Exposed

Exposed: CHAPTER 19

Julia's and Sydney's flight from Zurich got in late Wednesday afternoon. They had commandeered one of Pierce International's business jets, a Bombardier Global 6500 capable of speeds of 956 KM/H.

After learning the results of James Sr.'s exploratory surgery and meeting with his doctors, they needed to get back to New York and fill James in about his father's condition. There was also concern that a news report might air detailing the transition of power at Pierce International, and how James Sr. was being treated in Zurich for an unknown medical condition.

While James was trying not to think about his father, and Brock was doing everything possible to distract him; it wasn't completely successful. So, when Julia and Sydney finally reached the apartment James was on edge. For James it was ironic that a man he hated, and wished dead so many times, now had him so worried.

James followed his mother and aunt into Julia's office, and Sydney closed the door.

"First, your father came through the exploratory surgery reasonably well, and he's in no immediate danger at this time," Julia said. "However, he has a serious decision to make. He has a large brain tumor. If left untreated, the doctors give him nine months to a year. If they attempt to operate, the doctors give him a 60 percent chance of dying during the surgery or sustaining serious mental impairment."

"What do they mean by serious mental impairment?" James asked.

"James could lose all cognitive brain function," Sydney said, emotionally.

"That's why he gave me medical power of attorney, isn't it?" James said.

Julia nodded.

"Is he still planning to have the surgery?" James asked.

"Yes. He wanted me to tell you he's, "putting it all on red. What does that mean?" Julia asked.

James explained; "One of the few interests father and I have in common is that we are both James Bond fans. In Skyfall, Daniel Craig played Bond and after escaping death in a Komodo Dragon pit, he handed Moneypenny a metal case full of cash, and told her to put it all on red in a single spin at the Roulette table." James understood what that meant. "Father isn't going to settle for a few months of declining health. He's going to bet everything on one spin and have the operation."

"One more thing that you should know," Julia said, "Our P.R. and legal team want to meet with you."

"Why?"

"The recent changes at Pierce International coupled with your father's illness could draw attention from the press. We're not worried about the business press or the mainstream press, but there is concern about the tabloids."

"And you think they will go after me?" James said, realizing where the conversation was headed.

"Unfortunately, we do," Sydney said. "Your mother, father, and I aren't really that interesting. Screwed up rich families aren't that big of a deal. The Kardashian's have pretty much single handedly filled that news niche. However, a hot boy billionaire with a muscle stud boyfriend, that is tabloid red meat."

"I get it. Hell, if it wasn't about me, I would read that story," James said remembering times he'd been sucked into reading or watching celebrity `news.'

"P.R. and legal also want to talk to Brock," Julia said, uncertain as to how James would react to that bit of information.

"Shit," James said realizing that it wasn't just his life that might become the subject of public interest.

After a few more minutes of conversation, Julia and Sydney decided it was time to go to bed. Even in a private jet with plenty of room and seating much better than even first class on a commercial airliner, the trip was tiring.

James found Brock and Betty in the kitchen. Brock was enjoying some cookies, and Betty was prepping some of the Thanksgiving meal.

James kissed Brock, then asked Betty if she needed any help.

"No, I have everything finished that I can do ahead of time, and the table is already set; however, I could use some company in the morning."

James smiled and said, "Of course."

Growing up, James and Betty would often be the only people up and about at a normal time on the holidays. So, they kept each other company in the kitchen.

Soon Betty was off to bed herself. Leaving only James and Brock still awake. James asked, "So anything you want to do?"

"Last time you kicked my ass in pinball, so are you any good at pool?" Brock asked.

"Not really."

"Good, let's play."

An hour later Brock was yelling, "Fucking asshole! You are such a liar," after James pocketed the eight ball to win another game. Brock had foolishly suggested they play strip pool, and now he was removing his boxer briefs to add to the rest of his clothes piled on the floor. Of course, James took the opportunity to admire his boyfriend's athletic body without the cover of clothes.

"Do you want to play another game?" James asked.

"Sure, but I have nothing left to bet."

James gave Brock's butt cheeks a nice little tap, and said, "You still have plenty of assets. How about loser bottoms."

Brock smiled and said, "Why not. What have I got to lose?"

"I'll let you break." James said.

Like in the previous five games, Brock took an early lead, then James began running the table.

