Quarterback Keeper: 25
Friday morning, Michael and Ian were taking a shower together. "So for sure, you're going to NOSU?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, unless I bombed the ACTs last Saturday. I feel really confident with how I scored. The week before Joe helped me with a couple of practice tests, and my math was strong and I felt I knew how to do most of the math problems. On the English part of the test, I just had to remember to use American spelling and punctuation. I don't mean to sound snobbish, but my O-levels were harder."
"O-levels? I've heard of A-levels, but not O-levels," Michael said.
"The O-levels are tests we take in what you call the Sophomore year. If you do well, you prep for the A-levels and are in the college track. If you don't do well, you start training to enter the workforce."
"So how did you do on your O-levels?"
"My counselor told me I could pursue the A-level track, but would have to work my ass off." I decided that I would rather work at a golf course, so I was looking at a program that would have trained me to be a greens keeper."
"Now?"
"Joe's offer to pay for college, and the possibility of pursuing my interest in music has made me rethink what I want."
Michael wrapped his arms around Ian and said, "I am just glad we will be together next year."
"I still can't believe your father didn't put up a bigger fight when you told him you weren't going to OSU," Ian said.
"I know. Cooper said it's because third sons are expected to be rebellious. Dad figured fighting with me would be a waste of time and energy."
Joe stuck his head in the bedroom and said, "Get a move one because fucking around with your boyfriend is not an excused tardy." Ian and Michael laughed, grabbed a towel, and started drying each other.
When the boys started getting dressed, Ian tossed Michael a black Rattlesnake long-sleeve T. "Today is class colors day, so you need to wear black. Ian slipped on a matching T. When they walked into the kitchen for breakfast, Tyler said, "Damn, you two look so much alike, are you sure you're not twins." Ian and Michael smiled.
During breakfast, Joe said, "Michael, you are a guest student, so you will be expected to participate in class just like everyone else."
"So, I take it you plan to call me out when we are in government class," Michael said with a smile.
"Maybe."
"Great, I think I am feeling sick. Maybe I should stay home," Michael said, feigning illness.
Ian put his hand on Michael's forehead and said, "Yep, you're hot, but you don't have a fever."
"Fuck!" Tyler said, "Another pair of horny teens; just what every school needs."
At school, Ian was eager to introduce Michael around.
"Wow, you've made a lot of friends in the short time you've been here," Michael said.
"What can I say, I'm just a friendly guy."
"I hope not too friendly. Some of these guys are hunks."
"Really," Ian said, "I hadn't noticed. I guess there is only one sexy stud that grabs my attention."
"Where is the bastard?" Michael said with a smirk. "I want to kick his ass."
"You better leave his ass alone; because your ass belongs to me." Ian whispered in Michael's ear. Ian's warm breath made Michael's cock twitch.
In government class, Ian and Michael were chatting with Kevin when the bell rang. "Okay everyone, let's focus on today's question." Joe flipped on the projector and a PowerPoint slide appeared with the question: Is inherited wealth a danger to American freedom?
Joe looked around the room and said, "Angel, you always have an opinion. What do you think? Is inherited wealth a danger to freedom?"
Angel, looked at Joe and then at Michael and wasn't sure how to say what he really believed. Finally, he said, "I don't want to sound like a radical or a jerk, but yeah I agree. It bothers me that some kids are born with a silver stick up their ass, and the rest of us have to work our asses off just to scrape out a living. Seriously, who couldn't be a success if they had plenty of food, a nice home, and a top notch education growing up, and they were handed a couple of million dollars to get started. The system is set up to keep the rest of us underpaid, overworked, and indebted to the money class."
"Wow Angel!" Ian said, "I'm glad you didn't want to sound like a revolutionary." The class laughed.
"So Mr. Sinclair," Joe said, "how do you respond to Angel's view point?"
"Gee thanks Uncle Joe...I mean Mr. Bartlett." Joe smiled knowing that he was putting Michael in the hot seat.
Michael took a deep breath and said, "Well, I agree with much of what Angel had to say. I suppose I am one of those kids Angel thinks has a silver stick up his ass. I try not to act like that, but I do know I have a very privileged life. I understand, at least in part, where you are coming from. I go to school with several "trust fund" babies who would be living on the street within a year if their grandfathers hadn't left them with large inheritances managed by smart people. The truth is, they don't contribute anything, but they look down on people who work for a living."
