Quarterback Keeper: 21
All in
Joe was railing Tyler's ass, and Tyler was demanding more. "Come on daddy, is that all you got?" taunted Tyler.
"I...told...you....not....to....call...me....daddy," Joe barked as he punctuated every word with a deep thrust. Joe was sweating and it was dripping onto an equally sweaty body below.
Tyler had already cum once, but he needed to cum again. Tyler's legs where pushed back above his head and pre was dripping onto his face as if the victim of some ancient sexual torture of desire. Without warning, a seismic sexual earthquake centered in his prostate began to violently shake Tyler's entire body. His arms and legs spasmed and his cock stretched and throbbed, aching for release. Then it finally happened. His cock released a flood of jizz onto his face and torso as he loudly moaned, "Oooh, fuuuck!"
Tyler's orgasm triggered Joe release, and soon cum was filling Tyler's ass to overflowing. Eventually, Joe slowed, stopped fucking, and collapsed onto Tyler. Tyler said, "Damn stud, you sure know how to fuck a boy."
"That's got to last you three days," Joe said.
"I'm not sure I got enough. Maybe you'd better fuck me one more time just to be sure," Tyler said with a wicked smile.
"Sorry bud, I am already going to have to speed to get to the Board of Directors meeting in time. If I get a ticket, your ass is paying for it."
"Ooo...let me call ahead and alert the highway patrol."
Joe jumped into the shower and Tyler soon joined him. As he was washing Joe's back, Tyler said, "Don't forget that we have dinner with Tony and Virginia on Thursday night."
"Not a problem, that gives me an excuse to skip the executive dinner David always schedules for the last night of the Board of Directors meeting."
"Won't he be upset."
"No, I always skip it; just this time I have an excuse."
"So, do you think Charles and David will actually listen to the proposal to diversify into green energy production?" Tyler asked.
"Charles will listen because he knows it's the right thing to do. For him the question is whether it's the right thing for Sinclair oil. As for David, if the numbers work, he will come around. The other thing to remember is both of them love their kids, so that is going to play a factor in their decision."
"So can I ask about your position?"
"Of course you can ask. Come Christmas, for good or bad, when you marry me, you are marrying into the Sinclair family and the Sinclair family business." Joe noticed that Tyler's face turned serious. "Hey Tyler, what's the matter?"
"I knew I was marrying your family, but I assumed the prenup would keep me out of the family business."
"Prenup? Who said anything about a prenup?" Joe said.
"We are signing a prenup, aren't we?"
"Hell no we're not signing any prenuptial agreement. If you leave me, I get half of everything you own and you're going to pay spousal support."
"Seriously Joe, this is a big deal. You are bringing so much more to our marriage, and you know you need a prenup to protect yourself. Surely your lawyers are insisting on one."
"Yes they are, and I told them to fuck off. Look, I'm not naive; I know the statistics on divorce, but I am not hedging my bet. I am all in, and I think I am betting on a winner. If you don't feel the same, let me know now."
Tyler was so emotional that all he could do was throw his arms around Joe and whisper "I don't deserve you."
Joe held Tyler as the steam from the shower enveloped them, "Yes you do, we deserve each other. We deserve to be happy."
Board of Directors
The full Sinclair Board of Directors met twice a year. The spring meeting was full of business and reports. The VP of each division presented production total, profits and losses, and projections for the future. The budget was present and approved and all the minutiae of running a corporation was dealt with. The fall meeting was reserved for strategic planning and was more of a retreat than a business meeting.
This year the retreat was being held at the Price Town in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Bartlesville was a city built with oil money. Even more than Tulsa, early oil barons shaped the culture of the city. Frank Phillips the founder of Phillips Oil built his mansion there and today it is the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. The museum holds one of the finest collections of Western Art in the country. "Uncle Frank" as Phillips was known, was a rival and sometimes partner of Joseph Sinclair, Joe's grandfather.
The meeting was being held in the Price Tower. H. C. Price had made a fortune building pipelines across the country and his work contributed to WWII by protecting the nation's oil supply from attack. When he decided to build a new office building for his company, he hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design it. Initially designed for a location in New York, the 221-foot building became what Wright called "the tree that escaped the crowded forest."
