Just Together

Disclaimer: This story is fiction. It makes no claims to the true personality or sexuality of anyone involved. You already know if you shouldn't be reading this.

------------------ Just Together by jm_stories ------------------

Chapter XXXVII

*** [ 5/30/04 ]

"Hey. Aren't you supposed to be filming?" I asked Shawn as I noticed him walking up the stairs ahead of me with his suitcases.

"Oh. Hey. Yeah. I just got back from LA. I leave tomorrow night for Vancouver."

"Why the hell did you bother flying back? You could have just gone straight to Vancouver."

"I need to do laundry, and I wanted some time to relax -- and the tickets were already booked by the studios."

"Ah. Well, you're welcome to use my washer and dryer to speed things up if you like."

"Thanks. I may in the morning. I'm just gonna crash tonight. Well, after dinner. Have you guys eaten yet?"

"Nope. We're going out tonight. You're welcome to join us."

"Where are you going?"

"Melba's in Harlem. My cousin is also joining us," I said.

"What type of food?"

"They were rated the best chicken and waffles in the city."

"Not together though, right?"

"No. Together. It's a Harlem thing. Usually pretty good. I haven't done it in a couple years, but it's nice once in a while."

"Uh, yeah, okay. When are you leaving?"

"In a half-hour or so. Niko gets grumpy if his meal times change too much."

"Right. Where is he? I thought Michael was out of town."

"He is. Zoe is watching Niko."

"Zoe?"

"Susan's daughter. We've been in meetings all day."

"The Managing Director?"

"Yeah."

"Oh. I didn't know she had kids."

"Two daughters."

"Okay. Um. Stop by and get me when you're leaving for dinner?"

"Will do," I said and continued upstairs.

"Hey guys. Hey shorty," Joey said as he joined us a couple minutes after we sat down.

"How is it we beat you here from Brooklyn?" I asked.

"I got a call just after we talked. I'm not late."

"No. Just wondering if you got lost."

"Nope. It's not that hard to find. Is everyone having the chicken and waffles?"

"That's why we're here. I already ordered them."

"I can't imagine you liking it, but..." Joey shrugged.

"I know. I felt like something different. We've been eating out a lot since Michael's gone because I don't have time to get to the grocery."

"How are you, Shawn? Where's Scott?"

"I'm tired, but good. Scott's in Vancouver working on the set for a film I'm doing in a couple days."

"You'll get to work together. That's cool. Why so tired?"

"Late night wrap party?" I asked.

"Combined with a cross-country flight."

"What a wrap party?" Niko asked.

"It's a party you have when you finish filming a movie," I explained.

"Okay. Michael is making movie and Scott is making movie now. They have wrap party when all done?"

"Yep. Shawn is going to making a movie with Scott soon."

"Not with him, really. Well, I guess we are working on the same film, but..." Shawn babbled before I interrupted him.

"Got it. Is Aaron working on anything?"

Shawn laughed. "Oh yeah. 'Prom Queen'. He's playing some gay Canadian guy who sued his school to be able to go to the prom."

"Sounds like a straight to DVD film."

"Probably. Doesn't matter. It all pays. It's about having a career, not being a celebrity."

"I understand. Funny that he's the one being the prom queen," I smirked.

"Not really. Despite being straight, he's always been a bigger queen," Shawn shot back.

"What movie did you just do?" Joey asked Shawn.

"It's called 'The Underclassman'. Did you ever meet Nick?"

"Nick who?"

"Cannon."

"Uh, no, I don't think so. When would I have met him?"

"He's on the board of directors. He's not in town very often," I said.

"Okay. What about him?" Joey asked.

"He's in the movie. Well, he's the star of the movie, actually," Shawn explained.

*** [ 6/5/04, Saturday ]

"I ready. We go swim now?" Niko asked.

"Yep. You need to stay with me. Don't jump into the water unless I'm right there. Okay?"

"I know. Go now?"

"Let's go," I said and took his hand as we walked out of the locker room and into the pool area. He was bouncing with excitement. "Remember that if you have to go to the bathroom you have to get out of the pool. Don't pee in the water."

"I know. I know."

"Okay. You stay right there and let me get in first." I dropped down into the water in the shallow end and reached back for him. He jumped in without a thought and went under a bit before I caught him and pulled him to the surface. He was coughing, but there was a big smile on his face.

"Don't breath the water. Now we're going to learn how to swim. Okay?"

He nodded.

"Okay. You can't breathe in under water, but you can breathe out and make bubbles. So that's what we're going to do now. You put your face in the water and blow air out, and then take your face out of the water to breath in. Understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Watch me do it first, and then you can try. Okay?"

"Okay."

I held him out away from me and blew some bubbles in the water. "Now you try it. Take a deep breath first." He did it just fine and came up with smile on his face.

"Good job. You're really good at blowing bubbles."

"I like bubbles," he said and did it again.

"Okay. That's enough bubbles for now. When you swim underwater you have to blow bubbles like that so the water doesn't get in and make you cough. If you just blow a little bit of bubbles then you can stay underwater longer."

"I can stay under long time."

"Not too long. Only until you need to breathe. Watch me do it."

I put my face in the water and just let a few bubbles out, staying longer, and then looked up again.

"You want to try it now? Remember: close your mouth and only blow a little bit out your nose so the water doesn't get in. Just make little bubbles with your nose."

He did that just fine as well.

"Very good. You'll be swimming in no time. Now we're going to learn how to float," I said and sat him on the side. "Stay there and watch me so you know how. First thing is take a deep breath, and then lay back and relax," I said and then demonstrated.

"I do now," Niko said as soon as I stood up again.

"Okay. Hop back in the water and remember to blow little bubbles so you don't cough."

He pushed off and went to the bottom before I grabbed him and pulled him up. He coughed a little, but seemed happy all the same.

"Getting better. Now I want you to take a deep breath and lay back and relax. I'll hold you up until you're floating. Okay?"

He answered by taking a deep breath with puffed out cheeks and flopped back. I shifted my hands so I was just holding him up from the small of his back. He got a little panicky at first, but he eventually got it and floated on his own. We went to kicking next: first with me holding his hands, and then with a kick-board. It was good progress for the day.

When we got home Niko went up to the living room loft, laid across Dima -- the big stuffed dog -- and went right to sleep.

"Candide" loaded in on Monday, and closing for the lake house was on Tuesday. I attended final rehearsals most evenings until "Candide" opened on the 18th. Niko had a sleeping bag in the isle and, after the excitement of the first night, would fall asleep by the end of act one. On opening night he ran around telling the actors "break a leg" like a pro. He still fell asleep before intermission. I didn't go out with everyone after the show.

Michael got back on the 21st -- after things had settled down, of course. Only "Saturdays on Mars" had yet to open, and that happened the next Saturday.

I read for the first performance and the music was a string quartet. The turn out was only about 40 kids, but it was well received by parents and kids. Michael said he overheard people saying they were planning to tell others for next weekend. Hopefully we'd have a few less empty seats next weekend.

The first week Michael was back in town we went through several interviews with Niko for school. We totally played up the gay parents and two languages already aspects in hopes that we would get accepted to at least one, if not by our first choice. It would be early August before we would find out.

Ian read the next Saturday with a jazz quintet following him. There were a little over 50 kids and two of the drawings sold. Many of the parents with multiple kids just dumped the kids in the theater and then sat in the coffee house until it was over. I could understand that, but it meant that those kids didn't have any immediate supervision and were a bit rowdy until things got started.

*** [ 7/4/04, Sunday ]

"Happy birthday, Niko," I called out. He was up in the living room watching "Pete's Dragon".

"It my birthday now?" He asked as he ran to the stairs.

"Yep. You're four years old now."

"Cool. I get cake now?" He asked excitedly as he ran down the stairs.

"No. Not for breakfast. You can't have cake for breakfast," I said as I fixed his breakfast.

"Uh, huh. Cake good all the time."

"Yes, but it's not good for you all the time. You'd get really fat," I teased and poked his belly. He laughed and pushed my hand away.

"I not fat. When we go to lake?" He asked as he climbed into his seat at the table.

"We'll leave after breakfast."

"We be there soon?"

"About an hour-and-a-half. Not long at all."

"I not like long time," Niko said.

"I know."

"Can we bring 'Pete's Dragon'?"

"Yep. You can pick out a couple movies to take after breakfast," I said and set the bowl of cereal in front of him.

Michael walked out of the bathroom and kissed Niko on the forehead. "Happy Birthday, Niko."

"I four now," Niko said.

"Yes, I know. You're gonna be a big man soon instead of a little man," Michael said.

"This is pretty nice," Michael said as we pulled into the long gravel driveway.

"Yeah. It's not bad. You'll see that the house needs some work, but the lot and view are nice."

We cleared the wooded entry and the view opened wide to the lake. We had 300' of lakefront that jutted out a bit. The house was a two story salt box style set back about 150' from the lake. From the road to about 30' from the house was all woods. The neighbors on either side had larger lots and were mostly hidden with a strip of trees along the property lines. Grass and a gravel patio area stretched between the house and the lake. The lake, itself, was about five miles long and a half-mile wide. Our property was in the middle of the large part of the lake and within walking distance from the New York state line. We had a 50' section of sea-wall, but the rest of the shoreline was rocky. There was a dock still sitting on the shore since it was pulled for winter, but it was in sorry shape and all but useless.

"We go swimming?" Niko asked as he noticed the lake.

"Not until later. We have to unpack first," I said as I pulled into a parking spot. "I want you to stay away from the water unless Michael or I are with you. Understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Let's go unpack so we can go swimming."

The inside of the house was very rustic and felt more like a cabin. The upstairs was fairly finished looking, but the downstairs was bare stud walls with the sheathing showing. The floor was concrete. The one nice feature was the stone fireplace with its large hearth.

"It feels like a cabin," Michael commented.

"The upstairs is different," I said and lead the way. The walls upstairs were all insulated and finished with drywall. The floors were oak and looked new.

"Hmm. It's like a different house up here. Bathrooms?" Michael asked.

"The master has en suite. The other four share that one," I said and pointed it out down the hall.

"Which room do we want?"

"I say we take the master. I did all the footwork on this. Pick a bedroom, Niko."

"What one mine?"

"Whichever one you want."

"Where my bed?"

"We don't have any beds yet. They're being delivered tomorrow."

