Saving Jordan: 8
Jordan lay alone in the bed feeling alone and abandoned. It was like being Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone." Two days after Christmas, Peter's phone rang at five in the morning and he left the bedroom to answer it. At first, Jordan thought Peter was being considerate and didn't want to disturb him. However the demeanor on Peter's face and the curt "I'll deal with it," response when Jordan asked "is something wrong", sent the clear message to Jordan that whatever it was, he was going to be left in the dark.
Peter quickly dressed, not taking time for a shower, grabbed a small duffle from the closet, tossed in a few clothes, his travel toiletries, and a fleece pull over. He then opened the safe and took out a bundle of money. He tossed five one hundred dollar bills on the bed along with his car keys and said, "that should hold you til I get back. He threw the rest of the bundle of hundreds into his travel bag. Peter called the doorman and said he would be down in 15 minutes, and would need a cab to the airport.
Finally Peter turned to Jordan and said, "I will be gone for a couple of days. There is plenty of food in the kitchen, make whatever you want. I am not locking up the liquor, but don't leave the apartment if you have been drinking, and absolutely don't drink and drive. I don't need any more shit to deal with." With that, Peter was out the door and Jordan was at a loss to understand what had just happened.
Jordan spent the day watching college bowl games, eating and trying to forget the morning. Jordan understood that Peter didn't owe him any explanation, but something from the morning's interaction was eating at him. Finally, Jordan decided maybe a long hot shower would make him feel better. He stripped off the T-shirt and sweatpants he was wearing and headed for the master bath. Then he saw them, the five one-hundred dollar bill on the bed where Peter had tossed them on his way out the door. It was the way Peter left, no goodbye, no friendly signal of departure, no indication that Jordan was anything more than the lamp sitting on the bed stand. However, it was the money that cut Jordan. It was the way he threw the money on the bed like someone throwing scraps to a stray dog. It reminded Jordan of those desperate nights when he sold himself to avoid starving or freezing. Jordan's mind went numb and he walked into the shower, turned on the water, slowly slumped to the floor, and began to sob.
Saving Jordan: 9
For two day, Jordan didn't hear anything from Peter. He thought about sending Peter a text to see how he was, but then thought better of it. Finally, Jordan couldn't take it anymore and he headed to the gym to work off his emotions. Jordan was standing beside the bench and adding weight to the bar, when a fifty something walked up and said, "Young man, I've been watching you for a bit and you are going to hurt yourself. At least let me spot you."
Jordan looked at the man and nodded. He then laid back on the bench and lifted the weights from the standards. He pumped the bar three times, but on the fourth he lost it and if his spotter hadn't intervened, the bar would have pinned Jordan to the bench. When the bar was safely in the standards, the older man said, "I think you'd better call it quits," and Jordan nodded his agreement.
The older man said, "My name is Ted. I don't know what is eating you, but I would guess it has to do with a relationship."
"Yeah," Jordan said.
"Well son, the way I see it, you have two options. You can either make your relationship work, or end up looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger."
Jordan smiled, "I think I will work on the relationship. Although I wouldn't mind being the next Terminator."
Just then Jordan's phone rang. He looked at the number and saw it was from Peter. He answered, "Hello Peter, how are you?"
Peter said, "Jordan, I don't have much time to talk; the plane is about to start boarding. I have some family coming to stay, and I need the guest room."
Jordan's heart sank and his legs were suddenly weak. Ted saw the boy go pale and slump on the bench. He sat down beside Jordan in the event Jordan needed a friend. Ted noticed tears forming in the corner of Jordan's eyes, and there was a long silence.
"Jordan, are you there? Peter asked. ...."Hello?"
Finally, Jordan responded, "You want me to leave?" His voice cracked on the word leave.
Peter panicked when he realized how Jordan interpreted what he just told. "No! Oh no, Jordan! I am so sorry! That isn't what I meant, and don't you dare leave! What I meant was you need to move your things into my room. We are going to have to share the master bedroom...if you are okay with that?"
Tears began to trickle down Jordan's face, but now they were tears of relief. "Yes. Yes! I am okay with that."
"I need to get on the plane now. You will be there when I get home, right?...I need you to say that you will be at home when I get there."
Jordan finally gained control of his emotions long enough to say, "I will be home when you get here."
"Good, I am holding you to your word," Peter said. "I need to get on the plane now. I'll see you in about three hours."
When Jordan hung up, he couldn't hold back the tears any longer. As he sobbed, Ted rubbed his back. Finally, Ted asked, "Was that your relationship problem?"
Jordan nodded.
"Are things going to be okay?"
Jordan looked at Ted, and though tears were still running down his cheeks Jordan smiled and said, "He wants me to stay."
Jordan said goodbye to Ted and ran the entire way back to the apartment. He was out of breath when he finally turned the key to unlock the apartment door. A message had arrived while he was running and he now was able to see who it was from. It was from Peter and read: Just make room for your clothes in the closet and dresser. We can organize later. FIY, I've missed you.