Joe broke in, "Well, let's bring this back to the government. FDR also had a privileged life, but he understood the danger of a system where millions lived without the hope of a decent life and the possibility of social economic advancement. The French Revolution and the Russian Revolution were examples of what happens when the largest share of the public have nothing to lose; then the upper classes do lose their heads. Some historians have argued that FDR saved American democracy and capitalism; that he kept us from embracing either communism or fascism. How did he do that?"
Zach raised his hand, "He created programs that provided relief for people, things like Social Security and the WPA."
"Yeah," Avery added, "but for those who could work he created jobs. Even if they were make-work jobs, people still had the dignity that comes with earning a paycheck."
"Spoken like a true banker's son," Ian said, and Avery laughed.
Nancy Griner jumped in, "He also saved the farmers. My grandfather has told me stories of what it was like to be a kid during the Dust Bowl. Not old did FDR set up programs to fight the drought, he also created a program to bring electricity to rural America. I think it was called the REA."
"My grandfather told me his father helped build the Garfield County Courthouse, and that it was a WPA project," Zoey said. "Paps said he saw his father smile for the first time in two years when he brought home his first WPA paycheck."
"I guess that's where I differ from a lot of the rich kids I know," Michael said. "Their parents have brainwashed them into believing that the government can't do anything good. They are anti any government program to help people. If they don't see a profit, they don't see the use."
"Ok," Joe said, "This is your assignment. I want you to come up with three things the government could do to help working families achieve the American dream. Write it down and give me a couple of sentences explaining why you think you have a good idea."
The bell rang, and students got up to leave. Angel came over to Michael, "I'm sorry if I sounded resentful or angry."
"I get it, but I am glad to know you don't want to see my head on a pike."
"Nah," Angel said with a wink, "your head is too cute to put on a pike."
"Hey!" Ian said, "leave my boyfriend alone."
Angel laughed, "I said he was cute, but he's not my type. I've got me a spicy Mexican muchacho."
On the way to English, Ian's next class, Michael asked, "Is that the way your government class is every day?"
"Pretty much," Ian said. "Uncle Joe expects us to participate, ask questions, and debate. If you haven't read the assigned reading before you get to class, there is no mercy. I made that mistake the second day of class. He wasn't mean, but by the time he was through with me, I knew I wouldn't come to class unprepared again."
Michael said, "I wish my government class was like that. In my class, it's like sitting through a boring sermon delivered by a broken-down, half-hearted evangelist for capitalism and Social Darwinism. Hell in my school, FDR is right there with Marx, Lenin, and Chairman Mao."
"Well just so you know, you Tory bastard, I voted for the Scottish Greens in the last election."
"You can vote?"
"Yeah, in Scottish elections the voting age was lowered to 16 in 2013, so I joined the Greens. Dad votes Scottish Labor, and my brothers are Scottish Nationalists."
"Wow," said Kevin who was walking with them, "your family is very political. I bet your holiday dinners can be wild."
Ian chuckled, "We do have our views. The only rule is no one speaks ill of the Queen. My grandfather met Princess Elizabeth during The War when she was serving as a mechanic and he was smitten. He threatened to kick the shit out of anyone in the family that ever said a word against her. To this day, dad fears an angry visit from the other side if we do not toast the Queen on her birthday and New Years."
Michael enjoyed the rest of his day Ian. During the pep assembly he noticed that Ian had really thrown himself completely into the American high school experience. Ian was in the drumline and Avery was with the football team, so Michael and Zach sat together. Zach leaned over and said, "You've found one of the good ones."
"I know," Michael said, "I can't believe I am so lucky."
"He thinks he's pretty lucky as well," Zach said.
"It looks like you and Avery are more in love everytime I see you guys."
"Yeah, I know we are really just kids, but I can't imagine my life without him and his family."
The band struck up the "Snake Dance" and the gym was filled with hissing students.
As soon as the assembly ended, Ian hurried to put his drum in the band room then he and Michael rushed back to the apartment to fuck their brains out. Ian just finished dumping a load in Michael's ass when they heard the door to the apartment open and close.
"Do you think he knows what we were just doing?" Michael asked.
"I'm pretty sure he does," responded Ian.
"Why do you say that?"
"Normally on a Friday night, he would have been home 45 minutes ago, but he told me was staying after school to catch up on some grading. Joe is never behind on grading, so he was just giving us some privacy."
"He is so fucking cool," Ian said.