"Where I sleep?" He asked, confused.

"On the floor. It's only for one night."

"I'm glad we brought a pad -- even if it is just one night," Michael said.

"I agree. I'm gonna go bring in some more stuff," I said and went back out to the car. The first night here would be a bit like camping. The important appliances would also be delivered tomorrow. Today's meals would be out of the cooler.

After everything was unloaded I had to turn the water back on. When I did, however, the ice maker tap that once went to the refrigerator sprayed all over. I spent a few minutes cursing the former owners while Michael just laughed. I'd brought some tools with me, but nothing to fix plumbing, and any hardware store would probably be closed today. As a temporary fix so we could have working toilets and showers, I clamped the tube that fed the ice maker with a pair of Vice-Grips and put the end in the sink. It held, but I'd definitely have to either get a plumber out here or go to the hardware store tomorrow.

Not soon enough for Niko, we finally changed and went out to the lake. There were several boats out with skiers, a few jet-skiers, and miscellaneous pontoons and other boats. All in all a fairly busy day on the lake -- as anyone would expect on the fourth of July. The closest diving platform was about three houses south and being used by a handful of teens.

We walked into the water together where it was easiest. The rock and gravel shore didn't make for a nice beach feel, but the water was cool and felt great. It was about two feet deep near the shore, but deepened quickly and was over six feet deep thirty feet from shore. Niko would not be in the water without someone close to him until he was a strong swimmer. I think we'll dump some sand and create a soft beach. It was fun, nonetheless.

Dinner was hot dogs cooked over a campfire, chips and cupcakes for birthday desert. Most presents would wait until we got back home, but we brought a few he could open: water wings and a bunch of small toys or floating things. Once the sun set, fireworks started all around the lake. Of course we told Niko the fireworks were to celebrate his birthday and then added our own.

The fireworks had mostly settled down by the time we went inside and got ready for bed. Niko ended up sleeping with us, but fell asleep right away.

*** [ 7/5/04, Monday ]

A quiet and lazy Monday morning was interrupted by the screech of the backup alarm on the first delivery truck.

"You're on your own," Michael grumbled and pushed me towards the end of the air mattress.

I sat up. Niko wasn't in bed. "Niko!" I yelled.

"Yes?" Came a call from down the hall followed by the patter of feet.

"What were you doing?" I asked as he ran into the room.

"Bathroom."

"Okay. Get dressed, please," I said and pulled on some shorts just as someone knocked on the front door.

"Who that?"

"Delivery truck," I said and ran downstairs.

I opened the door to find a sleepy delivery guy who looked like this was his summer job. This truck was lots of furniture. It took a couple hours for the two guys to move everything in, unpack it, and set it where I wanted. In the mean time the appliances had arrived. By noon we had beds, dressers, living room furniture, dining room furniture, refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, and compact laundry stack. The furniture wasn't anything special since this was a vacation house and none of us wanted to spend the money for good furniture that would get ruined with wet clothes, sand, etc. Leatherette, otherwise known as vinyl, was the choice of covering.

After lunch Michael went out to find a grocery store to stock up while Niko and I played in the water. He got to sleep in, so he had to go shopping.

It will be nice when we get a canoe and some inner tubes. The lake was calmer today with only a few boats on it. After a while in the water it was time for a nap for Niko while I made a list of everything we'd need to get or do. A screened-in gazebo near the shore would be good. The mosquitoes weren't too bad last night, but a screened in area would be better. Actually a screened-in porch along the back of the house would be nice, if a bit more costly. The downstairs needed insulation and finishing if we ever planned to use this in the winter -- which I could see happening. A grill of some sort instead of just a fire pit would make it possible to make meals outside more easily. There was enough nearby that bicycles would be useful. I'd have to check if a three person tandem bicycle was available.

All the changes or improvements would have to be discussed with Charlie, Ian and Shawn, of course, but I don't think they'll have any problem with any reasonable improvements.

The rest of the week was fun and relaxing. Niko was in the water more often than not and was becoming a decent swimmer. We walked around much of the lake, met several of our neighbors and found where the public beach and different marinas were. Our close neighbors didn't have younger kids, and about half were vacation homes and half full-time residences.

Ian and his current girlfriend, Emily, showed up late Wednesday night. Well, they actually got lost trying to find the place in the dark and we weren't very helpful since we didn't know the roads very well and Ian couldn't tell us landmarks in the dark. I finally went out to the end of the driveway with a flashlight and waved it around until they drove by so they could find the driveway. Perhaps some reflectors or solar lights to mark the driveway would be needed, though there were benefits to it being difficult for anyone to find.

We showed Ian and Emily around the next day and then went home that evening, leaving them there. Niko wanted to stay.

*** [ 7/9/04, Friday ]

"Marpitt Theater. This is Jonah," I answered the phone. It was back to work after the short vacation.

"Hello, Jonah. It's Harry," Prince Harry said.

"Hey, Harry. What's up?"

"I'm in town and thought I'd stop by and take in a show. Any tickets available for this evening?"

"In the booth or in the house?"

"In the house. I'm going incognito tonight."

"No guards? How'd you pull that off," I laughed.

"I do have a guard, but just one. I'll need two seats together and one near, but not too near."

"Okay. Just a sec. and I'll see what's available," I said and walked over to the upstairs box-office computer. "So what have you been up to? Weren't you just in Africa?"

"Yes. I returned from Africa a couple weeks ago. Now I'm just on holiday. A couple mates and I are going to Argentina next week. Just to relax," Harry said.

"Sounds nice. Okay. There are two seats together in the first three rows or the last three, and a few random singles everywhere. Take your pick."

"Which is better?"

"Depends on your preference," I said. "You're right at the stage in the front, but have to look up and it's easier to miss something going on on stage. It's easier to watch from the back rows, but not as immediate. If neither of those work for you we still have center seats available for tomorrow night."

"How about the closest of the back rows and one in the last row on the isle for the guard?"

"Done. You're all set. What time will you be arriving? Are you going to come up and visit before the show or hang out in the coffee house?"

"I'll come up and visit if that's alright. Don't want to press my luck by being in the public eye too long with no distractions. Is six okay?" Harry asked.

"We have dinner at six, but you're welcome to join us."

"Um... Sure. That sounds good. Anything I should bring?"

"Just yourself and your friend. It's nothing fancy."

"That's fine with me. Is Michael in town?"

"Yeah. He's home until mid-September. You'll also get to meet Niko."

"Niko? Oh, right. The boy you adopted."

"My son, yes. He just turned four."

"Right. That officially makes you my most mature mate," Harry teased.

"Given the inbreeds you normally hang out with, that's not a very high bar," I teased back.

"True. True. Alright. I'll see you at six. Cheers."

"So what's for dinner?" Harry asked as we rode the elevator up.

"Hungry, are you?" I asked.

"Starved. We had an early lunch and have been running around all day."

"Okay. We're having hamburgers and potato salad."

"Are you not a vegetarian any more?"

"I never was. I just don't eat red meat. Anyway, the hamburgers are really ground turkey with onions, peppers and mushrooms in the middle. Have either of you seen 'Candide' before?"

"I've read the book, of course, but I didn't know there was a musical until today," John said.

"Same here," Harry shrugged. "It doesn't get performed very often, does it?"

"No. It's more of an operetta than a musical, so..." I said.

"You didn't tell me this was going to be an opera," John said to Harry.

"An operetta, not a grand opera. Michael even liked it and he hates opera. Unless you think 'American Idol' is brilliant entertainment, you'll probably like this," I said.

"You don't watch that, do you?" John asked with horror.

"Hell no. I despise reality TV. Even seeing the ads for those shows makes me want to disconnect the cable."

"Not destroy your tele?" Harry asked.

"No. I still like watching movies. I'd just block those channels, but they advertise on other stations, unfortunately. Doesn't matter. I'm not going to watch them and I'm not going to work on one again."

"You worked on one? Which one?"

"I ran camera on one for about a month. Give me professional actors and a fully scripted show any day."

"Why were you running camera?" Harry asked as we walked into my place.

"It was supposed to be a Union lighting job. That whole thing was fucked. It did earn me a 'get out of shitty gigs' card for a while, though."

"You're in a Union? I thought this place was non-union."

"It is, but I am a working professional. I don't take non-design jobs very often, but I try to stay active. It would be too easy to just get lost here and never experience anything new."

"Where is everyone?"

"Up on the roof. Michael is grilling the burgers. They'll be down when they're done."

"Why not eat up there?"

"Too damned hot. It doesn't become comfortable up there until midnight or so."

"Ah. Right. I guess it's usually been cooler when I've been here."

"Yep. Have a seat. Relax. What do you want to drink with dinner?"

"A beer?" Harry asked a second before John.

"Two beers, coming right up," I said and got them out of the fridge.

"So what have you been up to?" John asked.

"Running this place, mostly. We just got back from a lake house a couple of the people here bought together. It was a nice week."

"Only for a week?" Harry asked.

"It's less than 2 hours away, so we'll get there several times this summer. Now that both shows are running, and Michael's back, I have more free time."

"Daddy! Michael say get everything ready. Hamburgers almost done," Niko yelled as he ran into the room. He came to a halt when he noticed Harry and John.

"This is Harry and John, Niko."

"Hello," Niko said and gave them a wide berth as he came around to stand next to me. They returned the hello.

"Go wash your hands for dinner," I said to Niko.

"Okay," he said and ran to the bathroom.

"How bizarre. You go from no children the last time we met to having a four year old -- and in less than four years," Harry said.

"Yeah, I know. It does feel weird sometimes. Anyway, have a seat," I said and started getting all the condiments ready.

Michael walked in a minute later with a large platter of hamburgers and toasted buns.

"I'm here. The eating can commence," Michael announced. "Hey guys."

"You want a beer?" I asked him.

"Thanks."

I set the remaining drinks on the table, helped Niko into his chair, and sat down.

"What do you want on your hamburger, Niko?"

"Um...pickle and catsup, please. Lots pickles."

"As I thought. There you go."

"Thank you," he said and dug in to the huge burger.

"You talk like Uncle Charlie," Niko said to Harry after dinner.

"That's because they're both from the UK," I said.

"Who's Uncle Charlie?"

"Charlie Hunnam," Michael answered.

"Ah, right."

