My long-range forecast -- chapter 1
My name is Christopher Jackson Skinner but I prefer to go by CJ. When I was 14, my parents were killed in a car accident. Their request was for my Uncle Dean (UD as I always call him) and Aunt Sally to be my legal guardians. UD and Aunt Sally have three daughters, and our family bond is very strong. They got me through the tough times, especially UD. Whether it be answering my simple questions, working out with me at the gym, attending all my sporting events or being my financial guidance counselor -- he has been and always will be an important part of my life.
My four years of high school went by very quickly for me. I had fun, my friends supported me and I played varsity golf and baseball every year. I also enjoyed the audio-visual club. The high school had a low power television station. My skills developed in television operations and broadcasting skills. The club teacher selected me to anchor a morning news show in my sophomore, junior and senior years on the television station. I really enjoyed this and learned so much from the experience. My teacher also hooked me up with his local connections to work at the local television station during the summer. The job was fantastic, and I was asked to return the next two summers. All of the experience I gained forged a path for me that I decided to pursue further.
I decided to go to a small liberal arts college in Ohio where I was able to pursue my interests in television broadcasting and computer science. I also received a golf scholarship which helped me to accept the overall package. No one from my high school attended the college I selected which I was excited about. I was starting from scratch with new opportunities to come out of my shell. College life was a definite change for me. I relaxed and told myself to enjoy the experience. I made so many new friends from around the country, and my personality flourished. My freshman television professor, James Thompson who also is the Radio and Television Department Chairperson, asked me to try out for the nightly news broadcasts due to my high school experience. He needed a weatherman desperately and asked me if I wanted to give it a shot? I jumped at the opportunity even though I did not know the difference between a warm and cold front. I resolved that problem through self-study and enrolled in several meteorology classes as my science electives.
Each year of college I expanded my skills and found new relationships to explore. I played the field and had a number of experiences with both women and men. Every experience gave me something to think about. Even though I felt awkward with women, there were three that pursued me throughout the college years. My experiences with men though were much more meaningful for me. I felt a deeper connection to a man and eventually realized that I was gay. Every experience was good for me, but I really enjoyed the experiences with older men in their early 30's.
My senior year came and I got serious about where I want to end up for my career. I like the Midwest, specifically the tri-state area of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Even though the tri-state has relatively mild winters, I had a desire to move south. Specifically, I always desired to reside on the Florida gulf coast. I enjoy the Tampa area as my family vacations there annually. Dad and Mom bought a condo there, which was included in their estate. At the time of the estate closure UD advised me that I should keep the condo. He said we can rent it out and add income for my savings through rentals. I agreed with UD, and the condo was available for me in St. Pete Beach if I ended up with a job in the Tampa market.
Throughout my senior year, I sent numerous resumes and audition clips to Florida television stations. I also sent my resume to a number of computer programming job openings as a fallback option. Computer programming jobs were plentiful in the Tampa area, and the compensation packages were generally solid. I held out for a chance to use my broadcasting skills. In March, I was asked to travel to a television station in St Petersburg, Florida for an onsite interview. I planned for a long weekend there and stayed in the condo. The position being filled was for a weekend weather reporter who also will serve as a general news reporter. My interview on Friday went well with the chief meteorologist and general manager. The general manager surprised me with a call on Saturday around noon. He informed me that the current weekend weather reporter could not do the Saturday evening shows due to a family emergency. He also was not able to schedule any of the other weather reporters. He then said, "so CJ, it's your lucky day! I need you at the station by 3:00 pm to get ready for your first appearance on the 6:00 and 11:00 shows!" I was so excited! Both shows went very well, and the general manager took me out for a celebration after the shows. A number of crew members and reporters joined us. I was on cloud nine from the experience, and enjoyed my instant stardom. The GM met with me on Sunday for lunch and presented me with a job offer. I accepted the offer and informed the GM that I wanted to start on or around July 1 in order to wrap up graduation, get my car to Florida and get my residence, wardrobe and other items in place for a smooth transition. He agreed to it, and told me I'd be doing the morning and noon shows first week of July due to planned staff vacations. I did not believe what I was hearing, but this is exactly where I wanted to be to start my career.
Graduation day at college came on Memorial Day weekend. Everyone graduating had their name called to receive their degree. The line-up was by colleges as I processed in with the College of Arts and Sciences. The line was long, but I finally heard it announced "Christopher Jackson Skinner, Magna Cum Laude." I received my degree and a hand shake from the college president. The department chairpersons were also on stage. James Thompson embraced me in a big bear hug. He told me to "keep reaching for the stars and I am so proud of your accomplishments young man!"
I saw all of my family cheering me on. UD and the entire crew -- my grandparents, Aunt Sally and my cousins were cheering and clapping. I heard UD shouting "way to go son, you did it!" Had it not been for UD, I doubt that I'd have made it this far.
