Well, here it is, after many false starts, and the busy holiday I finally finished this chapter. I hope you enjoy it, and as usual feel free to email me want your comments.
You can contact me at bimale4uxx@yahoo.com I promise to answer all emails, but please be patient as it takes time to respond to everyone. I hope that this is story touches you as it has me. The characters live in my soul.
"A NEW DAWN FOR MONTGOMERY CHASE"
Copyright (c) 2005 by Billy Merritt. All rights reserved. The use is expressly forbidden unless explicit arrangement has been made with the Author. This copyright applies to all chapters and pages of this work. It may not be reproduced, posted, stored electronically, or archived, except for personal, non-public use, without the express written permission of the Author.
Warning; this is a fictional story of sex between consenting adult men. If gay sex offends you or you are a minor or living where this is illegal to read. GO AWAY DISCLAIMER: This is a fictional story, any likeness to real people is purely coincidental. Also in fiction safe sex practices are not important, but in real life it is very important. So play safe.
CHAPTER FIVE
"Go After Him"
The hustle and bustle of everyone getting ready for the big day transfixed him. It reminded Montgomery of the very first time he had met Clara. They had met at a horse auction that her father was conducting, and had taken an instant dislike towards each other, he thought she was too outspoken, she thought he was too arrogant because he didn't talk but very little. It had been a day just like this one. Cold frost shimmered across the hills as the sun peeked over the ridge. Montgomery had taken these few precious minutes this morning to stand and contemplate. The conversation with Dave had shocked him, yet he didn't have time right now to ponder on it. He had too much going on making sure all the details were just right for the day.
The white pristine looking tents were all set, one with the auctioneers stand, seating and the sales ring. Another one had tables and seating for the luncheon being served by the local bar-b-que restaurant along with a bar that would serve complimentary drinks up to the time the sale started. After that it was a cash bar only, Montgomery knew from past experience that many would drink quickly and more, so they didn't have to pay for any, and then they would be well lubricated and willing to spend much more than if they were stone cold sober. A third tent held the registration office, for potential buyers to get a bid number and provide all the necessary information to ensure payment. Walking towards the barn he blew smoke rings with the morning cold air. This was going to be a great day, he could feel it in his bones.
Watching bemused from a corner of the barn keeping out of the way of everyone working hard, Montgomery listened as Rick and Jake responded to Bill with "Yes Sir, No Sir" etc. They had worked very hard and Bill's confidence had grown each day, until he wore the role of boss like it had been tailored just for him. A chuckle escaped from Montgomery's throat when he thought about what the locals would think today when they saw how respectful they were towards Bill. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow he would be able to sit Bill down and have that conversation. Remembering how Bill handled his alcohol he decided to call all the help together for a quick meeting.
The lounge in the barn was full of all the extra help today, the ring men who would be taking bids, the grooms, and Bill, Rick and Jake.
"Ok boys today is the big day. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. Be polite and respectful to all the potential buyers answering as many questions honestly as you can. If you know something in particular about one of the horses, when asked answer truthfully. Don't try to push the sale or mislead anyone. My reputation is known as an honest horseman, and I expect the same from you while you work for me."
"Also" he continued. "No one is to have any alcohol. Period. If I find or catch any of you drinking, you will be fired on the spot. As you know, handling horses can be dangerous, especially the young ones who have never been exposed to all this excitement. And alcohol doesn't mix with horses. It isn't safe." He looked around the room, making sure to look directly into everyone's eyes. "Any questions?"
While Montgomery answered a few questions or directed them to whoever was handling that particular area, he motioned for Bill to come over. He put his arm across his shoulder and led him over far enough away to keep it just between the two of them.
"Be sure that Rick, Jake, and you stay away from any drinking today, even after the sale is over and all the chores are finished. I don't want a repeat of your escapade with them. I don't think anything would happen, but when you put alcohol into the situation, you just never know." He smiled at him, showing his concern. Gave him a tight squeeze, noticing tenseness in Bill's shoulders, he must be nervous about today he thought.
