Quarterback Keeper: 6
The Lady Chicago
Joe and Tony stepped aboard the `Lady Chicago', a 40-foot wooden yacht built in 1958. They were greeted by the captain and a docent from the Chicago Architectural Center. "Good afternoon Mr. Bartlett and Dr. Kesslinger. I am Captain Jack Weston and this is Cherokee Watie from the CAC. Somewhere on board is First Mate Timothy Wilks," said Captain Weston.
"Please can me Joe."
"And, please call me Anthony. We both work in education and during the summers like to wear shorts, drink beer, and go by our real names."
"Well, then please call me Captain Jack, and yes I am a big Billy Joel fan. Also the First Mate prefers Tim, but don't call him Timmy unless you like a surprise in your cocktails."
There was laughter as a good looking boy wearing a white uniform shirt and nicely fitting shorts came from the front deck."
"I hope you are not telling the cocktail story," said Tim. Looking at Joe and Tony, "He thinks it's funny, but I almost got fired.
Yeah," said Captain Jack, "Timmy here was a goner until the customer heard about his getting the boot. The guy called the owner and said it was the best drink he'd ever had, and threatened to stop booking trips for his out of town clients if Timmy was fired."
More laughter at the expense of a blushing first mate.
"I thought you warned us not to call the first mate Timmy," questioned Joe.
"Yes I did, but I like my matey's special cocktails."
When the laughter finally died down, Joe looked at a strikingly attractive African-American woman and said, "I hope we are not making you uncomfortable Ms. Watie."
"Oh please," she waved off the concern, "I have been doing this tour with Jack and Tim for three summers while working on my architectural history degree. I am used to their seaman humor." More laughter. "And, please call me Cherokee."
Tony looked at Cherokee and said, "I hope I am not out of line with this question, but the history prof in me is curious. I noticed you have a bit of an Okie twang. So, with the name Cherokee Watie, are your family Cherokee Freedmen?"
"My Anthony, you are the history professor. Very few people actually know the story of the Cherokee Freedmen. In 1866 following the Civil War, the Cherokee was the only nation to recognize the freedmen as tribal members. Even most Oklahomans don't know that the "Five Civilized Tribes'' actually owned plantations and slaves. I have ancestors who walked the Trail of Tears. My father and grandfather were active in the fight to hold on to our Cherokee membership when the 2007 Cherokee Constitution attempted to exclude the Freemen because we are not Cherokee `by blood.'"
"Cherokee, I wonder if your family would be willing to talk with one of my students. He was doing some family history and discovered that his family includes what his grandmother called `Black Indians.' So this has prompted him to do his masters thesis on the history of African American assimilation into Native American Culture."
Cherokee laughed, "Professor, that is one mouthful of an academic title; but yes, I am sure my father and grandfather would love to talk his leg off. They also have plenty of documents to go along with their tales."
Captain Jack broke in, "Joe and Anthony have Timmy and me scheduled until midnight, but I know Cherokee was hired for a 90 minute tour so we should get started."
"Oh Captain," said Cherokee, "Don't worry about my time. I like these two, so they will get the full tour regardless of how long it takes."
Joe, Tony, and Cherokee found a seat on the front deck while First Mate Tim released the moorings and Captain Jack eased Lady Chicago away from the dock and headed into the Chicago River's navigation channel.
Cherokee began pointing out landmark Chicago buildings. She was immensely knowledgeable about not only the architecture but also the people and companies that built them. One of the first buildings on the tour was the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, former home to the Tribune Media empire and soon to be luxury condos. Many of the buildings Cherokee noted no longer serve the businesses that first built them, but change was inevitable and great buildings were worth the effort to preserve and repurpose.
Not far from the Tribune Building, she pointed out the Trump International Hotel and Tower. "I don't know what ya'll think of Donald Trump, but it always interests me the reaction people on the larger tours have to that building," said Cherokee. "Some will stand and cheer, some will flip the bird, but many just remain uncomfortably silent. It seems that architecture is now either red or blue."
Tim brought out a plate of cheese and crackers and asked what the three would like to drink.
Joe asked, "Do you have anything unusual from a local brewery."
"If you are adventurous, I have Bourbon County Kentucky Fog Stout from the Goose Island Brewery. It's made with tea and clover honey then aged in bourbon barrels. It's a bit much for me, but you look like just the kind of guy who would enjoy it."
"I'm game," said Joe, "How about you Tony."
"No, I'm a lightweight. What do you have in a lager?"
"I have a Czech style lager called "Tooth and Claw" from Off Color Brewing. Tooth & Claw is brewed as a house beer for The Field Museum of Natural History."
"That sounds perfect, how about you Cherokee?"
"A glass of white wine please."
Cherokee pointed out the Chicago Merchandise Mart. "The Art Deco building was built by W. C. Fields Company. It has 4 million square feet; and when it opened in 1930, it was the largest building in the world. It was so big that, until 2008, it had its own zip code. Today the Design Center showrooms are open to the public.--Hey, do you smell that?"
"Yeah," said Tony, "It smells like chocolate."
