Cheddars, Chapter 32
Dan returned to his Grandparents' condo raving about the good work Lundy House was doing. Adam and Parker were equally vocal about it. Ellie and Edgar were pleased to see the younger generation so fired up about helping others.
Parker showed them the picture he'd take of the angel painting with his iPhone. He was now doubly interested in having a work of art by Joshua gracing the foyer of Stone Manor in Iowa City when the restoration was completed. He'd read on the placard at Lundy House that Joshua had done a series of angel paintings, and he wondered if there might be one left that would fit their space.
The Thanksgiving trip had been good in a number of way, primarily because it allowed them to see Dan again.
Parker and Adam felt a lot better about Dan's state of mind after spending time with him at their grandparent's home. He was in good spirits, but seemed quieter, and more serious than he had in the past. Part of it may have been due to maturing, but some of it was probably caused by being rejected by his parents. Whatever the reason for his pensiveness, Parker was sure that their grandparents would be the stabilizing force in his life that would see him through. Taylor was another healing component.
Although he loved the new, more serious Dan, he hoped that his playful, impish spirit hadn't been crushed. The boy needed to enjoy his teen years to the max.
By Saturday afternoon, all the guys from Adam's house were back "home" again. Although most of them (Darrin being the exception) had been to their boyhood homes during the break, they felt like their present residence WAS home.
Toby and Jason were excited to share their stories of parental acceptance with their friends. Being aware of Darrin's experience, they tried not to make a big deal out of it.
He, in return, was sensitive to their feelings, and made sure to hug both to let them know he shared in their happiness, even though his own situation had been different.
Rob and Darrin had worked at the restaurant some of their vacation days. They were pleased to have made a few extra bucks. The rest of the guys hadn't been occupied with anything more strenuous than eating, sleeping, and relaxing.
Everyone was content to be back in their own little "family" unit in Iowa City.
The first half of December found the guys extremely busy once more. Fall term would end with finals just after the middle of the month, and there was plenty to do in the meantime.
Most of the guys, who were employed, cut back a little on their work schedules to concentrate on completing their studies. With Rob now waiting tables at Cheddar's, Jason could ask him to sub if he got snowed under. Adam even went in to help with parties to relieve his buds when things were tight. He didn't need the money, but like Parker's grandfather, he couldn't pass up a little extra cash.
Although they were all a bit short on sleep during the next two weeks, they didn't get crabby or neglect their boyfriends. It seemed to them that maintaining steady relationships was far better than being single, and expending one's time and energy looking for someone to date.
Sex may have been less plentiful than it normally was, but that didn't mean it was absent from their lives. Sharing one's body was far preferable to taking one's self in hand, as they would have done if they were single. Sometimes, having a warm body to snuggle up to at night was as important as getting off.
When winter vacation began, none of the guys left town immediately. Adam, Parker, and Toby did some work at the Stone Manor to keep things moving along. They were able to paint some of the rooms that had been finished up to that point.
John was pleased to have the additional help because he wanted to give his employees a break at Christmas to be with their families when the children were out of school, but he still wanted to stay on schedule.
The guys who worked at the restaurant were able to increase their hours once school was out. They all had goals which could be more easily fulfilled by having extra money in the bank. No one was lazy.
Most of the guys living in Adam's house would spend the better part of their winter break in Iowa City. They would be with their families either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, much like they'd done for Thanksgiving.
Parker and Adam would go to visit Parker's grandparents, and dads, in the Chicago suburbs. The Forsythe's would be spending the winter holidays there because they missed their home in Inverness, and St. Michael's church too.
Dan had been hesitant to leave his boyfriend, but didn't want to make an issue of it because he was grateful for what his grandparents were doing for him. He felt much better when Taylor's family offered to let him stay at their house for most of the break. That way, Ellie and Edgar could go to Inverness the weekend before and stay through New Year's, and Dan could fly down to be with them for a few days around Christmas, and return to Edina shortly after. This arrangement would keep everyone happy.
The extended holiday time would give Edgar and Ellie a chance to renew connections with many of their friends in the suburbs. It would be a welcome break from parenting a teen, though it wasn't an onerous chore for them because Dan was well-behaved. However, acting as surrogate parents did put a crimp in their social lives.
