This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it might not be all that pure! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind of story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY!
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Cast of characters:
Brian Weber -- That's me! Deena -- my wife (Deceased) Ronny -- my son. Gary Foosdorf -- My Sweetheart – (deceased) Dmitri Polczek-- Neighbor Ericka -- Dmitri's wife Alexandra -- Dmitri's daughter Muhammad Zarindast – Friend Stan -- Muhammad's Afghan hound. Mick Azerov – 26-year-old American Freedom Contender Keyvan & Sohrab -- Persian wards, adults now. Michele – Mo's wife and Keyvan & Sohrab's sister Colin -- Gary's cousin Jake -- Colin's husband Uri -- Colin's and Jake's son Ursula -- Colon's and Jake's daughter Liv (Olivia) - Uri and Ursula's Mother Chris -- Jakes Cousin Craig -- Chris's partner Seth -- Chris's brother Luke -- Seth's partner Ashtad – Mo's cousin Emily – Ronny's wife "Little" Brian – Ronny's son – MY grandson!
From chapter 21:
"This is what I want!" He said. "Maybe I'll adopt Ronny and then I can be a grandpa too."
I chuckled. "Ron might like that. He really misses Gary. Let's get a shower before going to bed."
"Yeah, good idea. But I gotta pee first."
"Wha-at?" I teased
"I said, I gotta - "
"I KNOW what you said. Me too. But I repeat," I said grinning, "Wha-at?"
"Oh – yeah – that!" He said suddenly almost drooling.
I turned on the hot water and we stepped into it and I pulled him to me. "Let it go, Ash!" I said. His eyes got big and almost panicky again, but I saw him trying to relax, to let his stream start. As soon as I knew he was started, I let mine go and grabbed him close and kissed him deeply, as we let it go. We were both moaning, and he was unconsciously thrusting.
When we finished, he said, "OMIGOSH! I forgot how good that felt!" I stopped him with my mouth – I wasn't finished. "Omigod, I love that!" He said breathlessly.
He has no idea how he's gonna love - - other stuff!
Chapter 22
We didn't do any "other stuff " that night. Well, we DID a mutual wank, which WAS other stuff to him and -probably – all he needed at one time. I told him that we'd go at his pace. And truly, this was just fine with me. Funny how – even though I still feel like a teen at times, I don't seem to crave – it – as I used to.
"This is Colin". The voice on the other end of the phone said. When I didn't say anything, he added, "Gary's cousin?"
"Colin – OH! Colin! It's – um – nice to hear from you!" I said, obviously puzzled.
"I wanted to call and – um – see how you're doing. Do you remember our Aunt Emma – the old lady - "
"Oh! You mean Aunt Em – from Kansas? How could I forget her?"
"She's been ragging on me – for not keeping in touch. And that got me to thinking about – you."
"Well, it's great to hear from you!" I said. "Well, I'm doing okay – I guess. I just started dating again. It's - "
"Hmm – 4 years. Well it's time, isn't it? What would you think about bringing him (it IS a him, right?) out here for our 4th of July party in 2 weeks?"
"Ohh – I dunno if we're ready to start traveling together. We've only been on two dates."
"Hmm, well, you could come by yourself. It'd be great to see you. And how about your son – Robbie?"
"Ronny – and he's married, with a wife and little boy now."
He chuckled. "Boy, could you have more pride in your voice?
"I taught him everything he knows!" I quipped.
"Heh, I doubt he'd want to bring her here to poof city! But they're certainly welcome! Our little teen girls would LOVE to – how old is your grandson, anyway? Is he riding yet?"
"Okay, now I'm having trouble talking without choking on my own pride! We have a very spirited red Arabian – named Red by the way. Ronny's wife, Emma, put Bri-Bri on Red a couple weeks ago and Ronny about had a stroke. Em was on our Morab mare, and they got as far as our gate and Red raced full bore back to the stable!"
