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:
Jack Smith -- uh -- that would be me Billy -- Jack's closest brother, 3 yrs older. Will Smith -- My dad Vivian Smith My mom Art -- Jack's oldest brother, 9 yrs older. Ralph Gilmore -- a new friend - deceased Stacy Whitworth -- a catalyst/friend George Toliver -- old grade school buddy George Toliver, Sr, -- (duh!) Cynthia Toliver -- (Mrs. Duh!) Jim -- George's cousin Uncle Jake Smith-- Will's Brother Aunt Lindy -- Uncle Jake's wife Seth Gary -- One of Jake and Lindy's other nephews Etta -- The Jacob Smith's housekeeper. Jake Smith Jr. Jack's cousin Colin -- Jake's partner Carrie Smith -- Another of the Smith cousins Al -- Carrie's Partner Chris Gary -- Seth's older brother. Craig -- Chris's partner Mario -- Old high school friend
From Chapter 19:
"Night-night, Jack! Night-night, Jimmy-boy!" Craig said. Pleasant dreams.
But I didn't dream that night. I only slept, warmed on one side by Craig, and on the other by Jim.
I woke up on my side. Jim was spooning me from the rear, his hand and arm around my waist, with my pee-pole firmly in his grip. Chris's dark blond hair loomed close in front of me, as I spooned him equally as close, trapping Jim's hand where it was. It didn't seem to mind! Craig was backed in close to Chris, and my arm was around both of them. It felt something like what heaven might feel like -- I thought. I went back to sleep.
Chapter 20
The next time I woke up, I heard our door to the showers click shut. I heard talking too, but through the door and wall it sounded like faint mumbling. Then I heard it! Some loud gasps, a loud, "SHhh!" and giggling. I guess someone was having fun in the shower! Or rather -- some two!
"You awake?" Whispered Jim in my ear ever so faintly.
The room was warmer and no one was spooning any longer. I turned toward Jim. I smiled. He started to kiss me, but both of us turned away. Too much shellfish and chicken livers last night, I guess.
"That was -- interesting -- last night." He said, again whispering very low, so as not to wake Chris and Craig.
"I hope we didn't freak you out!" Said Chris, turning. Craig just laughed.
They were both awake too.
Sounded like someone was having fun in the shower!" I said.
"Yeah, that would be my brother -- and Luke." Said Chris. "I love seeing them. I think they will be teenagers forever!"
"Just because YOU're getting old," Said Craig, "don't expect the rest of us to! I hope you don't expect me to grow up!" He said and he started to tickle his partner.
"Don't!" Whined Chris.
"You ARE getting to be an old fogy!" Said Craig.
"He's just showing off to impress you!" Said Chris. "Craig used to be a terrible morning person, whereas I was always awake and ready to play long before him. Now we've switched roles. He's the morning guy and I wake up slow. It has nothing to do with age!"
"That's what ALL old guys say!" Teased Craig. "So did you guys sleep okay?"
He added.
"It was different." Said Jim. "I woke up several times."
"I slept like the dead -- all night. I woke up once early morning, and we were all like so many spoons in the flatware drawer. "YOU" I said looking at Jim, "had a death grip on my dick!"
"Nuh-uh!"
"Yup! But Chris was backed into me so tightly that you probably couldn't remove it if you wanted. My arm was around both Chris and Craig."
"Yeah, you were rubbing my upper arm for awhile." Said Craig. "It woke me up -- then seemed to put me back to sleep."
"It felt so good -- so natural -- sleeping between you two!" Said Chris. "Like Jack, I never woke up -- until Seth and Luke started to play in the shower. As much of a morning person as I used to be, I never beat Seth up in the morning."
"Well, after last night, I'm ready for a shower, myself." Said Craig.
"You never wanted your shower by yourself before!" Pouted Chris.
