Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. If you are offended by descriptions of homosexual acts or man/man relations, please exit this page.
TALES FROM THE RANCH Copyrightc 2004 by Tulsa Driller. All rights reserved.
This is a story of men who have two common interests. You will see that they love the land where they live and work, but it is also the story of young men who love other men and their coming of age in a culture of prejudice and misunderstanding. It is a story, which deals with difficult and often disturbing issues but, nonetheless, issues which must be confronted in today's world.
This is a work of fiction and in no way draws on the lives of any specific person or persons. Any similarity to actual persons or events is entirely coincidental. This work is copyrightedc by the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the author. It is assigned to the Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement but it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the written permission of the author.
This story was to have lasted for 10 chapters, each dealing with a year in the life of Jason and Kevin Williamson from puberty to when they were in college. Somewhere along the way, probably when Dale was introduced and then Craig, Joey and all the "supporting cast" the story took on a life of its own. I thought I would do well to write the ten chapters. Now the story has passed 51 chapters and over 900 pages. I've loved writing every word and the characters have become almost real.
PLEASE: In a perfect world AIDS doesn't exist. My characters have unprotected sex. I hope you use proper precautions because I'd like you to be around to read the last chapter of this story.
Tales from the Ranch Chapter 52: Decisions
As they left Leland Stanton's office, Frank insisted that they go for an early lunch, just the three of them.
Craig's first reaction was that they should do it. Then he remembered what Doris had said about 'playing around in their kitchen, going to the grocery and preparing lunch and dinner for them today.'
"Mom's preparing lunch. and dinner for us tonight. Don't you remember what she said about that this morning?" he asked.
"You're right about that. Don't want to get on her bad side," Frank laughed. Guess we'd better skip that idea and meet at your place for lunch."
"I think that's a good idea," Dale told them. "I need to get some things accomplished at my office and do some planning for the next few days. I can be home at noon with no problem."
"Okay, we'll see you then," Craig said. "Dad's car is at my office and I'll bet that Mom is wondering where we are and if she can still go to the grocery and have time to prepare lunch for us. I'll call her right now."
They walked to the parking garage as Craig made the call on his cell phone.
"Hi Mom," he said as she answered.
"Craig, I forgot that Frank had taken the car. I haven't had a chance to go to the grocery, but there was enough on hand that I'm able to make a good lunch for all of us. I'll go to the grocery this afternoon."
"Okay, we're just leaving the bank and Dad's car is at my office. He'll be home in ten minutes."
"Tell him to stop at the grocery and pick up some French bread, the kind you would make sandwiches with," she dictated.
"Will do. Can't wait to see what you've made for us," Craig replied.
"Nothing fancy, but hearty," Doris replied.
"Okay, we'll see you a little after noon. Bye Mom," he said.
After he ended the call he told Frank and Dale, "She couldn't go to the grocery this morning, but has lunch started. Dad, you're supposed to stop at the grocery and pick up a loaf of the large French bread like you'd use for sandwiches. Go to Food Land over on 4th Street. They have the best bakery and deli. It's just up the street from the Starlight Motel."
"I remember seeing that store," Frank said.
By this time they were at Craig's car and Dale was parked on the next level.
"See you in a little while," Dale said, wishing they were alone so he could kiss him.
Leland immediately called Marty after the men departed from his office.
"Marty, I think we have a deal going. I gave each of them copies of our standard Venture Capital Fund forms."
"Great," was Marty's reply.
"Well, the great news is that I may have located a fellow who lives in the Kansas City area. He's done well with the company he was running, but the owner died and didn't have any business insurance. He'd like to buy the company from the family but they won't sell. He doesn't like the two sons as they each draw a large salary, but don't know anything about the business and won't cut him loose to run it for them."
"How many times have we heard that story?" Marty asked.
"Too many," Leland agreed. "And if the usual happens, they won't have a business or anyone to run it for them. It's a fact in the business world. The heirs are not capable of taking care of what's left to them."
"In this case, their loss is our gain?" Marty asked.
"Oh yeah. You might be able to buy a small manufacturing company at a great price in another few months," Leland said.
"That's interesting. What do they make?"
"Material handling equipment. You know, small hydraulic lifts, floor jacks, that sort of thing. They have a patent pending for a really unique idea, but I think the company won't last long enough to take advantage of it, and only then if the family would allow someone to really make the company go."
