A TRIAL OF STRENGTH – PART 591 by Rob Williams
CHAPTER 591 – "THE POWER & PASSION OF RANGER PETE"
IN THIS CHAPTER
The handsome, virile Forest Ranger Pete is the strong silent type. But he can't stay silent when Brandon, the boy he loves, is in trouble. Plagued with insecurity and self-doubt Brandon refuses Pete's help, even rejects his love. But then they visit the Grady House where, in the timeless secret garden, Brandon surrenders to the powerful Ranger in a healing act of passionate love.
<><> IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER <><>
The first day of the tribe's weekend party at the Grady House had been long, eventful and tiring.
As the men and boys retired to the guestrooms assigned to them, the hosts, Grady and Mario, were in the master suite with their boy Brian. And it was time for what Grady had looked forward to – a good post-party gossip.
Brian rolled his wheelchair up alongside the bed and expertly hauled himself up beside Grady. They sat side by side propped up on the pillows and Grady put his arm round Brian's shoulder. "My favorite part of the party, and my favorite guy to share it with."
Brian had kept notes in his gossip notebook, and now Grady, with Brian on one side of him and Mario on the other, waded into all the stories of the men and their boys – what they had been discussing and, even more fun, making guesses on what they were doing right now, in bed. And they were pretty accurate guesses too.
For instance, the cop Mark was with his lover Jamie and young Felipe, Jamie's new buddy. Jamie would be going away for ten days with Grady and Mario, and Felipe was excited to learn that he would temporarily be taking Jamie's place in Mark's bed. Mark right now was giving Felipe a sample of what the cop would demand of the boy ... starting with his cute ass.
Meanwhile, down In the pool-house room, the cowboy Charlie was with his boys Noah and Vic who looked on him as their hero. He loved watching the young guys make love, especially when they turned their attention to him, lying barefoot and bare-chested on the pool deck. He had given the boys a present of loops of rawhide to wear round their necks, a sign that they were a cowboy's boys. They wore them with pride, vowing never to take them off.
Back in the master bedroom the gossip session was finally winding down. Grady said, "Guess we pretty much covered everyone, Brian ... except for you. I never hear much gossip about you, dude. So how do you feel about Mario and me going away on this publicity tour and leaving you here with Pete and Brandon?"
"Well of course I'll miss you, sir, but I love the idea of spending ten days here with the hunky Ranger and Brandon. After all, Brandon is Pete's boy and my boyfriend."
"Hmm, don't that sound a bit complicated?"
"I was concerned about that at first sir, like, being the third wheel with those two. But when I talked to Mario about it he said there's nothing wrong with being a third wheel. Brandon loves Pete and me both, but in different ways."
"Yeah, Mario got that right. He does get a few things right, you know ... occasionally." Grady and Mario had been having fun playfully bickering and trading barbs while Brian gossiped.
"After all," Grady said, "Mario and me are lovers but you don't feel like a third wheel with us do you?"
"Oh no, sir. Then again, what we've got going is different, real special ..."
"Sui generis, bambino," Mario murmured, jokingly flaunting his command of Latin.
"Oh don't start that again, dude, you caused enough trouble last time," Grady huffed, with a sparkle in his eye. He ruffled Brian's hair. "You know kiddo, you're right. You and me, we got this special thing going, and sometimes I think it's Mario who's the third wheel. Maybe I'll take you on my publicity tour and leave him here."
Mario said drowsily, "Only I won't be collecting any gossip for you."
Grady winced. "He's got a point there, Brian, don't you think? I mean, I gotta know everything that goes on here when we're away."
Silence descended at last, and they were almost asleep when Grady whispered, "Hey, Brian. When we're away you will keep filling that gossip notebook won't you? For when I get back?"
"Always, sir. Just between us."
========= CHAPTER 591 =========
<><> A PRE-BRIEFING BRIEFING <><>
As always, the Sunday of a weekend Grady-House party was a day of rest, after all the social activity and sexual exertions of the day and night before.
The young chef Danny and his helpers had again spread out a lavish brunch buffet as the guys would be waking up at different times. It would have been an impossible task to gather together all these free-spirited men and boys for a formal sit-down breakfast of lunch. Also, it was easier on the chefs, who simply had to replenish the many dishes on the brunch table.
Danny's lover Tommy had set up the bar as an open bar where the guys could serve themselves coffee and juice, or pour a drink from the pitcher of Bloody Marys.
The drowsy crowd gathered slowly in small groups round the pool or under the many shade trees, where there were numerous topics of conversation.
One topic was the expansion of the construction company, from three construction sites to four. It promised an increased workload in the coming week, especially for the guys working on the construction sites, and the boys in the business office at the compound. After the planning came the `grunt work', as Randy called it – putting the plans into action.
Bob was eating breakfast with the hosts of the party – the action-hero movie-star Grady and his Italian lover Mario. "Guys, I have to tell you again how grateful we all are that you put on this big bash for the whole tribe. It's just what they all need, a few days fun and relaxation before all the hard work begins.
"Look over there at Randy, talking with the other bosses, Zack, Seth and Darius. I can tell by Randy's body language that he's already gearing up for the effort it's gonna take."
Grady grinned, "And what a happy coincidence that his brother, cowboy Charlie, showed up here on his way to his next rodeo gig."
"Yes, amico," Mario smiled, "and you lost no time throwing yourself at him in a shameful display of animal lust."
"Nothing wrong with animal lust, dude. How else do you greet a bare-chested muscle-hunk cowboy except throw your body at him? What do you say, Bob?"
"Oh no ..." Bob laughed. "Don't expect me to take sides in your marital squabbles."