In 1998 the Tower became property of the The Bartlesville Museum and Sculpture Garden and became the Price Tower Arts Center. Five years later the upper floors were opened as a boutique hotel and restaurant. Carrie was responsible for organizing the Board meetings and used them as an opportunity to inject some culture into Charles' and David's lives. So a hotel, above an art gallery, in a building designed by one of America's premier architects was in her mind a perfect place for the fall meeting.
Carrie met Joe at the hotel reception desk and handed him his room key and meeting documents. "Didn't you bring Tyler?"
"One of us has to work to earn a living," Joe said with a smile. "He had classes to teach and then football practice. Plus, we didn't want to leave Ian alone for three days. Even the best kids will get into trouble if you leave them alone long enough. Hell, I'm not sure I should leave Tyler alone that long."
"I get it," Carrie said. "David is going to be disappointed. He was like a kid learning the new neighbors had a boy his age when Charles told him you two are getting married."
"Well, I need to go put my luggage in my room and get to the first meeting." As Joe headed for the elevator, Carrie smiled and made a phone call.
Tyler looked at the caller ID and wondered why Carrie Sinclair was calling. "Carrie, this is Tyler. Did something happen? Is Joe okay?"
"Joe is fine. I was just talking to him. However he told me you aren't planning to be here this weekend."
"No, I've got to be in Salt Fork for classes and practice. I thought I could maybe just come for a night, but a two hour drive after practice and then back in the morning doesn't sound like a wise decision, even if it would be to stay in a cool hotel."
"Here's my problem, David has moved the directors dinner to Wednesday night and has a surprise planned for Joe, but it's not going to be much of a surprise or a party if you aren't here. So, I need you to be in Bartlesville by 8 p.m., tomorrow night."
"Okay," Tyler said with more confusion than agreement.
"I'll have a car and driver at Salt Fork High School to pick you up at 5:30 tomorrow. If you need to cut out of practice early just tell the coach that Carrie Sinclair needs a favor. That new football turf should get me at least one."
"Okay, ... what should I wear?"
"That's really up to you," Carrie said, "but if you want my opinion, I saw a post of you and Joe at the Bull in the Alley, and both of you were smoking hot. Also, don't tell Joe you will be here Wednesday evening. This will be a better surprise than we imagined."
The Future of Sinclair Oil
The first order of business on the agenda was breakfast. While to an outside putting breakfast on the agenda as a business item may seem odd, it was an integral part of how Sinclair Oil operated. Vote wise, Charles, David, and Joe were the only members of the Board of Directors that mattered. Between the three of them, they controlled 85 percent of the company. As long as the three cousins agreed, they could do anything with the company they wanted.
However, all of the other directors represented important constituents to the company. Two of the directors represented workers: one the unionized workers, and the other the non-unionized workers. There was a director representing the corporate employees, and another representing the banks that provided credit and financial services. Finally, there was a representative for the royalty owners and another for the independent petroleum and natural gas distributors. At the breakfast Charles, David, and Joe would circulate and get a sense of the issues and concerns of the company's various stakeholders. Today, several of the next generation of Sinclairs were strategically seated among the tables.
There was only one real issue at the fall Board of Directors meeting, would Sinclair Oil diversify into green alternative energy. As expected there were concerns about the impact the decision would have on each group. The directors representing the employee groups were concerned about jobs, paycheck, and pensions. The banks were concerned with credit rating and debt service. Royalty owners feared declining revenue from their leases, and distributors were concerned with supply and price.
After breakfast was finished, and the plates were cleared, David started the meeting. "Welcome friends and partners. This year's fall meeting of the Sinclair Oil Company will focus on one question: How will Sinclair Oil respond to the climate crisis facing the world? For the record, Charles, Joe, and I accept the climate science that tells us the world is facing an existential threat from climate change brought about by human release of greenhouse gases. As an oilman, that was hard to say. As a father, grandfather, and Christian, it was something I had to say."
"This morning's presentation will be by Dr. Gracie Sinclair and Mr. Jerod Sinclair. Dr. Sinclair earned her PhD. from Boston University in Earth & Environment. She is currently a research fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. She is also my daughter. Jerod Sinclair has an MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. He is currently a technology strategist for Sinclair Oil. He is also Charles' son. On a personal note, while we may not always agree, Charles, I and their Uncle Joe respect their work and are very proud they are part of the Sinclair clan."
Gracie got up and gave David a hug. Then turned to the Board of Directors and said, "I'm sorry that wasn't very professional, but I love that guy." The room broke into applause.
