Exposed: Chapter 25
December 23rd was the day of the Pierce-Walker Christmas Party. James and Brock had arrived at the mansion early for a workout and a swim. They were joined by Peter and Gill. As much as he liked his room in his mother's apartment, James liked the estate's gym and pool. It was weird, before Brock, James would swim but rarely used the gym. However, since Brock had gotten him into lifting, James could feel the addiction growing every day he lifted. He wasn't sure if it was because of what he saw in the mirror, or because of what he saw in Brock's eyes after a workout. Whatever it was, working out was now an element of sex play for him and Brock.
After working out, the guys went to help get ready for the party. Peter and Gill went to the kitchen and James and Brock went to help set up tables and chairs. While Betty and crew had made all of the food, Julia had hired servers, bartenders, a pianist, and an A Capella vocal group to handle service and entertainment. The Walkers and the estate's staff were guests.
Around 2 o'clock, James told Brock it was time to get ready. "Don't you think it is a bit early," Brock asked.
"Not if you want to do a little pre-partying."
At first, Brock seemed confused, then it dawned on him what James meant and the smile on his face was so big James thought the corners of his smile might be touching at the back of his head. When they got up to James' bedroom, they were all over each other, and a few buttons were lost in the undressing.
While the sex got better each time, what James never imagined he would crave was the closeness, the intimacy he experienced just lying naked beside Brock after sex. Brock's body was warm, his arms promised safety and security, and his touch was caring and gentle. Brock was much more than a sex partner, even more than a lover; Brock was a true and perfect mate.
Eventually, James said, "We need to shower and get dressed."
The boys climbed into the shower and took their time washing each other, Then they dried off, and James walked to the closet and pulled out two garment bags, then handed one to Brock. What Brock found was a very nice, tailored tuxedo. "Is everyone going to be dressed like this," Brock asked.
"No, we're the hosts of the party and we have to fit the part, at least according to Noah, that's the tradition. Most of the guests will be quite a bit more casual. However, you and I, Mom and Sydney, Noah and Trudy, and Michael and Sandy will be dressed to the nines."
"What the hell does dressed to the nines mean anyway?" Brock asked.
"From what I've been told, nine as a number was an expression of the best in 18th century England. So, we get phrases like cloud nine,' whole nine yards,' nine days wonder,' and dressed to the nines'. I also think that's why so many people think a 9-inch cock is the perfect cock."
"So, what you're saying is that I'm a few inches short of perfect."
"Not at all," James said, "I think four-and-a-half is perfect."
"You know, you can be a real cocksucker sometimes."
"I know," James said, "but aren't you glad I'm your cocksucker?"
"I guess you have a point," Brock said. "By the way, this tux fits perfectly. How did you do that."
James smiled and said, "I know your hat size, your shoe size, and everything in between."
James pulled Brock next to him so they could check out how they looked in the full-length mirror. They were wearing identically styled tuxedos. The only difference was Brock's vest and tie were hunter-green, and James' were blood red. "Fuck we look hot," Brock said.
"Yes, we do," James agreed.
When they got downstairs, they found Noah and Michael dressed in Butler's livery; Noah's was Edwardian in style, and Michael's very much more modern but still sophisticated. Trudy and Sally were wearing plain but elegant black evening dresses. When they arrived, Julia was in a sequin party dress and Sydney was wearing a cranberry dress and matching jacket.
Of course, Raheem, James' P.R. guy, and a photographer were present. Raheem came over to James and Brock and said, "Damn if you two aren't the hottest couple. Can we get a couple of shots of you guys for the P.R. packet?"
"Sure," James said, "do you want us kissing or hugging."
"I wish," Raheem said, "but these aren't for the Advocate. So how about some best bro pics?" Brock put his arm around James' shoulder and the two smiled. If you didn't know better, you would have assumed they were teammates or frat boys. The photographer was very good, and throughout the evening she captured James and Brock interacting with guests, Julia, and Sydney, and especially Betty. Raheem had decided that James' relationship with Betty would be a way to make James' childhood more relatable and sympathetic if that became necessary.
Like the Thanksgiving football game, James demonstrated his skill at dealing with people and making them feel important and valued. James was also very good at not disclosing much about himself without coming off as cold or aloof. Brock realized just how different and special his and James' relationship was than James had with other people. With Brock, James let his guard down and opened up. The only other person James ever seemed that open with was Betty.
When James and Brock caught up with Gill and Peter, Peter couldn't wait to share his news. That morning Peter's father and grandfather had shown Peter the apartment in Walkerville that would be his when he moved to New York. "I can't believe how great this is," Peter said. "Gill will be on one side of me, and Grandpa and Grandma are moving into the apartment on the other side."
