Aging Out: 3
Tuesday morning, Edgar took Austin and Tyce to his favorite place for breakfast, the "Around the Corner Restaurant" in Downtown Edmond. It was one of the oldest cafes in Edmond and a local favorite. The walls were covered in kitsch, the waitresses were old school, and the food was down-home. Austin and Tyce had no problem deciding what they wanted for breakfast. They order the Garbage Breakfast: two eggs, home fries, with onions, peppers and sausage, all smothered in gravy. Edgar remembered the days he could eat like that and not gain a pound. Now he had to settle for an egg white omelette with turkey, spinach, and avocado tomato relish.
Breakfast conversation was lighthearted, and Austin got to see a side of Edgar he rarely saw when Edgar was his social worker. Edgar was a clown with a wicked sense of humor. Austin imagined that in Renaissance England Edgar would have been a fool in the court of Henry VIII. When they parted for the day, Edgar said he would be home at four to get ready for the evening. He told the boys he would take them out to celebrate after graduation.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens is 119 acres, and is home to more than 100 species of animals. Austin amused Tyce as he plotted a trek to see his favorite animals. "Tyce, what animals do you want to see?" Austin asked.
"Well, you've already got lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my, it looks like you have them all."
"Very cute. Seriously, is there anything you want to see?"
"I do like seals. I would see them. I also want to see the snakes.?
"Seriously, snakes? They give me the willies," Austin shivered.
"Come on Austin, I bet you'd like to tell the twins that you held one."
Austin smiled and said, "One-eyed, pants snaked don't count."
Tyce smiled, threw his arm over Austin's shoulder and said, "Let's go bud. This is going to be a fun day."
For someone who hadn't grown up going to zoos, Austin was remarkably knowledgeable about exotic animals. Tyce felt like he had his own personal naturalist and tour guide. Spring was mating season at the zoo and Austin and Tyce enjoyed watching parents forced into impromptu explanations of the facts of life to six-year-olds.
"So Mr. Biology," Tyce said, "Which animal had the biggest cock?"
"There are two ways to answer that question. If you want to know relative size, it's the barnacle. It's penis is ten times its length. The absolute winner is the blue whale. The largest blue whale penis was 16 feet and weighed between 700 and 900 pounds. But the largest land penis is the elephant, around six feet."
"Shit. Now I feel small," Tyce said. "Say, why do you know so much about penises?"
Austin blushed a bit and said, "I was doing some research. You know, to find out if I'm normal."
"I see .... So?"
"So what?"
"Are you normal?"
Austin smiled and said, "Yes, I'm normal."
After a few minutes Tyce couldn't stand it any more, "Okay, I gotta know. Am I normal?"
"No," Austin said softly.
"I'm not?" said a bit shaken Tyce. "I know I'm not a porn star, but I always thought I was okay."
"Oh, you're much better than just okay," Austin laughed and ran to the next exhibit with Tyce hot on his heels."
By noon, the boys were getting hot and decided to stop for a frozen lemonade. They found a nice seat in the shade and gave their feet a break. As they relaxed Tyce asked, "So, what do you have in mind for your future?"
"I haven't ever given it much thought. Frankly, I never really thought I had a future, at least one I had any control over," Austin said as he watched families walking by.
"I know what you mean. When I aged out, Edgar asked me what I wanted, and at that moment all I hoped for was that I didn't shit my pants. I was so scared,"
"Edgar saved me more than once," Austin said. "I didn't want to die, but there were times I wasn't sure I wanted to live." After a few minutes of silence Austin asked, "When did you know you had a future."
"I had been working at the lodge for three months when one evening I took Jay's truck without asking and drove into town. I found a group of guys in the park who were drinking and smoking weed. I needed to get wasted, so I traded blow jobs for beer and bud. Not my finest hour."
"I was really fucked up when I climbed behind the wheel and started back to the lodge. I didn't get more than a couple of blocks before I hit a curb so hard I jacked the front passenger wheel and the truck wouldn't move anymore."
"Were you hurt?" Austin asked.
"Not really, a mild concussion and sprained wrist, but inside I was a wreck. The cops found me and hauled my ass to jail. Then they called Dirk and Jay. I figured Jay would either press charges for stealing his truck or kick the shit out of me. Instead, he and Dirk bailed me out and took me home. They got me cleaned up and into bed."
