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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 82
The hospital was quiet. I breezed by the security desk and nobody asked any questions. I took the elevator to the 6th floor where I hoped to avoid being interrogated. There were a couple of nurses in one room tending to a patient so the nurse's station was vacated. I opened the door to Tristan's room and entered quietly, noting that the only light was coming from the muted television. I closed the door quietly and was startled when a voice snapped, "Ty! What are you doing?" and I jumped.
"Damn, you scared me!" I hissed at Tristan.
"And you're the one sneaking into MY room!" and I had to laugh. A sense of relief came over me when I realized that was all Tristan - one hundred percent. I slipped over to his bed.
"You just couldn't stand it, could you?" he croaked.
"No, actually, I couldn't," I admitted. "How are you feeling?"
"Well, I've been asleep for a week so I'm not tired," he said and he grabbed his chest as he laughed. He slipped over a bit and I took that as an invitation to climb in beside him. I did so gently.
"Damn, Tristan, I was out of my mind," I said as my nostrils flared with the sting of potential tears.
"I know you were and I'm sorry. This whole thing, the whole past year, Ty, I am so sorry," he said softly.
"For what? You didn't ask for any of this."
"But I heaped it on. Look at what I put Josh through. And you! The things I asked of you," and he looked towards the window. "How's Josh?"
"He's tired. I don't think I've ever seen him so tired but he's going to be good, Tristan. This was a heavy weight on his shoulders but you know, don't you, that he would not let you down. Whatever was required, he was..."
"That's why I put it on him, Ty. I knew, have always known, that he would not fail."
"And that's my Josh. And don't worry, I got my eyes on him, just like you suggested."
"I was being an asshole. And what I put on you. Did we actually...I mean did I..."
"Yeah, you fucked me."
"I'm sorry."
"No need for sorry. It was good," and I laughed and so did he. I tried to move him a bit but he didn't move.
"I can't move my legs."
"What? Are you paralyzed!" I demanded.
"No dummy, I've been laying here for a week. They said I will need rehab before I can go home to get my mobility back."
"OH!" I said, realizing what was going on. "I never thought the day would come when Tristan Lane couldn't throw his legs up for a guy!" and I howled with laughter.
"Ty! You just wait. When I get out of here, I'm going to run you down!"
"Uh, you don't have a car!"
"I will have my car service do it. The last thing you'll see will be that Cadillac emblem on the front!" and we were laughing but he was coughing.
"Calm down, babe. You sound like you're blowing out a lung." I rubbed his chest and he calmed.
"Yeah, that's a problem they want to watch."
"So you have some news. Please tell me," I said, pleadingly.
"Aha! I knew you couldn't wait," Tristan laughed, and coughed. "When I woke up, the nurse lost her shit. I thought we were getting ready for surgery and I was wide awake. Thought that was going to be problem. It scared me but it took me a minute to realize I had surgery and everybody was surprised to see me awake. The doctor came in and told me I had been asleep for a week. A week! Anyway, Josh and Bryce came in. I didn't expect to see Bryce. They said he'd been here for days!"
"Yeah, we came in here Friday night and he was sitting by your side, red-faced, and whatnot. So typical Bryce." I said.
"Well, even though the doctors were asking him and Josh to leave, he took my hand, told me he had missed his chance to love once and he wasn't going to miss it again. If I would take him, he would come here and be with me and take care of me, permanently!"
"Really?" I asked.
"Oh yeah and I didn't know what I was saying but I told him ok." This caused me to laugh so hard.
"Just ok?" I asked and Tristan smiled.
"I know, right? Well, I have thought about it and he and I have texted. He's gone home to tell his parents, Ty." I raised my eyebrows. "He thinks the sooner he gets thing moving the better."
"I mean, Tristan, I don't doubt Bryce's sincerity, but it's a bit sudden. And he has no gay life skills. He didn't grow up in it. He doesn't have the swagger, you know?"
"Maybe that's for the best. He doesn't have the attitude. He isn't jaded. And you know he's solid. Look at what I've dated the past couple of years. Snobs and players, thinking they're better than me. I'm just a rich kid with a bubble butt. He won't be one of those looking around the corner for the next best. I need someone of my own, I need a Josh. Bryce will do it. I'm certain of it."
"You make a compelling argument. I kinda do see it. And he told Josh and me the same thing. He missed a chance with you in high school and he thought fate was bringing him back. I think it started at the Gala."
"Ty, I'm going to give him the chance but I'm going to ask a huge favor from you. I mean a huge one!" Tristan emphasized.
"Anything," I said.
"Well you know how possessive you are of me?"
"Protective," I corrected.