"This ain't squabbling, dude. This is us letting off steam before we have to smile politely and make nice with everyone we meet on this damn publicity tour coming up in a week's time. Talk about hard work. I almost said no until Mario arranged for my entourage to accompany me – himself, Jamie, Nate and Eddie. At least when we get back to the hotels each night we can wipe those forced smiles off our faces and really get down and dirty."
Mario smiled, "No `down and dirty' for me, amore. I'll be relaxing with my book. I took your advice and got War & Peace, that should last the whole ten-day trip."
"Please yourself," Grady huffed. "While you've got your nose buried in War & Peace, me and the boys will be acting it out – making war, making love. Maybe we'll let you join in, maybe not."
Bob laughed. "Guys, this is starting to sound like the trip from hell ... after hours, at least. But at least the boys are enjoying it already. Look at them over there, making all kinds of plans."
Mario said, "Yes, well you and I, Grady, should have a little chat with them. You know the studio wants us all to go down there tomorrow and meet with the publicity guys for a briefing about what to expect, how to react and what topics to avoid, that sort of thing. You and I, Grady, have done this kind of thing so often we're old hands, but it's brand new to the three boys so we should prime them."
Mario beckoned to them to come over. They brought their coffee with them and sat round the small table. Bob got up to leave but Mario pulled him back down. "Please stay, Bob, your input might be helpful.
"Bene, we are all together. "Mi scusi for interrupting your party but as you know we have to go down to the studio tomorrow for a briefing on the upcoming publicity jaunt. I think we should have a short pre-briefing briefing, so you know what to expect ..."
"... and stop us from putting our foot in it," Eddie grinned.
"Well, I wouldn't put it quite like that Eddie ... let's just say to avoid making mistakes. The thing to remember is that this is all about Grady. The spotlight will be on him and he will be the focus of the questions." Mario smiled, "To put it another way, we will be like Grady's back-up singers."
Eddie grinned, "No problem there, sir. You mean like the Harlettes ...?" He jumped to his feet and sang, "De-do wa-wa ... de-do wa-wa', complete with footwork and finger-snaps, which brought howls of laughter."
Grady laughed loudest. "Eddie, your de-do wa-wa will be way more interesting than anything I could say. I have to be so nice and polite to, and about, everyone ... `Oh he's a pleasure to work with, so talented'... when you know he's a total doofus, and everyone else knows it too."
"Tough room, dude," Bob grinned at Mario, who tried to restore order. We digress, gentlemen. In answer to your question, Eddie, no, not like the Harlettes – I'm sorry I brought up back-up singers – poor analogy. Our talents, whatever they are, will not be on display here. Any major gaffe would be all over the tabloids next day."
"Sir," Eddie frowned, "I'm feeling a bit pissed that everyone assumes I'll be the one to fuck up ... like blurting out to the press something like I'm the finest cocksucker in town ... which I am, by the way. But of course I would never bring that up ... unless, of course ..."
"No, Eddie, there's no `unless'."
"Just mind-fucking you, sir," Eddie giggled. "I know all that stuff."
Mario smiled at Bob. "Help me out here, amico."
Bob smiled. "I'm an outsider here, and I can only go by that little rehearsal we had yesterday where, as I recall, Eddie, Jamie and Nate aced the questions we put to them – professional, articulate and a credit to Grady and the studio."
"A comforting thought, Bob, thank you. And I second that. Oh, and one other thing, guys, there's to be no sirs'. We are just a group of friends and colleagues working together, so we treat each other like buddies. In fact, people will be calling you sir' as we're a high-profile group. Any other questions?"
Eddie asked, "What about clothes, sir? Oops, sorry ... dude. Hassan bought me a new shirt and ..."
"Wear just what you feel comfortable in, Eddie, it's all quite casual. Don't forget, you are a cameraman, and film crews wear all sorts of stuff. I know in some cases they want Grady to be shirtless in just lifeguard shorts as he does in the movie, to turn everyone on ..."
"One of the more corny and humiliating things I have to do, I might say," Grady winced.
"But great for photos, dude," Eddie grinned.
"That's just the point, buddy, you nailed it right there."
"Oh before I forget," Mario said. "Everything we've said here applies also to the private jet. It's owned by the studio, and the crew works for them, so no mile-high fucking, sorry guys. Actually they asked if we'd like them to run us out to Burbank Airport tomorrow – it's only fifteen minutes from the studio – and they'll show us inside one of their jets." Eddie's wide eyes gleamed.
"OK, signori, that's it. "I hope you can all stay here overnight so we'll be together when the studio limo picks us up at eleven."
"Why are they sending a car, mate?" came Nate's Aussie drawl. "We could drive down there."
"Oh that's because of me and the insurance, Nate," Grady sighed. "They're scared to death of anything happening to me and bringing the movie to a grinding halt. If they could, they'd pack me in bubble wrap and send me by FedEx."
The meeting broke up with more laughter, and Mario turned to Bob. "Well that went pretty well, don't you think?"
Bob smiled, "Buddy, I don't think you have anything to worry about. You know Eddie likes to play the class clown, but he's a smart kid and knows just how far he can push it. Plus, he wants more than anything to make Hassan proud of him. Sure, he'll make them laugh, but with no mention of cocksucking, I guarantee. And what's more, he'll keep all of you laughing. You're gonna need that."
<><> PLANS FOR THE EMPTY HOUSE <><>
Another major topic of conversation also concerned Grady's publicity tour – or rather who would be left here in the Grady House in the absence of Grady and Mario. Their boys Danny and Brian certainly, but the large house would feel eerily empty with just them. So it would provide an opportunity for them to entertain a few others from the tribe.
