This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction.
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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 78
"It seems," and this is where Tristan would spill the beans, "Keon recently moved to the District to assume leadership of two towers owned by his family. They are apparently extremely wealthy. He and Ty made contact and I warned Ty not to let it go too far but things moved very quickly. He has gone with Keon on his jet to New York and they are at a Broadway play right now."
"A Broadway play? He flew with and or on the Japanese rice rocket to New York? This isn't an overnight trip, Tristan. He took all his things!"
"Yeah, I think they have some kind of connection. Some kind of attraction. He will be staying with Keon." I was quiet. I didn't know what to say.
"I'm sorry, Josh. I tried to interfere and I got shut down really quick. What else can I tell you?"
"Did you meet him?" I asked.
"No but I saw him. He's a hunk for sure. Listen, Josh, I think this will blow over in a few days. He's got nothing with a rich shallow guy who has to keep everything secret from his family."
I bent down to pick up the broken glass and started to cry.
"Fuck, Tristan, how could he do this to me? Yeah I have to work. Fuck, fuck, fuck," I whispered as I picked up glass. Tristan bent down with a washcloth to help clean up the mess. He put his hand gently on my shoulder and whispered, "I'm sorry, Josh. Let's be patient."
"Patient for what? Who says I'm letting him back in here after letting that prick fuck him!" Tristan hissed in a deep breath, being not sure what to say.
I slept on the couch that night. On Saturday I walked down the street and looked at things the street vendors and the farmers market had for sale. I bought a big tomato, a block of cheese, and a small loaf of sourdough bread. I went back to my condo and made the most delicious grilled cheese sandwich and Iooked at Ty's empty place and I let my tears flood my face.
I thought about going over to Ty's store to check on things but thought that might create some drama. It was 3 pm when my phone rang and I grabbed it quickly. It was Ty.
"Hello," I said with desperation.
"I'm sorry, Josh. I didn't mean to worry you,"
"Yes you did," I said.
"Well, I needed to do what I needed to do on my terms and without fuss. I'm ok. I wanted you to know..."
"I already know and Ty, I'm just going to ask this once. Are you sure you don't want to zip back home so we can work this out? If you just "zip" back..."
"No, Josh, I'm not coming home. I'm going to be away. I'm managing the stores but otherwise, I'm going to be doing some different things." I was furious. Those tears of regret and emotion were replaced by fire and grit. "Fuck you, Tyson Breck," I thought to myself.
"Well, you and Mr. Li have a wonderful time. Talk at you later," I said with some sass and hung up the phone.
I called Tristan.
"Did you talk to him?" he asked, answering the phone.
"I did."
"Ok, let's leave it there. Shall I have my driver pick up or vice versa?" he said with a chuckle.
"Huh?"
"I"m not letting you sit at home by yourself. We will dine tonight. I'm feeling lamb chops and I need some substance. My meds are driving my system crazy."
"Oh Tristan, I'm still being neglectful. How was your appointment this morning?"
"We can talk about that later. Go lay down for a bit and meditate. Tonight is a night for two old friends, not you and Ty and Keon Li."
"Hey Tristan, it's a great offer. I will give you that. Have your driver pick me up," I said.
We had a good dinner and we spent most of the time going over Foundation notes. A Board meeting was scheduled in a month and it was always a big time. In the past 12 months, the agency had rescued more than a dozen boys and a couple of girls. Several of them were working for Ty's store which was a win-win for the boys and for Ty. Expenses had maintained consistent and the last fundraiser had raised enough to cover the next three months of expenses. Tristan was happy with results but very worried about his health concerns.
When his driver pulled up in front of my house sometime after midnight, I took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. I knew he had something on his mind because he had been quiet on the way home.
"Josh, for as much as Ty is out of pocket for you, he might be for me too. I may need some help..."
"Don't worry about a thing, babe."
"Josh, I may need you..." and I saw that single tear that dropped down his cheek.