The Memorial Day weekend was full of parties and celebrations. I stayed with my family for a week after graduation. Two days after graduation, UD broke out a celebratory bottle of bourbon for myself and him. He also produced two of his favorite cigars for us to partake in. I told him I did not want a cigar. UD replied with "bullshit. I know you have been smoking my cigars behind my back when you have a chance. So do me a favor, and enjoy our first official one together with me!" I laughed at him, and agreed to it. It was true, I took his cigars so many times to enjoy while I was growing up. My friends and I enjoyed smoking them on the golf course.
During our celebration drink and smoke, he also informed me that he was coming with me on the driving trip to Tampa. He and my aunt want to make sure I get there safely, and get set up with the essentials to start off with. I did not argue, and I was relieved for company on my journey. He also gave me a small box with a bow on it. I opened it and found a set of car keys. I looked at him and he told me it was their graduation present to me. The key fob was to a jeep. I looked at my uncle and asked "is this the navy-blue jeep you and I looked at last month?" He replied "yes, it is. It's in the garage. Your Aunt and I added a few extras to it for your full enjoyment!" I burst out in tears, and jumped up to give him a big hug. I told him "I cannot thank you enough for getting me here to this day, and keeping me grounded in my life. I miss Dad so much, but you have provided for me and taken care of me in so many ways."
UD replied "it's me who should be thanking you. I admit I was scared to death when your dad and mom were killed. I did not know how you and I would interact. But through our love, good conversations and being fully open with each other, we have made it through together. Your dad and mom would be so proud of your accomplishments, and you know I am proud of you as well my son! It's been my extreme honor to guide you through to this point in your life. You have a good head on your shoulders, and I do not want our relationship to suffer just because we will be miles away from each other. You call anytime you need to, and aunt and I will be there as soon as possible for you. I love you very much!"
After more tears, we went to the garage and inspected the jeep. His only request was to turn over my current chevy to him so his daughters would have a beater vehicle to start drivers ed training in next year. We returned to the patio to finish our bourbon and cigars. Before calling it a night, I looked at him and said "okay UD, I have one request for our trip next week. Let's free ball it all the way to Tampa!"
UD broke out in a laugh that could have woken the neighborhood. All he said back to me was "you're on smartass!"
I often wondered if I hurt UD's feelings by not joining his business. He owned 16 restaurant franchises. I knew there was a position for me if I wanted to learn the business, but I wanted to chart my own path in a field that I truly enjoyed. Television was in my blood and UD knew it. On the trip to Tampa, he informed me that he was so proud of me to forge my own path. He cannot believe that I landed a job in one of the top 20 television markets to start off. I was pleased with this as well, as several other people I graduated with ended up in much smaller markets and would have to work their way up.
We took our time to get to Tampa, but the trip came to a close three days later when we arrived at the condo. We were both relieved, and unloaded the jeep with what I had packed up. I went back to the jeep for the last box. As I was closing the jeep up, I heard a husky voice come up behind me asking if he could help me with anything. I turned around and set my eyes on one of the most handsome men I have ever seen. He was taller than me, probably about 6'4" with sandy blonde bleached hair, beautiful blue eyes and extremely well built. I guessed his weight at 220 lbs. I also noticed he had hairy arms, and tufts of hair appearing out his neckline from his chest. I immediately wanted to rip his shirt and jeans off to see the rest of his body, but I calmed my hormones down. Looking at him, I felt small even though I am 6'1" and 190 lbs. I keep myself in good shape and have brown hair with hazel eyes. I am hairy, but I believed he had the thicker pelt of the two of us.
I stuck my hand out and said my name is Chris Skinner. People call me Chris or CJ. He grabbed my hand with his mighty grip and introduced himself as Anthony Walters, Wally for his preferred name. We struck up a conversation with him asking me if I was renting a unit for a time? I informed him that I was moving into the family condo and taking my first job in the area. He replied "well, congratulations and welcome CJ!"
Wally asked what unit I was in and I said 401. "Ah -- you're the one with the great views!" I replied "yes, my unit has the wrap around balcony facing the gulf. I'm looking forward to relaxing evenings on the balcony." Wally informed me that he owned unit 402.
"Awesome! I'm not even here and hour, and I've met my neighbor."
Wally asked "if I was by myself, and if I had dinner plans?"
"I drove down from Ohio with my Uncle Dean, or UD for short. We broke the drive up but were both relieved to be here. We don't have any plans for dinner yet." Wally replied "excellent, you have plans now. Let me get cleaned up and I'll take you two to dinner. Do you both like seafood, and will UD be okay with the invite?" I replied "UD will be fine with the invite, and we both love seafood."
I got back upstairs and told UD about the dinner invitation. He and I got cleaned up, and Wally knocked on the door about an hour later. I opened the door, and he was even more handsome than an hour ago. I hoped I could make it through dinner without tenting a boner. It was too funny, but he and I looked like twins both dressed in white polos and light blue shorts. My uncle noticed this, and asked "did you two plan this wardrobe in advance?" We all had a hearty laugh on this before heading out to dinner.
Wally said he wanted to take us to his favorite local dive bar. He said not to worry, they had great waterfront seating and their seafood was wonderful. Once we were seated, UD informed Wally that if he considered this a dive bar, he was sorely mistaken. The scenery, menu and wait staff all seemed exceptional to UD and I could tell he was impressed early with Wally's selection. Conversation before and through dinner never ceased, and two hours later it felt as though the three of us knew each other for a number of years!