Marty replied, "Stay on top of this. We can always buy the company and move it to Williamsport if it's as good as you say."
"I'll do it. Certainly we can't run it from here."
"So, do you think Dale and Craig are ready to sign on the dotted line?" Marty asked.
"Yeah. Frank has convinced them it's the right thing to do. I'll arrange for David Perkins to fly down on either Wednesday or Thursday for an interview and to meet Dale and Craig. He's really well recommended and very frustrated right now. I think we can get him to run the company with no problem. He's itching to accomplish something."
"How old is he?" Marty asked.
"He'll be twenty-eight in another month," Leland replied.
"Good. Old enough to take on the world and young enough to figure out a new twist for doing it," Marty laughed.
"You have that right," Leland agreed.
"Keep me informed. I don't know that there is anything I can do without tipping my hand, but I can certainly encourage Dale from this end."
"I don't think you will have to do that. Frank is very positive about this and I think they've agreed to do this. I think we will have a contract on this in another few days. Especially if David Perkins has what I think he has to make this a go.
"Great," Marty replied. "I think they can make a lot of money and I hope I can help them do it."
Leland didn't fully understand the relationship between Marty and Dale and Craig, but knew he needed to do everything in his power to make this go. It would certainly be another feather in his cap and his first that would directly involve Williamsport. With Marty on his side, the sky was the limit for all of them.
"I'll let you know what's going on," Leland told Marty. They exchanged goodbyes and hung up.
Frank walked in the door of the condo; carrying the large loaf of French bread Doris had asked him to pickup. The bread was fresh out of the oven when Frank purchased it and, in fact, was still warm when he handed the grocery sack to his wife. Doris was thrilled.
"I can't believe it," Doris exclaimed. "I was expecting something baked last week that would be dried up and crack your teeth."
"You should see the deli in Food Land, they have just about everything from prepared salads to desserts, including plenty of entrees. I don't think our grocery store in Arlington comes close to this place," Frank told her.
"The more time I spend in this town, the better I like it," Doris agreed.
Frank laughed. "We can always move down here and help our boys run their new computer store."
"They've agreed to the plan?" Doris asked.
"The only 'plan' that's in place is that if Leland Stanton can find the right people and get everything up running, they will be having a grand opening the day after Thanksgiving so they can take advantage of the Christmas sales."
"Wow, I thought maybe this would take until next summer to get started," Doris answered. She was clearly impressed.
Leland is flying a fellow down from Kansas City on Wednesday or Thursday for an interview and to meet the boys," Franck said. "He told us the owner of the company died unexpectedly and his sons don't have any idea how to run the business, but won't let this fellow do it either.
We've certainly heard that story before," Doris agreed. "Look at what happened to Howard Marshall."
"Yeah, poor guy worked his butt off for 30 years to get a company to grow. His greedy sons were fighting each other before he was buried and ran the company in the ground within five months. The sad thing is that they were offered good money for the company and turned it down. They ended up with nothing but a pile of bills they couldn't pay."
"Tell me more about the meeting," Doris asked.
"No surprises. The Venture Capital Agreement form is the simplest I've seen. It literally gives Leland Stanton control of the company until it's up and running and he's pretty much in control until the loan is paid back."
"Isn't that a danger to the boys?" asked Doris.
"Not really. This will be Leland's first deal to directly affect Williamsport. He has a good reputation for this sort of thing and there's never been any question about his ability to put deals together. Smith-Barney was foolish to let him go, but insisted he move to Houston. He'd done very well with some investments for Marty and there was no question of Commerce Bank hiring him. He'll do well for the bank and everyone he helps," Frank replied.
"That's great. I hope for everyone's interest that this will be the right thing for the boys to be involved with."
"It will. According to Leland, the retail sales store is just the first step. He plans to get into mail order and eventually manufacturing component parts. That's where they will really make money."
"I hope so. Do you think either will have to quit their job?" Doris asked.
"Don't think Dale or Craig would do that. However, it might be something for Joey to consider being more involved with, but he has to complete a Master's degree first to get his trust money," Frank answered.
"Knowing that kid, he will know more about the business than the person running it. After all, he's going to be involved with this from the very beginning," Doris said as she laughed.
Frank laughed in reply. "You've got that right. He's a smart kid. Nothing gets by him. I expect he will insist on working at the place as much as his schedule will allow."