Gracie started by laying out the grim realities the world faces if climate change was not immediately addressed: rising temperatures, rising sea levels, more catastrophic weather events, disruption of agriculture, health issues and mass extinctions. She then laid out the human impact climate change will have on society: famine, population dislocation and forced migration, reduced standards of living, wars over increasingly scarce resources, and political instability.
She finished, saying, "These are the frightening consequences of not acting now to address climate change. However, it isn't hopeless and the worst is not inevitable. Decisive and committed action can make a difference. I and Jerod are here to ask that Sinclair Oil be a part of making a difference."
Jerod then took over the presentation. "I am here to provide a vision for the future of Standard Oil: a vision we are calling Sinclair Energy 2030. In this re-envisioning Sinclair Oil will be transformed from a fossil fuel company into a green energy and hydrocarbon products company. There are three components to the creation of Sinclair Energy 2030: transitional energy production, green energy, and hydrocarbon products."
"First transitional energy production. This plan envisions the use of natural gas as a transition fuel. While still a fossil fuel natural gas produces 50 percent less CO2 than coal. Sinclair Oil is a major producer of natural gas and has significant reserves. This plan calls for assisting utilities in converting coal fired electric plants to natural gas. It also makes a commitment to provide a stable and affordable supply of natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers during the transition from coal and oil to green energy."
"Second green energy. Sinclair Oil had a vast network of relationships with landowners. We have thousands of well sites that can be converted for use by wind turbines. We have a web of pipeline right-of-ways that can be repurposed for electrical transmission lines. Additionally, we feel an obligation to rural landowners and communities to replace the loss of royalty revenues with the option of leasing sites for wind and solar development. We envision an ambitious goal of replacing half of Sinclair's current production of fossil fuel BTU's with green energy BTU's by 2030."
"Third hydrocarbon products. While petroleum may no longer power America in the future, that does not mean it will no longer be needed by America. In fact, the need for lighter and more efficient products will increase the use of petroleum for synthetics and composites. In addition, hydrocarbons remain essential for the chemical industry. This plan calls for increased research into developing non-fuel uses of petroleum."
"Gracie and I believe that Sinclair Oil has the resources and the talent to become a leader in green energy. Now it is our sincere hope that Sinclair Oil has the vision to become Sinclair Energy."
When Jerod finished there was polite applause from the room. David stood up and thanked both Gracie and Jerod, then announced that lunch was ready, and the board would reconvene at two o'clock for questions and discussion.
Gracie and Jerod were standing in a corner with a couple of other younger Sinclairs when Joe walked up. "That was an impressive presentation from both of you," Joe said.
"I don't think the rest of the board were impressed," Gracie said a bit despondently.
"Yeah," Jerod said, "it felt like the first time I expressed a political opinion at a family get-together. It was like "Isn't that cute Jerod has an opinion. Now run along and play." Aunt Martha was the only one who took me seriously. She found me and we talked about politics for an hour. Joe, your mother has a way of making a fourteen year-old feel important."
"Look," Joe said, "the Board of Directors may not have stood and applauded like it was the premier of a Broadway play, but they are generally thoughtful people. You will get some tough questions after lunch, but don't let them rattle you. Show them you have gravitas and they will give your presentation serious consideration. Get upset or defensive and they will dismiss your ideas."
"Thanks, Uncle Joe," Gracie said.
Like breakfast, Joe, Charles, and David worked the room to get the varying views and perspectives of the other board members. Joe heard what he expected. No one doubted the impact of climate change, but it was hard to prioritize doing something that would have a benefit ten or twenty years down the road over jobs, royalties, and profits in the here and now.
When the afternoon meeting started the director representing the financial institutions was presiding. Gracie and Jerod were peppered with questions about the economics of green energy and the logistics of becoming a provider of electrical power. Gracie was at least thankful no one questioned climate science.
At last the questions were answered and it was time for a vote. The presiding director read the resolution: "The Sinclair Oil Company shall reorganize as the Sinclair Energy Company and adopt Sinclair Energy 2030 as a roadmap for transforming into a green energy company."
It was a Sinclair Board tradition that the family voted its shares first. That way the minor stock representatives would not be put into an awkward position of opposing the family without need.
"Joseph Bartlett, how do you vote?"
"Yes."
"Charles Sinclair, how do you vote?"
"Yes."
