Hi Im Lance

Hi, I'm Lance Chapter 18

As this chapter deals with Thanksgiving, if you are thankful that Nifty provides you a service, consider a donation.

This chapter overlaps with If It Weren't For the Two of Us, Chapter 39. If you are reading both books in chronological order, the author suggests you read that chapter first.

Meeting 35 November 18

"Hi, I'm Jakob. I'm an alcoholic."

"Hi, Jakob," the group replied.

"I have a good friend who came to me for help. I ... think that's the first time anyone has done that. At least in ... forever. Many of us here know we lost someone recently. It prompted my friend to have a gathering of his close friends. He didn't even really know ... the person we lost. Barely met him. But his passing shook him. As it did a lot of us.

"Anyway ... I'm rambling. He asked me to help decorate for this gathering. The two of us went shopping for some items and he trusted me to do a good job making his home look good for the occasion. It's this weekend, and I'm very excited to do it. His trust in me means a lot. Hopefully, he will be happy with what I've done. Or do, I suppose. His friendship means a lot.

"Thank you."

The group clapped. Interestingly, as Jakob said all this, I hadn't really absorbed how excited he really was about Trent's upcoming Friendsgiving. Trent really wanted a gathering of people to celebrate friendship, in honor of Tyler. I know he had been very shaken. Maybe because he was next to me when I received the call, he felt it too. This weekend would be nice. I'm glad he is letting us invite a few of our friends too.

Cooper got up and talked about sharing his son with his ex for Thanksgiving. Sounds like things are going better. At least with her.

I was the last to get up tonight.

"Hi, I'm Lance. I'm an alcoholic."

"Hi, Lance," the group replied.

"Jakob didn't mention him by name. I will. I miss Tyler. Some of you in here didn't know him. Tyler kept to himself when he did come. It's been over a week. The pain still hurts, but it has stopped stabbing me. I guess what they say about time healing wounds has some truth to it."

I wanted that to be true. Part of me believed it a little. But I felt the first tear make its way down my cheek. Then a second. I came prepared. I pulled a napkin from my pocket. I tried to pull it together and managed to stop crying after about 20 seconds. No one in the audience judged me. A few dabbed their eyes too.

"I am still hating myself for not doing more. If anyone here might ever have similar thoughts as Tyler's, PLEASE reach out to someone. Anyone. A relative ... a friend ... a hotline ... anyone. Do not cave into a permanent solution to a temporary problem. You are not alone."

Several people nodded.

"Tyler's death was the first thing that made me want to drink. And that scared me. Back in my college days, when I was either depressed or just wanted to bury the feelings I had, I just reached for alcohol. It was mostly beer, but it was a lot of beer. Soon, that was my answer. My body knew to just reach for a drink. And ... and ... and I felt that last week. It scared me. Thanks to a lot of you — and my wonderful boyfriend — I've made it through. I used to want alcohol to numb the feelings of depression I had. Now, I let friendship help me move past it. And the best dad in the world. And love." I chuckled and rolled my eyes. "That all sounds sappy. I'm sorry. It's just nice to have those sappy things in my toolkit to work with now.

"Thank you."

The group clapped.

As we put away chairs and the coffee, Cooper told me that he and Mitch would be there Saturday for Trent's event. I loved that several of us could invite important people. It should be great.

Trent was incredible to do this in Tyler's honor. The forecast was good, so that was a plus. If Jakob had as much fun decorating as he had planning, that's a good thing, too. Trent's request really had brightened Jakob's spirits. Hopefully, his sister will come. Trent said it was fine to invite her.

I had been going to Jakob's place to sleep every night. Curiously, we never had sex. I just needed him to hold me. Being held, naked, in the arms of the man I love made it somehow better. As long as I had him, the temptation to drink was kept at bay.

It had been over a week. We finally made love tonight. I think I felt more passion because of what he means to me — and has done for me this past week.

I guess we had given the neighbors a break for over a week. But even tonight, we weren't too loud. Only when we came.

I planned to sleep at my own place the next two nights. It would give us some space. We'd enjoy each other's company again after Trent's and Mike's party.

—

When I arrived at Mike's address, there were a couple of cars there already. Jakob's, obviously. Two people from Trent's station were there. I was introduced to Scott and Luke. They didn't seem like they fit together as a couple. I was intrigued by them. I didn't have a lot of "cowboy" friends. Luke was sort of dreamy. I liked how his unbuttoned shirt showed off sexy chest hair. I wish I had chest hair. Thank heavens Jakob does.

Jakob grabbed my arm. "Come look!"

We went into the backyard. There were picnic tables covered with blankets that had fall colors in them. A centerpiece hit the right notes to convey Thanksgiving without typical turkeys and pilgrims and such. It was very fall.

"It's beautiful, babe. You've done a great job."

Trent walked up.

"Isn't it? Jakob has a flair for this. He needs to go into business. Just look how amazing this looks."

"Yeah," I said. "You really went all out."

"A little, but Jakob knows his stuff. We started at the thrift store. They had an assortment of cheap baskets, some glass items in fall colors, and a few fall items that fit in well here. Then we drove to the country and found some pinecones and some driftwood. We passed a farm that sold us a couple bales of hay and a pumpkin. So when we finally got to the craft store, we didn't have to buy all that much. Some ribbon and a bit of fall garland to pull it together. A few gourds. It's stunning."

Jakob beamed. I felt so proud of him. I could tell that he felt he had done a good job for Trent.

"He even worked his magic in the kitchen with some of the dishes and items we had. Mike had a few candles that seemed to work. I hope everyone likes it," Trent said.

"They are going to love it. The whole idea behind this is awesome, buddy. I love you for doing this."

Once everyone arrived, Trent was in his element. There was no hard start time, but most people had trickled in by late afternoon. There was sunshine to let us enjoy the outside weather and the beautiful arrangements Jakob had made.

"Hi, Lance," Zach said walking up to me.

"Zach. It's nice to see you!" I told my old roommate.

"Really? I wasn't sure if you'd be happy to see me."

"Well ... of course, I am." It saddened me that Zach felt that way. "I wasn't a very good roommate. I didn't think you liked me that much."

"You were fine. You could have said the same about me." He motioned us to sit down. "How are you?"

"I'm good." I paused. My life had changed dramatically since our college days. "I'm not sure how much you know. Um ..."

"Well, I'm aware of ... Jakob. I know you have ... come out? Is that the correct thing to say?"

"Yeah. Zach, I repressed so much. It led to drinking. I'm sure you remember all that. I'm sober now. I'm in love. I'm not sure how you feel about all that."

"'Love never fails,' the bible says."

"Oh." I thought that was a nice way to put it. "Tell me about your senior year."

Zach and I reconnected on a level we never did as roommates. I enjoyed talking with him very much.

Mike and Trent had a lot of nonalcoholic options since several of our AA group were here. Mike mentioned he needed to grab a serving utensil for one of the dishes. Trent said he would get it.

"Thanks, J.T." Mike said.

"J.T.? That's so cute. You two really do make the most adorable couple," I said.

Mike chuckled. "Usually I use that pet name more during sex than regular conversation. It's typically said with love and affection."

We lightly chuckled.

"I don't even know your middle name," I said turning to Jakob.

"Paul."

