Cheddar's, Chapter 16
They did, eventually, take a short nap before going to dinner, but Adam had something more pressing on his mind, and he pressed it against Parker firmly enough to let him know.
"Why don't we take a shower before we have our nap, and I can try a new thing I've thought about," Parker grinned.
"I'm up for it!"
"I can see that. Let's shave our pits as well as our balls again so they're really smooth."
"Sounds like a plan! Are we checking for missed spots on our junk with our tongues?"
"Natch!"
Once in bed, Parker asked Adam to lie down, face up, with his arms above his head. This position left his armpits exposed for Parker's enjoyment. He lay on top of Adam, partially supporting his weight on his knees and elbows.
Then, with their cocks trapped between them, he began to lick Adam's right pit. Adam drew a sharp breath in his excitement. Parker could gauge the extent of Adam's pleasure by the way his hardon pressed even more forcefully against his loins.
Next, he spent time on Adams left armpit, laving it with as much enthusiasm as he had his right one. Adam gasped with each flick of Parker's tongue.
"That's so HOT!" he exclaimed, breathlessly. "Let's change positions; I want you to experience the same thrill!"
"Okay, but believe me, I'm lovin' what I'm doin' right now!"
After Adam had nearly driven Parker beyond the edge, they rolled over on their sides, taking turns stimulating each other with their tongues. All that time, they continued the frottage action below the waist, which became more intense with the passing moments. Eventually, Adam gave a thrust and a gasp, as his pent-up load squirted on Parker's abs. That was enough inspiration to make him expel his jizz too.
They lay there kissing for a few more minutes, and then turned onto their backs and held hands. In their post-orgasmic bliss, they fell asleep.
About half an hour later, they awoke, still smiling.
"That was super-hot," Adam said. "Where did you find out about it?"
"It sorta came to me when we were dying Danny's armpit hair. Remember how he squirmed and how his cock throbbed when that little brush stimulated him there? When we found the goo on the shower door, I knew the feeling must have been awesome. Since then, I've been waiting for a special moment to try it on you with my tongue."
"I'm glad you did it today, because it was a wonderful distraction for me.
"Thanks! It's too bad we wasted all that protein, though."
"It's probably still good. Have you ever tried it cold?"
"Nope, but it's still body temperature, though rather congealed."
Grinning at one another as if they were both having the same naughty thought, they turned around and licked up the drying mess.
"It's a little stronger in taste," Adam ventured.
"Ah, it's aged like a good piece of beef or a fine wine." Parker agreed.
While licking the rest from each other's cock, they got hard again, and went for round two. After that orgasm, they showered together again.
Cheddar's was moderately busy, and the guys were lucky to get a booth in the section where Jason was serving. Adam liked catching up with him about how the place was running, and Jason always appreciated the generous tips the guys left.
Jason told them that things were running smoother since Gloria had been sacked. The new manager was well liked by most of the employees. He was easy-going so long as people were getting their jobs done. He even teased, and had fun with them. Gone were the temper flare-ups that were caused by a stressful environment. Morale was much higher.
The guys enjoyed their meal, and left a substantial gratuity.
Parker's term ended before Adam's. Therefore, he took over the household chores during the week the high school seniors had final exams. Having kept up his studies, Adam was well prepared for the last tests of his high school career. However, he still reviewed so he would be on top of his game. He especially wanted to do well in his AP classes, so he could take the additional exams required by the university for them to count as college credit. He would do those on Thursday and Friday when his regular schedule was finished. That way, everything would be fresh in his mind.
At the end of the week, Adam complained that it felt like a zombie had cracked his skull and sucked out most of his brains. He felt totally drained, but he rebounded quickly as he lazed about on Saturday so he'd be ready for his party on Sunday.
Most parties were held on the day of graduation or the weekend after. However, Adam had scheduled his gathering a week prior to it. Unlike a few of his peers who were on shaky ground, he knew he would receive his diploma at the time of the ceremony, so there was no reason not to celebrate in advance. That way, he'd be free to make the rounds of his friends' festivities the following weekend.
