I've Always Loved You, Mike

I've Always Loved You Chapter 8: New Year's Eve Part 1 Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com) Adult Readers, Sexual Situations, Sex

Freedom of expression is precious. To do that Nifty needs help. Your donation is greatly desired. Give to http://donate.nifty.org/ or this story ends and all the others! That would be a crime!

Waiting until the appointed hour to pick Chet up was...lengthy. Traffic was a factor, and we didn't want to have problems, so we just drove around. We did what I hadn't done in years as we drove through neighborhoods and looked at the various decorations.

Mike finally took my hand. "Are you okay?"

Squeezing his hand. I laughed lightly. "Sure. I should have done the discussion with Susan sooner."

"You couldn't admit it to yourself. How could you tell her?" Mike smiled at me. "She moved on. She married and she seemed to forgive you."

I nodded. "Yep." My phone beeped so I took it out to see a message from Ray wishing us a Merry Christmas. Smiling I sent him and Frank the same. "Ray sent us a Merry Christmas."

"Naturally, you sent him the same thing."

We went back to the Atkins at eleven o'clock on the dot when Wynonna was escorting the three to the door. Chet was all too ready to go. Avi and Eli were right behind him. Wynonna was still trying to get Chet to hug her, but Chet didn't want to and pulled away from her.

"I don't see why he can't stay the night," Wynonna said to us.

"If he does, we do, too," Avi said and waggled his eyebrows. "Of course, Eli and I only require one bed."

Wynonna frowned. "Yes, I know." She looked at Mike. "You married him." She pointed to me.

"I didn't tell them," Chet said quickly as he got to the SUV and opened a door to quickly get in.

Wynonna pointed at Mike's left hand. "You both wear matching rings." She shook her head. "You said you were. You just couldn't wait."

"Wait? For what?" Mike asked.

"Sherry had just died," Wynonna said sadly. "It wasn't even a few weeks before you ran off with him." She said bitterly. "Did you even love Sherry?"

"I tried." Mike defended. "Did she love me?"

She shook her head. "I don't know." Tears were forming in her eyes as she waved at Chet who was getting in the SUV to get away. "He's changed."

Mike nodded. "Of course, he's growing up. He couldn't be innocent forever."

"He won't being exposed to your life!" Wynonna said loudly. She waved at Avi and Eli. "Exposing him to god knows what."

"We aren't..." Mike shook his head and sighed. "This can't be resolved, and it won't be. We'll bring him in the morning."

"We're losing him." She said as the tears came. "He was always a loving little boy and..."

"And you still don't understand why?" Mike asked as he waved at the inside of the house. "My god, your husband shot me...in front of Chet. You don't think that sort of trauma will change Chet? He couldn't be that innocent little boy anymore. You don't see he has a reason not to be that loving little boy because of what you did? You still don't admit you and Manfred caused this?" He shook his head. "Chet is being given knowledge and will make his own choices. Teaching that is based on evidence. You tried to shield him from the world. We aren't."

Eli smiled at her patting Mike on the arm. "Come on." He looked at Wynonna. "We'll be back tomorrow at ten."

Once the car we rode back to the hotel. Mike looked in the rearview mirror at a very sullen little boy. "Come on, Chet. It wasn't all bad, was it?"

Chet shrugged. "No. Travis and I had a good time."

"Travis is Ronnie's little boy," Mike told me.

"Grandpa kept trying to get me over to him," Chet said. "I just can't forget what he did."

"Your grandparents do love you, Chet," Mike said again. "That was why he did what he did. He was trying to protect you."

"From you?" Chet asked. "From you and PopE?" He sighed and shook his head. "I know, you told me. They don't approve of you and PopE being together. I got that. That is why they were trying to force you to give me to them. I know what you said, but they are wrong, Dad." He touched Eli. "They didn't like them either. Why? Because they are married?"

Mike nodded. "That is part of it."

Eli smiled at Chet. "And there is the Jewish thing, too."

"Because you're Jewish they don't like you!?" Chet said. "Jesus was Jewish!"

"It's been going on for a long time," Eli said sadly. "Intolerance is part of life."

"That's right, Chet. It is." Mike nodded smiling. "I'm glad you don't understand that."

"They didn't tell me anything! I wasn't even told about the Tyrannosaurus Rex! Fossils! Lots of things! It is there!" Chet objected. "I just don't feel like I can trust them now. They treat me like a little kid." He folded his arms over his chest that wasn't so mature and more like the little kid he claimed he wasn't now.

"Okay." Mike smiled. "After tomorrow, if you don't want to come back, you won't have to." He sighed. "However, they are a part of you. If they want to see you, they will come to us."

Avi nodded. "I tell you what." He started to Mike. "You two stay at the hotel in the morning. We know how to get there, so we'll bring him tomorrow."

Eli smiled leaning forward in the backseat. "Sure. You can enjoy your holiday."

I grinned at Eli. "That would be great. You guys have been good friends."

Avi chuckled. "Well, at first it was just a job." He shrugged. "It didn't take long before it became personal."

We got back to the hotel, and it was Christmas Eve. I saw what Chet had meant about the decoration contest with the many organizations and companies that put up trees as many people were still out strolling the hotel's wide hallways looking at the many lights and trees as they wound down, enjoying the company of friends and family. There were the garland and wreaths up casting magic to the surroundings. The soft sounds of music began to play adding to the magic as I heard Merry Christmas Charlie Brown's song that said "Christmas Time is Here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all as children call their favorite time of year." In spite of what Chet had said about himself, I did see a little of the little boy as he looked at the displays and sensed the magic himself. Who didn't? The miniature train set arranged in the lobby that traveled in a large display of a village set back...when? It could have been fifty to a hundred years ago as they had older cars and buggies out. The snow-covered ground as small figures of people walked the village streets, skated on the ice-covered pond as they moved around in slow circles. Carolers in front of homes there. It was magic in the air. All the houses were decorated giving it a Courier and Ives kind of moment if you know those prints. The streets and avenues and it did make you feel good seeing this simpler part of human lives. Things had slowed down, and the rushing pace of the world was unknown here and now. A sense of peace.

Avi grinned. "I love this time of year!" He waved at the displays.

"Christmas?" I asked. It wasn't just us. Our Hebrew friends felt it, too.

"Sure." Avi nodded. "I love Christmas! It's great!"

Eli chuckled as Avi pulled Eli closer. "We even have a Christmas tree at home."

"Really?" Mike asked.

Eli laughed. "Really. It is more than a religion, it's a time of year we set aside time to enjoy our family and friends having a sense of goodwill and fellowship." Eli shrugged. "Why not? Jesus was born. He is part of history. Was he the Messiah? I can't answer that. I will concede there is the possibility. Does there have to be one religion or the other, but just a time to bring the best of humanity?"

"That's not very orthodox." I chuckled.

"No." Eli chuckled again. "A Jewish man who is gay isn't very orthodox, either."

The next morning, Mike and I got Chet up early enough to have breakfast, showered and dressed...and one more thing.

"Well," Mike said shaking his son lightly. "You should check out what Santa brought you."

"Santa?" Chet grinned rolling over revealing the image of Iron Man on the front of his pajama top. His red hair going everywhere. "They said he wasn't real."

"Who is they?" I asked.

"Grandma, grandpa, and Mommy," Chet replied. "Everybody at church."