Montgomery sat at the dining room table. Paper work littered the entire surface. It had been a very successful sale, preliminary figures showed a 20% increase in the average sale price. He had sent Dave to help with the clean up and finish the evening chores. Clay sat with him as they began the arduous task of sifting through and making sure that all paper work was filed properly and that nothing was missing. He looked over at his best friend, and smiled. Clay had been an absolute showman that day. As he prodded, and provoked many to up their bids when they really meant to stop, he had entertained everyone with his quick wit, and gained respect from those who didn't know him with his knowledge of the horses and their breeding. His mind drifted to the previous night when Dave surprised and shocked him with what he had to say.
"Monty" Dave had begun, "I really felt something special with you that day." He gulped as he seemed to try and gather his courage. "Actually, it was more than just something special for me. I've played around since I was a young teen with other guys, and it was always about having fun and getting off. I always assumed one day I would meet a girl and we would fall in love, marry and have a huge family on my Grampa's ranch. But that day opened up my eyes, all the girls I dated and have ever been with, have just been a passing fancy. A trophy to mark on my gun, it was never anything more than that." Here he paused, looking intently into Montgomery's eyes, as if he was trying to read his emotions, Montgomery thought.
"I think I may be falling for you Montgomery Chase." He exhaled as he said that. His face a kaleidoscope of emotions, "And I never thought I'd ever be saying that to a man"
"Is that why you have been avoiding me and being distant Dave? I thought you were keeping me at an arm's length deliberately, well, I'm not sure why exactly, but I didn't think I was anything more than just a good time." Montgomery said, haltingly. He was searching for the right words, caught completely off balance by Dave's admission.
He wasn't sure what else Dave had said after that, being dazed by this. But he did remember telling Dave that he needed to think about it all. He could see the hurt in Dave's eyes when he didn't say he felt the same. The trouble was, he didn't really know how he felt before and now he was unsure more than ever.
"Monty" he realized that Clay had been trying to get his attention. "You're worn to a frazzle, why don't you go to bed, and we can finish this tomorrow? I'll come by midmorning and it should only take a couple of hours to wrap this all up by then" Clay was shaking his shoulder as he spoke to him.
Mumbling his agreement, Montgomery stood and wearily plodded to his bedroom. He fell flat on his face and promptly passed out on the top of the bed.
Restlessly he tossed around the bed, his dreams alive and in full color. First he saw Dave's face and deep blue eyes that time while he was fucking him, the emotions poured from his eyes, deep into his soul. His body felt like it was on fire with passion, aching for more. Then the sight of Bill's beautiful muscled ass as he plunged deeper, filling him with his seed and then Bill's face, his red hair aflame. He wanted to kiss those lips, but they were always just out of reach, as he strained and leaned forward. Both men kept interchanging in his dream. He felt Bill's hot mouth on his cock, draining him dry, then he tasted Dave's lips. He inhaled the scent of Dave's groin, sending shivers through his cock. Then it was the flavor of Bill's skin on the back of his neck, his teeth biting skin. Red hair, then blonde, it was as if they deliberately were keeping him from his goal. Segments from the past relived in his dreams. It became a swirl of emotions, sensations until he wasn't sure which one he was with. It felt so real, yet somehow he knew at the same time it was a dream. Just about the time he was about to consummate it with one, it changed to another, over and over it replayed like a broken record.
Montgomery's eyes flew open. Wide awake, the only sound he could hear was his ragged breathing. Darkness filled the room. That was one thing about living on a farm like this. It was dark and silent at night compared to living in a town. He groaned as he pushed off the bed, his cock was still throbbing from his dream, aching for release. Silently he padded to the kitchen in his socks, his hard cock bobbing. Someone had pulled his boots off while he slept. He turned on the low light over the stove, and looked at the time. 4 AM, it was too late to go back to bed, he might as well stay up he surmised. Making sure the coffee maker was filled, he flipped it on and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. Damn, I smell like a horse that's been ridden hard and put away wet, he thought.
