Quarterback Keeper: 34
"I hate this," Tyler said, slamming his sandwich down on his plate.
"I'm sorry," Joe replied, "Next time you can make the lunches."
"Huh? No, not the sandwich. It's great. It's mom being all secretive. Then she and Claudia meet with a realtor. Somethings wrong, I just know it."
The couple were eating lunch in Joe's classroom. Ever since Joe and Tyler had gotten the invitation to have dinner with Mary and Claudia, Tyler had been on edge.
"Why do you think there is something wrong?" Joe asked.
"Because Claudia is going to be there and not Ian. Why wouldn't she invite Ian unless it's something that might upset him. She loves that boy. I just bet she and Andrew are getting married. That's why everyone is invited to Eric's and Melinda's wedding; they're turning it into a double wedding."
Joe laughed, "You wanted me to ask Mary about that possibility and she laughed at the idea."
"It's worse than I thought if she lies to you," Tyler said, growing more agitated. "She's moving to Scotland."
"Why are you so certain Mary and Andrew are getting married?"
"Because it is the lesser of the two evils. I don't know if I can take it if she tells us her MS is getting worse," Tyler said, as he fought back tears.
Joe reached across the table and took Tyler's hand. "Tyler, look at me. Whatever Mary says tonight, I am there for you, and we are there for Mary."
Tyler's voice cracked as he said, "Thank you."
For the rest of the day, Tyler tried to throw himself into teaching so he wouldn't think about what he might hear at dinner.
When the last bell rang, Ian stopped by the room and gave Tyler a hug, then said, "I expect you to tell me what's going on tonight." Kevin is taking me into Enid for pizza and a movie. I feel like the kid being sent out to play so the grownups can talk."
"I understand. I will if I can," Tyler said.
Kevin knocked on the open door to the classroom, "Hey Ian, are you ready to go."
"Ian smiled and said, "The little kid's babysitter is here." Tyler and Kevin both laughed.
As Ian and Kevin walked out to Kevin's truck, he said, "Hey, I don't know anymore than you do. It's like she and Mary are secret agents. I actually think they are getting a kick out of being all clandestine."
"So what do you think it is?" Ian asked.
"Think they have a recipe for making sand plum jelly that is also an aphrodisiac, and they plan to market it as `Cupid's Delight: Made With Love, For Love'."
"I see you've given this some thought."
"Have been so horny lately I think I am going to rub a blister on my cock. It only makes sense that Aunt Claudia is using me for a test subject."
"Oh, and it has nothing to do with you being seventeen, and your girlfriend signed one of those chastity pledges, and made you sign one too. Geez Kev, you are the only guy I know who is pussy whipped without getting any pussy."
"Maybe, I noticed none of the gay guys signed the pledge."
"Well, the U.S.S. Virginity sailed for Avery, Zach, and me a while ago, and I have no plans to buy a ticket for her sister ship, the U.S.S. Blue Balls. So it looks like only straight boys are whipped or stupid enough to sign up to work on the hand tugboat."
Family Meeting
When Joe and Tyler knocked on Mary's door, she greeted them and said to have a seat in the living room, then she went off to the kitchen. When she came back, she was carrying a tray of appetizers and Claudia was carrying a bucket of ice and beer bottles.
"This doesn't look good," Tyler said.
"Tyler Simmons!" Mary said, "I'll have you know Claudia and I put in a lot of work on dinner tonight."
Tyler turned red faced, "Oh, no mom...Claudia...I didn't mean it like that...the food looks..."
Mary and Claudia both began to laugh. Then Claudia said, "We know what you meant. That's why we are going to have this talk before we eat. Mary knows you won't be able to enjoy dinner if you are all tense and worried."
Mary handed Joe and Tyler each a beer and a plate for the appetizers, and told them to get something to eat. She then got a beer for herself and Claudia.
Claudia started, "Before we go any farther, can you tell me something? What are the chances that Mike Burris gets a job in Salt Fork?"
Tyler said, "I have talked to Bill about Mike. I would love to have him as an assistant. We have very similar coaching philosophies, and he knows defense. However, I don't make the decisions."
Mary looked at Joe, "What do you think?"
"Ok, I am going to assume you two have a legitimate reason for asking this question, but what we talk about can't leave this room."
"That's why the boys are in Enid," Claudia said.
"Mike seems to be doing well. The kids seem to like him, and I've heard several of the football players say they hope he is coaching next year. He's basically taken over Jerry's classes much earlier than most student teachers would. Jerry plans to write him a glowing recommendation. I know Bill has talked to him about coaching not only football, but also wrestling and track. I also know that Mayfield is holding off on posting Jerry's P.E. position. So, my guess is, unless he screws up or fails to get his teaching certificate, he has the job."
"Good," Claudia said, "That's what we wanted to hear. Okay Mary, I think you can tell them."
"A couple of weeks ago, I visited my doctor...."
Tyler looked like he was about to lose it, and Joe put his arm around Tyler."
"..., and he said my MS is in remission and things look good for the near term."
Tyler jumped from his seat and gave Mary a hug. He was braced for bad news, and couldn't restrain the emotions of good news. When he finally calmed a bit, he said, "So, I guess you are moving to Scotland."
Mary looked at Joe in confusion, and Joe said, "He still thinks you and Andrew are planning a secret wedding."
Mary pulled Tyler in for another hug and said, "Listen here Stinkpot, I am not getting married. Andrew and I enjoy each other's company, but I am not moving to Scotland, and he is not moving to Salt Fork. He and I are just..... Hey, I'm your mother; I don't have to tell you what we are. Now, sit down and let Claudia and me tell you our plans."