"The next morning Jay called me for breakfast. I wasn't sure what to say to him. I just wanted to crawl in a hole and die. About halfway through breakfast, Jay said, `We will be withholding a third of your pay until the cost of fixing the truck is taken care of. We also fixed it with the arresting office so that you will be charged with reckless driving, rather than drunk driving.' I couldn't believe it, not only wasn't I going to jail, I wasn't even getting fired."
"Wow," Tyler said with amazement.
"Yeah wow, I broke down and cried like a little kid. Dirk put his arms around me and said, `Don't ever scare us like that again.' For the first time I felt like I mattered, like I had a place I belonged. I actually began to feel I had reason to make something of myself."
"Is that when you decided to go to college?" Austin asked.
"No, that's a story for some other time. Now, we need to get a move on if we're going to see the gorillas and seals."
It was two o'clock when the boys decided to head back to meet Edgar. They were walking down the hall naked and toweling off their hair after a shower when Edgar saw them. He smiled and said, "I am glad to see you decided to conserve water." Ausin and Tyce both laughed.
Graduation was at the high school stadium. After parking, Austin went off to join the other nearly 500 seniors graduating that night. Edgar and Tyce found seats. Edgar handed Tyce a pair of binoculars, and said, "At least he will be more than just a dot."
While they waited for the band to play Pomp and Circumstance and the graduates to file in, "Tyce said, "Thank you Jax."
"For what?"
"First for saving me, then for saving Austin."
"I just wish I could have saved ......"
Tyce touched Edgar's arm, and whispered, "Denny wasn't your boy, you didn't know."
Just then the band started and the crowd stood to honor the graduates.
Like most graduations, there was only a few seconds anyone ever cared about: when their loved one's name was called and he or she walked across the stage to receive his or her diploma. In that moment it didn't matter whether the student was valedictorian or just scraped through by the skin of the teeth. Wearing the same shapeless gown and dorky cap, class distinctions, social status, popularity, athletic skill, personal appearance and dozens of other markers that defined high school life disappeared, and everyone was for the briefest of moments an equal.
Through the binoculars Tyce saw Austin smile as he was handed his diploma, then Tyce glanced at Edgar and noticed a tear roll downing his cheek. Jax cared more than anyone Tyce knew. It was days like this that gave Edgar the strength to smile and gently take the hand of a scared child whose last hope was a social worker who cared.
After the ceremony, Austin met Edgar and Tyce back at the car. Edgar had to get pictures of Austin in his cap and gown, and then of Austin and Tyce together. Finally, Austin said, "I need a picture with Jax?" Then it was off to celebrate at Applebees. After the waitress took their orders, Edgar handed Austin a small box. The tag on the box read, "To a great kid with a big heart and a bright future." Inside was a leather billfold and inside it were five new twenty dollar bills.
"Jax, I can't accept this, it's too much." Austin said.
"Yes, you can, and you will because I need you to accept it."
Austin gave Edgar a big hug.
Slowly the emotion of the day began to turn to simple joy and the three talked, and joked, and ate until Edgar finally said. "I need to get home. Tim texted me that he has the night off, and needs a hot shower and massage."
"Is that what doctors call it: a shower and massage?" Tyce said with a smile and a wink.
Austin said, "You should call it therapy, then you could write the lube off as a medical expense."
"Austin Cox, I am shocked," Edgar said in his best imitation of a Southern belle. "You were such an innocent boy just three days ago. What has Tyce been teaching you?"
The three laughed all the way to the car. When they finally got home. Tim was just pulling into the driveway. Tim congratulated Austin and chatted with the boys. He suddenly winced and grabbed his shoulder. Austin and Tyce broke into laughter. "What's so funny?" Tim asked.
"Come on big boy. I'll tell you while you're taking a shower," Edgar said. Then he turned to Austin and Tyce and said, "I'll have breakfast ready at six-thirty so you can get on the road."
After goodnights, Tyce said, "Well, I guess we should get to bed as well."
As soon as the bedroom door closed, Tyce pushed Austin against it and gave Austin a deep, sensual kiss. When he broke the kiss, Tyce said, "I have a graduation present for you as well."
Tyce loosened Austin's tie, then he slowly unbuttoned the graduate's dress shirt and dropped it to the floor. Tyce stood back and admired Austin's smooth, defined torso. He then pulled his own shirt off, and Austin couldn't resist touching Tyce's muscular pecs. As Austin did, a wet spot became noticeable on the front of his khaki Dockers. Tyce slowly unbuckled Austin's belt and let his pants drop to the floor, his briefs soon followed. Tyce picked Austin up and carried him to the bed then finished removing Austin's shoes, pants and briefs. The only thing Austin still wore was his necktie.