Jerod smiled and Cooper, who had come to support his brother, gave him a fist bump.
"David Sinclair, how do you vote?"
There was a pause and Gracie held her breath. Finally, David looked at Gracie and said, "I vote yes."
Gracie clasped her hands to her heart and mouthed, "I love you daddy," as a tear rolled down her cheek."
After the meeting Gracie and Jerod each gave their dads a hug then found Joe. Gracie said, "Thank you so much."
"For what?" Joe asked.
"For coming back to the family," Gracie said as she gave Joe a big hug. "Daddy and Uncle Charles would have never listened to us six months ago, but being around you has made them open to us and our ideas."
One Scotch Too Many
Joe was feeling restless after dinner, so he decided to take a walk. Eventually he spotted the Solo Club. The Solo Club reminded him of the 80's TV show Cheers. The crowd was friendly and it had Joe's favorite Glenlivet 12 Year Single Malt. Joe ordered a scotch on the rocks and it went down well, perhaps too well. Joe ordered another and joined a group of men toward the back of the bar. There was a dart tournament going on and one of the organizers asked, "Hey are you ready to sign up."
"Sorry, I don't have a partner," Joe said.
"Not a problem," the guy with the clipboard said, then yelled to a guy across the room, "Donny, I've got a partner for you." Donny started to walk over and the clipboard guy said, "Now you have to play."
Joe shrugged and extended his hand. "Joe Bartlett"
"Donny Heck." the guy replied.
While they waited for their game Joe and Donny casually chatted. Joe mentioned that he was a teacher and coach, but left out his connection to Sinclair Oil. Donny was a local. He was a commercial loan officer for one of the banks in town. He was in his early forties and looked to be a regular at the gym. He was easy to talk with, even if he was a bit superficial.
Joe and Donny easily won their first game. As they played, they soon discovered that their only real competition was each other. While they waited for their next game, Joe ordered another round of drinks for the two of them, and they continued to chat mostly about sport. While Joe was a Cubs fan, Donny followed the Rangers. When the topic turned to football, Joe was a Broncos fan and Donny a die hard Cowboy fan.
Joe and Donny reached the semi-finals when the steady flow of scotch caught up with them. Even hammered, they were able to make a game of it. Finally losing when Donny completely missed the dart board. Laughing, the two found a corner booth.
"You almost put a dart in the judge's ass."
"I was trying to dart the wildebeest," Donny said, "That asshole beat me out of a development project I was working on for six months."
Eventually Joe said, "I have to take a piss."
"Me too."
The two each took one of the urinals and continued to joke as they pissed. Joe was drying his hands when Donny caught him off guard. Donny pushed Joe against the wall and began kissing him while groping his crotch. Joe was caught off guard and took a moment to react to Donny's advance. Joe shoved him away and said, "Hey I think you are a bit confused. I am in a relationship."
"But, you are gay?"
"Yes, but..."
"No one has to know. We can go back to my place. I bet you are a fuck machine." Donny again reached for Joe's crotch.
Adrenaline suddenly cleared Joe's alcohol haze and he grabbed Donny by the wrist, quickly spun him around, and pinned his arm between his shoulder blades. Donny yelled "let go of me," and Joe moved his arm higher. Then Joe said, "I would know, and if you try to touch me again, I will break this arm. Do you understand?" Donny nodded.
Joe released Donny and left the restroom. When he was back in the bar. Joe found a place at the end of the bar and asked the bartender if he had any coffee. Joe watched Donny leave the restroom then walk out of the bar. The bartender brought Joe some coffee and asked if he was okay.
"Yeah, I just need a moment to get my shit together," Joe said. Eventually Joe called Cooper.
"Hey Uncle Joe. What's up?"
"Are you still in Bartlesville?"
"Yeah, Jerod and I aren't heading back to Tulsa until Wednesday after the director's dinner."
"I've got a favor to ask. I'm at a bar called the Solo Club and I've had a bit too much to drink. I was wondering if you could come pick me up. I would rather not walk back to the Price."
"Not a problem. I'm on my way."
A little while later Joe's phone rang and Cooper said, "I'm parked right in front. Do you need me to come in?"
"No, my judgment may be a bit shaky, but my legs are fine." Joe left a generous tip for the bartender then went out to meet Cooper. "Thanks for coming to get me. I'm sorry I had to bother you. I feel so stupid for acting like an out of control teenager."