When everyone was settled back down, Mary took a couple of big swallows of her beer before continuing. "Since I am doing well, Claudia and I plan to do some traveling; and yes, we intend to become familiar with Scotland. Claudia has rented an apartment in the same building that Andrew manages, and we intend for that to be our home base for exploring the U.K. and the rest of Europe. We will come back to Salt Fork every couple of months, but while we have time, we are going to use it. Oh, and by the way Tyler, I plan on spending your inheritance and sponging off of you and Joe in my old age."
Tyler and Joe both laughed. Then Joe said, "Whatever you need or want. I can never repay you enough for letting me marry Stinkpot." Then he gave Tyler a kiss.
"So what about the realtor that was around last week?" asked Tyler. "Are you selling the house?"
Mary looked at Claudia and said, "It's your turn."
"I'm selling my house. That's why we asked about Mike. I have known his wife's family for years. Her father owns an auction and real estate company in Edmond. Brenda, Mike's wife, works for her father and she heard through the grapevine that I had talked with several possible agents earlier this year. So, when Mike was given the opportunity to student teach at the high school, she called me to find out if my house would be on the market. The realtor that has been snooping around is giving us a fair market value on the house."
"So, where will you and Kevin live," Tyler asked.
Mary said, "With me. Claudia is moving in with me, and Kevin will be away at college most of the year. We haven't asked him yet, but we are hoping he will live here during the Summers and holidays to take care of the place. Otherwise, we will have to find a caretaker."
`Will I ever get to see you," Tyler asked a bit forlorn.
"Of course you will see your mother," Joe said, "She and Claudia said they will be home regularly, and you can email, text, zoom, or call each other. Moreover, anytime you need to, you can get on a plane and be wherever she is overnight. This Summer, we will be in Scotland. I'll get 2Coop to take care of the houses and we'll grab Kevin and go visit Ian and Michael, and the gypsy girls."
Finally, a genuine smile crossed Tyler's face. His mother was going to be able to travel and do things that just a few months ago would have been financially, even, physically impossible. Joe and Tyler got up and gave both Mary and Claudia hugs. Then Mary said, "Let's eat."
Dinner was one of Tyler's favorites: fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean, and biscuits. For dessert Claudia had made her blue ribbon strawberry shortcake. Tyler definitely ate his fill and Mary knew he was okay with her plans.
"When do you plan to tell Ian and Kevin?" Tyler asked. "Ian is going to spend all day tomorrow pestering Joe and me about what we talked about."
"Tyler," Mary said, "he's going to spend all day pestering you. The boy knows he can't get anything out of Joe."
"I sent Kevin a text to come over here when they get back from the movie. I have more Strawberries and shortcake, and we can tell them everything, except that the Burris' might be buying my house," Claudia said.
Spring Break
The Friday before the start of Spring Break was a teacher inservice and workday. Joe and Tyler had packed and loaded their luggage in the pickup the night before. They had submitted their grades the day before, so as soon as the last meeting ended, they were back home to pick up Ian and Mary, lock up the house and head for Tulsa.
After dropping Mary and Claudia off at Charles' and Mindy's, and picking up Michael, they were headed to the apartment. On the way, Joe asked, "Where do you want to eat? I don't want to make a mess that we have to clean up before heading to the airport in the morning."
"How about Tally's," Michael suggested.
"That's a great idea," Joe said, "Everyone should be able to find something they like, and I'm in the mood for a waffle."
Tally's was the Happy Day's incarnation of the classic American diner. It was located at the intersection of historic Route 66 and Yale Ave. Originally named Mark and Mary's, it was purchased in 1987 by the current owner, and turned into a Hollywood-esque 1950s piece of Americana. However, unlike most places that traded on nostalgia, Tally's had good food.
Joe ordered a pecan waffle, home fries, and bacon, the boys went for double burgers, and Tyler ordered the Chicken Fried Steak. In a state that takes its Chicken Fried Steak seriously, Tally's was an award winner. There was little doubt that Tyler was native son when he ordered his CFS the Okie way: covered in gravy, with sides of mashed potatoes, okra, Texas toast and sweet tea to drink.
Before leaving, Joe ordered four cinnamon rolls to go. When they got into the pickup, Joe said, "Tally's makes great cinnamon rolls," he said. "Granted they won't be as good when they're not fresh, but at four in the morning they will taste awfully good with a strong cup of black coffee."
"Four in the morning!" Tyler complained. "What time are we leaving!?"
"The driver will be at the apartment at 4:30 a.m. The plan is to lift off around 5:30."
"Fuck! We might as well not go to sleep," Tyler moaned.
"That's just what I was thinking," Joe said, and the two boys in the backseat started to laugh. At first Tyler didn't get what was so funny, but then he ran back what he had said, and a smile crossed his lips. It was dark and the boys didn't notice Joe slide his hand over and give Tyler's cock a squeeze.
When Joe had parked at the apartment he said, "We should all have clothes and toiletries in the apartment, so I am just planning to leave the luggage locked up in the truck and we can load it right into the car in the morning."
Once in the apartment, Joe grabbed four Lone Star's from the fridge. "Tomorrow, we are leaving at 4:30 in the o'dark morning. I expect to see everyone in the kitchen showered and ready to go by four. There will be coffee and cinnamon rolls. Anyone not here, will get a rude awakening. Is that clear?"
Everyone nodded. "Good," Joe continued. "I am not your daddies, well maybe Tyler's sometimes..."
Tyler snorted beer through his nose, and Ian and Micheal burst into laughter.
"Damn Tyler, don't you think a nasal douche is taking prep a bit far?" Joe said, and Ian and Michael were rolling on the floor.
When everyone regained control, Joe pointed to Ian and Michael and continued, "You can sleep, play video games, watch a movie, whatever, but Tyler and I have something to do, so we don't want to see either of you until morning."
