friends? You both changed your standards because I charted a new path. It was amazing. And I was so happy to see you two get together. I think some relationships are better when they form later rather than wear out over long periods of time. Ty and Tristan are the exception. They have been friends..."

"Like forever," Ginny interrupted. "And I think you're right. She and I might have hated each other by now so maybe it was for the best. How long did it take you to realize you loved Ty?" She asked.

"The minute I met him."

"How about Bryce?"

"It took a short while but I was drawn to him from the start. He thought I was a prick for a few minutes too." She laughed.

"Lisa?"

"That took a while. Couldn't shake her and she pissed me off from the get-go but she wore me down." Ginny nodded.

"Tristan?"

"The minute I met him," I said.

"So the gay guys got you first and the rest..."

"You didn't ask about Ginny Tatum," I said.

"What about her?" Ginny asked, biting on her bottom lip.

"About the minute she first said "Hey" to me and "you're leaning on my locker!" and tears dropped from her eyes. She lunged at me and I wrapped my arms around her.

Goddamnnit! All these emotions. Goodbyes. I love you's! It's more than a rational guy can take. Ginny's chest heaved and so did mine.

"Josh, I was a player in your grand scheme. It was so exciting watching you and Ty grow together. I'm so glad I was part of the process. t will never be the same, will it?" Ginny sniffed.

"Do you want it to be?" I replied. "We've got some shit to accomplish so we're living like our parents and not under a bridge. She leaned her head back and laughed. "And yes, you played a very important role. My mom was devastated when she found out it wasn't going to be you and Sunday dinners!" Ginny laughed again.

"That was such a typical Josh remark, I think I'm going to just leave that one alone." Ginny walked me downstairs. Her parents knew instantly that she, that we, had been crying. Mrs. Tatum took me by both of my arms.

"Thank you, honey," she said. "You made Ginny part of something very special this year. She was already a special girl and you just added to it. Thank you," she said and she kissed my cheek.

"Mr. Warner, you are always welcome in our home. Remember the professorial advice I gave you earlier and if you ever find yourself in a pinch, send me a text!" Dr. Tatum said, causing me to crack up. Ginny walked me to the car. It was a quiet drive home. The music played but I didn't hear it. I wanted Ty to come home. I missed him so much. Tristan, Ford, and Ginny in two days. I was exhausted and just wanted to see Ty, feel him, hear him.

I got home and mom was watching the news.

"How was dinner? Have a good time?" she asked. I sat on the stairs and gently laid down to one side. I couldn't think of anything to say. I wasn't sure how to feel. Mom must have looked around the corner to see me laying there.

"Oh lord," she said gently. She came over and sat by me on the stairs. She stroked my hair.

"I know this look so well, don't I?" she said. "This is the very brilliant Josh, who has run out of answers, doesn't know what questions to ask, and is tired of trying to figure it out. Is that the Josh piled up here on the stairs?" She continued to fiddle with my hair and it felt so good. I nodded gently but had no words.

"Slow it down, Josh. Not life, not living. Slow the thought process down. You have no assignments, no deadlines, no urgency. You owe no one any answers and there is no one to ask any questions. Slow down, baby and just live it. Enjoy the goodbyes. Its progress. Enjoy the last minutes. They're precious. It's all good Josh. It's all good." She laid down sideways on me, pressing some weight on me, giving me shelter, protection, or cover. My mom was good for that.

I slept lightly that night with the tv playing in the background, providing some illumination in the room. Getting used to not having Ty there was going to be a big adjustment. He called me that morning to let me know Gigi was recovering well and he and Bill were on the way home. He said he couldn't wait to see me and I was so glad to hear it.

I fiddled the day away. Had a group text with Bryce and Kyle as Kyle was filling us in on his dad's progress. I was reminded like I had been hit in the face that I was spending so much time pissing around while Kyle's life was in limbo as his dad went through cancer treatments. I got dressed and decided I needed to handle one more thing. I got in the car and turned the air condition on high. It was hot out.

As I pulled into Keith Burcham's parking lot, I was relieved to see his car there. I hoped he wasn't entertaining someone only to have me stop by uninvited. "Be prepared," I told myself. I parked and walked up to his door. There were spider webs growing in the corners where he had been gone for the month of July. I rang the doorbell.

