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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 3
Chris had been the first to react as Reece collapsed under the force of Beth's punch, he'd grabbed Reece even as he sank to the floor, laying him down and putting him into a recovery position, turning to a clearly distraught Beth he barked an order to get ice and a wet cloth from the kitchen.
Pauly had been too shocked to move until Chris shook him, "Are you his partner, I want you down here beside him, talk to him tell him everything's okay and to relax", Pauly hadn't responded at first until Chris shouted at him, "Now, it's important".
Beth came back with the ice and a wet cloth, Chris wiped Reece's face with the cold wet cloth and then wrapped some of the ice in the towel and held it to the side of Chris's head.
Indicating for Pauly to hold the ice pack in place, he jumped up and ran to the bathroom, collecting a bottle of smelling salts he was back in only moments and holding the bottle under Reece's nose.
A few seconds was all it took before Reece began spluttering and came around, groaning and grabbing for his head.
As Reece slowly got his bearings they moved him to a sofa in the lounge.
Chris gave him some paracetamol and encouraged him to rest for a while with his eyes closed.
Meanwhile they finally got back to their reason for being there when Chris brought it up, "So, I guess you're here because of Pete and me, it's not much, but I am sorry, I know it's hurting Pete but it's hurting me just as much, I should have done it better, talked it over with Pete but I panicked, I'm really worried if I talk about it with Pete I'll cave and let it go on, then what happens if my parents find out?, I know the outcome, I'd lose my family, I'd be cut off and I couldn't take that, it's hard enough losing Pete, I really do love him you know, I don't believe I'll ever find anyone who comes close to what Pete means to me".
There were tears falling from Chris's eyes but he was trying to hold it together.
"I'm leaving for New York in the next hour, I'll transfer schools and at least we won't run into each other, tell him something for me, tell him I meant every word I ever said to him and I'll always love him".
Beth, Pauly and Reece were sat in Pete's lounge, Beth and Pauly had Pete in a hug.
"You can't really blame him Bro". Pauly said, "He's terrified his life, his world, will collapse, he's genuinely sorry he hurt you but he's adamant he needs distance, he was already packed, he left for New York a short time ago"
I'm going to out him", Pete said, "I'll write to his father and tell him his wonderful son shafted me in every sense of the word".
Pete was fuming.
"Let him deal with that little bombshell".
Beth who was feeling decidedly remorseful realised she needed to be the good cop on this one.
"Pete I need you to answer this for me, do you genuinely hate him or do you love him but just want to hurt him?".
Pete looked at her through tears.
"It's okay Sis, I'm only venting, I'd never hurt him, I'm in love with him, I don't know if I'll ever get over him, but I think I understand".
Turning to Pauly he sounded completely defeated when he said, "I deserve this, he must feel how I made you feel, they say what goes around comes around, so this is my punishment".
They convinced Pete to return with them to Torremolinas and he admitted he would be grateful for the company for a while.
In Torremolinas everyone was surprised to see Pete back home but the surprise soon turned to inquisitiveness when Pete hardly left his room.
Lenny and PJ became more and more concerned that something was seriously wrong with Pete, they managed to corner Beth who was completely defensive and apologised but wouldn't tell them anything.
Beth called Pete, Pauly and Woody into a pow wow.
Woody had nagged and nagged until Pete explained what had happened, from that point on he insisted he be included, but even he was tight lipped and apologised sincerely to his parents without giving anything away.
Beth though, was getting a little tired of Pete refusing to face up to reality and it didn't help that she had her own problems which were causing her nerves to be frayed.
"Look we can't keep stalling Pete, for christ sake Momma and Poppa deserve to know what's going on, it's damned unfair to keep them in the dark like this, it's bloody disrespectful, they're worried and we're just brushing them off so get your fuckin act together".
Pete was shocked at Beth's tone but he just sighed, "Okay but will one of you explain it to them, I don't think I could stand to go through it with them".
Woody spoke up.
"I'll do it Pete, I can explain and I can wheedle a promise not to bother you, let's face it nobody can resist when I whine".
They all agreed Woody was going to be the one to give their parents the full story.
Woody asked his parents if they could spare him some time after dinner that evening for a chat and as he knew they would, they agreed.
They sat up on the roof terrace but Lenny was concerned there may be something wrong which involved Woody.
"Is there something wrong son, are you worried about something or in trouble?".
Woody couldn't help but love his parents they just oozed concern and love for all of their children and best of all they didn't judge they just looked for any way possible to ease the path their offspring would have to travel.
"Momma, Poppa, it's not about me, you know that's there's been something going on with Pete and I know you've both been worried".
Woody could see the real concern on their faces.
"Pete wanted you to know what had been happening but he couldn't face telling you himself so I agreed to brief you, now don't go getting yourselves all worked up, Pete's okay, in a nutshell it's a case of a broken heart".
Lenny and PJ were almost in sync as they exhaled in relief, Pete was alright, just suffering from a lost love.