"He missed me." Jordan said, and ran to move out of the guest room and into the master.
Saving Jordan: 10
Jordan moved all of his clothes and things from the guest room to the master, changed the bedding, and was just getting out of the shower when his phone rang. It was Peter.
"We are picking up luggage and will be home soon," Peter said. "I ordered pizza and salad from Giordano's. I paid for the pizza online. Do you have money for the delivery tip?"
"Yes, not a problem," Jordan answered.
"Good, keep the pizza warm and set the table for four."
About fifteen minutes after the pizza arrived, Jordan heard the sound of the apartment's door being unlocked. In walked Peter, an attractive woman about Peter's age, and a little boy that looked four or five years old. The woman had a black eye that looked several days old and the little boy clung to the woman's skirt. Jordan instantly recognized the signs of abuse in the woman's eyes, and the boy's effort to shrink into the woman's shadow.
Peter said, "Amber and Andy, this is my friend Jordan. Jordan, this is my cousin, Amber, and her son, Andrew--who goes by Andy most of the time."
Jordan said, "Nice to meet you Amber and Andy."
Amber gave a reserved nod of acknowledgement, and Andy moved farther behind his mother.
"It smells like pizza," Peter said. "Think we should eat first, then Jordan and I will bring up the rest of the luggage. Frank will keep it stored until we are ready to bring it up."
Jordan offered to take Amber and Andy's coats. He noticed that they were not very heavy coats. No doubt they were plenty warm for Atlanta, but would not offer much protection from a Chicago winter.
Once everyone was seated at the table, Amber and Andy bowed their heads, and Peter and Jordan followed. When Peter didn't offer a prayer, Amber said, "Andy can you say your prayer."
Andrew quietly said, "We fold our hands. We bow our heads. We thank you, God, For this daily bread. Amen"
"Thank you," said Peter. "Alright Andy, we have a deep dish meat pizza and a thin crust pepperoni pizza. Which would you like to start with?"
"Pepperwoni, please."
"Good choice," Peter said, trying not to laugh.
After supper Peter and Jordan went down to get the rest of Amber's and Andrew's luggage. Well luggage may have been a bit generous for the two old suitcases and three cardboard boxes. There was far more than what would be necessary for a mother and young son taking a vacation, but Jordan noticed how little there was for two people starting a new life in a new city.
When everything was in the apartment, Peter said to Amber, "We'll just leave everything in the living area and you can move things in from there. That will make it easier to organize. I know the space will be tight."
"Oh Peter," Amber said, "You have already done so much for Andy and me. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come to get us." Amber began to sob, and Peter pulled her in for a hug.
"Amber," Peter said, "You are like my sister. I would do anything for you and Andy. We'll figure this out."
Andy, who had been quiet much of the night, started to rub his eyes and said, "Mommy, I'm sweepy."
Peter said, "I'll show you the guest room." When he opened the door to the guest bedroom, Peter was impressed with how carefully Jordan had been to make it ready for guests. Peter said, "I'm sorry you and Andy will have to share a bed."
Amber replied, "Don't worry about that. I doubt he would sleep anywhere other than with me anyway."
Jordan said, "I put out clean towels in the guest bathroom. Is there anything you need that I can get for you."
Suddenly, Andy said, "Bunny, where's bunny?"
"He's in one of the boxes, but I don't know which one," Amber said.
"Bunny's with big bird."
"You don't have a Big Bird," Amber said softly.
"Big bird, Bunny's with big bird," Andy said on the verge of tears.
Suddenly, Jordan said, "I know what he means," and ran into the living room.
There he found a box that once contained Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey. Jordan opened the box and on top was a blue stuffed bunny rabbit. Jordy took it to the bedroom and Andy happily reached out to take the toy. "Thank you, Mr. Jordan. Bunny doesn't like to sleep alone." Andy laid back on the pillow and cuddled up with Bunny.
As they left Amber and Andy to get ready for bed, Peter put his arm around Jordan's shoulder and said, "Nice save."
Peter went to make sure the door was locked, the coffeemaker was ready for the morning, and the lights were out. When He stepped into the bedroom, Jordan was already in bed. Peter undressed, turned off the light, and climbed into bed. Instantly, Jordan was wrapped around Peter.
"Are you going to cuddle like this all night?" Peter asked.
Jordan's head was on his chest and Peter could feel Jordan nodding.
"I see. Is this because I scared you earlier today."
Again, there was nodding.
"I'm so sorry. I just wasn't thinking how you would interpret my words. Can you forgive me?"
Jordan stretched his neck to give Peter a soft kiss. It wasn't a long kiss, or even a sensual kiss, but it was the best kiss Peter could ever remember getting.
Jordan and Peter lay quietly for a while, then Jordan asked, "Are you ever going to fuck me?"
Peter paused before responding, "Do you want that?"
"Yes," Jordan said barely above a whisper.
"I do too, but not tonight. I am very tired, and I want our first time to be something special."