"How in the hell do you do that?" Brock asked.

"It's just basic physics; you know, force vectors. Also, My Aunt Sydney taught me how to play. Let's just say, she rarely was the one buying the beer."

James was playing stripes, and his last ball was across the table, and a relatively easy shot. However, when he took the shot the cue ball was off line and instead of sinking his last ball, James sank the eight ball.

"Fuck!" James yelled.

Brock laughed and said, "Asshole I know you intentionally lost the game, ...but I'll take it."

It didn't take long for James to shed his clothes and now it was Brock's turn to admire his boyfriend's male form. James had a presence when standing naked that was a mixture of innocence and mischief. It was as if he was Shakespeare's Puck come to playfully tease and tempt mortal men.

James closed the distance between himself and Brock, and when he was close reached out and took hold of the Brock's stiffening penis. Brock moaned and then passionately kissed James.

"Let's take this to the other room," James said and led Brock by his cock to the bedroom.

James was always amazed that an athlete, who played with such aggression and sometime violent contact, could be such a tender and caring lover.

Brock's touch was electric, and James was soon in a heightened state of arousal, and his cock was stiff and leaking. Brock had also become an amazing kisser. While they kissed, James fondled Brock's chest. Brock's body was amazing, but his chest was the star. It was firm with perfect definition creating a deep canyon between his huge pecs. His nipples sat proudly on his chest, and James could not keep from licking them. To say they were sensitive would be an understatement. James was sure that, given time, he could actually make Brock cum just from teasing them.

The foreplay was incredible, but when Brock entered James, there were no words to describe the act. Whenever Brock fucked James, it was always amazing, but when he made love to James, it was mind-blowing. James felt like he had become an intimate part of Brock's mind, body, and soul.

As Brock slowly pushed himself into James, there was no resistance. James completely trusted him and surrendered his body willingly. For thirty minutes, a long time for teenage boys, Brock and James shared themselves with each other. It wasn't the most intense orgasm James had ever had, but it was one of the most satisfying. After Brock filled him with cum, he continued to hold James in his arms and gently kissed him.

James looked at Brock and said, "Never forget that you are my Alpha."

Brock smiled and said, "And you are mine."

The next morning James got up early, threw on some sweats and went down to the kitchen. Betty was already getting the turkey into the oven.

"You're up early," Betty said.

"You know I've never been able to sleep in."

"Just because you can't sleep doesn't mean you have to get out of bed."

James blushed a bit, and Betty smiled.

Betty had known James was gay since that Summer he spent with Rex when he as only 15. Betty's sister lived in California, and she had taken a month off to go visit her sister, nephews and nieces. She got back a couple of days earlier than expected and caught James and Rex naked in the pool. Both James and Rex were afraid that she would tell James' parents, or worse yet call the cops. Instead, she listened to them and decided James was happy and in no danger, and it was none of her business. She never told anyone about Rex and James, and James found in Betty someone he could talk to when he needed someone who knew his truth.

"Well, Brock needs to sleep, and I need to ask you something?"

"Sure, what do you need?"

"I have to talk with the lawyers and P.R. people on Friday, and they also want to speak with Brock. I feel like I'm dragging him deeper and deeper into my shit pile every day."

"So, have you talked to your mother or aunt about how you feel?"

"No, not really."

"Is that because they have added to your shit pile?"

"Yeah, although I don't blame them. I know something had to be done. Even if the fight over the company hadn't happened, my father's cancer might have created the same turmoil. So, I'm turning to my wise Grandma Betty for answers."

Betty laughed, then said, "Don't be silly Jimmy, you know exactly what to do. If your's and Brock's situations were reversed, what would you want?"

"The truth."

"There you go. Just tell Brock the truth. I love your mother and aunt, so I hold my tongue, but let me ask you, does it make it any easier for you when they try to shelter you by not telling you everything that's going on?"

"Maybe when I was a kid, but now, no. When I was a little kid, I worried because I just took things adults said as the complete truth. However, now I'm always looking for the hidden truth, for what they are not telling me. That means I often imagine something worse than what is really going on. Plus, I end up worrying about things I didn't need to worry about. I end up wasting a lot of energy and time on imaginary worry, and in the end still have the real shit to worry about."