"What do we have to do?" Michael asked.
"Whatever." At first Tyler looked confused, but when Joe squeezed Tyler's ass, the kid couldn't decide to smile or blush.
Joe, chugged the rest of his beer, grabbed Tyler's hand, and said, "Let's go. I'd like to get at least an hour of sleep tonight."
Ian looked at his watch and yelled after them, " Tyler, It's just 9 o'clock. You're going to be walking funny tomorrow." Then he and Michael fell into another fit of laughter.
Once in the master, Joe walked into the bathroom and started filling the tub. Then he returned to the bedroom and pulled Tyler in for a long, sensual kiss. As they continued to kiss. Joe unbuckled Tyler's belt, popped the button on his pants, and slowly unzipped them. It didn't take much for Tyler's pant to drop to his ankles, and soon they were joined by his boxer briefs. Joe placed one hand behind his lover's head, and with the other, he began to lightly tease his cock. Tyler groaned, and when his lips parted, Joe slipped in his tongue. Joe grabbed the hem of Tyler's polo shirt and began to lift it over his head. But he stopped removing the shirt before Tyler's arms cleared. Instead, Joe twisted the shirt until Tyler was restrained by improvised handcuffs.
Joe continued to hold Tyler's bound hands above his head, and Joe went to work in the exposed armpits. First, he inhaled the heady scent of musk and cologne; then, Joe slowly licked the pits from torso to bicep. Although very ticklish, this did not have Tyler squirming and begging Joe to stop, instead is cock stiffened and a steady flow of precum poured into Joe's hand.
Tyler finally freed his hands and soon began to strip Joe. Eventually, both men were standing naked, facing each other, and admiring each other's Olympian forms. Joe led Tyler to the modern, freestanding, white porcelain tub that stood in stark contrast to the gray of the granite shower walls. The water was already topping the rim of the tub and running to the drain. Joe turned off the water, then entered a code in a wall panel. The lights dimmed and turned a shade of blue. The frost on the electronic window behind the tub disappeared to reveal the lights of Tulsa's downtown. Then John Legend's `All of Me' began to play.
Joe stepped into the tub and extended his hand to Tyler to join him. When they sat down in the tub, water flowed over the edge of the tub like a fountain. Joe leaned back in the tub, and Tyler slid between his legs to rest his back on Joe's chest. As Joe began to gently massage Tyler's shoulders and kiss the back of his neck, Tyler said, "You are so romantic. I can't believe you planned all of this."
"It's not hard to be romantic when you are utterly in love with a prince. What's hard is maintaining restraint in public when all you want to do is make love to the sexiest man alive."
Joe and Tyler continued to soak and quietly listen to the playlist until Jennifer Hudson's `I Still Love You' began to play. Then Tyler moved to the front of the tub, grabbed hold of the rim and pointed his sweet pucker seductively in Joe's direction. No words were needed to communicate Tyler's desire, and it wasn't long before Joe's tongue was buried in his sexy stud's ass. Tyler moaned. After a while, Tyler said, "That's fantastic babe, but what I really need is your cock in there."
Joe got onto his knees and slowly slipped inside. "Oh yes, that's what I need, that's what I am addicted to." Joe found himself fucking Tyler to the beat and tone of each song. One track would be fast and driving, the next slow and tender. They were into the fifth song, Melissa Ethridge's `I Am the Only One', when Tyler could hold out not longer, and he shot six loads into the warm bath. Hearing Tyler's cum hit the water almost sent Joe over the edge, but he summoned all his will to hold off. Not until Ethridge crescendo "I am the only one" did Joe cum so hard he felt like he was standing in the middle of a panhandle whirlwind.
His cock still buried deep on Tyler's ass, Joe bent down and kissed Tyler's neck, then said, "They could take everything I have: my money, my athletic and coaching achievements, my teaching career, but as long as they left me you, I would be the luckiest man in the world."
Around midnight, Joe and Tyler curled up in bed. As he drifted off to sleep holding Tyler in his arms, Joe smiled. No matter what his doctor said, Joe was certain that three hours of sleep after fucking Tyler was far better for his mind, body, and soul than eight hours of sleep alone in bed.
While Joe and Tyler had gone for quality love making, the boys had chose quantity fucking. Just after midnight Ian dumped his second load in Michael's ass. That was the end of round three, and the third orgasm for each of the boys. "I'm done," Ian said, flopping on the bed, "I know I still owe you one, but can we wait until morning."
"Ian, there isn't some sexual ledger where we keep track of who tops and who bottoms, who get the most blowjobs, and who has the most orgasms. Besides, you're not the only one who can't go again. All that's left in my balls is cum dust. I'm going to grab some water. Do you want a bottle?"
"That would be great."
When Michael walked back into the room, he said, "Damn, until just now, I didn't realize how much this room reeks of sweat and cum right now. It's too bad this room doesn't have a balcony like the master, so we could open the door and let the room air out."
"There is a scented candle in the kitchen," Ian said. "We could light it."
"No, then the room will just smell like sweat, cum, and pumpkin spice. Let's just go to sleep."
As Joe anticipated, the next morning, four o'clock rolled around and Ian and Michael were not in the kitchen. "Go see whether they are even up," Joe said to Tyler. Tyler smiled and got a wooden spoon out of a drawer and a pot from in a cabinet.
Joe said, "Tyler, that's mean."
"Just payback for all the jokes they made yesterday as my expense."
"Don't come crying to me when they retaliate," Joe said, and shook his head.
The next thing Joe heard was the banging of the pot, and Tyler yelling, "Get up sleepy heads." Followed by "Holy crap, it stinks in here! Did the NOSU football team sneak in for a late night orgy!?"