"Oh, Trent had a roommate named Paul," I said.

"Wait, you're a J.P. Morgan?" Mike asked.

"Uh. Yeah."

Jakob and I stared at Mike blankly. He looked back bewildered at our confusion.

"J.P. Morgan? Hello? Famous banker. Wall Street?"

The two of us shrugged.

"Ugh!" Mike groaned. "Thanks for making me feel old. Let's see if I can find any other 60-year-old people to visit with."

We giggled.

Trent and I were thrilled to connect with Tariq. He updated us on this year's team. We promised we would come see him play after the holidays.

Cooper introduced us to Mitch.

"Mitchell, Lance and Jakob are dear friends of mine from AA. They are very supportive. I want you to meet them."

He said hello as we both shook his hand.

"It would appear you are Cooper's guide into the gay world," I said.

"I'm not sure about that, but once he decided to be his true self, I was glad I was there to take his hand."

Mitchell had dark hair and a nicely trimmed beard. He was fairly thin, but not skinny. While not beefy, he was by no means effeminate. He was a good looking guy. He and Cooper made for a handsome couple. I was glad we could finally put a face to what Cooper had described. We chatted about Corey for a moment, their plans for Thanksgiving and a little bit about their work. Both of them worked in the same building.

Maybe it was instinct from my work at the gym, but I tried to meet as many people as I could. Jakob tended to decorations and food presentation from time to time. He was in his element. I would meet those in attendance. A few of Mike's coworkers were there. I got to meet Ed and Tara from The Morning Show. They gushed over Trent. As I scanned the crowd, everyone was all smiles. There was laughter. All this was a result of Tyler giving up. I clenched my fists trying not to cry. Tyler would have loved this.

The sun had not set, but it was lowering. After an hour, most people had arrived. No one felt alone. Everyone continued to snack and visit. Trent called everyone inside.

Cooper gathered the AA members together.

"I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you all. We've never done anything as ... well, friends. We are friends, but it is always ... you know, the meetings. Going out afterward and all. It's nice just to do something ... as friends ... not as a meeting. We should do it more."

We all smiled and agreed.

"Thank you everyone for coming to this first Friendsgiving," Trent said, welcoming everyone. "I wanted to tell you that I hope you don't let a single day go by that you don't give thanks for the friends we have and the importance they bring to our lives. Many of you folks are my world, and I love each of you. For those I don't know, you mean something to someone here ... and they love you."

Most people smiled at the closest friends they knew. Our AA group reached for each other's hands and gave a squeeze. There were side hugs among other guests and arms placed around shoulders.

"If you will allow me this moment, I'd like to light a candle and have a moment of silence for Tyler. He didn't feel he had anywhere to turn. And let us all say a prayer that we never let that happen to us."

Trent lit the candle.

"I bet it's vanilla," I whispered to Evan.

Without asking, everyone in the room grabbed the hand of someone next to them until we became one connected group. Mike turned off the music and we stood in several seconds of silence. Some people had their heads bowed. A few looked into the eyes of a close friend. I just thought of Tyler and felt sad. Tears started and I knew I couldn't stop them. Eventually, we let go and I stepped over to a side table next to the couch to grab a tissue.

"Thank you everyone," Trent said. "If you will continue to indulge me, Mike's friend from school brought a keyboard from the music department. I've written a song for Tyler. I hope you'll let me play it."

People moved closer.

The fact that Trent could just write a song amazed me. We became such good friends in the spring. I was drawn to him in college by who he was as a person. But I really didn't know the depths of his talents. I was such a nobody. All I could do was play basketball. And drink too much. I was lucky he didn't judge me. Trent played the first notes. I couldn't recall having heard Trent sing before, other than Happy Birthday or maybe singing with the radio in the car. Never alone for an audience. He had a nice voice.

"Looking for sunshine but finding the gray and the gloom
The dark clouds move in; I'm lost in the void of the room.
I want you to hear me; I need you to hear my voice.
Hear me out, help me out; Don't make me make a choice.

You take all I give for granted, but you don't see me.
I'm now somehow in the way, but I can't break free.
We got so off track, I'm not sure why, it's hard to think.
Why don't we work now? Why is it dark when we both drink?

I'm holding on, I'm reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.

Remember the smiles and all the love when we started?
We had a path, we knew the risks, the sea had parted.
Along the way it all changed, the anger had shook us.
Truth turned to lies, we closed our eyes, bottles overtook us.

I used to be strong but then I held on for so long
That I became lost, and we turned out to be so wrong.
Find me quick, make it stick, try to see if we make it.
If you don't try, I don't think that I can still fake it.

I'm holding on, I'm reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.

I'm holding on, I'm reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.

I'm at the end of my rope.

I feel so cold that I don't feel the bruises anymore.
My mind is adrift; I am lost so far from the shore.
We used to be good but now all the fighting's our norm.
I just need a friend who can help me weather the storm.

I'm holding on, I'm reaching out, I'm looking for hope.
I'm at the end of my rope.

I'm at the end of the rope.

Someone please grab the rope."

People had a sympathetic look on their faces as they absorbed the lyrics. Those in the AA group wiped tears from their eyes. Hearing them come from Trent made it more meaningful. He's so easy to love. Even though we were on different paths and loved the people we were supposed to be with, he would always be my soulmate. Even those who didn't know Tyler were moved by the words of Trent's song. When he finished, everyone clapped.

"And now, if you make your way back to Jakob, he has champagne — both alcoholic and nonalcoholic — for everyone. I wish to make a toast," Trent announced.

People maneuvered to get a glass in hand. The house was full, but there was a kinship to it. It was like everyone belonged. Once Trent had a glass, everyone held it up.

"To friendship and to the importance it plays. May we never lose sight of the incredible blessing it is."

"To friendship," the group repeated. I was wondering if the taste of the nonalcoholic sparkling wine would trigger something. I hesitated. Thankfully the spirit of the toast and taste — I wasn't a big wine or champagne person — didn't entice me to drink all of it. I was content to set aside the glass while still half full. Or empty.

"Now, we still have way too much food, wonderful friends and all evening. Please take the time to hug and tell people how much you love them."

Trent walked over to Jakob with a big smile.

"Thanks for all your help," Trent told him.

"You're welcome," Jakob said flatly.

Trent could tell by his expression something was wrong. "Jakob, are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine," he said unconvincingly. "I invited my sister. I just hoped she would come. But she didn't."

"I'm so sorry. Maybe something came up. But I'm glad you are here. I am thankful for your friendship. I love you, my friend," Trent said giving him a hug.

I had never heard Trent tell Jakob that. Jakob looked at Trent. He just blinked for a moment as Trent's words set in. I knew they warmed him.

"You've given me so much, Trent. I owe you in ways you can't even imagine. I love you too."

Jakob started gathering empty glasses.

"Do you think it was okay for us to have alcohol here?" Trent asked me. "I hope it wasn't insensitive. Jakob seemed to think it was fine."

"Sure. That's no problem. I mean, we're all adults. You had more nonalcoholic options for everyone than you did hard stuff. Beer and wine was it. Well, and champagne ... and you included us on that ... and great toast by the way. We're fine. Plus, the AA group was here to take care of each other."

"Good," he said a bit relieved.