Betty laughed and gave James a hug, then said, "Jimmy my boy, go tell Brock what you know and be honest with what you don't know. The one thing he should never have to worry about is that you are keeping something that affects him a secret."

"Thanks," James said and headed back up to the bedroom.

When James walked into the room, Brock was still in bed, so James stripped off his clothes and spooned in behind Brock.

"Hmm," Brock said, "I think someone is in the mood to fuck."

"Every minute of every day, but now I need to tell you something."

James explained what was going on with his father, and the concern James would become the interest of the tabloids, and it might affect the company. He also explained to Brock that their relationship might become a subject of public interest and comment. Finally, James told him about his meeting with the company lawyers and PR people on Friday, and that they would like to talk to him as well.

"So," James said, "I would understand if you want to jump off of this train before the big wreck."

Brock gave James a kiss and said, "I'm sure it would have been less complicated if I had fallen for a regular guy, but I didn't. I just hope I don't do something to embarrass or disappoint you."

"Well of course you will, and I will do things that embarrass or disappoint you. Couples, lovers, friends, business partners, colleagues, all embarrass and disappoint each other at some time in the relationship. That's just part of life. The difference between us and a regular couple, is that our shortcomings might be a headline in the Post or a viral video on the internet."

"I just hope there isn't still a video copy of me tied to the library fence floating around," Brock said with a nervous chuckle. "What would you say if a reporter asks you what you think of your boyfriend being publicly exposed like that?"

"I would look the bastard right in the eye and say, `Hell yes, I am dating one of the hottest guys in New York City, and he rails my bussy every night. Any other none-of-your-fucking-business questions you want to ask before I kick your ass?"

Brock laughed, "No, you would not say that."

"Oh, why not?"

"Because, I would have to correct the record and say the truth is that it's you who is wrecking my ass with your eight inch monster."

"No one is going to believe I have an eight inch cock."

"Really? When someone sends them a picture from a swim meet of you in a speedo, they sure will."

"Fuck," James said, "I hadn't even thought about that. Do you think they will send photographers to the swim meets?"

"Seriously, have you not Googled `celebrity cocks'?"

James blushed and said, "I guess everyone has at least once or twice. That reminds me, we'd better delete our search histories and clear off any embarrassing shit on our computers."

Brock gave James a kiss and said, "In all seriousness, there are two things I am not embarrassed about, and I will not allow anyone to shame me for: that I am gay, and that we are boyfriends. Now let's fuck."

James replied, "Gobble, Gobble."

James and Brock barely got down to the main floor before Nelson and Florence, Brock's parents, arrived. Dinner was fantastic. Betty's meals were always good, but this one was over the top. The star of the show was a beautiful bourbon-glazed turkey. Betty had also incorporated some of the vegetables James and Brock had brought back from the mansion gardens.

James really enjoyed being around Nelson and Florence, they were funny, interesting, and treated him like one of the family. In fact, James couldn't remember any holiday meal ever being as relaxed and informal. It just felt comfortable.

The meal ended with pumpkin cheesecake and coffee. Betty loved her new kitchen and saw it more like an art studio than a food factory. So, when James and Brock said they would clean up the table and kitchen Betty agreed, only if she could supervise. Plus, it gave her more time to hang out with the boys.

After everything was cleaned and put back in order, James, Brock, and Nelson went up to the media room to watch football. The first game was the Bears and the Lions and the second was the Cowboys and the Bills.

James wasn't really a football fan, but he did enjoy watching Brock and his father interact. They had a bet on almost every aspect of the game: who got the most yards rushing or passing, who would have the longest kick return, who would get the most sacks.

Between games James called Shane, and after apologizing for interrupting his holiday, James told him about the meeting with the company lawyers and P.R. department.

Shane suggested he should attend the meeting, which was exactly what James had hoped he would say.

"What time is the meeting, and where is it?" Shane asked.

It's at one o'clock at the corporate offices, James said.

"What are you doing in the morning?"

"Mom and Sydney are leaving for London in the morning, so we will say goodbye. After that, we had planned to go to the mansion for a workout, but that will have to wait now."

Shane thought for a bit, then said, "How about I come over around 10:30 and pick up you and Brock. We can grab something to eat and talk."

"Thanks, I would like that."

