Team Captains
"It was going to be a small Labor Day gathering," Mindy said, "and Charles and David were a little down that the kids and grandkids wouldn't be coming for the Sinclair Oil Labor Day Picnic and Golf Tournament. With school about to start, they thought it would be better to stay home this year."
"So what changed their plans?" Joe asked.
"Carrie and I were tired of them moping around, so we played the Uncle Joe card."
"I'm not sure I like the sound of this."
"We told them that this would be the first time you would attend the Sinclair Oil Picnic and play in the golf tournament in over ten years, and you were bringing Tyler and Ian."
"Wait a minute, I said I would come to the picnic. I didn't say I would play in the tournament."
"Michael is in charge of organizing the tournament. It would break his heart if you and Tyler didn't play."
"Really Mindy, you're going to play the Michael card? I am never playing cards with you. You are a cheater."
"Sorry but...."
"But what?"
"You know that Sunday night is the Sinclair family pitch tournament and the youngest players get to draft the oldest, David's youngest daughter, Kendra, has already called dibs on you."
"What happened to Labor Day being a day for the laboring man to sit back, drink a beer, and have a hotdog? You know I and Tyler will probably be the only union men at this party. Maybe, we should organize an action against the oppressive capitalist overlords."
"You know, you are also part of the bourgeoisie, comrade Joe."
Joe laughed, "Mindy, it is fun to banter with you. We need to set aside some time this weekend to talk."
`I agree. Thanks Joe, Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Citizen Mindy."
After finishing his call with Mindy, Joe walked into the living room and said, "Let's go to Matty's and grab something to eat and have a family discussion. Ian and Tyler looked at each other and smiled at the reference to family.
After they ordered, Joe said, "First item on the agenda, Friday night the football team has a scrimmage. What all is involved with that?"
"It's being called a Gatorade and soap scrimmage. Suggested admission is a pack of Gatorade mix or 3 bars of soap per family. It is scheduled to run from 7 to 8:30 Friday evening, with sno cones afterward. Everything should be finished by 9:30."
"My plan is to leave right after the scrimmage," Joe said, "so we all need to have our stuff packed, that way all we have to do is pick up our luggage and Sunshine and head for Tulsa."
"So will you drop me off at Michael's before going to the apartment?" Ian asked.
"Sorry bud, that's what the phone call was about. With all the family coming for the holiday, Charles and Mindy need your room, so you will have to stay at the apartment."
Ian was visibly disappointed but said, "I understand."
"Unfortunately," Joe continued, "They also need Michael's room, so he is going to be staying at the apartment as well. I hope you don't mind sharing a room."
Ian's face exploded with a smile as if it was a Fourth of July rocket, "No sir, I don't mind at all. Thank you!"
"So, is this a sit around and drink beer weekend?" Tyler said, "I am hoping to get some rest, because I have a feeling that between first year teaching and football, my ass will be dragging by the time Thanksgiving rolls around?"
"Sorry buddy, tee time for the Sinclair Oil Golf Tournament is at 8 a.m. for the family. That way we finish in time to grill and get the picnic set up to feed the employees. It's all hands on deck to feed over 400 people."
"400 people!" Tyler said.
"Yes, the Saturday picnic is for the Tulsa office employees and their families. There are three other picnics for refinery, drilling, and field service employees in various places around the State on Monday. Charles, David, Mindy, Carrie and the company managers will be out serving food at those picnics."
"Can't I skip the golf tournament? I suck at golf and it will be embarrassing," Tyler whined.
"Hell no." Joe said," Michael organized the tournament this year, and you are not screwing up his teams. If it is like the past, there are four players on a team and they play best ball. So if, or should I say when, you smash your drive a mile OB, you will just leave it and play from the best drive of one of your teammates."
"I guess that sounds friendly enough," Tyler said.
"Ian, Michael will be bringing one of his sets of clubs for you to play."
"Are there bets on the tournament?" Ian asked.
"Not monetary bets?" Joe said with a smile and a wink.