I leaned forward and kissed him. I tasted that salty tear.
"I got you, Tristan. I always have," I said quietly. He closed his eyes tightly. I brushed his hair. I had no idea what chemotherapy would be like but we would do what we had to do and if I needed to whip Ty's ass into participation, I would do so. Private jet or not!
Tristan began the therapy and the first dose wasn't so bad. The agency had boys standing in line to come spend the day with Tristan and help him with things. It was a daunting task and we had to prep the boys for what to do. It was mostly light cleaning, helping him to the restroom and making sure he ate some food. The boys were advised they were not to mess with his medicinal marijuana and they better not take anything. And above all else, by Tristan's orders, no photos would be taken. He came to my place a week later to have a light dinner and stay the night. I handed him a glass of wine. "You look like you faired the week ok," I said. "Can you have this?" I asked.
"A few sips won't hurt anything," he said, taking the glass from me. We are a light veggie pasta dish then we sat on the couch and let the music from Alexa play. He draped his leg over mine. I put my arm around him. Our bodies touched. I felt so close to him and I wanted him so badly. We are all familiar with that element of horniness we guys can't ignore but he needed love too. I wasn't sure what his body could take and it made me very nervous. I pushed him to the side and he fell gently onto his side and rested his head on the pillow that rested against the armrest of the couch. I fell in behind him. I draped my arm over him.
"Can you have this?" I asked, pressing my body against him.
"Yes, please." was all he said. How I made love to him with so much fire and desire and not hurt him or cause him pain I am still unsure of. That was one of those nights you never forget. He was gone when I awoke the next morning but our time over the next few weeks would proceed in a like manner. I missed Ty. There were so many little things I wanted to tell him. "Oh I can't wait to tell Ty about..." and then the thought would dissipate.
Two weeks later, Tristan had undergone several more chemo treatments. The second was terrible but the third not so bad. The boys, including Mason, the one very close to Tristan, all did a stellar job of helping maintain him during the day. Ty was helping him during the day as well but he would spend his evenings with me. I wasn't sure if Tristan had told him that and I didn't care. It was our business, now. And oddly enough, I didn't get any crap from work for the reduced hours. When you use the word cancer, it causes everyone to shut the fuck up.
The temperature was cooler and I threw open the french doors to the balcony.
"The breeze is fabulous," said Tristan. I baked chicken tenders with spinach and red pepper. Not like me to act the "merry homemaker" part but, hey, I was feeling my "homebody" self. Perhaps if I had done more of this... but then I told myself not to go down that path. Tristan and I talked about the big fashion show the Foundation was sponsoring for winter and holiday wear. It was a fundraising gala that would prove to be very fun. Tickets were selling out quickly. The Mayor and her husband and her entourage had all purchased. Mom and dad were going to attend and I was unclear how Ty and I would pull this off.
After dinner, Tristan walked out onto the balcony. I handed him a glass with about 5 ounces of wine.
"Perfect," he said.
"So are you," I commented. He held the glass over my shoulder as we stood on the balcony and made out like high school kids. God his kisses could soak my whole face but the taste in his mouth was dry, a little hard to take. I pulled him very close and took the glass from him. I made sure he felt my body and its response to his. I felt his ass, which was a bit smaller with his weight loss. I didn't care. It was attached to the most amazing guy.
I took him on his back and I could tell now he was in discomfort. I tried to stop but he grabbed me from behind and kept me in place.
"I only want you to fuck me when you can look at me," he whispered. "I love looking at the pleasure on your face," he said with a big grin. I let his legs rest on my shoulders as I pushed into him so gently.
"I'm drowning in you, Tristan. Just keep pulling me in!" and my orgasm was so strong while he could barely reach his moment.
We laid there in the bed listening to the city noise and commotion despite the late hour.
"Josh, we need to talk."
"We already did."
"About something very specific. Ty."
"Oh my God. Why?"
