I Woke Up 326 by M.P. Arsent
Copyright to this story remains strictly that of the author. No other publication or use of this story is allowed without the author's consent. This story contains male-on-male sexual content both implied and explicit. If this offends you please do not continue. All characters and implied situations are strictly those of the author and are not based on real-life events or characters. If you are under 18 years of age please exit this story now. I welcome all responses to my stories. Please ensure you list the story's name in the email line. If your email is to alert me of misspelled words or improper punctuation or grammar save your time because it will be deleted. I hope you enjoy my vivid imagination. Please let me know what you think at mparsent@gmail.com and remember to donate to Nifty as they do an amazing job.
Tuesday morning arrived and it was the normal routine. After I headed into the office and got the day started, I headed out and got myself a haircut and a manicure so that I'd look my best when I hit Chicago. I made sure that I had two different suits ready, just in case.
I was trying not to leave anything to chance. Two pairs of good, highly polished shoes and I thought myself prepared.
It was mid-afternoon when Alan walked in with a box.
"30 copies bound boss. Think you've got a good shot at this?"
"I'm hoping Alan. If these guys don't come through I don't know what I'll try next."
"You could always incorporate and sell shares."
"Hell of a lot of shares to raise $8 million."
"Your name is attached to a gymnastics center, I'm betting that would be an easy sell boss."
"Only to the right crowd and I don't know many of those with a few million to spare."
"You'll get this done boss. I have faith."
"Hope to hell you're right Alan and thanks for the support."
I got the inspector's reports bundled into the sample case and started to really think about just what to say to these folks. It wasn't going to be as simple as walking in and saying "Here's my idea I want some money."
Yet that is exactly what it amounted to. I had always been a proponent of the K.I.S.S. train of thought. So, I didn't plan a big speech or anything. There already would have been a good amount of discussion by those of the Bogda group or else I wouldn't have been asked to appear. This wasn't so much of a selling trip as it was a "let's get a look at this kid" trip.
I was going to go in there confident, but hopefully not cocky. Speak to them honestly and hope they all liked what they saw.
The closing bell finally sounded for the day. I checked with Stan.
"I didn't see anything to be concerned about today. You got it all together for Friday?"
"As together as I can possibly get."
"Well take it easy until then. No need to get yourself wound up."
"I heard that, Stan. I'm going to go into this as relaxed as I can short of having a few drinks."
"Just be yourself, Dennis. You have a way of winning people over."
"I hope so. See you tomorrow Stan."
With that, I headed home.
I was home first, so I hit the pool for a quick cool down.
Karl showed up shortly after.
"So you got everything together for your trip?"
"Yeah, I think so. Got my suits from the cleaners, all of the printed materials are in the sample case, hotel reservation, and plane tickets. I just need to get there now."
"And you don't leave for two days yet."
"Better than running around like a head with my chicken cut off tomorrow night."
"I suppose. Pete ready to go?"
"I'm hoping so. He's just there to watch my back so no pressure for him."
"I'm glad somebody is going to be there. You alone in the big city scares me."
"Why? We've been to plenty of big cities without a problem."
"Yeah, 'we' not you by yourself. I'd worry about anybody in the big city by themselves. It's too easy to be taken advantage of."
"I hear you Karl, but I don't intend to go do any sightseeing while I'm there. We'll get to the hotel stay right there for all intents and purposes and go straight to the meeting and then back to the hotel. Then Saturday morning straight out to the airport and home."
"I know that's what you intend lover, but I know how easily you get bored. You'll end up going exploring."
"Hey, if the hotel has a pool or an exercise room, I'll be fine. It's only for 2 nights, at least one of which I'll probably be either too wound up to do anything or too tired."
We sat down to supper shortly after that. A little time in front of the TV and we were off to bed.
I woke not to the alarm, but to Karl kissing me.
"Happy anniversary lover."
"Happy anniversary."
I kissed him back.
"Think anybody else will remember?"
"I'm thinking everybody will remember so just get ready to put up with it all day."