After supper, it was time to relax, do some homework, write some lesson plans, and get ready for the week ahead. All Ian had assigned was to write a letter of introduction for English. He finished it quickly and went outside. After sunset, Ian often took his guitar out onto the terrace to play and sing. As he was working on a song, Avery, Zach, and Kevin climbed up to join him on the terrace. Joe had decided to leave a ladder propped against the building, so Ian's friends could visit without coming through the apartment.
Around 9 p.m. Joe and Tyler brought out some lemonade. "I heard you guys singing," Tyler said, "Pretty good. For a bunch of jocks."
"These guys are jocks," Kevin said, "I'm a bench warmer."
"Not any long," Tyler said. "Coach Wilson has noticed some real improvement in both your attitude and your play. So, tomorrow you are starting on special teams."
"Thanks coach, but I feel bad taking someone's position."
"First, you didn't take it; you earned it. Second, you stepping up is letting us pull Avery off special teams. Coach Wilson doesn't want to risk the starting QB getting hurt on specials."
Avery gave Kevin a high five. "Thanks buddy, last year I got my bell rung so hard a couple of times on specials that I couldn't play the next set of downs. I am glad you are taking that off my shoulders." Kevin was beaming with pride.
The boys continued to sing and joke around til 10 minutes until 10 o'clock. Tyler looked at his watch and said, "I don't know about Zach, but I do know that two football players will be running suicides tomorrow if they aren't home in nine minutes." Kevin and Avery looked at each other then scrambled down the ladder and sprinted off to their respective homes.
Zach laughed and said, "Well, I guess it's up to me to say thanks for the lemonade and fun." He then followed Avery, but at a leisurely jog.
The scrimmage was good and the coaches were generally pleased with the team's performance; however, they weren't going to let the team know that. After the game Coach Wilson yelled, "Damn I am glad we weren't keeping score." He didn't mention that if they were, they would have won by 20 points. "I see we have a lot of work to do to be ready for the Cougars next week. Coach Simmons!"
"Yes, Sir."
"Were you happy with the play of the offense?"
"No sir. Three dropped passes, two offsides, and a missed PAT; that won't cut it men!"
"Coach Simmons, " Wilson yelled, "Do we need to practice this weekend?"
"Uh..Yes Sir, we need practice!"
"You hear that men; Coach Simmons says we need practice. Lucky for you, I have a fishing trip planned for this weekend. But, come Tuesday, you'd better be ready to practice, and practice hard. That's all."
The team captains, Avery and Terry yelled, "Everyone, who are we?
"Saaaalt Fork Rattlesnakes."
"We didn't hear you. Who are we?"
Saaaalt Fork Rattlesnakes!"
As the team was leaving, Avery and Terry caught Coach Wilson and Tyler. Avery asked, "Were we really that bad?"
Wilson looked at Tyler, "So coach, were they really that bad?"
Tyler looked like a deer caught in the headlights. "Uh....I...well there are things that need work....but there were some good things...I..."
"What Coach Simmons is trying to say in his own articulate way is: no, the team wasn't bad at all. That we are really proud of them, but they won't hear that from us until they win their first game. Is that what you meant to say?"
Tyler smiled and said, "Yes Coach, thanks for sorting out my words."
"Okay Avery and Terry, you are the team captains. Your job is to go out there and put smiles on your teammates' faces. Go out there and build them up. Show them you will stand up for them. Build your team."
Tyler watched as Avery and Terry circulated. The smiles became contagious and soon not only were the players smiling, but so were the parents and boosters.
"Why?" Tyler asked.
"Because we may coach the team, but they have to lead the team. The team will see that they stood up for them tonight, and that will go a long way when they have to call out a player or the team in the future. They aren't the coaches' captains; they are the team's captains."
"Do you think that will work?"
"Do I believe in the power of loyalty and trust? Absolutely, Just look at you."
"What do you mean?"
"If Joe asked you to walk barefoot over broken glass, you'd do it without hesitation. I also know that Joe would be barefoot and walking over the glass alongside you. So, yes we will do things for those we believe in that we wouldn't even do for ourselves."
"How did you figure that out?"
