Quarterback Keeper: 28
Sunshine
After dropping Andrew and Mary off at her place, the boys headed back to the apartment. It was still afternoon and Tyler said, I really don't want to hang around the apartment. I'm going to take Sunshine for a walk along the river. I know Kent's boys take good care of her when we are gone, but I still feel a bit guilty leaving here in Salt Fork."
"Would you mind some company," Joe said, "I need to work off some of this Holiday feast."
"I would love that," Tyler said.
"Can we go too?" Ian asked.
Tyler smiled and said, "Sure the more the merrier."
Although Sunshine was an old dog, when walking along the Salt Fork her mind, if not her body, reverted to a puppy. She was constantly sniffing the brush and on occasion even flushed a rabbit or a bird. The trees were already half naked, and the air hinted that the pleasant days of Autumn would soon give way to Winter. Eventually, the guys turned back toward Salt Fork. They stopped at the site of Joe's and Tyler's new home. The cement for the foundations and basement were poured and the driveway was formed up to pour some time the next week. The site was ready for the delivery of the house in a couple of weeks. The site crew was already starting to work on getting the site ready for Cooper's new family home.
They next headed toward Mary's house and found Andrew and Mary on the back deck with Claudia and Kevin. Claudia said, "Well Kevin, it looks like you are in luck. You don't have to spend the afternoon with the old people after all." Kevin smiled and each of the boys grabbed a couple of cookies Mary had just brought out for snacks and headed off to find trouble.
Sunshine drank a bowl of water then flopped down at Tyler's feet. Mary said, "Sunshine, you look like you've has an active afternoon."
"Yeah, I'm sure she will enjoy the new house as much as the humans will," Joe said. "She won't have stairs to go up and down and a yard to call her own."
"I had suggested putting a doggy door in the utility," Tyler said, "but then Joe reminded me the river is a stone's throw. Finding a raccoon or a skunk in the house would be bad news."
Claudia said, "That's good thinking. There's plenty of them on this end of town. I used to keep chickens, but sometimes I wondered if it was worth the hassle given the effort trying to keep them in the chicken house and the varmints out."
Finally Sunshine had caught her second wind and was ready to go back to the apartment. Joe said, "I'm sure Ian and Michael will find their way home when they get cold and hungry."
Andrew laughed, "If Michael's anything like Ian, he can't miss a meal. Oh for the days when I could eat anything I wanted, drink a couple of beers and never gained a pound. Now I smell a loaf of bread baking and I gain four pounds. So, tell me Joe how do you stay so trim and fit?"
Joe chuckled, "It's gotten hard living with two kids in the house. They could eat pizza every night."
On the walk back to the apartment,Tyler said, "You know, pizza does sound good, and I know how you can work off those extra calories."
"Oh you do, do you?"
"Yeah, I am working on an entire fitness program called `Tylercize,' and I have a program tailored just for you."
"How much will this cost me?"
"The first session is free, then we'll work out a payment plan to fit your budget."
"Somehow I think this may end up costing me my ass," Joe said.
"Would that be so bad?"
"No, I think that is one of my favorite ways to take care of what I owe the guy who filled a void in my life I didn't even know I had."
"So, can we go out for pizza tonight?"
"Sure, call Ian and MIchael, and tell them to their butts home. Also, tell them they can invite Kevin."
It didn't take long for three hungry boys to walk into the apartment. Saying pizza to teenage boys was like yelling free blow jobs at a Pride event.
"So, is The Brick Oven Pizzeria okay with everyone." Joe asked. To which there was a chorus of "Yes!."
On the drive to Enid, the boy started asking Tyler about dorm life at NOSU.
"The freshman dorm is Mercer hall, an old style college dorm. At one time it had been a women's dorm but now it is coed, although genders are separate wings separated by the main entrance, lobby and commons areas. A few years back they did a major remodel where they did away with the communal restrooms and showers and configured the halls into suites with two to three double rooms sharing a bathroom and common space."