"Lance? Are you doing ... better? I was concerned last week."

"I'm not tempted anymore, so ... I guess. That instinct ... that reaction to wanting to bury what I was feeling. I ... I hated feeling that again." I'm sure my face expressed embarrassment. And confusion. And disappointment.

Trent hugged me. "You've got a room full of people here to always support you," he whispered in my ear. He gave me a light kiss on the cheek.

We let go and began to mingle again. Trent went over to some hot, sexy guy that had arrived after everyone else. I should probably find out who he was. Mike, Trent and hot guy talked a bit. Jakob went to straighten a decorative arrangement. Perish forbid an item be out of place.

I noticed someone else entering the door. Thank heavens! It was Teresa.

I got Jakob's attention and nodded my head toward the door.

"Oh my God!" Jakob quietly called to himself.

Teresa had arrived and brought Jakob's mother with her. Jakob all but tackled his mother and burst into tears. I worked my way over to them. I could see Trent watching. He was figuring it all out.

Jakob and his mother were talking so fast over each other, it's amazing they understood a word. Both seemed deliriously happy. Jakob used his sleeve to wipe his eyes.

"I'm so glad you came," I told Teresa. "Bringing your mom was brilliant."

"Once she knew I would see Jakob, she asked if it was okay for her to come."

"Of course," I said.

"Not that she would have taken `no' for an answer," she smiled.

Jakob walked his mother over to Trent.

"Trent, Mike, I want you to meet my mother," Jakob said.

"Welcome, it's nice to meet you," Mike said. "We think the world of your son."

"Happy Friendsgiving," Trent said. "It is so nice to have you here."

Jakob was beaming. This was an amazing moment for him. Trent showed Jakob's mother all the work he had done to make the event look beautiful. As much as I think I make Jakob happy, I honestly had never seen him look happier.

"Remember those decorating magazines, Mom?" I heard him say in his conversation. He was talking vividly with his arms and hands. A smile never left her face for one second.

Trent made one more announcement.

"Stay as long as you like, but on the way out, there is one last thing. Mike had some materials donated from the art department, and Jakob worked with children over in the shelter. Each of you has a handmade friendship ornament made by a child. I hope you will find it special in its simplicity and heartwarming in its meaning."

He moved Tyler's candle to that table.

People continued to mingle and hug for two more hours. Gradually, those in attendance started trickling out. They all thanked Mike and Trent for a wonderful party and wished them a Happy Thanksgiving.

By 9:15, it was down to a small group: Matt and Ali, Evan and Kristy, Ophelia and the two of us.

"We should probably go too," Teresa said.

"I'd love for you stay a little longer," Trent said.

The ladies seemed touched that Trent would say so.

"I talked to you on the radio," Teresa finally realized, looking at Trent.

"Yes, you did."

Mike mentioned he would start putting the food away.

"I actually have one last thing to do first," Trent told him. "Since I have the keyboard, I want to play for you the song I wrote about us."

Mike dropped everything. The small group gathered around. Trent took a deep breath and sang his original composition called "If It Weren't for the Two of Us." He had written the song when the two reunited once Trent had finished college. Mike had never heard it before apparently. I wondered why Trent had never played it.

After Trent finished, everyone clapped and cheered. Mike leaned down to him and gave him the biggest kiss. It was the crowning moment to his evening. And ours. I felt so much love and friendship in the room. Whatever inspired Trent to make Tyler's passing a way for people to share their love and friendship, it was a godsend. Several of us really needed this.

I wondered if this was the first time that two men kissed in Mrs. Morgan's presence. I would have figured she would have been horrified. She had a smile on her face. The blessings of the evening kept coming.

"What a way to end the evening," Jakob whispered to me.

It was a few days after Trent and I had fooled around in the shower with that Professor Terry guy. It sounded like Trent was still seeing him. I wasn't sure what that was all about. Clearly, he's much older than Trent. Granted, he is super sexy and certainly knows his way around some blowjob skills.

I was hoping that Trent might be open to doing something else tonight. We had finished practice. I stared at him all through the shower. He knew I was looking. Both of us started getting a little hard.

We were the last two in the showers, no one else could see us, so I reached for his cock. Trent looked very uncertain.

We didn't want to walk into the locker room with raging hard-ons, so we turned our water to cold so our dicks would get limp again. I stuck my head out of the spray listening.

I couldn't hear anything. I peeked around the corner. It looked like the rest of the team was finished and had moved out of the locker room.

I darted back to the shower and took Trent's powerhouse monument in my mouth. He was surprised and turned off the water. I got him completely hard again. I only sucked him for a minute when we heard a locker slam in the distance.

"We can't do this here," he told me.

We dried off and got dressed.

"Follow me," I told him.

I knew of a dark room down the hall. It was always unlocked. I couldn't recall really ever seeing it in use. I had just ducked my head in one day to see what it was used for. Basically storage. A bunch of boxes and old equipment.

I pulled Trent into the room.

"Let's jack off," I said.

It was dark. Trent seemed unsure, but I unzipped his fly and pulled his pants down, moving him down onto the floor. I got down next to him.

My sweatpants were pulled down. My cock felt so hard. I placed his hand on it. He gently gripped it at first, then squeezed it harder, making simple strokes. I wriggled out of my sweats completely. The bottom half of my body was completely nude, totally exposed just for Trent.

"I have a bottle of lube in my gym bag. Want to fuck me?"

"No. I'm kind of seeing ..."

"Let's just jack off then."

We began jerking our cocks.

I knew Trent was so close to me. I could barely see him. But I needed his dick back in my mouth.

I pulled off his shirt and laid it between us. My hands roamed his chest. He had fine light hair. I liked touching it. My mouth consumed his steel organ while my fingers teased his pecs and nipples. Trent didn't make any sound, but I heard him breathing heavier.

I was quiet, but every now and then let out a humming moan as I went deeper down his shaft.

I sucked him hard for several minutes. Wanting to catch my breath, I lifted up and started pounding on his erection with my fist. Trent's hips began to buck.

"Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah," he whispered.

I worked harder. I could tell the way his crotch was wriggling that I was getting Trent close to coming. My mouth dove back onto his cock. I sucked the outer inches of his gorgeous masterpiece but continued to stimulate the base with my fingers. Trent thrust his hips into my throat and shot warm, manly liquid into my mouth. I swallowed all of his cum while groping my own dick. It felt gigantic, hard, masterful.

I lied on my back. I powerfully stroked my phallic totem but let my other hand fondle Trent's cock. It was still hard and had just a bit of stickiness left around the head.

"I like how your cock feels," I whispered to him. Trent didn't say anything.

It didn't take long for me to bring myself to the edge. Trent's penis never went soft. With it in my hand, my lust was running in fast forward. As I got closer to my climax, I turned to kiss him. He didn't seem receptive, but my lips still touched his.

"I'm gonna come," I mumbled into his mouth.

My first spasm sent a missile of cum that landed on his hip and his shirt. I shot another. I rolled onto my back again and let the rest of my seed land on my torso. No one could hear me, but the two of us knew I was coming with subtle groans and grunts.

I was spent.

I didn't know Trent really well. We weren't close friends. I wish we would be closer. I kind of liked him. But just for fooling around. Not like him like him. But this was fun. I liked this secret connection.