"Because Joe has walked over broken glass with me a time or two, and I would do the same for him if he ever needed me to. Now, I know you have a trip to Tulsa facing you yet, so get going. I have people to help clean up."
"Thanks Coach."
Labor Day
It was a quarter to midnight when Joe, Tyler, Ian, and Sunshine arrived in Tulsa. Tyler said, "I'd better take Sunshine for a walk. I'll be up in a minute." Joe and Ian grabbed all the luggage and headed up to the apartment.
When they opened the door, Michael greeted them, and Ian rushed to give him a kiss. Michael gave Joe a hug and asked, "How was your trip?"
"Like you give a shit about the drive from Salt Fork to Tulsa," Joe said with a smirk. Why don't you two just run along. Maybe you'll actually get some sleep tonight."
Ian and Michael both giggled. As they were running to the bedroom Joe yelled, "What time do we have to be there tomorrow."
"Seven a.m.," Michael yelled just before the bedroom door closed.
When Tyler and Sunshine got up to the apartment he asked, "Where's Ian?"
"Michael was waiting for us, or should I say for him."
"I see, so no bedtime story tonight?"
Joe laughed, "Not one I want to read. Let's get to bed. 5:30 will be here early enough."
"What the fuck?" Tyler said, "Do they even make alarm clocks that ring that early in the morning on a holiday weekend?"
"Yep, MIchael is in charge of the tournament, and the family tees off at 8 a.m."
As Joe and Tyler walked past the guest room door on the way to the master, Tyler raised his fist to knock on the door.
"Be nice Tyler."
"Yes Daddy."
"What did I tell you about calling me daddy, Stinkpot?"
"That you would spank my cute little butt?"
"Okay, but remember it's up at 5:30 a.m."
"Shit, I've just been alarm clock cock blocked."
The next morning, Joe and Tyler were in the master bedroom's giant shower when Michael stuck his head in and asked, "Can Ian and I shower in here?"
"Okay," Joe said, "but no peeking. Tyler is shy."
However, Tyler wasn't the object of Michael's furtive glances. `Damn, MIchael thought to himself, Tyler is one lucky boy.' It was then he decided he and Ian needed to have a talk with his Uncle and Tyler.
The Sinclair Oil Golf Tournament rotated courses and this year The Golf Club of Oklahoma was the chosen site. Charles was the primary member for the Sinclair Corporate membership and was thus the host for the tournament, and he named Michael the organizer for the family tournament.
"There are a couple of changes for this year's tournament," Michael said. "As you are aware, there have been a couple of cheating scandals in the recent past, like the notorious double eagle recorded last year."
"I am wounded Michael," Charles protested. "How can you accuse your own father of cheating?"
"Well, maybe the next time you hit a double eagle, it won't be on a par three hole." The family laughed, but Tyler looked confused. Joe whispered in his ear, "A double eagle is three under par."
"Oh...Oh," Tyler said with a smile.
"So this year" Michael continued, none of the groups will all be from the same team. That way there is someone watching that will count your foot wedges--Uncle Dave." More laughter.
The other change is that this year, there will be three teams. In addition to Cheating Charles and Dirty Dave, this year we add Gypping Joe as a team captain. Michael then handed out the team list to the captains to pair up as best-ball partners. Tyler and Ian were paired together and on David's team. Michael was paired with his cousin Kendra and on Joe's team. Joe was paired with Charles' oldest grandson Cooper Joseph Sinclair II, but the family just called him 2coop.
As they loaded their clubs in a cart, 2coop said to Joe, "Thank you sir for choosing me to be your partner."
"Well, we will have to make a change right off the bat," Joe said and 2coop looked concerned. Joe put his arm around the boy and said, "The sir has to go. Call me Uncle Joe."
2coop smiled and said, "Thanks sir, I mean Uncle Joe."
In the first tee box Joe drove it long and down the center of the fairway. 2coop put his ball in his pocket. "Wait," Joe said, "why aren't you teeing up. You're up."
"I can't hit a better drive than that," 2coop said.