High on that list were Brian's boyfriend Brandon, and Brandon's handsome Ranger Pete. Brandon would be busy at work for the coming week, but after that, when Grady and Mario left, it was proposed that he and Pete would come up here for a ten-day mini-vacation.
Having helped Mario out with his `briefing' of the unruly group, Bob turned his attention to Brian and Brandon who were sitting with chef Danny, on his break from the kitchen.
"Mind if I join you, guys?" Bob said, pulling up a chair. "I just wanted to chat a bit, make sure you're all OK about being left alone when Grady and Mario are away. `Course, it's not my place to interfere with the running of the Grady House, but I hope when they go away you'll rely on me if and when difficulties come up."
"Thank you, sir," said Danny who, as house manager, would be nominally in charge. "That's good to know. And Mario said we can call on Randy and Mark if there are security problems. In Hollywood it's common knowledge when a celebrity goes out of town, and when people think a star's home is empty there are sometimes burglary attempts."
"And Mario was right," Bob said. "In the unlikely event something like that happens, Randy and Mark would respond immediately." Bob grinned, "And I wouldn't give much for the burglar's chances when Randy's finished with him. But Brandon, are we still on for you and Pete to come up here for your mini-vacation?"
"If you can spare me from the office, sir."
"Oh, after this coming week, once the new systems have been set up, the other guys can manage, and I'll be there to supervise them. Besides I want you to give some thought to my new brainwave, the centralized distribution system for food and supplies for all the houses in the tribe. But I don't want you spending too much time on that. You'll be here to have fun with Pete."
"I know, sir, and I plan mostly just to be making phone calls to all the other chefs and house managers to gather their input. I'm sure they'll have all kinds of concerns."
Brian smiled, "I'll make sure he don't work too hard, sir. He has to take care of the Ranger, and Mario has told me to give them the key to the Secret Garden. That'll work its magic on them, they'll fall in love all over again."
Danny said, "And Hassan, the Marine, will probably be spending time up here too, sir, as he'll be alone when his boy Eddie leaves on the tour. I know my lover Tommy's happy about that. He's always drooled over that hunk."
"Hm, quite a thought," Bob smiled. "The Arab Marine and blond gymnast. Don't tell Eddie or he'll give you a camera to film it."
"Too late, sir," Danny chuckled. "He's already done that. Says it's `essential for the archives'."
Bob laughed. "I should have guessed. Well, you seem to have everything covered. I hope you don't mind if I drop in from time to time."
"Be a pleasure, sir. Er, I'll alert you when Hassan's here and you can come and be an extra in the Hassan/Tommy movie."
"A dream come true," Bob smiled.
<><> A LIMO TO THE STUDIO <><>
And so, after a lazy day of love and laughter, the Grady-House party wound down. Dinner that evening was a celebration and a farewell, as many of the guys would be leaving early next morning to begin the hard work on the construction company's expansion – both on the work-sites and in the office.
At the end of dinner Randy rose to make a short speech of thanks to Mario and Grady, their boys Danny, Brian and Tommy, and the other boys who had helped to make the weekend such a success. After that there were many personal effusive thanks and goodbyes, with the usual promises to not be a stranger' and drop by whenever you feel like it'.
It was an early night for most of them, and next morning the early-shift chefs, Danny and Felipe, had set up a small breakfast buffet – nowhere near as elaborate as the previous two days, as most of the men had time only for coffee and a quick eat-and-run.
The other chefs, the twins and Will, had already left to fire up the main kitchen at the compound and prepare the box lunches for all the crews. Brandon, Bob and the office staff left in a hurry too, to get started on the new tech system setups required by the expansion. Brandon's parting from Brian was not as melancholy as usual, as they had ten days together to look forward to in a week's time.
More emotional was the parting of cowboy Charlie and his boys, Noah and Vic. "I'll only be a week in San Diego, kids, and after that I get a week off. My buddy who has a horse ranch up here wants me to visit him so I'll be coming up to L.A. again, and stay with you if that's OK. And while I'm gone, you be good kids – and keep wearing those rawhide loops round your necks.
"Of course, sir, always," they said in unison.
Jamie, Nate and Eddie were still at the Grady House, of course, waiting for the limo to take them to their briefing at the Warner Studio. Their men, Mark, Hassan, Adam and Chad hung around too to see their boys off. Promptly at eleven the gate buzzer sounded and Brian said, "Your carriage awaits gentlemen."
Mark hugged Jamie. "Take it easy, dude, and you'll knock `em dead."
The Aussie Adam hugged his boy Nate. "Good on ya, mate, this is the big time ... have fun."
Eddie grinned at Hassan. "I'm wearing the shirt you gave me sir – my lucky shirt." Hassan ruffled his hair. "You won't need luck, kiddo – just take your cue from Mario and you'll do great. I'm so proud of you, boy."
Brian opened the gates and Mario and Grady led the three guys out to the long black limo. All five piled in and Grady sat between Mario and Jamie with his baseball cap pulled low over his face to avoid being recognized. "Wake me when it's over, guys."
Eddie took a picture and grinned, "Just doing my job, dude."
Of course when they swept through the studio gates twenty minutes later and drove through the lot to the publicity offices, things went swimmingly. By now their PR rep George was an old friend of Grady and Mario, and greeted the other three boys warmly.
As he led them through the building to his office, heads turned as they always did at the sight of Grady, and the boys got their first sense of how things would be when the trip began next week. In the limo Grady had scrunched down sullenly in his seat, hat covering his eyes. But he changed dramatically when staff began greeting him, as if a spotlight had turned on.