Twenty-minutes later, the boys were showered and Joe was serving them coffee and a roll. Tyler walked up behind them and sniffed. Then said, "Well, Charles won't notice, but Mindy's going to know the minute she is within three feet of either of you."
Ian sniffed Michael and said, "I don't smell anything."
"Of course not," Tyler said, "I'm also sure a skunk doesn't think he stinks either. We learned about it in biology. It's called olfactory fatigue. It's when you get so used to a smell, you no longer notice it. It's actually pretty beneficial if you're a hog farmer or a skunk."
It was all Joe could do not to laugh and ruin Tyler's fun. Finally, he said, "Grab some coffee if you want it. We need to be on our way."
All the way down on the elevator, Ian and Michael were sniffing each other.
They grabbed their bags from the pickup and went to wait in the lobby for the car to arrive. Their car was actually the first to arrive at the airport. A few minutes later, the other car pulled up and when she got out, Mindy, "Someone whose name we won't mention, couldn't haul HIS ass out of bed this morning, and.... Hey, what is that smell?" Ian and Michael turned beet red. Tyler started to laugh uncontrollably.
Mindy looked at him and said, "I think I'm missing a punch line."
Tyler said, "I'll explain when we get inside." Now a look of panic came over Ian's and Michael's faces.
Joe grabbed Michael by the arm, and said, "No, you won't," and the boys breathed a sigh of relief.
Mindy smiled and said, "Must be some crude guy joke. What I was about to ask was whether that was coffee I smelled?"
"It is," Joe said and handed Mindy his spare cup of coffee. "Here, I'm sure once we are in the air the steward will be making coffee."
While they were talking, a jet was taxiing in their direction. When it stopped, the door hatch opened and a steward stepped out to load the bagages. Once on board, everyone found a comfortable seat and most slept, read, or listened to music on the first leg of the flight. They landed in Nova Scotia to refuel before flying on to Edinburgh.
When the jet took off again, Charles directed Joe to a secluded spot at the back of the plane for a private conversation. "Three days ago," Charles said, "one of our operators was running a routine random check on the pipeline control system. One of the valves didn't respond correctly, so he turned in a work order. It turns out we've been hacked and the entire system can be shut down. Not just our system, but also the system of three other distributors were also hacked. We are currently running the system with human eyes on every critical control. The National Weather Service is predicting a major late season winter storm to hit the Great Lakes and Northeast early next week. Homeland Security believes the hackers intended to disrupt the supply of natural gas during the storm."
"Should you be telling me this?" Joe asked.
"Yes, as a major stockholder, a member of the Board of Directors, a senior Sinclair family member, there is probably no way you wouldn't eventually find out. More importantly, remember the corporate continuity plan you signed off on at the last Executive Board meeting."
"Sure. I vaguely remember that. It allows either you or David to assume total executive power if something happens to the other."
"Yes, and if something happens to both of us, that power falls to you."
"Charles, I don't remember that part. Did you pull something over on me?"
"Sort of. That clause was buried pretty deeply. We knew you would resist signing it, but if something happened, you wouldn't think twice about stepping up and protecting the company and the family."
Joe nodded and said, "I guess I'd better start bringing my own attorney to these meetings. So why are you telling me this now?"
"For the next couple of weeks, you may notice some of Mindy's security guys lurking around. We haven't detected any threats to the family or employees, but we are playing it safe."
"Well, as long as they aren't hiding cameras in our bedroom."
Charles laughed, then said, "I need to raise another issue with you, Kent Walters."
"What about Kent?" Joe asked suspiciously.
"Do you know he is looking to start a cybersecurity company?"
"Yes, he and I have talked about it. I've even told him that I would provide him with startup capital. How do you know about Kent?"
"That guy you and Tyler ran into on your honeymoon, Jason McPherson, it turns out Walters has also been talking to him. During a preliminary interview, it came up that Walters was recruiting him for a security startup."
"I hope you don't think that Kent and I are trying to plant a mole in Sinclair Energy," Joe said.
"Hell no," Charles said with a chuckle. "From what I've been told, if Kent Walters wants to know anything about Sinclair Energy, including the size of David's and my cock, he can find it on his own." Now it was Joe's turn to laugh. Charles continued, "Our previous cybersecurity company it turns out was a joke, and I fired them. According to the preliminary independent audit I got yesterday, we are very vulnerable. I'm hoping you can persuade Walters to take Sinclair Energy on as his first client."
"Well let's see," Joe said and pulled out his phone. After connecting to the jet's cabin connectivity, Joe called Kent back in Salt Fork. After ten minutes of conversation, Joe hung up and said, "He'll take Sinclair on provisionally, with the following conditions: One, he gets immediate access to the audit and the system so he can do his own assessment. Two, I financially back him for a stake in the company, to which I have already agreed. Three, an acceptable financial arrangement can be reached. Four, you let him have Jason McPherson."
"Agreed," Charles said. They then wrote the conditions on paper, both signed it, and sent a photo of the document to Kent, David, and Sinclair's legal department. Charles then called David and told him to personally see that Kent had access to the computer system and access to whatever personnel he needed to get started.
"Thanks," Charles said.
The steward came to ask whether Charles and Joe were ready for lunch. "Absolutely," Charles said. At Halifax Airport, meals had been loaded while the plane was being refueled. Rather than arranging for airline food, Mindy and the steward took orders and for pick up from the A&W located in the terminal. Joe ordered a chicken wrap with sweet potato fries; Charles ordered a Papa Burger with a side of poutine. When she handed Charles his order, Mindy said to Joe, "I wish I could get him to eat sensibly."
"This might be the last good meal I get before we return," Charles said. "For all we know even the wedding cake will be made of haggis."
"Charles!" Mindy scolded.
"It's true!" he retorted "The Scots make two good things: whiskey and tape."