"I need you two back together," he said. "The little pause has gone on longer than it should and I feel it's become a battle of wills. He wants you to drag him home and you want him to skip through the door. You are both expecting miracles. The problem is, well, its Keon. I think he's playing the "manipulation" string and Josh, I think it pretty bad. Ty is not acting like himself at all. I need you..."
"I'm sorry if he's in a bad situation but he asked for it. I don't need to...""
"You need him," Tristan interrupted. .
"You have been more than amazing to me but this isn't the long term and you know it. You need Ty and he needs you. I need you both back in place."
"Well I don't see him knocking down the door to come home. What do you want me to do about it?"
"We can do it," Tristan barked in a high pitched voice. Together, we can get him back."
"What, you just going to call him up and..."
"No and stop being flippant. Look at me," he said. I looked into his graying eyes and saw the little black hairs clinging to the pillow case. Fuck he really was losing those beautiful curly locks.
"Tell me right now you don't want him back. Tell me this minute you don't want Ty back here with you. Tell me," he said. He held my gaze and I couldn't see break away.
"I can't tell you that."
"Then I will help you but you're going to have to do the heavy lifting. And Josh, I'm going to hand you a rather devious, scandalous, like something off a soap opera, plan. I need you to execute."
"Why am I terrified right at this moment?" He laughed and told me his plan and part of it would represent the best street theater we have ever played out but part of it was devious, in fact, unethical. Nothing that would affect my position at the firm but something I would have to live with. My adrenaline was roaring, my mind was reeling.
"You like it, don't you?" Tristan asked. I could see he was excited as well. I nodded that I did and I tried to offer my arguments.
"Shut up Josh and like this!" he barked in his old highschool boy voice, rolling onto his stomach and raising his beautiful ass. "I think you need just another little taste!" After eating out his crack and the first sex I had left there, I plunged into him. I could tell this was easier on him and his moans encouraged me. I planted a second sex into him and he rolled over and shot a thin load onto me. I sensed this would be the last time he and I would be together like this so I welcomed whatever he could give.
A week later, I was in a deposition when my phone beeped. I glanced casually at it as its bad form to check phones during legal exercises. It was from Tristan and I lost all attention to what was going on. We had covered a lot of ground so I motioned that we take a break to which the other lawyers agreed. After drinking all the coffee, I'm sure they needed a "bio-break". I opened the text and there it was, the image that broke my heart but might very well save our lives.
It was a dark street and there was a small restaurant. I didn't recognize the street. May have been in a nondescript part of town but the restaurant looked fashionable. A big sleek Audi was parked at the curb and two people stood there, one leaning against the car while the other leaned into him. It was Keon Li for sure. Spiky black hair, fuller face, lean body and he was kissing a smaller framed guy with long blonde strands of hair pushed back. It was definitely Ty. There are many thoughts that could be framed from just this one picture but I could not focus on what was in the picture, only what I was going to do with it. How Tristan got this I didn't know and I hoped to all that was worthy that he hadn't used one of the rescued boys from the agency to do this. Surely, he wouldn't. He used his own energy for a plan such as this...is own precious energy.
I sat on the text for two days. Tristan asked me what I was waiting for. He had gone to great pains to get that picture and I didn't ask how he did it even though I would have loved to know. I cleared my calendar for the next afternoon not knowing how long this endeavor would take to complete. Tristan assured me Keon Li was in town and would be working in his offices. I liked how "informed" Tristan was, playing double agent. I wondered if there would be "blow back" from his participation. Again, I was pushing myself toward rabbit holes. .
I avoided my own car service since it was provided by the firm and called an Uber to pick me up. He drove me to the downtown district to the new, luxurious Odyssey building. I leapt out the back and onto the sidewalk. I didn't converse with the driver or anyone else. Everything I had was going into this meeting. I walked smoothly and confidently through the doors and noticed the marble and slate. It was a nice building. The receptionist asked how she could help me.
"I need to see Keon Li," I said politely. She looked confused.
