This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it might not be very pure either! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind if story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY!
Cast of Characters:
James Thomas Arthur (Jamey)
Harold Brian Arthur -- Jamey's Brother (Habby)
Harold Garfield Arthur -- Jamey's dad
William Pitts -- Roommate (Will)
Ronny -- Will's best friend.
George Wiggins
Darrel -- George's roommate
Dr. Steve Arlan Jordan -- Doctor
Grant (Buddy) Windward -- Waiter at Holdren's
John -- Neighbor across the hall.
Jerry -- John's roomie
Seth -- Ronny's cousin
Luke -- Seth's partner
Robert Rexburg -- High school friend
Yolanda -- Robert's wife.
Joey -- Flight Attendant
From Chapter 25
"I forgot to tell you -- we're expected at the Smith's for breakfast in 45 minutes."
He pulled me over on top of him and said, "Well, we'll just have to be fashionably late, huh?"
"We can't. Seth says Etta will get even if we are -- if not with us -- with him."
"But sweetheart, you didn't get off at all last night."
"What would make you think that?" I asked.
"Oh! Did you and I didn't know it?"
"I got off more emotionally that I ever have in my life, Steve. Let's get ready."
Chapter 26
We got to the Smith's in plenty of time. When we walked in the back door, Etta seemed to ogle Steve as he walked by. When we got to the dining room table, Steve whispered, "What was that about?"
"Etta likes your boy!" said Carrie, poking her head deeply between Steve and me. "I'm Carrie! And you must be the celebrated doctor."
"Celebrated?" Steve said.
"In some circles -- THESE circles!" Said Carrie.
"Meet Carrie!" Said another, very tall and beautiful girl. "My special girl! No one ever taught her when to keep quiet."
"God knows we tried!" Said Mr. Smith. You must be Dr. Jordan."
"I guess my reputation precedes me!" Said Steve, looking bemused.
"Seth told us that our Jamey would be bringing a guest this morning."
"Our Jamey?" I thought. I hardly know them, but it WAS Mr. Smith that invited me back any time.
"By the way, I guess happy birthday is in order. Said Mrs. Smith.
"Thanks you Mrs. Smi - "
"Now don't you remember when you were here before? It's either Linda or Aunt Lindy."
"And I'm Uncle Jake -- or just Jake is fine. By the way, Doctor, we have a son about your age -- Jake Junior."
"And - - you can call me Steve, then. It's nice to meet you all. I've heard a lot about -- some of you."
"De brekfuss will be served from de buffet dis mornin'" Announced Etta.
"Speaking of reputations going before!" Steve said after she disappeared back into the kitchen.
"I think Steve will fit in just fine around here!" Said Uncle Jake. I remembered from last time that it's better to call him that, because it gets too confusing when his son is around.
From the kitchen came this: "An' I hear ebbyting dat goes on in de dining room." Steve looked like he wanted crawl under the table. As we were finished and heading out the door, Seth and Luke went to get the Escalade warmed up for us, and Steve was standing talking to Uncle Jake, I was alone for a moment -- waiting for Steve
"Dis one be betta fo you den dat udder -- dat passed on. You need him much as he need you. Dats a good sign." Etta said to me. I told Seth what she said. "That is a good sign -- that Etta approves!" He said.
Steve was a little disappointed when we announced the seating arrangement. He was riding shotgun while I was to ride in the back seat with Seth. Luke was driving. We waited until the small talk subsided, and Luke actually involved Steve with some front seat talk. I think Seth put him up to it, so he could talk with me.
"So what was it that you wanted to talk about today, Jamey?" Seth asked, taking my hand in his, as we sat close in the back seat of the big Caddy. Holding my hand put me at ease a lot. It said to me that this isn't a formal counseling session, but rather a talk between two loving friends.
"I like pain." I said simply.
"Yeah, you've told me that before."
"Is that sick?" I asked.
"Hmm. I dunno -- what do you see as normal?" He countered with.
"I thought this wasn't a formal session." I said.
"Huh?"
"You're answering my questions with a question. Isn't that what therapists do?"
Seth smiled broadly. "Jamey -- This ISN'T formal -- that's true." He squeezed my hand. "If it were, I would not be sitting close to you or touching you. But so much of psychology is perception. If you don't see a particular issue -- or action -- as unusual or abnormal, and if it doesn't hurt anyone -- including yourself -- then I would not say it's sick. However -- if it IS hurting you, then we need to discuss it more I suppose."
