Breach of Contract
CHAPTER 5: Thar She Blows
Ian said he'd planned on going whale watching in that afternoon, and there were still tickets available if Matt wanted to go.
"Do you want me to go?"
"Look, this isn't a date or anything. You just need to get your moping ass out and do something. Of course, if you piss me off, you might just be sleeping with the fishes."
"They'd probably smell better than what I slept with last night."
Ian laughed, and said, "At least I didn't have puke breath."
There were moments when the bro banter of their Harvard days was beginning to return, and Ian hated to admit how much he liked it.
Dolphin Whale Watch was a little over half a mile down Commercial Street and they had plenty of time before their excursion, so they used the time to explore shops along the way. Commercial Street in Provincetown is an eclectic mix of trendy, weird, eccentric, and old-timey. Mixed in among the overpriced clothing stores and coffee shops were some really interesting places to check out.
One of the places Ian and Matt stopped at was `Shop Therapy.' The best way to describe the place was headshop meets adult toy shop. For anyone in need of a bong or a dildo, Shop Therapy was one stop shopping. Ian offered to buy Matt a ring, but Matt said he wasn't getting his nipple pierced. So, Ian said, "Don't let it be said I wouldn't give you a second chance."
At the "Glass Half Full" Ian bought a couple of bottles of wine and four cigars. The rental had a deck, and he thought an evening of wine and cigars would be good for honest conversation. The last place they stopped at before heading to the cruise was Marine Specialties. Marine Specialties started selling military surplus, and there were plenty of reminders hanging from the walls and rafters of the store's beginnings, but it had morphed into the sort of place you walked in and found unusual things you didn't know you wanted or needed. Everything from a blowfish skull, to sparkling booty shorts for the GoGo boy on your shopping list, to ropes for sailing, climbing, and other activities.
The whale watching trip started at two in the afternoon, and it was a fantastic day for being on the water. There was only a very slight breeze, the temperature was unseasonably warm, and being early in the season, the boat wasn't crowded.
A half hour after leaving port they spotted their first whale, a Fin whale. Ian and Matt had a pair of binoculars and were enjoying the view from the upper deck. There were several groups of porpoises that seemed to always be in sight, as well as a variety of seabirds. However, the high point of the trip was a large group of humpbacks, including several females with calves. Closer in toward land they spotted harbor and grey seals. Toward the end of the trip as the wind picked up and the sun began to fade, Ian and Matt stood closer together to keep warm. They could have gone inside the cabin, but they would have lost their view, also both were taking advantage of the excuse for a little physical contact.
Since they had a late breakfast, the guys hadn't eaten lunch. Instead, they had some snacks and sodas on board. So, they were ready for an early supper. Just a short walk further down Commercial Street and next to the Old Colony Tap was the Lobster Pot. Ian had seen it the night before, and decided he wanted lobster and red potatoes, and Matt went with Lobster Ravioli Alfredo. For an appetizer they decided to try Clams Casino. Neither of them had had the dish before, but they figured you couldn't go wrong preparing clams with bacon and breadcrumbs. They also decided to go with local beers rather than wine.
As they waited for their food. Ian asked Matt whether he wanted to continue practicing estate and trust law.
"It's okay, but I have found a new interest," Matt said, "Since I was getting shit work at the firm, I started volunteering at a nonprofit legal assistance agency. There I do immigration, worker, and civil rights law. I really feel good about helping people that are getting trampled by the system and frankly I'm pretty good at it. Of course, Ellen's father and the rest of the firm have no respect for what I do. For them, if it doesn't generate hefty fees, it's a waste of time and effort."
"Since it's unlikely that you will get a letter of recommendation from your father-in-law, could you get one from this non-profit," Ian asked.
"Sure, they love me there."
As they talked, Ian and Matt began to put together a plan to rebuild Matt's career. Rebuilding his life would be a harder project, and one Ian wasn't sure he wanted any part of; although, he was already too far down that road to turn back. When the food arrived, the conversation returned to their afternoon and the reunion.
