Cheddar's, Chapter 4
The drive to the northwest suburbs of Chicago usually took around four hours give or take. They weren't on a tight schedule, so Parker suggested they keep their speed pretty close to the legal limit instead of the five over they could likely get away with.
He asked Adam to take the wheel for the first half, figuring he would enjoy the opportunity, since he didn't have a car of his own. Parker would drive the busier, more congested part closer to the city. He also had another reason; he wanted to be able to bare his soul without its distracting his attention from his driving.
"You've read my autobiographical case study, so you already know I'm kinda screwed up, but I think I owe you a deeper look into my life. There are things I haven't even told my therapist that I feel comfortable sharing with you.
We've talked about my, um, fiscal privilege. I don't want to have my money come between us. I'd rather give it away than have that happen."
"Wow! I can relate in a way, I guess, because I was originally worried that you might believe it was your wealth that attracted me. I've gotten beyond obsessing about it. I don't care if you're rich or poor. I think what will be will be."
"That's good! Sometimes I obsess over how others will react to me. I don't know what it's like not to have basically whatever I want."
"Well, my parents are well above the median income range, so I never went hungry or anything, until very recently. Even then, it was only for a short time, because you came in like a prince on a white charger and rescued me. I'm so lucky. Did you read on the `net about that seven-year-old boy in Utah who tried to sell his teddy bear so he could get something to eat? He hadn't had anything in a couple of days. Now that's hunger!
I never went without food or necessities. My parents didn't spoil me, like give me a car when I got my license, but I was promised one for graduation. Of course that was the plan before they knew the real me."
"At least up to that point, you felt a connection," Parker remarked. "In my case, I often felt like I got things instead of love. I don't even know if I'd recognize my father if I met him on the street; he's been gone that long. My mother tends to flit from place to place. She can't seem to settle down to one spot, or one man."
"In recent years, I haven't felt related to my parents either," Adam said. "Their church is very homophobic, and after I realized I was gay, it was like waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm relieved that at least I don't have that worry over my head since I've been disowned."
"You still had both parents in your life until recently. I feel like I've been raised by strangers. When I was a little kid, we had a live-in nanny, Miss Louisa, whom I loved a lot. She was like what I assume mothers are supposed to be. But, she was ripped out of my life when I was about five. Her drug-crazed son shot her to death when she refused to give him money for his habit. I cried myself to sleep for months.
Then there was a series of au pairs. It was difficult to get close to any of them because they came and went frequently. One was more interested in finding a boyfriend than in entertaining a child. Another got caught trying to steal Mom's diamond earrings. A third was too messy, and pretended not to understand when she was reprimanded about not picking up after herself. Then there was Celeste.
I suppose she should have been any pubescent boy's dream, but she proved to be more of a nightmare. I was 14 by then, and beginning to feel horny. She was 23, and well-endowed. She had experience, and I didn't. The result was that I felt exploited, raped, if you like. My mind wasn't ready for sex, but my body sure was. It betrayed me, and I think I might have even gotten her pregnant. Anyway, Mom walked in on us when she came home expectantly. Thank God there wasn't a nanny-cam. Can you imagine how embarrassing that would have been?
That's when I was sent to live with my grandparents, and when I first got shrunk."
"Wow, that's heavy."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to dump on you. I'm not excusing myself for being gun-shy about relationships, but I felt you deserved an explanation."
"It IS a valid justification! Your trust has been broken many times. I don't know how you've survived it so well."
"A lot of it was because of Dr. Schmidt. He's been my rock. He started the healing process, and you've helped to finish it. I thought you needed to hear that. I have an appointment with him the day after Christmas, I was hoping you'd be willing to go with me."
"Of course I will. I promise not to break your trust."
After purging his soul, Parker fell into a peaceful sleep. Adam glanced over at him from time to time. He looked younger than he ever had since Adam had known him. He was more than handsome; he was cute! Being taken into his confidence so completely during their conversation, gave Adam hope that perhaps what he was feeling for Parker might be mutual. If he hadn't been driving, and having both of their lives in his hands, he could have been holding Parker in his arms, chasing the past demons of his nightmares away. Parker's money sincerely meant nothing to him. It was Parker's love that he craved. In his mind, he offered a silent petition to the Almighty to bless their relationship – not to help him connect, because he felt that was already happening.