"I don't think it's hurting me. So does that mean we're finished?" I said, not a little disappointed.
"Oh no. I want you to be satisfied -- or feel better about it -- if you can. Tell me a little a little more detail." Seth had a way of looking at me -- or into my eyes that gave me complete trust in his integrity.
"Well, the thing that is most concerning to me -- and it feels weird talking about it -- even with you - "
"Interesting you would say, `even with me'. Why would I NOT make you nervous?"
"Good question. I dunno. I assume you have this affect on everyone."
"Heh! Not really. Some of the people -- homeless or serious druggies -- well, let's say their level of trust with ANYONE they perceive as part of the establishment -- is pretty low. They don't trust their best friend sometimes."
"Well, okay. Anyway -- Steve's not huge, but - "
"I can see that. Are we talking about something other than his height and weight?"
I blushed deeply. "His dick size. The guy that attacked me -- his was nothing less than gargantuan. 8" -- at least -- soft -- over 9" that he rammed down my throat."
"And are you telling me you LIKED that pain? That HAD to hurt!"
"No! Not at all. I mean yes it hurt and no, I didn't like it! But I wonder if I would have liked it if it was Steve. Anyway - - Steve is not huge like that -- but he's probably on the large side of normal. And maybe I -- I dunno -- but maybe the length of my rectum is short -- but regardless - " I felt like any moment blood would come popping through my face I was so embarrassed. He squeezed my hand again.
"Jamey -- slow down a bit. And remember -- you are talking to a friend."
"I know, I know. <Sigh) Anyway - " I said willing myself to slow down and relax a bit. When I did, my head slipped back onto his shoulder. He patted my leg. I saw Luke's eyes in the rear view mirror. They smiled reassuring to me. I relaxed some more.
"So when he bottoms out -- it really hurts -- a lot. THAT'S what I really like. But I like it because -- first of all, if I didn't like it he would stop. And secondly -- Seth - " I lowered to a whisper, "he gets so -- um -- excited and wild -- I had to really encourage him to do that -- but when he does, to say I like it a lot is would be a gross understatement. I like it so much -- I don't xeven need to get off, myself."
I felt myself getting tense again. Seth pulled me down to where my head was lying in his lap. "Is this okay with you?" He asked, putting a pillow under my head. Steve looked back and looked shocked for a moment, than smiled and nodded, after Luke patted his hand and said something I couldn't hear. I felt funny about it, but also I liked it a lot. As I lay there, Seth stroked my arm.
I felt a huge surge of love -- for Steve -- as I lay there looking into his wonderful eyes. He actually made me think "dad" for a moment. I felt warm.
"Well, if there is no actual damage being done -- there isn't -- is there? Do you know?"
"We actually had a Urologist -- not just `a' urologist, but the hospital's best -- look at me -- inside. He said he was surprised that the damage was so little."
"So there WAS damage?"
"I little -- I guess. Steve?" I raised my voice. Luke turned down the sound system. Steve looked back at the strange sight of my head in Seth's lap. (Remember, there WAS a pillow there!) "What was it that Dr. Dressler said about my -- um -- the damage done -- inside me?"
"He said it was minimal. He told me that he'd seen more damage form a light case of diarrhea. And that it would be gone in less than a day."
"Okay then." Seth said. "Thanks Steve."
That was Steve's invitation to turn back to the front. "So, let me ask you again, Jamey -- what do YOU think about it? Does it seem wrong to you to enjoy pain like that?"
"Not really. I've enjoyed it for years."
"In what way?" He asked.
"Watch this." I took a clump of hair and pulled it out of my arm.
"Yeouch!" Seth said. "Doesn't that hurt?"
"That's the point!" I said. "It hurts but the rush it gives me is -- well -- something close to an orgasm. This is even better." I said as I took only one hair and slowly -- gradually pulled it out.
"Oh, GOD, Jamey, that's - "
"Sick?"
"Well -- no. Not exactly."
"Just somewhat, huh?" I said.
"Jamey, as long as you enjoy it and it is not hurting you -- I mean anything permanent -- I see nothing wrong with it."