"Uncle Charlie making movie in...um...where?" Niko started and looked at me.

"In London," I answered.

"In London. He make movie in London. London in UK."

"Yes it is. I live in London, too, sometimes" Harry said.

"You know Uncle Charlie? He live with you?"

Harry laughed. "No, he doesn't live with me. I met him once the last time I was here."

"He live downstairs sometimes, and also in LA. That is a long way away."

"So is London."

"You have house here?"

"No. I'm just visiting my mates."

"What mates?"

"Um, mates are your mates," Harry said, unsure how to define a word he took for granted.

"That's how they say 'friends' in the UK," I answered.

"Okay. Is it 'break a leg' time?"

"Not yet. Pretty soon."

"'Break a leg' time?" Harry asked.

"Tell the actors to break a leg before the show. We go down around 7:30," I explained.

"Oh, right. I understand. I should probably do that as well."

"After the show."

"Right. Of course."

"And even then I'd be concerned. This is a cast of university students. It's very likely that you'd have to at least appear to leave right away or have the world know about it in a half-hour and be waiting outside," I added.

"They'd still know in a half-hour even if I left. How'd that make a difference?"

"Only in that they'd think you'd left so no one would be stalking the building. People are going to see you in the house, so we might have a problem after the show, anyway. Our luck is that we're in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan."

"Can't take you anywhere," John teased.

"Yeah, I know. Should I just watch from the booth and not visit the actors after the show?"

"You'll be fine sitting in the house," Michael said. "I don't know about after the show. I haven't spent any time with the cast."

"They'd text all their friends the minute you left. On the other hand, if anyone in the audience notices you and you don't visit the cast afterwards, it'll seem like you were being snobbish."

"Okay. I'll sit in the house and visit the cast after. We'll make it seem like security is escorting us out after. If it becomes problematic after I'll deal with it then," Harry said.

"What are you doing tomorrow morning?" I asked Harry.

"Nothing planned until afternoon. Why?"

"Have him read?" Michael asked me.

"Yep. Would you be interested in reading for story time tomorrow?"

"For your kids' show?"

"'Saturdays on Mars'. There's story time at 10:30. You just read about a chapter from 'The Magician's Nephew'. Very simple. Just perform it as best as you can. It's all ages four to around ten, so unless you read really poorly..."

"Isn't it a bit late to be looking for someone to do that?" Harry asked.

"No. I was going to do it, but you do a much better British accent," I smiled.

"It's about 50 kids, usually," Michael said. "Some parents are in the theater, but the ones with older kids tend to hang out in the coffee house."

"You should do it. It'd be hilarious," John said.

"Who would know about it?" Harry asked.

"Us here and anyone in the theater after you've read, but that's it."

"I've never done anything like this before."

"No one who's read so far has done it, either. New experiences."

"Do it. Your father would be thrilled with the whole community aspect of it," John said.

"Yes, I'm sure. What time would I have to be here?"

"No later than 10:30. Ten would be even better."

"Shit. We'd have to be up by seven to get here on time," John said.

"Just crash here. It'll be almost midnight when the show lets out anyway," Michael said.

"We don't have bunk beds set up anymore," I reminded Michael. "You'd have to share a queen size bed, or one person would have to sleep on the sofa."

"You can take the sofa," John said to Harry.

"I'm a prince. You should take the sofa," Harry smirked.

"This is the new world, and I'm not one of your subjects. Try again," John shot back.

"Um...I'm your best mate and invited you to come to Argentina with me?"

"Don't be so 'phobey and share the bed," Michael said.

"What about clothes?" Harry asked. "And the bodyguard?"

"Sleep naked, but there won't be much room if you invite the bodyguard, too," Michael smirked.

"Do they have to watch you all night? He can't leave and come back in the morning?" I asked, giving Michael's comment a quick smirk.

"Not unless you have your own security guard."

"Just get another night guard here and have him bring you some clothes," Michael suggested. "It's not like the guard that's been with you all night could stay awake."

"I can assign them a temporary code to get in and out of the building. Then they can come and go as they please," I said. "Actually, it could work to our advantage if they leave after the show. It'll seem like you left with them."

"Let me discuss it with them to see if it's a workable option," Harry said and went out into the hallway where the bodyguard was positioned.

"Okay. We're here for the night. Let's really start drinking," Harry announced as he walked back in several minutes later.

"You've got a show to watch first," I reminded him.

"Oh, right. How long now?"

"It's 7:25 now. Curtain is at eight."

"Is your liquor cabinet full?"

"Unless you want something special. We've got the basics."

"The basics will do. How about an espresso now? We can just get one downstairs, right?"

"Being a coffee house, I'm fairly certain. Try not to sound British and you may even get away with being in public."

"You know, every time I'm here I end up naked and pissed. Why is that?" Harry slurred with a stupid grin. Niko was in bed and after a few drinks we were all in the hot tub -- minus the hot part since it was still quite warm out.

"I don't know. It must be you. Are you ever naked and drunk elsewhere?" I said.

"Not naked."

"Too bad. You should work on that," Michael said.

"I will. Argentina should be brilliant for that."

"I hope this place is private. If someone gets a pic and it gets back to your father..." John said.

"Don't worry. It's my vacation and if he doesn't like what I do he can piss off."

"Big words when he'll be a couple thousand miles away."

"Yes, of course. I'm not completely daft."

"You know, we could do with some women. Don't you ever have any here?" John asked.

"What the hell would we do with a woman?" Michael smirked.

"Leave her to me, of course."

"You'll have to bring your own next time."

"What ever happened to inviting me to the New Year's party so I could play strip pool with Cameron Diaz?" Harry complained.

"We didn't have one this year. We just went out. She and Justin weren't even in town," I said.

"Oh. Well remember to invite me when you do."

"Don't worry. We will."

"What are you doing this year?"

"No idea. It's only July."

"If you're going to have a party you should start planning it now so people don't make other plans," Harry said.

"No one I know makes New Year's plans in July, and anyone who does is too in demand for our party."

"Do you want to have a big party this year?" Michael asked me.

"I don't know about a big one. This'll be Niko's first one here. Maybe next year would be better for a big one," I answered.

"Yeah. He'll also be a little older and maybe a little easier with all the commotion," Michael agreed.

"So next year?" Harry asked.

"More likely than this year. I'll let you know," I said. "We should be getting to bed soon. Show in the morning."

*** [ 7/10/04, Saturday ]

"How did I do?" Harry asked as I walked back to the wings after introducing the folk band, which was this week's music type. I pulled him further off-stage.

"Not bad for a non-actor doing a cold read."

He made a face. "Really? That bad?"

"You didn't stumble much, but you got a little monotone in places. We can ask Niko later if you want a kid's perspective."

"Uh, no thanks, mate. Kids are brutal. I've read to kids while being among them, but being up on stage...very nerve wracking."

"I don't see how it's any worse than anything else you do in public, but okay."

"It just is. Is it too early to have a drink?" Harry smiled.

"Yeah. Just a bit. Why don't you go around to the coffee house and get an Irish Coffee or something."

"They have liquor there?"

"Only the basics in coffee. You can't order a beer or anything like that."

"Good enough. How do I get there?"

"Go down to the dressing rooms, take the hallway to the front of the building and then go up one flight. The door to the coffee house is marked."

"Will I need a code to get back in?"

"Nope."

"Okay. I'll be back," he said and left.

I listened to the folk band do their bit. They were done before Harry returned. I did my end of show spiel and then went looking for him. He was waiting in the dock with his guard.

"Hey. I think we need to leave as soon as possible to avoid being caught. Can you grab John?"

"Sure. Problems getting your coffee?"

"No," he said and raised his cup. "But I did notice several people suddenly making phone calls."

"Right. As we expected. I'll be back," I said and left for the coffee house from the stage. John was still sitting in his seat in the theater and seemed to be asleep.

"John!"

He jumped and then gave me an annoyed look. "What?"

"Come on back. You're leaving now."

"What? Oh, right. Just walk up on stage?"

"Yep. Can you lean out into the lobby and call Michael first?"

"No need," Michael said as he walked up behind me. I could hear Niko in the dock.

As soon as John joined Harry we said our good-byes and they quickly left. Niko wasn't impressed with Harry's story reading skills -- though I didn't tell Harry that.

"This is Jonah," I answered my mobile.

"Hey, Jonah. It's Lisa. You've got a French kid down here looking for you and Michael. Says he knows you guys."

"French kid? What's his name?"

"Pierre something."

"Ah. Boulanger."

"Sure. What you said," she laughed.

"We'll be down in a couple minutes," I said and hung up.

"Who was that?" Michael asked as he came out of the bathroom.

"Pierre Boulanger is here, apparently."

"Who? Oh, right. The French kid. I wonder what he's doing here?"

"Probably to meet you again and then, hopefully, pay for a ticket and watch the show."

"That's fine for a little while, I guess. Niko."

"Yes?"

"We're going downstairs while to meet someone. Put your shoes on, please," Michael said.

"Who?" Niko asked as he ran for the door to put on his shoes.

"His name is Pierre. He acts in movies like Michael does," I said.

The visit with Pierre and his parents was fortunately short and they did buy tickets and watch the show.

*** [ 7/11/04, Sunday]

"Hello, hello?" Justin said as he walked in.

"See what happens when we leave the door open," Michael said to me. We were getting together supplies for the lake house.

"I know, but it's better than listening to him beating on the door and crying to be let in."

"Thanks for the warm welcome," Justin said and sat down in a stool at the kitchen counter. "Where's the little-est Martian?"

"Taking a nap. What brings you to town?" I asked.

"Eh. Just chillin'. Cam is off filming and I don't have anything happening. Going on a picnic?" He said and gestured to the cooler.

"Nope. Out to the lake house."

"Oh, right. I forgot you guys got a new place. When are you leaving?"

"Probably after dinner."

"Looks like I caught you just in time, then. When will you be back?"

"Thursday night," Michael answered.

"Why so short?"

"I'm still working Fridays and the kids' show is Saturdays. It's close enough that we can go for a couple days at a time. We're pretty much planning on doing that most of the summer."

"Right. Who else bought it with you? I know Shawn did."

"And Charlie and Ian. Ian is probably still there now."

"He said he was leaving this morning because he had to fly out to LA," Michael said.

"I missed that. Shawn won't get to use it until the summer is almost over. I think Charlie is supposed to be back at the end of the month."