"Yes, but don't get the idea that he's a pushover when it comes to the rules."
"You have rules?"
"Not in the normal sense of parent rules. I would say it's more like expectation. I know what he would expect me to do."
"So do you get punished if you break the rules?"
"Not with things like whippings or being grounded. Knowing you disappointed Joe is much worse. I went to a party at Avery's house and stayed out way too late without calling. When I got home Joe was sitting at the kitchen table. When I locked the door, he just got up and went to bed. I knew he had waited up for me, and I just felt like a selfish asshole for not calling to let him know I would be late."
"I get it," Michael said, "Mom and Dad could tell me something, threaten to punish me, whatever, it wasn't a big deal. But, if my grandfather said something I did it because the last thing I ever wanted to see in his eyes was disappointment."
After a quick shower Ian and Michael joined Joe, who was reading the newspaper. "Are you ready to go get something to eat?" Joe asked.
"Where's Tyler?" asked Michael.
"On game days, he eats with the team," replied Joe. "So, Ian and I usually just go over to Matty's for supper. Ian has to be at the game early to warm up with the band, so we need to get to Matty's before the crowd arrives."
At Matty's, Michael noticed that the special was called the "Snake Bite." "What's that," he asked.
Joe said, "It's Matty's special concoction. She has a spicy mayo dressing and rather than dill pickles she puts on pickled jalapenos. It is definitely not for the timid."
Ian and Michael looked at each other, smiled and nodded. "It's your funeral," Joe said with a chuckle. "Don't say you weren't warned."
After they ordered, Michael said,"I really liked your government class. Mine is so...some students would say boring, but I think irrelevant is the right word. We never discuss any real issues, and certainly nothing controversial."
"Why do you think that is?" asked Joe.
"I suspect the administration would say that some students couldn't handle that type of discussion, but I really think it is because they don't want kids going home and asking their parents hard questions."
"How would Charles and Mindy react to the lesson in government class today. Mom would agree with much of it. She is actually a registered Democrat, and she certainly is what would be considered a moderate voter. Dad is Republican and leans right. Everyone in energy complains about government environmental regulation and taxes, but he wants good roads and schools. He also thinks the government needs to help people who are struggling. I guess what I'm saying is that they would be considered a Bartlett Republican."
Wait, what's a Bartlett Republican?" Ian asked.
"My dad's uncle, Dewey Bartlett was Oklahoma Governor and later U.S. Senator," Joe said. "While a conservative, he supported public schools, the university system, and industrial development. He was responsible for the Oklahoma Vo-Tech system. On civil rights, he wasn't a leader, but he also didn't fight it like some southern governors. "When I was a kid, the Republican party was the moderate-progressive party in Oklahoma."
"So what happened?" Ian asked.
"Ronald Reagan, Lee Atwater, and the Southern Strategy," Joe said. "They decided to use racial and religious wedge issues to win the bubba vote in the Bible Belt. Their message was that traditional America was under attack from intellectual urban elites and minorities. Thus the issues became abortion, guns, welfare queens, and confederate flags."
"I would love to be in your class," Michael said. "Your students are lucky to have you as a a teacher"
Joe laughed, "Don't kid yourself; there are plenty of students who think I'm boring, too hard, or just an egotistical asshole. The truth is that students go a long way to making a class interesting. If there are students who ask questions, show interest, and want to engage, it is easy to teach and to make the class interesting. I bet your teacher can be a lot better than he is showing in class. If you and a couple of other students decide to elevate the class, to think harder and dig deep, I bet he will surprise you."
"I'll have to think about that," Michael said. "I know I would like a class that requires more thought, but I also know others in the class are just fine with not thinking about anything but that week's game, the weekend, and who's getting the most likes on Insta."
When the burgers arrived, Ian and Michael took a bite at the same time. Almost instantly their eyes teared, their noses began to run, and they reached for the ice water. Joe couldn't stop laughing as the red-faced boys continued eating the burgers, not wanting to be the one to give up first.
Joe ordered two milkshakes, and when they came said, "Eat these. Water isn't going to do anything to take the bite out of those burgers." When the boys swallowed their first mouthfuls, the look of relief on their faces made Joe laugh again.
When they arrived at the field, Zach saw them and jogged over. "Hey Michael, do you want to sit with me in the student section?" Joe smiled and gave Michael a head toss, "I'll see you after the game," he said.