"I don't think I'd like someone else do it, though. Do it."
"What -- you mean me? No way!"
"Not from you! Pull out one of my hairs -- slowly."
Seth isolated another arm hair and started to pull it out. He closed his eyes tightly and kept pulling. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth. "It hurt more when you did it."
"Damn you, Jamey! Don't tell me that! I didn't want to hurt you!"
"It didn't hurt THAT much, Seth!" I said, and I kissed his hand. "It just felt less good when I wasn't in control. But -- there was something else that WAS good. That I was willingly relinquishing my will -- to you -- felt excellent!"
"Interesting." Said Seth. He continued. "That's all I can say about it. Years ago, when I was 17, I stole away from my parents' room when we were out of town and I was sort of kidnapped by two pretty scary guys -- both a lot older than I was.
"I was very immature back then -- more like a 13 or 14 year old maybe. I've never admitted this to anyone -- hardly even to myself -- but -- I was actually disappointed -- at the time -- that they never got to do anything with me. I think it's a similar thing. I wanted the thrill of getting hurt -- or something. Anyway -- are you satisfied that you are not too crazy or weird?"
"Is that you're diagnosis?" I asked.
"Now who's answering questions with questions?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty satisfied. You could probably satisfy me more, but Steve and Luke would probably resent it." I felt a surge go down to my groin as I said that! Seth really does turn me on!
"I -- uh -- have no desire or inclination to do anything like that." He said flatly.
That hurt! But I smiled, and he did too, and he stroked my forehead. I got up and gave him a half hug and sat up straight.
"You guys ready to make a switch?" said Luke.
"I think Luke's ready!" whispered Seth.
"What?" Said Luke.
"I think we're ready."
"Okay." Said Luke as he pulled off the highway onto a small piece of paved shoulder. "As long as we're stopping, I gotta pee." Said Luke.
"I'll go with you!" Said Seth.
"Pervert!" rejoined Luke. At that Seth laughed evilly.
That left Steve and me alone. I hopped out of the SUV and protected from prying eyes of passers by, by the truck, we both peed. When we were finished, Seth and Luke were still not back, and Steve rubbed his crotch. "Got something going there?" I asked.
"It kind of was a turn on watching you guys back there. It was innocent enough, but there was a lot passing between you two that looked intimate -- I was -- well, not really jealous, but -- anyway, it made me horny!" He said as he rubbed himself again. I stepped closer and rubbed it for him. He responded with a quick swelling even bigger.
"Get in!" I said. He got in and I pushed him over on his back, and started unzipping his pants.
"No, Jamey -- they will be back - "
"You watch for them!" I said as I hauled out his soldier, surrounded it with my mouth and immediately started to bob up and down as fast as I could. In seeming record time, he was there! He started to moan and I took him deep. He grabbed my head and started to thrust deeper. I felt the choking and it reminded me of when Robert attacked me, but I knew it was Steve and I got control of my gag reflex. I scrunched his butt really hard. He thrust deeper and then I felt his soldier shoot his stuff into my throat. I buried my face in his pubes and just swallowed as fast and much as I could. He was crying out louder than I imagined he would. I opened my eyes. His were closed! He stopped thrusting and we both heard Seth and Luke laughing as they appeared from their own hiding place.
We may never know whether they were giggling at hearing us or were coming from their own party, but by the time they got back to the Car, we were sitting and waiting for them.
"So!" said Seth. "Guess we're ready to go! Want me to drive sweetie?"
"No, I'm okay."
Both Seth and Luke looked out of place sitting up in that huge SUV. They were both so small! I got yet another demonstration of how I loved satisfying my guy -- even though it hurt when he was buried in my throat. I thought about that and other things in silence most of the rest of the way (abut 1 ½ hours) because Steve fell asleep on my shoulder.
I carefully removed the top of his seat belt and he snuggled down on my lap, thrusting his lower hand under my crotch, the other going around my waist. At first he squeezed my package softly, but as he fell deeper asleep, his hold relaxed, but as the car occasionally lurched one way or the other, his hand would jerk and hit me directly where it counts. I chuckled each time it happened. I finally fell asleep too.
"Jamey -- we're getting close. How do we get to your house?"