"Best we get it in gear."
We got our jogging stuff on and were out to meet Aaron and Roland.
"Happy anniversary guys!"
"Thanks, now let's get this in gear."
We ran our laps and were on our way back to our houses when Dana Pembrose pulled up beside us.
"Happy anniversary you two."
"Thanks, Dana"
Officer Pembrose was quickly on his way and when we got back to the house, Mrs Ohanlon was there when we walked in.
"Happy anniversary boyos!"
"Thank you Mrs Ohanlon. We'll be out shortly."
Karl and I went and got our showers and dressed for the day. Then it was out to breakfast and then to work.
Stan was there already here and when he saw me I saw him start to speak.
"Please Stan I've heard it enough already this morning."
"I was just going to say that there wasn't anything to be concerned about in the overnights."
"Sorry about that Stan."
"Hey, I get it, Dennis. I got tired of it myself, but everybody seems to remember the first one."
"Anyway, you think we're looking at a standard day?"
"As much as any of them are, yeah."
I went in and got my machine set up for the day and let Stan give the morning pep talk.
I went to going through my printed proposal again so that I'd have as many of the facts firmly in mind as I could. Just because the Bodga group had more than likely gone through it with a fine-toothed comb didn't mean there weren't going to be questions.
The day wore on and soon enough the closing bell sounded. I went to check in with Stan.
"I didn't see anything remarkable today."
"Neither did I boss. Good luck Friday and I'll see you next week."
I was headed for my car when I got grabbed from behind, and I almost reacted instinctively before I recognized Karls aftershave.
"That's a good way to get hurt lover."
"Yeah, I suppose. Come with me?"
"Just about anywhere."
We went to Karl's car and got in. I didn't have any idea where he was heading. We finally pulled into a building I wasn't familiar with and got into an elevator. Karl pushed the button for the top floor.
When the doors opened again we were faced with a restaurant and we were apparently expected. We were shown to a secluded table with a view that stretched out over our entire city.
"Happy anniversary Den."
"Happy anniversary."
We proceeded to have a nice quiet romantic dinner and watched as night fell over the city.
Afterwards, we made our way back to the office so I could get my car and then on home. Karl and I went straight to bed this evening and proceeded to make love to one another for several hours before actually crashing out.
When Thursday morning rolled around I didn't really want to get up, but there was way too much to attend to today. Karl and I made our way to the corner and Aaron and Roland were waiting on us this morning. It was down to the track and our laps taken care of.
"You watch your back in Chi-town Dennis"
"I have every intention to Aaron, plus I'll have Pete there."
"Good luck with this Den."
"Thanks, Roland. I'll see you guys on Sunday."
Karl and I got back to the house and had our breakfast and got cleaned up for the day. Before either of us was ready,it was time for me to get it in gear. I had dressed comfortably for the trip itself. I didn't need to impress anyone on the plane after all.
"Take it easy on the road lover. You've got plenty of time."
"I hope to hell I do. I'll call you once we're in the hotel."
I gave Pete a quick call and told him I was on my way, and then it was out to the car and getting on the road.
I got over to pick up Pete without a problem and then it was off to the airport.
"This is going to be the first time I've ever been on a plane Den. It's kind of exciting."
"I just hope it's a quiet flight."
We got to the airport got the car into long-term parking and then caught the shuttle to the terminal. I checked the sample case and suit bag and took my briefcase with my laptop in it as my carry-on. Pete just had an overnight bag to worry about.
Security was gotten through without too much hassle and Pete and I found the gate and checked in. I took the time to actually look at the tickets at that point.
Mrs Hines hadn't been able to get us first class, so we were traveling business class, which still had us in a three-seat configuration. I noticed that our seats were separated and hoped we had that extra room between us.
a couple of my favorite AI renditions of Karl and Dennis.
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/M4RfkVkfu81jXEyvccob
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/77SvuX3kQLOvbvm18nVm
For those of you interested these were done with the Nightcafe AI.
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/studio