"Omigosh! Is the boy okay?"
"He was fine except he was incensed that Red `doesn't want me today!' I think he said. We've been letting him practice on our big ol' gentle palomino. He was well instructed to never touch the saddle horn – or that's what the boy got from it! He held on to the reins all the way. The only reason he cried was he wanted to ride more and it was dinner time. With the promise to take him out after dinner, and letting him ride Lady, the Morab, and then ride with his dad on Red around the loop, he was satisfied"
"Geez," he said, chuckling again, "no wonder you're proud. He'd get on famously with Rye Boy next door. Do you remember Ryan Crayson?"
"Oh yeah! He and his partner had some excitement, didn't they?"
"No, I'm talking about Ryan the Third. He's four and if – well, it seems doubtful they would come."
"No, I'm sure of it. Ryan just finished his psychiatry degree and went to work last month as a psychologist in a medical group, part time – while he interns out of Stanford."
"Busy boy! Too bad. Seth probably woulda like to trade stories with him."
"So – how IS Ryan – the Senior Ryan, that is?"
"Um – that's a sad story. Not good, that's for sure. I don't want to tell stories out of turn. Maybe you can talk to Seth yourself when you get here – assuming you'll come – or maybe even Jack, Ryan's partner. He's pretty distraught. He may welcome another charitable ear. Jack – as well as Ryan – talks to Seth regularly. So – are you in a position to leave for the 4th?"
"I'm kind of semi-retired. I can come – I WILL come - if I can get all my stars aligned."
"You can stay with us! I know Jake will be pleased!"
"I'll let you know before the end of the week."
"Oh." Said Ash, none too excited that I'd be gone over the 4th. "How long will you be away?"
"Probably only 4 days. I'm sorry, Ash, it would have been rude to say no. I wish you could - "
"That wouldn't work, Bri. We've only dated two weeks – 2 dates. Too soon – don't you think?"
"(SIGH!) I – yeah you're right. Um, what're we doing tonight?"
"I thought I'd take you to a play at a small community playhouse in Sac. If we can't get in, we can always hang out on J Street."
24th and J is the "gay district" in Sacramento – consisting of 3 of 4 corners having gay nightclubs / restaurants on them. If I sound underwhelmed – you got me!
"Ok. I hope we can get into the play."
"Me too. It's a very funny English satire. I saw it once years ago in another venue. This group really does that kind of thing well."
The play was sold out, and neither of us wanted to go to 24th and J somehow. So we just had a nice dinner, and went back to his place. Ash was content with what we had already done.
"Omigosh, it's good to see you, Brian!" Said Jacob Smith III. "It seems like only yesterday that – but Colin says it's been 7 years! I'm so sorry about your loss. Colin took it pretty hard too." He said. I had just driven in a rented car from the airport to their compound.
"Yeah, thanks. It was pretty hard for me at first. Everyone told me that it would not be as bad after some time passed. I guess they're right. I still think and dream about him constantly. It's peculiar. It actually feels good to talk about it with someone who cares. Oh! Not that my – um – I've been dating a guy for a few weeks, and he – really doesn't understand – though he had a crush on – my Gary – (Sob!). Wow, didn't expect that!"
"Well, let me take your bag and you can follow me up to your room. Colin should be" –
The door almost crashed in. Colin ran to me and hugged me! "You – look – well, no different, that's for sure! I guess 7 years at our age isn't as crucial as when we were young. You look great - " He glanced over to Jake, "I'd say – HOT if Jake wasn't here." He winked at his partner. Jake chuckled. "Let me take that, Jakey." He exuded. Jake gave him the suitcase and he said, "Follow me!"
I just left the suitcase there in the room he showed me. I could get more settled later on. It was only the eve of the 4th, so we had supper in the kitchen. After dessert, someone walked in the back door, after a perfunctory rap on it. "Jack! Come in, please!" Said Jake.