Doris had been busy in the kitchen during the time she and Frank were visiting. Frank was sitting at the counter watching her work.
"Do you like this kitchen setup?" he asked.
"I really do. Craig bought good commercial quality appliances and I love this Chambers stove. I wish we had a gas stove in our kitchen."
"We can do it if you want," he said.
"I may take you up on that. It's great because you have full heat as soon as the burner ignites and it immediately starts cooling as soon as the gas is off. Electric coils take time to warm up and then hold heat too long after they are turned off."
"I'll put that on my Christmas list," Frank teased.
"Sounds like we should plan our Thanksgiving dinner here in Williamsport?" Doris asked.
"If everything goes according to the plan Leland is thinking about, the boys aren't going to have time to come to Arlington," Frank answered.
"Do you think Susan and Chuck and Becky and whoever she's dating will want to drive down here?" Doris asked.
"We'd better wait to see if we're invited first. After all this is just in a higher stage of discussion right now," Frank told her.
"You're right. I just hate for us all not to be together for Thanksgiving. After all, we have a new son and grandson to be thankful for this year," Doris told her husband.
"Yeah, who would have thought two months ago that all of this would be happening?" Frank questioned.
Dale was so excited by the time he returned to the Bar-W that he had a hard time concentrating on the paperwork he had on his desk. Up to the meeting with Leland Stanton this morning he had been very hesitant about things seemingly moving too quickly. After the meeting and listening to Leland's plan he was pumped up. Frank had done a lot to dispel his reluctance and he was no longer afraid of where this venture was going. It seemed to be on track and he had every confidence they were doing the right thing.
Craig, at the same time, was wondering about where the business could locate, even temporarily for the Christmas sales season. The shopping center that Warren Collins was building certainly could be an attractive place that was well located. There would be plenty of parking available. He wondered just how much space would be needed. He took out a sheet of paper and started making some sketches and was surprised to find that 25,000 square feet was the minimum consideration, and maybe another five to 10,000 on top of that, although the service department and warehouse could be separated to another location - or could they?
He wanted to call Dennis Masters to talk to him, but then realized that nothing could be said until they met with the fellow Leland was bringing in for the interview later in the week. What was his name? David Perkins. Craig wondered if he was married - and what he might think about working for two gay men and their son.
Then he thought about the timeframe. They could be opening the doors for the first time in three and a half weeks. The thought almost made him dizzy.
Soon both Dale and Craig were home for the delicious lunch Doris had prepared. She had prepared beef tips with carrots, green beans, onions and a rich brown sauce, almost like a stew. This was served on brown rice, along with French bread that had been buttered, sprinkled with garlic and toasted. She had also fixed a mixed-green salad with a Caesar dressing. Dessert was vanilla ice cream with strawberries that had been marinated in Kahlua.
"It's a good thing you don't cook for us all the time, or I'd have to go back to bucking bales of hay to keep from gaining weight," Dale said, laughing as he shoved his chair back from the table.
The others laughed with him.
Craig spoke up. "I agree with Dale, I'd have to start going to the gym and working out on a regular basis if I ate like this all the time."
"I'll try to have fewer calories the rest of the week," Doris told them.
Frank was sitting there smiling.
"W. when are you planning to go home?" Craig asked. Then he quickly added, "Not that we're trying to get rid of you."
"Actually, I'm taking the week off. It was dependent on this mornings meeting as to our staying for a few days, that is if we can?" Frank chuckled.
"Of course, you can stay as long as you want," Dale broke in. "What do you mean about being dependent on the meeting this morning?"
"Well, if you had decided not to go through with this, there wouldn't be any reason to stay, but I'd like to meet this person, David Perkins, myself. I'm having my office do a background check on him to see what he's accomplished and also his personal life," Frank told them.
"You mean you can do that? You can just check up on anyone?" Dale asked. He was incredulous.
"Sure. Do you want to see a report on yourself?" Frank asked him.
Dale was stunned that this information was available. "No, I don't think so. Why waste the time and money checking up on me? I'm not important."
"With computer networks being tied together, it's pretty easy to find a lot of stuff that used to not be available. It's going to be a simple routine to gather information on everyone in another few years. Anyone can see if you have unpaid traffic tickets, didn't pay child support, alimony, have big debts, a police record - you name it," Frank went on.
"What if the information is totally wrong?" Craig asked. He was about as stunned as Dale.