"What a way to end the evening," I said to him in the darkness.

"It was a nice ending, wasn't it Jakob? I hope your mom had a great time," I said.

"Me too. She was surrounded by several gay men. I'm sure it was eye-opening."

"There were some straight people here too. Hopefully, she sees how everyone can live together in this one world."

We got close to take a picture of Jakob with his family. I texted it to Teresa. Teresa asked if she could take one of the two of us.

"I'd like that," I said.

He and I had taken quite a few earlier in the sunlight, but this was a nice gesture for her.

"Take one of me and Mom," Jakob asked me.

I did.

"We should probably go," Teresa said.

"We probably should too," I noted.

"I'll offer to help put things away," Jakob said.

A few minutes of goodbyes and it was down to the four of us. I cornered Trent in the living room as he started trying to put the keyboard in its cover.

"Hey, buddy."

"Hi. Don't you think it went well?" he asked.

"More than well. More than great. It was amazing. Just like you, buddy. Thank you so much for doing this. For us in the AA group, it was even more special."

"And Jakob! Oh my gosh. The reunion with his mom almost had me in tears."

"I know. Thanks for making it possible."

Trent zipped up the cover, now having the keyboard stored away. He lifted the strap and leaned it against the wall.

"Since it is just the two of us, and I won't see you on Thanksgiving Day, I want you to know how much you mean to me. I am truly, truly thankful for our friendship. You mean the world to me. Of all the gifts I've been blessed with this year, you are among the best," I said staring into his eyes.

"I'll happily take a second place to Jakob," he smiled.

I gave him a kiss. He kissed back.

"I will always love you. Thank you for this day," I said.

"Your friendship means the world to me too, buddy. I'll always love you too."

We walked over to Mike and Jakob. They had put a few things away. Mike and Trent said they'd finish up.

"You are my hero, Jakob," Trent told him. "You were amazing today. What a great job. I can't thank you enough."

"Please. I am thanking you. My mom, my sister, this party ... it's like the happiest night of my life. And I have this beautiful man to go home to tonight too. I don't deserve to be this happy, but I sure thank the three of you for being responsible for all of it. I love you guys."

We wished our hosts Happy Thanksgiving and headed out. It was a great day.

We had driven separately, but I followed Jakob to his apartment.

We prepared for bed. Jakob was brushing his teeth first. I walked up behind him and held him as his body jiggled from brushing his teeth.

"It had to be awesome seeing your mom," I said. "How do you feel?"

He spit out toothpaste and rinsed foam off his mouth.

"Wonderful. Amazing. Awesome. Joyful. Exquisite. Elated. Euphoric." He turned to me. "Swell."

I smiled at him, reaching for the toothpaste.

Once I was finished, I went to my side of the bed, stripped off my briefs and turned out the last light. As I moved under the covers, I didn't lie down, but moved on top of him, lifting my body with my elbows. In the darkness, I could dimly see his eyes. I stared into them. We kissed passionately. Our dicks were pressed into each other.

"Do you have to work Friday?" I asked.

"I am not sure. Why?"

"Do you want to try to stop by to see your family after we drive back from Thanksgiving? Think they would like that?"

"Drive back?"

"From my parents."

"Lance, I work on Thanksgiving."

"You're open?"

"It's a convenience store. Yes! I ... I wasn't expecting to see Mom today. I knew I had nothing family wise happening, so I didn't mind taking a shift."

"Didn't have ...? Jakob! I wanted you to go home with me for Thanksgiving."

He got quiet. "You did?"

"Yes. You are part of my family now. I figured ..."

He grabbed my face and pressed his lips to mine. Forcefully.

"That's so sweet. I wish I'd known. Of all the employees, I figured I was the best to offer to take a shift."

"You are so kind. Stupidly kind! I wanted to take you home. I just figured you'd be closed. Our gym is Thursday and Friday."

"Well, crap."

Jakob got out of bed and went into the kitchen. His schedule was on the fridge. He came into the bedroom and turned on the light.

"I go in at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving. I guess since I took a holiday shift, the manager gave me Friday off. But that would delay you going to your family, so ..."

"So nothing. I will tell them we will be there by 6 that evening. We'll arrive in time for family dinner and then stay the next day. We could pop in on your family when we drive back. What do you think?"

"I think I love it. Thank you. But I hate to delay you seeing your family."

"I'd be miserable without you. Mom and Dad will understand."

We rolled into each other's arms.

"You know, since we got our test results back earlier this week, we haven't really ..." Jakob said.

"Are you saying you would like to be cherry fucked?" I smiled.

He grabbed the lube and hit the light. I heard him fumbling in the darkness of the bathroom for a towel.

Receiving the results we wanted from our tests, we decided to make love for as long as we could. We changed positions multiple times, particularly when I was close to coming. It was a loud night. Hopefully, the neighbors had missed it.

I started on top of him. We groaned in unison as I thrust my cock into him from above. My chest was pressed into his back. My arms were locked underneath his. So much skin was pressed together. I fucked him steadily. We moaned to each other, our faces inches away. I came close to climaxing, so I pulled out.

To give my dick a break, I decided to suck on him for several minutes. My mouth was warm and wet and worked his erection like consuming ice cream.

Then he rode my pole for a period of time, and I jerked his dick as he bobbed on my crotch. We both were close to coming. We stopped.

We paused to make out some more with deep passionate kisses and our tongues probing inside each other's mouths. Jakob grabbed my hair between his fingers as we kissed. My grip enjoyed the hair on his chest.

"I need you in me again," he whispered.

I made my huge cock slick again with cherry-scented lube and Jakob rolled on his side. I held his leg up and penetrated his welcoming ass once again from my side. We moaned together as I pounded his glorious tunnel from behind. My cock glided in and out, throbbing to release the result of our love. I took it to the edge and pulled out.

We breathed heavily.

We had been at it for half an hour. We kissed a few minutes.

"Please come inside me, angel," he said. Our eyes had adjusted, and I could see him looking into mine.

"Yeah. I need to fill you with all of my love," I said.

He rolled on his back and grabbed his legs. I moved between them and slid my granite monster into Jakob's interior warmth once more. We had talked risqué the entire time, and it didn't stop.

"Fuck yeah. It feels so good inside you, Jakob."

"I love it, baby. I love how your huge cock fills me."

With this position we kissed a lot during my constant thrusts pushing into his hole.

My erection had never been so electrified. We had been at it so long. We extended our love making into an extraordinary sexual frenzy, churned by our male hormones.

It was our final act. We fucked. Fucked hard. Fucked incredibly hard. Fucked incredibly fast and hard. Fucked incredibly fast and hard, screaming our lungs out. There was no turning back. I was there.

My cock burst.

"I'm coming, baby!" I rammed his hapless hole with my steel equipment. "Fuck, yeah! I'm shooting so deep in you, Jakob."

"Yeah, angel, come in me!"

My dick spurted with such force, the streams of cum exploding from my penis felt like a firehose. I groaned in intense pleasure.

He had been jerking his cock as I was reaming his ass. I had stopped coming. He continued pleading.

"Leave your cock in me, angel. Keep fucking me."

I pushed my stiff dick deep into him again, trying to keep it rigid. My mouth covered his lips, and we sucked each other's face in sloppy kisses.

