SURROGATE FATHER NO LONGER
PART 2
Mike and Corey were finishing their supper in the dining room of a mountain tourist lodge after having spent the day fishing in a crystal clear lake. They were on a weekend outing to enjoy the fading summer, realizing that when Corey began his freshman year of college less than two weeks away there would be little chance for such a break from the demands of daily life. They had done this before when Corey was thirteen and Mike was his surrogate father. This time, however, was infinitely more enjoyable because of their new relationship as lovers.
Before returning to their room in the lodge, they decided to walk down to the lake, sit on the end of the dock, and watch the sunset. As the sky turned from blue to crimson, Corey said, "I've never been happier. And it's all because of you. I love you more than you can imagine."
"I feel the same way about you," Mike replied.
They were 200 miles from home, which had eroded their customary caution over showing their affection for each other in public. Because their inhibitions had been pushed aside, Mike leaned over and gave his young lover a lingering kiss on the lips that Corey returned. They wrapped their arms around each other and watched the final rays of the sun dip below the horizon.
Moments later, they heard a voice calling from behind them. "Mike! Corey! Is that really you?"
The lovers turned around to see Margaret and Harry Wilson who attended Corey's mother's church. "Shit!" Mike mumbled. "I hope they didn't see us kiss."
"They're coming toward us. I guess we'll soon find out," Corey said softly.
"What a surprise to see you here," Harry gushed. (A thoroughly UNWELCOME surprise, Mike thought as his mind raced to think of an explanation for the inappropriate kissing of his stepson.)
"Just taking a mini-vacation before Corey starts school," Mike said, still unsure if the Wilson's had seen more than he wanted.
There were a few minutes of casual conversation before Harry said, "Corey, you're a very lucky young man. I've noticed over the years that Mike has been like a father to you. And -- I must say -- the strength of your bond has never been more obvious than when seeing you here tonight."
The final comment was ambiguous but suggested the unexpected appearance of home town acquaintances had divulged the real nature of their bond. It triggered panic to well up in the two lovers. Mike marshaled his senses and said, "Yes. Corey is a fine young man and I couldn't ask for a better stepson."
With no discernable expression as a clue to his meaning, Harry said, "I can see that you two get along very well together."
Mike knew that Harry Wilson was a lawyer and skilled at drawing admissions out of witnesses with subtle comments and questions. He sensed that the attorney was setting a trap.
"Of course," Mike replied. Then, to divert the suspected direction of the conversation he said, "It's a real coincidence that we meet here ... so far from home. You must enjoy getting away from the city as much as I do."
The ploy was successful; Harry abandoned his interrogation (if, indeed, that's what it was). After a few more minutes of casual conversation, Margaret said, "Come on, Harry. Let's get back to the lodge. I think we should leave these two alone."
When the intruders were safely out of earshot Corey said anxiously, "They know, Mike! They know! They saw us kissing. They're gonna blab it all over church. What'll we do?"
Although Mike harbored the same fear, he said, "Settle down. We don't know that they know. We don't know for sure that they saw us kissing. And even if they did, they may just think it's unusual for a stepfather and son to show affection that way. Okay, they may suspect but it's not proof that we're gay."
"I wish I could be sure of that," Corey said.
The specter of Harry Wilson -- or, more likely his wife -- spreading scandalous news throughout the congregation about the kiss and the sinful behavior it revealed presented a dilemma. After careful analysis and discussion Mike and Corey decided some type of preventative measure was necessary and they formulated a plan. It was risky and may not succeed but it was worth a try.
Mike dialed the front desk that transferred the call to the Wilson's room. Harry answered the phone. "Harry," Mike said. "I know this is an unusual request but I'd like to talk to you for just a little while. Can you meet me in the bar downstairs for a drink?"
"Is it important?" Harry asked.
"I'm not sure," Mike replied. "But I would value your opinion on something. I promise it won't take long. Can I buy you that drink?"
Ten minutes later, they were sitting in a corner booth. "So what's up?" Harry asked.
"I'll get right to the point so as not to waste your time. In return, I'd like you to be completely honest with me. Earlier this evening, you and your wife saw Corey and me on the dock. Would you tell me exactly what you saw? I mean before you spoke to us."