After they finished eating, Ian suggested they go across the street to the Old Colony Tap. When they walked in, Ian saw Josh at the end of the bar, again taking a razzing from the local Red Sox fans. Josh waved and Ian and Matt walked over, and Ian introduced Matt and Josh.
"Man, you must be a glutton for punishment," Ian said.
Josh laughed, "Yeah, I found this place just after getting stationed here a year ago. I like it and most of the guys who hang here, but I do have to take a lot of shit from Red Sox/Celtics/Patriots/Bruins fans, but then I give them back just as good as I get."
"Where's Kurt?"
"He has an eight o'clock class in the morning, so he left around one. I go back on duty tomorrow, so I am just killing the evening here, maybe head over to the Dick Dock....unless I get a better offer," Josh said with a wink.
"Do you know where Pop and Contessa's Sandwich Shop is?" Ian asked.
"Sure, I like their Reubens," Josh said.
"We are staying in the rental on the second floor. We are headed back there, and have a couple of stops along the way, but if you find yourself in the area later this evening, you're welcome to join us for beer and cigars."
Josh smile and nodded, Then Ian said to Matt, "We need to get going before the wine and cigar store closes."
As they walked down Commercial, Matt said, "Josh said something about Dick Dock. Do you know what that is?"
Ian laughed and said, "You really did surrender your gay card when you married Ellen. The Dick Dock is a famous, or infamous, Provincetown cruising spot. It's under the deck of The Boatslip Resort and Beach Club. If you want a blowjob from an anonymous hookup, that's the place to get it."
"Damn, I haven't had a good blowjob in, I don't know, ten years."
"You're telling me Ellen never gave you a blow job."
"Not a good one. She gave it a half-hearted attempt a couple of times, but then said that wasn't for her. So we just have pretty basic intercourse. Even that stopped after Ian was born."
"You haven't had sex in four years!"
"No, I have been getting by with just masturbation. I feel like a fucking monk; or more accurately, a non-fucking monk."
"So, all the while Ellen was screwing around on you, you were being a good boy?"
"Yep, go ahead and say it, I'm a damn cuckold idiot."
"Oh, man that really sucks," Ian said, then eventually burst into laughed.
"Yeah, yeah," Mat said, "Laugh it up. It's really funny that poor old Matt has had crippling blue balls for four years. All the while, you probably haven't gone more than three days without a good blow job."
"That's not true....there was that week in October of 2009 when I had a really bad case of the flu."
"Uuuugh."
"Hey," Ian said, "it's not my fault you decided to be straight and monogamous."
"That's what really gets me. For ten years I was absolutely faithful and played the part she and her father wanted me to, then I find out the bitch was cheating on me with that asshole Fletcher Rockford. And now they want to exile me to Siberia, away from my children. Well, fuck them. I'm done taking their crap, and I'm done playing their game."
Ian was impressed, for the first time since they'd met up at the reunion, Matt actually seemed to have some spirit in him. When Ian picked up his purchase at the Glass Half Full, Ian said, "I think we need something with a bit more kick, and he picked up a couple of bottles of whiskey.
Josh stopped by around 8:30, and Ian and Matt were sitting on the rental deck doing what men do: drinking whiskey, smoking cigars, and telling lies about their high school and college athletic careers. Ian poured Josh a glass of whiskey and said, "So Josh, did you play sports in high school."
"Yeah, my primary sport was swimming, but I also ran cross-country and track. I was too skinny to play contact sports. When I graduated, I was 6'1" and weighed 150 pounds."
"You certainly have filled out nicely," Matt said.
"I went to Massapequa High School on Long Island. Kurt went there as well. When I decided to join the Coast Guard rather than go to college like most of the kids in my class, I spent the summer before I reported to basic hitting the gym and running when I wasn't lifeguarding. By the end of the summer, I was looking pretty good. Frankly, the physical fitness part was what I was least concerned about when I reported to the Coast Guard."
"What had you worried?" Ian asked.