"I love you, Jakob," I all but slurped into his face.

"I love you, Lance. I love you, Lance. Yes. You're making me come."

Our mouths sealed. His scream traveled from his throat into mine. I felt some of his cum hit my chest while most of it landed on his. It didn't stop. Splash after splash shot from his cock. After emptying his erection, he pulled his mouth from mine to gasp for air. I moved back to place my mouth onto his rod, licking the last drops of cum off the head. His body jolted by my sudden maneuver. As he relaxed, my tongue swirled around his penis. He gave a long exhale. I moved off to lay by his side.

I took a big breath. "That was the best sex we've had in weeks, my love."

"I think so, too. This was the most perfect day."

—

I was at QT a few minutes before 3. I had dropped Jakob off early this morning so we could leave directly from his work. I had an overnight bag packed. We got into the car.

"Do I smell bad?" he asked, giving me a kiss.

"Uh. No. Why do you ask?"

"I don't want to walk into your family's house smelling like hot dogs and mop water."

"Ha. You don't babe. And I do have a change of clothes for you."

"I'll change on the way."

"I also have snacks. We can nibble to tide us over for dinner."

"You have thought of everything. You're the perfect man."

"Oh, dear heavens, if that wasn't further from the truth."

"You're perfect for me, anyway," Jakob said, biting into an apple.

Within 15 minutes we were on the main highway. I was sure traffic would have been horrendous the day before, but since it was the middle of Thanksgiving Day, most people were at their destination. Traffic would not be bad.

"I have jeans and a polo in that bag there. You were up early. I also have a pillow if you'd like to crash for an hour or so."

Jakob pulled off his work shirt and the T-shirt underneath.

"Oooo. Now this is my kind of drive," I said, rubbing his chest. "Feel free to get naked."

"You deviant. You'd get us pulled over," he smiled.

He pulled a T-shirt over his head.

"I'll put the polo on just before we get there."

Jakob wriggled out of his work pants.

"Can I ask something weird?" he said.

"Now you're talking. What fun do you want to have while you're out of your pants?"

"Angel, seriously. You have a one-track mind, sometimes."

"Trent used to accuse me of that. But hey, can I help it when I keep getting glimpses of your beautiful body?"

"I don't have a beautiful body. But thanks for saying that."

"You have no idea how much I love your body, babe. I love everything about it."

"You're sweet. And delusional. But ANYWAY..."

I laughed. I enjoyed being silly with him.

"Can I ask that we put on some Christmas music?"

"Well. I guess so. Do you know a station?"

Jakob started scanning radio stations. He had seen a billboard. He found what he was looking for. "Home for the Holidays" was playing. He started singing along.

"You have a beautiful voice," I said. It astonished me that I hadn't heard him sing before. Seriously sing at least. How was that possible? First Trent on Saturday and now Jakob today.

"We always started playing Christmas music on Thanksgiving when I was a kid," he said. "I always liked it. We put the tree up after dinner. It was one of my favorite days of the year. Even more than Christmas itself."

"O Holy Night" started playing. It was one of my favorites. I tried to sing along. I was not a good singer. I stopped. Jakob noticed.

"Sorry. I'm not a good singer. It's one of your `Mr. Perfect's many flaws."

"Oh please. You don't have flaws."

"Babe, I have a million."

"Such as ...?"

"What? You want me to list everything I don't like about myself? We only have an hour and 45 minutes left."

"Hmmm. Let's see. Gorgeous. Loving heart. Patient. Forgiving. Enormous penis. Great in bed. Kind. Yeah, you're a total mess, Lance."

"You're too kind, baby. But. I can't sing. I wish I could. I wish I played an instrument. I don't. I can't skate. I ..."

"Ice or roller?"

"Neither."

"Really?"

"I wish I had chest hair. I don't. I'm a lousy cook. I'm sloppy. I'm afraid of bugs. I'm not a good dancer."

"Wow. You are a total train wreck. We're done."

We laughed.

"Okay. I get it. You're a human being," he told me, holding his hand up. "None of that matters whatsoever. You're simply the man I'm in love with, and that makes you everything I could ever want."

"Love you, too, baby."

"You mentioned a nap. If it's okay. That's probably a good idea."

Jakob reclined his seat and grabbed the pillow. I grabbed his small bulge in his briefs.

"Are you going to force me to put jeans on?" he said with his eyes closed.

"No. I'll just fondle you as you sleep."

With a grunt, he grabbed the jeans I had packed and shimmied into them. I knew he was smiling on the inside. He refastened his seatbelt and attempted to sleep. Maybe it was the music or the early morning shift or just being at peace, but Jakob drifted off after a couple of songs. I rarely looked at him when he was asleep. I found everything about him adorable. I knew I was smitten, but I didn't care. I loved everything about being in love. I was almost giddy. I was thrilled to bring him home with me.

It really was fun for us to make this drive and to be silly with each other. I felt we were more a couple than ever before.

I attempted to sing a song softly while he slept. I really wasn't a good singer.

—

Jakob finished getting dressed as we entered the city limits. He was singing "White Christmas."

"You know, I have been so excited about bringing you home that I forgot about being a little nervous about coming out to my brother," I said.

"Do you think he'll have a problem with it?"

"I really don't know. He made harsh jokes as a kid, but they were probably just jokes. Hopefully, he isn't homophobic."

"We'll find out soon enough," Jakob said as we pulled into the driveway.

I grabbed the small suitcase from the trunk. We knocked on the door, and then I opened it a foot. "We're here."

Mom came quickly to the door. "Ohhh. It's so good to have you home." She gave me a smooch on the cheek.

"Mom, I'd like you to meet Jakob. My boyfriend."

"It's nice to finally meet you, Jakob. Lance has told us a lot. He's quite taken with you."

"Yep. I love `im," I said.

Dad came into the room. I gave him a huge hug. I was always happy to see Dad. He extended a hand to Jakob, who reached out to shake it.

"Welcome Jakob. It's great to have you here."

"Thank you."

Then Oliver came out of one of the bedrooms. Here it was. It was time.

"Hey, little brother. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Thanks. Oliver, I want you to meet someone. This is Jakob. My boyfriend."

"Jakob with a K," Jakob said.

Oliver paused. It sank in.

"Hi. Um, nice to meet you ... um, Jakob."

Oliver looked at Mom and Dad and then at me and then at them again.

"Is this ... a coming out thing to the family?" he asked.

"No."

"But ... you're gay??"

"Yes. They know. Pretty much everyone knows but you."

Oliver stumbled trying to get his head around it.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Uh, yeah. Fine. Of course. I guess I just wasn't expecting to hear this tonight."

"Jakob and I have been seeing each other since summer. We've been in love for a few months."

"And I'm just hearing about this now?" he remarked.

"Dude, how often do we talk? Like you ever call me."

"You could call me!"

As my brother and I sparred verbally, Jakob turned to my mother.

"What can I do to help, Mrs. Wheeling?"

They went into the kitchen. Jakob liked to be helpful. Knowing him, he was cleaning for her or somehow making the kitchen look nicer. It was sweet that they seemed to warmly accept each other.

Oliver, Dad and I sat in the living room.

"So, what's up with you?" I asked Oliver.