Joe laughed, and said, "Well, they don't even make the tape."
From the front of the jet, Ian said, "I heard those wisecracks about whiskey, haggis wedding cake, and Scotch Tape."
Charles laughed, and said, "Sorry about that Ian, but if you can name one Scottish food served in a fine restaurant, I'll eat a bowl of haggis."
"Black Angus Ribeye Steak," Ian said with a smile. "In fact, I hear that some of the best restaurants in America have built their reputations on Black Angus beef and Scotch Whiskey."
"Oh shit!" Charles said, and the cabin of the jet filled with laughter.
"That's okay." Ian said. "You don't have to eat the haggis. I know plenty of Scots who would agree with you about that dish."
"No way!" Michael said. "He doesn't get off that easy."
"So, what would you have your dear old dad do?"
Michael and Ian started whispering, and finally Charles said, "Come on, my poutine is getting cold."
Michael said, "Since we all agree that Angus beef and Scotch, and I'm going to add seafood, Scotland's contribution to fine dining, your substitute for not eating a bowl of haggis, is to take the Sinclair and Ramsay clans to the Hawkmoor in Edinburgh."
Charles smiled and said, "That's a deal. You can call and make the reservations," and Charles handed Michael his personal credit card.
"You know that Michael is going to make that an expensive meal."
"Yeah, and worth every penny," Charles said with a smile.
As they ate Charles and Joe continued to talk. "I have a question," Charles said, "and I hope it's not too personal and you don't take it the wrong way."
"Okay," Joe said a bit hesitantly.
"How long are you going to continue to teach? Don't get me wrong, I absolutely admire that you have followed your calling and done so much for so many kids, but I thought you were going to retire."
"That was the plan, but things changed. Watching Tyler grow as a teacher and a coach has been one of the most rewarding things in my life, but as much as I don't want to admit it, I can't keep splitting myself between Salt Fork and Sinclair Energy. Also, I want to travel."
"So, what are you going to do?"
"A couple of weeks ago, I had a talk with the principal and the athletic director...You have to promise me you won't say anything about what I am going to tell you. I haven't told Tyler yet."
"Of course," Charles said.
Joe looked around the cabin to make sure no one would overhear their conversation.
"I told them that next year will be my last year teaching. I also told them I want to continue to coach baseball until 2Coop graduates, since I kind of promised that I would be his coach. They agreed to that plan."
"That will mean a lot to 2Coop and Cooper. 2Coop can't wait to get to Salt Fork. I think things have gotten worse for him when it got out they were moving."
"Really? If things get intolerable, I have an extra bedroom and he can stay with me until their house is ready to move in. We could get him enrolled at Salt Fork and he can start making friends."
"I think that's a great offer," Charles said. "Let me run it by Mindy. If she thinks it is a good idea, we'll call Cooper and Sally to let them know they have an option for the rest of the year. So, what are your plans when you are finished with teaching and coaching?"
"I hope that by then Tyler has had success as a teacher and coach and feels like he can move on. I want to travel, and I want to..."
Charles put his fingers in his ears and began to sing. Joe burst into laughter.
Glenarch House
It was midnight when the Sinclair clan descended on The Caledonian Hotel. When Mindy booked the rooms, the suite she booked for Joe, Tyler, Ian, and Michael had two bedrooms separated by a living room. One of the rooms had a queen size bed and the other had two twin beds. The boys tried to claim the queen bed, but Joe just laughed. "You might as well get used to twin beds because that's what the NOSU dorms have."
"Are there plans for tomorrow?" Michael asked.
"Not really," Joe said, "I think the plan is to get over the jet lag, and adjust to the new time. Why?"
"Our narrow canal boat is almost done, and we'd like to go see it. I'm sure mom and dad want to see it too, but we'd really like it if the two of you could be there also. If dad starts picking it apart or saying it's a waste of money...I don't know what I'll do, but I'm sure it will be dramatic."
Without giving Joe a choice Tyler said, "Of course, we'll be there. If need be, I distract Charles with my patented goofy act, and Joe will charm Mindy into supporting you. There is no way that your father can resist you and your mother. Then you throw in the Scottish lad's leprechaun magic, and before you know it, Charles will be asking where he can get a narrow boat of his own."
Joe chuckled, "I'm sure Charles won't dare piss on your boat, but Tyler's right he will be out number and know when he can't win, of course if it were your Uncle David, that would be a different story. Oh, and Tyler, before Ian has to correct you for the hundredth time--leprechauns are Irish, not Scottish."
"Irish, Scottish, it doesn't matter," Michael said, "All I know is this one is magically delicious." Then he kissed Ian.
"Get a room," Tyler said, "oh wait, you have a room. Why are you two still here?"
When the boys were gone, Tyler closed the door and said, "So, so tiger, what do you want to do?"
"Cuddle up and go to sleep."
"Thank you! You don't know how much I was hoping that's what you were going to say."
The two stripped off their clothes and climbed between the sheets. Almost from the first time they'd spent the night together, Joe had been the big spoon and Tyler had been the little spoon. Perhaps it had been Tyler's need for reassurance and security, or Joe's age and authority, but this was the pattern they developed and it what felt most natural. A few time they had reversed roles, but in those instances Tyler could not drift into the carefree sleep of that refreshes both the body and the mind.
As he slept, Tyler's dreams were vivid and seemed so real. When he discovered he could fly, it was the most exhilarating and empowering experience his subconscious could conjure. It wasn't the first time he's had this dream and past adventures had left him with a knowledge of how to control his flight and soon he was another creature of the sky.