The invitations stated that the open-house was from 12:30 to 3:30. They also specified that in lieu of gifts or cards, non-perishable items for the county food-bank would be appreciated. He didn't need anything, and he had developed a strong sense of helping others after he'd been tossed out on his own.
Having his gettogether early meant that almost everyone who'd been invited showed up. Practically all the guys on the swim team were there. Most of the employees from Baxter Motors came, and several from Cheddar's as well.
Since his event was about the only show in town on that Sunday, the bulk of the crowd came early and stayed for the duration. On one end of the lawn, there was a volleyball game going most of the time. On the other side, a few kids kicked around a soccer ball. The food tent was almost always busy, but they didn't run out of supplies. Sometimes, it was more of a place to sit and talk than a place to gorge on the goodies.
Being a shrewd businessman, Kyle Pearson had asked his sales staff to park vehicles which would appeal to teenagers near the entertainment area. When a ball went out of bounds, it usually landed somewhat close to a hot car or pickup. As players took breaks, they often spent the time looking over the inventory. The dealership was officially closed on Sunday, but that didn't prevent people from window-shopping. Kyle was pretty sure some sales would be made the following week because of the exposure.
By the time the party wound down completely, it was nearly 4:00. The caterers had begun to pack up around 3:35, and that was a signal which helped end it. The employees were on the clock until 4:00, so they got paid up to the last minute. By then, the tent had been struck, the net taken down, and all the tables and chairs packed up. It had been a very successful event.
Two tables in the showroom were covered with cans and boxes of edibles for the food bank.
It was great to have a couple of weeks of freedom before term II of summer school began the second Monday in June. Adam and Parker used their time off to take care of odds and ends that had been put on hold when they were busy with school. Among other things, they did a thorough spring cleaning of their apartment. Furniture got moved to vacuum under it and the kitchen vinyl got scrubbed in the corners, instead of being hastily mopped. They also went through their summer clothes to assess which articles they would wear again, and which would be donated to charity. The whole process took most of Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesday, they rode their bikes over to the trail which led north to Cedar Rapids. They didn't want to overdo it, so they traveled as far as North Liberty where they had lunch on the terrace at Red's Alehouse. Both tried one of the flatbreads with delicious toppings. Unfortunately, they were too young to enjoy the microbrews that complemented them.
On the ride home, they shed their shirts, loving the feeling of the late spring sunshine on their backs.
Graduation was kind of an anticlimax for Adam. His advanced classes had been accepted as college credit, and he would be starting his post-high school studies before long.
It was still fun to be recognized, along with his peers, for his many achievements. Parker was present to cheer for him. When Adam finally spotted him in the crowd, he was not alone. Jon and Bart were there too. Adam's eyes got misty as he realized that thought he might be an orphan, he still had a loving family.
There were short speeches by the three students who had the top grade-points in the class, followed by a few words of congratulations from the principal and the chairman of the board of education. Then the long-awaited process of walking across the stage to receive one's diploma began.
In fact, it was only the outside cover which was presented because it would have been difficult to match up the correct ones with each graduate. The official paper which went in the book would be given out by the secretarial help behind the stage after the ceremony ended.
Having a name near the beginning of the alphabet, meant that Adam Baxter was one of the early recipients of the coveted honor of being a high school graduate. Above the almost continuous applause, Adam could hear Parker cheering for him. The sound of his voice caused a few teardrops to flow down his cheeks. He didn't even try to brush them away.
The front rows were dismissed first, so again, Adam was thankful to be among the earliest to walk down the center aisle, and get in line for his diploma insert. Once that was in his hands, he turned to look for Parker and his dads. He found them a few yards away, standing against a wall to stay clear of traffic.
Parker rushed to him, smiling, and they exchanged a full kiss on the lips. Then Jon and Bart both hugged him tightly.