"Eh, not much. Work is the same. Unexciting. I'm not seeing anybody. Kinda sad when this town looks good by comparison."

"Hey now," Dad said.

"So what does Jakob do?" Oliver asked.

"He works at a QT."

"Manager?"

"No. Just works there."

"I see."

I could tell Oliver wanted to ask questions. He probably had hundreds zipping between neural processors in his brain. I didn't think he would ask something to be intentionally offensive, but the two of us had so many landmines, it wouldn't be hard to hit one.

"Oh, heck, let me get it all out on the table," I said, waving my arms. "Jakob and I are in AA. Before college graduation I developed a drinking problem. I was in denial about being gay and suppressing it just made me drink more. Were you aware of this?"

Oliver shook his head.

"The drinking eventually caused me to have a car wreck."

"I knew about that. The wreck, I mean," he said.

"So, I got my act together and went to AA. Actually the judge made me. But it turned out to be a lifeline. Good friendships, good support. I've been completely sober for over four months. I met Jakob there. We became friends; we were supportive of each other. Newcomers to the program are encouraged not to date the first year. But ... He had been abused by friends in the past and the two of us developed feelings for each other. We fell in love. Madly in love. So that should get you up to speed."

"Wow." Oliver sat in a trance.

I didn't feel the need to tell him Jakob was temporarily homeless. That usually isn't something you want to share. Besides, I'm not sure Jakob would just want everyone to know that.

"Sooo ... you decided you were gay. Came out. Became an alcoholic. Wrecked your car and fell in love with another gay alcoholic."

"That about sizes it up," I said with a shit-eating grin.

Oliver re-entered his trance.

"And this is all fine with you?" he asked, turning toward my father.

"I will always love my sons, no matter what. But since joining AA, Lance has really stepped up his game at work, was encouraged to apply for a promotion in another city, has helped others, lost weight ... and I think Jakob is a fine man. So, yes. I'm fine with it. In fact, I've never seen Lance happier."

"Okay then."

"Thanks, Dad," I said.

"Happy you are gay then. Got it."

"I'm simply happy. I'm also gay. My friend Trent says I'm bisexual, but I just know that I'm head over heels for Jakob. He's all I want. So, my brother, are you okay with all this?"

"Does it make a difference? It's your life."

"It would be nice if you were happy for me, though," I said.

"It's fine. Whatever."

"That's an endorsement," Dad said with a sarcastic smile.

Well, that was that. It was done. I really could not figure out how Oliver felt, but I frankly didn't care. I was out. No worries.

We enjoyed dinner. It was fantastic and as traditional as a Thanksgiving dinner gets. Once everyone was full, Mom made a request.

"I think we all should say what we're thankful for."

"Pass," Oliver said flatly.

"I'll start," Mom said. "I'm thankful that we are all healthy and I have my boys home with me."

"I'll go," said Jakob. "I'm actually thankful for way too many things. Tonight, I'm thankful for Mr. and Mrs. Wheeling for welcoming me and also for raising Lance into the wonderful man he is. And I'm thankful for him the most."

"Thanks, babe," I said. "I'm thankful for our support group. They helped me turn my life around, and I met Jakob there."

Dad was next. "I'm thankful that both my boys have graduated, are working, are healthy and I'm happy for Lance and Jakob."

Jakob smiled. Everyone looked at Oliver to see if he would offer anything at all. He saw everyone stare. He sighed and rolled his eyes.

"I'm thankful there is pumpkin pie to look forward to."

Mom chuckled. "All right, I'll get it."

"Lame," I said to my brother and put an L on my forehead. He flipped me off while smiling.

The evening was simple. We watched a holiday program and played cards for about an hour. Right after the news, we all went to bed. Even though I had taken my bedroom furniture with me to the apartment, my old bedroom was still the guest room. They had a simple mattress set up in Oliver's room. He grumbled, but said he'd be okay.

Jakob stared at me as I undressed.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"What's the proper procedure when you are at your parent's house? Naked or not?"

I smiled at his silly question. I shrugged.

"Whatever you feel comfortable with. For me, it's weird to be naked here. But I have no reason at all to pinpoint why I think that way."

We kept our underwear on. As Jakob and I lay in bed, we held each other.

"Thank you for coming with me," I softly said.

"I'm glad I'm here. It almost feels like having a family."

"Are you okay with me thinking of the two of us as family? I feel like you are part of my family."

"That's sweet, angel, but we don't even live together. I'm a boyfriend."

"I feel like it's more than that. Trent's party really made me more conscious of this holiday. This year it became more than just about food. I'm so thankful for you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for that first kiss that started it."

"Ditto."

We kissed good night.

He was right. We didn't live together. What would happen in a month? He has to leave Trent's apartment. What would happen to us then?

—

I heard pots and pans being taken out of a cabinet. I opened my eyes and tried to find a clock in the room. 7:09.

I held Jakob tightly. His subtle movement hinted he might be awake. He probably heard the same noise as I did. My hand softly roamed his chest. I loved touching it, feeling the hair. Every morning.

He placed his hand on mine, pressing it to his heart.

He rolled to his back, and we stretched our necks to give each other a simple morning peck on the lips.

He took my hand and moved it down to his crotch. He had stiff morning wood.

"When did you get naked?" I whispered.

"About an hour after going to bed," he softly said back. "I like being naked next to you. It feels right."

I stuck my head under the covers to swallow his entire cock in my mouth. Having had nothing to drink, my mouth was dry, but I still tried to suck up and down his shaft. He put his hand under the sheet and stroked his fingers through my hair. Although he enjoyed it for a moment, he tapped my cheek, pulling my chin off his erection.

"I wasn't expecting sex," he whispered. "But thank you. We're not known for our quiet lovemaking."

I gave him a deeper kiss. "Ok."

Jakob placed his ear on my chest to hear my heart. His hand moved to the straining bulge in my briefs. His fingers traced the outline of my hard organ. I pulled my underwear down a foot with one of my hands, while the other gently scratched his back as he listened to my chest. His fingers wrapped around my cock and moved up and down its length in slow motion. I softly hummed at his touch.

His foot pressed into the bottom of mine. I pushed back, curling my toes. We "held" feet as he stroked my cock for a minute.

"Instead of sex, how about we shower together?" I posed.

"Perfect plan," he said.

But not exactly. We became so passionate in the shower that we were in there for 25 minutes with Jakob eventually coming in my mouth with water pouring over my body. It was too hard for me to keep quiet if he attempted anything with me, so I assured him I was fine just bringing him to climax.

Neither of us shaved, but we were dressed shortly thereafter and headed into the kitchen to see if everyone was up.

"Good morning, boys," Mom said. "I have scrambled eggs with some fresh fruit and English muffins. I hope that will be okay."

"Ideal," Jakob told her.

Dad joined us, looking prepared for the day. He walked to the counter and poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Jakob? Coffee?" he said. "I know Lance isn't a coffee drinker."

"Yes. That would be nice."

Oliver dragged out of his room looking like he had just crawled out of bed. He had pajama bottoms on and an old Metallica T-shirt.

"Morning, Oliver," my parents said.

He grabbed a coffee mug, poured himself some java and joined us at the table.

"How is everyone today?" he asked.