"How are rooms assigned," Kevin asked.
"When you fill out your dorm application, there is a place to put down a roommate. If you don't have one, then they assign you one. You can also suggest suitemates but that all depends on available space," Tyler said.
"We're going to have to find you a roommate," Michael said to Kevin.
"Yeah, maybe we can get a suite with us three and Avary and Zach," Ian said.
Kevin looked surprised and a bit emotional, "You want me to be your suitmate?"
"Of course," Ian said, "Unless you don't want to hang out with us in college."
"Oh no, that would be great," Kevin said, then added self-consciously, "I'm just not used to being included in plans."
Ian gave him a hug and said, "Remember you're Kevin now, not Dowl."
Kevin tried, but failed miserably, to hide a smile.
While waiting for the pizza to be brought out, Joe got a phone call. After a quick hello, Joe listened for a while then said, "Sure Manuel, stop by and we can talk tomorrow...I'll see you then."
"Who was that?" Tyler asked.
"Manuel Rios, his family owns the grocery store, and he wants to talk. He's probably wondering what is going to happen with the building when we move to the new house."
"What are you going to do with the apartment?" Ian asked.
"What, are you wanting to stay there?" Joe responded.
"No way. I've seen the plans for my digs in the new house. The apartment is nice, but the house is sweet," Ian said.
"Digs? Sweet? When did you start talking American teenager?" Tyler said with a smile.
Ian flipped Tyler off.
Joe ignored the two children and said, "I suppose I'll rent it out."
In-laws
Saturday morning, Manuel Rios knocked on the apartment door.
"Hey Manny, what's up," Joe said.
"I have a family problem. You know my son Roberto, he usually goes by Robby."
"Of course I know Robby. He played baseball for me the last year I coached."
"Until this year," Manny said.
"Yeah, I guess that's right. So, what's the problem?"
"Well...he went and got Ivy Jacobs pregnant."
"Oh."
"The Jacobs are Southern Baptists and we're Catholic, so the kids have decided to keep the baby and get married. I know the cards are stacked against them, but they say they love each other, so I want to give them all the help I can. Rita and I have talked about it and we are going to make Robby the manager of the Salt Fork store. He's the only one of our kids who is interested in the grocery business. He got his Associates degree in accounting and has been working at one of the stores since he was ten."
"Robby is a hard worker and if anyone can make this work it's him. Also, Ivy is a good girl and will do her best for both Robby and the baby. Hey, if you're worried I'm going to sell the building to a competitor, I would never do that."
"Thanks, that's good to hear. This is one of our best stores, but we just bought a couple of other stores and couldn't afford to buy this building right now."
"Don't worry about that. When you are in a position to buy the building, I'm sure we can work out a fair deal."
Manny paused for a bit, unsure whether to continue, then he asked, "I know you are building a new house, do you have plans for this apartment?"
"Yesterday I was asked that question and didn't have an answer. Do you have something in mind?"
"This is a really nice apartment, and I know Robby and Ivy can't afford to rent a place like this, but I have to ask. Are you going to rent it?"
"Yeah, but I haven't really thought about it, so how about this? My and Tyler's wedding present is this apartment rent free and fully furnished for a year. After that we can figure out what to do about rent."
Manny had to wipe away tears, "Coach Bartlett you have been so good to my family. Thank you. If there is ever anything we can do..."
"Many, you are already doing it. When we talked years ago about the store, I had my own reasons for wanting you to take it over when Old Billy retired. First, I didn't want to have to drive to Enid just to buy toilet paper and a loaf of bread. Second, I didn't want another vacant building on Main Street. Over the years you've given my students jobs and donated to school fundraisers. This store is essential. Also, you know I'm investing in a bit of land development. This store is one of the things that makes Salt Fork the sort of place families want to live and for our older citizens to be able to stay."
Manny gave Joe a hug and left before he got too emotional.