Jordan nodded.
Peter kissed the top of Jordan's head and gently rubbed his back. Peter continued, "Tomorrow is Martin's New Year's Eve party. I promised him I would be there. Will you be my date?"
Jordan smiled and said, "Yes," he then gently kissed the closest of Peter's nipples.
"Aslo Jordan, ....can I. Well, would you be upset if ...damn this ... why is this so hard? Would you mind if I introduced you as my boyfriend?"
Peter was startled as Jordan quickly rolled over and straddled Peter's abs. Jordan, bent down and gave Peter a hot, sexy, lover's kiss. While the previous kiss expressed forgiveness and gratitude, this kiss was bursting with passion and desire.
"Yes, Peter, Yes! I would be honored for you to introduce me as your boyfriend. I am happier than I have been in a long time, maybe ever." Then Jordan gave Peter another kiss.
"Wow," Peter said as he pushed Jordan over and snuggled into his hard jock body. "Now, I am the one who needs to be held." Jordan pulled Peter in closer, and Peter's head was using one of Jordan's well developed biceps for a pillow.
"Oh, yes," Jordan thought to himself, as Peter's exhaustion finally won out and he fell asleep, "I am definitely happier than I have ever been."
Saving Jordan: 11
The next morning, Peter was up and making breakfast when he noticed Andy peeking around the corner. After a bit, Peter said, "I have made so many pancakes and so much bacon, but I don't think I can eat it all. I wonder if there is anyone who can help me eat all this breakfast."
Andy, peeked around the corner and looked at Peter again. This time Peter said, "I don't want to waste all these pancakes, but if I eat them all myself I think I will be too stuffed and may get sick. Oh, I wish there was a little boy who liked pancakes to eat some of these for me."
A shy little smile broke on Andy's face, and Peter said, "I see a little boy peeking around the corner. I wonder if he would help eat these pancakes?"
Andy nodded and ran to the table. Peter put a plate in front of Andy with bacon and a special pancake.
"Mickey Mouse!" said an excited Andy.
Do you like Mickey?
"Yes, Mr. Peter. I have Mickey pajamas."
When Jordan arrived, he grabbed some bacon and pancakes and sat down at the table with Andy and Peter. "So," Jordan asked, "did you and bunny sleep well last night?"
"Oh yes Mr. Jordan, bunny slept really well. He's a good bunny."
"Andy," Jordan said, "how about you call me Jordy. That's what most people call me."
"Okay...Jordy." Andy giggled.
"While we're on the subject of names," Peter said, "would you like to call me Uncle Pete."
Andy grinned and nodded with excitement.
Amber walked in and said, "I'll just call you Sir Galahad."
Peter smiled and said, "I'm no knight in shining armor."
"To Andy and me you are," Amber said. "I may no longer qualify as a damsel, but I was certainly in distress."
After they finished their breakfast, Jordan asked Andy if he wanted to watch cartoons.
"You like cartoons?" Andy asked with surprise.
"Of course cartoons are the best." Jordan said.
When they were alone, Amber said, "I'm still afraid Garrett will try to find us. He once told me that if I ever tried to take Andy away from him, he'd kill me."
"He doesn't know where you have gone. I don't see how he will be able to find you."
"His uncle is a county sheriff in Georgia and his brother is a deputy," Amber said. "They could find us for him. He also knows I have a cousin in Chicago that I have called a couple of times. He found your number on my cell."
Peter decided he needed to find out just how dangerous Garrett might be. He called a friend in the Chicago Police Department.
"Peter, what's up," asked Detective Brianna Jones.
Brianna Jones was not only the youngest detective in the CPD, she was Black and gay. Peter met Brianna at the `Center on Halsted.' The Center on Halsted was a comprehensive community center serving the LBTGQ citizens of Chicago. Peter was a financial supporter of the Center and volunteered in the GED completion program. Brianna was a trainer with the Center's Anti-Violence Project in her off-duty time. They became friends playing open gym volleyball on Thursday evening at the Center.
"Brianna, I need some advice. My cousin and her son are now living with me. I brought her here from Atlanta to get away from her abusive husband. He has threatened to hurt her if she ever left and took her son. What should I do?"
"Let me give you a number. David Orville is a private investigator. He retired from the force several years ago, but he still has lots of friends and connections in the department and around the country. Worked domestic violence and then was on the terrorism task force, so he knows how to assess a threat."
"Thanks," Peter said, "I'll give him a call."
After talking with Brianna, Peter gave Orville a call. Orville agreed to take the case and told Peter he'd get back to him in a couple of days.
Peter had just hung up his phone when Jordan stepped behind him and pulled him into a full body embrace. Physically Jordan seemed to tower above Peter, but emotionally Jordan was fragile and needed Peter's strength and stability.
Jordan kissed Peter's temple. Peter turned around and gave Jordan a loving and tender kiss and said, "Tonight, babe, tonight." Jordan became emotional when Peter called him "babe." Jordan had come to understand that Peter had the soul of a poet and did not use words thoughtlessly or carelessly. To be called "babe" was a declaration of Peter's budding love, a love Jordan was more than eager to accept and return.