"Aside from being 19, gay, and constantly horny, it was the discipline. While part of Homeland Security, and technically not under the control of the Pentagon, the Coast Guard does operate with military command and discipline. I was a wild ass in high school and had a wicked temper. I don't know how many times during basic I about told one of the Coast Guard trainers to fuck off."
"Obviously you made it." Ian said.
"So, why did you decide to join the Coast Guard rather than go to college. I'm sure your parents weren't happy with that?" Matt said.
"No, my dad took having a gay son much better than having a son that wasn't going to college. He's the executive vice-president of a bank's commercial loan department and has an MBA from Columbia. My mother was much more understanding, at least on the outside. She is a clinical psychologist. The only person who really got me was my grandfather. He was the captain of a fishing trawler and understood why I just couldn't work in an office, and why I want to be a sailor."
Ian and Matt enjoyed talking to and flirting with Josh. The three had been hitting the whiskey pretty hard when Ian smiled. He and Josh were sitting on an outdoor couch, and he put an arm around Josh's shoulders, leaned over, and whispered in his ear. Josh grinned, stood up, and held out his hand to Matt. Matt seemed confused, so Ian said, "Just go with the flow." So, Matt took Josh's hand and followed him inside.
Ian sat alone on the deck and finished his whiskey. Then he also stood up and went inside. When he opened the door, he heard moaning coming from the bedroom. What he found was Matt fully naked, lying on his back, his legs spread wide, his fingers interlocked behind his head, and Josh giving him the first good blow job he'd had in ten years.
Josh was also naked and on all fours as he gave Matt what he'd been missing the last ten years. In that position, Josh's pink hole was like a strawberry pastry in a bakery display case. Ian ran his finger across it, and Josh moaned. Ian opened his travel bag and found a bottle of lube for his fingers. Ian began fingering Josh. Josh looked back and asked, "What are you waiting for?" Ian smiled, rolled on a condom, and soon had his cock buried in the hot Coast Guard seaman's ass.
Matt was the first to cum. It had been so long since he'd been with anyone he soon was on the edge, and groaned, "I can't wait any longer. I'm gunna cum." Josh began stroking Matt's cock as he licked Matt's balls." Matt's orgasm was so loud when he released ten years of denial that Ian was sure Ellen could hear him all the way in Denver.
Something about hearing Matt in the midst of an orgasm triggered a long forgotten memory, and Ian started pounding Josh. It wasn't long before Ian was at the climax of an amazingly fuck. Ian had no idea how many times he'd shot. He had a long list of hook ups over the years, but this one would always be special.
When his cock finally began to soften, Ian pulled out. Then after disposing of the very full condom, and applying lube to his own ass, Ian jumped on the bed, pulled back his legs, and said, "Okay sailor boy, it's time for you to make the Coast Guard proud." Josh smiled and did just that.
Josh stormed Ian's ass like he was boarding a drug runner on the high seas. Josh was young, fit, and mission focused. As Josh pounded away, Ian looked over at Matt who was lying on the bed with them and watching intently. Matt had once been a Josh, had once fucked like Josh, but now he was hesitant and unfocused.
However, Ian couldn't dwell on Matt's condition for long. His attention was jerked back to Josh as the boy began to howl, "Of fuck... Oh fuck...Oooh Fuuuccck." Ian felt Josh's cock pulsing and it was thrilling to be part of something so pure, uninhibited, and intense as a twenty-something's sexual satisfaction. Josh was totally spent, every reserve of energy was consumed, and Ian knew exactly what the boy needed to recover, pizza.
Ian had thrown a couple of frozen pizzas in the shopping cart the day before. So he popped one in the oven. When it was ready, he called Josh and Matt, and the three each had a couple of slices and a beer.
"I have been drinking too much beer and eating too much crap on this trip," Ian said. "I will need to hit the gym hard when I get back to Chicago."
"The Provincetown Gym offers day passes," Josh said. "Kurt and I often workout there when he's in town. FYI, a front is moving in early tomorrow, so it will be a bit nasty. A good day to hit the gym, grab some coffee, and cuddle up with a buddy."
"We'll keep that in mind," Ian said. "The gym and coffee, that is."