Bedlam
Tyler and Joe were making grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup when Joe's phone rang. He picked up and said, "Hello David."........."Mickey Mantle's--agreed. Are you and Carrie coming next Saturday?"......."Great, we'll see you then."
After Joe hung up the phone, Tyler asked, "What was that all about?"
"This afternoon is the Bedlam football game," Joe said. For the non-Okies of the world, Bedlam is the name of the rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboy. When Nebraska defected to the Big Ten, OU replaced them with OSU for the last game of the season, and the rivalry took on even greater significance dividing the State into Crimson and Orange.
"My mother and father went to OU, and My Uncle Joe, Charles and David's father, went to OSU. So whenever the two schools played each other, mom and Uncle Joe would bet a steak dinner on the game. When mom died, Uncle Joe started calling me up to make a bet on the game. He and mom were always close and he missed her, so I was her fill-in. Eventually, Uncle Joe needed help getting to the restaurant, and Charles and David started bringing him. Even when I hated Charles' and David's guts, I was civil out of respect for my uncle. The first Bedlam game after Uncle Joe died, David called and offered the bet. For some reason I accepted."
"Wow," Tyler said, "I bet that was awkward."
"You can't imagine. None of us said anything during the entire meal until the very end, when Charles offered toast to mom and Uncle Joe. This will be the first time since Uncle Joe died that this bet isn't one of the saddest, angriest, loneliest chores in my year."
Joe couldn't contain his emotions anymore and started to cry. Tyler reached out and pulled his man into a comforting embrace. Tyler had never seen Joe lose control of his emotions so completely. All Tyler could do, all he needed to do, was hold onto the love of his life until the sadness passed.
Finally, Joe lifted his head from Tyler's shoulder and gave him a kiss. "I have been holding that in too long," Joe said. "Thank you."
"Thank you?" Tyler said, confused. "For what?"
Joe smiled, "First, for being the man I love more than anything. Second, for being my rock. Until now I didn't realize how much I needed someone I so completely trusted and with whom I could be so vulnerable. Finally, for being the catalyst that brought me and my cousins together again."
Tyler and Joe watched the game together. While Oklahoma held a lopsided record in the series at 86-18-7, the Cowboy faithful alway prayed to the miracle and Sooner Nation helped its collective breath that some fluke play or untimely fumble might cost them the game. This year, OU didn't disappoint and added another win, in what was a closer than expected game.
A few minutes after the game ended, Joe's phone rang. "Hello David."
"Yep....The Pokes made it a game this year....Wednesday at 12;30, sounds good....Sure, I'll bring him along....Naw, Mayfield is still paying for screwing up my retirement plans....Yeah, I probably owe him more than he owes me. See you Wednesday."
When he got off the phone, Joe pulled Tyler down on top of himself, and said, "You need to make lesson plans for Wednesday because you're going with me to Oklahoma City for some of the best steaks you'll ever eat. David and Charles expect you to be there."
"What was that about Mayfield owing you for screwing up your retirement?"
"David asked if we could get the day off. I told him that Mayfield still owed me, but he reminded me that I probably owe Mayfield because without the conspiracy to get you a teaching job, I wouldn't have the best thing that has ever happened to me." Joe began kissing Tyler, and before long Salt Fork's new football coach was grinding his crotch into his lover's thigh.
Joe stuck his tongue in Tyler's ear and the boy went crazy. Then Joe said softly, "The boy's are sleeping over at the Ander's. What do you want to do?"
"I want to fuck you."
"That sounds so good," Joe said and pushed Tyler up. Joe stood and stripped off his clothes and Tyler followed suit. Joe bent over the arm of the upholstered leather couch, and said, "Show me what you got."
Tyler dropped to his knees and gave Joe's muscular ass a good slap. Joe moaned but didn't say anything. Tyler slowly spread Joe's mounds. There it was a gorgeous pucker surrounded by black hairs. Tyler inhaled the slightly musky scent and then dived in. As he licked and probed, Joe moaned. Tyler had developed a talent for rimming and today his best skills were on display.