"That's great," Brock said.
"I'm so excited," Peter said. "I can't wait to start culinary school next Fall."
"So, Gill, have you decided on your future yet?" James asked.
"I was planning to talk to you after Christmas, but I've decided to say yes. I've found three farms on Long Island that are for sale. So, if you're still interested, I guess we are partners."
"Brock and Peter both looked puzzled, and James said, "Gill has been doing an amazing job of turning some of the estate's lawns and ornamental gardens into vegetable gardens, but now it's time to expand. Gill wants to raise organic fruits and vegetables here on Long Island and I think it's a way to get some good PR and at the same time address health and environmental issues."
"That's a great idea," Peter said. "One of the hottest trends in restaurants is `Farm to Table'."
"Good," Gill said, "I hope you don't mind getting your hands dirty because I can use some cheap, well free, labor to get this going."
"I would love to help," Peter said. "I've always wanted to get into gardening, but don't know how to start."
James said to Peter and Gill, "I need to do some more mingling. Can you keep Brock entertained?"
"Brock laughed and said, "He's afraid I might embarrass him."
"No, I just have some business to do."
James found who he was looking for in the library. Ella Walker was thirty-something and very attractive. When James walked in she was startled and said, "Mr. Pierce, I hope I'm not out of line. It's just that when I was working on my Master's thesis I spent so much time in here looking at your family's papers."
"Yes," James said, "I've read your thesis. It was very interesting to read how the family's views of Hitler changed and then how Pierce International became involved in the war effort."
"Frankly, Mr. Pierce, I'm shocked that anyone beyond my Professors at Columbia has read it. I gave a copy of it to your father, but I don't know that he even read it."
"First of all, please call me James. I hope I can call you Ella."
"Absolutely, I would be honored if we were on a first-name basis."
"Thank you," James said. "Let me start by saying that my father has read your paper; in fact, he is the one who suggested that I read it."
Ella smiled; the pride was obvious.
"Noah tells me that your grandparents used to live on the estate."
"Yes, I remember visiting them when I was just a girl. My grandmother was the head of housekeeping, and my grandfather started as an assistant groundskeeper, but later, was in charge of your grandfather's yacht, caddied for him at the Country Club, and went with him when he would go fishing and hunting."
"Your grandfather is Commodore Jake!? He taught me how to sail."
"Yes, that's what they called him, although his rank in the Navy was Lieutenant Commander. After his naval career, he found living and working on the estate therapeutic. He liked the peacefulness."
"What happened to your grandparents?"
"They are still living," Ella said. "My parents and brother live in Tampa and they moved to Florida to be closer. The Commodore is teaching his great-grandchildren how to sail."
"That's fantastic. I'm planning to get Grandpa's yacht out of dry dock this Summer and take her sailing. Your family should come up for a weekend and take her out. Brock and I would crew."
"They would love that."
"Noah tells me you're teaching high school history in Brooklyn, but would like to go back and get your Doctorate."
"Yes, I did inquire whether the Walker Trust would pay for tuition, but I haven't pursued it since I have no idea how to pay for rent and food without taking out loans. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching history and I love the kids, but I want to be an academic historian."
"I'm going to stop beating around the bush," James said. "I was hoping you would be here because I have a job offer. I've hired my high school librarian and friend to serve on some of the arts and cultural boards that neither I nor my mother and aunt have time for. In his spare time, he will be sorting and organizing the family papers. However, Mr. Gregg is not a young man and I told him he would have help. Would you be interested in being his assistant? You could enroll at Columbia and then work around your class schedule, plus you could live on the estate rent-free."
"I would love that!" Ella almost screamed.
"There is however one more thing I would expect," James said. "There are a lot of things I don't know about Pierce International and my family. I also know that I might very well lose a connection to that history if my father dies and I lose the collective history of the Walkers, people like Noah. Casper, and your grandfather. So, I want you to write a family/company history for me. If you want, you can use it for your dissertation, maybe with a few redactions." James added with a smile.
Ella hugged James and then said, "I'm sorry. It's just that this is the most amazing offer."
"I assume that means you accept, and you never need to say you're sorry for being happy," James said. "So, after Christmas, get with Noah and Michael to make arrangements."
James found Brock and the two of them continued to circulate and socialize. The last of the guests left around 11:00, and the service crew around 11:30. When they were alone, James said, "You can't drive back to your parents tonight. You're tired and have been drinking." So, Brock called his parents and told them he was spending the night and would be home in the morning, then he and James went up to bed.