"Then I'll see you in the morning," Shane said, "and don't worry; these guys work for you."

"Don't you mean they work for Pierce International."

"You are Pierce International. You are far and away the largest stockholder, and I am 100 percent sure your mother and aunt, and even your father will back you on whatever you decide to do."

When James returned to the media room and the game, Brock asked, "Where have you been?"

"I made a call to Shane to see if he could be at the meeting tomorrow."

Brock got concerned and asked, "Is there something going on that I don't know?"

"I just want someone there whose concern is for us and not the company."

"I get it. Hey, do you want to put a wager on the game."

James laughed, "Your daddy took all your money in the first game, and so now you want to win it back from me."

"I wasn't thinking about betting money on the game."

"Yeah, I know what you were thinking. I know what you are always thinking. Besides that's pretty much a sure bet anyway," James said with a chuckle.

"I was thinking loser gives the winner a massage."

"Okay, what's the spread?"

"Dallas is a six and a half point favorite."

James thought for a minute and said, "I take the Bills."

Brock laughed and said, "Good, I really need a good massage." Then he leaned in a whispered, "And, I expect a very happy ending."

When the Cowboys took the early lead with a first quarter TD pass from Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb, Brock got cocky and asked James if he wanted to raise the stakes.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Saturday, the loser is the winner's houseboy for the day."

"Interesting, I'm curious what you would have me do," James said. "I'll take that bet."

However, as it turned out, James would not find out what Brock would want from a houseboy. Not only did Dallas fail to cover the spread, they lost 28-13.

When the game ended Brock nervously looked at James and said, "I am such a fucking idiot."

James smiled and replied, "You are my fucking idiot."

"How about double or nothing," Brock said.

"I'm fine with that; but just don't make a bet your ass can't cover."

Brock laughed and said, "Maybe you're right. You do have a wickedly imaginative mind, and I'm still just a baby gay."

"And I am your gay au pair."

"So, what do you have planned for tonight."

"Sleep."

"Just sleep?"

Yes, just sleep," James said. "I know we are horny teenagers, and we let our hormones do all the thinking, but there has to be more to our relationship than just fucking. Because if it is just about sex, we have about six months left and then we're burned out. We can't keep trying to top the last time, to come up with something increasing exotic to keep the sex fresh enough to keep the relationship going. Right?"

Brock smiled and said, "Babe, I'm sure you have more than just six months of hot sexy ideas in that cute head of yours, but I get what you're saying. So, what are we going to do?"

"We're going to get into bed, cuddle up and talk."

"Talk? We talk all the time. What are we going to talk about?"

"Come on, I'll show you."

Brock and James stripped out of their clothes and cuddled up naked.

Brock said, "You know, I will get a hard on."

James kissed Brock and said, "I'm sure we both will, but the boys will just have to learn they're not in charge."

"So what's the topic?" Brock asked.

"Since this is Thanksgiving, we're going to say what we're thankful for. I'll start... I am thankful I have an amazing boyfriend who is, handsome, athletic, funny, smart, and most importantly caring."

Brock decided to be a wise ass and asked, "Are you seeing someone on the side?"

James grabbed Brock's balls and said, "If you want to keep these, you'd better think of something nice to say."

"Okay, okay! I am thankful that it was a cute, insufferable, snobbish, brainiac, nerd that was the one to find and rescue me that horrible Saturday morning. I almost feel like I should put the Minutemen soccer team on my Christmas card list."

James said, "Ditto," and gave Brock a kiss. Then he said, "I am thankful for Mr. Gregg. Without his kindness and support, I would have never made it to my Senior year at Mill Brook."

"My nuts are still holding a grudge against that old man, but I am also thankful he took care of you until I came to my senses and saw what was right before my eyes every day."

"I am thankful," James said, "that my mother was able to finally stand up for herself, and for me."

"I am thankful that Florence and Nelson Champlain are so loving and accepting of a gay son," Brock said with emotion quaking in his voice. James tightened his embrace of Brock and gave him another kiss.

"I think pride can be a form of thankfulness, and I am proud that my boyfriend led Mill Brook to the state soccer championship."

"I am thankful that my boyfriend was so supportive of the Mill Brook soccer team...even if it was only to ogle the players in their shorts and drink cocoa and schnapps with his buddies."