"Oh, really?" Mike asked with a sigh sitting on his bed. "Chet, your mother, and grandparents do love you. They wanted you to see the world one way. Like that village we see every year here we all enjoy. They want an idealistic way of life for you. We've talked about this. They took away the fantasy replacing it with another. One of the many ways was to not teach you things that could change your opinion about the world. Like telling you there is no Santa Claus." He shrugged. "Believing in Santa..." he thought, "is fun. It is a way to encourage good behavior in everyone. He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake."

"Adults love to believe in Santa," I said smiling at Chet. "I do. I know your dad does."

Chet chuckled. "But we're in Charleston."

"So?" Mike nudged Chet and reached in and began tickling him lightly making Chet laugh. "You think he doesn't know that?" He looked at me. "Maybe he doesn't want his presents."

"Presents!?" Chet brightened throwing the covers back. "Where?"

"Under the tree, silly." Mike thumbed over his shoulder. "Or did you not see that tree in the living area?"

Chet jumped up and raced into the living area of the suite. We heard a squeal as we came in the living area to see Chet had dove into the few presents there wrapped in colorful paper. Avi and Eli came into the living area smiling as Chet began shaking one right after the other before he began tearing quickly. He let out squeal after squeal seeing the video games, the remote-controlled car, books, a telescope, and a picture. He squinted at the picture. "A bike!?"

"Sure, but we couldn't bring all of that, so it will be at home," Mike said simply. He waved at the few video games there. "The games will have to wait until we get home."

He charged Mike hugging him tightly. "Thank you, thank you."

The moment appreciated the most was when the cart arrived by hotel staff containing our breakfast and coffee. Chet took a shower a got dressed. He took his remote-controlled car to show his cousins as he left with Eli and Avi. We waved to them as they walked down the hall to the elevator.

"Merry Christmas," Mike said to me. "I love you."

I nodded. "Merry Christmas. I love you."

It was about nine in the evening when the three came back to the hotel. Chet looked a little happier than he had been the previous day.

We flew back to Fort Worth after landing in Atlanta and saying goodbye to Avi and Eli making sure they promised to stay in touch.

"And next, we move to California for a month or so." Mike grinned plopping down on the sofa pulling me with him.

"It will be fun." Chet nodded. "I can see Mickey?"

"You sort of have to. We'll be in the same area." I said logically. "You saw him a few months ago."

"Does that mean I can't see him again?" Chet asked. "And Buzz, Goofy and Donald..."

Mike pulled him down with us. "We'll see them again." He brought Chet in tickling him again making him laugh and kissed the side of his son's head.

The holiday ended and we were preparing to fly back to Atlanta to drop off Avi and Eli. Chet was happy to be going home, but he became sullen when he realized we were dropping off Avi and Eli. We were waiting for our plane to be called for boarding. There were a lot of people traveling the day after Christmas. There was the hum of many people talking and waiting for their flights. There weren't that many seats left, so we stood. It wouldn't be long.

"They're not coming with us?" Chet asked me quietly. He was almost in tears.

"Their life is there," Mike told him softly.

I knew Chet was feeling like another couple of people he cared about was leaving him. He loved Avi and Eli. Eli knew that, too.

"We have jobs to do," Eli explained quietly. "We are not leaving you."

Avi cleared his throat, but not to clear any phlegm, "I wanted to talk to you and Eric." He smiled. "Eli is overworked as a social worker in Atlanta." He saw Eli's eyebrows come together and he held his finger out, pointing at Eli like he was scolding. "Don't you say it's not true. You know you are. How many cases were you working last month?" He demanded. "Do you even know?" Avi looked at Mike and me. "He gets up, goes into the office to see what he should do first that day! He goes from sunup until sundown and sometimes even longer! We're lucky if we see each other two hours a day! Often I'm asleep."

"And what about you?" Eli asked a little testy, "You're a cop! When you don't come back on time, I'm always worried someone will be at our door telling me you were hurt and in the hospital or worse. Dead!"

Avi nodded, "I know! Why do you think I'm bringing it up?" He shook his head, "Oy! You're becoming such an alterkaker!"

I laughed when he said that, "It's interesting that the words we learn the quickest are profane or insults." I looked at Eli. "You are not an old fart."

Eli moved his head back an inch and his eyebrows rose, "We'll make a Jew out of you yet!"

Avi chuckled, "It is the sort of words Jews we use the most." He shrugged and pointed at Eli, "We use those a lot." Even as upset as Chet was getting, even he was smiling hearing the humor. "I have a dangerous job." He admitted. "Is Mr. Hill hiring any security? Can I put in application? Who do I hand it in to?"

I grinned at Avi, "You would move to Fort Worth?"

Avi held up two hands pleading, "Yes! It would be saving a marriage!"

Mike smiled as he shrugged, "We have to. Eric's career is taking off like a rocket! There will be plenty of people to fend off." He looked at Eli, "You will need a job, won't you?"

Eli smirked, "What? There are no domestic issues in Texas?"

"Absolutely," I said quickly. "Whether nor not Mark hires you, we can use security at the house!"

Chet had been watching us and listening, "They're moving in with us!?" He asked excitedly.

"We need to discuss it," I said. "They won't be gone."

"Yay!!" Chet bounced, shouted and hugged Eli. He was closer than Avi.

"We keep collecting more and more people!" Mike chuckled.

"Yes!" I nodded. "Ain't it great?"

We parted ways from Avi and Eli in Atlanta. Mike was right. We did keep collecting people. I collected two in the past ten years. Mark and Della. Okay, four. Hap and Barry I considered family, too. I got Mike and Chet a few months ago. Ray and Frank. We were busy and I couldn't be happier. Avi and Eli had time. They would be moving in with us at first. Eli would have to get a job, but with a master's degree in Psychology. He had been preparing to become a Rabbi. Theology was there, but learning Psychology was sort of important for a Rabbi or any religious leader. Other than sermons or messages from the Torah, they would counsel. There were lots of people in the world that needed counseling and some were just plain nuts! We just left a few nuts in Charleston.

Avi and Eli had to leave their jobs and move. I detested moving. I would prefer just selling the whole thing; house, furniture and clothes and buy new when I got to where I was moving to! Social workers, teachers, police and firemen were way underappreciated and underpaid. Social workers and police had the worst jobs. They dealt with many people that were just evil. Both Eli and Avi dealt with that sort of people in their daily jobs. Avi dealt with criminals and Eli often dealt with abusers. Many were the wives and/or girlfriends Avi arrested.

Dad had knowledge about people and behaviors. Many people he claimed had physical reasons for what they did. The Biochemical and Neurochemical abnormalities or undeveloped parts of the Human brain were often the reasons. There would be a chemical imbalance he tried to correct with other chemicals and counseling. Dad said the patients he treated were not evil, but sick!

In a couple of days, we would be flying again, but to Manhattan for the dropping of that bright, glistering ball that always preceded the new year. There was no way I would ring in a new year alone! After that, we would fly to Los Angeles where I would start making that movie. I was getting a lot of frequent flyer miles! I was no fool. Somebody wanted to have me, they paid me for everything. Including transportation. I then paid the reservations and paid from my account. If they bought my ticket, I didn't get the miles. The same thing with the hotels and car rentals.

If Avi and Eli gave their notice, leaving the jobs in good standing; they could fly to Los Angeles toward the end of the movie's shooting. They leased a condo in Atlanta. Dealing with the leasing company would be tricky. Their lease was to be renewed at the beginning of the new year. They had submitted the forms needed to do that a month ago. If Avi couldn't talk them into the month, I told them to call Amy or, better yet, Mark! He loved negotiations! He was a lawyer that loved courtroom arguments. Mark could be ruthless!