Next, Tyce finished undressing while Austin watched with hungry eyes. Tyce grabbed Austin's ankles and then slowly began to move his hand up Austin's legs, his thumbs massaging the inside of Austin's calves and thighs. Austin's breathing was excited and his cock was creating a pool of precum on his abs. Suddenly, Tyce straddled Austin and began French kissing him. Tyce raised Austin's hands above his head and held them pinned together. He then leaned down and whispered in Austin's ear, "Are you ready for my present?" Austin slowly nodded his head.
Tyce slowly began to kiss his way down Austin's body: neck, nipples, abs, navel, pubes, and finally reaching Austin's rock hard cock. Tyce slowly massaged Austin's balls while he kissed and licked the tip of Austin's cock. Austin grabbed a pillow and bit it to keep from screaming in ecstasy. Tyce parted his lips and slowly engulfed Austin's cock; not stopping until his nose was buried in Austin's pubes. Tyce inhaled the aroma of horny boy, and it drove him wild. He was soon working Austin's cock like a steam piston. Without warning Austin's toes curled and he grabbed the sheets with both hands. Stream after stream of hot cum filled Tyce's mouth. Tyce took all of Austin's load, smiled, and swallowed.
Austin's brain finally regained the power of rational thought. After a moment, Austin said, "Fuck, I've never imagine anything to be that hot and feel that good. Can I do that for you?"
"Yes, but not tonight. When we get back to the Walt Whitman, I'll teach you how the big boys suck cock. Now, come here. I want to cuddle with my hot graduate."
Austin and Tyce got back to the Whitman just as the rest of the crew were arriving at the dining hall for lunch. Jay saw Tyce's car pull up to the lodge, and he gave a big smile and waved the two over, "Let's eat then you can change and get to work."
Dirk had just sat down when Jay walked in with the boys. He got up and gave each of them a hug. He tousled Austin's hair and asked, "How's the graduate?"
Austin smiled and said, "Happy to be home."
Lunch was fun. Thing 1 and Thing 2 were going out of their way to be both funny and annoying at the same time. Austin loved it. Before they went to get changed into work clothes, Dirk gave Austin and Tyce some last minute directions. "Ben and Jeff had to go take care of some business, but they will be back this afternoon to assemble the furniture. You guys can help them with that. Also, Cory will be around sometime to give you instructions on how to maintain the pool. Do you have any questions?" Tyce and Austin shook their heads. "Good. Don't forget Tyce, it's your night to cook. You can help Austin get familiar with the kitchen."
When Austin and Tyce got to the Backwoods, Ben and Jeff were already there and looking at some papers. "Hello," Ben said, "We're just looking at these damn instructions. It looks like they were written in Chinese and then translated into English by way of Google."
"Oh well," Jeff said, "if the four of us can't find a hole to put a screw in, then we are just an embarrassment to the gay community."
Austin and Tyce snickered and Ben said, "Jeff, not in front of the children."
Eventually, they figured out how to assemble the furniture, and it didn't take long for tables, chairs, and lounges to fill the pool deck. Austin and Tyce were putting out yellow and white shade umbrellas when Cory pulled up. "Wow, this looks really nice," Cory said. "Your guests are going to love this."
"I think you've got that right," Ben said. "I know that Jeff and I are going to enjoy it. One of the reasons we invested in this project was the thought of stopping by after a day in the sun for a beer and a cool soak in the pool.
Cory showed Tyce and Austin how to check and adjust the chemicals in the pool and the hot tubs. He gave them a lesson on pool cleaning, and then what to do if the equipment needed service. "We have a contract with Dirk and Jay to check on the pool every week," Cory said, "but if you need something between checks, give me a call." Cory handed them his phone number.
Ben and Jeff looked around and Ben said, "Well, we think everything is done except stocking and supplies. I'm sure Dirk will have instructions for you on that. We've got to get back to our jobs, so we won't be here tomorrow."
Tyce said, "Thanks for all the help. The next time we see you I hope it is in one of these lounge chairs drinking a cold beer."
"That is something you can count on," Jeff said.
When everyone was gone Tyce looked at his watch, "Hey Austin, let's lock things up and go get supper started."