The man who walked in looked somewhat haggard, putting it nicely. Jack is the husband of Ryan Crayson Senior. "I just wanted to pop over to say hi."
"You remember Brian Weber, Jack?" Said Colin.
"Ah, yes! You were here awhile back weren't you?"
I smiled and shook his hand. "Yes, and you have a good memory. It was over seven years." As he shook my hand, I could see his eyes were not as affected as the rest of him. It looked more like something chronic. "Anyway, nice to meet you again, Jack. As I remember you and your partner live next door."
"You also have a good memory." He said with a tired smile. "Ryan's not feeling too good or I'd invite you over. What brings you here?"
"Colin invited me for the party tomorrow." I said. "Also we just wanted to get caught up." Even at the time, I thought that was a strange thing to say. We could have called or even Skyped or face time if we wanted to just "get caught up".
"Well, anyway, good to see you again too, Brian." Said Jack. "I really came over to tell you that Ryan and I would not be here tomorrow night, Colin. It wouldn't be good for him." He said sadly. "Hope to maybe see you again before you go home, Brian."
He then went home. "Ryan takes almost all of Jack's time lately." Said Colin, somberly. "They've been through a lot together."
"I can understand. Gary and I – did the same."
"You still miss him, don't you?" Said Colin.
"I – really do." I said, feeling both cold and warm at the same time. Talking about it was very cathartic for me.
Colin seemed to pick up on my thoughts or something. "Have you talked to Seth?"
"I did - long distance, right after Gary - left."
"You may like to spend some time with him this weekend. He's amazing!" Said Jake.
"I'd like to." I said.
Colin's iPhone rang. "Yeah, hi yourself, Bro. No kidding? We were just talking about you! Ha-ha, Okay!" Said Colin. "He wants to talk to you. It's Seth."
Just like that? I thought. These guys must have perfected ESP! "Hi Seth."
"Brian! What a pleasant surprise! I hope that you can spare some time for me. I've thought about you a lot since we spoke on the phone. You're a pretty special guy!"
Well, HE has a way to make a guy feel at ease! "I was hoping the same, Seth. How's your purple-eyed partner – Luke, right?"
"He's standing right next to me! He is signing hi to you." I could hear the gleeful smile in Seth's voice. "Let me talk to Colin again, okay?"
I handed the phone back to Colin. "HE wants to ask you something – I guess."
"Hey. Yeah. Uh-huh. You must have ESP (WHAT?) or something. I was thinking the exact thing. I'll ask him. We'll call back." Then he turned to me. "Since you are really not settled in up there, he asked if you could stay with them for the weekend. I didn't tell him you already had your suitcase upstairs, but it's no big deal. It really would be better. Jake and I are hosting this shindig tomorrow. I'm afraid we won't be much good to you – until after everyone leaves – and that'll probably not be til after the 5th!"
"Wow," I said, "it's fine with me if it's ok. I don't have that much stuff. Maybe I can come back for the last couple nights?"
"That'll work!" He said with his sunshine smile.
"Hi Brian!" Luke greeted me warmly. "Come on in to our humble digs!"
"Hmm – not too humble!" I quipped, Glad for the diversion. I was stuck on – almost fell into – his purple eyes! I looked around. There was a large parlor, and a glassed off anteroom of some sort.
"It's humble enough in this neighborhood! Let me take your bag. Follow me!"
He led me up the stairs and to what looked like a den; a long room set up with a TV that covered an entire wall, a pool table, and on another wall were hanging several surfboards and a pool cue rack. There were several large chairs and loveseats, all upholstered in a rich dark brown leather. The whole room exuded, "MAN CAVE!" There were 4 doors in the back wall of the room. The room itself overlooked and was open to the entry and front room. He walked to the last door and opened it, set my suitcase down and stepped back to let me in. "Take a few moments to get comfortable and I'll tell Seth you're here."