Zach led Michael to the student section and they found a seat in the middle of the baseball and basketball players. Zach was introducing Michael when they heard the sound of drums and saw the band marching from the school to the field. Just as the band stepped through the gate and onto track, the drum major blew his whistle and the band came to a halt. When he raised his baton, the melancholic skril of bagpipes could be heard. The tightly formed drumline split allowing Ian to step through dressed in his full Scottish regalia. Michael gasped at the sight of his man wearing the Ramsay tartan kilt. Michael also recognized the march Ian was playing: "Scotland the Brave."
Zach put an arm around Micheal shoulders and whispered in his ear, "You've got one fucking hot Scotsman."
"I know."
The rest of the band formed ranks and files behind the drumline then joined Ian as he led them onto the field. When the band reached the middle of the field the drum major blew his whistle the band halted. When he blew the whistle again. The band struck up `Snake Dance.' Then from the end zone, Avery ran onto the field carrying the Rattler flag with the team following, and the stands went crazy.
Michael whispered in Zach' ear, "And you've got one fucking hot quarterback."
The visiting Waukomis Chiefs were no match for the Rattlesnakes. On the first series of the game the Chiefs were forced to punt on a three and out series. Salt Fork took over on their own 32-yard line. On the first play of the possession, Avery dropped back and threw deep to a wide open receiver for a quick touchdown. It was followed by an easy PAT kick to make the game 7-0 a minute-thirty into the game.
By the time the half ended, the Rattlesnakes led 35-0 and the hometown fans were enjoying a great homecoming. Zach was one of the homecoming queen escorts. Michael kidded him and asked whether he was escorting Avery. Zach replied, "If there's a queen in our relationship, it's me."
After the homecoming queens were introduced and the dance team performed, the band took the field. The band's halftime performance featured several seniors in their last homecoming performance. Near the end of the performance, the band paused on the field and the PA announcer said, "We are glad to welcome the alumni, family, and friends of Salt Fork to this year's homecoming activity. In particular, the Salt Fork community wishes to pay tribute to the class of 1950. The three surviving members of the class Mary Watkins, Gerald Green, and Wilber Owens are here tonight. We also want to recognize Ralph Briggs and Vern Jeffers, members of the class of 1950 who died in the Korean War."
Ian played Auld Lang Syne on the pipes as the last three members of the Class of 50 were driven around the track in a convertible to the applause of the fans. Zach got back to his seat just in time for the band to play `Snake Dance.'
The second half went much like the first; until the Rattlesnake took over on their own 35 with 4:25 left in the third quarter. On the second play of the series Avery threw a long pass down the right side of the field for a long gain. Avery was watching the completion when a Waukomis linebacker blindsided him and drove him into the ground.
Flags flew for a late hit. The player got up, stood over Avery and said loud enough for the Rattlesnake bench to hear, "That will teach the fag to run up the score on us." It was all Coach Wilson and the assistants could do to keep Salt Fork's defensive captain, Jake LaFevor, from rushing onto the field. More flags were thrown and the The Waukomis coach grabbed his player and dragged him off the field.
But what had Zach's attention was that Avery hadn't moved. "Fuck! Fuck no!" said a shaken Zach. The trainer and three coaches ran onto the field. "Get up Avery. Please get up!" Zach whispered.
Michael put his hand on Zach's shoulder in an attempt to steady him. Soon other hands reached out to Zach in support. For what seemed like an eternity Avery lay on the ground. Then the trainer and Coach Wilson helped Avery to his feet and off the field to the relief and cheers of the fans. Zach started to slump; Michael caught him and helped him sit down.
A few minutes later Zach's phone rang. It was Robert Anders, "Zach, first of all, Avery appears to be fine. His mother and I are taking him to Enid to see a doctor just to be sure. I have arranged for you to go home with Mr. Bartlett until we get back. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir, I understand."
"Okay, Avery wants to talk to you."
"Hey," Avery said.
"Your dad says you are okay."
"Yeah, the asshole just knocked the wind out of me, but you know mom: Nervous Nellie."
"Well I guess that makes me a Nellie too."
"Hardly," Avery said. "There's nothing Nelly about your hot jock body."
"Fuck, you said that in front of you dad?"
"Hell no, he walked away to give me some privacy. Are you alright?"
"I wasn't the one run over by a freight train."
"Yeah, but you had to watch it happen to me."
"That was terrifying. I am glad Michael was here."
"I have to go. I'll see you tonight. I love you." Avery said.