Peter asked Amber to join them in the kitchen. "Tonight Jordan and I are invited to a party. This is something we can't get out of. Will you and Andy be okay staying alone?" Peter asked.
"Of course we will." Amber said. "I think Andy will be asleep very quickly. It is amazing how quickly he has settled down since being here. Back in Atlanta, he was always on edge, but he just senses that he can trust you guys--that you won't hurt him or me."
Peter hugged Amber, "You have always been my sister from a different mother. My own brother and sister are so much older and different from me, so I alway felt more of a connection with you. That's why you were the first of the family I came out to. I just knew you would be there for me no matter what."
Peter pulled Jordan into the hug and said, "Amber, I know I sound like I'm 13, but last night I asked Jordan to be my boyfriend and he said yes. I just have to tell someone."
Amber laughed, "You are 13. I am surprised you didn't ask me to pass him a note for you under the table at breakfast."
"We need to go shopping. You and Andy need some Chicago winter clothes."
"Peter," Amber said, "I can't let you do that. You have already done so much for me and Andy."
"Listen Amber," Peter said, "I didn't earn my money; I just got lucky. When I didn't have money, I thought that having it would make me happy. I bought some expensive crap right after I won the lottery, but after a couple of days I would stop playing with my toys. They just weren't that fun. Then I remember what grandma would say, `It's not what you have, but what you do with what you have."
"Yeah, I remember grandma saying that," Amber said. "I just thought it was just a justification for not having much money."
"Don't get me wrong, it's nice to not worry about how to pay the light bill or buy groceries. However, it was when I started volunteering that I began to feel good about myself, and I found real friends."
"Okay," Amber said with a smile, "If it will make you happy; plus, I didn't realize how damn cold Chicago is in the winter, so heavier coats for Andy me would be appreciated."
"What kinds of toys does Andy like?" Jordan asked.
"His father was always buying him toy guns and action figures," Amber said. "For his birthday, he bought Andy a blowup punching bag. He knew I didn't like it, but he didn't care what I thought. I really don't want Andy to have toys like that. I know Andy likes to build things."
Justin smiled and Peter said, "Let me guess, we're making a stop at the Lego Store." Jordan smiled, and Peter said, "Why do I think we will be buying toys for two boys."
Jordan said, "Oh come on, I bet you will be playing Legos with us."
"Probably," Peter said with a smile. "It looks like we need to get going, so we can get home before the party. I just need to do a couple of things in my office and we can be on our way."
Peter closed his office door and turned on his computer. He pulled up Garrett's and his brother's social media pages, and sent the links to Orville. He then printed off pictures of the two to give to the doormen. Being one of the biggest tippers at the Mila was about to pay dividends.
At Nordstrom's, Peter found one of the clerks in the women's department. "Ma'am, can I ask a favor of you?"
"Certainly young man," she said. "My name is Elizabeth. How can I help you?"
Peter smiled at being called a young man. The woman helping him was a very elegant lady in her late 40's. "My cousin just moved here from Atlanta, and she is not prepared for a Chicago winter. Can you help her find some appropriately warm outerwear and whatever else she might need."
Peter's back was to Amber and he held his Chase Sapphire Card to his chest and said, "Whatever she needs."
Elizabeth looked at Amber and saw the barely visible remnant of her black eye. "I understand," Elizabeth said with a sympathetic tone.
"She will very likely not get all that she needs, so I would appreciate if you could note her sizes and I will have my friend Martin pick up some things," Peter said.
"Martin Jackson?"
"Yes," Peter said, "You know Martin?"
"Oh yes. His clients are my best customers. Between the two of us, your cousin will have the wardrobe she needs to start her new life."
Peter introduced Elizabeth and Amber, then said, "Jordan took Amber's son, Andy, to the boy's department and I need to go see what they have found."
Peter found Jordan and Andy in the boy's department trying on coats. A timid young man was helping Jordan and Andy. Peter suspected that the senior staff had sent the kid over because Jordan and Andy didn't look like good commissions. Peter noted the clerk's name tag said Aaron.
"Uncle Pete, Uncle Pete!" Andy called, "Jordy is helping me find a coat. Do you like this one?" Andy had on a blue North Face down filled coat.
"It looks sharp and very warm. Do you like it?" Peter asked.
"Oh yes, Uncle Pete."
"Then let's get that for you," Peter said and Andy broke into the biggest smile his face could hold.
Peter turned to the young clerk and said, "Andy will also need gloves, and boots...
"UGGs" said Jordan.
"...UGGs, a couple of sweaters, a neck scarf, and a cap," said Peter. "Also Aaron, in a couple of days my friend Martin Jackson will be in to pick up some additional things Andy needs. Do you know Martin?"
Aaron finally smiled, "Everyone on the Magnificent Mile knows Martin."
