March Stephenson

Chapter 4

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

I told mum in the morning what had happened and she thought it very strange, I had no idea why he was here and I know I won't be saying anything, and I will be finding a new builder very soon. I could argue he was checking up on me, making sure I wasn't having any more fun or attention than he does, but that will take me backward not forward. Matt used to do that to me all the time, he would check up on me. I eventually found out after he had just fucked his latest lover, he didn't want me to have anyone but him unless he was involved.

I stuck to that ideal for three years and accepted he could have a mishap now and then as long as he didn't leave me on my own. I guess I was obsessed at the time and a bit under the thumb.

March Stephenson is a rare breed of man, he looks and acts like the hunk he is, but in reality, he's just another country bumpkin, checking up on his mates, with no life of his own. I must ask my Facebook stalker, he would know, he seems to know everything.

I drove back to the hills and had to stop for some more tea, I had taken a dozen bags down to mum, I think she is selling it to her friends. Anyway, I was almost out of it so I pulled up in front of Mays and went inside.

"I'm back and I need some more tea thanks May."

"Have a coffee with me Nicky I want to hear about your auction." I felt guilty and said

"Of course that too, and I will have a pie."

"How many bags do you need Nick?"

"Just four thanks." I grabbed them and placed them in the car, when I looked over I saw March standing inside the garage looking out, so I closed the door and sat at the table with my back to him. May came out with the coffee and pie, I was hungry and opened the sauce packet and dumped it on the top.

"So you had a good time and the house sold, and you partied some. I suppose you are going home to take it easy."

"Yes I need sleep, my parents had a small party on Saturday night and I did go out with some old workmates Thursday, that was a late night but so much fun."

"I see, well the photos looked good anyway."

"How did they get onto the local page?"

"Wasn't me Nicky, probably someone local just cruising around maybe."

"Was it March?"

"He said it wasn't him, I believe him. He did disappear Saturday night though, I don't know what that was all about." I was about to let loose when he came and got himself a drink.

"Hi, Nick welcome back." He smiled as if nothing had happened.

"Hi, March." I held back because I didn't want an argument in the main street, there were people around shopping.

"We got well above the reserve and are very happy with it. My dad had told us it was a good investment and it was."

"How was the nightclub?' He asked.

"How was your drive to the city Saturday night?" I stared at him.

"Good, I had things to do."

"Things like parking in my street I think."

"What?"

"I saw you, you could have knocked on the front door."

"I stopped for a moment, I wanted to see the house you were selling that's all."

"Well, you could have knocked we were having a family party to celebrate."

"I didn't want to intrude."

"Okay you didn't want to intrude, and you are not stalking me." I threw the empty pie bag into the rubbish bin and then said.

"Adios my friends, people to talk to, and places to go." I managed a smile and got in the car, as I did a quick u turn I could see them arguing or just maybe talking but I certainly stirred the hornet's nest today. I wasn't too proud of myself. Usually, I am the quiet one but his smug face got to me and I had to say something.

I locked all the doors and turned the tv on, then I curled up on the couch to have an afternoon nap. I won't go swimming, and never back to his special place, and I don't care if he's got a first-class ass, there's plenty of them around.

I slept for a few hours and then went to wash my face, I made up some tea and took some hamburger meat out of the fridge to make up some patties, they will last a few days and I had bought fresh rolls before I left the city.

I made up a half dozen and will fry them later on, then I sat and looked through my messages and the local page.

My stalker man asked me if I got some while I was in town. I replied

"No, and do not ask me again it's none of your business anyway." I closed him down by writing in caps hopefully whoever it is he will get the message, or she will.

The local page was just bits and pieces.

`He was in a foul mood today when I picked my car up.'

`He's coming to the farm tomorrow to do some work on dads tractor, I will try and get some info off him'

'Hello, you all do realize he reads this page, wouldn't you be better off just asking him directly why he's in a `mood' lol."

I had to get involved.