"You guys mind if I join you?" Justin asked.

"As long as you only bring one bag and don't need to be back before Thursday," I said.

"And try to stay low key and avoid letting anyone know you're there. I don't want little girls breaking in and stealing shit 'cause they think it's yours," Michael said.

"Fine with me. I don't want to have to deal with that, either. Is it very private?"

"As private as you can be on a public lake with neighbors on either side."

"So will I be able to be outside?"

"I think so. Just stay obscured and don't draw attention to yourself."

"Can you do it?" I teased.

"Easily. About what time are you leaving?"

"After dinner -- so probably around six."

"Alright. I'm gonna get my shit together. I'll be back at six," Justin said and walked out.

*** [ 7/12/08, Monday ]

"Let's get a canoe," I said to Michael as we left the grocery.

"Now?"

"Yeah. There's a boat store right there."

"How do we get it back? Carry it?"

"It's a boat," I said to Michael and gave him a strange look. "One person would paddle it back."

"You, of course. I have no desire to paddle all the way back."

"Yeah. It is a couple miles, but at least it's not up river. Let's, at least, look to see what they have in stock."

We packed the car and drove across the street to the marina and boat store. It was very slow on a Monday morning. After about a half-hour we walked out with a used 16' Old Town canoe, paddles, a lifejacket for Niko, float cushions, and some rubber thingies that allowed us to put the canoe on the roof of my car without destroying either.

"Bastard. Now you've got me excited about going out in a canoe," Michael said. "I was hoping for a speed boat."

"You heard the guy. If we had a motorized boat we'd have to get a license for it and wouldn't be able to use it until then -- not to mention that we don't have a dock yet."

"Yeah, I know. It doesn't make sense to spend all that money for how little use it would get, anyway."

"Nope. Even the canoes were more expensive than I figured."

"Here's hoping that someone else will buy a speed boat. Where are we going to store this when we're not here? We could chain it to a tree or something."

"We'd have to get some chain and a lock first. I think we can take it into the house when we leave. It's not like we'll hurt the concrete floor."

"No," Michael agreed. "We should put down that rubber stuff. It would be perfect for this."

"Why bother?"

"I know it doesn't need it. It's just a thought. We should build that porch sometime soon. We could store the canoe on that and have a place to lock it in."

"Or under it. I don't think we'll be able to make any major improvements like that until everyone has been here."

"Yeah, I guess that's the nice way to do it. Stupid Shawn working all summer," Michael pouted dramatically.

"Well, if one of us was rich we could have just bought our own lake house," I teased.

"Absolutely, but it wouldn't have been this house or this lake. If I'm going to be filthy rich then I want a new house on my own lake. Actually, that would be really cool. If you had a house that was actually in the middle of the lake."

"Like a houseboat?"

"No. Like those floating houses in the Netherlands, but without all the neighbors," Michael said.

"Yeah. I suppose so. I think I'd want it on piers above the water rather than floating. If you had a motor boat on the lake or it was a windy day you'd have things all over the place."

"Or get sea-sick."

"Yep. How are you in a canoe? Have you been in one before?"

"I've been in one. What's there to do? You sit down and paddle."

"What if it tips over?"

"Then you get wet and swim for shore."

"Or right the canoe, get back in and bail it. There's also a way to get back in if you fell out but the canoe didn't flip," I said.

"Did you learn that in Boy Scouts?"

"No. My Boy Scout troop was boring as hell. I was only in it a year. Uncle Joe, I think. Camping with them. Joey and I had to learn how to do all that before we were allowed to take the canoe out by ourselves."

"How old were you?" Michael asked.

"Um, probably around ten or twelve, I think. It was a while ago," I said and pulled into our driveway.

"Well let's go around the lake before you go into training mode. I'll have a lifejacket there, anyway."

We pulled into a parking spot and unloaded the canoe first. When we took the first load of groceries inside we found Niko and Justin watching a movie on Niko's little portable DVD player.

"Daddy! Michael!" Niko yelled and jumped up.

"What are you doing inside? It's nice out," I asked.

"Justin say I can't go outside," he pouted.

"Why not?"

"Because I didn't know if he could go in the water and I didn't want to worry about him falling in," Justin said.

"I tell him I swim good. He still not want to go outside," Niko said.

"Okay. You can go out after we bring in the groceries. We got a surprise," I said.

"What surprise?"

"It's not a surprise if we tell you," Michael said grabbed Niko and threw him over his shoulder and carried him outside.

"What'd you get?" Justin asked as he followed us out.

"A canoe."

"At the grocery store?"

"Across the street from it."

"You guys should get a...nah, never mind. You're more of a canoe type. Maybe a pontoon boat, at most," Justin said.

"We decided to let someone else buy a motorized boat. It's too expensive for how little we'd use it."

"Yeah. I guess there is that. I like the speed of...well, anything. The faster the better."

"Speed is fun, but I'm hung well enough that I don't need a powerful motorized penis extension," I teased.

"Yes, you are a big dick," Justin groaned.

"Daddy! We go out in boat now?" Niko yelled as I stepped outside.

"After we unload the car and put away groceries. If you help it'll go faster."

He grabbed a bag Michael held out and ran inside.

"A catamaran would be cool as far as speed goes," I thought aloud.

"Do you know how to drive one of those, too?" Michael smirked.

"No. I've been on one, but I've never piloted one. I think we should coax Charlie into buying one."

"I think Charlie would be more the jet ski type," Justin said.

"But he's also the cheap type. A little talk about gas, maintenance and storage and he'll see the beauty of a catamaran."

"The lazy factor," Michael agreed.

"Right. It's much easier to just let someone else take care of everything. Is there a place around here where you can rent that stuff?" Justin asked.

"I think you can rent paddle boats and fishing boats at the marina on the south end of the lake. I haven't noticed any jet ski rentals," I said.

"Me, either. I don't think there will be, either. There was a notice on the bulletin board at the boat store that was talking about making the lake gas motor free," Michael said.

"Really? That'd be cool. It'd be quieter and cleaner. What did it say about it?"

"It just listed benefits and a meeting next Saturday."

"Do you want to drive back and go to it?"

"We've got the kids' show."

"I know. I'd stay home. You don't need to be at the kids' show."

"Daddy. Michael. Hurry. We have to go on the boat," Niko complained.

"The boat won't leave without us. Go put on your bathing suit and get the sun-block," I said.

He ran upstairs with purpose.

"Will the canoe seat four?" Justin asked.

"If you want to sit flat on the bottom of the boat. It's not really meant for three adults, but I don't think it'll sink," I said and emptied my pockets into a kitchen drawer. Michael did the same as he noticed.

"Justin can paddle if he's going at the same time," Michael said. "I'll just ride with Niko."

"Don't forget your parasol," Justin teased.

"Hmm. That's a good idea, but I don't think we have an umbrella here," Michael said and looked to me.

"I don't think so. Besides, it doesn't work well unless you're in drag."

"Sunscreen and a hat it is, then."

"Dorks," Justin muttered to himself and ran upstairs as Niko was running down.

"Here, Daddy," Niko said and gave me the bottle of sunscreen.

"Thank you. Where are your sunglasses?"

"Um..." He thought for a moment and then ran back upstairs to get them.

"Get my back while he's upstairs," Michael said as he pulled off his shirt.

I spread sunscreen on Michael and then he did me just as Niko returned with his sunglasses and Justin in a bathing suit. I coated Niko and just handed Justin the bottle to cover himself. He gave a little pout, but covered himself.

Michael and I grabbed the canoe and carried it to the lake. We pulled everything out of it before setting it half in the water. Niko tried to climb in right away.

"Nope. Not yet," I said and pulled him out.

"But... I go on boat," he complained.

"Yes, but you have to put on your lifejacket first. You always have to have your lifejacket on before you get in a boat," I said grabbed the jacket to put it on him.

"Why wear coat? It hot outside," Niko complained.

"It's a lifejacket. It makes you float if the boat tips over," I explained as I helped him into it.

"It's like your water wings," Michael added.

"You don't expect me to wear one, right?" Justin asked.

"No. I don't care if you drown," Michael smirked.

"Plus we only bought Niko a jacket. The other two are cushions," I said and adjusted Niko's jacket to fit.

"I don't like lifejacket," Niko complained and tugged at it.

"Doesn't matter. Know what it let's me do?"

"No. What?"

I picked him up, threw him over my shoulder and waded out into the water.

"You ready to get wet?" I asked.

"Yes!" He screamed.

"Okay. Close your mouth," I said and tossed him out into the water as far as I could. He was screaming with laughter as he entered the water. He bounced back to the surface coughing a little, but happy nonetheless.

"Do again! Do again!" He yelled.

"One more time and then we go in the canoe. Swim back." I threw him again and turned as the canoe bumped into me. Justin was sitting in the front and Michael was sitting on a cushion on the floor.

"If you're done tossing little boys," Michael said.

"Perv.," I said and splashed him. "Come on, Niko. Michael's anxious to go."

When he got to me I picked him up out of the water and set him dripping on Michael. Once they were settled I climbed in the back and grabbed my paddle.

"Where to?" Justin turned and asked.

"Let's go down the Jersey side to that island," Michael said and pointed to a wooded island quite a way away.

"Good enough," I said and started paddling at a comfortable pace. There was only a slight breeze and no clouds. This made it hot and bright on the lake.

"How big is this lake?" Justin asked.

"I think it averages about a half-mile or more wide and six miles long in the main part of the lake," I answered.

"Good size. A catamaran would be great out here."

"Yeah. We'll definitely have to convince Charlie to buy one."

"Can I make the boat go, Daddy?" Niko asked.

"You want to paddle?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Come on back. Stay low and towards the middle so you don't tip the boat and fall out," I said and helped him along. I had him stand between my legs with his back against my chest. The paddle was way to long for him to use it while sitting down. I held the paddle and let him grab it how he could. After about a minute he decided it wasn't as much fun as he thought and went back to sit with Michael.

It had to be about a mile to the island and I knew my arms would be hurting tonight. As we got to a shallow section about fifty yards from the island I stowed my paddle and hopped out. It was not quite six feet deep and everyone was looking at me when I surfaced.

"What?" I asked.

"Can't wait?" Michael asked.

"No. This is good, and I was hot and tired of paddling."