Ellie would miss having her younger grandson around, but she was realistic enough to know that he had formed a tight bond with the boy who had helped rescue him from his father's wrath. The two young teens had taken to each other upon meeting in Florida, and had only grown closer since then. They might not stay together forever, but thus far, it looked like they had a good chance. She would be sure not to do anything to hinder it.
For dinner on December 22nd, Adam made arrangements for everyone in his house to have their Christmas celebration together before scattering to fulfill their family obligations. He reserved a spot in the semiprivate area at Cheddar's for their meal.
Parker and he would pick up the tab, but encouraged their housemates to order whatever they wanted from the menu, no matter the cost. They set the example by requesting a number of appetizers to be shared by the group. Then they both ordered steak and seafood combos for their entrées. The rest were told to do likewise if they desired. They didn't want anyone to hold back because of the cost. Cheddar's prices were certainly reasonable enough that they could afford it. For that matter, Adam could have footed the bill from the extra money he'd made helping with Christmas parties.
It was a good time of food and fellowship that didn't require anyone to be stuck in the kitchen for long hours. No one minded having a night off from planning and cooking dinner, or cleaning up after it, for that matter.
The food was excellent, and the service perfect. Members of the wait-staff were well familiar with the reputations of the guys they were serving, and outdid themselves in making a good impression. As was his habit, Adam left a generous tip to show his appreciation.
When they got back to the house, they exchanged gifts, having each drawn someone's name in order to keep it simple, low-cost, and fun. No one except Parker had the list of who drew whose name; thus, it could be anonymous unless someone wanted to tell.
One of the guidelines for their gifting was that items should be triple X, or at least suggestive, so presents ranged from edible undies to extra-slippery lube, to flavored condoms, and vibrating dildos. Each gift brought grins to their faces, and visions of what might take place once it was bedtime.
They did turn in rather early. Parker and Adam got it started by saying they wanted to depart around 8:00 in the morning. The others made comments about getting their rest, but no one believed anyone would be sleeping right away.
Needless to say, some of the gifts were put to use before the night was over.
It looked like there must have been some collusion at play, because Toby received two different sizes of vibrating didoes, and Jason got a special applicator with a supply of slippery lube, and a dozen condoms. Perhaps it was simply that the rest figured they were the most inexperienced, and whoever gave them the items were choosing to help them on their way to losing their inhibitions, and possibly their virginity.
"You wanna try our new toys?" Toby asked.
"Yeah! Neither of us has to work tomorrow, so it'll be okay if we can't walk straight in the morning."
"Are you thinking of, um, taking the big step?"
"Not necessarily, but I'll bet those fake cocks could make us sore." Jason reasoned.
"Well, let's stick with the small one. The pamphlet with it suggests we put a condom on it to keep it clean. I suppose that's a good plan. I'd better put a towel under us and keep the Kleenex handy in case it's messy."
Before they finally went to sleep, each had experienced a blowjob enhanced by prostate stimulation. It was awesome!
As they had the year before, Adam drove the first part of the trip, and Parker took over after their pit-stop at the DeKalb Oasis. They noticed that the privacy panel between the first two urinals in the men's room had been replaced. They didn't care, because they didn't need an excuse to check each other out at this stage of their relationship.
Both stayed awake the entire trip. Their conversation ran the gamut from how happy they were to be a couple to how, and when, they would arrange for their wedding.
"If the restoration work on the house continues on schedule, we could get married there just before spring break, and have that week for our honeymoon, possibly a cruise along the Yucatan peninsula or elsewhere in the Caribbean where it's warm enough to play in the ocean. It would be a great way to enjoy a break from the cold weather as well as time to explore each other. We can certainly afford to do it," Parker said. "I wouldn't be surprised if my grandparents offered to pay for it as a wedding gift. They know we don't really need any housewares."
"It would be a memorable experience, and we don't need anything. I love the idea."
There was plenty of room for everyone to sleep comfortably at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Inverness since Dan would be sleeping in the room that Sally and Ken had stayed in last year. Ellie thought it might trigger bad memories if he were in the one his parents had used.