"I love you too."
For the rest of the game Zach was subdued and Michael kept an eye on him.
The Rattlesnakes ended up winning 60-0. When the teams shook hands after the game, the player who took the cheap shot on Avery wasn't with his team, which was good because Jake still wanted to even the score. The Waukomis coach apologized to coach Wilson on behalf of the entire team, and assured him the player would be disciplined.
The Rattlesnake locker room was pretty subdued for a team that just won homecoming and likely secured a spot in the playoffs. Coach Wilson was trying to raise their spirits with little effect. Then, Tyler interrupted, "Sorry Coach, I just got a text from Avery's father I think the team will want to hear. `Doctor says no concussion. No broken ribs. Doing x-ray to determine if any cracked. Will be sore but OK'."
The team cheered and finally felt like celebrating their win.
Zach, Michael, and Ian were laying on Ian's bed and talking. Robert Anders had sent Zach the same message he had sent the team.
"Avery and I are going to NOSU," Zach said. "Are you guys still planning to go there?"
"We are," Michael said. "I finally have convinced my father that being a history major isn't a waste of time. Actually, Uncle Joe being more involved in the company and the family has shown him the value a different perspective brings to the table."
"I am planning on studying music. My primary interest is still performance and composition, but I am also thinking of picking up a music education degree."
"I've been meaning to tell you," Zach said, "your performance tonight was spectacular. I have never really heard bagpipes live. That was amazing."
"Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. The pipes are a divisive instrument; you either really like them or you really hate them. Those who hate them often say they sound like someone strangling cats."
Zach laughed for the first time since Avery was hurt. "The reason I am asking is that I have already accepted a baseball scholarship and the football team is looking hard at Avery. If he decides to play, you have to promise me that at least one of you will be at every game with me. I don't know what I would have done without Michael there tonight. I want Avery to play if that is what he wants, but it scares the shit out of me to watch him take a hit like that."
"Of course we will be in the stands with you," Ian said, "but I also will need you in the stands with me during Michael's tennis matches."
"What are you talking about?" Michael asked, "Tennis isn't a contact sport."
"Hey, I've seen videos of tennis players taking a hard smash to the nuts," Ian said. "If something were to happen to those guys, I don't know what I would do." Michael and Zach both jumped on him and began tickling until Ian had to beg for mercy.
In the middle of their horseplay, there was a knock on the front, door and the boys ran to see who it was.
Joe had opened the door and let Avery and his father in. "Are you ready to go?" Robert asked Zach.
"Yes, sir!"
Avery looked at Ian and Michael and asked, "Are we still on for tomorrow?"
"Will you be up for that?" Zach asked with concern.
"Sure, I can always eat, so dinner is no problem; and, I can blame my bad dance moves on being sore."
"Then we'll see you tomorrow," Ian said, and Avery, Zach, and Robert left.
Saturday, Joe and Tyler were in Ames helping Mary with some chores, so Ian and Michael had the run of the apartment. They each grabbed a bowl of cereal and sat naked watching cartoons. They liked the older cartoons rather than anime, so they found a channel playing old Warner Bros. cartoons.
When Foghorn Leghorn appeared on the screen, Michael said, "I have alway thought that my Uncle David could be Foghorn."
"I can see that," Ian said. "So, what do you want to do today?"
"I was thinking of some exercise."
"You already exercised me twice this morning!" Ian said.
"Not that kind of exercise. I was thinking we could take a walk."
"Okay," Ian said. "I could give you a tour of Salt Fork. We could go out to the land Joe and Tyler bought to build on and where your brother and his family will live."
"Cool. You know, I was a bit jealous when I heard Cooper would be Uncle Joe's neighbor, and 2Coop would be playing baseball for him."
"So do you want a house in Salt Fork?"
"Not really, just a room in Joe's and Tyler's house. I want to know we can visit whenever we need some adults to talk to about life."
"Tyler? An adult?"
Michael laughed, " I bet he has learned more in the last four months than he learned in four years of college."
"That's a sucker bet. I know he has."
While much of the country was already feeling the nip of winter, Oklahoma was enjoying a prolonged autumn. The summer heat was just a bad memory, and the bite of winter winds on the plains were still a ways off. As they walked through town, Ian pointed out local features and the homes of his classmates.
Eventually, Ian pointed to a house and said, "That's Mary's new home. The contractor will finish up in the next week or two, then she will be moving to Salt Fork. That's what Joe and Tyler are doing today. Helping her get ready to move and talking to a realtor about listing her house in Ames."