"Are you standing?"

"Now," I said and stood straight. I could just keep my face out of the water with my feet flat on the lake bottom.

"Can I swim?" Niko asked.

"Come on in," I said and floated back.

He didn't have to be asked twice and half-jumped, half-rolled off the side of the canoe. Michael and Justin soon joined us.

"This is much better. It's too hot out right now to be sitting in the sun," Justin said.

"Yeah. Early morning or late afternoon would be better," I agreed.

"Or a cloudy day," Michael said.

"As long as it's not too windy. That sucks," Justin said.

"If the wind isn't blowing the direction you want."

"Daddy. I can't go underwater," Niko complained as he floated there in his lifejacket.

"I know. You can kick and go forward, though. Can you swim back to our house?"

"I couldn't do it," Michael said.

"It's about a mile. I don't think any of us could. It'll tire him out trying, though."

"I can swim long way," Niko said.

"Then let's swim back," I said and put a hand on the canoe to drag it along as we slowly swam back. Michael tried swimming full out, and then gave up and floated along with the canoe. Beyond being too long, he could swim faster than Niko could, so he had to stop and wait for the rest of us to catch up.

After about fifty yards or so Niko declared he was tired and wanted to ride in the boat. I rolled him into it and then got in. Michael and Justin chose to swim along side for about a hundred yards, and then got back in the canoe. Michael had a horrible time getting back in and almost capsized us several times before he made it in.

Once we were within thirty feet of shore I threw Niko out and told him to swim the rest of the way. I did the same, except that I could soon stand and pushed the canoe to shore.

We all slept well that night.

We didn't have any problems with Justin being recognized -- of course he didn't go out in public except for the lake. Michael and I took the canoe out at sunrise one morning. It was very nice when everything was calm, quiet and cool.

It felt like it was Thursday before we knew it and time to go back. Michelle was in town and got drafted to read for story time. She enjoyed it and did a good performance. Afterwards we went back to the lake for another week. It was just the three of us.

Shane read the next weekend -- a planned reader -- and his band played Schoolhouse Rock songs for the music portion.

*** [ 7/24/04, Saturday ]

"Uncle Charlie!" Niko yelled and ran to him as he walked in. Michael was making dinner and I was playing piano.

"Hey, little man. What are you up to?" Charlie said and picked him up, spinning him in the air. I noticed that Elijah was with Charlie.

"Hey, guys. Just get in?" Michael asked.

"Yeah. What's for dinner?" Charlie asked.

"Nothing for you. You're too late."

"Who are you?" Niko asked Elijah.

"I'm Elijah. Who are you?"

"I Niko. Are you Uncle Charlie's friend?"

"Yes. We just made a movie together."

"Did you have wrap party? Are you tired?"

Charlie and Elijah laughed.

"Yes, we had a wrap party, and I'm not too tired. I slept on the plane."

"Okay. Shawn was tired from wrap party when he make movie."

"Is Shawn back? I thought he was in Vancouver," Charlie asked.

"He was back for a day between films," I answered.

"Wasn't the other one in LA?"

"Yep. Don't ask me why he flew back. He gave a reason about tickets already bought, but I think it's more that he forgot and was too lazy to change the tickets."

"That's something I would do," Charlie smirked. "So how's my lake house?"

"Our lake house is great. Are you planning to go?"

"Absolutely. That's why Elijah joined me -- nice relaxing week on a lake in the woods."

"There are woods in the area, but it's hardly a forest retreat," I said.

"But it's somewhat private, right?"

"As much as it can be on a large public lake. Our lot is mostly sheltered from the neighbors until you're out in the lake. I did post pictures for everyone to look at."

"Yeah, I know. I don't remember all the details. It's been a while since I saw them. So when were you guys last there? You going again soon?"

"We've been going Sunday through Thursday all month," Michael said. "Ian spent about a week there before he left for filming."

"Then we arrived just in time. My car is still in LA."

"Wouldn't it be more helpful for it to be here since you live here now?"

"Debatable. I hardly ever need a car here. I'm in LA often enough that having a car there is helpful."

"Ever hear of rentals?"

"Fine," Charlie sighed. "I just don't fancy the couple day drive to get it back here. It's a California car, anyway. I should just sell it and get a city car for here."

"What kind of car?" Elijah asked.

"A Volvo C70 Convertible."

"If you want to sell it I'll ask around," Elijah volunteered.

"Thanks, mate. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna sell it. So no food for us?"

"No. You're too late. Go away so we can have dinner."

"I feel so loved. What time are you leaving tomorrow?"

"I think we're going up tonight," Michael said and looked to me.

"If you want. We can't leave until after the show opens."

"Yeah. It's better to start the day there. So we'll leave around 8:30."

"Right. Want to order something or go out?" Charlie asked Elijah.

"Is there someplace close where we won't have to deal with the public?"

"You should be safe anywhere in this neighborhood," I said.

"Pizza?" Charlie hinted.

"I want pizza," Niko announced.

"Go. Now," I said to Charlie and pushed him towards the door. "Be back by a quarter after eight if you're going with us. Not before."

"What's that for?" I asked of the four suitcases Charlie and Elijah brought up with them.

"We're gonna be there a week," Charlie protested.

"So is one of you riding in the other's lap? One suitcase only. Remember that I've got a VW Golf, not a van."

"You have a kid now. You should have a mini-van," Charlie teased.

"Nope. Not gonna happen. Besides, why would I buy a big car just to chauffeur your butt around?"

"You're just going to be wearing your bathing suit 90% of the time. You only need anything else if we go out to eat or into one of the towns," Michael said.

"Bring your credit card, though," I said.

"Never leave home without it. Why?" Charlie asked suspiciously.

"You're buying a catamaran. We all decided."

"WE decided, huh? I don't know how much you think I'm making, mate, but it's not enough to spend a hundred grand on a boat."

"Just a simple 18' sailboat catamaran. We've seen them around two grand or less for a used one," I said.

"Oh. Right. I thought you were talking about those 40' catamarans with cabins and engines."

"No. That would be a waste for this. Go lighten your bags and we'll talk on the way. Meet us down in the dock."

Charlie and Elijah went downstairs and we locked up before taking the elevator down to the dock. A few minutes later Charlie and Elijah came up from the dressing rooms.

"Why'd you go through the dressing rooms?" I asked.

"Because there's a performance going on. I couldn't just walk through the theater," Charlie said.

"Elevator?" I suggested and and gestured behind him.

"Right. Forgot about that. Oh don't give me any shit. I've been away for a while and it's late and I'm jet-lagged," Charlie complained.

"Okay. Everyone ready?"

They were so we loaded the car and hit the road.

"So tell me about this catamaran I'm buying? Why not a jet ski or something like that?" Charlie asked.

"What movie you want to watch?" Niko asked Elijah, who was sitting next to him.

"What movies do you have?" Elijah asked and took the disc case.

"There's more maintenance, not to mention the gas. They're also more expensive to buy," I said.

"And there's a movement to make the lake gas motor free," Michael added. "You'd hate to buy something expensive and then not be able to use it."

"And more people can be on a catamaran than a jet ski," I continued. "We bought a canoe."

"Do you know how to drive a catamaran?" Charlie asked.

"I think you sail or pilot a boat. You don't drive it."

"Whatever. Do you?"

"No. I looked at Hobie's website and a few others. I have a rough idea, but no experience. We can take a class or just wing it. It sounded like knowing the basics and then experience is the way to learn. Maybe that was just marketing-speak."

"I say a class for the basics. I want someone there to teach me how to put it together and what not to do if I don't want to die."

"That sounds good to me."

"So there's a marina on the north end that has used catamarans and other boats," Michael said and turned in his seat. "The last we saw there were a couple that were 14' to 18' and $1500 to $2000 for most of the basic ones. They had boating classes there, too."

"Sounds very convenient. Is that where you've planned to spend all my money? What else do we need or want there?"

I heard "The NeverEnding Story" start playing. Elijah had evidently chosen that one. Niko hadn't watch it yet as he tended to watch the same movie over and over until someone made him watch a new one.

"I haven't seen this in years," Elijah said.

"What one is that?" Charlie asked.

"'The NeverEnding Story'," Michael, Elijah and I all answered.

"Should I feel deprived that I've never heard of it, or is it just an American thing?" Charlie asked.

"Deprived, definitely," I said.

"Seriously? You've never seen it?" Elijah asked.

"Never have."

"You need to, then. Swap places with me so you can see it better."

"No, that's alright. I'm sure I'll have the chance to see it again on this trip," Charlie yawned. "I'm going to take a nap."

"We need to stop somewhere and get some beer," Michael said.

"Right. The A&P just before the lake turn-off?"

"If they'll still be open."

"It's a Saturday night and we'll be there around ten. They should still be open."

"Okay. Works for me. I'm gonna nap, too," Michael said and put his seat back.

I drove the rest of the way to the sound of "The NeverEnding Story" and the occasional questions and answers from Niko and Elijah. I pulled into the A&P parking lot. They were still open -- or at least all the lights were still on and there were still people there.

"What are we getting?" Elijah asked.

"Some beer."

"Okay. I'll go get it," he said and reached across Charlie to open the door.

"You sure?"

"Yeah. No problem. I should probably grab some snacks or something, too. I'm sure you didn't plan for two extra adults to feed."

"True, but we can come back tomorrow for any real groceries. It's only about three miles. Some beer would be nice for tonight, though."

"Right. I'll be back," Elijah said and crawled over Charlie and shook out his legs before stiffly walking to the front door.

I looked back and noticed Niko was sound asleep, though the movie was just about over. I turned it off and stepped out to stretch my legs while waiting. A little while later Elijah came out pushing a cart with several bags.

"What all did you get?"

"It only looks like a lot. I got a case each of Summer Ale, Corona and Newcastle Brown Ale. I also grabbed some chips, pretzels and root beer for Niko. He's allowed to have soda, isn't he?"

"Not at night and on rare occasions, yeah. I've tried to keep it that soda is a special occasion thing."

"Okay. I can understand that."

With the added supplies packed where they could fit, we were back on the road. A few minutes later we pulled into our driveway. All the lights were off and it was dark out. I pulled into a parking spot and a motion sensor floodlight turned on.

I gave Michael a shove to wake him before going to unlock the house and turn on the entry light. Michael had grabbed Niko and took him up to bed while the rest of us unpacked.