Parker opened his eyes, smiling, as Adam guided the car onto the off-ramp at the DeKalb Oasis. Evidently, Adam wanted to stretch his legs, and probably pee.
"That was an awesome nap! I must really trust your driving skills to have slept so soundly."
"I'm glad I didn't frighten you. I haven't had a lot of highway experience."
"Evidently you were fine since you didn't do anything that woke me up. We'll work on more road time, if you like."
Hitting the chilly December air, made the guys realize how seriously their bladders needed emptying. The restrooms were at the opposite end of the complex, so they walked at a brisk pace.
When they got to their destination, the place was fairly busy. The only unoccupied urinals were a couple at the left which were missing the privacy panel between them. Probably some of the men were avoiding the possible exposure by using a stall instead, but there wasn't a lot of leisure time to consider it. They had to piss – NOW!
Try as they might, it was impossible not to steal a peek as they shook off the last drops. They caught each other; blushed and grinned in the process.
"It's not like we haven't shared a room for several months," Parker giggled, as the noise of the hand dryers masked their conversation.
"Yeah, but in all that time, we've never been, um, naked together," Adam smiled in return.
"I guess we need to loosen up.
Do you want a Star Bucks or sausage biscuit from Micky D's before we continue?" Parker asked, changing the subject. "I'm feeling a little peckish."
"Peckish? How did that word get into your vocabulary?"
"One of my au pairs was British. So, would you like something?"
"Y-a-h-s, I'd love a nosh!" Adam giggled in reply, trying to show that he also knew some words not often used by teenagers.
They were still cracking up as they ordered their unhealthy snack.
With an empty bladder and full tummy, Adam drifted off in the warm car while Parker headed on toward his grandparent's place. He had at least one very pleasant dream, probably inspired by his quick look at Parker's junk. It caused his bulge to swell (a fact not missed by Parker), but luckily it didn't lead to a big sticky mess in his briefs.
With Adam asleep, Parker had time to muse about his earlier revelation. He sensed that it had made the two of them closer. It had been scary, especially confessing the part about having had sex with an adult woman, but it had been something he had to tell. It wasn't only the idea of being honest, but it was a matter of trusting the guy he'd been drawn to back when he first began to frequent Cheddar's. At that time, it had been about noticing a cute butt which he'd never had any hope of cuddling up to. Now, that was changing.
Ironically, traffic on the tollway sped up just as it became heavier. Parker found himself driving 70 in the 55 mile per hour zone, and still being passed. It was kind of exhilarating, being back in the thick of things. He was thankful for his I-PASS transponder so he didn't have to slow down and pull over to throw coins in the funnel-shaped receptacles at the booths.
Adam woke up with a start as Parker braked sharply to avoid a collision with someone who had switched lanes without checking, cutting him off.
"Fuckin' idiot!"
"Hmm, I've never heard you talk like that!" Adam joked.
"It's road language," Parker grinned. "I know a few things in sign language that help in traffic too. However, these days someone might shoot you if you use them."
"Do you ever worry about being shot by the cops as well?"
"Nah, white privilege. I'm a white boy in a white neighborhood in a late model car. It's a charmed life."
"I suppose. I never really thought about it."
"I have, and it makes me sick! People who tout living in a post-racial society have no sense of reality. I see it, but I don't know what to do about it."
The economic downturn of a few years previous evidently hadn't caused undue suffering in Inverness. As Parker pushed the remote button, the large black steel gates swung open, allowing the car to pass. Ah yes, this was an example of what he'd been discussing earlier.
As he drove up to the house, Parker pushed another button, causing the door on the fourth garage to rise. His grandmother had kept it reserved for him. They had put one of their cars in temporary storage so there would be ample room to house the vehicles when their other descendants arrived.