"I've come to realize that," Peter said. "Well, Martin will be picking up some additional items for Andy and he will be asking for your assistance."
"Sir, one of the senior clerks usually assists Martin."
"Perhaps, but you assisted Andy, and he wants you to help shop for him--don't you Andy?" Andy nodded.
"Thank you, sir!"
After Nordstrom's the next stop was the Apple Store. Before leaving Atlanta, Peter took a hammer to Amber's cell phone and tossed it into a dumpster. He didn't want Garrett to be able to use GPS to track Amber. He had already placed an order for a new iPhone and new phone number and he needed to pick it up. Amber again complained that Peter was spending too much, but he said, "This is a security device. We need to be able to call each other and you need to be able to call for help. The phone is non-negotiable." Amber had to admit that Peter was right.
Finally, it was to the Lego store. Peter and Amber just stood, smiled, and watched as Jordan and Andy explored.
"Jordan is amazing," Amber said. "How did you meet him?"
"The first time or the second time?"
"Huh?"
Peter said, "The first time I met Jordan, he was a student in my class, an asshole, and one of the main reasons I got out of teaching."
Amber was speechless.
"The second time was a week and a half ago."
"What, that's just crazy!"
"He was homeless and living on the street. I couldn't just leave him out in the cold, so I took him home."
"When you were a kid, you were always bringing strays home," Amber said. "Now you have three strays living with you."
"You and Andy are not strays; you're family."
"How about Jordan?"
"I don't think he's a stray anymore;" Peter said "I think he's also family."
"If you had told me that story over the phone, I would have called you crazy. However, seeing you and Jordan together...well, it's still crazy, but I think crazy good."
Saving Jordan: 12
Peter and Jordan were getting ready for Martin's party, and Peter noticed Jordan was unusually quiet.
"Jordan, what's up?"
"Nothing."
Jordan, what's up?
"What...what if someone recognizes me...you know from when I was...?
Peter sat down on the bed and indicated Jordan should join him.
Jordan started to sob, "I don't want you to think of me as a whore."
"Babe, I don't think of you like that at all!"
"But that's what I was. I sold myself for money"
"Jordan, you did what you have to do to survive. It couldn't have been easy, but you survived. If you have just given up, if you had died, then we wouldn't be together now. I know it was hard, I can't imagine how hard, but your sacrifice made us possible, and I will never think less of you for that....And, if other people have a problem with it, FUCK THEM!"
"I don't want people to think, you're a fool...that I'm taking advantage of you and you're too naive to see it."
"Again FUCK THEM. Gay men of all people should understand that we love who we love, and others don't have the right to sit in judgement of our relationships."
Jordan pushed Peter back onto the bed and covered his face with kisses and tears. "Promise me you'll make love to me tonight after the party," Jordan said. "I need you to claim my body as yours. I need you to fuck my past away."
Now, both men were in tears, and Peter said, "Yes my love, I will make love to you tonight."
When Peter and Jordan arrived at Martin's party, Jordan looked around the living room and his worst fears were realized. In the corner were two men who had picked him up for a rough night of sex. Jordan remembered them, and obviously they remembered him. They waved, blew him a kiss, and gave him a wicked smile. Jordan wanted to throw up.
Peter noticed Jordan slumped his shoulders and the confidence drained from his body. He also noticed the two guys taunting his boyfriend. Peter took Jordan's hand and they walked across the room to say hello to their host.
"I am glad you could make it," Martin said.
"We wouldn't miss it;" Peter said, "your parties are notorious. What can you tell me about the two guys over in the corner?"
"They moved into the building a week ago. I invited them so they could get to know some of the other tenants," Martin said. "However, they haven't really mingled with any of the other guests."
"I see," Peter said.
Peter introduced Jordan to some of the people he knew at the party, and Jordan soon began to relax and even enjoy himself a bit. Jordan was only drinking soda and Peter was nursing a Scotch. When Peter went to the bathroom, the two guys that had made Jordan so uncomfortable suddenly took an interest in Jordan.
"Hey kid, remember us? I'm Cory and this is my pal Norris."
"Yeah," Jordan said, lowering his eyes, "I remember you."
"No need to get shy," Norris said. "Why don't you come back to our place and we all can have some real fun."
"I don't do that anymore," Jordan said, and tried to move away, but the two were large and had him trapped against the wall.
"Where you think you're going. The party is just about to start," Cory said.
"I bet you ass need a couple of big cocks stuffing it," Norris said while leaning in close to Jordan's face.
"Let me go," Jordan pleaded. "My boyfriend will be back soon."
Norris laughed, "Boyfriend, that guy?...More like girlfriend. I'll tell you what, he can come with us and watch us fuck your ass. We can show him how you treat a whore."
Peter had just returned to the living room and saw the two assholes harassing Jordan. He also saw that while Norris was distracting Jordan, Cory dropped something into Justin's Dr. Pepper. Peter wanted to avoid a confrontation with two large and drunk bullies, so he walked up and said, "Excuse me guys, but I want to introduce my boyfriend to a couple of friends."