"Oh. We got beer. When did we get beer?" Charlie asked, still not quite awake.

"A few minutes ago. Take all the bags upstairs and I'll get the groceries. Michael can show you your room choices," I said and handed him our bags.

I brought in the groceries, put them away and opened a Summer Ale for myself before anyone came down. Elijah was first.

"It feels like I'm at camp down here. Beer in the 'fridge?" Elijah asked.

"Yep," I said and flopped down on the sofa with a bag of chips.

"This is weird," Elijah said.

"What's weird?"

"You don't have a TV here."

"Oh, right. Nope. Someone else can get one if they want, but I'm not going to buy one for a lake cabin. The quiet is nice, and Niko can watch movies on his player if it's necessary -- and there is a radio for any important news."

"I agree. Too much TV and distractions."

"It'll be nice when I can actually see anything," Charlie said as he came down. "Oh, yeah. Beeeeer."

"In the 'fridge. Is Michael coming down?"

"Yeah, I am. I had to get him changed for bed and then go to the bathroom. Oh, good. You got beer. 'Fridge?"

"Yep."

"Are there any lights in back so we can see the lake?" Charlie asked as he walked to the back door.

"No good light for seeing the lake. We can grab a flashlight and go sit by the water or skinny-dip."

Michael laughed as he was taking a drink. "At least there won't be some fat man yelling at us for it," he said once he stopped coughing.

"Oh, right. Forgot about that. Hopefully no fat men with searchlights and megaphones."

"Not at this lake, right?" Charlie asked.

"No. It was some campground with Danny and Lance a couple years ago," Michael explained.

"Good. What are we waiting for? Let's go out to the lake."

"Go grab some towels from the hall closet upstairs and we'll go," I said and got up to grab a flashlight and another beer.

I emptied my pockets in a drawer and took off my shirt as Charlie reappeared with four towels. I took one, threw it over my shoulder and headed out. Charlie was right behind me. I carefully pointed out the steps so no one would fall down them. We walked to the lake with me leading the way to the swimming shore.

The moon was about half and would appear every so often from behind the clouds. This gave a nice amount of light across everything -- enough to know where things were, but not enough to know what they were.

"Can I have the flashlight?" Charlie asked.

I handed it over and stepped back to take off my shoes and shorts. I left my beer on shore and got in the water. It felt great and was just warm enough. Michael joined me a few seconds later, followed by Elijah. Elijah, not having been in the lake before, got in slowly and moved cautiously.

"It gets steadily deeper as you go out, but it's not six feet until you're thirty feet out," I said.

"And all the bigger rocks that we've found are along the shore," Michael added.

"Looks good," Charlie said and shut off the flashlight.

"Wait! Don't turn off the flashlight," I said.

"Afraid of the dark?" Charlie teased.

"Sure. Leave it on, but point it down or through some clothes so it glows. It let's you know where the shore is if you get disoriented -- unless you'd rather drown."

"Right. Glad you're here to make sense," he said and balanced the flashlight to shine on some rocks.

"How close is the nearest shore?" Elijah asked.

"Straight across the lake from here is about a half-mile," Michael said. "Not much chance of swimming that."

"It could be done," Charlie said as he dropped down into the water. We were now all casually floating in a couple feet of water. "People swim the English Channel every so often."

"Normal people couldn't do it," Michael amended.

"With some training and someone following in a boat I'd try it," I said. "The short way, that is. Not the long way. I wouldn't try it at night, either."

"Maybe with some training, yeah," Michael conceded.

"Is there a platform to swim out to?" Elijah asked.

"No. We don't have one yet. Maybe Shawn or Ian can buy that," I said.

"You're not just going to build one?" Charlie asked teasingly. "They're not that hard to make."

"No, but you still need to buy the supplies. That's for someone else." I dropped underwater, swam out a bit and then returned slowly next to Michael.

"I'm ready for bed. You?" Michael asked as I touched him.

"After a shower, yeah," I said. "Are you guys staying out here?"

"No. I'm good," Elijah said and stood up.

"Me, too. After another beer," Charlie said.

We got out of water and went inside. I locked up and then Michael and I took a shower and went to bed.

The week was pleasantly relaxing. Elijah was the perfect house guest and hardly noticeable. He seemed to be enjoying the chance to relax and would really only get talking late at night after a few beers. Charlie and Elijah had struck a decent friendship during filming and it seemed like it might last longer. Charlie admitted to me that he was glad there was nothing sexual about it.

Charlie yelled a little when he realized he'd missed Niko's birthday and decided to take Niko to the Dairy Queen a couple miles away every day. The rest of us had to come along, of course.

We checked out catamarans and sailing lessons on Monday. The earliest we could take lessons was the following week, and Charlie decided to wait until after lessons to buy a boat so he'd have a better idea of what he was buying. We did buy inner tubes for everyone so we could float out and still be in the water. They were especially nice for skinny-dipping late at night.

Charlie agreed that a screened porch across the back would be a great addition, and that we should have sand dumped on our shore as soon as possible. The rocks were fine if you were walking and paying attention, but very uncomfortable to sit on. He also thought that we needed landscape lighting near the lake so you didn't have to carry a flashlight with you to walk to the lake.

We came back to the city on Thursday night. Elijah stayed a few more days and was kind enough to read for "Saturdays on Mars" before his plane left a few hours later.

"Candide" closed that evening. There was no planned wrap party other than everyone meeting up at some club. Michael and I didn't attend, but instead went back to the lake house. Charlie had things he had to take care of and couldn't join us -- which means he missed the sailing lessons. Michael and I took them anyway and, aside from everything you had to remember that would only become easy with practice, it was great fun. Niko pouted a bit that he didn't get to do it yet.

*** [ 8/6/04, Friday ]

"I'm home!" Scott yelled as he walked in the door and dropped his bags.

"And much louder than when you left," I said. Michael and I were playing a game of pool.

"I'm just glad to be back," Scott smiled and gave me a quick hug, and then Michael. "Niko already in bed?"

"About an hour ago. How was Vancouver?"

"Good, but I don't know how you can do it, Michael."

"Do what? I can't build shit, and you know it," Michael said.

"Be away for months working on a show. The work is great, but between the long hours, and living in a motel... It's just exhausting."

"You get used to it. At least you had Shawn there."

"Yeah. That made it much better -- even though we hardly got to see each other except in bed, asleep. I'm gonna take a shower and then sleep in my own bed," Scott said and took his bags to his room.

Niko appeared in his doorway looking half-asleep as Scott walked into his.

"Hi, Scott. Are you done making movie?" Niko asked sleepily.

"Hey there, little man. Yep, I'm done now. You'd better go back to bed before I get into trouble. I'll tell you all about making the movie in the morning. Okay?" Scott said.

"Okay," Niko said and walked over to me. "You read so I sleep again?"

"Sure. Come on," I said and took his hand, guiding him back to his bedroom. It only took a page before he was asleep again.

Scott was talking with Michael in the kitchen when I returned.

"So how was it?" I asked.

"Good. It was fun. Exhausting. I was the low man on the totem, so I got to do just about everything. I can honestly say I'm an expert at distressing now."

"You're not that distressing," Michael smirked.

Scott and I ignored him.

"How much is going to be CG?" I asked.

"Pretty much everything above twenty feet and backgrounds. It's kinda cool to see how they split stuff and green-screens. I can't wait to see how it actually looks. I mean, I've seen the drawings and some of the dailies, but most of the CG was still pretty rough."

"How was the cast and crew?" Michael asked.

"The crew was fine to work with. I didn't hang out with any of them after work except a beer every once in a while. The cast...depends. Kristin is beautiful, but she never hung out with anyone. She lives there and all her friends are there. Danny Glover was interesting, but I only talked with him once. Really, there weren't many times where everyone went out together -- and even then it was a loud bar. The schedule was so tight and so busy that it was mostly work and sleep. Oh! You remember that Jack is going to be here for two weeks, right?"

"No, but that's fine. Are you going to stay in the city or go out to the lake?" I asked.

"I'm thinking the lake for a week. Jack may want the city, but he'll get over it. I can't wait to see the place."

"We can use your truck to bring a load of supplies to build the porch," Michael said.

"You're building a porch?"

"Hopefully eventually, but not until everyone agrees," I reminded Michael.

"I've only got a six foot bed on my truck. I don't think we'd get much of anything you'd need to build a porch in it," Scott said.

"What good is your truck, then?" Michael asked.

"Now? Not much good and expensive to drive. I'm going to trade it in for something else after I graduate. I'm not sure with what yet."

"Not a new truck?"

"No. I need to haul stuff, but I don't need a truck. Maybe an SUV or a hatchback. It'll have to be something Dad sells, of course."

"Of course. When does Jack get here?"

"Around noon. He should be on the bus now."

"Bus? Why didn't you just have him take the train?" I asked.

"I looked. The closest train station was Indianapolis, and even then it was three hours longer and two-hundred more than the bus. Jack paid for it himself, so..."

"I guess that makes sense. I used to take the train to Chicago, but that's a pretty busy route," I said.

"Do I need to bring the flip-n-fuck for Jack to sleep on?"

"If you want. Otherwise he can be in a bunk bed with Niko. Well, there are two bunk beds in that room, so he could have his own, kinda," Michael said.

"Unless I'm in that one."

"Why don't you sleep in Shawn's room?" I asked.

"Um. I guess I could. It just feels like it would be odd to sleep in his bed before he ever did. So each person has their own room?"

"Mostly. Niko's room is the shared one and has two sets of bunk beds in it for guests. The other rooms just have a single queen-sized bed."

"Sounds good. I'm gonna do laundry and take a shower. Are there any leftovers from whatever you had for dinner?"

"We had leftovers, actually," Michael smirked.

"Damn. Oh well," he shrugged and went to the bathroom.

*** [ 8/7/04, Saturday ]

"Okay, Martians. Come see what I got," Charlie said as he walked in.

"What you get? What you get?" Niko yelled and ran to see.

"What'd you get?" I asked.

"You have to come down to see my new car."

"So what'd you get?" Michael asked.

"A Nissan Murano. It's posh. Come see."

"That's a cool looking SUV, but do you really need a SUV?"

"No, but I like it, and it's a cross-over."

"Oh, excuse me," Michael said and rolled his eyes.