As Tyler worked his man's ass, Joe began to stiffen and Tyler grabbed his cock and massaged the head. Soon Tyler's hand was covered in precum, and he added it to the saliva in Joe's ass. The taste of Joe's pre as Tyler tongue fucked his ass soon had Tyler dripping onto the hardwood floor.
Finally, Tyler stood and placed his cock on Joe's wet pucker. He leaned forward and Joe's pucker opened to grant him admission. Joe grabbed one of the couch pillows and bit it as Tyler sank further into him. Once all the way into Joe, Tyler leaned down so that his mouth was near Joe's ear. Now it was Tyler's turn to drive Joe crazy. The combination of Tyler's weight pinning him to the couch, the heat from Tyler's chest on his back, Tyler's tongue caressing his ear, and Tyler's cock buried balls deep in his ass was sexual overload.
Joe moaned, and Tyler began to thrust slow and deep. Joe's orgasm built slowly, each thrust moving him one step closer to the edge. Tyler was in total control and Joe was in heaven. Finally, Tyler seemed to sense that Joe was standing on the brink and he gave a final deep, hard thrust to push Joe over the edge. Joe fell into swirling currents of a sexual sea that repeatedly pulled him under the waves and allowed only brief moments to surface, before pulling him back into the carnal deep. Tyler had followed Joe into the maelstrom his legs and abs were tight as bowstrings as he shot his load into his lover.
Tyler slowly lifted himself from Joe, his cock to slid out, and a load of cum escaped and fell to the floor. Tyler couldn't pull his eyes away from the scene. Joe remained bent over the arm of the couch, exposing his recently fucked ass. The dark leather of the couch was covered with stripes of Joe's of ivory cum and a stream of Tyler's cum was slowly running down Joe's leg.
Joe stood up and pulled Tyler into a hug. "Fuck kid, that was unbelievable."
"Tyler couldn't help but smile. Joe was his mentor as a teacher, a coach, and a love. Joe's praise meant everything to him.
Recital
The week after Thanksgiving was so busy Tyler and Joe felt like they barely had time to fuck, let alone just cuddle and talk. It was crunch time for Tyler in his classes at NOSU, Wednesday in OKC for lunch with Charles and David, the normal teacher things like lesson prep and grading, and then there was Ian's recital. Joe took over the recital planning and organization.
Joe had already gotten fitted for a tux, but it still needed a final fitting. So on Monday, he and Ian drove to Enid for a fitting.
"I still don't know why you bought me a tux for this recital." Ian said. "I don't want to sound like an ungrateful brat, because I really do appreciate everything you and Tyler have done for me, but why didn't we just rent a tux?"
"Well, you're going to need a tux. I am sure this is not the only recital in your future. Audrey thinks you have real potential and wants to get you more exposure. I don't know what she has planned, but she's the one who suggested a tux."
"I see. She has talked with me about entering some competitions."
"The shop where we are getting this tux is where the NOSU music department sends it's music students to get their concert attire. You will be able to wear this tux next year at NOSU. Also, don't forget there is prom this Spring. Frankly, I have never liked the idea of a rented tux. Who knows what the guy who had it before you while wearing it."
"Ewww," Ian said, "I don't want to think about that."
After a few miles, Ian asked, "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Christmas Eve, that's your and Tyler's wedding night, and you are planning to spend it in the new house, right?"
"Yep, that's the plan."
"I know you said I would be going to Tulsa with MIchael and his family after the wedding, but..."
"Yes."
"We would like to spend one more night in the apartment before you rent it to Robby and Ivy. We were wondering if we could spend Christmas eve in the apartment and drive to Tulsa the next morning."
"How about this, Charles and Mindy are expecting us for lupper..."
"What's lupper?"