"It is chocolate," said Cherokee. "That is the smell of Blommer's chocolate factory. Blommer's is the third largest industrial producer of chocolate in the world."
The tour continued passed the Civic Opera House, the Chicago Board of Mercantile Exchange, and the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower. Finally the Lady Chicago returned to its dock to allow Cherokee to disembark.
"Guys, it has been a fun time, I hope it was for you as well."
"Absolutely,'' said Joe, "I enjoyed the tour, but most of all I enjoyed watching the professor here taking in the history of the City."
"Thank you Cherokee," added Tony, "I will be contacting you about a meeting between my student and your family."
After Cherokee left, Captain Jack asked, "Are you ready to sail along the lake shore?"
"I think so," said Joe.
"Great, when we get through the harbor lock, Timmy will serve dinner."
The Lady Chicago exited the lock and entered Lake Michigan. The calm waters of the river were replaced by the waves of the 5th largest lake in the world. Joe and Tony were at the bow rail admiring the lakeside view of Soldier Field when Tim brought them cocktails. "Dinner will be served on the aft deck in about 20 minutes," said Tim.
As Tim walked away, Joe whispered to Tony, "Did you notice that two more buttons of Tim's uniform seem to be undone?"
"Easy boy," Tony said. "I would be careful about flirting with that one. I have a feeling Captain Jack would feed you to the fishes. Besides, if you're looking for a young ass to tap, there will be an eager boy arriving on the train tomorrow."
"I think Tim is just sucking up for a big tip," mused Joe. "Besides, you have the only ass I need this vacation." He then leaned in to give Tony a kiss.
The couple continued to watch the city pass by in silence. Finally Tony said, "You know Tyler is infatuated with you."
"It's just a daddy crush; he'll get over it soon enough." Five bells rang. "Tim is calling us to dinner," said Joe.
The table was set with a blue anchor motif china, and Tim had already opened a bottle of rose wine from Macedonia and poured two glasses. He then brought out Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) of cucumbers, yogurt, rice, and Greek spices.
As they ate, Tony decided it was time to push Joe. "For over 30 years you have kept every potential relationship at arms length. Do you plan to do that with Tyler?"
"I haven't kept you at arms length."
"That's because I am safe. We are best friends, confidants, and lovers for two weeks a year, but we haven't made a life together. That is the one thing we could never have."
"Please Tony, I can't...."
"I know, Brett still haunts your dreams. My friend, I will set this conversation aside for now, but I want you to ask yourself: is your memory of Brett love, or is it guilt."
Tony and Joe ate in silence as each man thought about what needed to be said, but couldn't be. Changing the subject Tony said. "I wonder what happened to Tim. I haven't seen him in a while."
"Yeah, I think we need another bottle of wine."
"Maybe one for each of us," Tony joked. As if on cue, Tim showed up with two plates of lamb shawarma and fattoush. Tim was also shirtless. "I am so sorry for my appearance. I spilled something on my uniform and can't find my spare."
"That's okay, accidents happen," said Tony, "but you missed a spot."
"Huh?"
Joe said, "In the corner of your mouth, there's still some Captain Jack."
Tony and Joe burst into laughter and Tim's face and chest suddenly went firehouse red. In the wheelhouse Captain Jack could hear the laughter and smiled.
Tony and Joe's conversation turned to what they had planned for the time with Tyler and Bill. It was decided that Tyler should for sure see the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History.
"There are so many things in this town that Tyler should be exposed to, but you are just going to have to bring him back for those experiences," Tony said. "He's a great kid, but he has missed out on the opportunities to travel and see the world."
"So, now I'm his tour guide for the world."
"Yes, you have taken me to some of the most amazing places, and it's time you do that for someone else. However buddy, I still have dibs on our two weeks."
"Always buddy, always."
"By the way,I know you have more money than Croesus, but how did you get a private suite for the Cubs game?"
"It seems that my asshole cousins decided Sinclair Oil should join a ticket timeshare. Apparently there are several companies that go together to purchase VIP packages at various sporting events around the country. They claim it as a PR thing and write it off their taxes. I found out that no one had reserved this game and had the Sinclair PR office get me the suite and tickets. One of the perks of being the swing vote on the Board of Directors," Joe said.
Tim came back and asked, "Is there anything you need? Captain Jack said to tell you that we are in position to watch the fireworks and they should be starting in about 30 minutes."
"A couple of beers would be great," said Joe.
"Sure, what would you like?"
"How old are you Tim?"
"22 sir."
"Well Tony and I are reliving our college years. Bring us the cheap stuff you and your buddies drink."
"Will do, sir."
"Oh, Tim," added Tony, "Put a shirt on. You're giving Joe a chubby." Tim blushed and both men burst into laughter.
Tim came back with a bucket of six Heileman's Old Style bottles. He was wearing a shirt, but it still wasn't buttoned. When he set the bucket on the table, Joe slipped four 100 dollar bills into the waistband of his shorts. When Tim got out of sight Joe and Tony heard him say, "Damn," then he stuck his smiling face out of the cabin, "Thank you, sir."