Back in Dirk's and Jay's apartment Tyce got out a bag of steak cubes he had started marinating before heading over to the Backwoods. "We're going to make kabobs, so I need you to help cut up the vegetables. After the peppers, onions, and mushrooms were cut, the boys loaded the skewers on a tray, gave them some salt and pepper and put them in the fridge. "We'll wait to put them on the grill until Dirk and Jay actually get home. I don't want them to overcook or get cold. Around here dinnertime is a relative term."
Tyce next showed Austin how to pull the husks back on ears of corn, clean and remove the silks, then butter and season the ears before replacing the husks. "If you've never had corn roasted in the husk over a grill," Tyce said, "you are in for a treat. Let's go grab a shower and then we can start the gill and put the corn on."
Austin and Tyce both got into the outdoor shower and started washing each other. However, boys being boys, it wasn't long before they found a use for the soap beyond scrubbing away the sweat and grime.
When Dirk and Jay arrived for supper, they found Austin and Tyce outside on the deck shirtless and wearing athletic shorts and flip flops. Corn was on the grill and Tyce said, "We'll start the kabobs if you guys are ready to eat."
"That would be great," Dirk said, "I'm going to take a quick shower."
"I'll join you," Jay said.
"Maybe we should wait to start the kabob," Tyce said, "you never know what you might find that needs cleaning."
Dirk said, "Just start the kabobs, and keep your dirty mind out of our shower."
Tyce and Austin both laughed.
When Dirk and Jay returned to the deck, neither was wearing a shirt and Austin couldn't believe how ripped they were. Tyce notice him checking them out and said, "Fuck, are you two trying to steal Austin from me." Austin realized he was staring and turned fifty shades of red. Dirk and Jay just laughed.
"Come on Austin," Tyce said, "I need to get the kabobs and I don't trust you out here with these two old cougars."
Inside, an embarrassed Austin said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare."
"Hey, don't sweat it. They are fucking hot and it's hard not to notice. Besides, we aren't a couple .... yet."
Tyce grabbed the kabobs and told Austin to bring a fruit salad from the fridge. Back at the grill, Tyce turned the corn and then put the kabobs on the grill. Jay asked whether anyone wanted a beer. Dirk and Tyce each said yes. Jay asked, "Austin, do you want a beer?"
Austin said, "I'm only 18."
"If you don't want to drink," Dirk said, "that's your choice, but at 18 they were digging a piece of metal out of my ass in Iraq. So the rules at the Walt Whitman are, if you're old enough to take it in the ass for Uncle Sam, then you're old enough for a beer."
Jay continued, "The only thing we ask is that you don't drink until work is done. You don't drive or operate equipment when you've been drinking. You don't drink around the guests. And, you are not a stupid drunk--because Tyce already has that base covered."
Tyce said, "I already told him about your truck."
"So Austin, do you want a beer?" Austin smiled and nodded.
Jay handed Austin a beer from the Mountain Fork Brewery just down the road from the Whitman. It was a Belgian Golden Ale called the Sneaky Snake. Austin popped the tab and took a big gulp. Suddenly Austin was coughing, his eyes scrunched shut, and his whole body shuddered.
Dirk, Jay, and Tyce almost fell down laughing. "I think we have a beer virgin," Dirk said.
"Damn boy," chimed in Jay, "that's not soda pop."
"When he finally recovered enough to speak, Austin asked, "How do you drink this stuff."
Dirk smiled and answered, "Beer is like coffee and cum, an acquired taste."
Austin looked at Tyce, who said, "Don't worry. I eat lots of fruit."
Now Jay did fall down laughing.
"Austin, you don't have to drink it. It's up to you," Dirk said, "but most people do develop a taste for it, and it also goes much better with food."
About 15 minutes later the kabobs were a perfect medium rare and everyone moved to the table. Austin took his beer thinking he would at least try it with food. Jay brought a new can of beer and replaced Austin's first beer. Austin said, "There is still more beer in there." To which Jay replied, "I know, but cold beer is much better than warm beer."
`Yeah," said Tyce, "That's the biggest difference between beer and cum."
"Enough," Dirk said and popped Tyce in the back of the head, "you're going to scare the boy off." However, nothing could be farther from the truth. The easy banter and ribbing made Austin all the more certain that this was his home.
Again, the no shop talk rule was enforced during supper. The evening conversation was about Austin and Tyce's trip to Edmond and graduation. Both Dirk and Jay had attended small high schools, so the idea of 500 graduates was amazing to them.
"There weren't 500 people in the entire town I grew up in," Jay said.
"Of course," Dirk said, "that was still more people than pairs of shoes in the town." Dirk was forever kidding Jay that he grew up in a hillbilly hamlet on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border.