I popped awake and so did Steve. "Get off the San Diego freeway at the 10 -- Long Beach Freeway." I said. When they got closer I told them to go west on the 605, and we got off at Rosecrans Ave. From there we went to Compton Blvd, turned right and then immediately left on Cerritos and on to Scott Street.
I had called Home and Habby was waiting outside for us. He acted like he was doing something in the yard. "Hi! He said, running up to the SUV. Cool Caddy!" He said.
"Thanks!" said Luke. "It belongs to the Smiths. I'm Luke." Habby shook his hand enthusiastically.
"Did I meet you when I was down there?" he said, cocking his head.
"No." Said Seth, striding to Habby. "You only met me and my brother, Chris."
"Oh! Yeah. That's right. You're -- um -- Shem?"
"Haha! Close. I'm Seth."
"Oh - - yeah! "Hi Steve!" Habby said, giving Steve a warm hug. They both beamed. Lastly he hugged me -- every bit as close as he did Steve. "Well, I think everyone is coming. Melanie is bringing Jordy -- or wait -- the other way around. Jordy's also bringing his roommate -- the guy you bought your car from -- um - "
"Darrel's coming?" I said. "Cool! Heard anything from Joey?"
"Who's that?"
"Someone else I invited, but come to think of it -- he only has my cell phone number."
"Okay. Oh! There's someone else coming with Jordy and Mel."
"Oh? Who?" I said.
"I dunno -- someone I don't know. But I told them okay. Oh! Name's Robert." I froze. Steve saw me and came over.
"It can't be the same Robert, Jame!" He said.
"I guess not. But it freaked me out. I had almost forgotten about him."
"What time's everyone coming?" I asked.
"I told them all 6:30. Oh! Grant called too. He'll be here, he said, and also -- is it John?"
"Yeah. Good." I punched in Joey's number.
"Y'ellow!" he said
"Hey! This is Jamey."
"Uh -- Jamey -- I -- oh! Jamey -- from the Bermuda flight. Hi."
"You coming tonight?"
"I dunno." He hedged. "It's pretty far to go for a party."
"It's no further than the airport from where you are. Belmost Shores is about 6 -- 7 miles away -- as the crow flies. Maybe 11 total, if you're not flying!" And not giving him room to hedge any more, I said, "And besides, I invited my friend Jordy just for you?"
"For me -- or to show me around?"
"I invited him because he knows so many people -- especially gay people."
"I know. I'm sorry. But -- I just -- I really like what I have with Bill - "
"We'll come pick you up, Joey! Have you forgotten that we made a special connection?"
"Oh -- you don't wanna do that!?
"I really do. I could see how that guy was abusing you."
"No -- it's okay -- I'll come. Give me the directions."
I gave him easy directions and he said he would be here. I told him 6:00 PM.
When Joey got there at 6:00, I was at first a little concerned -- I had purposely lied to him about the time to get him to be here on time. He arrived at 6:00 on the dot. But it was okay, because Steve, Luke and Seth were already here. I told Seth a little about the situation. He and Luke immediately swept Joey away and kept him occupied.
When Jordy arrived, with Melanie, Darrel and another cute looking younger guy, I introduced Jordy to Joey. "Hey!" Jordy said.
"This is the guy I told you about, Jordy."
"I figured. Joey, this is my roommate, Darrel."
"Oh -- then you guys are together?"
"Nope. Just roomies."
"Not to say we haven't played a bit!" Said Darrel.
"Shut up!" Said Jordy. "We only do what comes naturally for any teen after going to bed."
"Oh." Said Joey. After a long pause, he added, "What's that?"
"They jacked off in their own beds!" I said, and looked at Darrel when I said "Goobers!"
"I've never done that." Said Joey.
"Try it -- you might like it." Said Jordy.
"Anyway -- lets go into the kitchen where the food is -- and - - where my dad is!" Habby was about to burst from holding his laugh in.
"And this is Melanie, my cousin." Jordy said, and then added, "And this is her boyfriend, Phillip."
I immediately looked at Habby. He smiled like he knew. The smell of the pizza drew everyone into the kitchen. Everyone was introducing themselves around to my dad. I grabbed Habby. "What's up with that?"
"It's cool. Me and Phillip get along real good." I thought to correct his English, but then thought better of it. This isn't the place or the time.
"When did you and Melanie break up?"