`Hi Nicky, did you have a good time in the city?'

'Yes I did in fact, I danced the night away, sold my home, and caught up with some old friends.'

'Boyfriends?'

'Ex workmates, we all have them.'

`Where did you go?'

`To Posers the big nightclub in Prahran.'

'I've been there it's awesome, some pretty good eye candy' I closed the laptop down and didn't go there again, I grabbed the iPad coffee and a rug then sat on the porch, the sun was going down. I love the crispy fresh air up here it seems to clear my head of any stresses and believe me I had plenty of them.

I ate sparingly then laid on the couch just watching the tv for a while, but I drifted off to sleep. I woke around one and turned it off, went to the toilet, and had a thought. I looked out the bedroom window but the street was clear. I'm being paranoid now, all he had to do was look on the internet the house was all over it, and there was no need for him to go by to look. I tried to go back to sleep but it escaped me, and I am being too harsh on March maybe he's telling the truth and was curious, but he didn't have to drive all that way to look at it.

Eventually, I slept and well into the morning, I decided to have a good look at the lacework again and uncovered it fully. There was so much of it and I groaned at the daunting task ahead of me. Taking a small piece onto the verandah I looked it over, not too bad I will test my skills on this piece first. I showered and dressed then went to the next town where there is a hardware shop, I bought a steel brush and paint stripper some scrapers, and some plastic splatter mats.

On my way back I called into the grocery store did some shopping and then headed home.

I set everything up on the back porch, then I started it with a good brush down, then the stripper was painted on. I could virtually see the paint peeling off as I had another coffee. I was lucky with this first piece and by eight at night, I was going full force with the wire brush. The paint flew off and I was left with a pretty nifty-looking piece of art. It will be the longer pieces I will have trouble with but the guy at the hardware shop said I will probably do the stripper part a few times on them. I was bushed and by ten I was ready for a shower then bed, or couch in my case.

I lay on the sofa and looked through the posts nothing much was mentioned where I was concerned, so off it went. I didn't have a pull I was tired and asleep within minutes.

The next day I went and grabbed another bit of iron, I thought I will start early on it, and if it is all like the first one I can do one a day.

I brushed it down and then painted the stripper on it. It sizzled and the paint bubbled, some didn't, but most of it did. For the bits that didn't, I got the scraper to it. I worked until noon and got it pretty straight then I showered and put my running shorts on. I ran downhill to the bridge I did think twice about going to March's area but turned left instead. I plunged into the cool water and swam around for a bit, my swimming hole was bigger than March's and as I swam to the other side the weeping willows brushed my head. I stopped and grabbed a bunch of them, then I pulled them down so they would snap up and drag me out of the water. It's a game I played for ages and was imagining I was a kid again and surrounded by my mates having a ball.

I sat on the opposite bank and in reality, I didn't like being on my own, it was nice the few times March was with me.

"You are on private property." I heard behind me.

I looked around and saw a man standing on the bank he had a shovel in his hands.

"Sorry I didn't know, no one told me. I live up the road and wanted a swim but thank you for the lend of your river." I was being sarcastic because rivers are for everyone.

"That's okay anytime you want to swim you are more than welcome, I just don't want you to venture too far into the paddock there's a very ornery bull over there and he doesn't like strangers."

"Oh I see, yes thank you I didn't think of that."

"I was going to swim myself, my name is Ethan, and my farms about a half a mile that way." he pointed.

"Well jump in I could do with some company."

"Why aren't you at the other place with March?" Why not, everyone knows me around here, why would I think a simple farmer wouldn't. I didn't react and I certainly don't want to tell him that March Stephenson is so hot I get a stiff whenever we meet there.

"He likes his solitude I think, and I didn't see him there that much. I like it here because I can swing off the branches and swim better. After all, there's more room."

"I see, you didn't fight then?"

"No, not at all he has been going there for years I thought I would find my very own swimming hole that's all. Just giving him his space back."