When they were in bed and snuggled together. James said, "I'm getting the feeling that something is bothering you. What's up?"
"I guess in the last week or so it's hit me just how different our worlds are. I know that I have a pretty privileged life. My parents are well off and they have given me a very good life. However, your life is completely beyond my ability to grasp. I'm not sure I fit in. I'm not in your league."
In a flash, James was on top of Brock and said, "Brock Champlain, I love you. Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"You do know that I feel you're out of my league?" James said. "You are athletic, popular, and incredibly good-looking." James then leaned down and kissed Brock. When they finally broke the kiss, James said, "Look, the only way I'm dealing with all of this is because I know you're there to be my goofy, not-ready-to-grow- up, best friend and boyfriend. You, my lover, are my oasis of sanity."
Brock kissed James and said, "So, what now?"
"That's up to you. We have to get up at 6 a.m. to get to the hospital on time to set up for the children's Christmas party. After that, you will be going home with your parents so you can get ready to attend Midnight Mass, then on Christmas Day you're with your mother's parents, and the day after your father's parents. So...."
"So, what you're saying is for the next four days we're flying solo."
"No, for the next four days, neither of us is doing any flying at all," James said.
"What!? I haven't gone four days without cumming since I was 15 and dislocated both wrists skateboarding. That was the longest Summer of my life."
James laughed, then said, "I think we should have a bet to see who is the `Master of His Domain.' You know like in that Seinfeld episode."
Brock's curiosity was piqued, and he asked, "What's the bet?"
"Winner gets to plan our New Year's Eve."
"You're on," Brock said. "Besides, how will you know if I lie?"
"Oh, I'll know," James said.
"How?"
"Well first, if I don't damn near drown when I give you the first blow job after Christmas, then I'll know you cheated. Second, you are a terrible liar. I will know if you're lying before you even say a word."
"So how will I know if you lied?"
James smiled and said, "I guess you've just got to hope I'm a man of integrity."
"Somehow there seems to be something wrong with relying on `integrity' to determine the outcome of a bet on teen male abstinence," Brock said, "but what have I got to lose?"
"True, James said, "unless I have some dark kinky side involving whips, chains, and a castle in Eastern Europe."
Brock let out a little nervous laugh.
James smiled, and said, "So do you want to start the bet now or in the morning?"
"In the morning!" Brock said and got busy like a condemned man eating his last meal.
The next morning, James' hole was a bit tender. Brock had pounded James' ass like it was a cheap cut of meat, which made James all the more determined to win their bet.
After quick showers, James and Brock loaded their cars with presents for the children which were donated by the employees of Pierce International.
At the hospital, Brock and James were put in charge of heavy lifting. They set up tables, chairs, and carried in treats, punch, and gifts. Of course, the photographer Raheem sent to take photos was discreetly capturing every moment. Still, James felt like he was stealing the spotlight from the children, the parents, and the good work of the St. Andrew Service Auxiliary.
As James was feeling guilty about butting in on the Christmas party, he heard Florence Champlain, after she got off the phone, say "Now what are we going to do? We don't have a Santa or an elf."
Nelson said, "I have an idea." Then he said, "Brock, James, front and center."
When Brock and James were standing in front of Nelson Champlain, Brock said, "Yes, Dad?"
"It seems we have a bit of a problem. Our Santa and his elf have the flu and can't be here. Fortunately, we have the outfits. So, Brock, you are Santa. James, I can't order you to be the elf, but..."
"I would love to be the elf," James said with a smile.
"That's great," Florence said. "It's just too bad the photographer is also sick, but I guess parents can take pictures with their cell phones."
"Not a problem," James said and then called the P.R. photographer over and explained the situation. Gary Sims was more than happy to shoot the Santa pics, especially when James said to see that each parent got a digital copy and bill the service to the Pierce P.R. department.
James and Brock went to put on their costumes. James easily fit into the elf costume and his slender build was what one would expect an elf to look like. However, Brock had nothing close to a Santa body. James and Brock asked one of the nurses for a couple of pillows to add to the costume's padding, and Brock began to look like the jolly old elf of Norman Rockwell.
James kissed Brock on the cheek and said, "You're going to be a hot chubby daddy someday."
Brock laughed and said, "I hope I never have a belly like this."
The photographer got some great shots of James and Brock in their costumes and of them interacting with the children and their parents. He even took some videos. Sims, being the professional he was, got the parents' names in case Raheem, or the P.R. Department, wanted to get permission to use any of the photos or videos.