Eventually his dream of flight morphed into another dream and then another. That night was a festival of Tyler's subconscious favorites. To his amazement, Tyler even seemed to stand outside of himself and enjoy the dreams in both first and second person simultaneously. As the dreams progressed his observer self noticed that the dreams of his childhood were giving way to adolescence and then early manhood. He dreamed of his friends in Ames, winning the starting quarterback position, the State Championship, his first time with Joe...
Even in his deep sleep, Tyler sensed that his subconscious was in control of not just his mind, but also his body. He knew his cock was stiffening and he knew the consequences of giving control to the dreamweaver. But, as much as he wanted to wake up, as much as he wanted to regain control, sleep rendered him helpless. A voice screamed, "You're going to cum. You're going to debase your Superman PJs again. Your mom is going to find out."
Tyler's eyes snapped open and the sunlight streaming through the window momentarily blinded him. The dream was gone, but not the urgent need to cum. Instantly, Tyler became aware that it wasn't the dream controlling his cock, but his lover. Joe's lips were wrapped around his cock and Joe's fingers were teasing his hole.
Nothing could stop the express train bearing down on Tyler. He pushed his head back and grabbed his pillow with both hands. He sucked in a deep breath and held it as his cock filled Joe's mouth over and over. Joe lost track of the number of times Tyler shot, and Tyler had lost even the ability to count. It was as if in his dream flights, Tyler had pierced the boundary between atmosphere and space and was now free to soar among the stars.
Tyler reached down and grabbed a fist full of Joe's hair and gently pulled him up until they were eye to eyes. As they stared into each other's souls, Joe parted his lips and let a drop of Tyler's last burst fall onto his lover's lips. Tyler's tongue collected the drop then pulled Joe down for a deep and grateful kiss.
Joe looked down at Tyler, and said, "Come on stud, let's go get something to eat."
"But you haven't..."
Joe again kissed Tyler, then said, "I like holding onto IOUs that only your ass can collect."
Tyler smiled, and retorted, "I hope you are charging me a stiff interest rate."
Joe laughed, "Your innuendos are almost as corny as Ian's. The two of you could write for a game show host."
"Only if it's `You Bet Your Ass'."
"That's enough. Let's grab a shower."
As hard as he tried, Joe didn't let Tyler stroke his cock while they showered. At one point Joe grabbed Tyler's balls, gave a little squeeze, and whispered in his ear, "Down boy, I'm saving this load for tonight." Then just to drive Tyler crazy, Joe stuck his tongue into his ear and gave his balls another little squeeze.
The Narrow Boat
Since they missed the hotel breakfast, Joe found a cafe that looked like a compromise between Scottish and American ideals of a good breakfast. He sent Tyler off to check on the boys, while he called Mary and Claudia to see if they were interested in joining them for breakfast. As it turned out, they had gone out with Charles and Mindy to do some shopping.
As he hung up his phone, Tyler came back looking extremely embarrassed. "What's the matter?" Joe asked.
"I should have knocked. I thought I would wake them up; they were still in bed, but they weren't sleeping."
Joe burst into laughter.
"It's not funny," Tyler said. "I may have scarred them for life. I know I'll never unsee that."
"I'm sure it's not that big of a deal."
"I don't know, the look on Ian's face... I mean, how would you feel if they walked in on us?"
Joe smiled, "Well, you'd better make sure the door is locked tonight or you might just find out."
"Fuck!" Tyler said.
When Ian and Michael joined Joe and Tyler in the suite's living room, Tyler and the boys couldn't look at each other. "Well this should be fun," Joe said. "Maybe some breakfast will help restore normality in our little family."
When the taxi arrived to take them to the Blue Bear, Tyler climbed in the front with the driver and Joe was in the back with the boys. Although it was only a 5-minute drive, the silence made it seem like forever. When the group was seated they started to look at the menus, then Tyler put his down, and said, "Boys, I want to tell you how sorry I am for walking in on you. I thought I would tease you a bit about still being asleep, but as it turned, I was...well, you know what I was."
"Amazed?" Ian asked, the group broke into laughter and the tension was broken.
"Of course, you know there will be some form of retribution," Michael said.
"Seriously!? Haven't I suffered enough," Tyler said with his best pouty face.
"Not by half," Ian said.
"Before this get out of hand," Joe said, "Let's set some ground rules. I don't want to spend the rest of the Spring Break wondering if Tyler remembered to lock the door."
Ian whispered in Michael's ear, and he grinned and nodded.
"Okay, these are our terms," Ian said, "Tonight, after we've said goodnight to the others, we play the drinking version of Never Have I Ever, but only if Joe also plays."
"Hey," Joe said, "I'm an innocent in this whole fiasco. Besides, this sounds like it could get dangerous for Tyler and me."
"Come on Uncle Joe," Michael said. "How about we add these rules to the game. We'll download the questions from the internet, that way they won't be targeted at any specific person. Any player can take the fifth, but they have to do an alternate challenge like sing a song or do fifty crunches. And, the Tulsa rule is extended the Edinburgh--what is said in Edinburgh, stays in Edinburgh."
Ian added, "Last month both Michael and I turned 18, but we didn't get to really celebrate because of Oklahoma's moronic alcohol laws."
"Alright," Joe said, "but I reserved the right to end the game anytime things get out of control."
Ian Michael both grinned, and Ian said, "This is going to be fun."
"Are you sure this is a good idea," Tyler asked Joe.
"What's the matter?" Joe responded, "Are you hiding some dark secret you're too ashamed to say out loud."
"No!...maybe."
"Don't be a wimp." Joe said. "I should be the one who is worried. I have a lifetime of bad decisions, experimentation, and unfortunate circumstances in my vault."
The conversation ended when the waiter came to take their orders. Joe ordered a ham and cheese omelet, Tyler and Michael each ordered French toast and bacon, but Ian went for the full Scottish breakfast. Of course everyone ordered coffee.