Joe and Tony stood at the rail with arms around each other's shoulders drinking beer. The fireworks illuminated the waterfront and city skyline. As the final burst flooded the sky with light, Joe gently turned Tony's face to his and kissed the best friend a guy could ever have.
A Kid in a Candy Store
Tyler and Bill arrived at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and were greeted by Joe and Tony. Tyler was absolutely wide-eyed. The entire trip from Union Station he spent taking in the City's sights and energy and now could not believe he would get to stay in something as grand as the Chicago Athletic Association.
Joe just smiled as he watched Tyler bounce around the lobby absorbing its history and atmosphere. His and Bill's room overlooked Millennium Park and Lake Michigan beyond. Tyler looked out every window, checked out the bathroom, explored the room's furnishings and amenities before falling back on his bed with a grin that seemed to swallow his entire face.
On the other hand Bill flopped down with a sigh in one of the leather chairs. "Fuck boy, don't you ever run out of energy," Bill said with exasperation. "He's been like this since we left Newton. I like to never got any sleep and then he was up at 6 this morning." Joe and Tony laughed.
"Okay Bill, we'll take the Energizer Bunny off your hands so you can get a nap before this evening's activity," Joe said.
"You guys go out. I'll just hit the sack early."
"Oh no Bill, you are going out tonight," Tony said. We're going to Giordano's for deep dish pizza then we have something planned."
Tyler bolted up, "What, what are we going to do?"
"It's a surprise Scrappy-Doo," laughed Joe. "Now come with us so poor old Bill can catch a nap."
Joe, Tony, and Tyler headed down Monroe Street in the direction of the river. Tyler seemed to bounce along the way. "Where are we going?"
"Damn Tyler, you are worse than an 8-year-old at Christmas. If you don't watch it, you will piss your pants," Joe said.
Tyler laughed, "I can't help it, Daddy Joe and Uncle Anthony."
Joe looked at Tony, winked, and whispered, "I think we might have to have a talk with the man-child, Uncle Tony."
When the three got to Willis Tower Joe said, "Bill called me around noon and said you were bouncing off the walls and driving him crazy, so I got tickets for the Willis Tower Skydeck for this afternoon. The Giordano's is around the corner, and Bill will meet us there later."
When they got up to the Skydeck, Tyler was absolutely enthralled with the view of the City and Lake Michigan. Tony laughed when Joe had to practically drag Tyler onto the Ledge, the glass balcony that hangs 1,353 feet above the street below. Then he almost fell down laughing when Joe made a sound like cracking glass causing Tyler to panic.
Of course, Tyler couldn't stop taking pictures of the view and selfies of himself, Joe, and Tony to send to his mom and friends.
Finally, it was time to meet Bill at Giordano's for pizza and beer. Tyler had to tell Bill about everything they saw. Bill didn't have the heart to say he had been to the Skydeck several times. He just listened like it was all new to him. At one point Bill said, "See, what I tell you? The kid never stops. The only time has been quiet all night is when he's shoving pizza in his mouth." Tyler gave a sheepish smile while Joe and Tony laughed.
"Okay Daddy Joe and Uncle Anthony, what's the surprise?"
Bill spit out the swig of beer he had just taken and laughed at Tyler's question. "Yeah Daddy Joe and Uncle Anthony, we've both been good boys. What is the surprise?"
Joe frowned, but neither Tyler or Bill noticed because Tony jumped in, "We have tickets for a gangster tour and we need to hit the road or we'll be late."
On the way out the door, Joe looked at Tony who mouthed, "I'll talk to him."
The gangster tour was a blast. Part history lesson and part comedy routine, the tour was a fun look at Chicago's gangland past. Legendary gangsters Al Capone, Dion O Banion, Earl "Hymie" Weiss, George "Bugs" Moran, Diamond Jim Colosimo, Johnny Torrio, and "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn as well the the man who brought them down, Eliot Ness, were front and center in a tale of bootlegging, prostitution and gang wars.
Bill couldn't stop laughing the entire tour and soon became a target of the tour guide's barbs, which made him laugh all the harder. When the tour ended, Bill and Tyler had to get selfies with the tour guide and bus driver. Joe was happy that his friends were having a good time. This was what money was for, he thought to himself.
Back at the hotel, Tony slid into bed and Joe pulled him into his chest. Tony revelled in the comfort of Joe's embrace. "So Uncle Tony, what are we going to do about our boy?"
"We are going to turn him into a man. My question, Daddy Joe, is can you handle him being a man?"
"What do you mean?"
"When he becomes a man, are you willing to accept that he can make his own decisions?"
"Sure, why wouldn't I?"
"What if he decides he wants you?"
There was a long pause.
"I don't know," said Joe. "I guess that is something I need to sleep on."
"Or fuck on," said Tony as he reach back, grabbed his lover's cock and slowly impaled his ass on eight inches of rigid manhood.
Thank you for reading "Quarterback Keeper." I very much appreciate the comments and words of encouragement I have received from readers. I also have another story, "Tough Love in Kansas City" going on nifty.org. If you would like to be included in updates on my stories, send me an email.
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