Jay chuckled, "I do hate to admit it, but I have eaten possum."
Austin and Tyce both wrinkled their faces in disgust. "Ew, what does possum taste like?" Tyce asked.
Jay smiled, "Like squirrel, but a bit more gamey."
"Ewe," Austin and Tyce said in unison.
Tyce also told about their trip to the zoo and that Austin was a regular safari guide. Dirk and Jay got a big laugh over all the parents having to explain zoo sex to their kids. Finally, Dirk said, "The Rangers game starts in thirty minutes, and Jay and I have a bet on it, so we want to have the dishes done before the first pitch."
"What is the bet," Austin asked.
"What is always is," Tyce said, and Jay twerked his ass.
"Anyway," Dirk said, "You guys are welcome to watch the game with us, and there will be ice cream like always."
Austin and Tyce looked at each other and then nodded agreement at the same time.
"Oh one more thing before we forget," Jay said. "Tomorrow night we are having a graduation party for Austin at the Backwoods." Austin was completely surprised and overwhelmed, "It was actually Thing 1's and Thing 2's idea. They have really taken a shine to you. Also, they've been looking for a way to get into the new pool, and when they suggested it at breakfast this morning, Molly and the girls were all over it. We've also invited Ben, Jeff, Cory and the twins' parents: John and Abby Gates. Of course, since it is mixed company and the twins are underaged, everyone will be wearing trunks or athletic shorts. Also, John Gates is a deputy sheriff, so no underage drinking, even if you are old enough to take one in the ass for Uncle Sam."
The baseball game got out of hand quickly, By the end of the fifth, Dirk was all smiles as the Rangers were beating the spread, and he was winning the bet. Jay was complaining about the pitching, the umpires, and the announcers, but in the end he didn't really care since the Rangers were chalking up another W, and the bet was a win-win. Dirk and Jay decide there was no reason to stay up to hear the fat lady sing, and they head off to bed.
Tyce looked at Austin and said, "I think I'll head off to bed too."
"I'm not really tired yet," Austin replied. "I think I'll watch a movie on Netflix."
"Oh ... okay .....I guess ..... Goodnight then," Tyce said with a note of disappointment.
Austin couldn't keep a straight face and burst into laughter.
When Tyce realized he was being played he grinned and said, "You'll pay for that, you little cock tease."
Soon the boys were back in their cabin and naked between the sheets.
Tyce and Austin faced each other and Tyce asked, "So smarty pants, what do you want to do?"
Austin kissed Tyce and said, "I want you to teach me how to suck cock."
"Okay, but we're going to take it slow. I know what it is like to be pushed to do more than you're ready to do."
Austin nodded.
Tyce rolled over and got a couple of Tic Tac from the nightstand and gave them to Austin."
"I'm sorry," Austin said, "I can brush my teeth."
"Your breath is fine. Those are to help get your saliva going. Lube is the key to sex whether it's anal, oral, or nasal."
"Nasal? Damn! You are small."
Tyce jumped on Austin and started to tickle him.
Austin was squirming and squealing like a little boy. "I'm sorry...I take it back .... You are a ... a.... Blue Whale."
"That's better," Tyce said, and gently brushed Austin's hair out of his eyes before beginning to kiss him. Tyce broke the kiss and looked into Austin's eyes, "Is this what you really want?"
Austin nodded, and said, "More than anything."
"In a minute we are going to reposition into sixty-nine. Do you know what that is?"
Austin nodded.
"I will do something to you, and I want you to do that to me. If I do something you don't feel comfortable with, just stop. I will keep going, but I don't want you to feel pressure to do anything you don't feel comfortable with. Do you understand?"
Austin again nodded.
"Okay buddy," Tyce said, "Let's give this a try." Tyce flipped around and Austin had his first chance to see Tyce's cock up close. In reality both boys had nearly identical cock: seven inches, average thick, and cut. But to Austin, Tyce was huge, porn star huge. Like most men, the perspective of looking down on his own cock combined with self-doubt made him imagine himself to be smaller than reality. However, that alone was not what caused Austin to see himself smaller than Tyce. Tyce was the object of Austin's hero worship, and in Austin's eyes, Tyce had the magnificent phallus of Hercules or Achilles.
Tyce took hold of Austin's engorged cock and gently squeezed, he then kissed the sensitive glans, which was glistening with the first dew drop of precum. Austin followed Tyce's lead. Next, Tyce began to gently kiss and lick Austin's testicles. Periodically Tyce would wrap his lips around one of Austin's nuts and slowly tongue massage it. After a couple of aborted efforts, Austin also had one of Tyce's balls in his mouth and was driving Tyce wild with pleasure.