"Boyfriend!?" Cory said loud enough to get everyone's attention. "You mean whore don't you pal. I hope you didn't think he was a virgin or something." Now Norris was laughing too.
"I know of Jordan's past," Peter said calmly, "and all I care about is him now, and our future."
"Fucking cuckold," Norris said and started to reach for Peter. Before anyone was able to react, Jordan's fist crashed into Norris' jaw and he dropped to the floor.
"You fucking shit," Cory yelled as he lunged for Jordan. Jordan reacted with a sidestep and caught the intoxicated asshole in a choke hold. Martin was in the kitchen preparing more hors d'oeurves when one of his guests told him there was a problem. When he got to the living room, the action was over, but both Cory and Norris were on their knees trying to regain their senses.
"What the hell is going on?" Martin demanded.
"Your friend's rentboy attacked us," Cory yelled.
"I'm going to file assault charges," added Norris.
"No you're not asshole. I saw you distracting Jordan while your accomplice spiked Jordan's drink."
"You can't prove shit, so shut the fuck up," Cory screamed.
Just then several guys who had been looking on grabbed the two, and as they struggled, yelled and cursed, they were searched. In addition to being assholes Cory and Norris were walking pharmacies. Added to the recognizable drugs, the guys had several suspicious vials of a clear odorless liquid. The search also produced a larger wad of cash on each of them.
Martin looked at the vials and said, "My guess is this will match whatever is in Jordan's drink."
A voice from a guy standing toward the back of the crowd said, "Hold on to them, the cops are on the way," and shined his badge from the District Attorney's office.
Martin smiled, "Terry, when did you get here?"
"About ten minutes before the entertainment started."
It took ten minutes for four uniformed officers from the CPD to arrive followed soon by a couple of detectives. The detectives smiled when they entered the room, not only because they knew several of the men at the party, but also because they had been trying to tie the two drug dealers to a recent increase of drug use among gay boys and a couple of near fatal ODs.
After the detectives collected evidence and took statements and names they left, and the party resumed. This wasn't the first time one of Martin's parties included a visit from the police.
Martin came up to Jordan and said, "I am so sorry. I didn't know those two were like that when I invited them to my party. But let me tell you stud, the way you took care of them has my cock so hard. If you ever get tired of Mr. Plain Vanilla and want a taste of Spicy Chocolate, just give Martin a call."
Peter smiled and said, "Enough of you flirting. He's mine, and I don't share."
Over the course of the evening, Jordan was the center of attention. Even those who knew of Jordan's past respected his new life and relationship. Increasingly Jordan's confidence and self-esteem grew and he was more willing to talk and engage with others at the party.
Peter was proud of Jordan's newfound social confidence, but at the same time a hint of doubt entered his mind. Would Jordan still need him? Peter wasn't trying to keep Jordan weak or dependent, but his own insecurities kept Peter from truly accepting that Jordan might like, might even love, him.
Steven Webber and his partner Dr. Sprecht, stopped in at a party thrown by one of the clinic's sponsors before heading over to Martin's. They had missed the earlier confrontation, but were quickly brought up to speed by the other guests. When they finally got to talk to Peter, Webber asked, "So, where is the other half of the Gay Avengers. I hear you two are quite the super heroes."
Peter laughed, "Jordan is getting more food, and he's the super hero, I'm just the bumbling side-kick."
"That's not the way I heard the story," Sprecht said, "It seems you were the one who saw them spiking Jordan's drink, and outed the two as drug dealers."
Yeah, but it was Jordan who kept them from kicking my ass." Peter said.
"Again, we heard a different version," Sprecht said. "Several guys have said Jordan was acting like a trapped animal until you arrived and confronted the two, then when they threatened you he turned into a beast."
"I guess we have some things to talk about at our counseling session," Peter said.
"I think so," Webber said.
"Also," Peter asked, "can you recommend a good family doctor and therapist?"
"Wait, have you or Jordan gone and done something we should know about?" Sprecht asked.
"No, well maybe. I have a cousin who is more like my sister. Until a couple of days ago she and her little boy were living in Atlanta. I found out she was being abused, so I went to get her and Andy. They are staying at my place until she figures out what to do next."
"Wow buddy, Webber said, "you've bitten off a lot."
"I know. I might be running a tab for counseling sessions," Peter said only half joking.
Webber put his arm around Peter and said, "Don't forget, you have a lot of friends to lean on if you need support."
Just then Jordan brought a couple of plates of food and said, "Hey Doc Sprecht and Doc Webber, how are you guys?"
Webber said, "Jordan, I'm not a doctor. I'm a nurse practitioner. Why don't you just call me Steven."
"And you can call me, Bart," Dr. Sprecht said.
Steven smiled and said, "That's short for Bartholomew Angus Sprecht."
Bart said, "My family is a bit pretentious."