The hot water cascaded down his body, washing away the grime and sweat of the long day. He closed his eyes as he soaped himself, the smooth texture of the suds felt soothing to his tired body. His hands spread the soap over his cock and balls, and his throbbing member quivered as he wrapped his hand around it. Slowly stroking it, caressing it, he shivered with desire. His mind reflected on his dream as he teasingly came close to an orgasm. Was it love or lust he felt for Dave or Bill? He really didn't know. The thought of spending the rest of his life with either was appealing, but he knew that it took a lot more for a relationship than simple attraction. By now he was so caught up in the feelings of his masturbation that it took him a while to realize that there was someone touching him. He felt the hands stroking his nipples, and cupping his balls. He kept his eyes closed tightly, not wanting to break the spell or wake from a dream if it wasn't really happening. He groaned as he felt a hand pushing his hands away from his pulsing cock. A moist hot sensation enveloped the cock head, and vacuumed it all the way in, until it was buried to the root. His trembling hands gently stroked the hair on the head. He reached up and pinched his own nipple to make sure it was for real and not a dream. He couldn't take it anymore and had to open his eyes to see who it was, and there was Dave, naked on his knees in the shower. Dave's lust filled eyes looked up at him, as he paid homage to the throbbing member in his cavernous mouth. The sensations were escalating Montgomery closer to his orgasm, and he could not stop it.
"I'm going to cum to quick if you don't stop" his hoarse whisper went unheeded, as Dave continued his ministrations on his manhood. Exploding with volcanic force he pumped his seed into the waiting, hungry mouth. Shaking with the aftershocks, he sagged. Dave wrapped his arms around his ass, and held him up as he spurted one last time on his face. Then Dave stood up, and kissed him passionately sharing his male sap. They held each other quietly. Then Dave slipped out of the shower, grabbed a towel, and dried himself as he walked out of the room.
Well that broke his promise to himself not to have sex for a while, mused Montgomery as he hurriedly finished his shower.
Sitting on a bale of hay as he sipped his coffee, Montgomery watched as Bill, Rick and Jake sleepily stumbled into the barn.
"Good morning boys, the coffee is hot and ready in the lounge" he cheerily said chuckling at their startled confused expressions. Bill looked around and Montgomery could literally see the realization spread across Bill's face that the morning feeding was already done. "Bill, grab a hot cup, and come walk with me. Rick and Jake can finish watering the horses, and get started mucking out the stalls." Bill nodded, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and quickly complied.
"Bill, you did an outstanding job with everything, including managing Rick and Jake." Montgomery praised him as they walked out past the empty paddocks behind the barn. "I couldn't have done it without you. The sale went smoothly and all the horses were presented immaculately groomed and you had them well trained."
"Thanks" Bill answered his face blushing hot with the compliment. "um, I need to talk to you about something" Bill managed to stammer out.
"Yes, we do need to talk, I've been wanting to for a while, but it seems like something always came up and I couldn't find the time alone with you." Montgomery answered. "You first"
"I've been offered a job, and I've decided to accept it." Bill said as he turned to face Montgomery, clearly uncomfortable, but determined to go through with it. Shocked, Montgomery actually thought that he wanted to talk about the same thing, his mouth fell opened, then he shut it. He looked into Bill's eyes, trying to read him, but all he saw was determination, and some confusion.
"Well, who offered you the job?" he quietly asked, deliberately keeping his voice calm, and forcing a smile. His gut sank, he somehow thought that Bill would be around for a while, even considered the possibility that they could become more than just friends. He listened as Bill gave him all the details, but there was no excitement in his voice or face. It was actually a very good opportunity for him, Montgomery thought, he should have at least been happy if not ecstatic.
"I will start after the first of the year, so you have me through Christmas. I think Rick would do an excellent job, if you would consider him for it. Actually I think he is better with the horses than I am."
"Have you accepted it already?" Montgomery hoped his voice didn't betray his emotions.
"No, and I've not said anything to anyone yet, I wanted to tell you about it first." Bill quietly spoke, almost sadly Montgomery thought.
"Rick and Jake don't know?" Bill shook his head. Montgomery held his hand out and Bill grasped it firmly. Impulsively, Montgomery pulled him into a tight bear hug, squeezing him hard.
"I will miss you Bill" he choked out, fighting to keep his emotions hidden. This time he was sure that Bill stiffened, he actually froze and didn't hug him back. With a quick release of the hug, Montgomery actually felt uncomfortable this close to Bill now.
"What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Bill asked in a detached way.
"Sit" Montgomery pointed at a bale of hay. He stayed standing as he watched Bill lower himself on it. He realized he wanted to sit right next to him, but knew that he had better keep his distance. Taking a deep breath, Montgomery forged ahead.