We went downstairs and out to the back. Charlie's new car was black with black leather interior and a sun roof. It was a nice car.

"So this means you're driving to the lake this week, right?" I asked.

"Oh, absolutely. We'll be able to fit everyone and any luggage."

"No. Scott and Jack will be going as well," Michael said.

"When did Scott get back?"

"Last night. He's picking up Jack now."

"Oh, well Scott can drive as well."

"We can pack everyone in your car. It just means that Jack will have to sit in the back with the luggage -- and only Scott and Jack will have any luggage," I said.

"What about food?"

"We'll see what happens when we leave. I can drive, but it'd be nice to be chauffeured for a change."

"Uncle Charlie's car is more better than our car," Niko declared.

"You know it, little man," Charlie said.

"Yes. It's a good car. Let's go back upstairs until Scott gets back."

"Do you notice how expensive this vacation house is getting?" Michael asked as we took the elevator back upstairs.

"It's nothing compared to this place," I said.

"True, but we also aren't remodeling it. It seems like it's something else every week: furniture, canoe, water toys, bicycle, landscape lights..."

"I paid for half of the landscape lights and my share of the furniture," Charlie said.

"It'll reach a point where we have everything we need there," I said.

"Yeah, but that's not this year or next, probably. We'll have that porch to build, then fix up the inside. We'll probably have to get a new car that can carry more sometime soon."

"Except now we can use Charlie's car."

"If I let you," Charlie smiled.

"Who are you kidding? You'll jump at the chance to chauffeur us around," I smirked.

"Only this summer to the lake house. Other than that you're on your own."

We arrived at the top floor as Scott and Jack arrived via the stairs. Jack looked like he hadn't enjoyed his bus trip.

"Scott back. We go to lake now," Niko announced.

"Have a fun bus ride?" I teased.

"No. It sucked," Jack said.

Scott slapped him on the back of the head. "Little kid. Watch your language."

"What? I just said 'sucked'. That's hardly swearing."

"Anyway," I interrupted. "How soon can we leave?"

"Um, why don't you guys go ahead and we'll join you later? Jack needs a shower and something to eat," Scott said.

"Great. Do you have the directions?" Michael said.

"No, but I can google them. I have the address. It's not very hard to find, is it?"

"Not when it's light out. The driveway is about impossible to find at night unless you know where it's at."

"Oh, we'll be there before dark. I'm sure we'll leave by four at the latest. Is there anything you need me to bring since I'll have my truck?"

"I don't think there's anything," I said.

"You can stop and get some sand for the shoreline," Charlie said.

"No. His truck would never hold enough to make it worthwhile. We'll just have it delivered," I said.

"Okay. If you insist on making sense," Charlie sighed.

"He does," Michael smirked.

"We go now. I have to swim before it dark," Niko insisted.

The three person tandem and extras were delivered to the lake house on Tuesday -- much easier than trying to transport the huge monster in a car. It took a while to put together, but the end result was worth it. We'd gone back and forth on how to ensure the munchkin was safe on it -- child seat, trailer or mini-attached bike -- eventually deciding on the mini-attached bike. This put half of a small bicycle on the end and effectively made it a four person bicycle. With a helmet and some practice up and down the driveway, Niko was able to ride safely enough that we rode it to the ice cream shop on the New York side. It quickly became his favorite thing -- outside of swimming, of course -- and we'd probably have to buy him his own bicycle soon.

Charlie finally took those sailing lessons, but decided to wait until next year to buy the boat since it was so late in the season.

The solar landscape lights we'd bought worked well enough that you knew where the lake was. Beyond that they were pretty much useless. There wouldn't be any issue of having to turn them off when skinny-dipping.

Without Jonny here to fight with, Jack was hardly noticeable and spent most of his time getting friendly with the teens a couple houses down. I'm guessing that he got laid or at least skinny-dipped because he snuck out late -- or thought he did -- and was gone for several hours on the last two nights. Scott just enjoyed the down-time and could often be found napping in a hammock that he'd bought at a sports store near the Dairy Queen. It was a cheap Mayan style hammock made of cotton and only rated for 350 pounds and one person, but it strung nicely between two trees on the edge of the property near the lake.

When we returned we had several letters from schools for Niko. He was accepted to one in Brooklyn and one in uptown Manhattan near Columbia University. We accepted the Brooklyn one right away and, after verifying his place at the Brooklyn Friends School, declined the one near Columbia. Being accepted to two out of the six we'd interviewed at was doing pretty well from what we'd heard talking with other parents.

Another week at the lake and only Charlie came with us. Scott took Jack back home and put in the appearance he knew he had to make to keep the 'rents somewhat happy. When he returned he was driving a Mazda3 hatchback. He said he hadn't intended to get a new one so soon, but his father practically threw it at him when he mentioned wanting something new when he graduated. Jacky got the truck.

August 21st was the last "Saturdays on Mars" and Matt read. He complained, of course, about just having gotten back in town and being ambushed. I pacified him by inviting him and Luciana to the lake house for a couple days. He had to take a raincheck. We went without him, but would have to be back on Wednesday because Adam was arriving with his family.

*** [ 8/25/04, Wednesday ]

"You're here?" I asked Jonny as I answered my phone.

"Yeah. We're out back. Open the gate."

"Okay. I'll be down in a few minutes," I said and hung up as I walked over to the control panel and opened the gate. I closed it as soon as they were through.

"Niko," I called out.

"What?"

"They're here. Do you want to come down with me to let them in?"

I was answered by the sound of little feet running down the stairs. "I go."

"Good. Come on. We'll take the elevator."

"I want to close gate. I want to close gate," he said and ran ahead of me to the elevator.

"Okay. You can close the gate. Can you reach it yet?" I teased.

"No. You lift me."

"Maybe," I hinted.

"Please?"

"Okay," I said and closed the heavy outer gate. I lifted Niko up to grab the wooden inner gate and slowly lowered him until his feet were touching the ground. He pulled it the rest of the way down.

"You have to put key in," he said to me.

"Oh, right," I smiled and put in the key. "First floor, please."

Niko reached up as high as he could and hit the correct button. He laughed in delight and watched the floors go by as we went down. It never seemed to get old for him. He raised the gate when we stopped and tried to open the outer gate, but couldn't get it to budge.

"Need some help?"

"Yes, please," he grunted.

"Okay. Step back and let me do it so you don't get your fingers or toes pinched."

"I want to help," he protested.

"You can step on it once it's almost open. You don't want to get your fingers or toes pinched, do you?"

"No," he said and stepped back. As soon as I had the gate open enough that he could step on the bottom half he did.

"Go open the back door so they can get in," I prompted as he stood on the gate looking proud of himself.

He took off running and pushed the bar hard, but slowed down trying to push the door open. Someone grabbed it from the other side and Niko stumbled out onto Adam.

"Hey, Niko," Adam smiled at Niko hanging on to his legs.

"Hey, guys. Come on in," I said and noticed it was Jonny who pulled the door open. Adam's folks were standing behind him with a couple suitcases around them.

Everyone grabbed their bags and came inside.

"Hello, Jonah," Eric, Adam's father, said.

"Hello. How was the drive?"

"Not too bad. Easier than from San Diego to Chicago."

"Like almost any other drive wouldn't be easier?" Adam said. "Let's go upstairs. I gotta go to the bathroom."

Everyone loaded into the elevator and, once again, Niko lowered and raised the inner gate.

"Where's Michael?" Jonny asked as we got upstairs.

"He's down in the studio practicing with his band."

"He's got a band now?"

"Evidently. They don't play out very often."

"Where are we sleeping?"

"Eric and Laura have the guest room. You and Adam are in the living room."

"Nice apartment. It's bigger than I expected," Eric said.

"Thanks. Your bedroom is up those stairs to the room on the left," I said and pointed it out. "Does anyone want anything to drink? Coffee?"

"Just some water, please," Laura said.

"So are you anxious to start classes?" I asked Adam once everyone was settled.

"Yeah, I think so. It's kinda weird having to start over again."

"What do you mean?"

"New city. New school. New friends. Not really weird, I guess. It'll just take some time to feel comfortable again."

"Yeah. It's good not to be comfortable every once in a while. Which dorm are you in?"

"Carman Hall. On the 9th floor."

"Ah, the party dorm," I laughed. Both the 'rents gave Adam a look.

"It's not the party dorm. I thought you went to NYU?" Adam said.

"Yeah, I did. I did know people at Columbia, though, and attended a couple parties there my freshman year. I think they've remodeled it since."

"Yeah. It said '99 through 2001 they remodeled it."

"It said it was the social dorm and good for freshmen, so I convinced him to pick that one," Jonny smiled. "I won't be there to make him social."

"It's not just that. I also only have to share a bathroom with 3 other people instead of an entire floor," Adam said.

"So you think," I said. "If it's a private bathroom then you have to clean it. If it's a communal bathroom for the whole floor then housekeeping cleans it."

"Oh. I think I remember reading that they cleaned the bathrooms once a week. It's not really a private bathroom."

"That would be good. Four per room, or two doubles sharing a bathroom?"

"Two doubles sharing a bathroom. I hope I get good roommates."

"Luck of the draw. You just have to learn to deal with them. Part of going to school."

"I go to school in...um... How many days?" Niko piped up.

"In 13 days. On next Tuesday."

"Yes. 13 days. That's more than fingers I have," he said and held up all his fingers.

"You're very smart," Laura said to him.

"I know. I can read. I show you," he said and ran off to get his book.

"You've taught him to read already?" Eric asked.

"Just a little. His English lessons are accelerating that," I said.

"How's that?"

"We've been using Rosetta Stone for English lessons. It shows pictures, the word and the pronunciation. We do a new lesson every couple days."

"Here. See. It say 'Danny and the Dinosaur'," Niko announced and climbed up into his chair, laying the book out in front of himself. He flipped it open to the first page and started reading fairly smoothly -- though I think he had a good deal of it memorized by now. It didn't take long before he finished the book and looked up with a grin.

"That was very good," Laura said. "You read very well."

"Yep. Very good. Okay, little man. It's time for bed," I said.

"I not tired yet," he protested.

"It's already past your bedtime. Say goodnight to everyone. You'll see them all in the morning."

"But..."