"Whatever. There will be times I want you to speak up or chime in, you know, but other times I need you to keep your mouth shut. I don't want you looking for every mistake or failure because there may be some." I felt a bit slighted. "Ty, I'm not telling you that you're a troublemaker. I know you have my back all the time but we have to make room for him. If we don't, we are setting him up for failure. You get what I'm saying?"
"Yeah, I do." What he was saying was becoming clear to me. "I will take care of it, Tristan. Whatever you need. I will certainly try to figure out when to shut the fuck up! I really do understand. Don't forget, I love Bryce too."
"Thank you, Ty. This is really important. I really need..." and I watched a single tear leak from his eye. I wiped it.
"Yes you do and you deserve only the best. Bryce is a block of gold. Always has been."
"Yep, thanks Ty. I knew you'd understand. Now tell me your news?"
"How do you know I have news?"
"It's written all over your face!" he barked.
"Well, you know I went off looking for you in the foggy place."
"You didn't find me though, did you?"
"Oh I did and what I found was terrible. Really. I'll have to tell you about some other time but not now. I was so angry and frustrated. My mother came to see me," I offered.
"Really. You know you have some spiritual shit in your head that I just don't understand," Tristan said.
"I think it's because I lost someone, but, but, yeah, she told me things weren't what they seemed and I needed to get up." Tristan laughed.
"Huh?"
"Well, I think it's more the dream tells me what I want to hear or what I already know. I don't think it's like a crystal ball but then Gigi came to see me." Tristan's eyes grew wide.
"What? Gigi? Are you kidding me?" Tristan snapped. "Do tell! This should be very interesting."
"I thought so too. So, she claims she needs..."
"A good story?" interrupted Tristan.
"Yes, well you know Gigi. Anyway, she said I have a story to tell and it's time for me to tell it."
"What story? What is she talking about? Surely it's not me and my cancer nightmare!"
"No, no. It's me, Tristan. It's me and Josh. She thinks it's time for me to write it, publish it, whatever."
"You mean, you think it's time."
"Depends on how you interpret the dream, silly! But yes, I think this is the perfect time to put our story out there."
"Like an autobiography?" said Tristan, with a grimace.
"No, no, not like that. A fiction story. A great tale about two step brothers who are thrown together by a marriage and have to deal with it. Yeah, I think it's time. I need something other than some thrift stores. I need a real project, Tristan. What do you think?"
"Do you have paper? I don't have my iPad. Let's get started!"
"Oh, like we're going to start this in a hospital bed? I don't think so. There's a lot of planning involved here."
"Have you told Josh?"
"Nope, you're the first."
"I still have that notebook."
"The notebook? You are kidding me! You still have that thing?"
"Oh yes. The stories, the pictures, everything. It's in my home office somewhere."
"We will need that. I think," and I felt so scandalous for thinking it, "we need to reinstate Debauchery Day and indoctrinate Bryce and that notebook!"
"Done and done!" snapped Tristan. We were so engrossed at the moment we didn't hear the door open.
"What are you two doing?" barked an authoritative voice. I looked behind me and saw Dr. Kimball standing in the door. He flipped the light switch on.
"Not what you think!" I responded sarcastically.
"Ty, I should have known. You just couldn't stand it, could you?" he asked. Tristan and I belted out a laugh. He moved to Tristan's side and checked machines. I didn't move.
"How are you feeling? Not tired?" he asked.
"Not at all. Besides, I'm hosting at the moment," Tristan said with a grin. Dr. Kimball raised one eyebrow.
"Vitals are good. Oxygen is better than expected. Tristan, you may be aware that your lungs took the brunt of that tumor and you may feel some improvement but you will never have one hundred percent lung function. The pulmonary specialists will monitor you. But, I don't think you're in any danger. All looks good." He smiled, sincerely.
"You saved the day, Dr. Kimball," Tristan said and I felt something catch in my throat. "Holy fuck," I thought. "This is it, this is that conversation. The one where you wished there was a witness but there never is and I"m the witness. Keep your mouth shut, Tyson Breck."
"Tristan, I can take a high level of credit but "WE"," and he used his finger in a circular motion, "we all contributed. For my part, I will say it was the best "save the day" moment of my life. Seeing you two, well three actually, well you all beat everything I have ever seen. You know that?" Tristan and I both smiled. "The love and friendship you all share is incredibly special and rare. I shall never forget what I have learned and witnessed," and he took Tristan's hand. "This was that cliched "village" effort and the power it wielded..." They just stared quietly for a moment. "I will come back this way again and we will catch up. Your case will be used for a good number of medical conferences. You have a true medical legacy, sir."
"Wow, that's amazing," Tristan said.