"You know that's not what I meant!" Craig got up and turned on the lights. That was the first time I got a look at him in full light. He was magnificent. One arm was badly hurt at one time and he had a scar over one eye, but that only gave him more character than anything else.
Craig pulled Chris up out of bed. If Craig was magnificent, Chris looked like a movie star. He wasn't built quite as much as Craig, but the perfect baby-smooth skin that I saw on his face extended to his whole body. I don't think there was a blemish on him. Craig pulled him toward the shower. They grabbed some towels in a cabinet just inside the door, and then the door closed.
"That was better than porn!" Said Jim.
"Haha!" I laughed. "You mean last night?"
"Nope! Just watching the two of them head into the shower! Wish we were going with them!" he giggled.
As if on cue, the door opened and Craig said, "You guys coming?"
"Coming!!??" Said Chris, out of sight in the shower room. "Even THEY're not THAT fast!"
Jim and I both jumped up and ran to the showers. Jim stopped cold with what he saw: Two gorgeous men, back lit by the sun which was pouring in the window-wall, with not a cloud in sight and two of the Santa Barbara Islands out in the sea. The sea was a study of greens, silvers and blues and the sky was deep blue, except where the sun washed it out to greenish yellow.
"Wow!" He said low. Craig picked up some soap and started to rub it all over Chris's body. Chris did the same and then they came together, front to front, and washed each others backs and butts. Jim and I could do nothing but gawk! Neither Chris nor Craig had even the start of wood, but Jim and I were both had rigid poles.
"There's another shower station over there!" Said Chris, smiling at our teen naïveté. Both of us almost jumped and strode to the station next to the other guys. When we turned it on, it came on at perfect temperature. We tried to imitate what Chris and Craig did.
The other two finished and grabbed their towels and walked out, closing the door. Immediately Jim fell to his knees and started to suck me. I flinched pulling out and he said, "I owe you this! Last night was awesome, but you never - "
"Oh I got off! You were asleep!" I told him how I got off, sucking his softee.
"Then I still owe you this!" He said. It didn't take long to finish me off. When I started to feel it rising, I half fell against the tile wall and under the shower and started to gasp and grunt as I pumped his mouth with my stuff. When I finished, My knees buckled and I slid down the wall, and sat in front of Jim, who immediately kissed me. My own jizz, mingled with his unbrushed teeth and mouth, was strong, but heady to the max.
"Bravo!" I looked to the end of the shower room and there was my cousin Jake standing there, leaning in the doorway, grinning. "Thanks, Cuz! Nothing like a little live porn to wake up to in the morning!"
Both Jim and I couldn't help staring. I had never seen Jake like that before. His pubes were shaved clean and his dick bent the wrong way. It curved out from his body instead of up toward it and then had a distinct bend. It was a little grotesque but made my mouth water.
"I get that a lot!" he laughed, as he walked into the shower.
"What?" Said Colin, who came in behind him.
"They got the full Monte look at me after they put on a porn show for me!"
"Oh!" said Colin, laughing. "They got to see Mr. Bentley at his best, huh?"
"Mr. Bentley?" I said -- then it hit me -- BENT-ley. I laughed and then Jim did. We got up and finished showering, a little cowed by what happened, but it was pretty fun at the same time. Colin and Jake teased us the whole time we were in there. Colin told us that they all loved having another young and "innocent couple of kids" in their midst.
"Yeah, we can do our best to bend and twist their minds!" Said my cousin, with an evil laugh. I never felt so accepted and loved! The more I got to know the Santa Barbara Smith's the more I liked them!
I think Jim was a little more overwhelmed than I was. His family was so stifled. George would have liked the Smiths -- and tried to keep up with their shenanigans. I like Jim a lot, but I am starting to wonder if I made the right choice in turning George away.
New Years Day was quiet. We mostly lay around, laughing, talking, and there was always some ball game on. Rob and Denny were the only ones really paying attention. I got a chance to talk a lot more to Seth. I think he put Luke up to distracting Jim so we could talk. I told him my concerns about still liking George so much. He told me some of his own history, including splitting up with Luke for an extended time, and Luke coming back to save his life and ended up staying.