After finishing the pizza and beer, Ian asked Josh if he wanted to spend the night.
"I definitely want to, but I can't," Josh said. "I have to report for duty in the morning and need to get at least a few hours sleep, which I'm pretty sure wouldn't happen here. With the weather turning stormy, we never know when we'll get a call of a ship or boat in distress."
"Are you walking?" Ian asked.
"No, I have my bike, so it's just a minute or so ride to the station."
Josh took a quick rinse in the shower, got dressed, and gave each of the guys a hug goodbye. Ian handed him one of his business cards and said, "If you're ever in Chicago, give me a call."
"I might actually be stationed at the Great Lakes in a couple of months. I start training to earn a boatswain's mate rating. My dream assignment would be on a patrol cutter, but an ice breaker would also be great. Just so long as it's on the water, I'll be happy."
After, Josh left, Ian and Matt crawled into bed. Matt said, "Thank you for that."
"For what?"
"For inviting Josh over, and getting him to...you know?
"Let's get something straight. I didn't `get' Josh to do anything. I could tell Josh wanted a hook up with BOTH OF US. I just gave him permission to do what he already wanted to do."
Ian drifted off to sleep, but Matt couldn't stop thinking about the blow job. It was more than just scratching an itch; it was a releasing of feelings and desires Matt had keep deep in the closet for ten years.
Josh had been right about the weather change. The morning was cold and wet. Ian was standing by the sliding glass door that opened onto the deck. He was drinking a cup of coffee and wearing sweatpants and a sleeveless T-shirt. A small shiver ran down Matt's back as he took in the sight. Ian was super hot that morning. It had been almost a week since Ian last shaved, and his scruff was helping to accentuate his chiseled jaw. Ian wasn't wearing underwear under his grey sweats, so the outline of his uncut cock was clearly visible. And to top it off, Ian was leaning on the door with his forearm on the glass. Ian's deep hairy armpit was reflected in the window glass. Matt wanted him so bad it hurt.
Ian looked at Matt, and said, "It's not a good day for outdoor activities. I was thinking we should take Josh's suggestion and head over to the Provincetown gym for a workout, and then go get some breakfast."
"You wouldn't happen to have any workout clothes I can borrow," Matt asked.
"I think I can scrounge some up." So, after dressing for the gym, the two headed for PTGym.
The gym wasn't crowded and the guys were able to move through their routines efficiently, occasionally stopping to spot each other. They also used the opportunity to assess each other's physical strengths and weaknesses. Although they had several opportunities to see each other naked. This was a chance to compare muscles. Ian and Matt both knew the other was watching, so they also each did a bit of showing off.
As much as he hated admitting it, and didn't want it to be true, Ian still found Matt sexy. When Matt did his leg routine, Ian couldn't stop staring at his ass and thighs. Matt didn't have a bubble butt, but what he did have was a tight round ass that was a perfect squeeze.
Normally, Ian's routine was half cardio and half strength, but today it was all strength. Ian wanted to show Matt what he had given up ten years ago. At one point Ian pulled his T-shirt up to wipe away sweat, which gave Matt and everyone in the gym a good display of his ripped abs. Matt's cock and those of three or four other guys began to plump as they admired the solid core and dedication it took a 36-year-old to maintain it.
At one point a tall guy in his late 50s, who obviously worked outside in the elements, came over to comment on the guy's workouts. He said, "You two make quite a hot couple. Are you from around here."
Ian laughed and said, "We're not a couple, just Harvard Law alumni who came back for a reunion and decided to add a little vacation time to the trip. I'm Ian and I live in Chicago, and this is Matt, he lives in Denver."
"I'm sorry," the guy said, "I shouldn't have assumed you were a couple. I guess my gaydar needs some calibration."
"Well it isn't really that far off," Matt said, "We are both gay."
"Well, I'm Jeremiah, and that guy over there, is Darrel my partner, both in life and business. We own JD's Fishing Charters. It's a bit too rough to take tourists out on the water, so we're getting in some gym time."