"Mr. Li? Are you sure? Do you have an appointment?" she asked nicely.
"Yes, I'm sure, and no I don't," I replied with finality.
"I see. Well, Mr. Li maintains a rather full calendar. Probably best if you schedule," she said, smiling, either at my ignorance or at her clever enunciation of "shedule" which I believe is British.
"Please advise Mr. Li that Mr. Josh Warner, Attorney at Law, is here. I have some flexibility and I can give him ten minutes to find a stopping point," I replied with a matching smile.
"I see," the young lady repeated. "Give me just a sec..." and she used her headset to call someone. "Yes, of course. Yes, Mr. Josh Warner..."
"Ok, Mr. Warner, please clip this badge to your suite lapel and take the elevator to the 30th floor. You'll need to swipe when you enter the elevator. Have a nice day," and she turned back to her computer. I rode the elevator to the 30th floor. I felt like I was in a movie!
Another assistant greeted me in the plush lobby. "Please take a seat, Mr, Warner? Is it? Mr. Li will be with you in a moment." I wasn't surprised that he waited the ten minutes I had offered.
The double doors opened and Keon Ki, in the flesh, appeared with a big smile. A big smile? Seriously?
"Josh Warner, why don't you come in?" and he waited for me to enter the office and he closed the doors behind me. There was a game playing along on the big screen television mounted on the wall so I could guess he really did need a stopping point. The office was a light wood with a pale blue carpet and a glass desk sat in the middle of the room with couches on each end of the office. I stood at the desk and Keon took his place behind the desk.
"So, Josh, it's so good to see you. It's been a long time since that week at the beach," he laughed.
"I appreciate your sentiments, however, we can forgo the niceties. I have something rather important on my mind."
"And that would be Tyson."
"Good guess," I said sarcastically.
"You have been on his mind as well. There is apparently some unfinished business..."
"His understanding of "unfinished business" remains unclear," I said.
"Why don't you sit, Josh," Keon offered and took a seat in his plush leather chair. I sat in one of the comfortable arm chairs with laptop trays.
"I am sensing some irritation in you, Josh. Why don't you calm down and let's see what's on your mind," and he smiled those perfectly while aligned teeth at me.
How dare he patronize me like that! Ok, I got a little angry but had to remember that it was only a tactic.
"So Keon, I trust Ty is safe and well, but in all reality, it's time..."
"Well he definitely is and I can say he's having a grand time!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm. "But I..."
"Keon, I am not finished and do not expect you to interrupt me again. This is not a "polite conversation" between two old friends!"
"Was it a polite conversation when you bent me over that bed like I was some toy?" he barked and yep, that did it. I was furiously pissed off now.
"Long. Time. Ago< I said, slowly, then finding calm again. "It was definitely a great experience! You were a very hot guy," and I let my voice cool a bit, "but it was just a moment in time. Keon, what I'm talking about here is the difference between short term and long term moments. So to finish what I started, I want you to break up with Ty and LET him come home," and there I had gotten it out, emphasizing the "let".
"So many flaws, Josh. First, I'm not interested in breaking up with Ty so I feel rather inclined to deny your request. But even if I were, there is no guarantee he would return home to you. I have considered on multiple occasions if he came to me or simply left you!"
Holy shit, this was a lot harder than I thought. He is really good at sparring. Probably has to do it with his family often.
"I do not disagree that I have some responsibility over Ty leaving but if I had been given notice that such a level of risk existed, I may have been able to implement changes that would have prevented this whole exercise."
"And if your valiant effort had failed, I would know then that Ty came to me. Given that he left you without not so much as a "see ya" text, I remain unknowing."
"You can ponder til your buildings topple, makes no difference to me. I can remedy this situation quickly. All I need is you out of the picture. Ty and I can sort this out close the gap on this little break."
"Very eloquent, but Josh, I hold Ty so I hold the trump card. You have nothing to make demands with," and there it was, the moment a good lawyer has to be prepared for...that moment when you get to lay the evidence down in front of the witness, hopefully leaving them speechless and without a platform to stand on.