Martin rang a small bell, he was also a bit pretentious, "Five minutes until midnight. Everyone grab a glass of champagne."
"Six..five...four...three...two...one...Happy New Year!"
Peter kissed Jordan. When they finally separated, Jordan said, "Take me home and fuck me stud."
Saving Jordan: 13
Peter was fumbling with Jordan's buttons and failing. Finally he just grabbed the top of the shirt and ripped it open. Buttons flew in all directions. "I guess I owe you a new shirt."
Jordan pulled Peter in for a deep and hot kiss. "I know you want to make love, but I think tonight we just need wild, beasty sex."
Peter bit Jordan's shoulder and growled. Now it was Jordan's turn to rip off Peter's clothing. Before long Peter and Jordan stood naked, erect, and dripping. Jordan dropped to his knees and swallowed Peter. Jordan was an amazing cock sucker, and Peter had to push him away.
"Fuck, you're too good. I almost came," Peter said breathlessly.
"We can't have that," Jordan said as he stood. "Not until you have made this yours." Jordan fell back on the bed, grabbed his ankles and pulled his legs back to expose muscular glutes framing a perfect pink pucker. "I want to watch you fuck me."
Peter reached forward and touched Jordan's hole and it twitched in anticipation. "Does this need attention?" Peter asked.
Jordan pulled his legs back farther and said, "Oh yes. I need you so bad."
Peter let a drip of lube fall from the tube, and Jordan's breath caught when the drop landed on his waiting hole. Slowly Peter spread the lube as he added more. Jordan shuddered as Peter slid a finger inside. While Jordan was not a virgin, this was the first time he welcomed the penetration, the first time he willingly gave himself to another.
Soon Jordan was moaning as Peter massaged his prostate. Peter added a second finger and Jordan began to beg. "Please Peter, fuck me. I need you."
Peter rolled on a condom and placed his cock on Jordan's hole. Jordan tried to push himself onto Peter's cock, but Peter wouldn't let him. "Don't tease me. I need your cock," pleaded Jordan.
Finally, Peter pushed forward and breached his boy's hole. Jordan moaned as his eyes rolled back in pure delight. Peter sank deep into Jordan, and then he stopped to let Jordan catch his breath. The lover's eyes locked, and Peter began to pound Jordan. Each thrust battered Jordan's prostate and pushed him closer to the edge. Jordan teetered on the brink, then one more strike to his love nut and he was overwhelmed by the intensity of his orgasm. As Jordan fell into a sexual maelstrom, he pulled Peter with him.
Peter buried his face in Jordan's chest and struggled to catch his breath. Never had he experienced such intensity, and he was instantly addicted. Jordan pulled the covers over the two and cuddled up behind Peter. The bedroom drapes were wide open revealing a wall of glass, and for a time, Peter and Jordan could only watched the snow fall to blanket the city below.
Finally Jordan whispered, "Was I okay?"
Peter turned to face Jordan, "Okay? You were so much better than okay. You are fucking amazing." Peter then kissed Jordan softly, and Jordan began to softly sob.
"What's the matter babe?"
"I'm scared. I've never needed anyone like I need you. I don't know what I would do if you decide you don't want me in your life any more."
Peter wiped away Jordan's tears. "Listen stud, we still have things to work through, but know this: I love you. I have alway been proud that I didn't need others; that I could live a solitary existence. Then you moved into my apartment and my heart, and I can't imagine my life without you."
Peter held Jordan and gently stroked his hair until the boy finally fell asleep.
Saving Jordan: 14
The next morning, Jordan was still snuggled up in Peter's arms. He knew this was how he wanted to wake up every day for the rest of his life. He pushed his ass back into Peter and said, "I need you again."
"Babe, I want you too, but we are not alone in the apartment. If Andy is in the kitchen, he will hear us."
"I can be quiet."
Peter laughed, "First, I doubt that; second, even if you can, I can't. You are too damn hot. Plus, we need to fix breakfast." Peter said.
"Okay," Jordan said with a bit of pout in his voice.
Peter laughed, and said, "Let's go hot stuff; we can at least take a shower together."
After dressing, Peter went into the kitchen to start making biscuits and sausage gravy. That was a tradition from his mother's family who were from Nashville. Peter smiled remembering his mom standing in the kitchen and cutting out rounds of buttermilk biscuits. She probably would frown at her son popping open a tube of dough, but she would approve that he still made the gravy from scratch.
The living room, dining room, and kitchen of the apartment were essentially one space, with only a bar separating the kitchen from the rest. Andy was sitting on the couch with his bunny and watching the Rose Parade. Jordan said good morning and sat down on the couch next to Andy. Andy smiled and cuddled up to Jordan's side.
"Mommy said I could watch TV."
"Do you like the parade?" Jordan asked.
"Yes. I saw Mickey, and Shrek, and Seven Dwufs."
Jordan laughed.
After a bit Andy said, "Mommy told me I couldn't bother you and Uncle Pete. She said you might be doing grown-up stuff....What's grown-up stuff?"