"Yeah, we also decided that today would be a good day to find some indoor activities," Ian said.
"Well," Jeremiah said, "tonight the P-Town Community Theatre and Music Society is performing the play "The Drag," written by Mae West. Darrel and I have supporting parts."
"Mae West?" Matt asked. "Do you mean like Mae West the actress."
"Yes," Jeremiah said, "Mae West wrote plays under the name Jane Mast, and was an early gay ally. "The Drag" was shut down after two weeks and never opened on Broadway. The New York Society for the Suppression of Vice led the effort to ban the play."
"Do we need to reserve tickets?" Ian asked.
"Not for tonight. If this were during PRIDE, yes, but now there won't be a full house."
"I definitely am interested," Ian said, and Matt nodded.
"Just so you know, everything is cash, and we have a bar that will be serving themed drinks."
"Now you for sure have us," Matt said.
Ian and Matt said goodbye to Jeremiah and headed for the locker room. After showering, the two slipped into street clothes and headed to Cafe Heaven for breakfast. While they ate, they talked about plans for the day. Ian said, "I have started collecting art when I travel. Nothing like investment quality, but what I like, and what will remind me of the trip. So, I would like to visit some of the galleries."
"That sounds fun," Matt said. "I know nothing when it comes to art, so I might learn something."
"I hate to bring this up, but are you still planning to come to Chicago?" Ian asked.
"Yes, if that's alright with you," Matt said nervously.
"Yes, I don't take back my offers," Ian said, and the look on Matt's face was pitiful. As soon as he said it, Ian knew he was kicking a guy when he was down, and said, "Hey, that was an asshole thing of me to say. I am so sorry."
Matt weakly smiled and said, "Thanks."
"My plans were to fly back to Chicago the day after tomorrow. I planned to get a hotel room near Logan so I didn't have to get up so early to drop off the rental car and catch my flight. I still think that is what we should do, but instead of flying to Chicago, how about we fly to Denver, and arrange to have your things shipped to Chicago. Plus, you can see your kids."
Matt burst into a large smile. "That would be so great. I really miss my children. Thank you."
"You need to let Ellen and your father-in-law know that you will be in Denver to arrange your move, but don't tell them I will be with you. It might be useful to catch them off guard."
"What are you planning?"
"Just keeping your options open. Do you have an attorney in Denver."
"Yeah, of sorts. Ellen's father made sure no decent attorney in Denver would touch my case. I thought about representing myself, but I'm not a family practice attorney, and you know what they say about attorney's who represent themselves."
"They have a fool for a client," Ian said with a chuckle. Then Ian asked, do you have access to a copy of you prenup and their divorce settlement offer?"
"I have electronic copies."
"Send them to me. One of the family practice lawyers at my firm owes me a favor; I got him a sweetheart deal on a house. Let's have him take a look at them and get a second opinion."
`Okay."
After they finished breakfast, they walked down Commercial Street, the direction being chosen more to keep the wind to their backs than any particular plan. Fortunately, there were a cluster of art galleries a few blocs away. There was a wide variety of styles and subject matter in the galleries, but nothing seemed to speak to Ian. Ian was about ready to settle on a piece of art glass he thought would look nice in his office. However, when they walked into the Safe Harbor Gallery Ian could sense he was getting close. The art at Safe Harbor explored the line between fine art and erotica.
In a room toward the back of the gallery, was a new creative photographer's first show. His subject was capturing naked athletes at the moment of maximum action. He processed them into mostly black and white images, leaving only the primary element of equipment in color. There was a baseball player caught at the moment of contact with the ball, a tennis player serving, a volleyball player spiking, but what caught Ian's eye were two basketball players in what appeared to be a pickup game. One was shooting and one was defending the basket. Ian fell in love with the piece despite, perhaps because, of the fact that it reminded him of playing intramural basketball at Harvard.
Ian purchased the piece and made arrangements to have it shipped to Chicago. Then he and Matt headed back to the rental. However, this time they were headed into the teeth of the wind and it had started to rain. By the time they got back to the rental both Ian and Matt were soaked. Ian was shivering badly, so Matt quickly helped him strip out of his wet clothes and then get into bed, then he did the same.