"I just have this," I said quietly, and I laid my phone down on his desk.
"What's this?" he asked, picking the phone up. His eyes widened and shone a look of terror. "What is this?" he screamed. "How the fuck did you get something like this?" he added.
"Doesn't matter how. The question is how does it impact this transaction? Because I suspect that if that picture got out, you would have bigger problems than Ty." Leave it there, I told myself. He was quiet as he stared at the picture.
"I have dealt with some lowly people in the realty business, Josh, but this takes the pale. Are you seriously here to extort me, as a lawyer and a member of the BAR? Are you so..."
"Get off the high horse, Keon. If you were me, you would be doing exactly the same thing. We all need a "trump card" as you put it."
"So either I break up with Ty or you destroy me with that picture. I am unclear if I overestimated you or if I underestimated..."
"You have trouble with clarity, Keon. Let me bring it home for you. Who and what I am means nothing. I am the guy who has always loved Ty and taken care of him and will continue to do so. If not now, some undisclosed time in the future. He needs love and you," and Keon flinched. "You don't understand love at all. It's like a cross being thrust at a vampire, isn't it? I do love him, Keon and I need him back. If you can sit there and tell me you love him more and need him more, say so. But if you can't, do the right thing."
"Ty is very aware that I do not engage in the emotional side of relationships. I simply don't have it in me so your argument is compelling. What if I do this awful thing to him and me? What stops you from posting that pic anyway?"
"Keon, I have not a thing against you. I can easily reflect on that week at the beach and remember what a suave and sophisticated guy you were for your age and yes, you were simply gorgeous. I wouldn't resent Ty for a moment for maintaining this crush he has on you and I have no desire to destroy anyone, none. I just have to play the card that's been handed to me to achieve my objectives."
"So the pic will never surface?"
"I can assure you of that. Never." Keon stood from his desk.
"Thank you Josh, for at least giving me alternatives rather than going for my jugular. I don't have to tell you what a pic like that would do to me. It's a terrible day for someone like me when someone has just the perfect upper-hand."
"I'm sorry it came to this, Keon, but I wanted to give you two a clean break. Tell him or don't. Just send him packing and I will take care of the rest and of him." He nodded and I picked up my phone and exited the office. I didn't look at or speak to anyone. My heart was thumping like a drum corp marching onto a field. I could hear it and wondered if everyone else could as well.
I walked several blocks, taking in the cool air. Finally, I grabbed a smoothie and called for an Uber back to the office. I texted Tristan and simply said, "its done."
It took two days and I got a text from Tristan. "It's done" and I leapt from my office chair.
"Where is he?" I typed.
"At the apartment over the Rosehill store."
I texted the driver and said 5 minutes. Today was a great day because I only had file work and no clients to contend with. I told Cassandra, my assistant, who is a total bitch but is very effective, I would be out.. I climbed into the back of the car and gave the driver the address. Twenty minutes later, I entered the rear of Ty's store and climbed the steps to the really cool apartment that he had furnished over the store. We had used it as a guest house a couple of times. Perry came and needed a place where he could stay and practice. The apartment had served him and Julia Chatley perfectly. Oh, did I tell you? Perry and Julia met up at a social event for Ty's birthday. Julia was older, collegiate, beautiful, and available. She and Perry have been together for two years. The Chatleys have asked they keep marriage plans on the burner because, as Bryce explained, they are not sure how to proceed with Julia marrying a good jewish boy, despite the fact he's becoming one of the greatest violinists in the United States. He's doing a soundtrack now for a huge film that is in production.
I knocked on Ty's door and he opened it and before he could say anything I pushed my way in, almost knocking him down. He looked thin, rather tired. His hair was stringy and unkept. I wasn't pleased.
"Josh, what the fuck do you think you're doing? You just don't barge..."