"We never really went together. We just kinda drifted apart. Well, not exactly apart. We still are buddies. Maybe that's all we were -- buddies."
"Hrmph! Yeah! Fuck buddies!"
"Yeah -- that! But that got boring. It's all we really had together. She's older than I am and - "
"It's obvious she's older than this other guy too."
"Oh yah! He's a year younger than me. But he's cool."
"That's important." I said mirthlessly.
"Where are the Birthday Boys?" I heard my dad say.
We walked into the kitchen. "We're here." We answered together.
Dad had set up tables in the front room with a variety of board games on them. Melanie, and her boyfriend,
Phillip, and Habby decided to play Monopoly. Steve and I decided to play Scrabble, and were joined by Seth and Luke. That left Darrel, Jordy, Grant, John, Dad and Joey to play either Parcheesi and I was chagrinned and embarrassed that dad actually had set up my old game of Battleship! I was surprised when Jordy screamed. "Battleship! Cool. Who wants to play?"
Joey come alive. "I LOVE battleship!"
Perfect! That left Dad, Darrel, Grant and John to play Parcheesi. Darrel decided to sit in with Melanie and Phillip -- and Habby.
"Um -- we're forgetting something!" Dad said.
"What?" Habby said, hopefully.
"Well, I saw that there were a few gifts that came in. Shouldn't we do that now?"
"We can wait until we do the cake." I said.
"We can do the cake now!" said Habby, more like an eight-year-old than a sixteen-year-old.
I looked around the room, and everyone but Habby was grinning. "Well," I started, "Looks like it's between you and me, Hab. Wanna arm wrestle for it?" He made a pouty face. I gave in. "Okay -- but I don't wanna EAT my cake until later."
"Oh, you're one of those who wants his cake but DOESN'T want to eat it!" Joked Steve. Only Dad and I laughed.
Habby ran and got a meticulously wrapped gift and held it out to me. Now I felt foolish. He was mostly excited to give his gift to me! As soon as I saw it I was suspicious. The shape of the box, about 1"x3"x12", suggested something familiar to me. I said, "Wait. We'll open ours together. I went into my bedroom and returned, my hand behind my back to shield a wrapped gift box the same shape as Habby's.
"Oh no!" He laughed. We both ripped in to our presents. Both of us had gotten the other a leather steering wheel cover for our cars! Everyone roared over that! Dad took a picture of two grinning brothers holding up our identical gifts. Dad had already given Habby "his" car, and he was happy with it, but dad stole into HIS bedroom with two identically wrapped presents and gave one to each of us.
They were in large boxes that weighed practically nothing. I opened mine and inside was a pair of matching - - - license plates! Personalized license plates. We both laughed with happiness when we saw them and held them up for all to see. His said, "HABMBIL". Mine said, "POOF BOY"
If course I'm kidding! Mine said "JTA(Heart)SAJ". I looked at dad in shock. Everyone else looked at Steve and then back at me and then cheered! "What's the "A" for, I asked. I didn't even know Steve's middle name!
"I like to keep that a secret."
"Oh, don't be silly, Steve." Dad said. "Arlan is a fine name. Why don't you like it?"
"I never liked it! But, thanks `Dad'. Now all these friends know it!" Steve said grinning.
"How did Dad know?" I asked.
"He asked me. I didn't know he would stab me in the back!" Dad stepped to Steve and started to rub his shoulders. "Ohhhhh yeah -- a little to the left - - `DAD'!" Steve was grinning from ear to ear as was my dad. "A little lower there, uh huh! That's better! Oh! WELL! If you're gonna massage down that far maybe we should get a room! Haha -- but it does feel - - OUCH!"
"You have a pretty hard lump here, Steve." Dad reached down into Steve's rear pocket and Steve slapped his hand.
"That's for my Sweetie Pie, `Dad'!"
Then Steve beckoned me with his finger. I shyly went to him. In front of all these friends, he got down on one knee and said, a little slurred, "Jamey, I believe in long engagements. Wanna enter into one with me?" With that he reached into that same back pocket and retrieved a ring. It was woven gold and silver (I thought -- later I learned it was platinum) and a 1 carat diamond set between the weave. He took my hand and slipped it on.
"I knew it would be too big. We can get it sized to fit later."