James took a deep breath and began to softly cry, then he was finally able to say, "I am thankful my father has a chance." He barely got the words out when the crying turned to sobbing. Now it was Brock's turn to step up and comfort his boyfriend. Brock instinctively knew James was upset about more than just the prospect his father would die. It was the feeling that his childhood and youth, his family, his legacy had all been lost somehow in the dysfunction of the Pierce family.

Sleep finally came to the boys, and it was one of the few times James didn't wake up before the alarm went off. He and Brock threw on some sweats and went down to say goodbye to Julia and Sydney. Betty had coffee, cinnamon rolls, and sausages ready for breakfast. James was amazed that no matter what time the day started, Betty always had something hot and fresh ready for anyone that wanted breakfast.

Just before she and Sydney left for the airport, Julia pulled James aside, and said, "I feel like such a bad mother not spending the rest of your holiday break with you. I keep thinking I should just tell Sydney we can't go, and that I have to stay here with you."

"Absolutely not," James said. "More importantly than a couple of days of hanging around together, is that I need you to figure out who you are, who you and Sydney are. You can't be my mother until you are once again truly and completely Julia Spangler. We have Christmas, but more over, we have four years of my living here and going to Columbia to be mother and son, pals, partners in crime, whatever you want it to be."

Julia kissed James and mused, "How did I get such a wonderful son?"

James kissed her on the cheek and said, "I love you, Mom."

`I love you too," Julia replied.

After seeing Julia and Sydney off, "James and Brock had to get ready for their meeting.

"It was lonely in the big shower all by myself," Brock said as he dried his hair. Watching Brock standing naked in front of the large bathroom mirror was about more than James could take. He told himself, to stay strong, they didn't have time for a good, or even an average fuck. Besides, James wanted Brock desperately horny for later.

"Ouch!" Brock yelled as James walked by and slapped his ass, "What was that for?"

"For being sinfully sexy and tempting."

Brock grabbed him and gave him a kiss, then said, "You're pretty sexy yourself."

"Not to mention smart and rich," James said.

"I don't care about those. It's this that I want," Brock said and grabbed James' cock.

"Stop," James laughed while trying not to get hard. "You're going to make us late."

Just as James freed himself from Brock's hold, Brock slapped his ass, and said, "I'll take a big helping of that as well."

"That restaurant doesn't open until seven," James said, and jumped into the shower.

When James walked into the bedroom after finishing his shower, Brock was still naked and sitting on the bed.

"What's the matter?" James asked.

"I don't know what to wear," Brock said.

"Well, I usually start with underwear."

Brock shot him a look that said not funny, then said, "I know that, but am I supposed to dress up? All of my suits are at school or at home."

"I'm wearing a long-sleeve polo and chinos," James said. "I'm not sure what's going on at this meeting, but I would rather they underestimate me."

Brock smiled, and said, "I recognize that ploy. I've been suckered by it often enough."

"Someday, you'll know better."

"What would be the fun in that?" Brock said with a wink.

The boys were dressed and playing pinball when Shane called that he was in the lobby. When they got to the lobby, Shane asked what they wanted to eat, and in unison they said, "Burgers!"

"Okay, how about Smashburger? There's one only a couple of blocks away, less than a five-minute walk."

The boys thought that was perfect.

When they got their orders, they found a quiet table, and James asked Shane, "Do you know why legal, and PR want Brock at this meeting?"

"I'm betting the reason they want Brock at the meeting is to get him to sign a non-disclosure agreement?" Shane said.

"If they want me to do that, should I sign it?" Brock asked.

"Brock, I am James' lawyer. I can't advise you what to do because what I tell you might not be in his best interests."

James smiled and said, "Okay, if they ask me to sign an NDA, would you advise me to do so?"

"First, I would tell you not to sign anything without me first looking at it. I would then tell them I wanted an attorney at my firm who writes NDAs to look at it before I advised you to sign or not sign. Second, I would tell you that their job is to look out for you: the future of Pierce International, not you: the kid trying to grow up and figure out what he wants from life."

"So do you know anything else about why they want to talk to us?" James asked.

"After you called me, I put out some feelers to some buddies that work on Wall Street. The rumor on the Street is one of the deals your father negotiated is in trouble. Beyond that, they didn't really know anything."