The guys had scarcely gotten out of the car, when they were met by a handsome couple who didn't look old enough to be Parker's grandparents. Edgar and Ellie Forsythe appeared to be ageless, and the picture of health and prosperity.
Parker made the introductions as soon as his grandmother released him from her warm embrace. Adam shook Edgar's offered hand, but was drawn into a hug by Ellie who treated him just as she had her own grandson. Needless to say, he felt welcome, if a little emotional. He hoped the aura wouldn't change as they got to know him better.
Grandma Ellie escorted the guys up to Parker's old room. Immediately, Parker set his suitcase on the cot which had been placed there as an extra sleeping place. He wasn't going to allow Adam to take the less comfortable spot.
"Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't explain the sleeping arrangement," Grandma said. "The little bed is for your cousin Danny. I'm sure you'd rather have more privacy, but it's only for a couple of nights. They aren't arriving until Christmas Day, and will leave soon after. With only four bedrooms, I'm putting his parents in the one down the hall, and Sally and Ken in the other guest room. Danny may be barely 14, but I thought his feelings would be hurt if he had to sleep on a couch. I don't think you'll find him a problem; he's become rather mature for his age."
"That's fine, Grandma. I made an incorrect assumption."
"I may have made one too. Will you two be uncomfortable sharing a bed?"
"No, not at all," he smiled.
"Good! Old ladies can sometimes make incorrect guesses, too. Well, I'll leave you alone to get settled while I check on lunch. Please come down when you're ready."
"Will do, Grandma!"
The guys made use of the en suite bathroom to wash their hands and faces before going down to eat.
After lunch, Parker and Adam sat in the family room visiting with the grandparents. From the questions she asked, Adam could tell that Ellie was trying make sure he was a suitable friend for her grandson. Because of how she smiled at him, he figured he was making a favorable impression.
When Parker went to the kitchen to get them something to drink, his grandmother had a moment to speak with Adam privately.
"You seem to be very good for Chip. I've never seen him more contented!"
"Chip?"
"Oh, I'll bet I've made a slip of the tongue, and he may be unhappy with me. That was his nickname when he was a little boy. He looked so much like his father that we used to call him a chip off the old block. That turned into just Chip or Chipper. As a toddler, he was such a happy child, so it fit."
"Would you be upset if I call him by his nickname? He'd have to know that you told it to me."
"No, you may tease him a bit if you like; he won't fuss. I'll bet he's never displeased with you. I can tell that he likes you a lot."
Parker came back in time to hear the last sentence, but he stalled in the hallway to pretend he hadn't. Perhaps his confession tonight wouldn't be as dramatic as he'd imagined.
The 7:30 service at St. Michael's in Barrington was beautiful. The church was filled with red and white poinsettias, and the sounds of the organ and choir were prefect. Adam tried to mentally compare them with what his parents' church offered for a Christmas Eve service. There really WAS no comparison. The esthetic quality heightened the spiritual aura for him. He felt that this was a holy experience. He was ready to take instruction and join the Episcopal church when he returned to Iowa City.
At the Forsythe home, after the service, Ellie served hot chocolate with a splash of peppermint schnapps, and the four of them exchanged token gifts. Ellie had been delighted with her grandson's suggestion that they give to charity instead of trading expensive presents that none of them needed.
Part of his motive had been so that Adam wouldn't be embarrassed that he couldn't compete, but he also knew his grandparents and he could have about anything they truly desired. Adding to one's possessions wasn't the spirit of the season, despite how retailers tried to guilt people into spending.
With the help of a student who was 21, the boys had purchased a few bottles of good wine for the grandparents which would be used for Christmas dinner. Edgar and Ellie had given them each a quality shirt and coordinating sweater from Macy's, but had included gift receipts so they could be exchanged if they weren't what the guys wanted. Both were pleased with what Ellie had picked out.
Parker had also given Adam a shirt, because they had agreed to buy only practical things. Adam gave Parker a pair of lounging pants which were very welcome because he'd forgotten to pack something like that to wear around the house. When the boys were alone, they had become comfortable enough to hang out in the boxers they slept in.