He opened the door and was surprised to see me.

"Josh, what a great surprise!" he said. "Come in." I walked into his living room. He had a laptop sitting on the table and papers strewn around. "Just doing some work. I was reviewing Ty's last submission and I tell you, Josh, he is on fire! His work on proposals and schedules is spot on. We made the right decision filling that role with him," Keith said, suggesting I take a seat. He looked at me for a moment as I hadn't said anything.

"I loved you, you know," I said flatly.

"Oh it's going to be one of those chats?" he said sarcastically. "But I knew that, Josh and my feelings for you were strong as well."

"My point is not rehash things that happened here. Its, well, to tell you I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For treating like you shit. You tried to reach out to me so many times the first semester and I treated like some creepy teacher guy hitting on young students. I was so wrong about you and I am so sorry. If I could back one or two of those...of those," and I started to falter.

"One of those amazing lunch hours? Is that what you were going to say?" asked Keith.

"Yes, exactly. You listened and gave me such good advice. "I'm so sorry for not believing in your sooner," and my face became hot with emotion.

"Josh," said Keith, in a quiet voice. "I did try to reach out to you and I was disappointed that my efforts didn't produce much but once they did, it was like a lightning strike. And no, I didn't intend to be a creepy teacher but it's hard knowing how to connect with students on a more personal level. Josh, you are so strong with the force," and he smiled at his Star Wars connection. "I enjoyed every minute with you. You will always be THAT student for me. Every teacher has one, in case you didn't know. You are mine."

"And the stuff that went on here? How do we classify that? That's not part of "that student" plan."

"No, and as we discussed before, our emotions and attractions were strong on that precise day. Let's say that in most relationships, things usually kick off with attraction and sex. In our case, we closed things down with it. I don't much regret what we did. I'm just glad it didn't cause you harm or hurt feelings."

"Its was what I wanted and needed at that time. I needed to feel manhood and I did, with you."

"Josh, you're ready. You are more than ready for everything that's coming. Stand firm and only yield when you know its the right thing to do. After that, there isn't much I can do for you. I hope to catch wind along the way as to your progress."

"You will have that. I wanted to share these thoughts with you. I have been running and ducking these emotional farewells. I thought I should push your's forward. That's all."

"I"m glad you did. God speed, Josh," and for a chance, I threw my arms around him and absorbed all the energy I could from him. His skin smelled good. His hair was soft. What a man.

I drove home so happy I had accomplished that. I stopped at the Starbucks and got a big mocha with whipped cream and caramel. I sat in the shop and watched people live their lives and go about their business. The mocha was amazing and cool.

I was lying on the couch watching Mandalorian which I was totally hooked on. That baby yoda...and I knew the sound as soon as I heard it. Bill's Range Rover pulling into the garage. "Ty's home!" I screamed to myself. I ran out the back door and he was climbing out of the car. He ran to me. He hugged me. I started to drag him into the house when Bill shouted, "Hey you two. Get these bags out of the car!" Ty and I laughed and I was so glad to laugh with him.

"Hey dad," I said sheepishly. "Good trip?"

"It was a great trip,:" and he looked at Ty and smiled.

"It was a good trip," Ty said. It seemed to me that Ty had maybe enjoyed having some time of his own with his own dad, much like I had with my on Sunday. "I heard about your dad getting a new job," Ty said. "You have to be so excited!" Ty said, leading me into the house.

"That is a matter for congratulations," offered Bill. Ty and I took their bags upstairs, dropping off Bill's things in the master bedroom, and emptying Ty's out on his bed. He threw everything into the hamper which I expected nothing less. We sat on the bed and stared each other.

"I have so much to tell you, Josh. Is it too soon? Should we wait til later?"

"All I need is to feel your lips on mine then we can talk about anything you want!" I said. His cool wet lips attached to mine in a kiss that was like a tall glass of water to a parched man.

"So Ty, I can't wait to hear what you have to talk about, but out of all the crazy shit that's happened the last few days, there is one thing I have to tell you."