It was like a stage performer who waits behind the curtain – serious, focused, taking deep breaths. When the curtain rises his face gleams with a big smile and he walks briskly forward, arms stretched, to greet the applause. He's on. The boy's realized what it took for Grady to switch from buddy to movie-star, conserving his energy and charm, then turning it on to greet his public.
As they sat at the conference table in George's plush office an assistant offered them coffee and juice, to be rewarded by Grady's dazzling smile known to millions. The studio staff here saw movie stars all the time, but the boys realized that Grady had a special magnetism that was the key to his popularity.
George took them through the details of the trip, described the places they would visit, and told them more or less what Mario had told them earlier, that the focus would mostly be on Grady and all of this was to make him look good.
George then asked questions of each one in turn to reassure himself that they were articulate and interesting, and played off each other well as a group. After a free-flowing conversation he seemed well pleased by the sense of fun they generated together that would make for some lively sessions.
They in turn had questions for George about the do's and don'ts of a press conference. Eddie asked, "Er, George, when exactly do you want me to be taking these candid shots of Grady? I don't want to get in the way, but I'm good at being unobtrusive, fading into the background."
"That's exactly what we want, Eddie. You know Grady well, and the pictures you've taken of him so far have been splendid. So feel free to snap away whenever it feels right ... except, of course, when your sitting at the press table answering questions.
At the end of the long session came the part Eddie had been excited about. George said, "You'll be travelling in one of the studio's corporate jets of course and I thought it might be useful to make you familiar with one so you know what to expect. Burbank Airport is only fifteen minutes from here so we'll take the limo.
As they drove to the airport Eddie's excitement mounted, but he tried to look cool, as if he did this every day. They went past the main entrance and round the back of the airport to the general aviation area where the private jets parked. They walked through the private lounge and out to one of the gleaming jets, Eddie still trying to be as nonchalant as possible.
In the limo coming back home Grady said, "Thanks guys that went really well. George told me how pleased he was and predicted a fun tour. Dudes, I am so glad you're gonna be with me, it makes a world of difference. See, these things can look kinda stiff and rehearsed, but with you there I can relax and look genuine, like I'm having fun, which I will be."
On the way to the Grady House the limo dropped Jamie, Eddie and Nate off at the compound where the other boys were waiting for them. They all crowded in the office where Eddie held court. He dropped the veneer of sophistication he had been putting on and became the gushing over-the-top boy they knew and loved. He was still dazzled after seeing inside the private jet.
"Guys, you would not believe that thing. The last word in luxury, nothing like a regular plane, it's got plush seats, couches, tables, a bed, even a shower ... I could go on and on."
They had no doubt he would do just that as they gathered round wide-eyed. "It can seat up to ten, but we'll only be five so there's tons of room. Grady will prob'ly use the bed to keep his strength up cos he's gotta be charming all the time. But Mario won't be able to fuck him cos we have to be a professional group and none of that mile-high stuff."
Bob indulged this distraction from work for some time until he said at last, "Guys, I hate to break up this fascinating story but we have work to do. Eddie, your man Hassan got home from the Grady House a while ago and he's across the street in your house."
"Oh, right, sir. He'll be waiting for me, I gotta go tell him all about it. He told me he's been on private jets, but not as big as this one, I bet. Later dudes ..."
He rushed out the door and Bob grinned. "`My jet is bigger than your jet' – can't compete with that one, eh guys? OK, back to work."
<><> NOISY DEPARTURES <><>
And so, the week progressed, with a blend of hard work, mounting anticipation, pent-up energy, and letting off steam at dinnertime. It seemed the weekend would never come, and when it did the departures, like all departures in the tribe, could best be described as controlled chaos.
The movie guys were the first to leave on Saturday morning, and Mark, Adam and Hassan were there to wish their boys good luck. Jamie was glad they had had something of a rehearsal, so when the limo arrived, with Grady and Mario already aboard, it was, as Eddie boasted, a been-there-done-that situation.
Eddie had packed and unpacked countless times, and ended up with a bulging backpack and another bag full of camera equipment that the limo driver loaded into the trunk. In a welter of hugs, good wishes and the plush thud of closing doors, the limo purred away, leaving a sudden, silence behind it.
"Phew," Bob said, "after all that din, not sure I can get used to the quiet."
"Well you better," Randy said, "`cos I want you all to myself this weekend. You've been working so much, taking control of everyone and everything, and you know what that means."
"I can guess," Bob smiled. "You're gonna show me who's really the boss around here."
"Damn straight. But right now let's get this meeting started."
Randy was referring to a meeting of the construction bosses – himself, Zack, Seth and Darius, and their architect Lloyd – a debriefing on how the first week of the expanded construction company had gone. Bob would join them after he had spoken to his office staff.
In the office Bob thanked Brandon, Ryan, Vic and Noah for all their hard work and congratulated them on the results. "The new systems are pretty much up and running, so we can go back to working regular hours again. As you know, Brandon is taking some well-earned time off on a mini-vacation with his man Pete at the Grady House. I'll be taking his place as office manager, although you three guys pretty much know how to run things yourselves.
"Brandon, I'm going to have a word with Pete outside. Finish up here and come and join us."
Pete had been at the compound for some time today, and during all the chaotic departures he had watched his boy Brandon carefully. He loved his boy deeply and admired his courage in clinging fiercely to his independence, despite being in a wheelchair. Brandon determinedly insisted that he could do most everything the other boys did.
But Pete knew that was not strictly true, and Brandon knew it too. Although they never talked of it, inevitably there were restrictions in his life. And today, as the other boys got ready to leave, running around, up and down stairs, then diving into the limo, Pete watched his boy closely.