"Shut up, Ty. I'm here to take you home. Everything that has been done can be undone."
"Do you think so? Are you sure? Even after that shit stunt you pulled on Keon? He didn't deserve that!"
"None of us have deserved the fates we have been dealt but all that ends here. I put an end to it. Now Ty," and I let my voice drop to a whisper, "look at me Ty," and he did, "please tell me you never want to see me again. Tell me you didn't miss me. Tell me you can never forgive me and that I shouldn't forgive you." I left it there. His eyes welled up.
"I can't tell you that but, Josh, you left me first. All I did was move out. You were never there. You loved your work more than me!"
"All you had to do was lay it on the line for me. I didn't know. And no, I don't love it more than you. I do it to make my mark and to contribute to our life. I can't slack off just because you have a huge trust fund. You told me to do this, for me, to build my own success. Remember?" He nodded that he did remember but the tears began to fall. I moved closer to him, without threat. "I miss you so much, Ty. I was willing to go all the way. Destroy him, throw myself in the Potomac, and throw everything away!"
"I know and I'm always in some place where I have to apologize. I always look like a fool," and he was sobbing.
"Actually, Ty, you don't need to apologize. You could have told me bye which would have prompted a response and probably a fight and we would have resolved everything but if you did what you felt you needed to do, then whatever. Let's get over it and move on. We have to take care of each other and Tristan." And he coughed up a snotball. It wasn't pleasant. I grabbed him a tissue.
"That's a hot mess, too," he said.
"How so?" I asked with grave concern.
"We had a fight. I know he helped you get that picture. He was the only one who could have. I asked him about it and he started on some weak ass explanation."
"What did you say to him?"
"I told him he could fall off a tall building for all I was concerned," and he dropped his head into his hands.
"You said what to him?" I asked in a deathly quiet voice. He was quiet and stared at the floor.
"How dare you!" I screamed. "You cannot talk to him like that! When are you two going to face realities? Why am I the only one who gets what's happening! I don't get to play with words and hope for forgiveness later. I,.. I am his Power of Attorney meaning there may be tough decisions to make. I'm a trustee for the Lane Foundation, and I'm the executor of his estate! For the love of God!" and I was screaming so loud I knew everyone downstairs could hear me. I was panting for breath. Ty had taken a couple of steps backward in case I lashed out.
"I'm sorry, Josh. I didn't mean it. It was in the heat of the moment...I don't..." he cried.
"Come with me!" I barked and I grabbed his arm and dragged him down the stairs to the car. The driver saw the commotion and jumped out to open the back door. I pushed Ty in and climbed in on top of him.
"Tristan's," I said. The car sped through town. A light was about to change and I yelled, "run it!" and the driver did so. He pulled up in front of Northgate Hall, Tristan's building and Ty and I climbed out. I let Ty straighten himself out. We rode the elevator quietly up to Tristan's floor. When Tristan opened the door, he looked so grayish in color and was so thin. I pushed Ty in and barked, "you two clean it up. I'll be back in an hour, after which, we will forget all this shit ever happened!" and I turned and walked back to the elevator.
I had no idea what to do. My head was reeling. No sooner than I was sure I could let go of the Keon Li image, I had this new problem with Ty and his mouth. Ty is so astute with his business, with fashion, with antiques, pricing, quality, and trends. But he can be such a spoiled brat sometimes. I was two blocks away by the time I remembered where I was. There was a park and there was a soccer game being played on the field at the other end. I walked through the grass and watched the game. It was good. I started cheering for my favorite team. I didn't know who the teams were, but I could see they were highschoolers and they were good. Young fit guys, with things going on in their lives we couldn't guess. Some popular, some not. Some strong and athletic, others smaller and skinny. I liked the team in teal blue and my tensions relaxed as I got into the run of the ball. All that work with their feet. I never played soccer but I bet it's a blast to coach. I may have to ponder that.