Jordan suddenly looked like a deer caught in the headlights, and stumbled for what to say, "Well...grown-up stuff...is, well...it's hard to explain...it..."
Peter was dying trying to keep from laughing out loud. Finally, he came to Jordan's rescue, "Andy, grown-up stuff is a secret we can't tell you until you are 14. It's just one of the rules they make us grown-ups follow."
"Okay," Andy said, and went back to watching TV.
Jordan looked at Peter and mouthed, "Thank you."
Peter mouthed back, "You owe me," and Jordan smiled and thought to himself: add it to my tab.
Amber walked into the kitchen and gave Peter a hug, "Cousin, you are the best. I promise I'll get my act together and find a job and an apartment."
"You need to take your time," Peter said. "You'll figure out what you want to do, but you and Andy are living with me and Jordan."
"Peter, you and Jordan need your space."
"No, what we need is family. Look at those two," Peter pointed to Jordan and Andy. Andy was sitting on Jordan's lap and the two were smiling and enjoying the parade together. "You can't take Andy away from him now. Playing with Andy is good therapy for Jordan."
"I have to admit, I was worried how leaving Atlanta would affect Andy, but he has bonded with Jordan. You two have already been better dads to him than his father ever was."
Then it's settled; you and Andy are staying with us."
"That would be nice, but your apartment is too small for us. Eventually Andy will need his own room, and...well he also needs a place to play."
"I've thought about that. My lease is up in three months, and it's time I get an adult place. So, tomorrow I am calling a real estate agent and we are looking for our new home."
"My pride says I should put up more of a fight," Amber said, "but I am just so relieved I don't have to go it alone. Thank you Peter; I owe you so much."
Now Peter hugged Amber, "You owe me nothing. You saved me when I was the shy, scared, gay boy in high school. If you hadn't been there for me when I needed to talk, I might not have made it to graduation."
When breakfast was ready, Peter called everyone to the table. As it turned out, Andy liked biscuits and gravy almost as much as Jordan. During his second helping of biscuits, Andy asked, "Uncle Pete, is Jordy your boyfriend?"
Jordan choked on the water he was drinking.
"Andy!" Amber gasped.
"What makes you think that?" Peter asked.
"When I came back from the bathroom, I saw Jordy kissing you."
"Well Andy--Yes, Jordy is my boyfriend. Does that bother you?"
"No, Jordy is nice."
"I think so too."
After breakfast, Andy and Jordan played with Legos, while Peter and Amber made a list of things to consider in a new house. Amber's primary concern was schools. She wanted Andy to attend a good public school. When Peter suggested that he would be willing to pay for private schools, Amber said, "Only as a last resort. I want Andy to have a variety of friends. A private school might be the only choice, but I really want to try finding a good public school."
"Amber, have you had Andy tested?"
"Tested for what?" Amber asked with concern.
"I have been watching Andy for the last few days. He is very smart and curious. He reminds me of some of the case studies we had when I was getting my education degree. He might just be precocious and advanced for his age, but he may also be exceptionally gifted. That is something to think about when choosing a school."
For Peter, the key was a neighborhood. As a military kid he had moved around a lot and what he missed was a sense of rootedness. When Peter asked Jordan what he wanted, Jordan's response told Peter a lot about the boy's growing up.
"I want a place for a dog. Not some fancy inbred thing, but a real dog, like the kind you get from an animal shelter. All the dogs we ever had when I was growing up were fashion accessories for my mom and later dad's women. I want a dog that you can play catch with, teach tricks, and wrestle around."
"Me too," Andy said with a big smile.
"Okay," Peter said, "room for a dog is on the list."
Amber whispered in Peter's ear, "It sounds like you're picking up another stray."
Around three o'clock, Andy began to yawn and rub his eyes. "Hey kiddo, Amber said, I think we need to go take a nap." Andy shook his head. Then Amber pulled him onto her laps and whispered in his ear. Andy smiled and ran off to the bedroom.
"What did you say to him," Jordan asked.
"I just told him you and Uncle Pete need some boyfriend time."
Jordan blushed, and Amber laughed. "Oh he thinks that means you are going to kiss and maybe have a couple of beers."
When Amber had joined Andy in their bedroom, Peter extended his hand and led Jordan to their bedroom.
Jordan stretched out naked on the bed and Peter began to rub sandalwood scented massage oil into his muscular torso. Finally, Jordan pulled Peter close to his body and whispered in his ear, "I need you to make love to me." And so, for the rest of the afternoon, Peter made sensual, tender, masculine, therapeutic love to Jordan.
Over the Holidays I was traveling and decided to take a break from my regular stories. So I decided to use the time to add several chapters to Saving Jordan. I know that I had indicated in the first posting that Saving Jordan might be done, but winter and holidays seemed to inspire another installation.
"Tough Love in Kansas City" https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/tough-love-in-kansas-city/
"Quarterback Keeper" https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/quarterback-keeper/
"Aging Out" https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/aging-out/
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