I was beside myself with several emotions. Not the least of these was embarrassment. I didn't know what to say. I certainly didn't have anything to give Steve. "Steve -- I don't -- I mean , I can't - "
"It's YOUR birthday, Sweetheart." He said, getting up from his knees and hugging me close.
There were other gifts -- joke gifts and such, but the rest of the evening was overshadowed by my embarrassment and chagrin. And my dad was in on it! Didn't he understand how this would make me feel?
I didn't really notice what anyone else was doing before it was time to stop. I hugged Joey, forgetting he was staying for the night. He thanked me and told me he couldn't possibly express what this evening meant to him. I had no idea what he was talking about. John and Grant hugged me as they left too. They would be going to Grant's for the rest of the weekend. I didn't know what to think about Habby's break with Melanie. Well, he is only 16, after all.
Jordy, Darrel, Melanie and her boyfriend all left together. It seemed everyone had a wonderful time. Well, everyone except one.
As soon as everyone left -- that were leaving -- Steve started to carry trash and dirty plates, glasses and silverware to the kitchen. Dad grabbed me and led me to his room.
"What's wrong, Jay?" He said. I sat on his bed -- more like dropped on to it. I sighed.
"Dad -- how can I keep up with this? I feel bought and paid for. I KNOW he doesn't mean it that way -- I KNOW it! But I still feel that way!"
"Jay, we've talked about this before. There will never be any couple where everything is equal. I have another gift for you, by the way. But anyway, if you think that you and Steve both want to make this work, you'll have to get used to this. He probably will always have more earning power than you. That's just one or the things that you and Steve will have to encounter. Everyone has their `things to encounter', Jay."
"But how do I deal with this -- this -- feeling that - " I stopped. "I feel like `the woman' here!"
"That's the fault of your `traditional' upbringing, Jay. But let's analyze your situation a bit. I know a little about gay relationships."
"How do you know about - "
"Let's put that off for another discussion. Let's say I've been reading a lot for now. Jay -- are you a bottom or a top?"
"DAD!"
"Settle down, son. It just seems to be a reality among gay couples. One is mostly top and the other is the bottom. What are you in this relationship?"
"Well, I feel weird even talking about it -- to you. But -- I like both -- but -- mostly, I like to -- please. If that means I am a bottom -- then maybe that's what I am. But believe me, if Steve got as much from being on the bottom as I do, I'd be up there on top -- well -- a lot more. It's just -- I love the power I feel -- being responsible for -- his -- orgasms."
"So -- do you feel dominant -- or more the sub in your sexual life?"
"I dunno. I guesss I'm a -- well, I seem to direct what's going on. But I don't care about that! I just want him to enjoy it the most possible -- so -- I tell him what to do."
"So -- you're a dominant bottom!"
"I never gave it a thought. Maybe you're right. But I have more experience than Steve. Maybe once he gets more experience and -- more confidence -- he'll want to call the shots. But as I said -- I don't care. Actually - - his major concern is that I am not hurt and that I am well satisfied."
"Why is that a concern, Jay?"
"I think he feels bad that I don't get off as often as he does. I really feel strange talking about this with you, Dad."
"Jamey, I guess this is as good a time to tell you as any -- I guess I'm bisexual. But -- I just don't want to deal with another woman. I like sex with men."
"Men, Dad? You like sex with `men'? You mean like multiple partners?"
"No, son. I have had more than two, so I guess that WOULD be considered multiple, but -- I have only dated one at a time. I mean -- I don't go between them."
"You mean like I was!" I said.
"I'm not 20 years old, Jay. No, that's not for me. I married your mother when I was 23. And before I was 21, I did the same as you -- were -- doing. I dated a different girl each week for awhile, until I settled on two. It drove both of them crazy -- until I chose one -- your mother."
"But you're not doing anything like that now, huh?"
"Well, I've not dated any boy -- er guy more than three times."
"Boy? How old are the guys you're -- um -- dating?"
Now it was Dad's turn to blush. "The youngest was 19." My mouth dropped open. "But that was only one date. He was too -- immature and too -- aggressive. I have dated the same guy now for several weeks, and we are getting pretty close."
"How old is he?"
"25."
"DAD!"
"Jay -- he's 25, and I am 41. That's more difference than you and Steve, I know -- but only by a year."