"It isn't a bother at all. Actually, I feel a bit honored that you called me."
Joe laughed, "Probably the only time someone has ever said it is an honor to take care of a drunk."
When Joe got back to his hotel room he decided to take a hot bath. After soaking for a while, he reached for his phone and called Tyler.
"How's my man?" Tyler said.
"Feeling a bit cheap."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I decided to go out, and found myself not in full control." Joe told Tyler about Donny and how what had been a fun night ended badly.
Tyler just listened until Joe was finished then he said, "Hey love, that's just the way it is. You're hot, and boys are going to try and get in your pants. I just have to live with the burden of a sexy boyfriend."
"That's funny, but are you okay? Maybe, I shouldn't have told you," Joe said.
"No, I'm glad you told me. Look babe I absolutely trust you, but hearing that you threatened to break the guy's arm if he didn't leave you alone is such a turn on."
"Interesting."
"I'm not suggesting you go around starting bar fights to demonstrate your love for me. Plus, I don't want your pretty face messed up."
"What makes you think they would even lay a hand on me?"
"Well..."
"I knew it," Joe said with mock indignation, "you think I'm slowing down in my old age."
"I didn't say that!"
"No, but I could hear it in your voice. `Watch out Daddy, you're not as young as you once were'."
"Oh stop, you know you are more fit than most 20-year-olds. You're just fishing for more compliments. So here is the biggest compliment I can give you. I am lying on the bed completely naked, my cock is rock hard, and all I can think of is you fucking my brains out this morning."
"Ummmm," moaned Joe, "I don't know if I can wait two more days."
"Hold in there big boy," Tyler said and smiled as he thought about Carrie's plan for his surprise visit.
"Shit, I am going to have a killer hangover tomorrow. I need to take some aspirin and try to get some sleep."
The next morning at breakfast, Joe wasn't feeling like circulating, and picked a table on the periphery. Suddenly Charles and Mindy, David and Carrie were sitting at his table. Charles said, "I hope you don't mind having a family meeting before the board meets."
"As long as you don't talk too loud."
"What's the matter Joe?" Mindy asked.
"Scotch poisoning."
"Sorry, but we needed your advice," Charles said.
"Okay, this is my best advice. Alway observe a strict two scotch limit, or else the Scottish National Pipe and Drum Corp will be using your skull for a parade grounds."
The four laughed, but Joe held his head. Charles said, "As wise as that advice is, we need help with a different problem. David and I have been talking, and we believe the best way forward with Sinclair Energy 2030, is to create three divisions: Petroleum and Gas, Wind and Solar, and Corporate Services and Research. I would head Corporate and David would head Oil and Gas, do you think Cooper is ready to head Wind and Solar?"
"Yes, but that isn't why you're making my hangover worse. You know very well Cooper is capable of leading a division. You want something, and that's why you brought Mindy and Carrie along as backup. So just spill it and let me die in peace."
"Okay, we were running the new structure by several of the Board members and they pointed out that two of the divisions will be headed by major stockholders and the third won't be. They are afraid that will signal to the employees and industry watchers that Sinclair Energy 2030 is just a PR job to placate the public and position ourselves as one of the good guys if petroleum companies start getting hit with climate related lawsuits."
"I get it. You want me to sign over my shares to Cooper. Great, where do I sign, so I can get back to Salt Fork and someone who cares if I will live or die."
The rest of the table was amused by Joe's self-pity routine. David said, "Oh no cousin, you are not getting out of this. Your fingerprints are all over this plan, and now you've got to help make it work."
"What we need," Charles said, "is for your permission to name you the head of Sinclair Wind and Solar Division."
"Hell no!" Joe yelled, and then immediately regretted raising his voice. "Look," Joe continued much quieter, "I have a nice little life in Salt Fork, I've got more money that I need or can spend, and in a few months I am marrying the love of my life. Why would I agree to do this?"
Mindy said, "Because the family needs you to do it. Cooper needs you to have his back because he is going to be taking on a project that can move the company into the future or possibly irreparably damage it."
"At least let us explain the plan before you reject it." Charles said.
"Okay, but you'd better not make my head hurt."
"As you know, Cooper has decided to move his family to Salt Fork. FYI, his mother and I just learned of this plan last week." Charles said.
Joe looked across the table and said, "Not fair" to Mindy who was trying to hide a wicked little smile. She knew how to play the guilt card, and had obviously prepped Charles for this discussion.