With that he started undressing, he was older but in very good shape when he got down to his boxers. I could see his member flopping around untamed. He made a whooping sound and then jumped in. I swam around some more as he dipped up and down wetting his head several times, he was no model but he was very handsome in a sort of country way. He moved over to me and I said.

"So what does your farm raise?"

"Murray greys, a few paddocks of wheat, and a vegetable garden that supplies the shop. The shop is that way on the highway it does well with the passing trade."

"Sounds like a lot of work Ethan, do you have help?"

"Yes, three sons they all have their jobs and men to help. Two daughters and a very pretty wife also they do the veggies." He smiled, not at me he was thinking about his family.

"Well, I wish you luck and will certainly be by to get some of those veggies."

"So you and March Stephenson arent dating then?"

"No, we are friends but he's still looking for his forever lady I believe, or that's what May tells me."

"This was their property Nick, we moved from southern New South Wales here about seven years ago. I believe it was too big for the kids to run but we don't have any problems, my kids got stuck into it as soon as we took over. I have a wonderful family, and Nick can I ask you something rather personal?"

"Yes go ahead." I dropped my head.

"I have this son, he's not interested in girls so much but I see him eyeing off the farm hands sometimes, he caught me looking once and blushed, do you think he's maybe gay?"

"Maybe how old is he?"

"Twenty-four."

"Are your other sons older and married?"

"Yes they are got themselves nice young fillies I may say so myself, and they are older. James is the youngest of my brood."

"He could be, otherwise he would have had many girlfriends along the way."

"Well no sign of any of them."

I waded out a bit and I didn't want to have this conversation about his son.

"What do you think about it if he is gay?"

"No problem Nicky, I did dabble myself back at school but the fillies won me over." He laughed.

"Maybe just let him run his race, he's not comfortable telling you. Maybe he feels he doesn't have to, that you all know anyway."

"Could be, will you do something for me?"

"Of course."

"When you come and get your vegetables can you come up to the house I would like you to meet him? Come about twelve thirty that's when we have lunch I will get Faith to set an extra place, is tomorrow okay with you?"

"That sounds fine with me I would love to meet some more locals, and lunch it is." He smiled and got out of the water, his shorts were sagging down his ass which was in good shape.

He pulled them off and struggled into his jeans, Then when he was dressed he thanked me and started for home. He was very pleasant and I know I will have to push myself to meet new people but we are almost neighbors and I have put off meeting the locals for too long.

I have to make tracks, the water was great but you know, things to do paint to scrape.

I dried off and then dressed, when I looked over at the farm all I could see were cattle no sign of the bull, but I'm sure he is around somewhere.

I ran uphill for a while then I walked the rest of the way. The first thing I did was get in the car and go for a drive back, passing the river to the left I saw a big vegetable barn, a few cars were parked out the front and it looked like it was busy. I did a U-turn and headed back home.

Sitting at the makeshift workbench I began to brush the rest of the bubbled paint off, there was a stubborn bit but the scraper made short work of it. I hand-sanded the whole thing then took it back to the garage.

Another longer piece this time and I repeated the process.

When I was out at the garage I heard a familiar truck sound coming up the road, I didn't look I knew it was March's and it didn't slow down. I don't know whether he waved or not because I had my back facing the road.

I struggled with this piece and decided I will tackle it again later, I slathered it with more remover and let it do its thing. I hadn't eaten since breakfast and now I'm hanging out for a big plate of veggies but nothing in the fridge.

I jumped in the car again and drove to May's shop to grab a couple of pies. She was her cheery self and I got the feeling she was forcing that smile.

"Hi Nicky, what can I do for you today?"

"A coffee and two pies please."

"Coming up."

I went and sat at the table, my back was facing the road again. She came out with two coffees and sat with me while I had my lunch.

"Haven't seen you for a few days, Nicky, what have you been doing?"