Seth nearly died several times, and had seen a lot of heartache in his relatively short life. He is well qualified to help others. While we were talking, a knock at the door took our attention. Jake opened it and a tall lanky -- and (sorry) geeky looking guy, and his apparent partner, a short, cool looking guy - walked in. They were introduced as Rennie and Lenny. They were not as old as the others, but still have a couple years on Jim and me.
They too are shirt-tail cousins. Rennie is the brother of a girl who married Colin's brother, Bobby. Lenny and Seth almost ran to each other and then hugged for a long time. Then Seth introduced Lenny to me.
"Haven't we met before?"
"I -- don't -- think so." I said, feeling something familiar too, but not able to put my finger on it. "I'm from Downey. Grew up there and have never lived anywhere else." After talking for awhile we were able to identify one place we might have seen each other: In Hollywood, maybe 10 years ago -- we both were at a Star Trek "Trekkie" conference. I was there because I wanted to be -- at 8 years old, it was the one place that George's dad ever took us. Lenny was 10 at the time. He was named after Leonard Nimoy and Capt. Kirk. Leonard Kirk. His parents were serious Trekkies -- to his chagrin.
He was there only because he was dragged there by his parents. I got to talking to him. He and Rennie (short for Lawrence) had a pretty rocky beginning too. But he said they both always had a feeling they would end up together. "At least that's our story -- and we're stickin' to it!" He laughed.
After talking to him and also to Seth, I was no more enlightened than I started. Maybe worse. I wondered if there would ever be a future for me and George. But at present, I guess my pride won't let me give in -- not until he can show me he isn't still controlled by his parents.
I don't want to hurt Jim. I asked Seth what he thought. "Well, as long as you make it clear what your intentions are, I think you'll be okay."
"Yeah, that's what I think." I said.
"How long can you stay?" Asked Seth.
"Well, we don't have classes until the 9th of January, over a week, but -- Jim has to get back to work."
"You don't work?"
"As long as I stay in school and pull good grades, my parents are willing to support me."
"That's cool. Maybe when you're ready to make the jump to university, you might think of up here."
"I couldn't afford - "
"It's a state uni. It's not that expensive. What IS expensive is student housing -- or worse off campus housing."
"That's what I mean!" I said.
"There are two extra bedrooms here and I KNOW Uncle Jake wouldn't charge you! As a matter of fact he would shame you into coming here if he thought you were headed to a dorm or an off campus flat. Both of us give them something now that we are working, but it almost took an act of congress to make him accept that."
I looked across the room at Jim, but I was thinking of George. If only he could get away from his parents - - -
The more I looked at Jim, the better he looked. He was talking and laughing with Luke and Rennie. He hadn't shaved that morning and his shadow looked delicious. He had such an easy way with these people. I thought how cowed he was -- and still is -- with his cousin -- George. He looked over at me and caught me staring. He smiled wide, and tilted his head. Something inside me responded more than I expected. He then walked across the living room, into the kitchen, where I was. Seth turned to talk with his brother.
"What?" Said Jim.
"Huh?" I said, all innocent acting.
"You looked like you were trying to tell me something."
"Oh! Well -- I WAS wondering when you have to get back."
"I was SUPPOSED to be back to work at 3:00 today, but looks like I'm not gonna make it." He said grinning.
"Well -- aren't you afraid you'll get fired?"
"I called my boss -- she really likes me -- and told her I was stuck up here until at least tomorrow. She said she'd cover for me. There is this Mexican guy that is trying to get all the overtime he can get, and -- she likes him too."
"So when are you planning to drive back?"
"Well -- Jake invited me to play a game of `smear the queer' out on the beach."
"Say what?!" I exclaimed.