"He fell in love and everything was going great except when the person he fell in love with found out who Pete was related to he panicked, he believes his parents would disown him if they found out about his relationship with another man so he walked out on Pete and fled, Pete is devastated, he's convinced it's his payback for what he put Pauly through, we've been trying to cheer him up, he wanted me to ask if you could give him some space to get past this, he knows you'll want to try and help him but he just wants to do a little solitude if you know what I mean".
PJ spoke up.
"Tel him we're sorry and we'll try not to intrude but tell us what happened Woody. You said it was another guy, we didn't know Pete had any feelings that way, who is, or was this guy?".
Woody hesitated but decided they deserved to know and he didn't think Pete would mind, "Listen if I tell you, you have to promise not to freak out on me, and no getting involved, deal?".
Lenny and PJ had no idea where this was going but they nodded their agreement.
"His name's Chris Farley, he and Pete have been an item for a while, everything was going great until Chris found out who you guys were then he went into a panic because his father works for you Poppa he's the head of Woodruff Banking in New York".
PJ was stunned, "Peter Farley, he's not homophobic, he's known you guys all your lives why would his son think he wouldn't be okay with it, I don't understand".
Woody saw the look on both his parents faces, "Stop it".
Both Lenny and PJ jumped.
"You promised, don't short change me here, you agreed you wouldn't freak out, you can't get involved, Pete would be upset, Chris may have broken his heart but Pete will never allow anything that would harm him, you have to leave it alone okay?".
His parents reluctantly agreed.
In New York Chris was causing his parents to worry, he was depressed and spent most of his time alone in his room, he hadn't contacted any of his friends to tell them he was back in town and his father was sure he'd heard sobbing from his room the previous evening.
Peter Farley and his wife Christina were at a loss to understand, they guessed wrongly it was probably a girl, Christina pushed Peter to talk to Chris, as she put it, "I'll feel a lot better if I know what the problem is, maybe we can't cure it but we can at least offer support, go talk to him, see if there's anything we can do to help".
Chris cursed his fathers timing, knocking on his door at just the time when he'd gone into another meltdown, he'd been crying as he heard his father knock, instead of waiting, his father entered his bedroom to be faced by Chris with tears streaming down his face, he was across the room immediately and pulling his son into a hug.
"Okay son, enough is enough, tell me what's wrong, I may not be able to cure the problem but they say a problem shared is a problem halved, I'm guessing it's a broken heart, am I right?".
Chris couldn't answer, he couldn't tell him, he just sat there in his fathers arms crying softly.
"Chris I don't want to pry I just want to help if I can, you can tell me anything I won't judge, your Mother and I are worried son".
Chris still hadn't spoken.
"Please Chris".
He knew he had to say something but his choice of words proved catastrophic, he virtually outed himself, "I want to tell you Dad but I'm so afraid you won't understand, I don't think you'd approve of what I've done".
Peter saw a light, just a glimmer.
"Chris, is it a girl you're involved with?".
Chris didn't think he just blurted out, "No".
Peter knew right then what was worrying his son.
"You have to understand son, your Mother and I will love you whatever you tell us, we didn't have you so that we could dictate your life to you, that's not how it works son, we chose this role as parents, you have to trust us though, now let's start again, is it a boy?, is that the big problem you've mistakenly dreamed up?".
Chris couldn't believe he'd heard his father correctly.
"You wouldn't be disgusted or throw me out?".
Peter pulled his son closer.
"I might slap the back of your head for even thinking let alone believing we would, but that's all, I'm never going to dictate your choices in life, I was programmed before birth to be attracted to women that doesn't mean you would be, so what ,you expected that we'd throw you out because you weren't an exact copy of us, that's daft, I'll admit I'm saddened a little but only because I know from friends that it's not an easy life you're embarking on and we may be denied biological grandchildren, but weighing all that against you having a life where you're loved I'll take the deal".
Chris was staring at his father, he couldn't believe he'd been so dumb, he'd lost Pete for no reason other than his own stupidity.
"So my boy, let's start yet again and this time tell me everything, who is this person who's captured my sons heart?".
Chris realised he'd have to tell his father about Pete and who Pete's parents were.
They'd sat for nearly an hour talking with Chris still locked in his fathers embrace.
"I'm still holding you son, despite all of your revelations, so does that tell you anything, like I love you, I'm okay with what you've told me and I know your mother will be okay with it as well, now how do we fix this mess you've created?".
The tears started rolling down Chris's face again, "It can't be fixed Dad, I hurt him really bad, his brother and sister came to see me, his sister wanted to kill me at first, I doubt he'll ever want to see me again, I've been so stupid".
Peter decided a break was in order.
"Look, I hate to mention this but there is one thing offending me at the moment, you stink, get a shower, put on some clean clothes and in the meantime I'll explain everything to your mother and have a think about how we solve this problem, that sound okay to you?".