"And well, I hope you feel that way when your insurance company sees my bill!" and Dr. Kimball cracked up. He leaned down very close to Tristan. "It may be questionable for me to say, but you are very special. Don't think I didn't give IT a thought," and he released Tristan's hand and offered his hand to me.
"Mr. Breck, I wish you the absolute best. You were prepared to be "THAT friend to the end. You must have a powerful soul. And Josh, well, I can't say anything more. Take care, all of you." and he headed to the door, seemingly in a hurry.
"Won't I see you again?" Tristan asked.
"No sir. I fly back to New York tomorrow morning. You're in good hands now. And Mr. Breck, I want you out of here in ten minutes, as quietly as you came. Got me?" and before I could respond he left the room.
"God, what a hunk!" I said.
"Absolutely," responded Tristan.
"Could've married a doctor," Tristan said.
"I got a lawyer and I'm happy with that!" I said, causing Tristan to cough and gag.
When I returned home, I undressed and crawled into bed with Josh. It was warm under the covers. He was sleeping so soundly. Suffice it to say, I wasn't prepared for the morning. And when it came, it came like a bad storm. I awoke to Josh crashing into the dresser and apparently stumping his toe.
"Damn it to hell!" he shouted. I jerked up from the pillow.
"Josh, what are you doing?" I snapped.
"Trying to get ready for the damn job. God Almighty, I'm tired and then he tripped over my shoes that I left on the floor. He grabbed the doorframe and I didn't move or say anything.
He wasn't in the bathroom but for a few minutes when I heard drawers and doors slamming. I knew instantly he was not ready to go to work. His mind and soul must have been wrecked. I picked up his phone and entered his password. I entered "Monroe" in his contacts and his managing director's contact came up. I pressed the dial.
"Morning Josh, is everything ok?" a polite gentleman asked.
"Good morning, Mr. Monroe. This is Ty." I said, quietly.
"Tyson," he said in alarm. "What's wrong? Is Josh ok? What happened?"
"Things are good, Mr. Monroe. Tristan awoke yesterday and is doing great."
"That's a relief. The firm has monitored the situation closely. But Josh?"
"He's tired, sir. He's crashed all over the bedroom and I don't think he can brush his own teeth this morning. I would like to request that he stay home today. I hope you understand."
"Oh my God," he growled, sending shivers through my body. Was I about to get Josh fired?
"Son, you order Mr. Warner to stay home and rest today. He has carried the weight of several worlds on his shoulders and he's been on my radar of late. If all is well with Mr. Lane, have Josh stay home, get his perspective back in check."
"Get his feet back on the ground?" I suggested, knowing lawyers liked that kind of talk.
"Absolutely!" said Mr. Monroe. "In fact, I'm having Cassandra reschedule everything from today and tomorrow! Do not let Josh come to work, keep him there. Keep an eye on him, Tyson. I trust you know what's best for him. What he's been through, only the Lord knows."
"Thank you, sir. I hoped you'd understand."
"Thank you for calling, Tyson. If you need anything, please let me know. Immediately."
"I will, sir. Have a good day."
I opened the door to the bathroom. Josh was about to turn on the water. I took his hand and led him back to the bedroom.
"What's going on, Ty? What are you doing? I have to get ready..."
"No you don't. I just got off the phone with Mr. Monroe and he said..."
"You did what?" Josh said.
"I did what was right! I told him you needed a bit more rest and he agreed. He said your calendar has been cleared for today and tomorrow. He doesn't want you in the office. He thinks you need some recuperation and I agree with him!" He looked angry for a minute. Then his eyes watered and I knew this look. He was possibly grieving a loss that did not happen. I pulled him into the bed and onto me. I wrapped my arms tightly around him.
"I got you, Josh. I got all of you in my arms." He looked into my eyes.
"Oh my God, Ty. I still feel like, well, I have to...,"
"Shhh," I whispered. "It's over. I've seen Tristan and it's all good."
"What?" he asked.
"I went to the hospital after you fell asleep." His eyes grew wide. "Don't worry, we saw Dr. Kimball and everything. It's all good, josh. Tristan is good and is going to be better when he learns to walk again. He threatened to have me run over by his car service when I told him it was a sad day when he couldn't lift his legs for a guy." I smiled, hoping Josh...and he did. He started to laugh. He tightened his arms around me as I did him. He laughed harder until we both were howling.
"So Tristan-ish!" he screamed. As we settled, he looked at me again.
"If that had been you, Ty, I would have been crazy out of my mind. I don't know if I..."
"Shhh!" I ordered a second time. "It wasn't me. You got me until that day comes. I'm here, babe, for you," I said in a slight whisper. He kissed me. I grabbed his hair. He looped an arm under my neck. He grinded against me. I wasn't breaking our connection. I lifted my legs. He grabbed the lube. He pushed into me. He swabbed my ear with his tongue.