"I'm scraping lace work May, there is nothing much happening so I thought I would start on that, it's been pretty good so far, and the iron is in great shape."

"No broken bits then?"

"None so far but that could change at any time."

"Did you go swimming today?"

"To the other spot, yes I did and I met the guy that bought your farm he was warning me about his bull."

"Ethen, a very nice man, and family, I think they sold three farms up north to buy ours. They certainly have their heads in the right place and have started a very successful business there."

"Do you miss it?"

"I miss the farm but I don't miss the hours working on it. Dad had help but it was a daily struggle to get anything done."

"I know it's hard work for everyone living on the land, I can understand you selling it."

"Well it broke dad, and it nearly broke March. He would come home from school and get stuck into chores that he took on. He didn't go to bed until late it was hard for him. Dad tried to get him to slow down but he wouldn't."

"Very sad to hear May, I can see why he's just doing his own thing now."

"When dad passed we talked about it for months and he wasn't coping so I had to put my foot down, then the offer came through from Ethan. It was too good to pass up so I forced March to sell. He would be in a wheelchair by now if I had allowed him to go on."

"That bad?" She shook her head and replied.

"Yes, that bad."

These sorts of stories about March sadden me, and I know why they do, I missed him and I missed his antics and pure country soul.

I allowed a pity party and before I knew it a tear dripped down my face.

"Why so sad Nick?"

"Nothing May, it happens from time to time. I am going to Ethan's farm for lunch tomorrow, anything I need to know before I'm thrown into the lion's den?"

"You will do fine, they are already talking about your visit on the local page and eager to meet you."

"That fast?"

"Yes that fast, the mother commented first, she has to find something nice to wear, then the daughters and daughter in laws, not much from the men except James just place a 'Groan" in there somewhere.

"His father thinks he's gay and wants me to suss him out."

"He is pushing his son onto you?"

"Not really, I think he just wants confirmation if he is or not, using my gaydar will tell me." I smiled.

"I see, Nicky please do me a favor before you go?"

"Anything May."

"Please start talking to March, he hasn't been right since you went to the city and I think it's you that is in his head."

"He isn't in any trouble May. I had a go at him mainly because I was annoyed he drove all that way to look at something he could find on the internet. He parked six houses from my parent's place and didn't even bother to knock on the door. That annoyed me more than his sudden appearance."

"He felt he didn't belong and wanted to knock, but as I said he's shy sometimes and sometimes that isn't the done thing."

Okay, it's up to me to put a stop to it, I pushed my mug forward and said.

"Two coffees please May and I will be back in a moment, with your brother." I stood up and stretched, then I watched the traffic as I made my way across the road.

I found him sitting in his makeshift office, he still had those sexy overalls on with the strategically placed rips and I smiled as I leaned on the door frame.

"Coffee?"

"Hi Nicky, if it gets me away from these books yes I would like that." He stood up and I nearly threw my arms around him, well okay I did.

"I am sorry March, it was a stressful weekend and I wasn't in the right frame of mind. I believe you, and I am sorry." His hands patted my shoulders as I pulled away and he stared straight into my eyes.

"So am I."

"Come on I might even shout you a pie for lunch if you are lucky."

"I feel special, what did I do to deserve this treatment?"

"You are you March, nothing else, just you." We walked back and May smiled, she had two coffees at the ready, then went and got a pie for March and a piece of cake for me.

He sipped his drink and then ate the pie after dumping two packets of tomato sauce on top. I grinned at his grin and I think we made some sort of peace pact.

"How is the lacework going?'

"Brilliant, I have two down and one on the go, it's easy at the moment but that could change. It's the sanding that doing my hands in."

"I will lend you my sander it can get into any tight place and the paint should come off easier."

"Sounds good to me, the guy at the hardware shop didn't mention one."

"He probably forgot, or thought you were clueless to use one." He laughed.

"I will borrow yours then go buy one for myself."

"Whatever you want to do, perhaps having a personal one will be better for when we have to do the house, two is better than one." He winked.