He knew Brandon's every mood and expression and could usually tell what he was thinking. Right now the smile on his face was a little tight, Pete thought, lacking that sparkle he usually saw. Outwardly he maintained his look of confidence, and no one but Pete would have guessed at the frustration behind that glassy smile.
Pete couldn't wait to have Brandon to himself in the peace and quiet of the Grady House for the next week. They both worked so hard, and in the evening they just collapsed in front of the TV before bed. Pete had admitted to Bob that they were in something of a rut, albeit a pleasant rut, and looked forward to the change of air and routine for the next week.
Now he was pleased to see Bob emerge from the office and come toward him. "Hey, Ranger, you looking forward to your vacation with your boy? You off duty already?"
"Yeah, I had a ton of accrued vacation time so I took ten days off. And sure, I am looking forward to spending time with Brandon up at Grady and Mario's place. Er, by the way, how is Brandon doing at work, buddy?"
"Pete, he's worked wonders this week. There was a shitload of work and he not only sailed through it, he encouraged the other boys too. They really love and respect him."
Pete frowned. "And, er ... how is he ... like, personally."
"Hm ... like I said he always has his head down, working on the computer. But, er, now you mention it, I have sensed a certain ... I dunno ... something a bit off. It's not overwork, I always look out for that. No, he thrives on work, loves his job. It's hard to describe. Actually I noticed it out here earlier this morning in that noisy scramble to see the boys off in their limo. He was smiling, like all the other boys, and yet he had kind of a frozen look."
"Ah, you sensed that too. I have a feeling I know what it might be. Watching all the guys running around, grabbing their bags, rushing to the limo, I kinda think he might have been putting himself in their place – and coming up short. I've confided in you before, Bob, when he has those moments of self-doubt, a sort of melancholy that he can't really do everything the other guys do, despite what he claims. But god forbid anyone should try to help him."
"Oh I know, Pete. It's little things in the office, like if the wheel of his wheelchair gets caught on the corner of his desk. My reflex is to reach out and help free it, but I get that look and I back off, let him do it on his own."
"That's it exactly, Bob, I know that `back-off' look well. I wish he would let me help him more. Like you, I often reach out to help him, but pull back when I get the demon stare. But it's only natural that a man helps his boy, don't you think, Bob?"
"Of course, it's perfectly natural, Pete. But you know what? When you're in your daily routine ..."
"Daily rut, you mean," Pete grinned.
"If you wanna call it that, yeah. It's hard to break the routine and find an opening to bring up a touchy subject like that. That's why I'm so pleased that you two are gonna spend ten days together in that gorgeous place – change of air, change of scenery.
"I know when Randy and I go away, like when he takes me fishing up at the lake, we get into all kinds of stuff we would never normally discuss. As we laze around and talk we dig down deep in our relationship and discover all the stuff we've been avoiding, or didn't even know existed."
"I know just what you mean, Bob. I'm hoping the Grady House will have that effect on us as we'll be spending so much time alone together. The sooner we get there the better."
Bob chuckled, "And don't forget, dude, Brian's gonna give you the key to the Secret Garden. That place always works its magic."
They broke off as they saw Brandon rolling down the ramp from the office. "Sir," he said to Bob, "I closed out those files we were working on, and I've told Ryan what he should focus on next. He can answer any questions you have, but if you want me to stick around and ..."
"Brandon, you've done a terrific job as usual, and I'm sure Ryan and the boys will fill me in on anything I need. As for you, I consider you on vacation, as of right now."
Brandon smiled. "Really sir?"
"Yeah really, kiddo," Pete said, "and so am I. So let's hightail it outa here and go up to the Grady House now. I know Brian is dying to see us, and he's got everything ready."
"You mean right now, sir?"
"I do – right now. We'll go home across the street, throw a few things in a bag and drive up there. So say goodbye to Bob."
Bob leaned down and hugged Brandon. "You go relax and enjoy yourself with your Ranger here. You've earned a vacation, kiddo. So get your butt out of here. That's the last order I'll give you until you come back to work in ten days."
"Hey," Pete smiled, "boss's orders. Let's go kid. We're on vacation."
<><> PETE CONFIDES IN BRIAN <><>
They did as Pete said and quickly packed a change of clothes, knowing that Brian would supply anything else they needed. Pete drove, of course, and Brian expertly pulled himself into the Forest Service truck and folded his wheelchair behind the seat.
It was a ten-minute drive all the way up the hill and Pete folded his free hand over Brandon's on the armrest. "Feels good, eh kiddo? The first of ten whole days together in that gorgeous place."
Brandon frowned, "Sir, what if Grady had invited me along on their trip as part of the team?"
Pete was taken aback by the odd question. "If what ...?"
"If he had included me in the group. What would have happened?"
"Brandon, you're not envious of those guys, are you? Grady only included the boys who work on his movie – Jamie and Nate to explain the surfing scenes and Eddie as his personal photographer. There was no reason to invite anyone else."
"No, guess not," Brandon murmured.
Pete had an uneasy idea where Brandon was going with that thought, but he was not ready to get into the topic right now. Of course, Brandon had not expected to be included in the trip. But, after seeing the boys rushing around and piling into the limo, he was trying to visualize how his wheelchair would have fitted into all that.
"I wonder if Tommy's already there," Pete said, abruptly changing the subject. He's probably as excited about spending a week with Danny, as we are about being there." Pete chuckled. "I hear Eddie lent Danny a camera with strict instructions to film Tommy and Hassan together if Hassan decides to come. I think he's jumping the gun a bit, don't you?"
"Yeah," Brandon said, shaking off his morose thoughts. "But that's Eddie for you – always lining up the shot even before the actors are there. Says a cameraman always has to be ready for the perfect candid shot."