"I love you so much, Ty. So...fucking......much!" and he thrusted himself into me with all the passion he could muster. He kissed me deeply, our lips grasping and dancing with each other. I tried to suck his face off but couldn't do it, completely.
"Oh my God," I whimpered. "You're on my spot, babe. Please don't stop. Please keep loving me!" and reached behind him and grabbed his ass to pull him in and every time he hit that spot, I got closer and closer and finally, my cock popped and a jet of cum blew onto my tummy. Josh was holding himself up by his arms and his bangs swayed down over his eyes. I felt all his muscles contract in his body as he released himself into me. I felt all of it, his dick, his cum, and his soul.
That was the first time we made love that day and the second was just as passionate. I picked at him in the kitchen,by sneaking up on him, yanking his sweatpants down, resulting in spilled coffee on the counter. All this resulted in a chase from the kitchen to the living room and some screaming, mostly by me!. I tried to beg him to leave me alone but he came on like the wind. He was swift and precise. He had my arm, then his arm reached around my chest. He wrestled me to the ground. He yanked my sweat pants off. We tossed and turned. He took me from behind and on my back and I took his load in my mouth, ignoring the rug burns on my knees caused during our fuck. And I should point out carpet burns suck!
We walked blocks and shopped around. We held hands along the cold sun-lit streets. We had hot chocolate with whipped cream at the cafe. We talked about Bryce and what he was doing at the moment and laughed and plotted my idea of "A Stepbrother's Desire." He was all for it. Like Tristan, he was ready to put pen to paper. We, in essence, pulled ourselves together and began to remember what life was like when Tristan's life was sitting on our hearts and minds.
Tristan would exit the hospital with some fanfare, all the boys from the Home standing in lines as they wheeled him out of the hospital. A week in a rehabilitation center would have him back on his feet. Bryce would move into the realm of relationships with some ease. To all those who knew or didn't know, it would be clear who his man was. I feared he would be awkward and shy but Tristan's hand was regularly in his wherever they went. Mason would have some difficulty accepting Tristan's new boyfriend. When Bryce was introduced to the group at a Thursday night dinner, the chair that slid abruptly across the floor indicated a tantrum was underway. Josh would move first but Tristan stopped him. He took Mason off for a one-on-one. The only flaw in the "Tristan-Bryce" coupling was Bryce's mother, who gave him a fit when he told her, when he resigned his job at the bank and when he moved to D.C. Josh understood her issue more quickly than I did. At the heart of it was a mom who was finding out her son had a boyfriend and was in love before she knew there was the potential he even liked men.
Josh and I were having a Zoom call with our mother one evening and Josh mentioned that things were tough for them. She said she knew because the rumor mill in town was swirling. I suggested that maybe she could just talk to Julie Chatley since she was so persuasive.
"Hmmm," mom chirped. "I wouldn't be opposed to the idea. It would, in the least, make me feel like a mother again, a real mother rather than a mother-f..." and before she could finish Josh and I were screaming with laughter. Her only request was that Bryce come to see her and explain it to her, what he felt and wanted, how this love came about. Bryce would head back to the hometown on Saturday and have lunch with mom. He would tell her what being with Tristan meant to him, what being with Josh and me meant to him. He would tell her stuff that was in his heart and honestly, I was a bit jealous because neither Josh nor I had been able to talk to her like that in a long time. She was convinced that fate had played its hand and she talked to Julie. They reignited an old friendship and things got progressively better.
As Easter approached, that Cathedral on Tristan's street pulled at my heart. I had repeated memories of being there from my dreams. Once the notion had settled into my head, I informed everyone that we would attend Mass there on Easter Sunday. The fact that we had brushed the "life and death" scenario so closely gave me cause to consider that maybe God and faith should be more important to us than it had been before. I was prepared for a fight but all I got from Josh was "ok." We were dressed and pressed for the occasion. Josh wore a seer sucker suit from Brooks. I was in a double breasted blazer pulled from my own store. Tristan had a navy blue pin-striped suit and Bryce was in a light blue blazer with tan pants. We were nothing short of amazing and the congregation thought so too. We were welcomed by so many people. The church was full and I had to laugh to myself because it looked in real life like nothing I had seen in my dream. The service was lively with a brass quartet and big choir. Tristan and I let loose on the tenor line of those hymns we learned so long ago in the Presbyterian church. People smiled at us as we sang. Josh would nudge me and ask if there wasn't a church choir calling for a brilliant young tenor. He met a big client there who made it no secret to the firm that he was impressed seeing one of the attorneys in church. It was, according to Cappy, just another fucking brownie point for Josh!