Charles continued, "So, with Cooper moving west, we have decided to base the Wind and Solar Division in Enid. The company already has an office there, and we will ramp it up as the division grows. Jerod will be promoted to vice-president and will be the division's face at corporate."
David chimed in, "I am working on convincing Gracie to move back and take over managing the research partnerships we want to establish with colleges and universities. We also want her to work with the PR department and our lobbyists to sell green energy to the policymakers."
Finally Joe said, "So what is it that you want?"
"The plan," Charles said, "is that you will be President of Sinclair Wind and Solar. Cooper will be the Executive Vice-President and will be responsible for development and operations."
"I don't see how this is going to solve anything. I seriously doubt that anyone is going to be fooled into believing that a high school teacher and coach is really in charge of Wind and Solar," Joe said.
"We've done some polling of that question with the people who we need to get on board inside and outside the company," Carrie said. "To them it doesn't matter whether you are running the division day-to-day. In fact, because you are perceived as both an insider and outsider with the resources and independence to stand up to Charles and David. Your backing of Cooper increases confidence in his leadership, particularly when dealing with his father and uncle."
"Are the kids okay with this plan?" Joe asked, then added, "I need to stop calling them kids."
"Hey to us they will always be kids," Charles said. "We just have to make sure they don't alway see us as the parents. In a family business the hardest thing is generational transfer of control. David and my father had a tough time with letting go. That's why I think he insisted on bringing you back into the company, so David and I don't make the same mistake. As for the kids, look over toward the door."
Joe turned around and saw Cooper, Jerod, and Gracie standing in a group and watching the discussion.
David said, "Mindy and Carrie figured that we might need some reserves in case the four of us aren't persuasive."
Joe looked off into space as he thought about whether he was up for this. Just a few months ago he was ready to retire, now that was on hold, he was increasingly involved in the family, he was the guardian of a Scottish rogue, and to top it off, he was about to marry the sexiest, most loving man he'd ever met. The minute Tyler popped into his head, the answer was clear. Of course he could do it because he was no longer doing it alone. Tyler would make it possible.
Joe looked at Cooper, Jerod, and Gracie and nodded. Their faces broke into big smiles. When he turned back to the table, he saw four more smiles.
Carrie handed out several documents. "The top document is the announcement concerning the reorganization that Charles will make in a moment. The second is the press release that will go out at noon. Please read over them and make any corrections or additions."
Carrie and her team had the perfect tone and message for both the announcement and press release. When Charles made the announcement of the new Sinclair Energy management structure it was enthusiastically received and went a long way to appeasing those who weren't yet sold on the idea. The rest of the morning was set aside for informal meetings and introducing Cooper to individual board members.
One of the first people to approach Joe and Cooper was Everett Thorpe. Thorpe was an investment banker at one of the state's top lenders for petroleum and ranching. Everett shook Joe's hand and said, "Your name on the Wind and Solar letterhead will make it a lot easier for guys like me to get approval from our loan committees." He then turned to Cooper and said, "I know you will be running the show, but I hope Joe isn't just a name on the letterhead."
Cooper smiled and said, "You can count on that. My wife wants to get closer to her family, and also give the kids a taste of small town Oklahoma, so we are moving to Salt Fork. Joe may get tired of me dropping by to talk business and baseball. My oldest son wants to play for Uncle Joe."
Thorpe smiled and said to Joe, "I like this guy. He's a real Sinclair: business is family, and family is business." He then handed Cooper a business card and said, "I'd like to give you a call next week to set up a meeting with some of my out-of-state customers. They're looking for an Oklahoma partner for a major wind project."
Several more directors introduced themselves. Then finally a weathered looking gentleman walked up. Joe stuck out his hand and said, "Kenny, you old cowpoke, how did they ever pry you off your horse for this meeting?"
"They promised me whiskey and a soft bed."
Joe frowned, "Don't mention whiskey."
Kenny chuckled, "You do look a bit snake bit this morning."
"Just a bit," Joe said, "Kenny, let me introduce you to Cooper Sinclair. Cooper, This is Kenny Ford. Kenny represents our royalty holders. Don't let Kenny's cowboy persona fool you. He has a dual degree in agriculture and business and is a fraternity brother of Charles and David."