Chris couldn't believe how lucky he was to have such wonderful parents.
"I love you Dad, thanks, just for being you".
Peter left him to shower and went in search of his wife.
When Chris appeared in the lounge, freshly showered and wearing clean clothes his mother wrapped him in her arms and kissed his forehead, she said only five words, "so I raised an idiot".
He looked at her face and she was smiling, "Sorry Mom, I should have known better".
"Yes you should, our number one priority for you is to ensure your happiness, don't you ever forget that, now tell me all about this young man, your Dad knows him but I've never met him".
Chris didn't know that whilst he was describing Pete to his mother, his father was talking on the phone to PJ Thorn, Pete's father.
"PJ, I hope you don't mind me ringing on a weekend but I have something I need to discuss with your son Peter, I can't give you anything about the subject at this point, I'm asking that if you allow me to speak to him you'll trust me with the content of the conversation".
PJ could guess what the subject was but he couldn't be sure if Peter was Pro or Anti on the subject.
"Peter it's nice to hear from you and I'm guessing you, like us, have heard some pretty important news recently, before I decide whether to let you speak to Pete, I need some assurance the content of your conversation won't upset him".
Peter chuckled, "PJ, you've known me long enough to be able to form an opinion of my stance on the subject I'm going to be discussing even if I can't discuss it with you yet. I can assure you my intention is to ensure happiness all around".
PJ already knew Peter wasn't homophobic, "Hang on Peter I'll get him for you".
Knocking on Pete's door PJ got a 'Come in' response, entering the room he found Pete studying, "Call for you on line one Pete, and before you jump to conclusions, I didn't initiate it nor have I discussed anything other than to make sure the caller is friendly, it's Peter Farley".
Pete was terrified, he put his hands up, "I can't Poppa, he'll be angry, Pete said he wouldn't understand".
PJ put his arm around his sons shoulder, "You can and will take the call, this is something that needs clearing up, I don't think he's angry, far from it, I think you may be surprised, he seems okay, but I'll stop with you until I know it's alright, are you okay with putting the call on speaker initially so he'll know I'm here?".
Pete nodded and PJ picked up the call and pressed the speaker button.
"Peter you're on speaker I'm with Pete and he's okay with me being here, he's nervous so I'll stay as long as he needs me too, you can go ahead and speak to him now".
Pete answered first, "Mr Farley I'm sorry if I've caused you problems".
"Pete, you caused me worry that's all, when I see my boy depressed and I find out it's because he was foolish enough to believe his mother and I would not accept any person he chose as his partner, I don't know whether to slap the back of his head for being so stupid, or hug him because it's a problem which doesn't exist. Are you okay with discussing this with your father listening Pete?".
Pete confirmed that he was okay with his father being present.
"Pete, I have to say my son has been really stupid, he jumped wrongly to a conclusion which has left you both hurt, I'm hoping you can forgive him for that and give him a second chance, his mother and I only want him happy and right now he's about as sad as it gets because he's afraid to call you, he thinks you won't want anything to do with him, I'm hoping you will, and I'm not too proud to ask if it makes him happy again, so Pete will you be his boyfriend?"
Pete was grinning and hugging PJ, "Yes,yes,yes, tell that dumb son of yours to get on this phone now".
PJ left Pete waiting for Chris to come to the phone and told Peter he'd call him on his cell, once they'd hooked up he asked if Chris would be returning to Madrid and Peter told him he didn't know because they'd accepted an offer and closed the previous day on Chris's apartment so accommodation would be a problem initially.
PJ suggested that Chris could share Pete's apartment, Peter agreed it was a possibility but only if the boys agreed, also he would want to pay a rent to Pete which would only be fair.
As he needed to be in New York on Tuesday and would be flying home on Friday, PJ told Peter if they could square away Chris's school in Madrid to have him re enrolled he could bring Chris back with him to save him flying commercial.
No sooner had PJ finished his call with Peter Farley than Pete came bombing into PJs office, "Poppa, Chris says you're bringing him back with you on Friday, can I come with you on Tuesday please?".
PJ saw an opportunity, "You can but there's a price to pay, if you come with me I want you to spend two days with Chris's father at Woodruff Banking, I think it will give you a good insight for your future and it will help you build a relationship with Chris's family, do you agree?".
Pete agreed then tore off to ring Chris and tell him he'd be coming over to New York on Tuesday.
PJ had a specific reason for being in New York, he and Lenny, along with Josh Hartnett, Vice Chairman of Woodruff Corporate and his Partner Bryan Fielding, President North American Operations (and incidentally cousin of Billy and Julia Fielding) were meeting Billy Fielding his best friend since the day they'd started school.
Billy had hinted when they met up in Torremolinas earlier in the year that he was getting tired of running Fielding International and wanted a new challenge.