Our regular attendance at Sunday Mass led to a discovery of a great little Mexican restaurant on the other side of the park that served great food and amazing margaritas. In fact, Sunday became known as Mass-Margarita Sunday. The restaurant was ready for us each week and there were those of our friends who longed to be invited or included in our Sunday ritual. Tristan's parents, who were much more involved now, even enjoyed the Mass and lunch with us on occasion.
We would watch boys grow and develop in the We Found YOUth Home. Some would graduate from high school and chase productive lives. Some would go to work and learn about self-sustainability. A small choir of boys performed on occasion in various places under the direction of Marcue. There were a few who had deep rooted issues and would continue to stumble through everything. None that we are aware of have ever walked away mad and only one had to be bailed out of jail. They knew they were loved even if they didn't know how to love back.
Marcue Marcell would have a brush with disaster when his father told him he may be going back to France to continue his education. I didn't think it was a terrible idea but Marcue convinced me he was not ready to leave us. One day, after helping me price some new inventory, I took him to lunch. After lunch we walked through the park where he explained the ups and downs of going back to Paris. The talk was engaging and we found ourselves parked under the shade of a large tree.
"The quarrel I have with going home is, err, I have not done things I want. I have not had a love, except for you," he said to me.
"Aww, Marcue, you have been..." and he grabbed my jacket and pulled me to him. He pressed himself to me and kissed me. The shock of it was sudden and I'm not ashamed to admit it was a terrific kiss. His soft wet lips did more than give me a hardon. But, there was a truth that had to be mentioned here. I pulled gently away from him.
"It was not a good kiss?" he asked.
"Marcue, that was a great kiss and I'm very surprised by it. But, you've never done that before and I'm wondering what's going on in your head. You know I have Josh. And, even though he and I used to be more liberal about things, you and I have an age difference that is, well, too wide."
"I'm lonely Ty. I watch you and Tristan with your lovely men and you are so happy and there is much affection. I spend all day with the young people and that's hands off. I want somebody," and I watched the blue in his eyes sparkle and fade.
"Oh Marcue, I know you do and I have some ideas. I want you to have some experience before you return to France. I promise."
"I don't know how it works, I mean what guys do to each other."
"I will help you."
The boys would be invited by the French Embassy to come for a tour which was incredibly fascinating and Mr. Marcell, Marcue's father would pull me aside and inquire as to Marcue's involvement with the boys. I explained that Marcue had been absolutely perfect with his volunteer efforts and the boys choir who had sung at multiple events had been led responsibly by him. I did reiterate that Marcue wanted a bit more time to fulfill his need for service and that seemed to please Mr. Marcell. He was a serious man and I could tell that his feelings for his son were real. I was glad to see that.
I part from the story because my phone is ringing and it's Josh.
"Hey," I say.
"Where are you?" he asks.
"Sitting in the home office telling this story."
"Ty! You were supposed to be through with that hours ago."
"Well there was a lot to tell. It's what you wanted me to do, isn't it?"
"I didn't mean for you to rewrite Gone With the Wind. It was a couple of paragraphs!"
"Paragraphs? Seriously? After all that went down? Oh no sir," I snap. "You started this by telling all our business from the get-go so now they have to hear all of it."
"Ty, the lawyer is going to be here soon. Can you please wrap it up and get over here? And remember to dress. There is the party afterwards!" and he disconnects. You know, that Josh can be a real drama-queen sometimes.
Back to the story. Only on one occasion would I slip by just thinking I needed to check on Tristan as I had done so often before the surgery. I caught Tristan and Bryce laying in the bed, under covers, laughing and talking. I tried to back out but Bryce spotted me and asked me to come in. I really was so embarrassed.
"I'm so sorry," I said. "It was just habit..."
"It's ok," said Bryce. "We just finished up," and he crawled out of bed, nude, with a half hardon dangling between his legs. Why are half hardons so sexy, I ask myself. I slipped onto the side of the bed.
"Did you?" I asked.
"Oh yes," said Tristan. We found a way that doesn't cause any risk or pain," he said with a gleam in his eye. "He's wonderful," Tristan says.
"I won't barge in again. This was a one-time thing, I promise," I offer.
Tristan was tapped by Mayor Bartley to head up a metrics division and he and his "think-tank" team built a technology that would connect all the social services systems and provide data to show the youth and family activities and trends, giving her access to data that would support the need for greater policy and oversight. It would certainly feed her campaign when she ran for the House. Bryce went to work at the Federal Credit Union and loved working for a non-profit organization.
As I worked on my book, I found it cumbersome to do both writing and editing so I hired a young college English Major from the local university to edit. He was not only delightful but he was gorgeous.