Hiring Avi could be costly, but I could claim Avi's salary as a business expense on my taxes. Being self-employed, I had to do returns quarterly. Not just annually. Eli could continue with Social Services, or he could hang a shingle out and do counseling, but he needed clients that would come. It might be tough at first, but there were plenty of children that needed help in Fort Worth, Texas.

Normally, I made a schedule that gave me time to catch my breath. I was thrilled people were liking my songs. They were entertained at my shows and demanding more! Fine. I'll deliver, but I have a family and I didn't want to miss anything. I mean anything. Chet's soccer and baseball games. Dilworth Academy had many "fairs" like Art Fairs and Science Fairs. Plays and dances.

Dilworth was a private school and yes, it wasn't cheap. Mike had kept Chet up with his schooling; it made sense. Mike was going to be a teacher. Dilworth was ideal for Chet. There were no more than ten students per teacher, and they had teacher's assistants to help. Practically individual attention was given to the students. The students were the children of the wealthy, celebrities and politicians. The lesson plans were targeted to each student. That was very helpful for Chet. His math and reading were advanced, but he was having to catch up in some subjects like science. He was a sponge that was soaking it up. That was the main reason he went to Dilworth, but it was also perfect with security. There were guards posted around the school inside and out. They weren't dressed like security, but had on school blazers and nice slacks. They were always told to keep a pleasant face on but keep interaction with the students short. Be friendly, but keep it short. Of course, that didn't stop Chet from having a favorite. Robert Bane. He has a post near Chet's and Geordi's class.

Before you sent your child here for school; I don't care if you can or can't afford it. Admission to Dilworth is very tough! You may know of some schools that are so coveted that as soon as the child was born the parents put their baby's name on the waitlist! How did Chet get in so quickly? Dilworth's admissions process had very thorough examinations of each potential student. Three doctorate teachers did the evaluation and gave their recommendation to the Admission Board. They had to be sure the Dilworth reputation was upheld! With so many graduates of Dilworth going to college, more than half were Ivy League Universities such as Harvard, Yale, Brown and others, Dilworth had to be sure the student could do the work required to get there. The parents were also evaluated. Yep, Mike and I were. Our family interaction was evaluated. It sounds lengthy, but it wasn't really. Were the parents putting too much pressure on the child? If so, why? Was it to give the parents bragging rights? Or was it because they wanted their child to have a good and solid future? Were the two parents acting like it was deserved? Were they raising their child to feel unnecessarily entitled? There was so much more than could they afford it?

Chet also had to be tested on what he knew. What grade would he be in? Then Mike and I found out, they didn't really have grades. Chet would have been in the second grade in Public School, but he was First Year at admission. Students were placed more due to their age for social development rather than Scholastic Standing. There were almost no raising of hands and teachers never called on a student to write on any board, chalk or dry erase. Each student had a computer monitor to look at and take any test or ask a question. Mike had let Chet use his computer at home growing up. Maneuvering the keyboard was not alien to Chet. He did do the two-finger touch type now but was getting better as they taught him to type. He played games that made him learn to type. Writing. They taught him to do that on one of those tablets that they laid on his desk using a fat stylus. Almost all his homework was on paper that he handed in. At the time of admission Chet was seven! He had the handwriting of a second grader. Mike often handed lessons he gave Chet back and told him to rewrite it.

"It's right!" Chet insisted.

Mike got dramatic when he good-naturedly said, "How would I know?" He would point to a number Chet wrote, "Is that an eight or a six? I can't tell." Then he added very worried, "The fate of a ship rests on putting the right numbers for the computer to know what the coordinates are! They would go off course and get lost!!" He said in mock horror. Chet was smiling at his father's antics. "Or even worse! You could have discovered something that would save all of mankind! The wrong number could kill a lot of people! For the sake of all Humanity, please rewrite it. Please!"

Chet would laugh and rewrite it.

Mike and I could only accept a little of the credit for Chet getting in, but really...it was Chet!! Dilworth saw his thirst for knowledge and he did the work to get that knowledge. That's what convinced Dilworth to accept him.

There is no perfect school. They did have the occasional rowdy child, but the school dealt with it. They had Kindergarten through High School at Dilworth. There were students that were going through their rebellion stage and did things like smoking (and not just cigarettes) to drinking. There were some who would become violent and start fights. With the many adults around, that fight was quickly stopped. The Guidance Counselors (yes, that was plural) had degrees in Psychology. There were three! Each one geared for an age group. Children under ten, one for the tweens and the one for students age fourteen to graduate. Of course, the student would speak to whomever they felt comfortable with. Dilworth also looked for signs like sudden decrease in grades, depression...any sign of abuse or bullying. The parents got more than a report card, but a list of strengths and weaknesses the teachers observed about the students.

Chet was a genius! That was what Mike thought and I agreed. Every parent wants their child to excel. He was not perfect. I only heard of one person that might have been perfect. You know who I mean. But I've read when He was younger, He was not. He could be very naughty.

The other thing about Dilworth, they took in consideration the parents' job. Such as Geordi. There were weeks he had to go with his father who was a Senator. That didn't happen too often. Dilworth had a system to keep Geordi up with school. The same thing for Chet. Coming up, Chet would be gone for a month. Mike would definitely be needed then. I tried to keep Chet out of the spotlight. I never told people even his name, but he was seen with Mike and me. The ones that had seen us knew who Chet was and would sometimes tell. I would talk to Ray! He did it for a good while. He would know or at least steer me in the right direction.

Mike and I did have a "discussion" about the tuition. It was understandable because...well, I paid for everything! I did! From the plane trips, food, clothes, lawyers, doctor's bills...everything! Chet's tuition and Mike's! It was male pride! Mike was the provider! Sherry wasn't. I knew Manny paid Mike more to do the job than he would have anybody else for the same job. That was because of Sherry. Mike had to know it and that lowered his opinion of himself. That re-enforced Sherry's opinion that she was the center of the universe! The sun didn't shine if she didn't get up! Spoiled! Susan even knew that and reminded her friends Christmas Eve! Remember?

Anyway, Mike and I had a discussion about it. It wasn't heated, but almost.

"Should I get a Prenuptial Agreement when we marry? And have you sign it in front of Mark and Amy?" At the time, we hadn't done that yet. "I thought a marriage was a partnership where two people pool together resources to get them through life together."

Mike let his head fall back and sighed, "Yes." He admitted reluctantly. "It is and I want that," he looked at me. "But you are paying for everything!"

"Because I can!" I said simply, "There's a need and we pay for it! WE pay!! There isn't mine and yours now, there is now us!" I shook my head, "Mike, I make enough money to do that. Mark loved that I didn't need that many in the background, except for the dancers and props occasionally. When I came to Fort Worth I wasn't poor. My parents left me very well off. Their life insurance, the sale of the house...I was very, very lucky. Should I have turned it away!?"

"No!" Mike said quickly. "You were starting over, and it was left for you!"

"Which is exactly what you are doing," I said. "You are starting over." I waved toward the ceiling and upstairs, "And doing it for more than just yourself. Chet is going through Hell! He's getting help. Are we going to be a family?"

"Yes," he grudgingly said knowing he was wrong. "We are now." He gave me a quirky smile, "I'm just getting used to this."

I walked over to him, "Well, get used to it. We're family and this is what family does." He put his arms around me. "When your house in Charleston sells, and it will; you can keep a separate account. Is that what you want?"

"No," Mike smiled and kissed me.

The house did sell and the money was put in our account.

Coming in the door it wasn't late, but I was tired. Even Chet came in and plopped on the couch with a breathy sigh like he was exhausted.