"That's what he called it." Said Jim , grinning. "I guess it involves one guy running with a football from one point to another out getting smeared by everyone else."
"And - - it's a game only queers play?" I said.
"No. Jake was on the track team, and while the footballers were playing games, the queers -- dubbed so by the footballers -- because they didn't play football -- played their own game in the end zone."
"Sounds brutal."
"Anyway, I wanna play." Said Jim.
Soon we were all out on the cold sand, tackling each other. I can see why it was called smear the queer! It really WAS brutal, but there's a rush or something about having 11 other guys all over you.
Once when Colin had the ball, Jake was the first one to tackle him, then all the rest of us piled on. Jake and Colin were nose to nose. Jake said, "Colin, isn't it?"
"Yeah. Jake?" Said Colin.
Jim and I almost panicked. We thought they had hit too hard and jogged their brains.
They explained that they had met this very spot some years ago, the morning after they double dated to a dance. Colin was with Jake's sister Carrie. But Colin came to run down here and ran in to Jake, also running. It was their first solo meeting and it was when Jake first invited Colin over for lunch.
Carrie had set it up -- the night before -- specifically to introduce Colin and Jake. She had met Colin at UCSB and decided her gay brother should meet this guy. And after years of trials -- AIDS for Jake -- and a lot of tears and joy -- they committed to each other for life -- in Los Vegas. By the time Colin was finished telling the story, I had a huge lump in my throat, and Jim had a faraway expression on his face.
"So -- now you know why I put up with all my sister's crap! It's for the love of this hunk here underneath me -- which place I like him best, by the way!" Said Jake. And he kissed Colin passionately. Jim turned away, tears streaming down his face. I wondered if he was also thinking of George.
As we walked back to the house -- a good mile and a half -- everyone seemed to pair off in their couples. That left me with Jim.
"I want that someday." Said Jim.
"Huh?" I responded.
"What Jake and Colin have -- or any of those other couples."
"Yeah. But they went through a lot to get where they are."
"I wonder if the others went through as much as Jake and Colin." Said Jim.
"I have an idea we haven't heard all of even Jake and Colin's stories."
"It takes a lot of dedication -- and love -- and forgiveness." Said Seth.
We turned and Seth and Luke were right behind us, overhearing what we said. He continued, "And I can guarantee each of us had to go through a lot to get to where we are today."
"That's depressing!" Said Jim.
"Not to us!" Quipped Luke.
"You young guys want it all NOW." said Seth. "If you had it all now -- I guarantee to you - - you couldn't keep it. Come here and sit for a moment."
He said, so we four walked a little out on the sand and sat in a circle.
"Here's what I know." Said Seth. He looked at me. "Can I share some of what we talked about?" I nodded. I think I would trust Seth with my life. "You both want this George character. In the absence of George, Jack wants Jim. Jim still wants George, and -- it seems George it seems wants Jack. That's not unusual. Luke went back to Hawaii because I couldn't make up my mind once."
"Really?" Said Jim.
"What can I say? I was young and immature!" Said Seth.
"So was I!" Said Luke. "And I'm considerably older than Seth."
"You ARE??!!" Said Jim, then his face revealed how embarrassed he was by that statement.
Ignoring that, Seth continued. "Jim, Jack, you both are still teenagers. And believe it or not, I can remember what that was like. Teens have enough to drive them insane without the added complication of being attracted to their own sex. Most guys your age are not even considering marrying or even staying with a girl for a prolonged period. And those that do usually end up breaking up or getting divorced."
"Wow!" Said Jim. I had already heard this lecture, but it didn't hurt hearing it again. And somehow having Luke there too, made it even more poignant.
Seth continued: "So don't be in a hurry to hook up long term with anyone. If you feel close to each other or want to play -- that's your decision, but -- save the heavy stuff for the one you expect to stay with."
"Heavy stuff?" Jim said.