Out of the corner of my eye, May was still smiling and it was genuine this time.

If I have to be friends with March I'm in for that, but he does things to me that no gay man should ever endure.

We sat for some time, he wasn't busy today and we talked more about the renovations I also said I needed some sort of laundry, the porch just doesn't suit and sometimes I need hot water. Gran had the machine hooked up to the cold water. He said he would make room somewhere, maybe put the washer in the kitchen.

"Do you need a dryer?"

"No, I will use the clothesline on the porch, it's out of the weather."

"Okay, it is doable, can I come around Sunday night and show you what I have come up with?"

"Yes of course you can, make it around five we will eat at six." He looked at May and said.

"I will be out Sunday night so don't cook." He laughed.

"I thought you lived behind the garage."

"No, I live with May Nicky, all I got out the back of the garage is a big shed and that's half full of the furniture from the farm." I laughed, he should have bought a transportable bungalow or something to live in.

I had to say my goodbyes as it was almost closing time so I left to go home.

I looked at the iron work, the stripper had done its job. March was at my door not long after, he was dropping the sander off.

I made coffee and we sat on the porch, he looked at my work and congratulated me.

"You have to paint it with some anti-rust before you do the finishing touches."

"I what?"

"Anti-rust it preserves the iron, you only need a small paint brush." He smiled.

"Ok, I can do that. I know I can." More work than I expected but I will motor on.

He looked at the machine and the outlet, it sort of stunk some days because it was emptying straight through the porch boards onto the ground.

"No good Nicky I think you will have room in the kitchen for it, we will see on Sunday night."

"Sunday night it is then," I walked him to the front door and he turned and looked me in the eyes.

"I am sorry Nicky, I wasn't stalking you I was just curious."

"It's okay March, all is forgotten, can we just get on with it and forget it ever happened."

"Yes, that would be nice Nick." He bent in and kissed me full on the lips I wanted to stick my tongue in his mouth but it was a gentle kind of kiss and his lips were so soft.

"Thank you, I have been dying to do that for weeks."

"I have been waiting for you to try it." I answered.

"Well, I don't know, I don't think I'm ready yet Nicky."

"Well, when you are I will be here."

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight my friend." I took hold of his shirt and dragged him into me then I gave him a smacker he will never forget. I didn't let go and I did go tongue surfing.

"Wow." He said.

"Wow, to you too, you are an awesome kisser."

"Really?"

"Yes, you are." I smiled.

"Well, I had better go." He blushed.

"Or you could stay the night."

"I'm not ready Nicky."

"After that kiss, if you aren't ready now, you never will be."

He laughed and opened the door then he walked out to a sad-looking truck. He did wave and tears flowed down my cheeks as I faked a wave back.

Is he playing with me or is he what he says, not ready?

Not ready for what, my dick in his ass because that's not going to happen anytime soon. I like to work up to things like that, and he shouldn't be worried. I know he has feelings for me and I am a total goner. I am so in love with March Stephenson.

I closed the door and leaned back on it, the tears wouldn't stop and I didn't want them to either, my heart has been broken before, and it's how I handle it this time as to whether I will cope with maturity, or throw myself under the bus again.

It took me hours to pull myself together and I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss, was I being too pushy or was he just teasing me?

In the morning I scraped the ironwork, and most of it came off then I needed a break. I have lunch today at the next farmhouse and I wanted to see where March grew up. I had looked at the local page and found Jimmy's post their surname was Wagner, so I am off to the Wagner farm. I showered and dressed for a casual outing, tight jeans, a nice t-shirt, and a hat for the sun. I went to the toilet again tossed my hair and then drove back down the hill to the big vegetable shed.

"Welcome Nicky, I'm Sue and this is my sister Jenny, dad said you were coming in today. It's so good to meet you at long last." She held her hand out and I shook it.

"This place is huge, I didn't know it existed until Ethan told me."