"Or he can just tell me himself!" Seth said, bounding across the den, a infectious grin on his face. He stopped just behind Luke and stuck out his right hand. I took it in mine and he squeezed my hand firmly. "We're gonna have a great time catching up. Actually I spent more time with Ronny when you were last here. Colin says he wants to become a psychiatrist. That's fantastic!"
"Aren't you a – " I started.
He sobered a bit. "I'm a licensed psychologist, but that doesn't require a doctorate. He's got a long haul ahead of him."
"Actually, he's interning now, out of Stanford."
"Most who've been through what he has need more help themselves than they could give. It's a tribute to you that he has his head on so solid and straight. Most guys that experience things like he did in Iran would be basket cases themselves. And – too many of them make their way into psychology – to try to figure out why they are so screwed up."
"Thanks." I said, embarrassed. "I dunno what to say."
"I don't mean to put you on the defensive, Brian. I just want you to know I have the utmost respect for both Ron and you!"
"Livvy's waiting to fix dinner." Said Luke. "We better let Brian change out of his traveling clothes."
"Silly me – going on and on!" Said Seth. "Livvy can wait a couple more minutes, though. We'll tell her a half hour – if that's enough, Brian?"
"Is that the same Livvy that Ron - ?"
"Oh, that right! Better brace yourself!" Said Seth. "See you down there."
"Thanks – oh, and please call me Bri."
Livvy is the girl that Ronny thought he was falling in love with when we were last here – until we realized that she could have been the identical twin of Deena - his mom and – my wife.
"MMM!" Said Seth as we entered the kitchen. "Is that stuffed bell peppers I smell?" He started to lift a pan lid and got his hand smacked. "This is our home, but – it's definitely Livvy's kitchen!" Said Seth giggling. It was obvious that this was a game they often played. I was again nonplussed at how she looks like my deceased wife, Deena! Just as we were sitting down there was a knock at the kitchen door.
"Come on in, Jack!" Said Luke. I guess they know his knock.
He poked his head in. "Oh, you're just sitting down. I'll come back later."
Both Seth and Luke looked quickly at Livvy and I noticed something pass between them. "Come sit, Jack! There's plenty – if you like stuffed bell peppers."
"Omigosh! You know I do! But I don't want to - "
"How's Ryan?" Seth asked
"He just went to bed."
"Then he's out for the night! Call Harold and tell him you'll be here for dinner." Said Seth.
"Sometimes I think you know him better than I do." Said Jack with a sigh. He turned to me. "Harold was with us for years, then he got married and Ryan hired a couple of body guards – officially `pool boys'. They're both early-retired cops. Harold's marriage was short lived, so he came back.
"Jack you remember - "
"Yeah, I saw him when he first got here – over at Jake and Colin's. Hi again, Brian. Really I don't want to bring down your party, guys. I'll just pop - "
"Jack – Sit!" said Luke "We're just having a bite to eat, and getting reacquainted. We'd love to have you."
I saw a look of love and approval go from Seth and Luke. Jack sat!
As we talked and discussed this and that, I was getting an uncomfortable feeling. I was so drawn to Jack. I felt badly that his partner was not doing well, but felt extremely embarrassed at my physical reaction to him. And – I felt guilty – which was silly. There were no promises between Ash and me. But he was a married man! Anyway it – it bothered me. And the attraction wasn't only physical. We talked about Ron's and my "trip" to Iran, among other things.
"So, we'll have to get our boys together somehow to – compare notes." I said, as Jack seemed to be getting antsy to go. "They may have a few stories to trade."
"Yeah. Thanks for sharing your story with me, Brian. Sometime I'll tell you my own." Then looking at Seth and Luke, "And thanks for letting me relax a few moments. God knows I need it. Bye."
"Bye!" We all said, as he was opening the door to leave. "And please call me Bri, Jack!" I called after him.
Seth, Luke and I talked well into the night. Rye Jr. popped in to say hi and left after a lot of hugs and smiles. He kept looking at me intensely. But he's married too – to a woman!