"Dang it Joe, you've gone and ruined all the fun I was going to have with young Cooper," Kenny said with a smile. Then he turned to Cooper, "I've got a ten section ranch along the Cimarron River and my missus has a seven section ranch just down the road...."
Kenny noticed an puzzled look on Cooper's face, "We ain't combined the ranches yet because we've only been married 31 years, and we want to make sure it's going to last before doing anything rash like commingling property."
Cooper and Joe burst into laughter.
"As I was saying, I've got a fair size ranch and several companies have approached both me and Jenny about building wind farms on them. We've put them off because we're not keen on strangers tramping over our property, tearing up fences, leaving gates open, and scaring the cattle. However, the Sinclairs aren't strangers, so when you are looking for project sites give me and Jenny a visit. We'll also introduce you to our neighbors."
"Thanks, I will," Cooper said.
"Also, bring Joe along and maybe we'll do some hunting. The only thing better than hunting quail is eating quail."
When Joe had introduced Cooper to everyone, he went looking for Mindy and Carrie. He found them in the Copper Restaurant drinking coffee, chatting, and escaping the social expectations of the board meeting. "So here you are," Joe said. "Do you mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," Mindy said.
"Can I ask what you two are doing this weekend after you drop Michael off?"
"Cooper and Dana are too busy right now to do house hunting," Mindy said. "So they asked if Carrie and I would check out some properties and give them a list of possible houses to look at. ... Oh, and we also have a wedding reception to plan."
"Can I add one more thing to your plate?"
"Well, I guess turnabout is fair play," Carrie said. "What do you need?"
"When you are looking for houses, can you look for one for Tyler and me?"
"Joe, I thought you loved your apartment," Mindy said with surprise.
"I do, but with everything happening, I will need a bigger office, and Tyler and I will need a place to entertain. However, the biggest reason is Tyler's mother. I told you Mary has MS...
"She's not gotten worse?" asked a concerned Mindy.
"No, she has what is called relapsing-remitting MS, and right now she is in a remitting phase. However, Ames is a long drive, and I want Mary to move to Salt Fork. So we need a place that isn't on the second floor. We will need at least one ground floor bedroom, or ideally a mother-in-law's cottage."
"That won't be easy to find in Salt Fork," Carrie said.
"I know, so it is likely we will have to either remodel or build," Joe said, "but, I would just like to get things rolling and am hoping you can help."
"We would absolutely be delighted to help," Mindy said. "I've contacted one of my sorority sisters who is in real estate in Enid to help. Salt Fork isn't her area, but she has contacts all over NW Oklahoma. With the decision to locate Wind and Solar in Enid we are going to need property and contractors in the area."
"Of course you are familiar with the term quid pro quo," Carrie said.
"Yes," said a suddenly hesitant Joe.
"Well you know David moved the Director's Dinner to tonight, and I haven't received your RSVP yet."
"Oh Carrie, you know I don't like those things. I was just planning a quiet dinner and then grading some papers."
"Sorry, David still is a bit prickly that he was the last to hear about Tyler's and your wedding, so I promised him you would be there this year."
"Okay, I'll be there. Business casual?"
"Whatever you want, but I really liked that outfit you had on when you took Tyler to the Bull in the Alley. One of my girl friends was there and snapped a picture and sent it to me."
When Joe left, Mindy said, "Whew, that was luck. I didn't know how I was going to get him to the party tonight without ruining the surprise."
Surprise Joe
Joe was looking for his place card at the Director's Dinner. He saw Carrie at a table with Cooper and Dana, Jared and Maria, and Gracie and a young man he didn't know. When Joe got to the table, Carrie said, "Joe you are sitting at the front table with Charles and Mindy, David and me."
"I don't want to eat with the grownups. Can't I sit at the kids' table."
"No Joe, you're going to get plenty of time with the kids in the future, but tonight you have to be with the fuddy-duddies."
"Uncle Joe," Gracie said, "Before you go, I would like to introduce you to Peter Whitehall. Peter is a visiting fellow from Oxford with the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment."
"I see," Joe said suggestively and Gracie blushed slightly, "It is nice to meet you Peter. I hope you don't leave town with too dim a view of Okies and the Sinclair family."
"Quite the contrary, I find the casual familiarity of this part of your country refreshing. Gracie has been explaining the local customs, and I had a delightful conversation with Kenny Ford earlier in the bar. He is what I have been told is called a hoot."
"Joe laughed, "You've got that right."