The hour went by quickly and I dreaded the return to Tristan's. I walked slowly back up the street, crossing two cross walks, which in Washington DC, is like playing Frogger! I rode the elevator back to Tristan's floor. I entered the apartment, not understanding why the door was unlocked. I was quiet as a mouse as I wound down the hall toward the living room. I heard soft talk and giggling. I walked in and the sight took my breath away. Ty and Tristan were lying together on the thick carpet, flipping through a book which looked like one of our old high school yearbooks.
They looked young, just like they did way back then. They were happy and content and in love with each other again just as I was in love with both of them - my boys. I felt my face get hot, you know that feeling I get when emotion catches up to me. It had been an industrial week and I felt exhausted.
"Remember that?" snapped Tristan.
"Poor Bryce," Ty said. "He was so chunky back then!" and they screamed with laughter.
"But it played out well for him. Chunk became hunk!" screamed Ty and they laughed so hard and so did I! They turned and looked at me.
"Great line!" I said. "I'm going to text that to him later today!" and Ty and Tristan laughed some more. I walked to them and dropped to my knees then laid out beside Ty.
"Let me see," I said. It was a yearbook from before my time. The pics etched into my memory. Somehow I remember how everyone looked then and was always surprised to see how they had changed. They probably were doing the same thing to me. "Show me your pics," I said and Ty flipped to his eighth grade picture, the year after he lost his mother. He was so cute, so devilish and Tristan could be recognized instantly with those big sparkly eyes and that black curly hair. He had some freckles back then.
"My stars," I said, as I draped my arm over Ty's back, resting my hand on Tristan's shoulder. "I love you both so much, just let me say that now." Ty smiled at me and shook his head.
"I don't know where I'd be without you, Josh," he said.
"In the gutter, I'd say," said Tristan, "given your overall appearance after just a three week hiatus!"
"I watched a soccer game down on the field," I said, not having any intended meaning.
"They are always playing there," said Tristan. "It's a great place to clear your mind."
"The boys need sports," said Ty. "I worry they aren't engaged enough."
"They've been through a trauma, though."
""That's no excuse," said Tristan. "We tried to get a couple of the boys into a sport and they froze up, as if they were being rejected, just like they were at home. We have scheduled an "integration specialist" to come in and provide guidance," Tristan said. I was so happy to hear how engaged he still was. "We want music, art, drama in the mix as well. Two boys said they want to go back to church!"
"Really?" said Ty with surprise.
"I think its a superb idea to work on integration. I can't imagine how much I might love volunteer coaching a team, something like I just watched."
"Time, Josh. Your time," said Ty.
"I'm going to fix that, Ty. It's time for some changes."
At home, it was quiet. We moved a few of Ty's necessities from the apartment back to our condo.
"You didn't come looking for me," Ty said, as we stood at the big picture window in the bedroom. "I expected a bit more fight. You didn't give in, though."
"Ty," and I pulled him close to me. I had missed his smell and was happy to have it back. I was happy to have him back where he belonged but there would be new standards.
"Ty, I know I have to work a lot and I intend to make some changes. It won't happen overnight. I will have to do a little over time but, and I mean but, that was the last time you leave without telling me. You played that card and it can't be played again, do you understand?"
"Yes, and I already know that," Ty said. "I won't be leaving again. I only had 5 minutes of fun for a lifetime of loss. Not again. But, just so I understand, you and Tristan..."
"Tristan and I shared some feelings with each other that we both needed. I'm not explaining more than that," I said quietly, without self-defensiveness.
"You don't need to," replied Ty.
"Good, and Ty," and I turned him to me and I kissed his lips. "Tonight is the last time I lay claim to your ass!" and he looked at me with total surprise.
"Josh!" and I pushed him hard to the bed. I grabbed his pajama pants by the elastic and pulled them to the floor.
"Josh," he hissed.
"Never doubt me again, Ty, never doubt how much I love you and what I will do for you," I growled. He smiled and fell onto his back. I fell on top of him.