Tyce gently pulled back and let Austin's testicle audibly pop from his mouth. Next Tyce focused his tongue on the super sensitive underside of Austin's cock. Tyce repeatedly ran just the tip of his cock the length of Austin's cock. With each touch, Austin's cock would quiver, but then Tyce did something unexpected, he blew a feather light breath onto Austin's cock. The air and saliva combined to cool Austin's cock and cause his sphincter to involuntarily spasm.
So far, everything that Tyce had done, Austin mimicked to perfection, but now they were at an erogenous Rubicon. Tyce grasped the base of Austin's cock, then placed his lips on Austin's helmeted cock. Tyce parted his lips and slowly enveloped his love's cock.
It was at this moment Austin hesitated. Tyce waited, and soon felt Austin's lips slide over his own cock head. Before continuing further, Tyce used his tongue to tickle Austin's sensitive glans. In time, Tyce continued to swallow until he reached the hand grasping Tyler's cock and serving as a barrier to going too deep for his pupil to handle.
Tyce began to bob up and down, the seal of his lips around the cock creating a suction that Austin was soon replicating. As much as Austin wanted the experience to last, youth and inexperience won out and he was soon filling Tyce's mouth with cum. Austin's entire body shook with intense sexual bedlam.
When Austin finally returned to this world. He was fully resolved to bring Tyce to a mad orgasm. Austin pushed Tyce flat and spread his legs. Austin again took Tyce's cock, but this time there was no distraction, nothing to focus on but the sexual lightning rod in his mouth. Austin was relentless, and soon Tyce grabbed the sheets with both hands, arched, his back screamed "Fuck .... Austin ..... Fuck!" It was like his cock was struck with a thousand volts of sexual electricity.
Austin's mouth filled with burst after burst of cum. Not prepared for the volume of cum nor the suddenness with which his mouth was filled, Austin wasn't sure what to do. At last he just swallowed, and that was all he needed to become addicted to Tyce's cum. The other surprise was that as amazing as his own orgasm was, bringing Tyce to climax was equally gratifying.
Austin positioned himself to wrap his arms around Tyce's chest. He felt the thump of Tyce's heart and the heave of his chest as he recovered. After a while, Tyce pulled Austin onto his chest. Austin casually played with Tyce's nipples. Tyce said, "Okay, tell the truth, was this really your first time giving a blow job?" Austin smiled and nodded. "Damn, I am one lucky mother fucker. I can't imagine how good you're going to be with a little more experience."
The next morning, the alarm was ringing and Tyce reached over to hit the snooze. "Ten more minutes, then we have to get up." Austin snuggled closer and wished that moment could last forever. However, there was no putting off the inevitable, and soon the alarm rang again and sent the boys scurrying to the shower.
At breakfast Dirk had a long list of things that had to be completed before the weekend. After everyone had their breakfast Dirk started. Molly and Emily, I am sure you know what has to be done in the kitchen.
"Yep," said Molly, "This morning we are stirring up batches of cookie dough and freezing it, so we have plenty of fresh cookies. After lunch we are headed to Sams to pick up supplies for breakfast, and burgers, hotdogs and chips for lunch. We'll also get a variety of snacks to sell in the concession stands. Is there anything in particular to get for the concession stands?"
Paul piped up, "Sunflower seeds. They are the perfect snack for ball games, and the more of them you sell, the more water, soda, and beer you will also sell."
"Now that's the sort of underhanded thinking we need to make the big bucks this weekend," Jay said with a grin.
Dirk continued "Elsie, do you need any help getting the cabins ready?"
"Nope, I have just a couple of things to finish, and then a quick inspection. Shouldn't take more than a couple of hours."
"Great, when you finish, I could use some help in the office making sure reservations are all straight and the store is stocked up on sunscreen, insect repellant, and pain relievers," Dirk said. Then he turned to Jay and the twins, "You guys have to make sure the fields are ready and set up a couple of tents for the concession stands. The portable toilets should be delivered around eleven and the soda pop and beer around one. Is there anything else you guys will be doing?"
Jay said, "Fortunately the weather is predicted to be cool and partly cloudy. But to be on the safe side, we are gathering all the coolers to set up some water stations, and I ordered three misting systems to set up under shade trees. The volunteer fire department will be on hand for first aid."