"I hope our coming didn't mess up your plans for the day," Jon said immediately. "I hate to admit that I stayed out of sight for Parker's graduation, even though I had traveled a distance to be there. I guess I wanted to make up for that in some way by being here for you."
"That's awesome, Dad!" Parker smiled. "I thought I saw you at my ceremony, but I wasn't quite sure. We'd been apart for so long, and you were way in the back."
"I'm heartily sorry for that," Jon sighed, as his son squeezed his shoulder.
"I'm thrilled that you're here for me," Adam enthused. "And to answer your question, I have a few parties that I need to go to for a little while, but I'll do my best to make them quick."
"I don't want to keep you from your friends," Jon insisted. "Bart and I can chill out at our motel while you're doing that. We could use a nap after we have lunch."
"Yeah, I'll bet," Parker snickered.
"Are you suggesting that your father would have other things in mind besides sleeping?" Jon attempted to look askance.
"I'd certainly hope my sire is that interested in his husband."
"Me too," Bart grinned.
"Well, back to the proper business of the day, where would you like to have lunch?" Jon asked. "It's my treat, so pick the best."
"Cheddar's!" the teens said at the same time.
"I'm sure it's fine, but I'm also certain there are ritzier places to go."
"It has special meaning for us," Parker told him. "It's where we met, and it's become kind of a fixture in our lives."
"Then, that's where we'll go."
"Why don't I drive us, and we'll come back to pick up the other cars after we eat?" Parker suggested. "It could save time and effort in the long run. The traffic out of the parking lot is going to be rough!"
The restaurant was beginning to fill up with other graduates and their families, but the hostess on duty, who knew Adam well, showed them to a section which was a more intimate space where it would be quieter. Also, it was part of Jason's area for the day, and she knew Adam's preferences.
Jason hurried over to give Adam a congratulatory hug before they all got seated. Then Adam introduced him to the Parker's father and stepfather before they placed their drink orders.
"You'd better be good to your guy, Son, or our young waiter will steal him away," Jon joked.
"He has been a good friend to Adam," Parker agreed. "I think he might have offered him a place to live if I hadn't, but I don't think he's interested in him romantically."
"Nor I in him!" Adam chimed in. "Jason is the perfect waiter; however, and he keeps us abreast of the company gossip. He's especially nice to me because I'm the one who stood up to the previous manager."
"Yup, I think it's hero worship on Jason's part," Parker agreed.
After their meal, Parker drove the men back to the auditorium parking lot so they could pick up their car, and Adam could get his. The dads were to meet them at the apartment later in the afternoon. Parker would text them when he and Adam returned from the parties where they needed to make an appearance. Several invitations Adam had received, were addressed to "Adam, and friend." The ones from swimmers had mentioned Parker by name.
The guys changed into shorts, T's, and sandals before making the rounds. As was customary, they had graduation cards for each person they visited. No one expected their peers to include money in them.
At the various parties, Adam and Parker just nibbled a little and had something to drink. Mostly, the choices of beverages ran from strange punch concoctions to sodas to lemonade. They tried to stay away from the sugary offerings, and sometimes managed to find ice water instead.
Given the number of celebrations they needed to attend, Adam and Parker couldn't spend a lot of time talking to people, other than to make sure to congratulate the person who was being honored. However, at Cory's house, they ran into Jim and Paul, who engaged in more conversation than any of the others.
"It's kinda sad knowing that we're not all going to be on the same team next year," Adam lamented. "I'm not going to swim for the university. How about you guys?"
"We're hanging up our Speedos too," Jim grinned. "But you, Parker, Paul, and I will always be on the same team, so to speak."
With that, he put an arm around Paul's waist and pulled him closer to his side.
"Wow! Is this for real?"
"Yup! By the way, thanks for giving us the chance to, um, explore our relationship on the last night of the state meet. Having Paul in my bed without anyone else around, gave me the courage to be upfront with him."
"I can imagine that your fronts were up!" Adam teased.