At the most recent board meeting PJ had suggested to the assembled members that there was a possibility Fielding International would be coming on the market and he felt it would be a good move to put Woodruff and Fielding together but he also wanted to go one further he wanted to explore the possibility of acquiring cruise ships.
There had been a mixed reception to the proposals, the acquisition of Fielding was generally felt to be a good move but the cruise ships proposal was an unknown for them, they'd agreed to commission an in depth report on acquiring ships, based on cruise itineraries, cost of acquisition, new or old, potential revenue streams etc, and it was further agreed that PJ would enter into talks with Billy and Julia Fielding with the aim of merging Woodruff and Fielding.
Monday evening, the day before PJ, Lenny and Pete were due to fly to New York saw a full house for dinner.
The large dining room was in use due to the numbers.
Seated around the table were PJ, Lenny, Pete, Beth, Pauly and Woody along with Pauly's partner Reece, Leo and Rosa, with their two children Reya and Aly, Ramon and Pip and their three children, Raul (home from university), Louisa and Rocco.
There were three empty chairs and dinner had already been delayed by an hour which niggled PJ, he liked dinner to be served at 7pm prompt wherever they were, plus he currently had no idea why dinner had been delayed.
At Lenny's request Rosa had asked the staff to bring out a variety of hors d,oeuvres, prepared hastily to fend off the grumbling tummies of mostly the younger diners, these had been devoured like candy.
When PJ voiced his irritation at the delay Lenny had cut him of abruptly, "We are awaiting the arrival of three guests and dinner will be served when they arrive not before".
Lenny's tone actually communicated a sub text which was clear to every person around the table, it said, 'Defy me, I dare you, it will be at your peril'.
Needless to say no one commented further, no one was that stupid or brave and within a few minutes it wasn't needed anyway, a flurry of activity in the foyer and lounge preceded the arrival of Billy, eldest son of PJ and Lenny, along with two friends.
Lenny was out of her seat and welcoming her son followed by PJ, who, turning to Lenny said, "Sometimes woman you drive me to distraction, had you said we were waiting for guests we all would be pleased to see I would not have grumbled".
Not to be outdone Lenny replied smiling, "I remember the time when surprises made you happy not grumpy lover".
PJ hugged her and Billy whilst his siblings were queuing up to be next to hug Billy.
PJ cleared his throat, "Billy, I believe, you are being quite rude, your guests are feeling a little left out here".
Billy immediately broke away from the group his brothers and sister had formed around him, "Sorry guys, I want you to meet my very dear close friends Jolly and Jay".
Billy went around the room introducing everyone before Rosa clapped her hands and announced that everyone needed to be seated or they'd be eating charcoal if they delayed dinner any further.
Dinner was a fun affair with light hearted banter, Lenny and PJ picked up on the closeness of Billy to his two friends and several questioning looks were exchanged.
Following dinner Billy asked his parents and siblings along with Reece to join him along with Jolly and Jay in the small lounge.
When they were all seated, admittedly there was a lack of seating and some were on seats, some on chair and sofa arms, some on the floor, Billy opened up, "Guys I asked you all in here because I wanted to tell you something which is pretty important, I won't beat around the bush, Pete is already privy to some of what I want to say and I'm guessing Jolly and Jay are bricking it about now".
Jay and Jolly looked up towards Billy nodding in agreement as Billy went and stood between them, putting his arms around them both he continued.
"I've been seeing these two wonderful people for around eight months and I'm absolutely certain we were meant to be together, I realise it's not a conventional arrangement, but it is what it is, I love them both dearly as they do me, I've asked them to share my life, I hope you won't disapprove, but to be honest I feel so strongly about this I would respect your opinion but it wouldn't deter me from going ahead with what I want, which is for us to be partners and live together".
The room was quiet, Both Jolly and Jay were looking down at the floor and blushing deeply when PJ motioned to Lenny.
Getting up from her seat Lenny crossed the room to stand in front of Billy, looking straight into his eyes PJ knew what she was doing she wanted to see that he was settled in his own mind, that he was really sure he was doing the right thing, it only took a few seconds before she reached out a hand to both Jolly and Jay, "Welcome to the family guys".
That had been the signal, a general scramble then ensued with everyone wanting to add there own welcome.
They'd only been in the lounge a few minutes before PJ threw the doors open again and they joined everyone in the main lounge where PJ announced, "Everyone, I know you were introduced to Jolly and Jay earlier but now I want you to meet them as Billy's partners, as Billy put it, it may not be conventional, but it is what it is, so I'd like you all to welcome them into the wider family as we do".
Later in the evening a pensive Woody plopped himself into his fathers lap as he was inclined to do often, he was obviously deep in thought as PJ asked if he was okay.
Woody in a serious mood asked, "How do you know Poppa, I don't understand that part, it's pretty confusing, I'd just got it figured out you either like boys or girls then along comes Billy and upsets the apple cart with another variation, boy, girl, boy".
PJ was almost laughing but realised Woody was being serious.