"Shoot," he said, with a big smile.

"It's more of a confession and I need you to hear it from me. Tristan came here on Monday. I thought he was looking for you but he wanted me. And when I say he wanted me, he really did. Things got a little heated but I turned him down. I did, Ty, I totally turned him down. There, I have told the truth and I'm sorry. I don't you want to be hurt just getting back." Ty kept smiling.

"Oh Josh, I love you so much," he said with a giggle.

"You're not upset?"

"No silly. I already knew."

"What?"

"Tristan called me that night and told me the whole thing. He felt terrible and wanted me to hear it from him that you had been strong and stood up to him and let him down gently. You can never outrun him, Josh!" and I sighed with relief and cracked up at the same time.

"That shit sat heavy on my chest, babe. I was so worried about you getting hurt again."

"Josh, I am so far beyond that. In fact, that's what I want to talk you about. But first, I have my own confession."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, so remember Finn? Finn Mallard who lives in dad's old house?"

"Yes," I said, wondering where this was going.

"Well he and I met up. Josh, he and I had a physical moment. We kissed and we kissed a bit. We didn't take off clothes or have sex. It was just a make out session in the car after having coffee at a really cool coffee house downtown." He waited for my response.

"A little kissing is good for the soul. I'm not mad either!" I said. Ty smiled and put his hand on my thigh.

"Good, lets move on because what I'm going to tell you, Josh, well, its earth shattering." My eyes popped open.

"Josh, dad and I talked about some things and he both confirmed what I suspected and he agreed with my assessment of it."

"Oh my God. What is it, Ty?"

"Josh, the fact is, we come from money. Gigi is pretty loaded. And apparently, my asshole uncle got his share when my grandfather died. Gigi dislikes him a lot. They never visit her or anything. So, the bulk of her estate is coming to me when she passes."

"I probably suspected that but I wasn't aware if there was much left of the estate," I said.

"Always so business like. Well, there is and I'm the beneficiary. I can know this as long as I don't act entitled or use it as an excuse not to go to college. She would be furious if I skipped on my education."

"Rightly so."

"So Josh, I will always have some comfort. WE, will have some comfort. Tristan? He's going to be a rich motherfucker but don't ever say anything. When his grandmother goes, he gets a huge deal."

"Really? I knew his grandmother was wealthy but I don't know all these facts."

"Oh yeah, he will have a foundation and all kinds of shit. So Josh, this is my message to you. You have to go to college and you have to make it everything you need it to be. I don't think your grandmother is going to leave you anything comparable," and I shook my head in agreement, "and Josh, you need to achieve the success you deserve. If you don't, if you fuck it up, you will be miserable for the rest of your life, thereby making me miserable for the rest of mine," he said with a giggle. "I know we will be together, Josh, but you need to get everything you deserve..."

"That can be interpreted," I said. He laughed.

"Yes, well, you're right about that. So Josh, I needed you to hear the truth. This is a big deal. And to make sure you don't leave town with regrets and unfulfilled dreams, I'm going to make a few things happen over the next few days. I don't want you to fret and I don't want to have to argue with you as Debauchery Days take place. Ok? Its my contribution and yes, I will be a part of things and it will all be very fair. Josh, just go with the flow this next week. Ok?" he said, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Josh, you have made so many things about me. It's payback time," and he crawled onto my lap. He kissed me, preventing me from commenting. My head was racing with questions, thoughts, curiosities. But it didn't matter. My baby was home, he was sitting on top me and his tongue was pressed into my mouth.

Ty pushed himself up and with squinted eyes said, "Oh and you can tell Ford Fisher there will be no more need for him to be grabbing your dick in the country club pool!" He shook his head as he had just scored and he had. I had to laugh.

"How do you know about that?"

"There's always a witness!" Ty exclaimed. I thought about it for a minute.

"Did Tristan see that?" I asked.

"Oh yes."

"And he told you?"

"Oh yes. Remember Josh, Tristan may harbor all kinds of feelings and desires for you but in the end, he's still mine!" and he looked so satisfied with himself.

"That little..." and before I could finish my insult, Ty pressed his lips back to mine.