"Anal stuff is too private -- and too intimate -- to share with a casual date.
I know that's not what you will hear in the mainstream media and TV and movies -- where two people think nothing of screwing their brains out with a different partner every week -- or night! But it's not healthy, and it gives unrealistic expectations to the longer relationship."
"Oh." Said Jim.
"I know that's a lot to digest in one sitting, guys, but it will give you something to think about. I'm not surprised that your friend George (cousin?) could not stay with his new wife. An arranged marriage is shaky at best. But when the guy is gay -- well -- it's a recipe for failure.
"And -- I know that some of the things I have said involve moral judgments -- which some psychologists say we should not get involved with -- but some things just make sense. There IS right and wrong. It's just that many people cannot see when two rights are at odds, that one point of view is just as valid as the other. And if my point of view is right, yours must be wrong! Not always true! And also, you are not some guys off the street -- you're family! So I hope you'll forgive me for sermonizing a little."
"You guys okay?" Hollered Chris from afar. He came back because we were so long in coming back.
"We're okay, Bro. Thanks for coming back." Said Seth.
"Well, come back soon. Rob and Denny, Jake and Colin, and Craig and I and the kids have to leave for the airport pretty soon."
"We'll be home in a few!" Seth said. "I guess we need to get back." He said to us. "I hope we can talk some more -- either today or another time."
"I hope so too." I said. "Some things just feel good -- and what you say - - feels good to me!" I looked directly at Jim when I said the last statement.
"Uh -- yeah -- me too." He said.
When we got back to the flat, all the kids were there (seven in all) and their mothers -- whom I had never met. One was plain looking but the other was a beautiful girl from Ukraine. I wondered why she was so content to just be a mother. After they left, I asked Seth what he knew about her.
"She's still pretty traumatized by the turmoil over there. Four of the kids are hers, and she lost her husband to war. The other two are her sister's kids and she's pretty much the same. All they want right now is to raise their kids." Then he asked, "How long are you two staying?"
"I have the rest of the week -- well until the ninth." I said as I looked at Jim. "I'm a little interested in taking another drive up the coast, maybe as far as San Francisco."
"I can't take that kind of time off right now," said Seth, "But Luke may want to go with you."
"Luke doesn't work?" Asked Jim.
"N-not exactly. He and his sister own an airline - "
"Wo!" exclaimed Jim.
" -- a small airline in Hawaii. He's on the board of directors and she runs the business. She prefers it that way and he -- doesn't care. Anyway, other than quarterly meetings, he doesn't do too much. He's not lazy though. He's still going to school at the university." Seth looked at Luke and grinned. "someday he may decide on a major!"
"I do a lot of surfing, too!" pouted Luke.
"Must be nice!" Teased Jim.
"Oh -- it is!" Luke teased back. "And unfortunately, I am needed in Hawaii in a couple days -- one of those meetings -- or I'd be tempted to drive up the coast with you."
"That settles it!" Said Jim.
"What?" I said, together with Seth.
"I'm goin'!"
"What about your job?" I asked.
"Hey -- it's McDonalds! I can get another job!"
"You don't want to just not show up." Said Seth. "Even McDonalds can give you a good recommendation - or not!"
"Oh, I'll call. MY boss likes me. If she can't let me do that, then she will give me a good rec. I'm not worried." He said. "Let me make a couple calls."
He first called his boss. She told him in fairness to the other employees, she couldn't allow that kind of time off unless it was an emergency. In my opinion, she practically set him up to tell her that it WAS an emergency. He didn't. So he gave his notice.
Then he called George. He had George's car. "Yeah? Really? You won't need it? Well -- okay -- you ARE??!! You gotta go home some time. MY parents? Well, I'm impressed! Yeah! Lemme talk to Mom. Mom? Yup! Mom, you're amazing! Okay. Thanks! Bye I love you too!"
"Wow!" Said Jim.
"What?"