"It's fairly simple son, just go with the flow, when it happens to you it's as clear as switching on a light, you just know, it's not describable, it's a feeling that you have and you know right there and then, this is it, if you have to question it then it's probably not the right one".
Woody looked at his father, "Gee thanks Poppa, that's about as clear as mud".
PJ was openly laughing now as were Pete and Pauly who had been listening in, they both agreed, their fathers description of falling in love was bang on the nail.
During the evening Lenny announced that she wanted firm commitments from everyone regarding the Christmas holidays and who would be coming out to Lanzarotte.
Billy agreed they would be there and PJ told him they'd be sharing the flight out with Billy, Julia and Will Fielding, along with Josh and Bryan plus Chris's parents Peter and Christina Farley, which would be a surprise to Chris when he found out, but as Lenny had pointed out, parents in law needed to get to know each other as well as partners. The final couple on that flight had not yet confirmed but if they did it would be Elly and Steve, long time friends of Lenny from her school days. Elly was PA to John Palmer-Frederickson President of Stanford University, PJs uncle.
The plane would collect Billy, Jay and Jolly from Meigs Field Chicago before heading up to Teterboro to collect the rest of the American party.
The second plane would take PJ, Lenny, Pauly, Reece, Pete, Chris, Woody and Aly (Woody and Aly were joined at the hip and refused to be separated) Beth and her new boyfriend Pablo Cortez who had agreed to come for Christmas but had to be home the day after Boxing Day for a family party to which Beth had not been invited (this had really confused Lenny and PJ) plus Anna (the family traveling chef) with her children Anton and Analee.
They would be traveling via London where they would spend a couple of days and collect Mr and Mrs Albright (Housekeepers of the London house) before flying on to Lanzarotte.
The third plane would take Leo and Rosa with their daughter Reya, Ramon and Pip with their children, Raul, Louisa and Rocco, there would also be Philipe, Ramon's father plus Casey and Phil with their children, Zac and Lisa.
For PJ and Lenny it was an early night whilst the younger family members went up to the roof for a couple of hours and by bedtime Jay and Jolly felt as though they'd been a part of this family forever.
In their room later that night when Billy emerged from the bathroom he found both Jay and Jolly lying prostrate on the bed waiting to give themselves up to him.
"Guys, what are you doing?".
Jay answered him without moving position, "Today you gave us more than any other person on this planet has ever given us, you gave us a family, we want to give ourselves back to you to express our thanks".
Billy was smiling, he appreciated the gesture but was about to refuse the gift.
"Sit up guys we need to talk, come on up, I want a cuddle".
Jay and Jolly were confused, Jolly had to know, "Did we do something wrong Billy?, we didn't mean any offence we were trying to show you how much we appreciate what you've done for us".
Billy pulled them both into a hug.
"And therein lies the problem, you see I don't expect, and I certainly don't want you to feel you have to give something to me because I did something for you, that's not how a relationship should work, I want our relationship to be like the example my parents have always displayed, we all are equal, we all will do things because we hope and pray the person or persons we are doing it for will gain pleasure, happiness, joy, from whatever we do, and just knowing that is reward enough, none of us owes anything to any other, I love you both and I will always do everything I can to make you happy and I know you will do the same for me".
As he'd been explaining his left hand had been gently teasing Jolly's soft young breast bringing the nipple up hard and erect, his right hand had been competing with its counterpart teasing Jay's right nipple and between them Billy's erect member stood like a rampant flagpole, a hand from each of his partners found his member and balls starting a soft slow caress, the beginning of a night of passion.
PJ and Lenny were up early, anticipating a hard slog to get their children up in time for goodbyes but to their surprise every one of the youngster were up to say goodbyes.
Pauly, Woody, Billy and Beth pulled Pete into a hug and wished him luck, reminding him to not let go of his man this time.
Their plane left Malaga at 10am and Ben Capple their Pilot had wheels down in Teterboro New York at a little after 3pm local time.
That evening had been planned as a get to know you dinner for PJ, Lenny, Pete and Chris, tomorrow they were having Chris's parents for Lunch, the boys would join them for pre lunch drinks and then go off on their own leaving their respective parents to do whatever parents and in laws did.
At precisely 6.30 Chris arrived in the lobby of Pete's parents apartment building, he was nervous, no doubting it, he was bricking it, he was about to meet, hold, kiss, the man he knew he loved with all of his heart and he hoped Pete had truly forgiven him for his stupid meltdown which nearly destroyed them both.
Taking the express elevator to the penthouse floor Chris emerged into a grand foyer to be enveloped in the arms of his man.
Pete could hardly wait for the elevator, as it opened he threw his arms around Chris, tears running down his cheeks, looking into Chris's eyes he said, "Don't ever do that again".
Chris was equally overcome with emotion, with their tears mingling and before their lips met, he could only mumble, "I'm sorry Pete, I'm really sorry, I'll never hurt you again I promise".