Assuming that the guys might like time alone, Ellie feigned a yawn and said she thought they should all retire early. Parker smiled because he knew she was a bit of a night owl, and had figured out what she was doing.
In Parker's room, the guys grinned at each other as they began to undress for bed. They got down to their briefs and stopped, as if unsure on how to proceed, having not changed in front of each other before.
"This is a wonderful Christmas!" Adam exclaimed. "The service was special, and your grandparents have made me feel like part of the family."
"That's because you ARE a part of my family," Parker insisted. "Ah, but tomorrow you'll meet the evil side. Keep these good thoughts in mind when Uncle Ralph gets here."
"If he's their son, he can't be that bad. The apple doesn't fall that far from the tree."
"That saying doesn't apply if the tree is an oak and he's not an acorn!" Parker giggled. "Really, don't let him get to you. Remember his opinions aren't those of the management, like they say in the disclaimers following editorial opinions on some TV stations."
"Not to change the subject, Parker, but there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Okay, but may I say something first?"
"Sure."
"Adam, I've come to care a lot for you, and I hope I'm not going to upset you by what I have to say."
Adams heart trembled for a moment. Was this leading to a new plateau in their relationship, or was Parker trying to let him down easy?
"Um, me too, you're the best."
"Okay, I don't know how to do this so I'm gonna plunge right in. Would you consider being my boyfriend?"
"Oh, God yes! I thought for a moment maybe you were tired of having me around."
"NO! I didn't mean to give that impression; It's my fault for being so backward, I guess."
"Backward?"
"Well, maybe that's not the right term. I suppose `reticent to commit' or whatever. Basically, I tend to back off from getting too close for fear that I'll get hurt."
"You know I'd never intentionally hurt you," Adam insisted. "I've come to love you a lot in the time we've been together. It's happened so fast that it kinda scares me too. There've been many times I've wanted to take you in my arms when you had bad dreams."
"What held you back?"
"Same thing as you, I guess; fear that I'd wake up and discover I'd been dreaming - that you'd find someone else. Do you think Dave is hot?"
"Where did that come from?"
"I'm trying to make a point; do you think he's cute?"
"Yeah, he's a looker, but I don't want him."
"Me neither. He'd be a sexy one-night-stand, but that's all. I might be able to lust for him, but I couldn't see myself loving him. He's all flash and no substance. I'm willing to wait for you." Adam smiled.
"Um, do we have to wait?"
"It's up to you. I could lick your bod all over anytime."
"Would you like to join me in the shower?"
"Definitely!"
Then, they melted into a warm embrace and kissed for the first time. It was the 4th of July on the 24th of December!
"Won't your grandparents hear the shower and wonder what we're up to?"
"Nah, this house is well built, and their room is at the other end anyway. Besides, lots of people shower before they go to bed, and I'll bet grandma knew you were my boyfriend before I asked you to be."
The shower was warm, but the two guys who were in it were HOT! Neither was experienced in being intimate with another boy, but they soon discovered the joy of frottage as they rubbed their soapy bodies together. It resulted in orgasms which were more exciting than either could ever recall.
As they toweled one another off, they continued kissing. Then they tumbled into bed, naked as the day they were born, and snuggled. Visions of sugar plums may have been dancing in someone's head, but for these two their dreams were colored by what the future might hold for them together.
Author's notes: As you can see, the relationship has progressed.
Thanks to Charles G, Paul F, Wayne, Jay H. Randy McC, Geoff S, Hotrod, GCD, Larry S, Lawrence and Douglas, Bill K, Jack W, Michael P, Joe W, Bill B, Bill T, Dick M, Mendy D, Jimmy P, Jim H, Steve P, Peter M, Walt S, Michael McM, IMOfAtS, Nick M, Jay C, Jim L, Ott H, Zero M, Paul R, John M, and Kirk C. There were four of you who ended up in the junk box. Thanks for including "Cheddar's" in the subject line!
Thanks to my editors, Tom and David for helping make this a better piece of work.
Thanks to Nifty for providing this venue. Please contribute if you are able.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and enjoy whatever other events you may celebrate.
David