What James noticed was how well Brock interacted with the kids. He had patience and gentleness with the younger kids and with the older kids connected with joking and easy banter. As he watched Brock, James became even more convinced that Brock should be working with kids, not wasting his talent and being miserable working in finance. He also wondered if Brock would want kids of their own.
Suddenly, James realized just how much he was making assumptions about Brock and their relationship that might not be at all what Brock wanted. James was becoming comfortable being in charge of moving the pieces, assuming what he wanted was what was best for everyone. James realized he was becoming like his father and grandfather, like all of the Pierce men, and it was as if a bucket of ice water had just been dumped on his head.
James felt like he'd just been exposed as a hypocrite. For most of his teenage years, James had resisted his father's efforts to turn James into a mini version of himself. Now the irony was that his rebellion might just have been what made James into his father. However, the worst fear was the realization that James might do to Brock, what his father had done to his mother.
James was beginning to go down the rabbit hole when Brock put his arm around James' shoulders and said, "So why is my little elf looking so serious on Christmas Eve."
James didn't want to tell Brock what was really on his mind, so he simply said, "I was thinking about my father."
"Do you need me to come over tonight? I'm sure Mom and Dad would let me out of going to Mass tonight."
"No," James said, "You need to be with your family, and I need to be with mine. Now let's get out of these costumes and help get the place cleaned up."
It took an hour to clean up the meeting room where the party was held. As James and Brock finished returning the last of the chairs to the storage room, Brock grabbed James and kissed him. Then said, "I don't know if I can handle being away from you for four days."
"Don't go getting all dramatic on me," James said. "You're perfectly capable of going four days without sex."
"It's not the sex I'll miss...."
"Oh, you won't miss the sex?"
"Yes of course I'll miss the sex," Brock said, "but it's being with you that I'll miss the most. I just feel so... I don't know... grounded when I'm with you. It's like you help me focus."
"I feel the same way," James said, "but I don't know if that's good."
"What do you mean?" Brock said with a note of concern.
"I don't know if I can love someone without hurting them. My parents certainly weren't role models for how to love."
Brock held James and said, "I do know about love, I've seen love. My parents are madly in love with each other. So, trust me, you are very capable of both loving and being in love. I've seen it in your eyes and your heart. I've seen it in the way you treat people. I've seen it in the way you're willing to forgive your father and me. You've taught me about sex, now let me teach you about building a life of love with another person. Will you let me?"
James nodded. He wasn't sure if he bought everything Brock was saying, but James trusted him and hoped what he was saying was real. They kissed one more time and said goodbye.
When he got back to the apartment there was no one home. Betty had left that morning for a week to visit her son and his family. James' mother and aunt were helping with their charity events, and wouldn't be back until later, so James decided to walk over to Central Park and go ice skating. There was something wonderful and freeing about gliding across the ice. It had been his Aunt Sydney who introduced James to ice skating. Growing up James was absolutely in awe of Sydney. On holidays, she would blow in like a thunderstorm, all energy and chaos. There was always one day of her visit when she managed to pack in enough fun, excitement, and glitz to tide James over until her next visit. Sydney was Mary Poppins, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Amelia Earhart all rolled into one.
Looking back on it now, James realized that his father probably knew Julia and Sydney were more in love. It was the need to be `normal,' fulfill social duties, and raise a son that kept the lid on the pressure cooker until the only release was to explode. Like most teenage boys, James was grossed out to think that his parents even had sex. Of course, he knew they did at least once, and he couldn't help but wonder if it was ever more than satisfying the biological imperative to reproduce.
Suddenly someone skated up from behind and snatched his cap. At first, James was a bit pissed, but then when he saw it was Weston, he broke into a big smile. "Where's the other half of Pierce and Champlain?" Weston asked.
"He is going to Mass with his parents, then we're each spending a few days with our families."
"Ouch," Weston said, "Do you even remember how to take care of yourself?"
"It's worse than that," James explained about his and Brock's bet, then asked, "Do you want in on the bet?"
"Hell no," Weston said, "I'd rather be kicked in the balls. At least the pain wouldn't last as long. How long do you think you guys will hold out?"
"I'm guessing Brock will have lost the bet before the morning."
"Why do you think that?"
"Because I left a framed 8x10 picture of me in my Speedo and swim goggles gift-wrapped on the front seat of his car."
"Oh, you're a mean one, Mr. Pierce."
"Yes, I am. So, are you alone?"
"No, the family was headed over to get some hot chocolate before heading home when I saw you. Why don't you join us? I'd like to introduce you to my brother and his fiancé."
Weston introduced James to Marcus and Yasser. They were a handsome couple and very much in love.