David walked to the podium and asked everyone to take a seat. Joe found his seat and noticed that two of the places didn't have names on the place cards, and he was seated between the two. Joe was talking to Charles and didn't notice who just sat down next to him. When he saw who it was, he threw his arms around Tyler and whispered in his ear, "I have missed you so much. How, when?"
"I'll tell you later," Tyler said, "but I think you'd better look at who's in the other chair."
When Joe turned he saw MLB Hall of Fame catcher and native Oklahoman, Johnny Bench. Bench was one of Joe's sports heroes and had been a fan of Bench since the days of the Big Red Machine in the 70s.
A night he dreaded had suddenly turned into a night to remember. All evening people would stop by to talk to Bench and then stop for a word with Tyler. Word has spread that Joe and Tyler were engaged and most of the people were happy that Joe was happy. Those that had problems with gay marriage knew better than say anything negative.
After Kenny got his meet and greet with Bench he shook Tyler's hand then leaned in and whispered into Joe's ear, "Jenny would turn me into a steer if I ever strayed, but if I were single and into boys, I'd arm wrestle you for that hottie."
Joe laughed, "Not even if you put up your entire ranch, I'm not taking any chances of losing him on a silly arm wrestling wager."
After a while, David went to the podium and asked everyone to find a seat. "I am sure many of you are wondering why Johnny Bench is here tonight. I would like to think it is because he has heard about the spread we serve at the Director's dinner, but that alone probably wouldn't get someone to drive from Dallas, let alone fly in from Florida."
"However, before I tell you why Mr. Bench is here, I need to have Joe Bartlett and Charles Sinclair come up here." When Joe and Charles had joined him, David continued, "Every year Sinclair Oil, now Sinclair Energy, gives a contribution to a worthy cause in the name of one of our Sinclair Corporate family. This year, Charles and I decided to give the contribution in the name of Joseph Bartlett, our cousin. Most of you know Joe as a member of this board and scion of the Sinclair family. However, what Joe is most passionate about is mentoring and helping young people. Joe is a teacher and coach at Salt Fork High School. He is also an Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Ask any of the Sinclair children, and they will tell you there is no one more willing to give of himself to help the next generation than Uncle Joe."
Charles then took the podium, "Mr. Bench, will you join us? Many Oklahomans watched with pride as Number 5 on the Big Red Machine helped the Cincinnati Reds win four Division Championships and two World Series in the 70s. One of those proud Okies was Joe. However unlike many of us, Joe knew that Johnny Bench was valedictorian of his Senior Class in Binger, Oklahoma. Joe was impressed that you gave as much in the classroom as on the field. After a remarkable career in baseball, Mr. Bench used his prominence to create the Johnny Bench Scholarship Fund to provide grants for student-athletes from Greater Cincinnati, Ohio and Binger, Oklahoma to attend college."
"So on behalf of Sinclair Energy," Charles continued, "We ask that Joe Bartlett give this check for $500,000 to the Johnny Bench Scholarship Fund."
A camera flashed as Joe handed Bench the check. Bench made a few gracious remarks in accepting the check then expressed appreciation that there are people like Joe who are so dedicated to the next generation.
As great as the evening was for Joe, the longer it lasted the more impatient he got to simply throw Tyler over his shoulder and carry him up to the room. Tyler's decision to follow Carrie's advice to wear the Bull in the Alley outfit was driving Joe insane. Finally, Carrie came up and said to Joe and Tyler, "Get out of here you two. You've done your duty. David is happy and the PR will be great."
Joe didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed Tyler's hand and headed to the elevators. Once in the room clothes were soon discarded and Joe stood back and admired Tyler's flawless, muscular form. "Damn you are too hot for words," Joe said as he ran his hands over Tyler. Joe and Tyler locked in a deep, passionate kiss that soon had them both hard and leaking long strands of pre onto the floor.
Joe grasped Tyler's cock and said, "Tonight, I need you to take control. I need you to make love to me."
Thank you for reading "Quarterback Keeper." I very much appreciate the comments and words of encouragement I have received from readers. I also have three other stories,
"Tough Love in Kansas City" https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/tough-love-in-kansas-city/
"Saving Jordan" https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/saving-jordan
"Aging Out" https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/aging-out/
If you would like to be included in updates on my stories, send me an email.
Again, thanks, and consider donating to nifty.org to support the platform that makes publishing these stories possible.