Relieved that the mood had lifted Pete squeezed Brandon's hand and they were soon driving along the private road with high hedges on either side. When they pulled up at the big solid gates Pete didn't even have to press the intercom button. The security camera twisted round toward them and an excited young voice said, "You're here ... you're here!" The door swung silently open and Pete drove in and round to the garage area.
Pete knew better than to help Brandon out of the truck, and let him lower his wheelchair to the ground, unfold it and ease himself down into it. They saw Danny and Brian crossing the lawn."
With Brandon's earlier comments still on his mind, Pete had a heightened awareness of the difference between Danny and Brian. The blond chef, agile and active, was striding toward them, with Brian furiously wheeling his chair in an effort to keep up. Pete hoped that was not the image that lodged in Brandon's mind, but he feared that it was.
The welcome was effusive as Brian leaned over and hugged his boyfriend Brandon clumsily, while Danny folded his arms round Pete in an affectionate man-hug. Pete pulled away fairly quickly, to minimize the difference between the two greetings. He pulled their bags from the truck and started to carry them, before thinking twice and dumping them on Brian's tray table, sharing the task with him.
The fleeting thought crossed his mind that these little accommodating acts were unnecessary and rather silly. They merely accentuated the very differences he was trying to mask. They didn't usually come up, only when he sensed that Brandon was going through one of his periods of self-doubt, as he seemed to be now.
Pete tried to rid his mind of the whole thing, but it didn't help when they entered the house and Danny bounded up the grand, curving staircase to the upper floor, while Pete accompanied Brandon and Brian to the elevator.
Brian led them to the principal guestroom. "I usually assign this room to Bob and Randy when we have parties, but now it's yours as the guests of honor. See, it has its own terrace with a great view of the grounds stretching behind the house. I think I've thought of everything, towels and stuff, but just holler if you need anything.
"Dudes, I'm so excited you're here, and you gotta let me take care of you. Feel free to do as much or as little as you like. We won't crowd you `cos we know you want to spend time alone, of course. If you would like, we've set up coffee and snacks by the pool and Danny's gonna be cooking lunch later. All that's only if you want it, of course."
"Actually," Brandon said, "I'm feeling a bit grungy and want to take a shower. I can manage on my own, so why don't you go with Brian to the coffee and snacks, sir, and I'll join you shortly."
"OK, kiddo, just as you like. So lead on, Brian, coffee it is."
As they rode down in the elevator Brian's brow furrowed. "Sir, did you have the sense we just got the brush-off in there."
Pete smiled. "I believe we did, Brian. I think Brandon wants some time alone."
"Hmm, yeah, I kinda sensed something was up." They went across the garden to the table by the pool and Brian poured coffee. "Sir, I know Brandon very well. A long time ago he rescued me from my solitary life in a trailer park in the desert. I was out there `cos I thought a boy in a wheelchair was worthless.
"Brandon soon showed me how wrong I was, and I ended up here, living my dream life with Grady and Mario. They installed the elevator and Randy built ramps all over the place so we never confront steps. He did the same in all the other houses."
"Right, so now you're the perfect guy to tell Brandon how dumb that `worthless boy' thing is."
"I thought that was it, sir. I mean, we both have those times when the wheelchair thing gets to us, but mine passes as soon as Grady laughs at me. Brandon's more intellectual than me, sir, more sensitive. He thinks more deeply than I do and his moods seem to go longer and deeper. Usually it starts when one thing out of nowhere triggers it."
"And I know what that was. This morning we watched those excited, energetic guys getting ready to leave in the limo, rushing around, running in and out of the house. I think maybe he equated their excitement with their physicality – like they go hand-in-hand."
"You're probably right, sir. But now you're up here maybe you can help him get out of his funk."
Brian fished in his pocket, pulled out a key and grinned. "Perhaps this is the key to happiness, sir. It's worked lots of times before. Mario told me to show you the Secret Garden while you're here. I thought I would wait a day of two, but maybe you need it right away. Now I think of it, it's a perfect way to start a holiday."
Brian blushed a little. "If I may say so, sir, you are the perfect man for the secret garden. All the boys are in awe of you – so cool and gentle, yet so handsome and ... and masculine. I mean there's all kinds of masculinity – the rugged type like Randy, the happy-go-lucky type like Grady, and the strong silent type like yourself. So virile, so sexy, if you don't mind me saying, sir."
Pete chuckled. "I don't mind at all, Brian. Matter of fact, I could use an ego boost right now to help me guide Brandon through this rough patch. Ah, here he comes now, all clean and freshly scrubbed."
Brandon joined them at the table and Pete said, "Feel better now, kiddo?"
"Yes thank you, sir," he said politely. He declined Brian's offer of coffee and Brian shot a quick glance at Pete, who took a deep breath.
"Brandon, how about we explore the grounds here a bit, as it's gonna be our home for the next ten days?"
Brian added, "You could do worse than start with the Secret Garden. I always think it's the heart and soul of this place, the reason for that special, loving atmosphere. But I'll have to show you the way as the door is a secret too – you have to know where to find it."
Pete looked questioningly at Brandon who shrugged, "Sure, that sounds good." Pete leaned over and kissed him, and they set off.
Brian led the way across the grounds until they came to a quiet spot with a high, seemingly impenetrable hedge. Brian wheeled straight for it and rummaged in the foliage. He pushed back some branches to reveal a low ancient wooden door. He turned the key in the lock and the door creaked open. "Welcome to the Secret Garden, guys. Enjoy."
<><> INTO THE GARDEN <><>
Pete lowered his head and went in, followed by Brandon, and the door closed behind them. They stayed still for a moment getting used to the other-worldly silence, broken only by the distant trickle of water.