Mike looked at me in surprise and them looked at Chet, "Are you tired, son?"

"Yes!" Chet answered in a way that said how could we doubt that. "Going here and there..." he looked at me. "How do you do it, PopE?"

I grinned at his dramatics knowing who he learned that from. Shrugging I just said, "I guess I just got used to it. Its better if you come home and important people who love you are here."

"Talking about me?" Della asked coming down the stairs.

"Aunt Della!" Chet suddenly shouted and found the strength somewhere to jump up, rush over and hug Della. "Hi, Aunt Della!"

You had to admire Chet's exuberance. I smiled and kissed her on the cheek, "As a matter of fact, we were!" Ruffling Chet's hair, "And thank you for proving my point. Just a second ago you barely had the energy to move. Della comes in and bam, you have energy to burn!"

Mike walked up and kissed Della, too. "Chet never does anything halfway."

Della smiled and turned Chet's face to look at him in the eyes, "How was Christmas?"

Chet's face sort of fell, but not badly, "It was okay, I guess."

Della, of course, knew Chet had not wanted to go and why.

"It wasn't all bad," Mike said.

Della got a look of surprise and held her hand up to Chet's head and then over to her, "Did you grow!?" She asked in wonder. "You were here on me," she put her hand below her breasts. "Now, you're here!" Her hand went up. "It was just a few days!"

Chet beamed hearing that, "Someday, I hope to be as tall as Dad!"

"You are well on your way," Della claimed. She held up a clipboard she'd been carrying. "In many ways, this trip to Manhattan is easier. You're not taking any props or costumes." She sighed, "Even when you three go to L.A. you're only taking a couple of weeks of clothing. There is less to coordinate." She looked at her checklist.

"I'm be lost without you," I grinned.

"Yes," Della nodded. "You would." She grinned back. "Oh! Mark wants you to call him. Something about a meeting you wanted with Tom Spencer?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "Okay." I looked at Mike, "Mark really needs a vacation."

Mike grimaced, "Would he take one?"

I shook my head, "No."

Mark was like me in that he liked what he did for a living and was very good at it. Getting him to relax would practically be impossible. He had my cellphone number but wouldn't call unless it was an emergency. I also knew him. The amount of restraint he used now was impressive. We'd just come home! Calling him back was important, I know, but...I finally relented and called him back. On my side, it rang once.

"You got my message," Mark said quickly.

I grinned, but he couldn't see that. He probably knew, however, "Hello to you too, Mark. And how was your Christmas?"

"What!?" Mark asked not expecting that. "Christmas?"

"Yes," I chuckled. "Remember yesterday? The holiday nearly everyone celebrated and decorated for? You remember, don't you?"

"Bah, humbug," Mark growled. "Ebenezer Scrooge and I share the same opinion about Christmas."

"Ah," I laughed. "But Ebenezer Scrooge was reformed. You know how the story ends."

"Yes," Mark grumbled. "When the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future show up, I will reform, too."

Mark didn't dislike Christmas; when he shared it with others. It hurt me to think he was alone yesterday. "I'm sorry, Mark. Della went to her family, so did Hap and Barry. We would have invited you over yesterday, but..."

"I know," Mark said. "You had to take Chet to his grandparents. How did that go?"

"It wasn't too bad," I admitted. "Chet won't trust them."

"I can see why he doesn't," Mark said a little bitter.

"They don't," I remembered Wynona's parting words to Mike and me. "They know Mike and I are married, but since I've had the unfortunate opportunity to get to know Manfred and Wynona Atkins, I get the feeling they are making up for some past mistakes. Sins."

"What sins!?"

"I don't know!" I shot back, "Whatever they are they must have been severe. They're making up for it by being radically opposite. Trying to make it up to God to escape judgement or lessen it. That and grief!"

"What makes you think that?" Mark asked.

"About the sins of the past?" I asked. "We probably will never know, but I can imagine lots of possibilities from alcohol to being unfaithful. Maybe even having abused their spouses or children. Again, they went in the opposite direction with Sherry. They over indulged her." Then I hurried on. "That is all speculation, I have no proof."

"Even if there is reason for a crime," Mark said. "Does that reason justify the crime?"

I chuckled, "You always think like a lawyer."

"I do!" Mark said, "I am a lawyer!"

"And a damned fine one," I said in sincerity.

"Thank you. Now what about the grief thing?"

"Wynona said before we left that Mike and I couldn't wait," I explained. "She was upset that we married, but heartbroken we'd done it so soon after Sherry's death. She questioned Mike's love for Sherry, but when Mike turned the question around and asked if Sherry ever loved him...she admitted she didn't know. We should have invited you to go with us to Charleston. I'm sorry we didn't think of it."

Mark laughed, "Oh, no, if I had come there would have been fireworks! And speaking of fireworks, Tom Spencer and his fiancés Heather will be in New York on New Year's Eve. Tom said he and Heather could be at the New Year. You and Mike can get to know them!"

Knowing I wanted this and being told it could happen; I felt a number of things. Doing this movie would solidify a place on the A List for me if I did a good job. You know, the level many celebrities are and aspire to be. The list was for actors. I was going to have to act. That made me nervous. Meeting Tom and Heather made me nervous. Would we get along? Could I act like I was in love with him? Yes, I really needed to talk to Ray. This was an alien world I was stepping into. It was a hazard in the industry. A good chemistry between actors often went from the screen to real life. I can name many that did, married and unmarried did right off the top of my head. There were some that seemed to be able to keep their private life and acting separate. The most famous was Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. They had been married for fifty years! I never even heard any gossip about affairs for either of them. Yes, Paul was married briefly before Joanne, but fifty years is a long-damned time!

"I can't wait," I said. That wasn't a lie. The whole "get to know you" phase I really hated in a relationship. Mike and I really didn't have much of that. It was because we did know each other explained the speed of our getting together those months ago. Would Tom and I even get along? That was what I couldn't wait for. A change of subject was needed, "You're coming with us, right?"

"To Manhattan!?"

"I'd understand if you had plans or even a date and can't..," I said.

"I might go to a club," Mark said a little dismissive.

"Mike and I won't be on a date," I grumbled. "I will be working. With Tom and Heather there it won't exactly be a private party. I insist you come!" I grinned, "Chet loves his Uncle Mark."

There was a hearty laugh from Mark, "Yes, I'm still surprised about that."

"He won't let you go," I said. "He knows good people when he meets them."

"Sure," Mark said. "I will love to be there."

"Good," I said. "We'll talk later. Bye." I disconnected the call.

"I wasn't eavesdropping," Mike's voice came from behind me. "But I did overhear."

I turned to Mike and smiled, "We don't keep secrets now. There was nothing confidential said." I waved my phone at Mike, "He called to tell me he arranged for the meeting I wanted with Tom Spencer and his fiancé Heather will be joining us for New Year's Eve."

"Okay," Mike put his arms around me. "He was in Fort Worth alone yesterday?"

"He was," I answered.

Mike frowned and then grudgingly nodded, "I will admit there is part of me that in liking the fact that he screwed up." He saw my irritated face and hurried on, "He did! He sees what he's missing and is regretting it! It serves him right. But nobody should be alone on a holiday like Christmas. He did it to himself!"

"That's not very compassionate," I said.

"It's not a big part of me!" Mike clarified. "I'm glad it wasn't serious for him. I got you."

I gave a reluctant smile, "I told him that, too. It would have been messy when I left him for you."

Mike grinned, "Really? You would have left him for me?"