"The last thing you need," said Tristan, "is a gorgeous editor working with you on the book. You're going to get in trouble!" he insisted.
"Always doubting me, I see," I sneered. He winked at me. "I'm setting the boy up with Marcue because I think they will have a blast together. The boy speaks French!" Tristan nodded in approval.
They would have some fun together but it would fizzle and after a long hot summer, a new and amazing time approached; namely Josh and his football team. Practice in the heat was tough. Josh was pulling a lot of time between the firm and the team. He had multiple levels of frustration working with the head coach but things seemed to settle when they won the first game. Tristan and I sat in the aging bleachers which hadn't seen much action in a long time. By the third game, the trend was growing. The bleachers began to fill. Our friends started to come. Friday nights became something special. We would watch in anticipation each game where Josh would not only have to push the offensive line but would have to toe the line with the head coach.
"One day that asshole will realize all he has to do is sit back and enjoy!" said Tristan. As the players ran out and took places on the field, I would yell out, "Go Josh. Take `em down!" and Tristan would reply, "remember, Ty, Josh is not actually playing!" causing Bryce to crack up. I gave Bryce the evil-eye to quieten him.
"I could be doing that, coaching football," Bryce said.
"There's a little league team down in Costas Park," I said. Tristan cracked up.
At the next home game, tickets had to be purchased in advance. I even took Marcue who had no idea about football but was excited to be at a real american sporting event. As we wandered through the open area, looking for familiar faces and admiring the local culture, namely high school kids trying to look cool, I stumbled upon Corin Monroe, Josh's managing director at the firm. It was a surprise seeing him and with him was a hunk of a boy I recognized but hadn't seen in a long time.
"Mr. Monroe!" I said, and he turned to look at me.
"Tyson, there you are," he said in an aristocratic drawl. "Josh told me to be on the lookout for you."
"I wish he had told me. I'm glad I stumbled upon you. And Mr. Monroe, who do you have with you, may I ask?"
"Surely you remember my grandson, Dexter. Wasn't he at one of our Christmas parties?" I reached forward and took Dexter's hand. He was definitely a hunk of a boy with curly brown hair, brown eyes, and a beautiful smile.
"I do remember but he was a little thing back then," I said with a laugh.
"I was a little thing back then," he said. I was sure I was going to fall in love with him but then I remembered Marcue was standing beside me.
"Mr. Monroe, Dexter, let me introduce you to one of my friends, Marcue Marcell. His father is a diplomat in the French Embassy and Marcue volunteers with the youth." Mr Monroe smiled as Marcue quipped, "and I volunteer doing whatever else you tell me," and everyone laughed.
"Good one," I said.
"How fascinating," said Mr. Monroe. "It must be rewarding exploring our culture in such a way and with good friends," Mr. Monroe said.
"Yes, it is. I have good times when I am out with Ty and Josh. And Dexter, I think it would be fun if you joined us. We have some young people and will be fun to sit with? You think?" Dexter's eyes blazed.
"May I, Grandfather?"
"Absolutely, go on ahead. I'm sitting with some guys from the firm. There's a group here tonight, Tyson, all in support of Josh and his team," and he gave me a wink as Marcue led Dexter away.
"He is a great boy but he became somewhat enamored with a fella from his school and he got bullied. It was an unfortunate circumstance. My son is a bit thin on knowing how to support him so I take him out with me. He's really rather marvelous."
"There's nothing like a good granddad! I'm grateful he has your support. Does Josh know about thist?" I asked.
"Oh no, I have never said anything."
"I don't know why there are so many secrets in your firm," I said with a chuckle and I think Mr. Monroe understood my jibe. "But Dexter will be safe with us and he will enjoy himself. Thank you for bringing him." We parted ways and I found the group. Dexter and Marcue were hitting it off very well in the bleacher seats and Tristan and Bryce came up behind me. I pointed down and they saw what I was pointing to and we went and found seats a bit higher up. I didn't want to be a "cock-blocker" because this looked amazing from where I sat. Marcue and Dexter laughing and talking, having just met.
Josh's team would take that game but not without some push and pull. Right there at the end, with a few points separating the teams, Josh gave the play to the quarterback in front of the head coach and assistant. The coach nodded in disagreement. Josh tried to explain further but the coach nodded again.
"Uh oh," said Bryce.
The coach laid out a plan and Josh threw his hands on his hips and pointed to the field, disputing something. Then Josh, did that thing, he got very close to the head coach and whispered something. The coach looked intrigued. A few more seconds and the coach threw his hands up. Josh had won. He gave the QG his orders and sent him out onto the field. Only a couple of setbacks occurred during the season. In Josh's final assessment, those kids learned how to be winners and losers and they adored him. Even the head coach began to appreciate the headwinds of having a winning team. The whole thing was so much fun. It seemed the whole school beamed on Friday nights. I distinctly remember saying to Tristan, "I could watch Josh run all over that field everyday."