We all agreed we were fine. Mom brought him a plate. Jakob handed him the butter and jelly. Oliver looked at Jakob but didn't say anything; he just nodded.

Finally, Oliver asked how long we were staying. I told him Jakob had to work tomorrow, and he hoped to see his family once we were back in town. We figured we would depart mid-afternoon. We could easily play another game of cards after lunch.

Jakob helped Mom clean up. I could tell she took a shine to him. How could you not? He's so kind. In the process, the two of them made plans to go out shopping.

After they headed out, Dad and I grabbed our jackets and sat on the back porch. He had coffee, I had O.J. I was glad we had an opportunity to talk privately.

"Dad, at the end of next month, Jakob has to move out of Trent's apartment. I'm not sure what to do."

"What do you mean?"

"He can't afford a place on his own. I imagine he could find some real cheap low-income housing. Or he can try to find a roommate. Or ..."

"Or?"

"He can move in with me."

"Do you not want him to move in?"

"Oh, yes. I do! I totally do. I'd do it right now, but that's a little too soon. By the end of the year, we will have been a couple for almost five months. We both admit we are in love. We stay at each other's places regularly, so ..."

"What's the roadblock?" Dad asked.

"Evan."

"Evan doesn't like Jakob?"

"Oh, no, they get along fine. They like each other. I guess. It's just one more person in our apartment. Is that fair to ask him? That wasn't what he signed up for."

"Have you brought it up?"

"I've been afraid. Evan's been great. I think he will feel pressured to say `yes.' That's not fair. I want him to do what's best for him, too."

"You two get along great. You're cousins. Talk to him."

"I guess. It's kind of scary."

Oliver ducked his head out. He had just showered and looked more presentable. But we were all casual.

"Can I join you?"

We welcomed him. He came back 40 seconds later with a mug of coffee.

"Where's the husband?" he asked.

"Ha. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. He and Mom went shopping for something."

The three of us were quiet for a few minutes.

"Oliver, are you okay with me and Jakob? Well, me being gay?"

"It's whatever. Am I happy about it? Can't say that I am. But I'm not upset or outraged or appalled. It's whatever."

"Goodness. The warmth," I said sarcastically.

"You have the right to choose whatever you want."

"You more than anyone would know I wouldn't choose this. I just am."

"What's that mean?" he said defensively.

"You made fun of gay people all the time as we were growing up. I'd never choose to be gay. In fact, I denied and tried to push away my feelings for all my school years."

"Hm."

"Are you surprised?"

"No."

"No?"

"No. I'm surprised you are an alcoholic. Kudos on accomplishing that by your early 20s."

"Oliver!" Dad said, finally interjecting something.

"I'm just kidding. Honestly, Lance, I wasn't expecting you to be gay. I didn't pick up on anything, but my college friend Xavier did years ago."

"The hot red head?"

"Guh. Please! He thought you might be."

"Really?"

"After he stayed here that one time, he mentioned it. He also came out to me at the same time."

"No kidding!" I said.

"And how did you handle that?" Dad asked.

"Poorly. I felt he pulled the rug out from me."

"Why?" I asked.

"It was like he was suddenly a completely different person. I felt ... betrayed."

"But you know he was the same. He just felt he could be honest with you."

"I realize that now but was kind of an ass at the time. I apologized days later, but it was never the same. We didn't do as much together. Once he was out to most of our friends, he started dating. I guess he didn't feel I would be comfortable, so we sort of drifted. It was a shame. I was a dick."

"Have you ever reached out to him since graduation?" Dad asked.

"Nope."

"You should. I think it would mean something to him," I said.

"We'll see."

Shortly thereafter, Jakob and Mom came home. They had enjoyed some simple buying of post-Thanksgiving decorations. Jakob wanted to make a centerpiece for the dining room table for lunch.

"Isn't that nice?" Mom said.

"He sure is gay," Oliver whispered to me.

"Fuck you," I whispered back.

It was simple materials. They had stopped to pick up some pinecones and were able to get a remaining pumpkin available still very cheaply. The arrangement turned out beautifully. Mom adored it, and Dad complimented Jakob. I determined my boyfriend had just wanted to contribute in some way.

Lunch was leftovers complimented by hot chicken noodle soup. Some of us made turkey sandwiches instead of heating up the leftovers. It was still nice. Mom had cherry pie too, but Jakob and I opted for pumpkin again.

I coated my pie with just a pile of whipped cream. I watched Jakob methodically put whipped cream on his slice in lines to make sure it was evenly covered. He put the lid on the can. Then he took it off and put a "shplock" of whipped cream on the tip of the slice. Perish forbid there be an exposed tidbit that didn't have whipped cream on it. It's no wonder my mother found him adorable. He is adorable. I loved him.

Jakob noticed me watching him and smiling. "What?" he asked.

"Nothing," I said, my smile remaining intact.

We played cards at the kitchen table. It was a good time. We all laughed and groaned and screamed when an unexpected turnover happened. Oliver seemed to enjoy the interaction, and Jakob really thought it was great fun. It was probably the nicest family atmosphere of the holiday. I had to assume he had not felt that in a long time.

As we put our bags in the car, I was surprised that Oliver gave me a hug. It wasn't a bear hug, but almost an actual moment of affection. He shook Jakob's hand.

"It was nice to meet you, Jakob. You have my permission to knock him in the head every now and then."

"We'll see if he gives me a reason," Jakob returned. "So far, he's been the perfect boyfriend."

I smiled at Oliver, then stuck my tongue out.

"I'll keep that arrangement on the table until December actually gets here," Mom told Jakob. "I will put all those items in a box — well, not the pumpkin — so if you and Lance ever get your own place, you can have these things to work with."

Clearly Mom had totally accepted Jakob.

"Okay, Mom. Don't plan the grandchildren yet."

"Love you, son," Dad said with a big hug. "I'm so glad you brought Jakob. You two are really good together. I can tell your love has grown."

I hugged him again. "It has."

Jakob went to shake Dad's hand. Dad pulled him in for a hug. Jakob accepted it graciously and hugged my father back even harder.

We waved from the car and pulled away.

Christmas music was still coming through the radio. Jakob began singing right away. I could tell by his expression that he was really happy.

"I'm glad you came. I hope it was okay."

"It was great," he said. "I know my work cut your visit short, but it was really nice to be here, particularly on Thanksgiving. I don't know if Oliver likes me though."

"I don't know if Oliver likes ME," I said.

We chuckled.

I enjoyed listening to him sing. He became self-conscious of me listening to him from time to time and would stop. I told him I enjoyed it. He took over the driving an hour into the trip. Behind the wheel, he had no qualms of singing out. I wished I could sing. I had a horrible voice.

—

"You ready for this?" I asked as we pulled up in Jakob's family's driveway.

"I guess. I texted Teresa when we left your parents. She knows we are coming. I imagine she has let Mom know."

We walked to the door and knocked. I was nervous. I couldn't imagine what feelings and pressure Jakob was experiencing. Teresa answered the door. She greeted us with a smile.

"Is everyone home?" Jakob asked as they hugged.

"Yeah."

"Did they know I was coming?"

"Mom does."

Mrs. Morgan came to the door. She smiled at seeing us both. She came out.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Mom," Jakob said.

"Yes, Happy Thanksgiving, Mrs. Morgan."