"Of course!" I said. I held up my right hand with my index finger up, "He got one song on all my CDs. One! I can't remember all the songs about you!" I sighed, "He's a nice guy! He's smart and he's very good looking..." I saw Mike's eyebrows rise and he was about to say something, so I quickly added, "He is! You know he is." I tapped Mike lightly on the chest as I said that. "He just won't let the emotion come! He's like a high school teenager or college man the discovers sex and doesn't move beyond lust." I threw my hands out, "And he will have sex with almost no provocation! He gets an erection and goes with it. What about love!? He managed to convince me he was beginning to love me, but he went back to his old ways!!"

Mike shrugged, "So, we show him by example what a real commitment and love can do."

"He's seeing that already," I grinned. "You and me, Hap and Barry, Ray and Frank..."

"He's coming to Manhattan for New Year's Eve," Mike clarified. "I heard you tell him about Chet's love for Uncle Mark." He chuckled.

"Chet will get through to Mark," I said confidentially. "Mark still can't believe it. It wasn't a pity invitation. You know he's family now."

Mike nodded, "Yes, I know."

"Good," I patted his chest. "I need to call Papa Ray."

In Mike's and my bedroom, I looked at my phone. I couldn't just assume Ray had nothing better to do than speak to me. Being retired did not mean he wasn't busy. It was still part of the holiday season even if Christmas was over. Then again, I knew of other denominations and Christian religions started their Christmas on Christmas Day! The song "The Twelve Days if Christmas" told you that. This was the second day of Christmas and Two Turtle Doves? Ray had children and grandchildren and he probably was with them. I almost called, and then didn't. I almost called again and didn't. Finally, I texted him and asked when would a good time to talk to him. The thing was, he didn't text me back. He called me!

"What's wrong, Eric?" Ray asked as soon as I pulled up the call.

I was a little stunned, "Why do you ask that?"

Whether you believe or don't, there are some people that just...know when someone is in trouble. "Because for about the last hour you've been on my mind. I wanted to call you, but when you texted me. I had to call."

Yeah, some would say it was coincidence or even a psychic mental connection. Whatever the explanation is, he knew I really needed to talk to him. "There's nothing really wrong, Ray, but you know I will be filming the movie I intend to use your song in. It starts next week."

"Yes, I do," Ray said.

I explained that I was meeting Tom Spenser and Heather, and I was feeling anxious about it.

"Why?"

"Because I don't know if I can convincingly act like I'm in love with him!" I said and did the slow Calhoun pace in a circle.

"Ooh," Ray said as if he really understood now. "I think I see the problem now."

"You see?" I repeated. "What is it you see?" I stopped pacing.

"Okay," Ray said cautiously. "I don't know squat about acting. I don't know what you go through before a performance. I can tell you I got anxious before I ever went on stage."

"Sure," I said. "Me, too. But I know what's going to happen and know how to handle it. I can get so nervous at the beginning and no matter how well I know the music...my own music...I stand up there and the words just leave my head!! I mean, it's completely gone, and I can't even remember what the song is even about!"

Ray chuckled, "Yes. Sure, I understand that."

"It happens almost every time!" I said exasperated. "I know it will, and then the intro begins and when the cue comes up and I come in with the right word and note. Every time!! Only on the first song. Never again during the performance, just the first one!"

Ray was now laughing, "When you see the many people there who are there, just to see and hear you...it can be overwhelming."

"But I never miss my cue," I said. "But this isn't performance anxiety. This is emotional anxiety! I can't fake an emotion!" I began my pacing again. The speed was increased according to the level of anxiety.

"So," Ray said hesitantly, "don't."

I froze in place, "I can't fall in love with Tom Spencer!!" I said alarmed.

"You won't," Ray said. "The character you play will. He won't be Tom. He'll be his character," Ray said. "Understand?"

"How do I keep me, and Dan separate?" I asked. "They will both be me!"

"Dan is your character?" Ray asked to be sure.

"Yes," I answered. "I will be Daniel and Tom will be Corey."

"Let Dan fall in love with Corey!' Ray said logically. "Are you Robin Hood? Or that leather biker from the 50s named Vic?"

"No," I admitted.

"So, you didn't fall in love with Little John or Tony from the rival gang the Leather Angels?"

"No," I nodded.

Ray sighed and I knew he was smiling even though was over a thousand miles away and I couldn't see him. "Son, your love of Mike has been recorded in song for a decade! Millions know you are totally devoted to Mike. Mike knows it, too. I know you will never cheat on Mike."

"No, I wouldn't," I said. "That includes emotionally!" I had dedicated a huge part of my career on Mike. My pacing resumed and was even faster.

"Is that what you're afraid of?" Ray asked. "Are you afraid you will fall in love with Tom?"

Stopping again, I had to think a moment, "I wouldn't let myself."

"Again, you won't! Dan will," Ray said. "Tom shouldn't encourage you to fall in love him, but get Dan to love Corey! I remember reading about some actors that make the character they play so much a part of themselves; they have trouble when the movie is over! Faye Dunaway portrayed Joan Crawford in that movie..."

"Mommie Dearest," I said.

"Yes!" Ray said. "Whether the movie was fact or fiction, Faye Dunaway made the evilness of the character much a part of herself that she had to seek therapy to break her away from it!" Ray chuckled and said, "I'm not suggesting you become such a part of Dan that you and Mike will need couples therapy. Keep Mike informed on how you feel and you do the same with Tom! But be ready for Tom to tell you."

"I guess," I agreed a little weakly.

"What if you really like Tom? What's the harm in becoming good friends? Your paths may cross again. You will have yet another person or two to add to the family. You still love Mark."

I sat on the side of the bed, "And I always will," I said. "That love has changed. Now, Mike loves him, too. And Chet adores his Uncle Mark."

Ray laughed, "I bet he does!"

I did tell Ray about Avi and Eli Bau. I told him about the Atkins and last few days. Then I asked how he did it balancing his career and family.

I heard Ray sigh again, but it wasn't very happy. "I made a lot of mistakes with my children. You will, too. Or at least to you, you will have. You can't be at every moment in your child's life. But you can decide and choose when to be there. At this moment, you are the breadwinner in your family. Make sure you tell Chet that. That grandson of mine is pretty sharp."

"But I don't want to miss anything," I said in a near pout.

"Then you need to prioritize what has to be done," Ray said. "You decide."

There was more to it than that. Doing what I loved got me money to pay bills. I loved music and I loved performing. There were more bills than I ever had. I'm not complaining! I paid Chet's tuition, Mike's tuition, books and fees, for the lawyers. (Mark was paid monthly and according to how well I did. Mark had other clients, but I was the top earner.) I paid it gladly! Chet was thriving! Mike and I were super tight.

"Too bad I can't be in two places at a time," I grumbled.

"Congratulations!" Ray said happily, "You are now a responsible parent!!"

"Wonderful," I griped slowly. "Do I get a membership card or badge?"

"Sorry," Ray chuckled, "No. But you will get gray hair!"

My eyes widened, "Bite your tongue!!" I rushed into the bathroom and with the lights on checked my black hair.

Ray was now laughing even harder, "It's in Proverbs!"

"I know," I said back. "One of the last cards I got for Dad was from that Proverb that says: Gray hair is a crown of splendor. Then it said how splendid he looked."

Ray now laughed again, "Now that was funny!"

"Eh," I verbally shrugged. "Funny is what I do." I finished looking, "Well, I'm safe for now, but I can't just go out and buy Just for Men!" It was said in a mutter. "If I have it professionally done, my hairdresser will know. I'll either have to get him or her to sign a nondisclosure agreement or eliminate them."