The Pierce International offices were in the Chrysler Building. That was one thing about the company James had no intention of changing. James liked the building's Art Deco design and its history. James also loved the view of the United Nations and East River from his father's personal office. Most of the company's offices were located on the tower's lower levels: however, the executive offices were on the 67th and 68th floors in the building's iconic crown.

The meeting was in the executive offices and James wanted to get there early to show Brock the views. He figured it was better to do that before the meeting since they might want to get out of there quickly if the meeting didn't go well. When James, Brock, and Shane got off the elevator, a sophisticated older woman immediately recognized James.

"Good morning Mr. Pierce."

"Good morning Mrs. Trent. I would like to introduce you to Brock Champlain, my boyfriend, and Shane O'Claire, my attorney. Brock and Shane, this is Mrs.Trent, her official title is Executive Concierge and Personal Assistant to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors."

After Mrs. Trent greeted Brock and Shane. James asked, "What's going on?"

"What do you mean?" Mrs. Trent asked.

"This is not your desk," James replied. "I am getting a distinct feeling you wanted to be the first person we saw when we walked in here."

"You are right about that. I need be the person showing you around the office."

James looked at Brock and Shane and said with a smile, "This must be worse than I thought. Mom knows I would never blow up on Mrs. Trent. She is my office `Betty'. Whenever I had to be here for any reason, I would hide out in her office."

Mrs. Trent laughed and said, "Yes, but I could never get you to call me by my first name."

"You know why?"

Brock and Shane looked confused, and Mrs. Trent said, "My first name is Axella; however, mastery of the letter X is difficult for children. So, the first time we met, he started calling me Ass-ella. Everyone thought it was cute, but around the time he started school someone told him what it sounded like he was calling me. James was so embarrassed he would only call me Mrs. Trent after that. However James, I am sure you can pronounce my first name now, and I would very much like it if you called Axella."

James smiled and said, "Of course, Axella."

Axella then turned to Brock and Shane and said, "I'm sure I'll be seeing the two of you again, so I would like you to call me Axella as well." Both nodded.

Axella started the tour upstairs in her office. She introduced some of her assistants and said, "At Christmas we will go over all of the services this office provides to the company and the family. However, the basics are, we take care of travel, including corporate jets, also hotel reservations, access to the company boxes at sporting events and the symphony, and corporate credit cards for the family and top executives. We also can arrange for car service, theater and event tickets, and restaurant reservations in the city. We plan company and family public gatherings and banquets. Finally, we coordinate schedules and security. Up unto this time we have put anything we have done on your behalf under your mother's account. However, from now on they will go under your account."

"I have an account?" James said with surprise.

"Yes, now that you are an adult, we have to treat you as such for the purposed of taxes and accountability. We will need to sit down with you to go over everything, however today, I need you to sign this authorization for me to send the legal documents to Mr. O'Clair for review."

James signed the authorization.

"Next," Axella said, "your mother said there are two events in your future that you might want us to begin planning for you..."

James suddenly tensed up.

"... the first is a graduation party/reception, and the second is a trip to Europe this coming Summer."

James let out a deep breath and then said, "Of course, let me think about that."

"Finally, we need to go down stairs." Axella led them down a spiral staircase that connected the two floors and then to an office with a piece of paper covering the name on the door. When she removed the paper, the name was James Spangler Pierce. James suddenly tensed up, and Brock slipped an arm around James' waist and Shane put an arm around his shoulders.

Axella pushed a button on her phone and then handed it to James.

"James?"

"Yes Mom?" James said, trying to maintain control.

"I am sorry," Julia said, "this is not how Sydney and I wanted this to happen. Our intent was to show you the office at Christmas. However, we were talking just after takeoff and decided that you need to establish who you are at this meeting. So, we called Axella and told her to do this. I hope you are not upset with her."

James looked at Axella, and said, "I could never be mad at my office Betty." Axella smiled. "However, I can be angry with you."

"So how angry are you."

"Three minutes ago, I was at 8 out of 10. Now, 2 out of 10, which you know is my normal level of pissed at the world."

Julia laughed.

"Seriously mom, I understand why you did it, and you are right, both the company and I need to get used to the new reality."

"I know your world has turned upside down in just a few months, but I am so proud of how you have handled it all."

"Thanks mom. I love you."