"Parker, is he always like this? How do you live with him?" Jim laughed.
"Um, yes, he can't leave a possible play on words alone, and I love him for it. It's a sign of intelligence."
"It could get him in trouble in the wrong situation," Paul noted. "But in this case, he's not only humorous, but he's right!"
It was late in the afternoon when Adam and Parker were finally free of their social obligations. They had enjoyed seeing everyone, but felt bad that they weren't able to spend more time with Jon and Bart.
On the way from Cory's party, they stopped at a supermarket to pick up something to serve for dinner.
"Why don't we make that linguini thing with the quick clam sauce?" Parker suggested. "I know Dad and Bart love that sort of thing and it would be easy and sorta spring-like."
"That's a good idea," Adam agreed. "Let's pick up one of those prepared garlic loaves that you simply heat in the oven. Then we can show off our entertaining skills. I wish we had a bottle of white wine to go with it."
"I'll text them to come over soon, and suggest that they might find a bottle of chilled wine at John's Grocery."
The men arrived at the apartment shortly after Parker and Adam did. They offered to help with dinner, but the boys said they had it under control, and since the kitchen was tiny, the men should sit in the living room and sip on a glass of the wine they'd brought.
Just after 6:00 p.m., they gathered around the small kitchen table to partake of the food. Both men raved over the taste, and said they'd like the recipe. Parker explained that it was one from a show back in the 70's or 80's called the Frugal Gourmet, and he could easily send it by email. Grandma Ellie had share it with them to simplify the cooking process, and still provide something appetizing. She had given them several more that he'd be happy to pass on.
In return, Jon and Bart said they would share some of their "30-minute" meal recipes with the boys.
Jon and Bart came over to the apartment for an early breakfast and spent most of Sunday with the guys. The men were interested in the architecture of the house, so Parker let them into the apartment below to see its layout. He had the keys to give to the tenants who were moving in later in the evening.
Jon was impressed with the way the house had been built, and expressed sadness that it had been chopped up into apartments.
"I suppose it became too much for a single family to manage. In the days of servants, the cleaning and upkeep would have been more practical. I imagine your place was once quarters for the live-in help. Fortunately, it's not been butchered beyond repair. Look at the beautiful woodwork. If it were stripped and refinished, it would be a showplace!"
"Well, we do own it; that is, grandma and grandpa bought it for me to live in. I'm sure I could have it if we decided to settle here permanently."
"Hmm... If you ever want to consult with an architectural firm about a sensitive renovation of it, you know whom to call! We'd work for board and room!"
"That we would," Bart agreed, "especially if you served that linguini dish!"
There were more graduation parties on Sunday, but Adam and Parker went to only one, Paul's. Luckily, it had been scheduled later in the afternoon, and was still in full swing after Jon and Bart had departed for the suburbs.
Adam and Parker felt closer to Paul and Jim than about any of the graduates since their revelation about being a couple. Therefore, they stayed longer than they might have. When the festivities were ending, Paul asked them to stay and help eat up the leftovers later. Also, he wanted them to talk to their parents who were adjusting to the idea of having gay sons.
"You guys are the picture of normal, masculine young adults who have been out for a while. We'd like our parents to see that guys don't necessarily go limp in the wrist when they admit to having an attraction to someone of the same sex," Paul said.
"Certainly you two fit in the `normal' range of young adult males," Adam insisted. "I can't see that we're any different."
"Sure, and we plan to stay as we are, but somehow my mother doesn't believe we will. You guys can be `exhibit A' for the defense."
So, Parker and Adam stayed afterward. They helped take down the crepe paper streamers in the garage, and fold the tables and chairs for the party rental place to pick up in the morning.
By 5:00 p.m., there were few signs that a special event had taken place. The only thing out of the ordinary was that one of the stalls in the garage was unavailable for parking a car, due to being filled with the rental furniture.