"That doesn't matter. You're on my team, and everyone on my team is expected to give it his best effort." 2coop teed up his ball and drove it straight down the fairway, but short of Joe's drive. Joe tousled the kid's hair and said, "That was a good drive. So if I shank one, I know you're going to bail us out. So here's the strategy 2coop: you'll hit first, and if you put the ball in play like that, then I'll be free to swing for the fences on my drive." The kid was beaming with pride because Joe was counting on him to contribute to the effort, not just be along for the ride."
During the round, the duo's strategy paid off. On a couple of hole's Joe's drive went astray and 2coop's ball was played instead. 2coop also made contributions with his short game and putting. When 2coop sunk a 20-foot putt on the 16th for birdie, Joe gave him a big high five.
That afternoon, Joe and Cooper Sinclair, 2coops father, were manning the grill for the company picnic. Cooper said, "I want to thank you for being so good to 2coop today. He can't stop talking about the game, your strategy, his contribution, everything."
"He's a great kid, you should be proud of him."
"Sally and I are very proud of him, he just seems to have a hard time with confidence. He loves baseball, but the other boys in his school have matured faster and he feels like he's been left out."
"I see, what position does he play?"
"He's a catcher, and although he's a bit small, he has great hands. His problem is batting. He doesn't seem to make enough of a contribution at the plate to get much play time. I played some baseball, but tennis and swimming were my sports. I really don't know how to help him."
"What are you and 2coop doing Monday morning?"
"Nothing really."
"Michael and Ian need some alone time before we head back to Salt Fork. So, why don't Tyler and I meet you at D-BAT batting cages. I think I can give 2coop some batting tips."
"You're the best Uncle Joe. 2coop will be absolutely thrilled."
The picnic was great. Tyler volunteered to help with the kids games, and Ian and Michael served ice cream. Several of the long term employees told Joe that it was great to finally have him back at the Labor Day Picnic. The evening ended with a local band.
Joe and Tyler were talking to Charles and Mindy when Ian and Michael walked up. They wanted something, but it was obvious that both boys were too shy to ask. Finally, Mindy said, "Michael, is this one of those moments when your father is going to start singing?"
"Maybe."
Charles looked at Mindy, then at Michael, and said, "Go ahead. I promise not to embarrass you, Ian, or your mother."
Michael started, "Ian and I would like to dance, but..."
"But," Joe finished, "you don't want to be the only gay couple dancing."
Ian and Michael both nodded.
Joe looked at Charles who quietly said, "Please Joe, for my boy."
Joe and Tyler, Ian and Michael walked into the dance area and began dancing. Soon they were joined by Charles and Mindy, Michael's brothers and their wives and all his cousins and even Uncle David and Carrie. Michael put his head on Ian's shoulder and soon Ian's shirt was soaked with tears of relief and joy. The evening ended with Ian and Michael receiving hugs from the family, although David was a bit awkward and finally had to laugh, "Michael, I'm trying. I really am."
"Thank you Uncle Dave."
When they got back to the apartment, Michael said, "Can Ian and I talk with the both of you?"
Joe looked at Tyler and Tyler finally asked, "Is this a one or two beer talk?"
"Two beer," Ian said.
"Maybe, even three," Ian added with a nervous chuckle.
"Go to the living room and Tyler and I will grab the beer."
Once in the kitchen, Joe asked, "Okay babe, are you ready for this?"
"I don't know," Tyler said, "I don't want to say something stupid."
Joe kissed Tyler, "Don't worry. Just be honest. Oh yeah...remember, I love you."
Tyler grabbed Joe and said, "Thanks, I needed that. Oh yeah...I love you too."
Tyler and Joe walked into the living room and handed each of the boys a beer. Then they sat down and opened their own bottles and started to drink. Finally, Michael said, "We want to..."
Tyler and Joe just sat there drinking beer and not saying anything.
"Uncle Joe?"
Joe took another drink, and Tyler finally said, "He's not going to finish your sentence this time. You have to be able to say the words."
Michael and Ian looked at each other and finally, Michael said, "We want to...to fuck."
Joe looked at Ian. Ian said, "Yes, we want to fuck, but we're not sure how...well how to get started."