"I love you too, goodbye."

Axella opened the door and let James into his new office. It wasn't a typical office. For one, there was no large imposing desk. Instead, in the middle of the room was a large conference table and in one corner of the room was a seating group, and on the wall was a television. In another corner was a small table with a couple of office chairs.

"Your Aunt Sydney decorated this room," Axella said. I asked her why there isn't a desk. She said, You aren't a desk type of person." Axella, pushed a button and a couple of doors on one of the walls opened and there were shelves, files, drawers, and the storage for all the items that would normally be in a desk. Axella said, "This closet has a retina door lock, so you can secure the things you would normally have in a desk."

Axella walked over to the conference table pushed a button, and it raised it to standing level. "I want to show you some of the things your aunt decided you might like. One is the ability to create a large standing table for working on a project." Axella then pressed another button and the table moved to waist level. Axella walked to the closet and pulled out a ping pong net with clips, paddles, and a ping pong ball. She put them on the table and said, "This was what sold your aunt on this table."

"That is so cool," Brock said.

However, James was at the window looking out at the view. Axella walked over to him, and James looked at her. Then said, "My father's office was just above this office. It's the same view."

"Your father's office is still above this office," Axella said. "Your mother and Sydney have decided that your father will stay there until you are ready to take his place. They have chosen other offices."

After James showed Brock and Shane the view, and looked around his office a bit more, he was ready to continue the tour. As they were walking around the executive offices, James pulled Shane aside and said, "I want you to contact Noah Walker, the Pierce estate manager."

"Okay," Shane said a bit puzzled. "Are you going to tell me why?"

"I want you to find out all of the `Walker' descendants working in Pierce Industries. Neither he nor I can explain why at this point, but I want you to find out what you can about them."

"Is there anything in particular you want me to find out?"

"Yeah, are there any of them that could be the person you are supposed to be finding for me to help run this company."

Shane smiled and nodded. It was the first time he'd heard James even vaguely acknowledge that he would someday be the head of Pierce International.

Eventually Axella asked, "Are you ready for your meeting?"

James said, "No, but I guess I can't get out of it."

Axella smiled and asked, "Do you want to meet in the executive conference room or your office?"

James thought for a moment then said, "Let's meet in my office."

"I'll tell them you will be ready to meet in ten minutes."

When she finally showed in the corporate people who the meeting was with, Axella had to smile. James had raised the conference table to standing height and moved the chairs away. Everyone was going to be standing for the meeting. Before leaving, she asked if anyone needed something and without giving anyone a chance to answer, James said, "No, we're fine. This meeting won't last long."

In addition to James, Brock, and Shane, three other people were standing at the table. Brad Rayburn was a Pierce International attorney, Kendra Taft was Vice-President of Public Relations, and Raheem Jeffers was a personal publicist and image consultant.

After the introductions, James said, "Ms. Taft, this is your meeting. What's on the agenda."

"I am going to be blunt. You are the agenda. You are an unknown and that scares investors, lenders, and employees. None of whom we can afford to have jumping ship."

"Ms. Taft," James said. "I didn't ask to be put in this position. So let me be blunt. I own the company; the company does not own me. I will make every effort to fulfill my role as CEO-in-waiting; however, I will not be treated like the British treat their royalty. I am not a symbol or a show pony. I am a senior in high school. I want to have fun in college and discover who I am. I am gay, and I have a boyfriend. So, whatever agenda you walked in here with, you can rip it to pieces and flush it down the nearest toilet."

Kendra Taft closed a folder, then after a bit smiled and said, "Mr. Pierce, my team can work with that. Please allow me to explain our strategy."

"Wait a minute," James said, "did you just test me?"

"I apologize. The truth is we don't know much about you. Your father and mother have kept you very much out of the public eye. In one way that is very good. The public doesn't have a preconceived idea about who you are. While they don't love you, they also don't hate you. However, that means we have to figure out how to introduce you to the company and the public."

"So what does that mean for me, and for Brock?" James asked.

"Our plan is to choreograph and edit your public image through the rest of your high school life. Raheem will manage your personal public relations, create a press packet about you, and assist you with public appearances and the press. Reporters and photographers who are `friendlies' will get interviews and photo ops after you graduate from Mill Brook. Hostiles will get nothing, unless they get truly obnoxious, then they will get a meet and greet from your security team."