"Yes, we have a big range, canned goods, fresh veggies, dry goods the lot. No frozen food, all good natural stuff." She smiled. They were pretty girls and you could tell they enjoyed their work, I wasn't the only customer, there were quite a few hanging around.

"I will get some veggies when I leave, what time do you usually close?"

"Around four, you will have time or come back tomorrow it's not far from your place."

"That I might do Jenny are you coming for lunch?"

"Not today maybe next time, work and all that." She smiled.

They served a few customers and then took me out to the front.

"If you follow that road it will take you to the farm and Nicky?"

"Yes, Sue?"

"Dad knows Jimmy is gay he is just trying to set you up, so play dumb. He loves a joke and Jimmy is a little pissed off." I smiled.

"So this is his attempt to get me hitched to his son then?"

"Exactly, but his son has other ideas." She winked, they both laughed then had to go serve some customers.

I got in the car laughing and drove to a very lovely farmhouse, you can always recognize them they mostly have shady trees and big verandahs around them. This was typical and when I parked two dogs ran over to see who I was, I scratched behind their ears and then I heard.

"Red, Rusty, heel." It was a man's voice and a very cute man he was.

He held his hand out and introduced himself to me.

"Jimmy, pleased to meet you," I answered.

"You too Nicky, how are things between you and March?'

"Complicated, confusing, I have no idea what's with him, so I just go with the flow."

"He's very private it's hard to get him to open up sometimes. When he comes here to do the implements he hardly speaks to anyone."

"Maybe his memories are getting in the way here, he loved this farm."

"He did, and he has an open invitation to come here anytime and ride around the paddocks."

"You have horses too?"

"Yes Nick, do you ride?"

"No, but I adore horses."

"Come this way, mum is so excited it's like she's got a celebrity coming for lunch in there. You had better comment on how lovely she looks, she's been up since six selecting her outfit." He laughed.

"To be truthful I'm pretty nervous about meeting everyone."

"Don't be, dads organized it so the sisters are in the shop, the brothers and their wives with brood are in Melbourne shopping. It's only mum dad me and Hank the farm manager." He grinned.

We walked into a big barn I could hear snorting coming from the stalls, the horses were stabled in there. I patted most of them as Jim introduced them one by one. They were family pets but there were only six of them.

"Do you want to learn how to ride my sister-in-law does the riding school, you can join?"

"No I just like looking at them Jim, do you all have businesses within the farm, it seems to me there are a lot of them?"

"A couple, the veggie gardens the ladies look after and the cattle and wheat us men do, the sister-in-law started up the riding school to bring in more cash for her family, and she loves riding."

A god of a man strutted into the barn he was pure farmhand beef, dirty jeans, and t-shirt a beautiful set of boots. Long dark hair and a mustache to match. His blue eyes were outstanding.

"Nicky this is Hank, he's the manager of the farm." I shook his hand and he had a million-dollar smile. I guess I stared too long and Jimmy nudged me.

"He's mine."

"He's yours?"

"Yes been two years now, but dad heard there was another gay in town and wanted me to meet you. He knows about me and Hank, but he keeps trying."

"That's a bit much Jim, why don't you tell him to butt out?" In his deep voice, Hank replied.

"We have several times, he wants a younger more worldly man for his son, someone that will show him the world of gay." He roared laughing and slapped his leg.

"I don't know about educated, but why is he doing this to you?"

"He's a kidder, he loves Hank but is always trying to get him to improve himself, he feels if we have lunch with more city folk like gay people, Hank might do something about sprucing himself up. Like, take me out for dinner, go to the city to one of those fancy gay clubs, things like that."

"And you don't?"

"Well it's pretty busy here, and to be honest Nicky, Hank is my forever man and I certainly see no need to change him." He looked Hank up and down so I said.

"I know what you mean."

"Large size too." He started laughing and Hank pulled him in for a quick kiss.

"Let's go eat I'm starving."

"You're not going to change Hank?"