Kevin was helping his Aunt rake leaves in their front yard when he saw Ian and Michael coming down the street. He waved and yelled, "Hello neighbor-to-be."
Ian waved, and the two walked up to the picket fence that defined the McNutt front yard.
"I'm showing Michael around town and where Joe and Tyler, and his brother's family will be building their new homes."
Claudia McNutt smiled and said, "Oh, you're Cooper's little brother--well not really little--I should say younger brother."
"I don't mind being known as Cooper's little brother." Michael said with a smile.
Claudia said to Michael, "You are as charming as your Scottish friend. It is time for Kevin and me to take a break, so please join us for some ice tea and raspberry scones. I baked them fresh this morning." Claudia had learned about scones the summer after her first year of teaching when she took a vacation to London. She had been making them ever since.
The four chatted for an hour, then Claudia said, "Kevin, we'd better let your friends finish their walk, and we'd better finish the leaves, or you won't have time to get ready for your date. After saying goodbye, Ian and Michael walked though Claudia's side fence and into the land Joe had bought from her. Little flags dotted the field. "I heard the surveyors were here last week to mark off the lots," Ian said. "Your mom has been pulling strings to fast track the houses. From what I understand, Uncle Joe and Sinclair Oil agree to cover overtime at the factory building the component sections if they are done by the end of January. Joe wants to move in before baseball starts and Cooper wants to move his family as soon as school is finished in Tulsa."
"Have you seen the plans?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, my room is on the opposite end of the house from Joe and Tyler. Tyler said he was tired of having a dirty sock stuffed in his mouth every time he and Joe fucked."
Michael laughed, "I'm sure that's an exaggeration."
"Yeah, if anything is stuffed in Tyler's mouth, it's the jock Joe wore to workout that day. However, Tyler is ... well let's just say, a very vocal bottom."
Ian and Michael were using the master bedroom shower when Joe and Tyler came home and found them.
"It seems two redheaded, hooligans decided to use our shower while we were away," Joe said.
"I'm sorry," Ian said. "It's just that your shower is so big and fun."
"I'm just pulling your chain," Joe said, "You are welcome to use it anytime...anytime when neither Tyler nor I are using it. Remember, this isn't Tulsa."
"I hope you had the good manners to clean up when you were finished," Tyler said. "The last thing I want to do is step into a puddle of Scottish cum when I am getting ready for the dance."
"You're going to be at the dance?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, Joe signed us up to be the dance police," Tyler said.
"So, what do South Fork students wear to your dances?" Michael asked.
"I'm wearing the kilt and jacket I had on last night," Ian said.
"Oh," Michael said, "I'd better see if I packed something that will compliment that."
Joe took a garment bag out of his closet and said, "Try this on."
When Michael opened the bag, he found a matching outfit to Ian's, except in Sinclair tartan.
Michael hugged Joe and said, "Thank you so much for everything."
Tyler said, "You guys are going to turn heads in those tonight." Then with a wicked smile he added, "Just don't let anyone up your skirt, or you'll get a reputation for being easy."
"That's good advice for you to remember as well," Joe said as he took two more garment bags out of his closet and handed one to Tyler.
"Oh hell no," Tyler said. "I'm a football jock. I'm not wearing a skirt."
Joe looked at him and said, "If you want to see what's under my kilt between now and our wedding night, you'll be wearing that `skirt' tonight."
Tyler looked a bit taken back, but then he smiled and said, "Well, at least I have the legs to pull it off."
Ian and Michael broke into laughter. Michael said, "Oh man, are you ever cock whipped."
"Yes I am," Tyler said, "and I am not one bit shy to admit it."
****************************** April Ayers was still concerned about Avery's health after the hit during the game, and she didn't want him and Zach driving into Enid for dinner. So, she called Claudia and Zoey's mother and the three put together a dinner for the three couples at the Ayers house. Robert was a master on the grill, so he cooked steaks to everyone's order. Zoey's mom brought over appetizers and a salad, April made the sides, and Claudia made individual pecan tarts, which she topped with dollops of chantilly cream.
Kevin said, "I don't know about you guys, but this is so much better than driving into Enid to eat."
"Not to mention, cheaper," Zoey said.
Kevin blushed, "I didn't mean...