"Sounds good," Dirk said. Now Austin and Tyce, "In the office are two pop-up tents and battery lanterns. We don't have the entrance gatehouses built, so you need to set up temporary locations for selling memberships and checking IDs. Also, we bought towels for the pool area, so you need to take them out of housekeeping and to the Backwoods. This afternoon Hochatown Entertainment will be here to set up the clubhouse. They will be using Austin's Graduation Party tonight as a kind of run through."
"Finally, Molly, while you're in town, I need you to pick up steaks, sides, and watermelons for tonight. The party starts at six so make sure you plan your day accordingly."
The first thing Tyce and Austin did at the Backwoods was stock the towels. When Ben and Jeff remodeled the showers they added a couple of stands to hold clean towels and return used towels. Tyce and Austin had just finished stocking the shower house when a van from Hochatown Entertainment rolled up. Out stepped two men who were both over six-foot tall and in their early thirties, Zeke and Donte. Zeke was an athletic African-American, and Donte was a burly, white guy.
Hello I'm Donte and this is Zeke. Zeke is my brother from another mother. They also got our names mixed up at the hospital."
"Stop it Dante," Zeke said, then turned to Tyce and Austin. "You'll have to excuse Donte, we were both football players at Southeastern Oklahoma State, and we ended up rooming together for four years. For some reason he started thinking he was black."
"That was only because you wouldn't agree to be a redneck hillbilly," Donte said.
"I'm Tyce and this is Austin. We're here to help with whatever you need us to do."
"Well you can start ..." Zeke smacked Donte on the back of the head, and said, "Don't even go there." Zeke smiled, "I am sure you have figured out that I and shit-for-brains here are more than just business partners."
Tyce pulled Austin close and said, "We're not sure what we are, but we're having a damn good time trying to figure it out." Austin smiled and his heart beat a bit faster at Tyce's suggestion they were more than just something casual?
"Tyce, how old are you?" Zeke asked.
"I turned 21 last month,"
"Good, you can help me set up the bar. Austin, you will help Donte set up his equipment."
Zeke and Tyce went into the clubhouse to have a look around. "I'm impressed," Zeke said. "When Donte and I were out here two months ago, I wasn't sure Dirk and Jay could get this place turned into a decent bar. But it's not bad. Let's start by stocking the back bar. There are several cases of the basic liquor selections in the van. Let's bring those in."
Once the liquor was brought in, Zeke started arranging it. In a short time the bar was stocked and the reserves put in the storeroom. "So are you in college?" Zeke asked.
"I'm starting in the fall at Southeastern Oklahoma State."
"Great, some of the best times of my life were at SEOSU. Southeastern gave me a chance to get out of a shithole neighborhood in OKC."
"Do you still have family in OKC?"
"My Momma died four years ago. And when I came out, my half-brother told me he didn't want anything to do with me."
"Oh, that sucks."
"I thought so at the time. But he's a fucking loser. He was always a gang wannabe. He hung around hoping to become a real gangster. They used him, strung him along like he might be important, but he was never going to matter. Eventually some shit went bad and he took the fall. He's sitting in prison doing 20 to life and still thinking he's a bad ass gangtsa."
"So, what was your major at Southeastern?"
"I double majored in football and business. I don't know why I decided to major in business. I think I was the only business major that didn't have a family business waiting for me at home. I knew I wasn't good at math or science, and I really didn't want to be a teacher and coach, so I just started taking business classes and poof, I had a business degree. It actually came in handy when Donte and I decided to start Hochatown Entertainment. So what do you plan on majoring in?"
"I am planning to major in hospitality management. Working here for the last two years has given me a taste of the industry and I really like it."
"So do you want to stay around here after you graduate?"
"Actually, Tyce said, "One of the things about the industry I really like is that you can move around. So I would like to explore while gaining practical experience, but in the end this home. When I get tired of traveling, I want to start a business in this area."
"It sounds like you have a plan."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Well you and Donte seem so different, not just the race thing, but everything. How did you ... you know ....hook up?"
Zeke laughed, "Well I told you we were roommates, but I really didn't want to room with a white boy from Little Dixie. By the way if you didn't know, for years southeast Oklahoma has been nicknamed Little Dixie because this was an area Confederate families looking to start over relocated after the Civil War. I seriously expected one of Donte's sheets to have a hood attached. As soon as we met during athletic check in, I was off to the Dean of Students to get a change in housing. However, I was late getting my room application completed, and that was the last spot open in the athletic dorm. If I wanted a different roommate, I would have to move to the general residence hall, and pay for the room out of my pocket. That wasn't happening, I was stuck with Donte."