As a Forest Ranger, Pete was fascinated. "It's like a wilderness. Mario has landscaped the rest of the grounds but left this part to run wild. Many of our parks have areas like this where they just let Mother Nature do her thing. There seems to be a kind of path here, overgrown with grass and brambles but I think it leads to the water sound. Let's give it a try."
He bent his head under the branches and tramped along the bumpy path. He was so intent on the wild beauty of the pace and eager to find the water that he didn't look back. He was surprised to hear a rustling and bumping and a plaintive voice. He looked back and saw Brandon wrestling with his wheelchair, muttering curses and moaning, "I'm stuck, the stupid thing's stuck."
Pete ran back to him. "Here, let me help you."
"No," he yelled. "I don't need your help. I can do it."
But he clearly couldn't, the wheelchair was stuck fast in a rut on the uneven path. Pete stood back hesitantly, not sure if, or how much, he should help. Brandon got more and more agitated and finally yelled. "I can't do it, I gotta go back." He struggled harder, "I can't even turn it round. I'm stuck here."
Pete came close again and dropped to his knees beside the chair. When Brandon raised his face Pete was dismayed to see tears running down his cheeks. "I can't come into the stupid garden `cos of this stupid wheelchair." He banged on the arms in frustration. "It's hopeless, I gotta stop kidding myself. I'm disabled, there's things I can't do. I'm holding you back, sir, go on without me."
"Go on without you? Leave my boy? I could never do that, Brandon, you know that."
Brandon said plaintively, "See, it's like I asked you before what would happen if Grady asked me on his trip. Here's what would happen – I couldn't go because of this stupid thing. He wouldn't even ask me because of this stupid thing. Face it, sir, I'm handicapped ... I'm not a complete boy for you."
"That's nonsense, Brandon. You're my boy and that's never gonna change. OK, so sometimes you come to hurdles you can't jump. So let me help."
"I don't want your help, sir," he sobbed.
"Well I need yours, boy." Brandon looked at him through his tears. "It's true, Brandon. Do you recall that time we went for long hike along the fire trail in the hills and I got knocked unconscious by a falling rock? You couldn't get a cellphone signal out there to call for help, so you heaved my body up on top of you in your chair and did the impossible. You wheeled us back both back along the trail, I still don't know where you found the strength to do that.
"When, at long last, the phone got a signal you called Randy and Mark. You and your wheelchair saved my life, kiddo. I needed you then to save my life ... but now you won't let me help you. I love you, boy. I admire you, have huge sympathy for you ..."
"Sympathy, yeah. Like everyone else, you only love me `cos you feel sorry for the kid in the wheelchair."
Pete inhaled sharply and turned his head away as if slapped. Instantly Brandon said. "No, no, I didn't mean that, sir. I know it's not true. I love you too, we love each other. I don't know why I said that. Forgive me, sir, please. I love you, I need you so much. Help me ... please. I need your help, sir."
Pete turned back and smiled. "That's more like it, kiddo. Of course I'll help you. Who needs the stupid chair, anyway?" He stood up, bent down and scooped Brandon up in his arms. "How's that feel? Comfy?"
"Feels great, sir."
"OK, let's find that water. Mind those brambles, push them away – work with me here, kiddo."
Brandon stared up at Pete, at this virile, handsome face, and felt safe, supported by his strong arms. Pete walked confidently through the long grass and shrubs, and Brandon pushed the low branches aside.
"Ah, here we are," Pete said. "This is the place. Look at that kiddo."
He turned so Brandon could look down at the green grass beside the small stream running from a low waterfall. Gently Pete lowered Brandon onto his back in the soft grass, then lay down beside him, propped on his elbow. He kissed him, then ran a blade of grass down the boy's forehead, nose and lips.
"OK, kiddo, now we gotta talk."
<><> DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEBODY QUICK <><>
"You know what Randy once told me? He was saying how satisfying my work must be, being in nature all day. He said, `I'm just a construction worker, but you know the most satisfying thing about my job? It's building those ramps for Brandon at all the houses, and for his pal Brian at Grady's place. When I look at those gutsy kids it makes me feel great that I can help them.'
"See, Brandon, loving someone is all about taking care of each other, helping each other. You're not even aware how many times you've helped me when I'm feeling low.
We all need help, kiddo, all of us, and there's different kinds of help. You need it when your chair gets stuck. Other guys need it when they stumble or lack the strength to lift something. Even boss Randy needs help, like when he flies into a rage and hurts someone. I've overheard him saying to Bob, `I fucked up, dude. Please help me'.
"See, Brandon, in refusing help all the time you are only trying to convince yourself and others that you're totally independent and don't need their help. But in making an issue of it you only emphasize how much you do need help"
"I ... I never thought of it like that, sir."
"And one other thing you haven't thought about. In the give and take – helping and being helped – it's the giver not the taker who gets the most out of it. Like Bob who shows his love to Randy by helping him out of his messes. Or in the office when Bob who would love to help you when your chair gets stock against a desk."
"I know what you mean, sir. I recall years ago when I was living alone in my own apartment. I met Eddie, and when he told Randy and the guys about me they all teamed up to help. Randy came and installed pull-down shelves, Zack brought air-conditioners `cos it was so hot in there. Then the cop Mark came and installed security things, like a peephole in the door, and after that, Jason the fireman came and installed smoke alarms."