"I wanted to talk to you about us having sex." He pushed on. "And how afterward you either ignored me or distanced yourself. What's going on?"
He saw the fury before he heard the hate filled words spit out of Bill's mouth.
"I ain't no god damned faggot. That's really why I'm leaving" fire shot from Bill's eyes as he spoke. Montgomery's jaw clenched, his eyes became like ice as he spoke in a carefully measured way, choosing words calculated to knock the wind out of Bill's sails.
The rest of the day, everyone walked around him like they were on eggshells. Avoiding him whenever possible, they were careful to not let him overhear them discussing and trying to figure out what happened to Bill. All Rick and Jake saw was both of them marching back into the barn, Bill's face a pasty white, and Montgomery, stone cold, expressionless, and standing over him while he gathered up his meager belongings, and packed them into the truck. Not a word was spoken between them as Montgomery got behind the driver's wheel, and Bill slid in the passenger side and an impassive expression on his face. Rick and Jake knew from their recent experience with Montgomery, to never challenge him while he was in that mood.
The seething anger fueled Montgomery's drive to complete all the unfinished business from the sale, so that by the time Clay arrived, it was all done, neatly organized and filed.
"Clay, would you drive me to that place again? I don't trust myself to drive right now." Montgomery quietly asked his eyes pleading.
"Of course I will Monty" Clay calmly answered.
They didn't speak on the way up, and when they got there Montgomery got out and walked toward the special spot. Clay stayed in his truck. Even though it was cold, and brown, the view was magnificent.
Montgomery sat, taking it all in. Letting his anger seep from him, he soaked up the serene scene. How could he have been so foolish to think that Bill would not be conflicted also? At least by the time they had arrived at the bus stop, he was able to sincerely wish him well, and they talked about his new job. Their guarded conversation left many things unsaid, and the sadness consumed him as he watched Bill forlornly stepping on the bus.
He felt Clay's presence behind him. He knew his friend was worried or he would have been joking and teasing him in his brusque way.
"Mind if I join you?" Clay spoke softly, the concern in his voice warmed Montgomery's heart. He slid over and made a spot for him and patted it.
"Come on Clay, I would like that." He said.
Clay sat next to him, opened a thermos and poured a cup of hot coffee, and shared it with him. They sat companionably side by side, taking the glorious view and branding it in their soul. Montgomery finally noticed that Clay shivered, the cold must be hard on him, he realized.
"Are you ready to go back?" Montgomery asked as he stood.
"You bet I am, I thought you were going to keep me out here all night, and make me freeze my ass off sitting on this damned rock" Clay jested. Montgomery laughed, it came from down deep inside him, and he reached out his hand to help the best friend a guy could have up.
On the way back Clay let Montgomery drive, while he sipped more of the hot coffee. They begin to talk about the sale again, and laughed at some of the funny things that happened. Compared notes on various people, and their buying habits, their normal every conversation felt so good to them both. Finally Clay grew silent. He watched as Montgomery carefully drove, even going a bit too slow he estimated.
"Well, are you going to tell me what happened and what's going on or am I going to have to beat it out of you?" Clay asked, half in jest.
Montgomery looked over at him, debating how what and how much he could tell his friend.
"I really want to talk to you about it Clay, but I'm not sure how to tell you or if I should tell you everything. Part of it is pretty personal and even offensive to some" he tentatively said. "I don't know how you would react to part of it."
"Listen, you old dog, I'm not exactly a conservative old fool, I know what part of it is, I have just been waiting for you to tell me. Why do you think I insisted that Dave move in and stay with you?" he bristled at the implied accusation he was intolerant. A flush spread over Montgomery's face, the heat made him sweat. His old friend, setting him up with his grandson? Surely not, he thought. How did he know and why would he even try to be a matchmaker in the first place? He opened his mouth to talk, shut it, opened it again. He was at a complete loss for words.