"I -- I guess. What's his name?"
"I actually considered inviting him for tonight. But I wanted tonight to be about you and Habby. Jay, just accept whatever Steve wants to give to you. Whatever it is, the material things won't hold a candle to what you're giving him -- your youth. Who knows how long any relationship will really last. Some last a week. Some last a year. Some end over petty differences. Some end over major conflicts. Some - - end with when one dies. Jay, just cherish Steve as long as he is yours. And -- Oh! I said I have another gift for you."
"Yes?"
"Well, twenty-one is a pretty significant birthday. Maybe this has been watered down a bit by my admission to you -- and I did NOT want that to happen -- but anyway -- here." He handed me an envelope. I opened it. It had ten $100 bills in it. My mouth again dropped open -- for the umpteenth time tonight.
"Dad!" I said, "How - "
"I want you to spend it on whatever will make you happy, son. Hint: maybe you would like to pick out a ring or something nice for your guy -- when you go to get your ring sized."
I threw my arms around Dad's neck and said, "Dad, you're amazing! I don't think I could take another surprise tonight."
"I didn't mean to burden you with this one -- tonight."
"Who's burdening who with what?" Steve said, surprising us.
"You forgot to tell him!" Dad said to me, his eyes as wide as mine.
"Tell him what?" I asked.
"That you've hit your limit of surprises!"
"My dad's in love with a 25 year old."
"And - - - ?" Steve said, as if I had just told him that the walls are white.
"And - - - He wanted to invite him tonight, but didn't want to shock me."
"Oh. Wait -- him?" Steve said, looking harder at my dad. "DAD! You dog! When will we meet `him'?"
"Well, I'm glad it doesn't bother you!" I said.
"Well, it would be kind of hypocritical of me wouldn't it? No, that's okay -- he's your dad. It's expected."
"The way you've been talking tonight, one would think he was YOUR dad."
"Oh! That! Well, when the wine wears off, I may be embarrassed, but for now -- it seems right! Heehee!" And he hugged my dad. "Congratulations -- Hal!" And then he kissed Dad -- on the mouth.
"I'm thinkin' you better get this `boy' to bed, Jay! I'll bring a large glass of orange juice to you both."
"O.J.? What for?" I asked.
Steve started laughing -- too hard. I didn't realize he was drinking so much wine. I felt it a little, but -- maybe he did it to accomplish what he wanted to do after dinner. "You father is a smart man, Jame! He knows that alcohol depletes vitamin C, and that hangovers are much less if you drink or take C before going to bed."
"It also depletes sexual prowess." Dad said, laughing.
"Hah! That means Jamey gets to be on top tonight!" Steve said. I turned several shades of red and purple. Dad roared. Habby, Seth, Luke, and Joey were already in bed -- I guess. I was happy no one else was there!
I WAS on top -- and Steve laughed when I came.
In the morning, Steve still woke up with a headache. I told him that he had too much to drink last night.
"Aw, Jame, I haven't let my hair down and just had that much fun since -- well since high school. I really felt like a teenager again."
"Do you remember everything you said?"
"I assume so. Why was there something I shouldn't remember?"
"You kept calling my dad, `Dad', for one thing. And the proposal-on-one-knee thing? That was -- um -- embarrassing."
"I'm sorry Sweetheart! I didn't plan it that way. Now the alcohol IS to blame for that! Are you pissed?"
"I guess not. Do you remember kissing my dad -- on the lips?"
"I did not!" He denied.
"Yes -- you did!"
"Oh - - crap!" He said. "And this morning your dad is probably doing his home made waffles! And everyone will be there!"
"Well, no one saw it but me -- and Dad."
"Do you remember -- um -- how I said good night to you?" I asked.
"OHHhh yeahhh! You climbed on top of me, and did something that made me laugh. What did you do?"
"I kissed you." I said. "Let's get up." I decided that if Steve wants to "let his hair down" once in a while, it's okay. My feeling s were hurt, but I've given his plenty to worry about. I also decided that it was my goal to get Steve to let his hair down -- without the need of getting wasted.
Notes: So -- what was that about? Well, I know -- for once -- but I ain't tellin'. But as usual, I know some of you want to guess. But I STILL ain't tellin'! LOL! Thanks and love, Steve (stevethomas535@hotmail.com)