Matt was keeping a respectful distance when Ian said through chattering teeth, "What the fuck are you doing, get over here and help me warm up."
Matt spooned in behind Ian's shivering body and wrapped an arm around his chest. As much as Ian hated to admit it, it felt so good to have Matt's warm body pressed against his. Soon Ian warmed up and then drifted off to sleep. After napping for almost an hour, Ian woke up and found Matt had also fallen asleep while they were still cuddled up together.
It wasn't long before Ian's inner voices were carrying on a debate in Ian's head.
The voice of Grudge was screaming "What the hell are you doing. This asshole hurt you more than anyone even knew was possible. He cheated on you, and then he turned his back on you."
Hope responded, "But..."
"But nothing," yelled Grudge, "You can't trust him. He betrayed you once `to be straight, to be normal,' what makes you think he won't do it again?"
"True," Hope said, "but maybe he's found himself. Maybe he's finally ready to be gay."
"He's just using you because he needs a patsy, a sucker, to mooch off of to save his sorry ass."
"Or, maybe he really needs a friend."
"Forget it! You are setting yourself up for another ten years of heartache."
"Or, maybe you are opening yourself up to a life of happiness."
The back and forth between Grudge and Hope was tying Ian into knots.
Ian got out of bed, slipped on some sweats, and went into the kitchen. He made a cup of Earl Grey tea, and broke out some cookies. He was sitting at the table, watching the raindrops dance on the deck, when Matt came out of the bedroom dressed in a sweatshirt and briefs. `Damn!" Ian thought, "if relationships were just about fucking, this would be easy as peach pie."
Matt made himself a cup of tea, and sat down at the table, and asked, "Are you feeling better."
"Yeah, I always seem to get chilled through easily."
"I remember that from law school. I was kind of surprised you decided to stay in Chicago rather than moving to some place warmer."
"I guess I'd rather freeze in a blue state, than be damned to hell in a red state."
"There's always California and Hawaii," Matt said.
"I suppose the real reason I stay in Chicago is that's where most of my family live. My parents are both still alive, and my brother and sister live there as well. I do like being Uncle Ian. I would find it hard not being near them; so, I can't imagine what you are going through. I really do feel for you."
"Thanks, that means a lot."
"Okay Matt, I have to ask, are you using me?"
Matt tilted his head back, covered his face with both hands and said, "I don't know. When I decided to come out to the reunion, I hoped I would see you. But I had also hoped that I would be at a new firm, or at least have an interview lined up, by the time I saw you. I didn't want to be a pathetic loser. I wanted to be...fuck this hurts to say... your equal."
Matt stood up and looked out the deck window, then said, "Of course, that didn't happen. Instead, my life spiraled further down the toilet. I am so embarrassed; I can't even look at you right now. So, when you threw me a lifeline, I swallowed every last ounce of my pride and grabbed onto it with both hands. So... the truth is I am depending on you, and..." Matt was too emotional to continue.
Ian waited to ask his next question. When Matt was back in control, Ian asked, "If Ellen called tomorrow and told you she wanted you back and your father-in-law said you could stay in Denver, would you go back."
Matt took his time to answer, then said, "Yes, I would go back. Not for Ellen or for the job, but to be close to my kids. I've thought of even taking a dead end menial job just the stay, but I don't want to be an embarrassment to my children. I want them to be able to be proud of me, maybe even someday choose to spend their summers with me, but I can't do that in Denver. So, I have to move and start over."
"So, what does that make me?" Ian asked.
Finally Matt was able to look at Ian and with a weak smile said, "My hero."
"So where do I fit in to your plans?" Ian asked coolly.
"I will absolutely repay you with interest for everything you do for me. I know that I can never get back what I threw away, but I do hope to earn the right to call you my friend again."
Ian got up, walked the four steps to the kitchen and made another cup of tea. As he did, Matt watched hoping for some sign of what Ian was thinking.
I hope you enjoy "Breach of Contract."
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