Zoey laughed and said, "Hey, I'm just busting your chops Kevy. You're right, this was better." Then she gave Kevin a kiss on the cheek.
"It's Kevy now," Avery said, and the other three made kissy sounds. Kevin turned stop sign red.
"Just ignore them Kevin," and Zoey leaned in to give him another kiss. What only Ian noticed was that as she did, she gave Kevin's inner thigh a squeeze. Kevin was suddenly half hard. Ian gave Kevin a wink and a smile and remembered the transition from Dowl, too ugly to fuck,' to Kevin, dating the hot cheerleader."
***************************** When Ian told Avery that he and Michael would be wearing kilts to the dance, Avery decided he and Zach needed to step up their look for dance. April Anders had a friend who owned a wedding shop in Enid, and who at the end of the summer season would sell off some of the old rentals. So one evening he and Zach took Kevin and they went down to find something to wear. Avery found a charcoal, paisley dinner jacket, and Zach found the same in royal blue. They decided to wear them over jeans with an open collar white dress shirt. Kevin found a peach vest and bowtie that complimented Zoey's dress.
The Anders house was only a few blocks from the high school gym and it was a nice evening, so the couples walked to the dance. So, anyone watching would have seen a parade of three of the hottest couples in Northern Oklahoma walking down the street.
When the other dance sponsors saw Joe and Tyler in their kilts, they immediately chose them to be the greeters at the front door. They made quite a couple as they greeted the students and at the same time subtly checking for signs of inebriation. Ian pulled out his phone and handed it to Kevin saying, "I need you to take a picture of Michael and me with Joe and Tyler. I want to sent it to my father and brothers"
Inside, the dance was slow to start. The DJ was playing music, but the dance floor was empty. None of the couples wanted to be the first on the floor. Avery huddled up the group and said, "It's time to get this dance started." He then took Zach's hand and led him into the middle of the gym floor onto the Rattlesnake logo. The other two couples followed and soon they were joined by others. The gym was soon full of hot, sweaty, hormone intoxicated teenagers.
After the doors closed, Joe and Tyler stepped into the dance to see how things were going. Tyler took a deep breath and said under his breath, "Smells like high school."
Joe led Tyler onto the floor and the two started to dance. After a couple of songs the DJ played Garth Brooks' "Standing Outside the Fire." As the song played, Tyler began to sing along and look into Joe's eyes, soon all the couples around Joe and Tyler began to sing.
"......There's this love that is burning Deep in my soul Constantly yearning to get out of control Wanting to fly higher and higher I can't abide standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire Standing outside the fire Life is not tried it is merely survived If you're standing outside the fire........"
The dance ended at 10 pm. and Joe and Tyler volunteered to see the last students off and lock up the gym. As they walked home, they noticed the lights on the deck were on, so they decided to go up the backstairs to see what was going on. They found Ian, Michael, Avery, Zach, Kevin and Zoey sitting around the gas fire pit.
"What's up?" Joe asked.
Ian said, "All of us wanted to thank you and Tyler for making this a great senior year for us."
"Until this year I didn't realize just how one action can create a chain that makes such a difference," Zoey said. "For example, you guys take Michael to Scotland; you meet Ian and bring him to Salt Fork, Ian and Kevin get into a confrontation then become friends, Ian helps Kevin find himself, and I get a great boyfriend. I am sure there are parts of the chain, like how you met Tyler, that I don't know, but it is just so amazing to see the connections."
Zach began, then had to regain his composure. "If you guys and the Anders ..... You saved me ..... I would probably be dead: either because of my father, or because I ......" Zach couldn't go on and Avery just held him.
Tyler took a deep breath and said, "Joe saved me too. If he hadn't agreed to help me become a teacher and a coach, I don't know what I would have done. I can't imagine my life without him."
"Hey," Joe said, "I get just as much from you guys as you get from me. You're my family. I was ready to retire, maybe travel or change careers, but then Tyler fell from the sky and changed my life. I suddenly realized that I needed a relationship, not a career change, to make me happy. Each of you have just added to my life purpose and my happiness."
After a few moments of silence, Joe added, "Okay, we have church tomorrow. So, it's time for you to head home. We'll see you tomorrow." Joe and Tyler each gave Avery. Zach, Zoey, and Kevin a hug on their way out. Then they said good night to Michael and Ian.
Alone with Ian, Michael looked up at the clear sky, then whispered in Ian's ear. "I want you to make love to me under the stars."
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.
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