"You can only do that so many years," Ray reminded me.

"You solved that problem. I prefer you now!" I smiled. "You pretty well have it all cut off!"

"I have hair!" Ray objected.

"So short you can hardly tell!" I teased. "You're a good-looking man, Dad! It is so much better than that period where you hair was long in the back and bushy."

"That was the fashion of the time!" Ray said back, but the smile was in his voice. "Besides, my hair was bushy. Naturally curly?"

I smiled and let out a sigh of relief, "I love you, Dad."

"I love you, too, son," Ray said back and full of emotion.

"Thanks for the talk," I said. "I feel better."

"You call me! Whenever you need to," Ray said firmly. "Are we clear about that? Any time!"

"Yes," I said. "I got it. Thanks."

"Okay," Ray said. "Anything else?"

"No," I said.

"Frank and I will be watching the New Year's bash on television. I know you'll do amazing."

I had just ended the call when Mike came in. He stopped looking at me, "I was just going to use the bathroom."

When you share space, you often cross paths. I grinned, "I know. There is such a shortage of bathrooms in this house."

Mike smirked, "No, I wanted to see if Ray helped you. I was searching for you when the need hit. This was the closest." He looked at my phone, "Did you speak to him?"

"I did!" I nodded, "The call just ended. He was very helpful."

"You talked to him in the bathroom!?" Mike asked. "Please tell me you didn't pee with him on the phone."

I laughed and grinned maliciously, "Come now. You know how I feel about watersports. And I'm not talking about Water Polo and you know it." Not that I had a problem with guys that did but pissing on a guy!? No one can tell me how that is romantic or even sexual! If it does for you, great! That was not for me. "Ray's now my surrogate father. I'd never do what you said."

"Hold that thought," Mike raced into our water closet. Guys don't really care if the door is open or closed with other guys around gay or straight. The only time Mike or I shut the door to the water closet was when we did have to crap. Everyone does it! We tell our children "Everybody Poops." It's nothing to be ashamed of, but we close the door in consideration. Shit stinks! We have wonderful fans in the water closet that will suck the smell right out. And it was pretty fast! I heard the loud flow start and heard Mike sigh in relief. He had to go! I chuckled as I heard him zip up and then come out and wash his hands. "He helped you with your dilemma?"

"He did!" I nodded as I walked over to him, "I am so glad you're coming with me. We will need our communication open and honest during this."

"We do well in that department," Mike said a little confused.

"We do," I agreed. "I mean, whatever we feel we tell each other." I took his hand and led him out of the bathroom. Acoustics in the shower are great to sing, but kind of bothersome to have a conversation. Sitting together on the side of the bed I smiled at Mike, "While I'm filming this movie; Dan will be falling in love with Corey."

Mike nodded, "Yes, we know that."

"Papa Ray told me to let it happen," I shrugged.

Mike's face frowned, "He thinks you should fall in love with Tom?"

I shook my head, "No. He said to let Dan fall in love with Corey. Corey will fall for Dan!" I smiled. "That's not Tom or me!"

Mike's head went back a little and he thought. Then he said, "What!?"

I explained about the character I played, as it was modeled after me. It still wouldn't be me! Corey wouldn't be Tom.

"I've been worried about that with a close camera on me. I couldn't act as if I were in love with someone else! Not convincingly," I explained. "But Dan can!"

"Dan is you!" Mike stated.

"No," I shook my head. "I will be a man named Dan, who falls for Corey." I chuckled and held his hand to me, "It took me a while to understand that, but I understand it now."

"How can you not be who you are?"

"We'll be in a world of illusion," I said smiling. "I'll change my accent, maybe dye my hair and get a new haircut...I wonder how I'd look blond."

"Blond!?" Mike leaned farther back, "That's little radical."

"You probably won't recognize me!" I said happily.

"And neither will your fans," Mike muttered.

"Okay, maybe not that radical," I nodded. "My point is; it won't be me. I will never cheat on you sexually or emotionally."

"Okay," Mike said slowly, but he was trying to understand.

"When I'm on stage on playing the lonely cowboy that falls in love with the Indian," I began. "Or like Papa Ray pointed out, when I'm Robin Hood having gotten rid of Maid Marion because I realized I love Little John; or I'm Vic in the 1950s biker gang who falls for Tony of the Leather Angels...do you worry I'm really in love with them?"

Mike's eyes grew and a smile spread, "Oh, I get it." His head shook, "No, I never worry about that. We both paid our dues for a decade. Neither of us would."

There were times I saw what people "believe" what my life was. Living the jet set life was pretty nice. Sometimes. Chet's reaction getting home after Christmas told me, he was beginning to see it wasn't all that glamorous. Getting him and Mike ready to go again took a little more persuasion. Mike let out a breath of fatigue but was doing it.

Chet was at his desk at his computer, "But we just got home!" Chet whined.

"I know," I said trying to sound patient. "You asked to come with me."

"Yeah, but..." Chet said as any eight-year-old would. "We're flying to New York City and then we're going to fly across the whole country to Los Angeles!" He said dramatically and grandly. "Can't Uncle Mark stay with me?"

Mike chuckled, "That would be fine, but Uncle Mark is going with us."

Chet sat up straighter in shock, "What!?" His mind was working, "What about..."

"We're going," Mike interrupted stating firmly.

"Yeah, but..." Chet began, "but..."

"Della will be working," I had to crush the smile that was threatening to come on my face. What can I say? Chet was funny! "the Martinizes are out of town, Hap and Barry still love us," I leaned toward Chet and added, "and I aim to keep them loving us." I stood back up, "Until Avi and Eli Bau move here they can't help you."

"We're going," Mike repeated just as firmly as the first time he said it.

Chet stood, his shoulders slumped and a look of depression for what he had to do, "Aw, man."

Mike had to look away as the smile he could not hold back any longer came. His laughter was light, and he said, "If you ever need a kid in one of your shows..." he pointed at Chet, "go with him. He's very good!"

Chet, of course, heard that and froze, "Nu uh!"

"Nu uh!?" Mike's eyebrows rose, "Where did..."

"Mike, stop." I grinned at Mike, "That sort of vocabulary seems to be in our genes. I used uh huh and nu uh growing up." I patted Mike on the chest. "It's just part of being a kid no matter the culture or race. It's like clipping a card so it hits the spokes when riding a bicycle! We all did it!"

Chet's irritation was dropped a moment, "Why did you do that?"

"To make a motorized sound! Like a motorcycle or something," I said. "I'll show you when we get to Los Angeles." He rode the bicycle a day. Since we were going to Los Angeles, we sent the luggage and his new bicycle ahead.

Mike looked at his watch, "And if we don't get to the airport, Uncle Mark will be leaving without us! We're going."

The days of bribing Chet by offering him a window seat were over. He knew the airline I chose, where to go in the airport; and Dallas/Forth Worth Airport was a huge damned airport. He knew where to go as he pulled his rollaway behind himself like a professional.

"Hi, Uncle Mark!!" Chet suddenly shouted to Mark and everyone near us. His rollaway was forgotten as he dropped the handle and ran to a happy, smiling Mark. Mark wasn't in his usual suit and tie, but jeans and casual polo-style shirt of dark green.

Mark chuckled, "Hiya, kiddo!" Chet's impact with Mark could be heard as Chet hugged Mark. Mark even let out an "Oof" at the collision, but he smiled even more as he hugged Chet back. Those around us that had heard Chet's greeting and saw the hug even smiled at what they saw. No one had to be told what was going on. "If you decide to play football, I would suggest a linebacker or defensive tackle. You will lay them out!"