"Well, brunch is the term for a meal combining breakfast, so lupper is a meal combining lunch and supper. At least that's what Mindy told me when I asked her that same question.
"That makes sense in an American sort of way."
Joe laughed, "I don't think a Scot has room to make fun of American made up words. Half the Scottish vocabulary is just screams and grunts."
Now it was time for Ian to laugh.
"Anyway," Joe said, "as I was about to suggest before being waylaid by an impish Scot boy; if you want to stay in Salt Fork, you and Michael can ride with us to Tulsa. In fact, you guys could come over around ten for a light brunch."
Ian snickered and said, "Will you guys be up by then?"
"The better question would be, will we have gotten to sleep by then?"
Now Ian burst into a full out laugh.
"There are a couple of other things I want to talk about with you," Joe said. "First, Tyler and I are taking off for a few days after the New Year's Eve reception. Charles and Mindy have given us reservations for a resort they own in Arkansas. School will start before we get back, so you won't be able to stay in Tulsa. Mary has invited you to eat meals with her, and, if you want, to stay in her guest room. Would you rather stay with Mary or in the new house?"
"I think I would rather stay with Mary. I may go over and start putting my room together, but it would just be weird to live there until you guys get back."
"I understand. The other thing is that when we were walking along the Salt Fork Friday, I noticed that there are several dead trees and some junk that needs to be cleaned up. I was wondering if you and Kevin would like to earn some Christmas taking care of that. I would like the trees cut and split for firewood."
"That would be great. I could use some extra cash and I'm sure Kevin would be up for it as well."
As it turned out, the tux fit well without any further alterations so after picking up a couple of shirts and bowties, and grabbing a quick supper, they were on the way back to Salt Fork. Joe noticed that Ian seemed a bit subdued.
"What are you thinking about?" Joe asked.
"Something Audrey asked me the other day. I was playing a piece I had written and she asked me whether I had considered pursuing a career in composing. She thinks I should consider that as a possibility."
"Is that something you would want?"
"I have to admit, since she mentioned it, I have been thinking about it. It just seems so risky to think of that as a career. Being a music teacher is a safer plan."
"There is nothing that prevents you from doing both. Michael will need to get his undergraduate degree before he pursues what I presume will be a doctorate and he is planning to do that at NOSU, although he could certainly do that anywhere else. So, assuming that is his plan, your options come down to living close to Enid, trying a long distance relationship, or breaking up, am I right?"
"There is only one option; living close to Enid."
"So, you might as well go to school too. You can pick up your music education degree, and then you can always teach. Also, you can work on your performance skills and get a start on music theory. Then when you graduate, you and Michael can figure out where to go so he can pursue history and you can pursue music. My guess is you will end up someplace like Boston."
"Does it sound too impractical to think about being a composer? I mean, shouldn't I think about something........"
"Something that makes money?"
"Well yeah, I mean right now I can't imagine not being with Michael, and I think he feels that same about me, but things happen. I don't want to be a parasite living off of Michael and his family's money."
"Even if you and Michael don't work out, you always will have me and Tyler and we aren't exactly poor. Also, I am not sure when we got to the point that unless something could be monetized it isn't of value. Music, art, literature, public architecture all should be considered as making a valuable contribution to human existence and culture. So for the talentless people like me, our contribution to the arts comes first by appreciating the beauty of the arts and second by being patrons of the arts so that the geniuses among us can produce great works."
"Like a modern Medici."
"Just call me Joe the Magnificent."
"I think I've heard Tyler scream that a couple of times," Ian said with a wicked grin, and Joe laughed so hard he about drove off the road.
Throughout the week, Joe had been quietly asking students and faculty, how many were coming to Ian's recital so he could get a sense of how many programs to print and how what he needed to order for refreshments. He didn't tell Ian that there would be a lot of students and faculty joining the family and members of the congregation. Ian was already getting nervous and Joe didn't want him sick all week with worry.