Sally and Ken were spending this holiday with his family, so that left a bedroom free. Ellie soon filled it by inviting Jon and Bart to spend part of the time at her house, beginning with dinner on the evening of the 23rd and extending as long as Parker was there.
She had a genuine affection for the men, and they for her. On top of that, it seemed like a good way for the teens, especially the younger one, to witness the normalcy of a same-sex couple.
The men were delighted to be a part of the extended clan, and quickly volunteered to bring several side dishes to go with the meals she was planning.
Like last year when Ellie entertained her son-in-law and his husband, she ordered pastitsio and horiatiki from Palatine Inn, with a few Greek desserts to round out the meal. The quality was as good as ever.
Dan received a bit of teasing from Parker about his pierced ears. He explained that the studs he was wearing were temporary, and he had to leave them in until his lobes healed. Then, Taylor and he were going to exchange "real" ones that matched. It would be their symbol of belonging to one another.
"That's a big step! What if other kids guess?"
"We think we've been together long enough, and we don't care if they figure us out. It's so cool that the grand `rents are okay with it. Maybe it's also a statement that I'm my own person now. I don't have to worry about some sperm-donor quoting verses from Leviticus that say it's a sin for me to love the guy I want, and it's against God's will to pierce any part of my body."
"Good for you!" Adam said. "We wish you the best."
Dan was livelier than he'd been at Thanksgiving. He seemed more relaxed and less preoccupied. Ellie felt it had been a good decision to have a change of scenery, despite how his father had treated him at her house last Christmas.
The teens elected to drive to Woodfield Mall around 10:30 on the 24th. It wasn't that there weren't decent malls where they lived, especially The Mall of America near the Twin Cities, but it was a fun opportunity to say anything they wanted to, without having to censor their mouths.
Regardless of the freedom, Dan's language was pure enough to be used in church. Parker noticed it, wondering if the change had to do with not having to rebel against his parents anymore. He decided to test his theory.
"Dan, you haven't said one fuckin' nasty thing since we've been here," he joked.
"I've given up cussing for lent," Dan blushed.
"Um, that's a couple of months in the future."
"Okay, I guess I've had no reason to swear since I'm living in a sane world with good people, and a boyfriend who isn't a potty-mouth."
"So, he's a good influence on my baby cousin?"
"No, it's more like he can't say words like `dick' when mine is stuck in his mouth! And he can't call me a cocksucker if he wants some in return."
"I love it!" Parker roared. "Your sense of humor is still in good shape."
"Thanks," Dan grinned. "I do my best. I can talk dirty if you want."
"No, don't do it on my account. You know the word I used a few minutes ago doesn't come out of my mouth often."
"Maybe in the heat of good sex," Dan joked.
"Possibly," Parker admitted.
The young men didn't find much to buy, other than a few boxes of Frango mints from Macy's to take home for gifts. They did eat at the food court before returning to Inverness.
The late Christmas Eve service at St. Michael's was as beautiful and spiritual as ever. Even though Dan missed being with his boyfriend, he could see why his grandparents wanted to be in this particular sanctuary. Being older and more ornate than St. Stephens in Edina, it possessed a kind of mystery that more contemporary buildings lacked.
Dan and Tay were currently taking instruction at St. Stephens in preparation to becoming full members. Their religious traditions had been miles apart, and they were meeting somewhere in the middle – closer to Tay's side than Dan's, but that was how Dan felt it should be. He wanted to distance himself as far as possible from his parents' practices. Taylor's parents were fine with him becoming Episcopalian instead of Catholic, so long as he wasn't abandoning the faith altogether, as they'd once feared.
The teens slept late on Christmas morning. Since they didn't have a child's belief in Santa, checking their stockings wasn't the principal thing on their minds.
Parker and Adam brushed their teeth to banish dragon-breath so they could kiss while they cuddled. They figured there wasn't enough time to see it through, but it was fun to tease.
Their play was interrupted by a gentle tapping at their door. Parker slipped into his sleep shorts to open it. Adam did the same, but pulled up the covers, which didn't completely disguise his hardon.
"Sorry, guys, I hope I didn't breakup anything."
"Look at the tent Adam's pitching, and you tell me."
"Oops, I'll go."
"Nah," Adam said, as he held up the sheet and blanket to invite Dan into bed between them.