After the waiter brought the coffee, Tyler asked Ian, "Seriously, how do you Scots call that a breakfast. I get the eggs and bacon, but who eats haggis, blood sausage, beans, and roasted tomatoes for breakfast."
"People who work for a living," Ian shot back with a snark. Then he smiled and said, "Actually, what we call the Full Scottish Breakfast, is really a brunch menu. Most days we eat a much lighter breakfast. Throughout the U.K. and Ireland you will find local variants of this brunch. The Welch Breakfast has what they call laverbread, which is actually boiled seaweed, and cockles."
"We never really asked you if there were foods you were missing," Joe said. "Are there things you would like us to try making?" Joe asked.
"Not really," Ian said, "My palette has been pretty Americanized. It's not hard to satisfy any teenage boy in the world when the essence of your national cuisine is sugar and salt mixed with protein or starch and then fried."
"Oooh," Michael said, "Culinary burn."
Joe said, "There are two American staples that, in my experience, exchange students either love or hate: American Mac & Cheese and peanut butter."
"I like them both," Ian said, "but I do understand why some exchange students don't like the Mac & Cheese. American Mac and Cheese has standardized to all look and taste like it's made by Kraft: orange-yellow and cheez-whizzee. As one of my friends said, `It tastes like it came from a box'."
"Box Mac & Cheese is to the United States what Ramen is to Japan: cheap, easy to make, and requires no refrigeration," Michael said. "My history teacher told us about how ramen became a Japanese staple after WWII when there was a failure of the rice crop and America flooded the nation with cheap wheat to prevent famine. The other similarity is that you can either eat either of them plain or mix in a variety of other ingredients."
"I ate a lot of Mac & Cheese growing up," Tyler said, "and it was one of the first things I learned to make for myself. I thought Mac & Cheese and peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches were the bomb. So why don't some pexchange students like peanut butter?"
"I think for most Europeans, it's a new taste and some people have a hard time enjoying new foods, just like you (Ian pointed to Tyler) and blood sausage, or as it's properly called, black pudding," Ian said. "However, the French are just snobs. If they didn't invent it, it can't be good. My father says, `every French chef thinks his ass tastes like chocolate eclairs'."
"Hmm, I thought that was a Scottish dessert," Michael said with a smile.
After lunch, they headed off to the boatyard to see Michael's and Ian's new narrow boat. The yard foreman met them at the gate and led them to the boat. On the way, he said, "You're here at a good time. We just put her in the water last week and have finished the preliminary inspection. If you want, I can have one of the lads take you for a little test jaunt. We can't go too far until she's certified, but you can get a sense of what she's like."
The boys' excitement was soon dampened when the neared the boat and saw Charles talking to Ian's brother Jerod.
The foreman said, "Hop aboard and give it the once over. I'll go find a boatmaster to take you out."
"Where's mom?" Michael asked.
"She still had some shopping to do and errands to run. So, she, said she'd see it later in the week if that's okay."
"Sure, have you and Jerod had a look?" Michael asked.
"No," Charles said, "That honor belongs to you and Ian."
The boys smiled and stepped on board, and then kissed. Even Charles had to smile.
While the boys checked out their boat. Charles said, "Jerod, it is my understanding that you have been the boys' local representative on this project."
"Yes," Jerod said.
"Is this what they call a narrow boat?"
"Not really. This is a 65-foot x 11-foot, Euro-cruiser, stern wide beam," Jerod said with some hesitation. "Is that a problem?"
"I don't know," Charles said, then turned to Joe and Tyler. "Did either of you know this was the boat they are getting."
"No," Joe said, and Tyler shook his head.
"I hope I didn't do anything wrong," Jerod said, very concerned. "The day before they were supposed to sign the deal on the narrow boat, this hull became available at nearly the same price. When I told Michael that, he switched to this boat. I thought he had the authority to do that. I am so sorry."
Charles smiled and said, "You did nothing wrong. Michael's money is his, and he has complete authority through the Trust his grandfather created to spend it however he wants without mine or his mother's permission."
"I am betting, that's why he so much wanted Tyler and me to be here when he showed you the boat," Joe said.
"Let me guess. Tyler was supposed to entertain me, while you worked on Mindy."
"Something like that," Joe said.
"I don't know if I should be pissed or proud," Charles said. "The kid knows what he wants, and he goes out to get it."
Tyler said, "This isn't really my place, but from everything I have seen of Michael, you have every reason to be proud."
Charles said, "Damn Joe, I like this guy. Marrying him was the smartest thing you have ever done."
"I won't disagree," Joe said with a smile.
"Of course, just because I'm proud of the boy, doesn't mean he gets a free pass."
"Just be careful," Joe cautioned. "Michael may not want to join Sinclair Energy, but it's important to him that you believe he has the same head for business as his brothers."
"I see. So Jerod, can you act?"
"A bit."
Just then, Ian and Michael stepped back onto the stern deck, and Charles raised his voice, "So, did you convince my son to buy this boat? How much commission are you getting?"
Michael immediately ran over to Charles and said, "Daddy, stop. Jerod didn't convince me to do anything. I did it because it makes sense."
"Why does it make sense?"
"Because..." Michael looked at Ian. Ian nodded and then took Michael's hand.
"Because, after NOSU, I am thinking about doing graduate work at the University of Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh is one of the top universities in the world, and it would be a great place to pursue my interests."
"What does this have to do with buying this boat?"
"Jerod can tell you, Edinburgh is not a cheap place to live. So, I thought, since we are buying a boat, it would be where Ian and I can live. However, the more I thought about it, the more cramped living on a narrow boat seemed. So when Jerod said this boat was available, I decided to take it. Jerod will live on the boat and take care of it while getting his law degree. Ian and I can use it in the summers. Then if we decide to do graduate work here, we already have a place. If our plans change, we can sell the boat. A larger boat designed for year-round living I think will have a better resale than a vacation boat."