"And you do," was his reply.
******************* Josh
You see why it was necessary for Ty to tell that portion of the story and I know he went long about it. It was a difficult experience. Our lives since have been good. Tristan is a busy man about town, Bryce has settled into a lifestyle he so deserved. Ty has completed his manuscript which bypassed publishing and went to tv producers thanks to the media manager we found.
I hear Cassandra in the outer office bark, "just walk on by like I don't matter!" and Ty replies, "Girrrll you know who I'm here for!" and he walks into my office. I kiss him.
"Took you long enough," I say.
"Had things to do, babe. What do you think of my suit?" he asks.
"You look amazing," I say, pointing to the chair across from my desk. "Now you remember what we're here for today, right? We are not rewriting scripts or changing anything with the production. We are just signing a contract and you are asking for a couple of confirmations. Got it?"
"I got it, Josh," he says. I look at my watch and right to the second Cassandra informs us Lyle Perkins from Nova Television is in the conference room. I take Ty by the hand and lead him down the long hall to conference rooms.
We greet the lawyer and go over the contract. Ty asks for specific details to his rights relating to creative changes, script updates, and character modifications. He has presented this work as a work of fiction and we don't want anything slipping back in that tells who we all are. We would never have personal lives again. The lawyer confirms those points of interest. We all sign our part of the contract and Mr. Perkins stands. He's tall, gray haired, sophisticated.
"The executive management group of Noval Productions is thrilled with this project, Mr. Breck. We look forward to moving forward. Please contact me if you have any questions. Once the director has been assigned to the project, he will become your point of contact. Any questions?" he asks.
"No sir, and thank you," Ty says responsibly. We walk the lawyer to the door and Ty all but throws himself onto my body. He kisses me in excitement.
"Let's go to a party!" I say and we head back to my office to get my things.
"Cassandra, you coming to the party?" Ty asks.
"Yeah, I'm worried about parking so I'm going to Uber. Not getting on the train in these heels," she says, pointing to her stilettos. I laugh.
"Eww," says Ty. "Ride with us," Ty offers.
"I couldn't possibly," she responds. "Who wants the old bitch with them?"
Just then Cappy rounds the corner. "I'll take that ride and Cassandra, you're with me tonight. Let's go!"
"Ok, ok," she says, grabbing purse. We climb into the Escalade and the driver already knows where he's taking us. Traffic is slow.
"What will you do now, Ty?" asks Cassandra, "now that you're a big star."
"I'm not a big star but I hope this production will be," he says. "Get a house on the water and live with Josh the rest of my life," Ty says.
"Why do I like the sound of that?" I ask.
"Aww, fuckers. You two make me sick!" and Ty and I laugh.
The driver lets us off at the entrance to the bar. We enter and find the bar packed. I guess they're happy with this turnout. Drinks are pouring like water. Everyone applauds as we enter. Bryce comes forward and hands Ty a cocktail.
"Excuse me, where's mine?" I ask.
"You're not the man of the hour," Tristan says.
"We'll see about that," I respond. Ty pushes into the people and it's a crowd of people we know and you know as well. Mayor Bartley and her entourage, Tristan's people, Julia and Perry, the newly engaged couple settling into Atlanta. Ginny Tatum, Kyle Davis, lawyers from the firm and friends from University. KP from the Society is there and he's smiling because his father is a very secretive influencer to Nova picking up the production. I didn't even have to ask him. That's a whole other story. Really the only people not there are our parents and I'm really disappointed. I know mom has an important job but she also has the power to rearrange calendars for important events. Bryce hands me a vodka tonic with two limes and I'm glad somebody has my back.
I make my way to the DJ booth and ask if he can cut the music so Ty can talk. I take Ty by the hand and lead him to the front of the bar.
"Everybody, may I have your attention. I think Ty has some news," and there is a round of applause.
Ty is so excited he's practically giddy. "Everyone, thank you for coming today. It means a lot to Josh and me that you all would come celebrate with us. This is such a remarkable occasion. Nova Productions is producing "A Stepbrother's Story" in a three season series which will start production in ninety days. Yes, we have changed the names and identities to protect the innocent..."
"And the guilty!" I interrupt. Everyone laughs. And as Ty begins again, I take my place behind him and start down on one knee, pulling the small jewelry box out of my coat pocket which contains a simple 14 karate gold ring. But before I get down, a uniformed gentleman walks into the bar and I recognize the courier logo immediately.
"What?" barks Ty.