Dinner started with Chris being pulled into a hug by both of Pete's parents as they welcomed him, he was still a bag of nerves until Lenny asked what he was going to study, Chris's answer opened up a subject close to Lenny's heart, "I'm torn, I intend to study design in all its forms mam, I want to produce beautiful buildings both inside and out, I want to give people their dreams in a practical, physical form, but I love numbers, accounting, I have a fascination with figures so I'm going to study the two things as a double major, it's exactly normal but I'm going to do it because I'm passionate about both subjects".
All Lenny could say was, "Wow, that's about the most passionate expression of intent I've ever heard, but there's just one thing that concerns me".
Chris held his breath, he didn't know if he'd offended Pete's mother in some way.
"I'm Momma or Lenny, PJ is Poppa or PJ, as Pete's partner you are our son as much as Pete is, are you okay with that?".
Chris let out a loud breath nodding his approval, from that point on dinner was a success.
Later in the lounge they chatted for a long time before Pete suggested it was getting late and blushed furiously when he caught his parents smiling.
Chris was staying over and despite the good company neither could wait to be alone.
After the goodnights had been said Pete led Chris to his room, locking the door he pulled Chris into his arms, and they were kissing.
As they broke apart Pete looked deep into those amazing blue eyes, "I was so afraid this would never happen again, I honestly didn't know how I was supposed to cope with losing you, it was like all the happiness had drained away and left just a deep sadness, you promised me earlier that wouldn't happen again, I'm trusting you to keep your word, if there's anything that frightens you in the future, talk to me, let me see if I can work it out for you, for us, don't run please, it's only been a short while since I would never have dreamed I would have feelings for another man but it happened, I love you, I can't stand the thought of losing you".
Chris was holding him tight, tears coursing down his cheeks, "I can only tell you again how sorry I am for hurting you, I know now how stupid I was, but at the time it was frightening and so real, I was hurting just as much as you were, I knew I'd found the one person I was meant to be with and I didn't know what to do, I promise in future I'll talk to you, I love you too and I never want to lose you".
Chris wanted to get straight into bed but Pete pulled him towards the bathroom.
Chris was puzzled, "You think I need to wash, do I smell, am I dirty?".
Pete was grinning, "I think you're definitely dirty, a very dirty boy, I think I need to wash you all over, especially in those very private places and I think you need to do the same thing to me".
Chris didn't hesitate he almost pushed Pete into the bathroom, clothes flying in all directions.
In a matter of seconds in clouds of steam from the running shower Chris was on his knees praying to the God Priapus, kissing and sucking reverently until he was rewarded with the fruit of life, Pete's baby batter, thick, creamy and plentiful as it was delivered straight down his throat.
After spending a considerable amount of time washing each other's bodies, they moved to the bedroom where Pete suggested, "Let's play a game of hide and seek, you hide your cock in something hot and moist and I'll try to guess where it's hiding".
Chris almost dragged him to the bed like a dog eager to bury his bone.
They spent a wonderful night making love before sleep finally claimed them.
At breakfast the following morning PJ broached the subject of Chris staying with Pete and the boys agreed they'd already talked about it and Chris would definitely be living with Pete until they finished school the following spring.
Chris had already made his choice of university, he had been offered a place at Stanford in California where he would be studying Art, Architecture, Design and Business Studies.
Pete admitted he was worried because he had received an offer from Chicago, but like his sister Beth, from his first choice Stanford, they'd heard nothing from.
PJ tried to reassure him that it was probably just the sheer volume of replies that was holding up his offer and made a note to call his uncle, John Palmer-Frederickson, President of Stanford University after breakfast.
Whilst the boys went off into the city to sightsee and shop, PJ and Lenny were in their office where PJ was dialling the office of the President of Stanford University on a private number.
The call was answered, as was every call on this number, by Eloise, who was PA to John Palmer-Frederickson, "Good morning Eloise, the boy from Woodruff would be very grateful if Uncle John could spare a few minutes at any time today".
The response from Eloise was genuinely enthusiastic, "PJ, how wonderful, what an excellent start to my day, if Lenny's with you put us on speaker".
PJ confirmed Lenny was there and activated the speaker as Lenny greeted her friend from their schooldays.
"Elly, good morning, did you decide if you and Steven are coming out to Lanzarotte for the holidays?".
"Hi Lenny, yes we'll be coming, I was planning on calling you later today so you saved me a job, we thought we would fly into New York on the 20th, is there any chance you could put us up?.
Lenny was over the moon, "You bet we can, then you and I can get into some serious catching up and shopping, but listen, I'm handing you over to PJ, he needs to speak to Uncle John".
Eloise switched to PJ, "Give me a few minutes PJ and I'll have him call you back".
In the few minutes before the call was returned Lenny briefed PJ on 3 properties she'd found in the Paulo Alto area of California, all were close to the Stanford Campus but she was torn on which was the better option, 2 were modern recently built apartments, 1 with 5 bedrooms and multiple balconies, the other a penthouse with 6 bedrooms.