I had strange Dreams, as usual. This night they included Seth, Luke, Jack, Colin, and young Rye - and of course Gary. I couldn't remember much except that they were all pretty erotic. We slept late and since it was party day, Livvy was needed at Jake's, so Luke whipped up what he called a Hawaiian breakfast for us. Seth laughed. It was papayas with lemon juice and pop tarts. Luke laughed too, but we all ate them with relish. I think it was an onion pineapple relish! (That was a joke!)
We went to set up some chairs and tables around Rob's and Denny's pool area. Last time I was here it was cool enough that there were space heaters placed all around the areas where people would want to walk or gather. They were not required on the Fourth of July. Jack was there helping as well, but he was called back to his house after about an hour.
People started arriving early afternoon. There was quite an array that paraded by. There were many normal looking guys, both couples and stag, but there were an equal number of freaky looking guys as well. Guys with multiple piercings and tattoos, and all manner of skimpy bathing suits. Nude wasn't allowed, but there were a few thongs at the pool.
After Ryan was asleep, their valet/butler, Harold looking after him, Jack came over as a bouncer. There was no rowdiness or drunkenness allowed. And all bedrooms were off limits!
Late in the evening I walked by Jack, a drink in my hand. He was sitting, so I sat next to him. "I see you like these virgin Mai Tais too!" I smiled.
"Oh – heh – this isn't virgin! I needed it – or rather deserved it!" He smiled widely. I guessed it wasn't his first. It was the most relaxed I'd seen him. There was a bong from his phone. "That'll be Harold. I should go. Maybe I'll see you before you fly back?"
"Maybe so." I said. "Good luck!"
I don't know where that came from, but I wished I could take it back! He started to smile and then his mouth quivered and he gasped, and then started a high-pitched moaning for a moment, then gasped and cried, "I don't know how long I can take this, Bri!" He looked all around almost panicky. I stood and pulled him into me.
Just then Colin strolled by. He stopped. "Is everything okay?" He said.
"Omigosh! I'm so embarrassed, Brian – er – Bri. I don't – um – I gotta go to him! He needs me!" He flew out of my arms and ran toward his home.
"What happened, Bri?" Asked Colin.
"I dunno." I answered. "We were just talking and he received a call from Harold. Then he broke down."
"Poor guy. Ever since Ryan got kidnapped, he's been getting worse and worse. At first it was emotional, and now it's physical. He not only is in poor health, but he has panic attacks. Most of the time Jack can talk him down from them, but he's been admitted a couple times too. For awhile, they were on constant suicide alert. They were so much in love before the – incident. Jack tries to stay true – and as far as I know – he does. But it's a constant strain on him."
"Omigosh!" I exclaimed. I had an immediate ache in my heart. I could empathize! "Oh jeez, I have to go Monday! We really made a connection tonight. Maybe I can stay a couple extra days to – to - "
"You're one in a million, Bri!" Said Colin. "If you talk to Seth, he may be able to clue you to what best you might be able to do. They are best friends."
"Well, if he has Seth, maybe - "
"No, really, talk to Seth about it. I know it may help."
"I wanted to stick around and help clean up."
"Pffft! Don't worry about that! Jack – and Ryan – are like our brothers too. Go!" I smiled and gave him a quick hug and pressed Seth's cell phone button.
"Hey, Bud! How's it goin' over there?"
"So you're home?"
"Yup!" He said with a smile in his voice.
"I think Jack needs our support."
"What?!"
"He seemed pretty distraught when he left me a few moments ago – after receiving a call from his butler."
"Oh crap!" He said. "C'mon back here, and I'll call Jack."
By the time I got back, Seth said he'd talked to both Harold and Jack, and said everything seems okay now. "This happens more and more often. Jack told me how sweet you were to him. He really appreciated that. I really appreciate it! They both mean so much to me!" He got tears in his eyes talking about it.