I learned during the conversation that Wally was in the home construction business. He took over the family business when his father retired. I noted to myself - aha, that explains his great muscular build. Through dinner I also took more looks at his muscular hairy legs, and his great tan. The conversation turned personal when Wally asked UD about his business and family. UD told him about his life, family, and his restaurants. I knew UD was leaving it up to me as to what I wanted to share with Wally. Wally turned his questions to me and asked what my story was, and why I'm settling in the Tampa area? I gave Wally the full story about my life thus far including the death of my parents as well as starting at the local television station as the weather reporter next month. My disclosure of my parents' death surprised UD as I usually did not disclose this information. He summed it up as I must have felt comfortable with Wally, and was starting a friendship from the foundation. When I concluded my story, Wally was in awe. He held his wine glass up and gave us both a toast. While he was sorry that their death occurred, he was impressed with Dean accepting me and getting me to where I am at in life. He also said he was looking forward to watching his new friend on the television. After the toast, I noticed he gave me a wink too.
We made our way back to the condo complex, and Wally asked if we'd join him in a nightcap? UD declined, saying he wanted to check in at home and turn in after the long drive. He thanked Wally for the wonderful dinner and told him that he was so glad to have met him. He also said he hopes our friendship grows, and asked Wally to watch out for me and keep me on the right track. Wally replied "I don't think there will be a problem with keeping me on the right track as you have done all the hard work." UD smiled, and said "before I leave can I exchange contact information with you Wally in order to keep in touch?" Wally said "yes, that's a good idea Dean." With that, UD told us both good night and went into my condo.
Wally opened up his door, and lead me into his place. It was a definite bachelor pad, but still had a nice open beach feeling. I got the grand tour, and told him I needed to hire him to make some changes to my place. He said "no problem, CJ, I'll be happy to help out in any way I can." I told him about some of the immediate changes I wanted to do, and potentially some of the larger renovations. He said the cosmetic changes will not be a problem. The larger renovations will need more investigation as to structural implications.
Wally asked me what I wanted to drink? I told him I was a bourbon, gin and vodka man usually. I also drink any beer. He raised his eyebrows and said "I knew you were a bourbon man at dinner!" Bourbon it is, and let me make you Wally's famous bourbon tea. About five minutes later, a pitcher of bourbon mixed with iced tea and cut up fresh fruits was delivered. He poured us each a glass, and we adjourned to his porch. The sun was just finishing setting on the gulf. We sat down in his lounge chairs. Before we drink, he said let me make a toast. "CJ, I truly admire you for where you are in your life with what you encountered in your past. I'm glad you have persevered and are following your dreams. Here's to the start of a beautiful friendship, and I can't wait to see you on the television." I thanked Wally for his beautiful message, and acknowledged that I too see this as a start of beautiful friendship.
We clinked our glasses, and partook in Wally's famous bourbon tea! The fruits mixed well with the bourbon and tea. He said "the only missing piece for us is an evening cigar."
I looked at him and said "no shit? You are a stogie man?"
Wally replied "yes, I enjoy them. I'm not a heavy smoker but I enjoy them for evenings like this. I also enjoy them when I'm playing golf."
I smiled and said "I can't believe how much we have in common! I also enjoy smoking cigars, especially on the golf course." I did not disclose to him that I played golf in college on a scholarship, deciding to save that tidbit for a later discussion on a golf outing with him.
We each got comfortable, and the conversation continued. One thing I had to find out before the evening was finished was his relationship status. After one drink, a refill occurred and I spoke up asking him if he was involved with anyone present or past? He told me that he was married at a very early age (right out of high school). Both he and his former wife were immature and the marriage ended four years later. Since 23, he's been on his own playing the field and open to anything that makes him happy. I interjected "so that would be about five or six years ago?"
"You flatter me" he replied. I'm 35. I was shocked as I told him I would not have put him past 28.
"So, CJ, are you 21 or 22?" I replied "22, turning 23 in August."
"Cool. I'll start planning your birthday party now! You need to provide me a guest list."
Wally said "we'll hit the local hangouts together, and I'm sure you will get plenty of women trailing you after they see you on television."
I replied back "we'll see and if we both strike out on the field play, we can always be friends with benefits."
"You got a deal CJ!" After that, the conversation and drinking continued.
I knew I was going to like hanging out with Wally, and I definitely want a relationship to develop if it was in the plans for both of us. A few hours later I decided to call it a night as I was getting tired, and I could tell that Wally was also starting to get sleepy. We gathered up the glasses and pitcher, returning them to the kitchen. I headed for the door and Wally pulled me back before opening it up. He surprised me with a tight hug, thanking me for a wonderful evening. I told him it was all his doing, and I thanked him for everything. Before I knew it, he gave me a kiss on the cheek and said he'd check in with me tomorrow to see if I needed anything. I returned the kiss on his cheek, and said "goodnight stud!"