Joe looked at Tyler and said, "Well professor Simmons."
Tyler blushed and said, "I think this is something for the Dean of FuckU to cover."
Joe laughed and told Tyler to go get a sack from the bottom drawer of their dresser. He got it and gave it to Joe, then Tyler said, "I like lectures with visual aids." Michael and Ian laughed and released some tension.
The first thing Joe pulled out of the sack were two finger nail trimmer and handed one to each of the boys.
"What are these for?" Ian asked.
"Tyler, would you care to explain," Joe said.
"Hell," Tyler said, "One time, just one time, I had a hangnail and he won't let it go." The boys laughed and started to relax.
Next Joe handed each of the boys a box. Michael had a puzzled look and asked, "Why did you give us baby snot suckers?"
Joe laughed, "Those are not for cleaning your nose. Those are enima bulbs. They are for cleaning out your colon. Do you remember rule three?"
The boys looked at each other and finally Michael said, "Porn isn't real; what we do Is?"
"Yep" said Joe, "The reality is shit happens. Porn videos don't show the prep that gay men do before sex to get ready for sex. For some guys, a little poop isn't a big deal, in fact, some guy's are into that. But personally, I think prepping makes, sex more pleasant, and both Tyler and I each have one of these. FYI, these are not things you share with each other. Basically, you just empty yourself out as well as you can, then you fill your bulb with warm water and insert it, slowly push water into yourself, hold for a few minutes, then empty into a toilet. Repeat until the water you expel is clear."
"Are you sure you still want to fuck after that?" Tyler asked.
MIchael and Ian both nodded.
Tyler laughed, "Oh the things we do for love."
Next Joe handed MIchael and Ian each a tube of lube."
"You've already put some in the bedroom," Ian said.
"Rule 5," Tyler said, "You can never have too much lube." Tyler looked at Joe and asked, "Can I share something?"
"Yes," said Joe.
"I was a gay virgin when I met Joe. He had to teach me everything. One of the things that helped me the most was Joe had me use my finger to explore him, and he did the same to me. When Joe massaged my prostate for the first time, it all made sense. It was like a light bulb going off. Then when I found his prostate and saw what touching it did for him, I understood what I should be doing as a lover. I am not at all an expert, and at first I felt like I wasn't any good--well I don't know if I'm any good now--but Joe explained that learning to pleasure each other is a large part of what it means to make love."
Joe grabbed Tyler and pulled him in for a kiss, then said, "You are a great lover, because you care, and because you have this hot jock body." Then Joe said, "It's not about positions or techniques. It's about experimenting, communicating, sharing, and most of all loving. So did we answer your questions?"
MIchael and Ian looked at each other, finally Michael said, "Yes, I guess it's like learning to parachute; there is only so much you can learn on the ground. Eventually you have to jump out of the plane."
Joe laughed, "That's the spirit. Hey, Tyler and I need to head to bed. Remember, we are expected at David's house for lunch tomorrow and the pitch tournament in the evening."
When they closed the door to the master bedroom. "Are you feeling okay," Tyler asked, "You usually don't go to bed at 11:00."
Joe turned around, pushed Tyler to the wall and grabbed his crotch, "Who said I was sleepy." Tyler took a deep breath as Jee unbuttoned his shorts and slid them to the floor." Tyler's cock was soon hard and creating a growing wet spot in his underwear. Joe pulled off his own shirt and then Tyler's. Joe's muscular, hairy chest expanded as he inhaled deeply to take in Tyler's manly scent as soap and deodorant gave way to nature's true perfume. Joe pushed Tyler's arm above his head and inhaled again. He then began to tongue the hard nipples that crowned a perfect set of pecs.
Joe was overwhelmed with desire, finally he said, "Go get ready for the fucking of your life, but don't you dare wash those pits." Joe turned off the lights and locked the door.
Thank you for reading "Quarterback Keeper." I very much appreciate the comments and words of encouragement I have received from readers. I also have another story, "Tough Love in Kansas City" going on nifty.org. If you would like to be included in updates on my stories, send me an email.
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