"So what do I have to do?" James said.

"Be normal," Raheem said. "Obviously, things like drug and alcohol abuse, breaking the law, getting into fights, and stuff like that are real problems for your image, especially anything with photos or videos."

James and Brock looked at each other with concern, and Raheem said, "Yes, we do have a few things to talk about, but we can do that later."

"So, am I on the agenda?" Brock asked.

"Yes," Brad Rayburn, said. "I have a non-disclosure agreement for you to sign. I don't want to be awkward about this; however, Mr. Champlain, you will have very personal knowledge regarding Mr. Pierce, and we would like your assurance that you will treat that information as private."

"I have every intention to do just that, not because I signed an NDA, but because of the way I feel about James. However, I also realize that you don't know me from Adam and need more assurance than just my word; so, after I have and attorney look at this document, I will consider signing it."

Rayburn looked at James, and immediately realized it would be stupid to say anything else, smiled, and excused himself from the meeting."

Kendra then said, "The last item on `my agenda' is to clear a couple of PR items and events. First, unless you object, we will have a photographer in the booth at the game on Sunday." James nodded.

"Second, we want a photo of you with your mother and Aunt Sydney for the annual report."

"What about my father?" James asked.

Kendra was caught off guard with the question and finally said, "That really depends on his health. The annual report will be released a month after his operation."

It suddenly hit James that the picture of his father in the annual report might be in connection with James Sr.'s obituary. "I understand. However, I am going to visit my father at Christmas, and I want a photo taken of him, Courtney, and me. Please arrange for a photographer." Kendra made a note in her iPad.

"Third, do you have any Spring Break plans?"

James looked at Brock, then said, "We haven't made any plans. I know I want to spend it with Brock and with my friends."

"The reason I ask is that the closer we get to your graduation, the harder it will be to protect your privacy; and let's just face it, people do stupid things on Spring Break." James and Brock both smiled. "So," Kendra continued trying not to smile herself, "Pierce International owns several properties around the world that I would recommend you consider. It would make our jobs much easier. Personally, I would recommend the Canary Island property. Axella can tell you all your options."

James and Brock were both grinning just thinking about it.

Then Raheem said, "Brock, my researcher tells me your family usually volunteers at your parish's Christmas party for children that are spending the holidays in the hospital. Are you doing that again?"

"Yes, James and I are going to be helping my parents. Why?"

"I know it's crass to use a charity for PR purposes, but I have a request. Can you take a selfie with your parents and James at the party, then post it on your Instagram account with the caption `Mom, Dad, James and I helping at the Children's Hospital's Christmas Party'."

"I can, but why?" Brock asked.

"I can answer that," James said. "My family is a mess, so Raheem is wanting to use your family to showcase us as just your all-American gay couple. Right?"

"Now I feel sleazy and manipulative for suggesting that," Raheem said.

"Yes, you do, but that's your job," James said, then smiled. "We'll ask Nelson and Florence if they are cool with being our poster-parents."

Brock laughed, "Oh they will be fine as long as mom gets to choose the pic and dad can hang a print up in his office."

Raheem smiled and said, "I think it is going to be fun working with the two of you."

After James spent a little private time chatting with Axella, James, Brock, and Shane got in the elevator.

In the lobby, James asked Shane, "Are you still planning to be at the game tomorrow?"

"Absolutely! I'm not sure which will be more fun, the game or watching you work the room. You are a natural when it comes to reading people and figuring out what they really want."

"I agree," Brock said. "It's scary that James seems to know what people are thinking."

Ian laughed and said, "Not everyone is as easy as you are stud. Most people think about more than sex, food, and sports."

Shane laughed and Brock blushed. Then Shane said, "You two need to go and have some fun, work off some energy, and chill. All the superheroes have a Fortress of Solitude, you need to find yours."

James and Brock looked at each other and smiled. Never in his wildest dreams would James have believed that he would find his place of tranquility and security on the Pierce family estate within sight of the mansion that represented all that he despised and in the arms of someone that represented all that he despised. But now there was nothing he wanted, no needed, more than an afternoon of physical exertion and sexual release with his boyfriend.

"Let's go to the gym. You owe me a workout and a massage," James said.

I hope you're enjoying "Exposed."

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