Chet looked confused, "I thought they all tackle."

"This spring he can choose a sport he'd like to try," I explained. "I just know it will be whatever Geordi is playing, too."

Mike reached down for the handle of Chet's rollaway bag and smiled at Mark, "They always say love hurts."

"It does!" Mark laughed, "Any harder and it will make me black and blue!! Hi, Mike!"

I had a good feeling as Mark and Mike hugged each other. Mark was at our house often, and we had traveled to the same place before, but this was our first trip together! He was my manager, but not right now. He was our friend and family!

"I'm glad you're coming!" I said sincerely as I hugged him.

"I felt it was my duty," Mark said. He wasn't a great actor. I heard in his voice and the quiver in the corner of his mouth and knew he had a joke or something humorous coming. "You will be at the place millions in America and Canada will be watching to see you help bring in the new year! I knew I had to be there to see that you do it right!!"

Mike laughed and I said, "I won't be doing it alone, Mark. There will be other artists and groups there, too."

Mark looked puzzled, "There is?" He knew there was as he set it up to have me there!!

"Yes!" I laughed, "On several networks!"

"Yes," Mark nodded. "But you will be on ABC's Dick Clark's Rocking Eve!! The world watches that!!" He was getting excited. "Time Square! That ball coming down!! Everybody!! You will be a household name!!"

Mike's eyes grew, but I chuckled as I patted Mark on the back, "Deep breaths, Mark. Slow deep breaths." I grinned as Mark was indeed starting to pant. His face was flushing. "We don't want you to pass out in the airport."

"Aren't you excited?" Mark asked me in a tone that said he didn't understand why I wasn't. "This is what you've worked for!"

"Yes, Mark," I nodded. "I am, but if I get as excited as you are I'll get more nervous than I can deal with. Then stage fright hits me and mistakes are made, I'll get booed..."

Mark was nodding as I spoke. He was getting it, "Yeah." He did as I instructed and took the deep breath, "Your way is kind of important."

We flew to La Guardia in New York. From there I only knew where we were by landmark. I performed in New York before, but this was New York City! How to get anywhere I always had help. I did feel like a southern country bumkin in a big city for the first time. Saying something like, "Golly, those buildings are tall!" The hotel certainly was tall. There was a single letter on the front of the hotel and on the roof. W. This was the heart of Time Square!!

Chet summed it up as we arrived at the hotel. His hands pressed on the window glass beside him as he stared up, up and up! "Wow." But he said it in a near whisper of reverence.

"Yep," Mike agreed.

"Look!" Chet pointed happily. "There's a McDonald's right across the street!!"

Mark laughed, "You're in one of the biggest cities in the world. All these great things around you and you get excited about a Mickey D's?"

I put an arm around Chet and looked at him, "That says this city is at least civilized!"

Mike smiled, "And when you see those Golden Arches, you know where to go when you have a MacAttack!!"

"Do they still have those?" Mark asked Chet.

"Sure!" Chet answered.

I sighed, "It's the one vise he will not break no matter how I try."

"Because it's good, PopE!"

I loved the hotel! Many of the other artists and performing groups were staying here. The stage area was just outside! No commuting here to begin working except by elevator. Security for this hotel was going to be tight! Especially tomorrow and the thirty-first. This was the kind of hotel, if you wanted to stay here and asked the price...you couldn't afford it. New Year's Eve would be even worse!! Hell, as the new millennium started, the year two thousand to two thousand and one, the rooms were selling for $2,000 and $2001. Not suites, but regular guest rooms. I am not kidding!! Someone had a sense of humor, and they laughed all the way to the bank! Hopefully, the hotel at least threw in breakfast with those rates.

Mark could do wonders. Somehow, he got Mike, Chet and me a two-bedroom suite with an adjoining room!

As we rode up the elevator, Mark confessed, "It does not overlook Time Square..."

"We'll be in Time Square, Mark," I said. "We'll need to look away after a while." I smiled. "How did you get a connecting room? I thought they were booked solid."

Mark looked offended. As I said, he wasn't an actor, "I didn't do anything. You did!"

"I did?" I repeated.

"Yes!" Mark grinned. "The General Manager is a huge fan of yours!" He said happily. "I told him I was your manager and that big ol' queen took care of it!"

The elevator dinged softly that we had reached the floor.

Mike chuckled, "A gay man in the hotel business." He mockingly marveled. He was a good actor, but it was sarcastic. "Imagine that."

When we entered the suite, it was beautiful!

"Wow," Chet said quietly again.

"That's right, Chet!" Mark said. "This is the Extreme Wow Suite!"

"Nu uh!" Chet said back instantly. "That's not true, Uncle Mark."

Mike laughed and pointed at Chet, "What he said!"

Mark looked horrified at Chet, "I am hurt!" His bad acting, the smile on his face and overly dramatic action just added to the comedy! Chet was smiling but wasn't buying that his Uncle Mark was hurt one bit! "It is! Would I commit purgery?" He looked at Chet. "That means to lie, which is a crime and I'm a lawyer! I have the Wonderful King Room." He had those keycards you use in locks now. The W logo on it. "See?" He turned the keycard to show Chet. "What does this one say?"

Chet's eyes grew, "It is! This one says Extreme Wow Suite and this one says Wonderful King!" He handed them both to Mike.

"Now!" Mark held up his hands and waved his fingers in the "give it to me" motion. "Who will be first with the groveling for my forgiveness?"

"Grovel?" Chet asked, "I read that word in a book. I'm pretty sure that's when you beg somebody. That's what the character did in the story."

"Yes," Mark smiled, "But it's when you want something so badly, you are willing to crawl on your hands and knees and beg so hard for it." Mark began waving his fingers again. "So, let me have it."

Mike chuckled, "I didn't say you lied. I just agreed with what Chet said. I shouldn't have. Sorry." He handed Mark a keycard back.

Mark looked at me. I shook my head, "Oh, no. I didn't say anything at all." I pointed at Mark and narrowed an eye, "And don't you dare try to make Chet do that!" I was grinning the whole time. "Chet thought that story couldn't be true. It isn't logical."

Mark folded his arms over his chest in a mocking pout, "You guys are no fun." This Mark seldom came out. I liked him. He used Chet as an excuse. He chuckled. "This hotel doesn't have all those fancy names in foreign languages. They have names like Spectacular, Wonderful, Cool, Fantastic, Marvelous and Wow."

I nodded, "I knew I liked this hotel!"

It was the twenty-ninth. I needed to set things up. Testing my computer program to be sure it worked! I told Ryan, the man that was hosting this year's Rocking Eve I didn't need a band. I pulled my disc out.

"This is my band," I smiled at Ryan.

"That's it?" He asked me with eyes widening.

"That's it for the music," I explained. "I will need a USB Data Port to plug my computer into. The computer isn't big, but I put the disc in and control it with this." I held up a small remote with buttons I could press with my thumb. "The strap goes around my wrist and two rings secures it to the palm of my hand. I can control the volume and speed the music up or slow it down." I laughed a little, "I get a little physical with my movements, I don't want to fling my controller away." I did one of my moves with my arm and hand. "This way I won't lose it."

Ryan was smiling as he looked at the controller, "That's incredible!" He reached for the controller and stopped, "May I? I won't drop it!"

"Sure," I handed it to him. "Don't worry, I bring several. Technical problems, mechanical failures, computer errors...I always have a backup. Even the disc has a few backups." I shrugged. "Just in case."