"Wow! This is cool of you guys."
"We know you're pining for your lover, and it's the least we can do," Adam said.
"I am, but I can hold out for a couple of days without him. I'm not planning to get off, even with my right hand!"
"I think you're as much in love as we are, little cousin," Parker grinned.
"I hope so. He means everything to me. You should have seen him helping me escape. He got between that evil man and me. He took a hard fall from a shove that was intended for me."
"He's a good kid alright," Parker nodded. "So, how's your back now?"
"See for yourself. The scars are almost gone." Dan said as he pulled up his T and turned over. "That vitamin E stuff is miraculous. Dan rubs it on my back every day."
"May we take his place while you're here?" Adam asked.
"That would be nice."
After Dan ran to his room to retrieve it, the older teens spent the next several minutes applying the ointment. Dan was nearly purring by the time they'd finished.
"I'll bet it's better when he does it," Parker said.
"Well, he does massage some other places, too, but I'm not gonna ask you to do that! It would be like cheating on my lover."
"I'm glad his feelings are more important to you than getting off," Adam observed.
"Yup! It's like with you guys. We're monogamous!"
"So, we'd better not snuggle up on both sides of you."
"Snuggling is okay," Dan said.
So, for the next several minutes, the three of them cuddled. It was a time of closeness that Dan really appreciated. He didn't even get hard from the contact.
Ellie had breakfast casserole keeping warm in the oven. There was also juice, fruit, and cinnamon rolls to prevent her guests from being hungry before their 1:30 dinner.
The adults were already seated when the boys came in, but they had barely arrived before them, so all ate together.
Conversation was light and pleasant. There was no mention of the relatives who weren't present, other than the fact that Sally's pregnancy was progressing without any serious problems, and that the boys would have a male cousin.
After they'd eaten, the teens went to check their stockings. Santa had left pomegranates, dates, and other holiday delicacies along with crisp $100 bills. The money restored their faith in the jolly old saint.
"I believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy, and anyone else who brings presents!" Dan announced.
Ellie smiled, feeling that the `old' Danny was back again.
A spiral-cut ham was the centerpiece for dinner. Ellie had prepared most of the meal herself, but the men had been there to lend a hand.
As was their custom, Christmas was a time of celebrating with good food, and small gifts. Part of the "group" Christmas present this year was a flock of chickens for a family somewhere in Asia, but there was also a large contribution to Lundy House. Parker was pretty sure Dan had influenced that choice.
The day after Christmas, Jon and Bart took everyone out for lunch at the restaurant where they had met with Parker and Adam the year before. It brought back great memories for both father and son.
Part of their discussion this year included Parker and Adam's wedding plans. They asked everyone to keep March 10th open because it marked the beginning of spring break. They mentioned that they hoped to go on a Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon during their vacation from studies.
Parker could swear he saw some kind of non-verbal communication between his dads and his grandparents. He wondered if they were having some qualms about their marriage, but guessed not, since they were all smiling.
Dan wanted to know if Taylor and he would be invited. Parker told him that was a given. Then he teased about having two flower girls instead of one.
There was plenty of time to enjoy the fine food before Parker and Adam drove Dan to O'Hare to catch his plane. Everyone shared hugs before departing.
With any luck, Dan would be back in the loving arms of his boyfriend before dinner.
From the welcome Dan got from Tay, one would have thought he'd been off in Africa for a month. After dinner, the two of them exchanged gifts in Tay's room. It wasn't a surprise, because they'd decided what to get each other before Dan had gone to Illinois.
Their gifts were matching sets of earrings - small diamond studs. Now that their earlobes had healed enough to insert the new ones, they were ready to pledge themselves to each other. It was a private, sweet, and meaningful rite. They felt like they were officially engaged. They would seal their vows by sharing their bodies. Given the number of days they'd been apart, they had built up a large quantity of fluid to christen their new status.
Author's notes: Thanks to Bill K, Mendy D, Walt Sz, David G, Charles G, Bill T, David B, Ott H, John L, JLF, Randy McM, Tom A, Hotrod, Jim W, Frank K, Skip M, Steve C, Jeremy R, Mike C, Joe W, and Paul F who emailed the past week.
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