"Well, if that's the case, I may go back and try to help clean up - "
"Naw – you don't need to. In the first place, Colin called and told me everything's under control and ... really, they have plenty of staff to do that stuff."
"Just stay here and we maybe can catch up some more." Said Luke. "Would that work for you?"
"I really feel like I have not spent as much time with Colin – since he invited me – um – just a minute." I flipped out my iPhone and punched in Saaby's phone.
"Hi, poppy!"
"Hi, Saab." I said. "I just wanted you to know, I'll be here a few more days that I expected."
"Oh. Okay. Does Ashtad have your cell number? He has called here several times."
"I – thought – or assumed he had it. I guess I better call him." I hung up.
"Several days, huh?" Said Luke. "That's great! Maybe we can do some stuff!"
I nodded and smiled, and punched in Ash's number. "Hi, Saab!" he said happily, then, "Oh – is this – oh, Brian!"
Brian?
"Yeah, I just wanted to tell you I'd be gone a few more days than I thought."
"Oh – oke-kay. Um - " He stopped talking.
"What's up, Ash?"
"I, um, well, um, - " he coughed a couple times. "Yeah, um I've been – sort of – dating – someone - else."
I felt a stabbing to my heart, and then it hit me - hard! "I see. Is it – maybe – Saaby?"
"Wow – how did you - "
"I could hear it in your voice. I ignored it at first, but now it makes sense. Does – does Mo know?"
"He kind of suggested it."
Again – my heart!
"Okay." I said slowly, "Well, um- okay then. I just really don't know what to say. So you really DID have my cell number!" I said, angrier than I realized.
"I'm sorry, Bri, I just didn't know how - " his voice cracked. I softened.
"Hey, don't worry about it, Ashtad." I said. "It – it probably wasn't right anyway – you know? Both Ronny and Mo warned us, didn't they?"
"Wow. I guess they did. Well, still, I'm sorry I wimped out."
"You know what?" I said, my analytical mind taking over, "Whether it happened today, yesterday or even before I left, - it's the same! Don't worry about it, except to maybe learn from it. You can't know how many times I've said that to my son! So, hey, have a great – um life? He-ha. Well, I'm sure we'll see each other! Lets not let it get weird, okay?"
"Yeah. You're really something else – something special, that is! Talk to you later!"
So – that was that.
"Um – are you okay, Bri?" Asked Seth, concern showing in his face.
"Yeah, you know – I – I - " suddenly a cloud came over me.
"C'mere." He said, beckoning me with his finger. He shot a look at Luke who sat down in a chair. He led me to the glassed in room. My expression told him I wondered why.
"Bri, this is my office – so to speak. It's sound proof. Most of my clients are men – mostly young, but – anyway – you're not a client, but I'm extremely attracted to you – and so is Luke by the way – so when I talk to someone, we do this so we both feel – safe – do you get why?"
"Duh!" I said.
"So, what's coming up for you, Brian?"
I found it interesting that even in this semi-professional situation, he used my more formal name. This guy is really – professional.
We had a good talk, as he showed me realities that I could easily see, but that my emotions at the time were not quite dealing with realistically. When we were finished, Luke was gone.
"He often leaves well into my time in there, as he gets that he's not – needed." He said. "It's pretty late. Let's go to bed. Um – would you like to come in with us?"
"I – I'm okay, thanks. I think I'll be fine sleeping by myself. I've kind of gotten used to it."
"Okay. Dream safe!" He said, smiling knowingly.
And I did dream safe. I maybe didn't sleep as soundly as I might have otherwise; but that little admonition kept me aware that it was only a dream. It was pretty bizarre, though!
Notes: Free fall. Sometimes it's good feeling, sometimes it's – not. Can't wait to see how our hero reacts to all this! Thanks for all your letters. They are always welcome. And remember – love always wins in the end! Luvnhugsnstuf! Steve