The 3rd property was a house, well it was classed as a house but it was actually an old mansion built in the early 1900s, it sat imposingly in approximately 25 acres of land on a hillside overlooking Paulo Alto and the Stanford Campus, the main buildings were surrounded by lawns with all vegetation deliberately stripped back to fend off the possibility of brush fires getting close to the residence, a common occurrence during the hot dry summer months.
At the rear of the property in a shallow valley there was a creek, it's cool clear water opening out into a large pond with overhanging trees offering dappled shade to protect bathers, before the creek, exiting the pond made its way lazily down the hill towards Palo Alto.
Beyond the creek a forest stretched away to the property's boundary.
The residence had been copied from a typical Southern Colonial Mansion spread over 3 floors, glistening white with a tall pillared Portico, the columns spaced evenly around the building reached up from the ground past the second and third floors to meet the sloping roof, supporting a balcony which ran completely around the second floor.
This was the one Lenny wanted to buy, they'd discussed it at length and at first PJ had questioned why such a big property but as Lenny explained, Pete, Chris and Beth could be out there for at least 5 years, possibly longer if they decided to go on to do a Masters after graduating, she felt it was essential to have a family property which could accommodate all of them from time to time, easing the pressure on them to return home for events if they were able to host the family in Palo Alto instead.
This one had 9 bedrooms on the second floor, the master suite along with 8 others in pairs with connecting doors and shared baths between each pair of rooms.
Lenny had already decided the 8 bedrooms would be converted into 4 further master suites.
Up on the third floor under the eaves were the old servants quarters which had been reworked into a further 6 bedrooms again in pairs with each pair sharing a bathroom.
On the ground or first floor there were a series of formal, dining and breakfast rooms along with an enormous kitchen and a study come office.
Recent remodelling, to a very high spec, had been done sympathetically without altering its character and charm.
Mirror image detached outbuildings at the rear, linked in on either side of the main house by a covered and trellised walkway provided garaging for up to 6 cars, a laundry, stabling for up to 4 horses, plus 2 cottages, each with 3 bedrooms on either side.
The land alone meant the property was expensive but the sheer size of the residence limited the market it would appeal to.
It had originally been marketed at 52 million dollars but had been languishing empty for over a year and had seen several price reductions until it was now on the market at 45 million dollars and Lenny suspected it was possible to reduce that figure further, the vendors were a couple who were suffering a lean time in their business lives and really needed the equity released from this property.
PJ and Lenny were pulled out of their discussion on property by Pip sticking her head into the office to let them know John Palmer-Frederickson was on line one.
PJ took the call, "Uncle John, how are you?, I hope you're well".
PJ had known this man all his life, even though they were not related, a fellow student and close friend of PJs mother, he had always been Uncle John.
"PJ my boy, it's a pleasure to hear from you and I'm as well as an old man can be, as I tell my students, at my time of life, if I wake up in the morning it's a positive start to the day, now what, as if I couldn't guess, can I do for you this fine day?".
PJ was laughing, "You know why I'm calling don't you?".
John could also be heard laughing, "I'm guessing Pete and Beth are getting a little frantic that they've not had acceptance letters yet, don't worry PJ, keep this to yourself, I'm in New York for a seminar right now and I was planning on delivering them in person, that's why Elly couldn't connect you straight away, she needed to call me".
PJ was excited to say the least, he hadn't seen his Uncle in over 2 years, "Wow that's great, are you free for lunch today we've a couple of friends, Pete and his errr, a friend of Pete's, it would be fantastic if you could make it".
PJ looked at Lenny who was almost laughing, he'd almost outed Pete and Chris but saved himself at the last minute, Lenny wasn't in the least concerned, she knew immediately PJ felt it wasn't his place to give out that information to family, Pete would make that decision.
"I have a boring lunch date which I will be pleased to decline, where are we, restaurant or home ?".
PJ was bubbling, "We're at home, where are you staying, I'll send a car for you at 12.30".
Having settled the details of where to have his uncle John picked up from he rang Pip and asked her to make the arrangements, then almost as an afterthought he invited Pip and Ramon to join them for lunch, only to be reduced to laughter by Pips reply, "I was coming anyway but I'll tell Rosa to include Ramon".
Lunch was set for 1pm, Peter and Christina Farley, Chris's parents, were due to arrive at midday.
They were seated up on the roof terrace with a very nervous Pete and Chris plus Woody, Beth, Pauly and Reece a few minutes before 12 o'clock awaiting the arrival of Chris's parents, the boys had agreed to a change in plans and would stay for lunch before disappearing off into the city again after lunch.
Lenny poured 8 glasses of wine, the youngsters were surprised because it was a well known fact Lenny didn't approve of underage drinking.