The guys sat out on the deck in back, snacking on pulled pork sandwiches, salad, and chips. Soon both sets of parents came out with their plates to join them. The adults knew Adam pretty well from the years he'd been in the swimming program with their sons. They recognized Parker as one of the most faithful fans.
At the outset, conversation centered around what the recent grads would be doing when they went to college in the fall. There didn't seem to be any tension in the air until Sara Cox, Paul's mother, asked Adam a direct question about his orientation.
"Adam, I don't want to be rude, but Paul tells me that you're gay too. Is that true? Your parents were so religious and all..."
"You're not being rude in asking, so long as you aren't planning to shame me in some way. My parents totally didn't understand. They kicked me out of the house the minute I came of age."
"Oh my! I had no idea. No one said anything. We could have had you live with us. How did you survive?"
"My loving boyfriend took me in," Adam tilted his head toward Parker. "We weren't boyfriends at the time. In fact, we lived together for a while before he even admitted he was gay."
"So it wasn't a case of... oops, I don't know what to say."
"If you're concerned that I might have been "earning" my keep at Parker's apartment, I guarantee you that wasn't the case. He was afraid to tell me he cared, lest I would assume he intended to `use' me, and I was hesitant to tell him I loved him, lest he think I was trying to, um, use my body as a way to survive. We finally realized we both loved one another."
"I'm impressed that you both seem like any other young adults," Sara persisted.
"They are like other young males, but they just happen to have different attractions," Don said to his wife. "I suspect that we know a number of gay people, but don't know about their orientation because they aren't all that different!"
"Thanks Dad!" Paul exclaimed. "I think you really do understand."
"I'm trying to, Son. I don't entirely get why you're more attracted to Jim than to the girls you've dated, but I love you very much, whatever your preferences."
"Sir, if I may interject; I'd like to correct one conception. It isn't a preference like saying I like chocolate more than vanilla ice cream. It's more like I'm programed to eat ice cream instead of mud. It's not like I've made a conscious choice, but more like nature has made it for me."
"Thanks Parker, I think I get it. You're saying you were all born that way."
"So, when did you know you liked boys better than girls?" Jim's father, John, asked.
"For me it was at a young age," Parker said. "Adam had a similar experience."
"I've known since I was 10," Jim spoke up. "I had a thing for Paul back then."
"It was the same for me," Paul agreed. "It wasn't until this year when Jim confessed his feelings that I knew I wouldn't lose him as my best friend if I came out to him. We've always been so much alike."
"Well, you both have my blessing," John nodded. I can't think of another young man I'd rather have for a son-in-law than Paul. Thank you, Adam, and Parker for being here for them and helping us all.
"Now, I need to go to work early tomorrow, so I think Abbie and I need to head home. Paul, you're welcome to stay over with Jim if you like."
"We need to go too," Parker said. "I just got a text from the new tenants that they'll be at the house in about 30 minutes to get the keys to the apartment below us. I'm not sure why they're moving in so early. Like us, they can't take classes until the middle of the month."
"That's not our problem," Adam pointed out. Maybe they want their money's worth for paying June rent.
I'm glad we have time off before session II of summer school starts. We might have done both terms, but my school didn't let out early enough for the first one."
"We're taking the second session too," Jim smiled. "We're getting a jump-start on college like Adam is."
With those words, the gathering began to break up. Even though Monday wasn't a school day, everyone had things to do in the morning.
After they'd given the keys to the two boys who would be occupying the empty apartment, Adam and Parker showered and cuddled in bed. Their minds weren't occupied with anything but being together and getting a good night's sleep.
Author's notes: Thanks to all who emailed since last posting: Paul R, Walt Sz, Jim W, Wayne, Ray K, Geoff S, Tom A, Vern, Bill K, Josh T, GCD, Larry S, Hotrod, Mendy D, Greg B, Zero M, Joe W, Jim F, Charles G, Steve C, John L, Dick L, Bill T, and Randy McC.
Thanks for your donations to Nifty! They keep this free site going.
David