"Just start from the beginning Monty, don't hold anything back. I'm not going to judge you or feel uncomfortable by anything you say. I'm an old fart, I have been around along time and there aren't many things I haven't seen in this world you know." He prodded Montgomery
Montgomery slowly began to talk, starting with the loss of his wife, and how he wanted to just curl up and die next to her. As he talked, he drove, never taking his eyes from the road in front of him. Although he edited out some of the things that happened between Bill and him and Dave and him, he said enough so that Clay knew exactly what had happened. Clay never interrupted, but would point to the road and the direction he wanted to go. They ended up at the diner in town. Those who saw them there gave them a wide berth, they didn't try to hide that they were not going to talk to anyone but each other. Sitting in the back corner where no one could over hear, Montgomery finished his revelation to Clay. And finally looked at him, directly in his eyes, hoping to find acceptance, or if not acceptance, at least he didn't want to see hate or revulsion from his friend.
He was shocked to find his friend smiling, and eyes dancing with mirth as he spoke, after a long silence.
"Is that all it is? Damn Monty, I thought it was something more serious like a horse was sick or something." He laughed as he saw the expression on Montgomery's face turn from apprehension to confusion to awareness that his friend was still his friend and was joking with him as he had always done. They both broke up in uncontrollable laughter. Trying to talk through the gasping laughs, Montgomery finally gave up and just reveled in his good fortune to have a friend like Clay. Finally after they had managed to somewhat regain control he did ask.
"What I want to know is, how did you figure it out and why did you insist on Dave moving in?"
"Well that was really Ethel's idea, she insisted I interfere in your business, you know how she can be, and I learned a long time ago, not to argue with her. She always wins." Clay said in an offhand way.
"Ethel knows too?" Montgomery gasped.
"Hell yes she does, she ain't an old fool either Monty, we both discussed it first." Clay chuckled at his friends shock. He stood up, and threw some money on the table for the coffee and huge tip, the waitress had made sure to keep everyone away, and he was thankful for it.
"I better get you home, so I can get back in time for dinner, Ethel hates for me to be late." Montgomery nodded, took a last sip of coffee and followed his friend out.
The morning dawn was his favorite time of the day, and as he sat on the porch, again drinking his coffee, he pondered over the events of the previous day. The glorious sun warmed his face and soul. He finally felt at peace, this would work out, he knew it. Dave was sipping his coffee, setting next to him quietly enjoying the peaceful sunrise. Montgomery put his arm around him and pulled him close and began to relate everything that had happened, including his conversation with Dave's grandfather. Dave sat quietly and listened, intent on every word. When finally Montgomery finished, Dave stood up and walked into the kitchen, still not talking. Puzzled Montgomery followed him.
"Something wrong Dave?" he asked. Turning to face him with a sigh, Dave looked sad, and pathetic.
"I think you should go after him."
"Wha^Å?" Dave moved close, and put a finger over Montgomery's lips.
"You need to go after him. Talk to him, rationally." He said, the sadness around his eyes broke Montgomery's heart
"Why?" he asked. Completely perplexed by this change in Dave.
"Because I need to be sure that it really is over between the two of you. Go talk to him, have sex with him, whatever it takes to figure it out. If you come back to me, I want all of you, not just the part that Bill left behind."
"I don't want to, I won't go." Montgomery flatly refused.
"Then I will move in with my grandparents, and we can only be friends, if that is possible. I will not be the second choice in this relationship." The wretched look on Dave's face told Montgomery that he meant it, no matter how bad it hurt, he would do exactly as he threatened.
Montgomery numbly nodded. He was right, he new deep in his heart, but he felt like it was going to rip him apart.
"Thanksgiving is this week, you can leave on Friday morning. I'll handle everything here while you are gone, just let me know where you are and how to get in touch with you. We can tell everyone that you are going on a short vacation, everyone knows you need one. So that should not cause any of them to wonder except for grampa, and he won't say anything."
Dave walked over and kissed him tenderly, longingly, then broke it off, and miserably walked away. Montgomery dejectedly watched him, hoping that he would be here when he came back, he knew who he was in love with, or at least he thought he did, but now he had to prove it.
End of Chapter Five
Well, I hope you enjoyed it, I hope to have the next chapter done before Christmas. However the holidays are always a busy time for me. Please be patient I will probably finish it with the next chapter, But I am not quite sure how it will turn out. It make take more than that to complete it. Thanks again for reading my story.
I wish everyone a peaceful happy holiday, and may God bless everyone.
Billy