"And I bet you this, kiddo. After they did those things I bet they all felt great, being able to help a plucky kid, living all alone, and making his life easier, cooler and safer. You, in needing them, improved their lives too. Helping others can be so good for a guy when he's feeling down." Pete chuckled. "Bob once told me this poem that pretty much says it all. Goes like this:
"There's an excellent rule I have learned in life's school, and I'm ready to set it before you. When you're heavy at heart and your world falls apart, do not pity yourself I implore you. No, up with your chin, meet bad luck with a grin and try this infallible trick It never will fail you, whatever may ail you, DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEBODY QUICK Oh, do something for somebody quick. It will banish your cares in a tick. Don't fret about you – there's a good deed to do. DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEBODY QUICK."
Brandon burst out laughing and squeezed closer to Pete. "I love you so much, sir. I'm sorry for that stuff I said. And sir, you actually can do something for somebody quick ... as quickly as possible ... for me. See, I want to make love, and I can't do it alone. I need your help, sir."
"Hmm," Pete mused. "I'm no great shakes at installing shelves, or air-conditioners, or peepholes or smoke-alarms ... but I'm not bad at making love. First, though, you need help with this ..." Pete knelt beside Brandon, pulled his T-shirt off over his head, then his sneakers before pulling down his shorts.
Pete stood up, shed his own clothes and Brandon stared up at the handsome Ranger towering naked over him. "You're right, I can do something for somebody here, but not quick. I wanna take my time making love to my precious boy in this magical place."
He spat in his palm and wrapped it round his already-stiff cock. With a gentle, loving smile Pete knelt between his boy's legs, leaned forward and gave him a long and tender kiss. When he pulled back he smiled. "There, that all the help you needed?"
"Not exactly all, sir." Brandon reached down, curled his hands behind his knees and pulled his legs back. "I kinda need help in this area too, sir."
"Hmm, yeah, I think I can manage that. After all, like I said, in give-and-take situations like this the helper gets as much joy as the helped. You wanna give that theory a try?"
"Yes please, sir."
Pete pressed the head of his wet cock between Brandon's ass cheeks and slid it slowly inside him. Pete smiled, "Oh yeah ... I think that theory's a winner, dude, judging by the sensation in my cock."
"I'm not so sure. In this case the fuckee is feeling pretty damn great too, sir."
Pete laughed. "So let's call it a draw, eh? You are such a beautiful boy, Brandon. I don't have the words for it, so I'll have to show you ... like this."
Slowly the Ranger rose and fell over his boy, his long cock easing in and out of him – pausing, teasing then probing deeper than before. They became lost in the enchantment of the secret garden, where love was all that mattered and eclipsed all other foolish, petty concerns of men. Helping', helped', `give and take' were concerns of the outside world, to be laughed at here.
Pete leaned forward and pinned Brandon's wrists to the ground. "There, after all this stuff about help, now you are help-less, my captive. How's it feel, kiddo?"
"Feels wonderful. I wanna be your prisoner for life, sir."
"You are ... didn't you know that? I've captured you and there's no escape. You're the Ranger's boy forever." Pete kissed him again, his lips, his eyes, his cheeks, while his cock kept up its relentless caress of his ass.
Like all visitors to the secret garden, they lost all track of time and place, consumed by love and mesmerized by the soothing sound of water trickling beside them. But at last Pete said, "Kiddo, we have ten days of making love like this, so maybe we can pause for a while and go back out to Brian and the real world. I know something else you need, boy."
Pete gently pulled out of Brandon's ass, lowered the boy's legs and lay flat on top of him, their bodies churning against each other. Their arms were still stretched up, Brandon's wrists pinned to the ground, and their cocks lay squeezed between them, grinding gently against each other.
Pete kissed his boy again then pulled away, their faces inches apart. Brandon gazed up at the Ranger's handsome face, at the smiling eyes, and fell in love all over again.
"Feel's good, eh kiddo". You wanna spill your juice at the same time as me?"
"Yes please, sir." Brandon felt the full weight of the Ranger's naked body writhing on top of him, and groaned. "I'm gonna cum, sir. I gotta cum ..."
"OK, together, boy ... now ... Yeahhh ... They sighed, Pete kissed his boy and they spurted streams of semen that lubricated their bodies as they churned together.
They smiled, laughed, Pete kissed Brandon again, then eased off him and lay on his back next to him. "Wow ... this place really is special, and you kiddo are the most special of all. So, now I'm gonna help you get dressed, I'm gonna carry you back to your chair, help you free it and wheel you out of here. That's a lot of `helps' in there, kiddo. OK, with you?"
"Sounds perfect, sir. No more complaints from me."
"That's my boy."
<><> DIFFERENT FROM HOW THEY WENT IN <><>
Out by the pool Brian and Danny were setting the table for lunch when Brian's phone rang. "Yes sir, of course. Looking forward to it." He shut off the phone with a smile. "Hassan ... feeling lonely already without Eddie. He's coming up here tomorrow morning."
Danny chuckled. "Tommy will be pleased to hear that. He's coming this evening, gonna spend the whole week here. Hmm, the Marine and the gymnast? Looks like I'm gonna give Eddie's camera a workout after all."
"Hey, what about this table, Danny? "What d'ya think, set it for four? They've been in there a long time."
"Yeah, they'll surface when they're hungry ... which apparently is right about now, `cos here they come, with that special secret-garden glow on their faces."
"I'll say," Brian said. "And look at that! Pete's actually pushing Brandon in his wheelchair. That's a first. Brandon never lets anyone do that.
"I guess it's true what Mario says. When guys come out of the Secret Garden they're always different from the way they went in.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
TO BE CONTINUED in "A Trial Of Strength" – Chapter 592
Hey guys, this is Rob Williams. I hope that chapter turned you on, and I welcome your comments and suggestions, which can be very helpful in planning future chapters. E-mail me in confidence at rw6789@aol.com.
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