Harry cast his eyes down for a moment as though trying to remember -- or perhaps trying to decide what to say. Looking up, he said. "You asked me to be honest so I will. Margaret and I saw you on the dock. She recognized you before I did. And then ... well ... we saw you two kiss. We were shocked. That's not the sort of thing men do. And certainly not a grown man with a teen. We discussed ... argued, really ... whether to even speak to you. I convinced her that we could only confirm our suspicions by talking to you. No doubt you recognized my courtroom demeanor because you abruptly changed the subject. I was going to press the issue a little more bluntly but my wife put an end to that by saying we should leave you alone."
"So my assumption was correct, "Mike said. "You saw us kissing and concluded that we're gay."
"Yes, we did. Are you?"
Mike then related the lie that he and Corey had agreed upon. "No. But I can understand why you would think so. Let me explain. It all started when Corey was about four years old. I was tucking him into bed and kissed him on the forehead. He insisted on a REAL' kiss -- on the lips. Like you mean it!' he said. I humored him, thinking it was a passing fancy. It wasn't. In fact, it became almost routine. Over the years, however, I found out that his emotions run deep and when he was happy or grateful for a favor or lonely and depressed he would spontaneously kiss me or ask me to kiss him. When he entered puberty, I discouraged it, knowing that it was inappropriate. In fact, I refused to do it. Tonight, he was telling me how much he appreciated my substituting for his real father and that he loved me like a real' dad. Well, I loved him like the son I'll never have and told him so. SHOW ME!' he demanded. I declined. He pouted. He began to cry. As I said, his emotions run deep. To settle him down, I kissed him. That's when you saw us. So you see, it may be improper for a man to kiss his stepson like that but I had to give him what he needed at the moment. I hope you understand. And I thank you for meeting with me. I'm hoping that you can explain it to your wife so she won't spread rumors about us."
Harry sat quietly for a few moments, causing Mike to worry that his lie was not believable. His fears were confirmed when the lawyer said, "That's a very creative story, Mike, but I don't believe a word of it. You're a lousy liar. You see, in my profession I have to be able to detect bull shit when I hear it and that's just what I heard from you: BULL SHIT! The kiss we witnessed was not a loving peck. It was a long -- one might say passionate kiss --the kind that only two lovers would exchange. If I were cross examining you in the witness box I'd have the jury convinced in a short time you're not telling the truth. That leaves only one conclusion: you and Corey are engaged in a homosexual relationship."
Mike's heart sank. He broke eye contact and stared at his half-full mug of beer, which only provided more proof that his explanation was a lie.
"Don't be concerned, Mike. I'm very open-minded. I don't condemn homosexuals like most people do. I recognize that it's not common but neither is it a sickness or a sin. Love should be celebrated in all its forms. It is love, isn't it? It's not just carnal gratification?"
Mike hesitated for a long time before responding, weighing the consequences of admitting something that he had vigorously concealed for years. His primary concern was for Corey and Sherry. Did he dare jeopardize their reputations? All of the consequences seemed disastrous. Still, there was no way to avoid the truth. "Yes, Harry, it's love, genuine love. Both Corey and I are gay and we're committed to each other as lifetime partners."
"Thanks for the honesty," Harry said soothingly. "That leaves just one problem to be resolved. What about Sherry? What about your marriage vows? How can you be true to Corey's mother while maintaining your relationship with her son?"
In for a penny, in for a pound, Mike thought. "She knows all about it, Harry. She doesn't approve but she accepts the reality of having a gay son. Our marriage was her idea ... just a phony marriage to maintain appearances ... to avoid the shame and scandal ... and to ensure her son's happiness. That -- as I'm sure you'll recognize -- is the truth. I can only beg you now to keep the secret. Think of the pain and anguish Sherry would suffer if you were to tell others. It would rob her of something that is central to her life: membership in the church."
"I have no intention of telling anyone, Mike. As I said, true love ought to be allowed and cherished. Even when it's not generally accepted by society. My wife, however, is another matter. She's quite dogmatic in her conformance to the church's teachings. However, I'm sure I can win her agreement not to reveal your secret. I may use a more credible variation of the bull shit story you told me. Or I may argue that knowingly hurting someone by spreading rumors is not the Christian thing to do. In any case, I think you can be reasonably certain that neither of us will disrupt the lives of you, Corey, or Sherry."