The conversation didn't last long since the Weston's had plans for Christmas Eve. As they were saying goodbye, Issa said to James, "I can't ethically ask how your father is doing, but I hope that everything is working out for you and your family."
"Thanks," James said, "I appreciate that."
When James returned to the apartment, his mother and Sydney sat in the living room with cranberry and vodka cocktails, and James made himself one and joined them. "Do you have plans for the evening," Julia asked James.
James said, "no," so Sydney suggested they watch some Christmas movies. What James didn't realize was that Sydney's idea of Christmas movies was Hallmark made for TV Rom-Coms. The first was "A Royal Christmas." Typical fairy tale story of a New York seamstress who meets a Prince in disguise. The Queen Mother doesn't want her son to marry below his station and tries to break them up. But in the end, love conquers all. The second movie was "All I Want for Christmas," a story of two kids trying to get their divorced parents back together. Of course, they needed an assist from Santa Claus.
James wouldn't have picked either of the movies, but he watched them while sipping on a couple of cranberry and vodkas.
When the lights in the home theatre came up, Julia noticed James seemed a bit melancholy and asked, "What's wrong?"
"How do you know you're in love?" James asked.
Sydney got up and said, "This sounds like a mother/son conversation."
Julia grabbed her hand and pulled Sydney back down to her seat, "Oh no sister," Julia said, "you aren't getting out of this."
"Fine," Sydney said, "but I'm going to need another drink."
"Good point," Julia said. "So, Jimmy, my boy, another round of cranberry vodkas."
James gave Julia a sour look, and she said, "Okay, JAMES, another round of cranberry vodkas."
James smiled and mixed three more drinks.
Julia took a sip of hers and asked, "So, why this question and at this time?"
"I don't know," James said, "I guess I'm wondering if what I'm feeling is real. Brock and I say we love each other, but I just don't know if either of us knows what we're saying. Are we too young and stupid to be in love?"
"First of all," Julia said, "neither you nor Brock are stupid. Both of you are smart, not just book smart, but people smart. Frankly, as fucked up as I and your father are, I can't believe how sane and clear-thinking you are. And while Brock is more of a goofy teenager at heart, he is also a thoughtful, caring young man."
"Are you and Brock thinking of taking things farther than you already have?" Sydney asked. "Not that I or your mother know how far the two of you have taken things."
James smiled and said, "Don't be coy, Aunt Sydney. I don't think it's been a secret that Brock and I have had a physical relationship for most of the semester, and we are roommates. We also plan to live here while in college unless you don't want us to."
"Of course, we want you and Brock to live here," Julia said.
"Thanks, I was pretty sure that would be your answer, but I still needed to ask. Beyond the physical relationship, I don't know how I would have made it through everything that's happened without Brock. He keeps me sane. And... this is the thing that scares me... every time I think about the future, Brock is in the picture. I can't imagine a future without him."
"Why don't you think that is love?" Julia asked.
"It's that we are still in high school. Can people our age be in love, real love?"
There was silence for several minutes and they sat sipping their drinks, Finally, Julia said, "It's not your ages you're worried about; you're afraid that the son of James and Julia Pierce, in addition to inheriting great wealth, has inherited the inability to live a lifetime in love with another person."
James nodded and Julia noticed a tear run down his cheek. She wiped it away, then said, "Your father and I married because that was what we were expected to do, and at first, I do think we were in love... I think we still love each other on some level. However, as times changed the sexual and marital mores that forced your father and me to get married changed. Sydney and I loved each other, and your father was pressured to marry a wife, a hostess, and bear him children to carry on the family name. Fortunately, I was able to do two out of three."
"Truthfully," Sydney said, "I think your father and your mother would still be married if your father's tumor hadn't so altered his personality. However, it wouldn't have changed who they fell in love with."
Julia took James' hand and said, "Most of us love more than one person, but if we are lucky, we fall in love with just one. Do you think Brock is that one?"
James wiped away another tear and nodded.
"I think you're right," Julia said. "Sure, you guys are young and still need time to become the men you are destined to be, but that doesn't mean you don't know your hearts. I think in your hearts you know you are each other's `only one',"
"Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Sydney," James said and gave each a kiss then went up to his room. James was finishing getting ready for bed when his phone buzzed, it was a text from Brock. The text was a picture of Brock's abs covered in streaks of cum.
The message said, "Asshole, you win, but that was dirty play."
James: "LOL."
Brock: "So what are we doing on New Year's Eve?"
James: "I'm thinking just the two of us. A cabin in the woods. A bottle of wine. ..."
Brock: "I love you, James Spangler Pierce."
James: "Ditto."
I hope you're enjoying "Exposed."
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