Charles stood silent for a bit, then said, "That is damn smart business thinking. Are you sure you want to study history? I bet Eduburgh has a graduate degree program in Economics." Charles then grabbed both Michael and Ian and pulled them in for a hug.
After a bit Charles said, "Normally, I would tell kids your age, to take it easy. Things change. First loves don't always last. However, in my heart I can't say that to the two of you. From your first meeting, to Joe and Tyler inviting Ian to live with them, you two seem to have destiny."
Michael said, "Come on dad. Let us show you the boat."
At the front of the boat was the master bedroom. It had glazed double doors that opened onto the bow and a king size bed. "Now I know why you wanted this boat," Tyler said, Charles started to sing, and the boys blushed.
The bathroom had a large shower and very modern fixtures. "I really like the interior design of this place," Joe said, "It's modern and simple. It feels like a place for young professionals." Next to the bath was a utility room and storage.
Further was the salon. It ran the width of the boat and was at least 12 feet long. On one wall was a free standing gas stove for taking the chill off. "We're thinking of a sofa bed for when you and Mindy come to visit," Ian said. Charles laughed, and said, "That may be fine for Joe and Tyler, but there are plenty of nice hotels in Edinburgh for us to stay at. I am sure the thought of his mother just down the hall will throw Michael off of his game, and you sure don't want to hear the OSU fight song every night."
"You are a wise man, sir," Ian said.
"We'll have to work on what you should call me, but sir is not going to fly if you are my son's boyfriend."
The last room was the galley, it had all of the necessity, and a few of the luxurious, of a kitchen on land. The galley had double doors that opened onto the stern deck where a table or small grill could be set up when the boat wasn't moving.
When they finished walking through the boat, a boatman was ready to take them on a small cruise. He explained how the craft operated and even let the boys take the tiller. He also said that he would be available to take them on a shake down day cruise at the beginning of the summer to show them how to operate the boat and navigate the canals. Before leaving he gave them a copy of the operators manual to study.
Standing on the stern deck, Charles said, "Michael and Ian, this is a great place and a smart investment. It would be hard to find a reasonably priced apartment this nice in any major U.S. city, and I'm sure the same is true for Edinburgh. And Jerod, thank you for helping them get this. Of course, now comes the real test, you have to show your mother the boat tomorrow. I am not going to tell her anything about it, so she will be chomping at the bit in the morning."
"Are you going to be there?" Michael asked.
"Nope, neither is Joe or Tyler. I'm taking them, rather they're taking me to that kilt shop. Your grandfather had the entire regalia, but for some reason, neither of us were that interested in the family's Scottish heritage. However, that has changed recently." Charles put an arm around Michael, and he smiled from ear to ear.
Never Have I Ever
Michael and Ian downloaded the questions from the web, cut them into strips and got one of the ice buckets to hold them.
"Okay," Joe said, "everyone remember the most important rule: I can stop the game at any time. Are we clear?"
The three nodded, and grabbed a beer from the fridge. Ian chose the first question: Never have I ever been in handcuffs, for any reason. Tyler took a sip, and Ian said. "Kinky."
"Hey, don't look at me," Joe said. "But I definitely want to hear this story."
"When I was a Junior in high school, we'd just won the conference championship and went out to celebrate. I had too much beer and decided to walk home rather than risk driving. I was walking down Main St. in Ames when the town cop saw me stumble and face-plant on the sidewalk. He picked me up and took me home. Unfortunately, mom wasn't home because she had picked up a second job working the late shift at the Cenex. So the asshole cuffed me to the front porch and wrote his cell number on my forehead. Mom was so pissed he did that, she forgot to punish me.
Tyler drew the next question: Never have I ever been invited to a threesome.
Joe took a sip from his bottle.
"Okay, fess up," Tyler said.
"I was presenting at a coaches conference. One of the guys in my session spent most of the session flirting with me. He was a cocky boy, and he sat on the front row and spread his legs to show me the outline of his cock in his coaching shorts. That night, he found me and after a bit of chat and a few beers, he asked if I wanted to join him and his girlfriend up in their room."
Joe reached for the next question.
"Wait! Wait! You haven't finished the story," Tyler said.
Joe smiled and said, "The question was whether I had been invited to the threesome; not whether I accepted."
"You can't leave us hanging." Ian said.
Joe smiled, and read the next question: Never have I ever kissed an animal.
All four took a drink, and at once said, "my dog."
Tyler said, "Ian, are you sure it was a dog, and not a lamb?"
"I can't believe you just went for a sheep joke," Ian moaned.
What's the difference between Mick Jagger and a Scottish Highlander?
"What's the difference between Mick Jagger and a Scotsman," Tyler joked, "Mick Jagger sings, "Hey you, get off of my cloud, but a Scottish Highlander yells, "Hey McCloud, get off of my ewe!"
"Game on Okie wanker," Ian said and drew another question: Never have I ever had a sugar daddy.
"Hell yeah, I'll own that," Tyler said, and took a drink.
"You know, so will I," Ian said and took a drink. "Although, I have a sugar brother from another mother."
Michael drew: Never have I ever dated or hooked up with someone 5 years younger.
Joe smiled and chugged his beer, and said, "Every night.Then he took Tyler's hand and said "Time for a new game." Just before he closed the door to the bedroom, Joe said, "Anyone, opens this door, gets his ass kicked." Then he winked, and the boys smiled.
I hope you enjoy Quarterback Keeper. If so check out my other stories. You can find links to the rest of my stories in the Author Directory, https://www.nifty.org/nifty/authorslist.html
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