"Thanks for understanding, Harry. I'm grateful to you for protecting the happiness of three people."
They finished their drinks and returned to their rooms. Mike would relate the conversation to Corey. Harry would persuade his wife not to spread gossip -- or so both Mike and Corey hoped.
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The next two weeks passed uneventfully. It appeared that Harry and Margaret were keeping the secret. Corey began his freshman year at college unaware that his life would be disrupted half way through his first semester.
The crisis of conscience began innocently enough. Corey befriended Matt, a very personable and handsome fellow student. They had a lot in common: only son of a single mom, interest in social sciences, not gifted in either athletics or academics during high school, a preference for country music, and more. They often did their homework together but found time to joke, laugh, and become very good friends.
Mike was glad Corey had found a friend but neither of them suspected how the friendship would progress. Corey, although he never gave so much as a hint to Mike, was attracted to Matt and caught himself in unguarded moments admiring his lean but solid frame, his ass, and the distinct bulge in his crotch. But he always came home to the man he loved and never tired of the sexual intimacy they shared nearly every night. Gradually and imperceptibly he caught himself imagining Matt nude. But he inevitably reminded himself that Matt was straight. After all, he had frequently mentioned Julie, a girl he dated steadily in high school.
One Friday evening, Corey went to Matt's house, which he sometimes did to study for an exam. When the two tired of reviewing their notes and the text, Matt suggested that they kick back over a beer. "One beer" turned into three and they were both slightly buzzed. Their conversation took an unusual turn when Matt said, "I gotta tell you something. You're the best friend I've ever had. I like you a lot."
"Same here, buddy," Corey replied. It was not a glib comment. He meant it. He genuinely liked Matt.
Matt stared at his friend for a while as they sat on the sofa but moved closer, placing a hand on Corey's thigh, saying, "Mom's out of town visiting her sister. Can you stay the night?"
"I don't think so," Corey replied. "My folks expect me home soon."
"Call em. Tell em you've had a few beers and don't want to drive." Matt's hand slid an inch or two up Corey's thigh.
At that point, Corey realized what his good friend must have in mind. In spite of himself, he felt a tingle in his crotch. But reason prevailed. "Don't think so, Matt. I appreciate the invitation but I think I'd better be going."
"Come on, buddy," Matt cooed. "We both know what we want." The roaming had moved even higher on Corey's crotch. "I've seen the way you look at me sometimes. And other guys as well. You're careful but guys like us notice that sort of attention. You've never talked about a girlfriend. That's unusual. It has to mean you're like me and want the same thing I want."
Corey suddenly felt his cock being fondled through his jeans with the unwanted but natural reaction: he started to sport a hard-on. Far more troubling, the combination of alcohol and blatant advances from someone he genuinely admired launched him toward a fully horny state. He heard himself say, "No. We shouldn't," but his body didn't move as the fondling became more assertive and his cock rapidly responded. Did he want sex with Matt? YES. Would it really be so bad to have just one tryst with a good friend? NO. Could he give in to the temptation and be unfaithful to Mike, the love of his life? NO! HELL NO! The thought of cheating on his lover gave him the courage to stand and say, "I can't let this happen. I want to stay good friends because I really do like you but what you're asking for is out of the question. Let's both forget that it ever happened. Okay?"
"Oh," Matt exclaimed. "It's somebody else, isn't it? You've got another lover."
Corey almost said yes but stopped himself because that would be an admission that he was gay. Most certainly he couldn't tell his friend that his lover was an older man and his stepfather. Instead, he said, "I think I'd better be going now. But before I do, let me assure you that what just happened didn't happen as far as I'm concerned."
Matt didn't say anything as Corey gathered his things and left. The still horny, confused, and slightly tipsy young man drove home very carefully while fretting over the possibility of losing a friend and trying to decide whether to tell Mike about the evening's surprising conclusion. In the end, he decided that honesty is vital to a lasting relationship and he resolved to tell his partner -- but not right away. The most important thing to be done when he got home would be to demonstrate his love with as much erotic and sensual attention as he could.
To be continued...