"Looking for Tyson Breck," he says and I know nothing good is coming from this.
"That's me," Ty says and the courier hands him an envelope. "You've been served," the guy says and storms back out the door. The crowd gets quiet. Very quiet.
"Do you think they are sending me legal papers already?" asks Ty.
"Open it," I say. He unseals the envelope and extracts very familiar blue parchment. Ty looks it over and looks totally dismayed.
"What is this, Josh? It's from mom and dad." I take it from him and give it a glance.
"Ty, the empire strikes back," and he turns pale and makes a disgusted look with his lips.
"What have they done?" he asks.
"On behalf of Mr. and Mrs William Breck, the court orders a production injunction to hear arguments on the reputational harm posed by said production. We have sixty days to form our case," I say to him.
"Can they do that?" he screams. The shockwaves blow past my face. "Really? Your mom can do that to protect her position as mayor?" and I kind of like how she is "my" mom all of a sudden.
"Ty, don't worry. We got this."
"Do we? Because it seems like the parents have it."
"Ty, look around," I say quietly to him. "Look at the bar where Mayor Bartley stands with two members of the House of Representatives. Look at the rest of this crowd. Babe," I say, taking his chin into my hand. "We will fight this. we have our own people. Nobody here will claim your fictitious story is going to hurt their reputations. Leave this to me," I say. He smiles slightly, looking at the parchment in my hand.
"No worries, everyone. Just some legal mumbo-jumbo. It will all get sorted out. Now, if I may, get on with why we are really here today!" and there is applause again. I drop to one knee, extract the ring once more and reveal it to Ty. I love the look on his face and I will try to remember it forever because I know it will only last a second.
"Ty, will you marry me and become Tyson Breck-Warner?" I exclaim. He stands motionless for a minute. I see a tremble in his hand.
"Oh God, yes! I thought you'd never ask!" and the crowd totally blows up and I'm sure that was one party the bar would not forget for a long time.
Final.
***** Epilogue
The case for reputation harm would not carry so the production went on. Needless to say, it was a big hit and the relationship with parents would be strained for a long while. Mother would conclude her second term as mayor and retire from politics. I'm not sure that was her decision alone. I'm fairly confident Bill Breck had something to say about it as a continued life of politics was not in his picture. Mother would become the Chief of Staff for the State's Chief Legal Office and become a member of society again.
Tristan and Bryce would sell Tristan's condo, opting for a lovely brownstone home. Ty and I would purchase a lovely house on the lake where we would entertain regularly on weekends. The Cathedral would host a quiet ceremony for Ty and I, which was short and sweet and didn't cause any political waves. The party at the Thompson Hotel, well that was another thing. What a great night that was. Our honeymoon would be a southern tour including a visit to Atlanta to hear Perry play with the symphony which is his full time gig now. We would head over to Mobile, Alabama where KP's family has a compound near Gulf Shores. After seeing those blue waters, Ty and I were sure that the Atlantic Ocean could not compare. We spent a weekend in New Orleans and then over to Scottsdale, Arizona where an old friend of Ty's lives with his partner. It was an amazing trip.
****** Note from the Author As I stated many times to many readers, this was primarily a work of fiction with trace elements of fantasy. I wanted a world where the athletes look after their friends, not torment them. Where parents have to find reason over temper. For anyone in touch with the younger generation of today, it should be understood that monogamy is not high on the list of priorities. High school boys are thinking from bottom up, not the other way around. For so many of us who grew up before the internet, it's hard to understand what it is to grow up with the phones and internet in your face all day, everyday. Likewise, it's just as hard to explain to the younger generation what it was like to live like we did, calling on house phones, leaving messages, having to go out in public and hunt for hookups.
Also, you may not be aware that the original plan was to allow Tristan to pass away so Ty could find his greatness but the characters were yelling at me, "let him live." So were many of my readers. In the end I could not do it. He, in case many of you are wondering, is the one I was in love with all along. I like how the doctors swooped in at the last minute and saved him.
This was meant to be a few chapters and conclude with a big sex bang. You, the readers, changed that course. Your emails with encouragement, thoughts, opinions, and real life examples caused the characters to become so real. In fact, I may have become a true author for a moment because these characters literally told me what they wanted to do. I didn't have to stew about it for long. I know there were twists and turns that may have caused you some dismay but what would the story have been if everyone had done what they were supposed to and not rocked the boat?
Thank you for seeing it through and I hope you enjoyed. I personally experienced great laughs and a few tears and if you threw at least one temper because of this cast, I would be very delighted. There may be some ad-hoc chapters to arise, either a sectional story in High School or something in Relationships since they are grown now. Be on the lookout!
With love and well wishes.