"Either I administer alcohol or a sedative to calm these two down and as my dislike of drugs is even higher than my dislike for alcohol it's really the lesser of two evils, now will you please relax, it's not a sentencing hearing in court, it's a lunch with friends and family plus a mystery guest".
As expected Pete immediately wanted to know who the mystery guest was, making everyone laugh loudly until Woody responded.
"Duh......... What don't you get about 'mystery guest' Pete?, if Momma or Poppa tell you who it is it's no longer a mystery dummy".
Pete smiled and then laughed with them.
As they were laughing one of the house staff brought Peter and Christina up to them.
Chris launched into a hug for both of his parents whilst Pete standing slightly back held out his hand to greet them only for his hand to be brushed aside as he was drawn into a hug by both of them.
Peter told Pete while hugging him, "Friends and acquaintances shake hands son, we're family and we're heavy on hugging so get used to it, and while we're clearing up misconceptions, we're Mom and Dad, you okay with that?".
Pete nodded his acceptance through a smile, "I'm definitely okay with it Dad, I was worried you'd not be completely okay with me because of, well, you know, me and Chris, you know, being..............".
Peter cut him off, "Pete, labels are an overrated commodity, to us you're our second son, partner of our child, no less".
Lenny and PJ with Pete's siblings had waited on the sideline whilst this exchange had been going on and then they moved in for hugs as well with Lenny saying, "You heard what your father said Chris, I seem to remember you had that same little talk from PJ and I so you remember it too".
They were having pre lunch drinks when Pip and Ramon arrived bringing Uncle John with them.
Pete was the first one to see him coming up the stairs to the roof terrace and he leapt up, wrapping him in a hug, genuinely pleased to see him, "Uncle John, I didn't know you were coming, what a fantastic surprise, it's been ages since we saw you".
Pete being Pete he hadn't given a thought to who his great uncle was in his professional life, or the real reason why he might be here, turning to the assembled diners Pete made the introductions.
"Ladies and gentlemen this is my great uncle, John Palmer-Frederickson, 10th President of Stanford University, Uncle John may I present Peter and Christina Farley, parents of this cute guy, my boyfriend Christopher Farley, Ramon, Pip, Leo and Rosa I believe you already know, same with Beth, Woody and Pauly, but this other cutie is Pauly's husband Reece Caswell, and last but by no means least you may have noticed my loving parents, who I guarantee are just about containing the urge to jump up and down, do the booty bump and hug you till you can't breathe".
Everyone was laughing because it was obvious Pete was right on the money as PJ and Lenny jumped up and true to form did the whole, clap hands, booty bump grind before encircling him in their arms as everyone looked on laughing loudly.
Chris whispered, "Is it always this crazy at mealtimes?".
Pete still laughing replied, "This is tame, it's a circus when everyone gets together, wait till Christmas...............".
Pete's voice tailed off as he realised they hadn't discussed this, he'd just assumed Chris would be with him for the Christmas Holidays, what if Chris wanted to be with his parents just as Pete did, how would he cope.
His thoughts were pulled back to the present by his uncle, who was stood holding out two envelopes, "Beth, Pete, special delivery".
This was it, their Stanford replies, they were holding the envelopes as if they were fragile, both frightened of what might be revealed, looking at their parents it was their uncle who, realising the emotions and fear running through their minds, finally broke the silence.
"For goodness children, how many students do you reckon get their letter delivered personally by the hand of The President of Stanford University, to date only 1 other, that's how many, so do you think I would take the trouble to deliver bad news, not a chance, now open the darn things, I'm starving".
Grinning, Pete and Beth opened the envelopes carefully and read the letters with tears streaming down their faces, "I'm in, they accepted me", they chorused together.
General pandemonium broke out as everyone congratulated them, Pete was more interested in Chris's reaction which was clearly absolute happiness, "Your uncle's the fuckin president, holy shit".
Pete just grinned.
Lunch was an absolute pleasure and all too soon the guests started drifting away to other engagements.
Seated on the sofas in the small lounge were PJ, Lenny, Woody, Beth, Chris, Pete and Chris's parents when Lenny broached the subject of accommodation in California.
"Guys, I'm hoping you'll let us have some input into your living arrangements at Stanford".
Pete was chuckling as he answered.
"Let me translate for you Chris, what Momma actually just said was, I have a property already picked out, Poppa and I are buying it so deal with it".
PJ was openly laughing, "You're busted my love, he knows you too well".
Beth just rolled her eyes, "Momma you are so easy to read".
Chris was confused but Lenny explained.
"You guys will be out in California for at least 4 or 5 years, possibly longer if you decide to stay on to do your Masters, we felt it would be unfair to ask you to constantly travel across country for family occasions, so I've picked out a family property were we all can gather, I'm hoping you won't be shocked at the size because it has just about everything we could need as a large family".
Pete turned to Chris still laughing, "Told you so".
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments, whatever they are will be appreciated to Cfgw2000@aol.com headed Life's Illusions.
Enjoy.