Ryan was a nice-looking man about ten years older than me. He took care of himself. He was a host, radio personality, producer and master of ceremonies for a lot of television shows. It was rumored to be linked to several men, which he denied. One man on a talent show would give these one-liners and innuendos about Ryan's sexuality and Ryan gave it right back to the man who also had rumors about him! My opinion was to just go ahead and do it! Both of them! Hell, they would have made a great couple. There were plenty of actors and actresses, celebrities who have said they didn't care about the gender of the other person! They would have one a while, breakup and then another later who were of different genders. Some people are both genders! Intersexuals! We learned so much. You can't just see a baby boy anymore and just raise him as a boy, he may not be!

I wasn't looking at Ryan for me! But for Mark! I know, it was none of my business, but it kind of was. Mark was a terrific guy...with a wandering dick! He was a successful lawyer, and we were growing rich! You've heard me. I love and will always love Mark. I care! I fuss with him for not caring for himself! He's never said a word about any family. Other than me, Della, Mike and Chet now; that was it. Other than he's here, meaning he had a mother to give birth to him and a father that made it possible. He's never said anything. Anyway, Ryan said he has a girlfriend now and seems happy. So, on to the next person!

Ryan asked about the patent and what knowledge was needed.

"The computer is a separate issue," I said thinking out loud. "That was established technology. Necessity was really the driving force. None of it is something I invented. Multitrack recording is, too and can be done in a studio. I became obsessed with music," I laughed and shrugged. "I still am, so combining my love of music and using my personal computer at home...I learned to do this over the past twenty years. I needed musicians that could keep up."

"And musically, as accomplished as you are," Ryan smiled and he pointed at me using the hand with my controller. "I've seen your performances and heard them. You have backup singer's occasionally."

"Of course," I replied, "You have to, but there are times I record them, too. Not to be egotistical, but who can better sing with you than yourself? No one usually likes to hear themselves sing in a recording." I smiled, "I just had to get used to it and I work cheaply." I pointed at Ryan. "And my singers and band never change! The timing never changes and never misses when they have to come in. My horn section is never late, my string section is never out of tune. The individual mistakes humans make never happen." I chuckled again, "I have more trouble now with humans working with me. If I could project my dancers from a recording, I would."

"No key changes?" Ryan asked.

"Not without planning it." I pointed at the remote. "This I did develop." I pointed at some buttons. "I can retard the music, or slow it down or speed it up and even hold a note or chord..."

"Without changing the note!?" Ryan asked. "Middle C will hold as middle C? It won't become a B flat, or B or A sharp?"

"A sharp is B flat," I laughed again, "No, it's a computer. Middle C will remain middle C until I stop it."

Ryan's smile began to look a bit mean, "Those some pretty good amount of knowledge to know to do this." He nodded, "So, instead of needing a band and a person or two in the room to mix sounds...you did it yourself."

"Yes," I nodded.

"What if it's two or even three?" Ryan asked. "You have an orchestra you can use, someone who knows music, someone else who knows about mixing the tracks? Together they have the necessary knowledge. You had to teach yourself by doing it."

I stood a little straighter, "That never occurred to me."

"Because you did it alone!" Ryan said happily, "I bet you still do!"

"Yes," I answered. "I use it as a tool. For me!"

"May I get some people to look at this process?" Ryan asked and I got a sense from Ryan like I did with Mark when he got excited about something.

I shrugged, "Sure."

Ryan raised his hand to me, "I won't take it away from you, but it will protect you if later someone says you used a process you used is really theirs and deserve a part of your profits."

My eyes widened and then I laughed, "I like them to try. There is a very, very good lawyer I know personally who has known my process for ten years. He would love to get them in a courtroom." I thought about that. I knew Mark, of course, but I also knew Barry Windam and Amy Diaz. I could have a whole legal team! "Do it." The protection is a good idea. There were crazy people out there!! Then I demonstrated it. Ryan heard the slowing down, the speeding up.

When Mark heard about it, he became my manager again. "Did anyone hear him say that? Could there be any witnesses?"

"No." I said, but not worried, "Why?"

"Because he could make millions off your idea!" Mark stated as if I should have seen that.

"Ryan wouldn't do that," I shook my head.

Mark nodded, "I'm sure that's what a lot of people said right before Bill made billions off of their inventions."

I was confused again, "Bill? Bill who?"

"Bill Gates!" Mark said loudly, "He was a pirate!! He took inventions and programs and made them his own!"

I grinned, "That sounds like you admire him."

Mark shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest. "The issue if I do or don't isn't the point." He held his hand up. "Don't worry, I'll take care of this."

"Worry?" I laughed, "I was never worried."

Mark was a "T's crossed and I's dotted" sort of guy. That was his job! When he told the front desk and security about the guests coming, as in Tom Spenser and Heather, he made them each say it out loud and recorded it under their noses. They had to say the names and who Tom was coming to see and when. That kind of reinforcement made it stick!

It was nine in the evening when there was a knock at the door of our Wow Suite.

Chet got up and answered the door before we could tell him to answer it or not to answer it.

The two unknown figures stood side by side. It was in the twenties outside. It would probably that cold the next night. The two had done the cap or hat thing. The tall one had a fur cap with those fur flaps to cover his ears, but the front was down so you didn't see a lot of face. The shorter one had a thick knitted hat on with furry ear muffs over the ears. They had on thick insulated coats that hid a lot of things.

"Hi!" A pleasant male voice said to Chet, "Who are you?"

"Hi! I'm Chet," he said in his happy bubbly way. "Who are you?"

The tall one chuckled and lifted his cap off. Very dark brown hair had been under the cap. His face was ruggedly and boyishly handsome. I recognized the detective I'd seen on the TV show. There are people out there who look very good in person but are lousy in pictures. And there were others, as hard as it is to believe, were so photogenic they look great in pictures and films but seeing them in person you can't understand why! They weren't that good-looking! I have one ready, if you need to know who I'm talking about. This guy had both. Damn him. He had a bad-boy look even smiling! He had an infectious smile! He looked awesome on television and in films! Damn!! He put his hand out to Chet. "I'm Tom!" He touched the shorter one's shoulder, "And this, is Heather."

The earmuffs were removed, and the knit hat taken off and long auburn hair came down around her shoulders. She was an international supermodel, turned actress who didn't shy away from stunts or action. She did everything from super-glamorous to kick-ass! In a couple of movies, she did both at the same time! In an elegant evening gown that shimmered in the light, she laid out some bad guys with some great martial arts moves and kicks, not breaking a single nail! She even said that line in the movie! She had the girl next door look. Wholesome, but was drop dead gorgeous at the same time. She shook Chet's hand, "Hello, Chet! I love the hair!!" She pointed at Chet's head.

They both were gorgeous!

Tom looked up beyond Chet at all three adult men, "I've seen the two of you." He looked at Mike and then me. "I'm Tom Spenser." He came forward holding his hand out.

I chuckled shaking his hand, "We know who the two of you are." I looked at Heather. "I admit, the picture I saw last you were blonde!"

Heather laughed, "When I modeled fulltime, the color could change four times in a month! Vogue wanted blonde, Elle wanted brunette...it depended on the photographer and shoot."

I waved at Mark, "This is my dear friend and manager, Mark Hill." Looking at Tom, "I hope you understand why I wanted to meet with you."

Tom nodded, "Absolutely! I wanted to meet you! If I was going to be kissing you, we needed to get to know each other. I needed to get to know you! This is perfect!"

"See!?" I said to Mark. "I'm not the only one!"