"Oh, it is nice for you to drop by. Lance, it is good to see you. Oh, Jakob, I'm so happy you're here."

A gentleman came to the door. He looked to be about 30. As he glanced at the small group of people, his eyes left me and went to Jakob. They grew wide and opened the door.

"Jakob!" he screamed and bolted out to see him.

"Keaton. It's nice to see you. Happy Thanksgiving."

Keaton all but tackled him embracing him in a bear hug.

"I – I – I didn't know if you'd be happy to see me," Jakob said.

"Are you kidding? I've missed you. It tears me up to not see you."

"I'm glad. It's nice to see you too."

They both turned to me. Uh oh.

"Keaton, this is my boyfriend, Lance."

The expression turned frosty.

"Oh. Hello."

No handshake. No `nice to meet you.' Chilly. I stuck out my hand. He reluctantly shook it.

"What's going on out here?" said a man coming to the door.

I assumed it was the father. How ugly would this get?

"Hi, Dad. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Jakob?" he asked in surprise, opening the screen door.

"Everyone, let's go inside," said Jakob's mother.

"Wait. I'm not sure ..." his father started.

"Yes. Yes. We're all going inside," she interrupted.

"Hello, Mr. Morgan. My name is Lance," I said, extending my hand.

He shook it totally bewildered.

"I'm sorry, we just finished dinner," Mrs. Morgan said. "But I can probably fix you something."

"No need to, Mom. We're not hungry."

"Oh. Let me get you a piece of pumpkin pie," she said.

"Really, Mom, we don't ..."

"That sounds nice, Mrs. Morgan. Thank you," I said.

Jakob looked at me oddly. I knew he was thinking we just had pie a few hours ago.

"Let your mother bring you a piece of pie," I whispered. `It will make her happy."

She brought us both a plate with a slice piled high with whipped cream.

"You remembered I like whipped cream, I see," he smiled. "Keaton, how have you been?" Jakob asked.

"Good. I live over in Cedar Heights now. I'm manager of a Sherwin-Williams."

"Nice. That probably pays well."

The two of us took a bite of pie. Jakob played with the heap of whipped cream.

"Did you all have a nice Thanksgiving yesterday?" I asked.

They all nodded.

"Aunt Grace and Uncle Raymond were here," Teresa interjected.

"Did the cousins come?" Jakob asked.

"Nathan. Philip is married now. He was with his wife's family."

The conversation was safe. It wasn't going into any dark territory, but I was uneasy that the meaningless chitchat would eventually dry up.

"Did you have to work yesterday?" Mrs. Morgan asked Jakob.

"The first half of the day. Then we went to Lance's family."

"And you are ...?" Mr. Morgan asked.

"Lance. I'm a friend of Jakob's. We met through ..."

I stopped and looked at Jakob. I wasn't sure if I should continue.

"AA. We met through AA, Dad."

His father looked displeased at the news.

"We've both been very successful at making great choices since joining," Jakob championed. "I've gone over five months without a drink. Lance is just a few weeks behind me."

"That's great," Teresa jumped in to sound supportive.

"It's made a huge difference," I said.

Everything seemed calm, but tentative. I wasn't sure what my reaction would be if things didn't go well. Knowing what this family put Jakob through, I could easily see myself lashing out if things had gone south. But it was his family, his house. I had to keep my cool.

We finished the pie, and I carried our plates to the kitchen, thanking Mrs. Morgan as I passed her.

"Do you have your phone?" Jakob asked Keaton.

Jakob took it from him. He took a selfie of himself and then added his contact info into his brother's phone.

"Call me anytime," he told him. "Text me and I'll have your number too."

"Okay ..."

Keaton was a bit dumbfounded.

When Jakob was kicked out, I'm sure he felt like a wounded animal, just roaming away. Tonight he seemed very confident. He all but demanded a place in the house.

"I've missed you," Jakob said. Again.

"I've ... missed you too." Keaton knew it was not an answer his father would have approved of.

"I'm so glad you stopped by," Teresa said.

"Me, too!" said Mrs. Morgan.

"Yeah. Me too," said Keaton.

Mr. Morgan sat silent.

The tension seemed lighter as the conversation went on. Nothing got too heavy. The words "shelter," "gay" and "homeless" never came up. Jakob talked a little about his work and how he enjoyed it. I bragged on his sense of style and flair. I had taken a picture of his arrangement from lunch and showed them. They seemed interested. Mildly at least.

I asked if I could take a picture of the whole family on the porch. Mr. Morgan was not in favor, even though he didn't say it aloud. Everyone else was enthusiastic. Mr. Morgan clearly felt like he was being ramrodded through many decisions he had no real control over.

I posed them on the porch, and Mrs. Morgan put her hand on Jakob's shoulder. One parent was on each end. Mr. Morgan looked like he wanted to be away from everyone. He mustered the slightest of smiles for the photo.

"We should go. I have an early shift tomorrow," Jakob said.

"I do too. Teresa, I just sent that photo to you."

"Oh, great!" She opened it. "I love it."

"We may have to print that off for your apartment, Jakob," I said.

Mr. Morgan looked totally bewildered about everything — how Jakob had just waltzed back into the family's life, how I would have Teresa's number, how everyone just seemed fine that we were there. I almost felt sorry for him. But I really wanted him to fall down the porch steps.

Halfway back to his apartment, Jakob hadn't said anything.

"So?" I prodded.

"Hm?"

"So, how do you feel it went? For seeing them for the first time, I thought that went pretty good."

"Yeah. I guess," he said blankly. "Yes. There was no anger, no rejection, no yelling. It was good."

"I was surprised by Keaton. I wasn't expecting him to be as accepting as he was."

"Oh, I still think he hates the whole gay thing. But I could tell he missed me as a brother. As family. It was a first step for him. For us."

"True. It should get better."

"And your dad?"

"He's a different story. That's what I was thinking about. Had he answered the door, it would have gone differently. But with everyone else being so welcoming, I think he felt he had no say in the matter after the fact. It was kind of amusing. I never really see my mother assert herself, but she sure did this evening."

"Good for her."

"I'm sure she's getting a talking to right now, but I hope she continues to stand up for herself. I'll check with Teresa tonight to make sure it's all okay."

Once back at his apartment, neither of us was yet to be hungry. We opted for a walk just before dark. Following 24 hours of family, it was relaxing.

"You said you had to work tomorrow," he asked. "You don't typically work on Saturday."

"The manager usually likes to take off Thursdays and Fridays, surprisingly. Neither of us has to be there on the weekends. All the supervisors and trainers do what they do without us, but it's nice to have someone there just in case of a situation. I'm more on the scheduling/paperwork end. He took off for the holidays, so I said I would go in a half day. We had reduced hours this weekend anyway."

As we snuggled into bed, I was dead tired from all the driving. I was confident that Jakob would have reciprocated from the shower this morning, but all I wanted to do was sleep.

"It was a great holiday, wasn't it babe?" I said into his neck, giving it a kiss.

"My favorite Thanksgiving ever." We kissed. "Thanks for being my angel."

 * * * *

Feedback is welcome. Email: timothylane414@gmail.com

Insight to this chapter and more can be found at the blog: timothylane414stories.blogspot.com Look for the post "Friendsgiving."