"It sounds like you didn't hit it off in the beginning, so what changed?" Tyce asked.
"I got to know Donte, and well he defies all expectations and conventions. First, he was an interior lineman, listened to country western music, wore caps and T-shirts all the time, drank Lone Star beer and sounded like a hick. I just figured he was a dumb, redneck, racist, homophobe. So imagine my surprise when I discovered he was a National Merit Scholar, a liberal Democrat, was majoring in Theatre and Communication, and can turn off the hillbilly persona like it's on a switch. Hell, the guy was offered a full ride at Brown, but turned it down because he wanted his parents to be able to watch him play football, and his help was needed on the family farm."
"When did you find out he was gay?"
"A week before Thanksgiving, I came back to the dorm after my last class of the day, and there was Donte sitting on his bed with everything packed. I was shocked, and a bit hurt because I thought I had done something wrong. However, he said he was gay and decided it was time to come out. He was moving back home for the rest of the semester because he didn't want to make me uncomfortable, or have the team question my sexually because we were roommates."
"Wow, that must have been awkward," Tyce said, "What did you do?"
"I was a fucking deer caught in the headlights. I was thinking about how to come out myself, and it suddenly hit me that it would be a lot easier to come out with a friend than all alone. I just looked at him and said I was okay with him being gay, if he's okay with me being gay. Then I just kissed him an things kinda took off. Let's just say, by the time he introduced me to his parents at Thanksgiving, we were well into chapter three of the Gay Kama Sutra."
Just then Donte and Austin came running into the clubhouse completely naked. "It's already 90 degrees and we're going to try this pool out before lunch." They then turned and cannonballed into the pool. Seconds later Tyce and Zeke had shucked their clothes and were jumping in as well.
When Donte had first suggested getting in a quick swim Austin was hesitant, but now he was bashing in the experience of swimming naked with friends, gay friends. He had never experienced the comradely, the freedom, the joy he was feeling at the moment. For the first time in his life he could check out another guy without the fear of being ridiculed, or worse. So when the alarm on Donte's phone signaled it was time to get dressed and go to lunch, Austin left the pool reluctantly, but knowing this was not the last time he would swim naked with friends.
Lunch was uneventful, although Peter and Paul were full of questions when they learned that Austin and Tyce had been swimming with Zeke and Donte. Paul suggested that maybe his swim trunks might "accidentally" fall off that evening. However, he changed his mind when Peter reminded him that their father would be there, and his pale white ass would be red enough to be seen in the next county if that happened.
That afternoon, the last of the tasks at the Backwoods were being completed and Austin and Donte joined Tyce and Zeke in the clubhouse to wait for the others to arrive to start the party. Zeke asked if anyone wanted a drink while they waited. Donte asked for a margarita and Tyce and Austin said that sounded good.
"Okay," Zeke said, "It's three margaritas for the men and a frozen limeade for the boy." Austin frowned, and Zeke said, "Sorry bud, but I am under orders from Dirk that there will be no underage drinking today."
"It wasn't long before everyone else arrived and the party got underway. Jay and Deputy Gates were in charge of the steaks. Dirk and Molly took care of the rest of the food, and Zeke was in charge of drinks. Donte was the DJ/MC and kept the music playing and the guest in stitches. Tyce could see why Donte was a theatre and communications major, he was a natural entertainer. Peter and Paul tried to dunk Tyce, but ended up drinking several gulps of pool water for their effort.
Supper was great; the conversion was lively; and, the friendship genuine. Eventually, Dirk and Jay stood up and got everyone's attention. Jay said, "We hope this is the first of many happy evenings and events at the Backwoods. Tonight we are happy to honor the accomplishments of our newest employee and friend, Austin Cox. Austin has been here less than a week, but he has already become a special part of the Walt Whitman family."
Molly brought out a cake with the words "Congratulations Austin. You did it!" Next to the cake was a stack of cards. Tears began to flow down Austin's cheeks. "Thank you all. I don't know what to say. I have wanted a family for so long. I think I had given up hope of ever finding one. I want to ....." Austin was too emotional to continue.
Tyce stepped behind Austin, wrapped his arms around Austin, and whispered in Austin's ear, "We know babe. You're home."
Thank you for reading "Aging Out." I hope you enjoyed it. All consider contributing to nifty.Org if you like this kind of reading.
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