"He told me to drive his car -- if we want -- up the coast. I was only concerned about getting his car back to him. He's -- um -- staying at our house right now."
"No kidding!?" I said.
"He's afraid to go home. He said his dad is so enraged -- he's never seen him that bad. I've never heard Uncle George even raise his voice!"
"And his mom?"
"I guess she's being a butt about it too. For crap sakes, can't they see he tried the best he could? It's not as if he left her. SHE left him! Was he supposed to keep `that part' of himself a secret -- or something?"
"Apparently. As a matter of fact - "
Jim's cell phone rang.
"Hello? Oh, hi George. Yeah. Oh -- oh! Well, I dunno if -- oh! Well, I feel kinda -- hmm -- I dunno -- well, I guess if you've already done it -- SHIT!
NO! Oh george -- you shouldn't - ! Well -- okay. I really feel -- I hope this doesn't -- okay -- okay -- OKAY, You've convinced me! Bye and omigod: Thanks! I love you! Bye." Jim hung up.
"Wow! What was all that about?" I asked.
"It's hard to know where to begin. He said he's sure his dad's gonna cut him off. They still don't know he's staying with my parents, but George had been charging up everything he feels he needs to get himself started -- on his dad's credit card -- which apparently has not been cancelled yet! And -- he called that place we stayed in, in Carmel and made reservations for you and me tomorrow night and also a place in Santa Cruz and then San Francisco -- two nights at the Hyatt Regency!" His face beaming.
I was silent for a few moments. "Of course we will call and cancel them." I said.
"Wha -- um -- WHY!!??"
"We can't do that. In the first place, the whole thing isn't right -- no matter how unreasonable your Uncle George is being -- and in the second place, sooner or later, they are gonna find out he was staying with your parents and then your parents will get blamed in one way or the other for letting it happen. That might cause a huge split in your family! I can't be a part of that." I said.
All the while, Jim was looking at me open mouthed. I -- oh -- well, I guess -- Damn! I know you're right, but -- SHIT! That sounded so fun -- and - - nice! It was like a dream -- to me. I've never done anything like that."
"Neither have I. But when I do, it will be because I earned it." I said, feeling quite self righteous. Then I saw his pouting face, and softened a little.
"Maybe we can at least keep the first night?" He begged.
I know that Jim has had a hard time -- feeling like he is poor for so many years. I relented.
"Jim -- I'm sorry. I don't know why I should take the responsibility for your family. I'll do whatever you decide."
He looked crestfallen. "Oh." He said. "So now I have the responsibility for the whole family on MY shoulders! Great!"
"Whatever you decide!" I reiterated.
"<<SIGH!!>> Okay! I decide - - - Just tomorrow night!"
"Tomorrow night it is!" I said, smiling.
"But now, I still feel guilty!"
"I don't! And once you made your decision, don't worry about it. It's a done deal! Worrying about it won't help anybody or anything." I quipped.
I never shared with Jim my suspicions that George maybe has some ulterior motives.
I made reservations at less impressive places, but liked the idea of staying in Frisco a couple days. We said our goodbyes to Seth and Luke, and as we were pulling out of the driveway, Etta came out and handed us a box.
"You bay-bees will need some good food to eat!" She said. I got out and gave her a hug. She was stiff as a board, and looked cross at me, but as we were leaving the estate, I looked back and she was smiling to herself as she went in the kitchen door.
The drive up highway one was as beautiful as it had been earlier in the fall. It rained once and by the time we got to Carmel, it was very foggy. We checked into the Normandy INN carried our few things to the door. I unlocked it and opened it and stepped back to let Jim enter.
Jim preceded me into the room and stopped cold and gasped.
His cousin was seated on the bed! So much for my suspicions.
Notes: "What diabolical scheme does Steve have up his sleeve?" I don't know if Subby (that's my subconscious!) has anything, but I sure don't! Comments are always welcome and invited! To Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and love, Steve