"No, it pisses the lady of the house off, but I do get a smile out of her now and then. Don't forget to say how nice she looks today."

We were all laughing as we walked up to the farmhouse.

Typical high ceiling rooms inside, big and airy and spotlessly clean. I was shown down the back to the kitchen, which wasn't a kitchen, more like a big family room. A country-style kitchen stood at one end, I think it was a recent instillation. The table was huge but only five places were set at one end. A typical farmer's wife came out from behind the big island bench, and her smile was beautiful and welcoming.

"Nicky pleased to meet you I am Faith, Ethan's wife Jimmy's mother."

"Pleased to meet you, Faith, you look gorgeous I hope this wasn't all for me, this place is amazing."

"Oh no, it's always like this I run a tight ship. Are you changing Hank?"

"Before I go to bed Faith, I will wash up though."

"Well at least that's something, you do realize we have company?" He looked me up and down and said.

"He's a neighbor, knows nothing about farming just running and chasing after that March Stephenson I hear."

"Silly man, March loves women last I heard. Go and wash up and do behind your ears." She slapped him with her tea towel.

I think I have just walked into a season of The darling buds of may. Faith's flowery frock, flowers on the workbench and table, smiles for miles, and a few playful jokes. Ethan arrived and he had changed, no farmer I know looks like he does. Pressed jeans and a nice open-neck shirt which Faith fussed with.

"Nicky it's good to see you again, Jimmy you have already met Nick?"

"Yes, dad." He rolled his eyes.

"I believe tomorrow my son is going swimming Nick. If you want to join him. He usually swims naked." He smiled, he was enticing me but I would much rather have a nude swim with Hank.

"No can do Ethan, I have company coming."

"Who, not that March person I hope."

"Yes March is coming for dinner we want to discuss the renovations on the cottage."

"Good luck with that he did this family room took him months."

"No, it didn't dad, eight weeks at the most." Jimmy stuck up for March.

Hank came back and didn't look any different from when he left.

"Not changing Hank?"

"No Ethan, I will only have to change back when he leaves, like you will have to do also."

"Don't get snippy with me my boy your not so old that I can't place you over my knees." I looked at Jimmy, this isn't going to happen. If they wanted to meet me all they had to do was knock on my door. I suppose they are a bit starved of gay people around here so I will play the game. Hank winked at me and Faith indicated that lunch was ready and I should sit at the top of the table because I am the guest. I thought it was because they all wanted to look at me and I was becoming very self-conscious.

She went to the kitchen with Jim and they started placing all sorts of fare on the table I made a big fuss and Faith giggled her way through serving me first. They were excellent hosts and as soon as I finished my soup which had filled me, they jumped up and placed a huge platter with a lamb roast sitting amongst the veggies on the table.

"My god Faith have you been up all night?"

"Standard lunch here Nicky, come by anytime there's always plenty."

"Well, my salad rolls don't go anywhere near what you have offered today." My stomach hurt, I'm not used to eating so much great food, and I couldn't stop it was awesome.

"Dessert?" She offered.

"No thank you, I will explode." I resisted.

"Then we can have a break and sit on the porch until our tummies settle. Maybe you would like to stay the night Nicky, just in case." Ethan said.

"Just in case of what?"

"You get sick, I did hear you emptied yourself against a tree a month or so back. Jimmys got a spare bed in his room." I ignored that comment.

"Is there anything you don't know about me?"

"No dear, but are you a top or bottom?" Faith laughed.

I stared at her and then started laughing.

"This is the best setup I have ever been involved in, thank you all, you put on a good show."

"Well Hank and Jimmy need some gay friends they don't have any at the moment, but we are hoping that will change soon."

"Boys meet me at the river day after tomorrow around eleven, and keep your bloody shorts on too."

The table erupted and I looked at Ethan.

"Is that what you wanted?"

"Yes thank you, neighbour."

Donations are grtefuly accepted Nifty.