So, it was a surprise to Ian when he looked out from the side room of the church sanctuary to see so many people. Michael simply gave him a kiss and said, "You got this babe." Then join his family on the second row.
Audry welcomed the guests and then introduced Ian. The first part of the recital was designed to demonstrate Ian's proficiency at the piano and was politely applauded. However, the second half rocked the house with contemporary music including "Candle in the Wind," where Ian not only played but sang.
The final piece listed on the program was listed as "Best Friends" by Ian Ramsay. It was an original piece written for the piano and seemed to blend the elements of a hymn, a soldier's camp song, and a love ballad into a piece that perfectly captured his relationship with Michael, but at the same time reminded each person of his or her own best friend, partner, lover. When Ian finished, the audience rose to their feet in full appreciation of Ian's budding talent.
When the crowd finally stopped clapping, Ian stepped to the middle of the stage and said his first words of the recital. "Thank you for coming to my recital, and thank you most deeply for your kind response to my performance. I would like to recognize some very special people who are here. First my piano instructor Aubrey Sinclair who has patiently spent countless hours putting musical polish on this rough Scottish lad's musical efforts. Second, to Joe Bartlett and Tyler Simmons for opening their home and hearts to me so I can have this amazing opportunity to live and learn in my adopted home, Salt Fork, Oklahoma. Third, thank you to MIchael Sinclair for being my friend, my muse, and my champion. Finally, to Andrew Ramsay, my father, who gave his life to me and my brother, who gave us a safe and loving home, and who when the time was right told us it was time to follow our hearts to the places we are meant to be."
"One person I want to acknowledge who is not her in body, but I still feel her presence is my mother, Mary Elizabeth Ramsay. Neither dad, nor myself, nor my brothers are particularly spiritual, that was, and still is, my mother's role. As my last piece, I want to play a hymn for my mother. I will be accompanied by Ms. Audrey Sinclair."
Ian reached behind a bench and picked up his bagpipes and Audrey took a seat at the piano. Soon the sanctuary was filled with "Be Thou My Vision." Played on the pipes, the hymn was both beautiful and haunting. Andrew reached for his handkerchief as Ian's tribute was emotionally overwhelming. When Ian finished, it was as if Ian's power to hold back his emotions were completely consumed playing the tribute and he broke down in tears. In an instant Michael was at his side to provide both emotional and physical support as Ian seemed to slump into Michael's arms.
The audience sat in stunned silence not sure how to react. Joe stood up and began to clap and was soon joined by Tyler and the Sinclair clan. The audience took its cue and joined in a standing ovation. Tyler looked over and noticed that Mary was holding Andrew as he wiped tears from his eyes and smiled with pride.
Joe turned to the audience and said. "Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments. Ian will be there in a few minutes to greet you." When the sanctuary was cleared, Andrew gave Ian a big hug, and said, "Son, you make your mother and me so proud. I know she is in heaven and smiling at her talented young man."
When Ian entered the Fellowship Hall, he received another round of applause and was surrounded by his friends who all wanted to tell him just how amazed they were with his talent. Zach said, "Someday I will be saying, I knew Ian Ramsay when he was just an innocent Scottish lad fresh off the boat'." Avery winked at Michael and said under his breath, "I'm not sure innocent' is the word I would choose." Both Ian and Michael turned a bit red.
That night, Michael and Ian were cuddling together, when Michael said, "You are so talented, that performance this afternoon was amazing."
"Thank you, Euterpe."
"Euterpe?"
"Euterpe is the muse of music."
"Weren't the muses all female?"
"Ian chuckled, "I would have thought a a gay boy would be comfortable with his feminine side, but you might be more comfortable with her other name, `Giver of pleasure and delight'."
"Now you're speaking my kind of Greek."
I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Quarterback Keeper. You can find more of my stories at https://www.nifty.org/nifty/authors.html#williammarshal
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