"Now. Let's go brush your teeth," I said and stood up. He pouted but climbed down from his chair and trudged off to the bathroom with me following. He pulled out his stool, climbed up and grabbed his toothbrush, waiting for me to put toothpaste on it.

After he was ready for bed we said good night. I tucked him into bed and sat down beside him to read him to sleep. The current book was "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." He was asleep by the end of the chapter. I turned off the lamp and rejoined the others just as Michael was walking in the door.

"Niko already asleep?" Michael asked.

"Yeah. Just put him down."

"Hey all," Michael said to the others. "How long have you been here?"

"About an hour. How long have you had a band? What's the name?" Jonny asked.

"Um, for a couple years, I guess. It's more project based and when everyone has time," Michael answered as my mobile rang.

"This is Jonah," I answered.

"Jonah. This is Josh Hartnett."

"Hey, man. What's up?"

"I'm downstairs. Can you let me in?"

"Uh, yeah. I don't think Chad is in town," I said and headed downstairs.

"I know. He gave me his key so I can crash at his place. The code he gave me to get in doesn't work, though, and I can't get ahold of him."

"Ah. Then I'd better check the alarm code he gave you so we don't have the police showing up."

"You can do that?"

"I have a list in a safe -- assuming he didn't change it without letting me know. I'll be down in a sec.," I said and hung up. I met him at the second floor door and let him in.

"Thanks, man."

"No problem. You just get in town?"

"No. I've been here since this morning. I did the Graham Norton show and I've got some other things to do the next couple days."

"Graham Norton has a show in the US?"

"Yeah. It's his first season here. It was fun."

"Drop your bags and we'll go up to check the codes," I said as we passed Chad's floor."

"Can you give me the number of someplace that delivers, too? I'm starving."

"Yeah, sure. Anything in particular?"

"No. Pizza would be fine. I'm not up for anything spicy tonight."

"Pizza is simple enough. I've got company if you want to wait in the hall and avoid attention."

"Should I be worried?"

"No. It'll just be attention."

"Then I think I'll be okay. You may have to bribe me with beer, though."

"Why would I have to do that?"

"Um, because I'm asking nicely? I doubt Chad has any in his 'fridge."

"Probably not. It's been a while since he was here. I think you should be afraid of opening his 'fridge."

We walked into the apartment and went straight to the safe in the utility room.

"What's the code he gave you for the building?" I asked Josh.

"05984."

"Swap the last two numbers and it'll work. And the alarm code?"

"3785."

"That should work," I said and locked the folder back in the safe.

"Hey. What's up?" Michael asked from the doorway.

"I'm staying at Chad's place but he went all dyslexic with the access code," Josh said.

"Ah, okay. Doing anything good while you're in the city?"

"Nothing huge. I just did Graham Norton. Got a few more little things like that. How've you been?"

"Let's come out of the closet so you an get dinner ordered and a beer," I said.

"Oh, right. Sorry," Michael said and stopped blocking the doorway.

I went to the menu drawer and handed the pizza one to Josh.

"Hey," Josh said and gave everyone a small wave before looking at the menu. They were somewhat wide eyed and silent.

"What beer do you want?" Michael asked from the 'fridge. "We've got Sam Adams Summer Ale, Honey Porter and...Cherry Wheat."

"Honey Porter, thanks."

"So what was the conversation when I left?" I asked.

"Um, we were talking about rappelling from the grid," Adam said.

"Before, or doing it again?"

"Both. Can we do it again?"

"You really want to give your mom a heart-attack, huh?"

"No. She could see how safe it is."

"Maybe we can convince your mother to try it," Eric teased.

"Maybe not," Laura said.

"Why are you here?" Jonny blurted out at Josh.

"Because my father didn't use a condom," Josh answered casually just before he called in his order.

I slapped Jonny on the back of the head. "Try for some manners, or keep quiet if that's too difficult."

"Sorry," Jonny whined.

"What do you plan on doing the next couple days?" Michael asked the Chicago crowd.

"Just sight-seeing. The 'rents haven't been here before," Adam answered.

"We could go to your new lake house," Jonny said.

"If you want to lose a day at the lake. It's close, but not that close," I said.

"That's okay. We only have two days to sight-see before I move in to the dorms," Adam said.

"You'll need that time. There are lots of tourists still here," Michael said.

"Even more, actually. The RNC starts Sunday. There'll be republicans and protesters as far as the eye can see."

"Shit. That's right. We should get out of town," Michael said.

"What's happening?" Josh asked as he hung up.

"Republican National Convention starts Sunday."

"Ugh. I fly out on Sunday."

"That should be fun. At least most of the crazies will be coming into town rather than leaving."

"It would almost be worth staying for the public theatre of it," Josh said.

Michael and I both gave him strange looks.

"I said 'almost'. I've no desire to be beaten and gassed by riot police."

"That would be fun to watch from a couple stories up. It's at the Garden, right?" I asked.

"Um, yeah, I think so," Michael answered.

"We don't know anyone who lives near there, do we?"

"No. Not even close. We can just watch it on the news."

"Fine by me. I'd rather be at the lake, anyway."

"What lake?" Josh asked.

"Greenwood. We have a shared house there. It's about an hour-and-a-half away."

"Ugh. Time-shares," Josh shuddered.

"No. Not that formal or crappy. It's just Charlie, Shawn and Ian here who are the other owners. There are enough bedrooms to come and go as we please," I said.

"That sounds cool, then. Why didn't the others join?"

"You'll have to ask them. Except for Justin, they all had the option. Four is enough, anyway."

"Good choice," Josh laughed.

"Did you give Chad's apartment as the address?" Michael asked.

"For the pizza? Yeah. Why?"

"Because the delivery guy will ring that apartment and since it's Wednesday, late, and they're about three blocks away..." Michael said.

"Oh, right. Guess I should get down and open it up -- hopefully without setting off the alarm."

"Don't worry. The alarm company calls me second before they send the cops," I said.

"Chad is first, right?" He asked as he go up to leave.

"If it's his apartment," I smirked. "We'll be here until Saturday afternoon."

"Okay. Thanks for the beer. Later," he said an gave another wave as he left.

"Someone needs to come up for strip pool," Jonny said.

"Down boy," Michael teased.

"Not anytime soon," Jonny countered, and then looked at Adam's parents. "Whoops. Sorry."

"Cool," Adam said.

"You're in New York now. Get used to it," Michael said. "Especially in Manhattan."

"Especially here," Jonny muttered.

"You should try to get an early start tomorrow before the lines form -- unless you want to stand in the sun for hours," I said.

"And it's miserably hot downtown by three," Michael added.

"What would you recommend we do in what order?" Laura asked.

"Um... I think I'd start with the Staten Island ferry," Michael said.

"Or the Roosevelt Island Tramway," I said.

"Oh, right. That's uptown, though."

"What's that?" Jonny asked.

"Uptown?"

"No. The Roosevelt Island Tramway."

"Oh. You'll have to see it. The station is uptown, though. You should start with the Staten Island ferry, then do the Statue of Liberty as soon as it opens. Then probably South Street Seaport and move your way uptown from there. Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway on your way back."

"Yeah. Since you only have two days I'd focus on the sites and then do any museums if you have time," I said.

"Would you like to join us?" Eric asked.

"No thanks. I've got work. Meetings," I said.

"Not for me, either. I've seen it all and I'm not getting up any earlier than I have to," Michael said.

"You know Niko will be up when they are," I said.

"Yeah, I know. We have plans for the zoo if he's quiet in the morning."

"Uh huh," I said and rolled my eyes. We both knew that Michael wouldn't hear him no matter what, and would take him to the zoo no matter what as well.

"The Bronx zoo?" Eric asked.

"Prospect Park Zoo. It's just up the street."

"I've only heard of the Bronx zoo. I didn't know there were others."

"There are a couple, actually. Bronx, Queens, Central Park and Prospect Park."

"And the Aquarium," Michael added. "I know it's not a zoo, but it's part of the same network. You can find several more if you go out on Long Island or into Jersey."

"I think it's time for bed," Laura said and stood up.

"I agree. Night, all," I said and locked up before going to the bathroom. Michael joined me.

"Why so early?" Michael asked me.

"'Cause I'm tired and don't feel like dealing with them. I'm glad I have a good excuse for not taking them around."

"Yeah, but I didn't think they were that bad."

"No, but Laura is kinda cold and bitchy."

"She's just an overprotective mother," Michael shrugged. "She does tend to hold a grudge for no good reason. I'm glad Jonny didn't jump Josh."

"That was kinda odd, wasn't it? Usually he just flirts instead of spazing," I said. "We're also avoiding his questions by going to bed now."

"I'm guessin' he's probably had several fantasies concerning Josh."

"Ya think?" I smirked.

*** [ 8/26/04, Thursday ]

The Chicago crowd was just leaving when I got up. I put on a pot of coffee, made Niko breakfast, and hopped in the shower. Niko was watching "The NeverEnding Story" when I went downstairs and Michael was still asleep.

Summer was coming to an end and I'd taken many days off. After next week it would be back to the normal routine. Today and tomorrow, however, would be busy with planning the next season. I'd been taking scripts and proposals with me to read. Now it was time to pack in a bunch of meetings so I could have next week off completely as our last week at the lake before school starts. The last meeting ended at 5:30 and I was ready for home and dinner.

Jonny called around seven that evening.

"Hey. You changed my code!" He complained.

"I didn't give you a code."

"Yeah you did. Last time I was here."

"It was disabled right after you left. Just a sec. and I'll be down to let you in. Are you at the second floor?"

"Yeah."

"Get locked out?" Michael snorted.

"Yep. I'll be back," I said and went to let them in. On the way I stopped at the security closet and re-enabled his code.

Saturday morning was slight chaos as Adam was feeling panicked about moving into the dorms and making sure he had all his paperwork, etc. His parents were just as bad, though in a different manner. Jonny was kinda subdued.

They left by ten. Charlie, Niko, Michael and I left soon after. Scott stayed and would come out to the lake on Monday when Shawn got back in town. Shawn agreed with the improvements we suggested and looked like he needed the vacation. I didn't need to go back so we stayed through the weekend and came home early on Labor Day.

Niko starts school tomorrow.

Comments welcomed and encouraged. jmstories@gmail.com. Please put the story title in the subject line or my spam filter will eat it. I usually reply when the next chapter comes out. Yes, I know I'm slow.