"You are given a chance to dispute any wrongful information. If you can prove the information is wrong, it will be expunged from your record. If not, it can remain for up to ten years before it drops from the record."
"Wow!!!" was all Dale could say.
"Our law firm uses this service all the time. We have to have access to court records, as well as information about your bill-paying habits and other credit information. We can't serve a client anymore without that being available to us," Frank told them. "We need to access databases for insurance purposes and even banking habits."
Both Dale and Craig were surprised that this information was readily available.
Dale glanced at his watch. "I should have been back at the Bar-W ten minutes ago. Mom, the lunch was wonderful. Regardless of us working out and trying to keep the pounds off, it was a wonderful meal. Thanks."
"You fellows are welcome. I'll try to watch the calories a little closer, but it's nice to have appreciative men - other than your father - to cook for once-in-a-while."
"I'll be home about regular time. I don't know what Joey has planned for after school this evening, but tomorrow he starts Driver's Ed after school," Dale told them.
"Is that every evening?" Frank asked.
"No, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4 to 5:30 p.m. I think the course runs for 25 sessions."
"I need to get back to the office, too," Craig said. "Thanks for lunch, Mom. Thank you, Dad, for going to the meeting with us this morning."
Dale echoed his thanks, too.
"The pleasure is all mine. Are you sure you can put up with your mother and me for a few more days?" Frank teased.
"I can," Dale replied, "but if you are going to stay permanently, we need a bigger house.
They all laughed.
"You are more than welcome to stay as long as you like," Craig said as he and Dale went out the door.
He and Dale exchanged good-byes in the parking lot, wanting to touch the other, but not doing so.
After gym class, Joey, Bryce, Daniel and Bret met in the area of their lockers. Daniel approached Joey. "Could I talk to you for a minute - in private?" he asked.
"Sure." Then to the others standing there, "We'll be right back."
As they disappeared around the corner, Bryce asked Bret, "What do you know about Matt? I mean he just shows up in Williamsport all of a sudden and he's got this awful bruise on his face and others on his body. Was he in an accident?"
"I don't know much about it, but I think his father beat him. From what he told me he also has a couple of cracked ribs and some nasty bruises elsewhere on his body."
"Tell me about it. I saw him when he was undressed in gym class. Not a pretty sight. And I don't think the bruises were just from being beaten. I think the kid was probably kicked when he was lying on the floor, too." Believe me, it looks awful. He had a paper from the doctor excusing him from gym, but he tried to play basketball, anyway. I think he'd be pretty good, but he got to hurting pretty quickly and dropped out.
"Oh, so you've already gotten acquainted with him?" Bret questioned.
"I'm just telling you what I saw," Bryce pointed out.
"Look, I think you know as much, if not more than I do." Bret was a little irritated because he really didn't know a lot more and didn't want to tip his hand that they had been at the same party on Saturday night.
"Okay, okay, don't get your nuts twisted up in your shorts. I just heard that he was staying with Mr. Thompson and Mr. Bryant. Aren't they homosexuals?" he asked. "I mean if the kid isn't running away from home, why is he here in our town?"
"I don't know the answer to that. He didn't tell me and I didn't ask," Bret said, being very defensive.
"Well, it just seems to me that the whole story doesn't add up," Bryce told him.
Meanwhile Joey and Daniel were having pretty much the same discussion. Joey was very closed-mouth about what he knew. He thought it was up to Matt to give anyone else whatever information he chose to disclose.
Matt arrived at Tom and Eddie's house about 10 minutes before Tom did. He was in the process of changing clothes when he heard Tom call out, "Is anybody here?"
"Yeah, I'm changing clothes, be right out," Matt yelled back.
"I'm going to do the same thing," Tom said as he came down the hallway and went into their bedroom.
A few minutes later they were both in the kitchen. Tom was looking in the refrigerator and the pantry.
"Do you want to ride to the grocery store with me?" he asked Matt.
"Sure, are we going to take the little convertible?"
"If you want," Tom answered.
"That's a cool car. I've never seen one like it before."
There used to be a yellow one here in town, but I haven't seen it for at least a year," Tom answered as he gathered up his keys and picked up the checkbook and grocery list.
As they were driving down the street, Tom asked, "So, how did the first day of school go?"
"Pretty good. Ms. Armstrong seemed to think that I qualified for AP classes and that's where I'm starting. I think I'll do okay. Some of the textbooks they use here are a lot different than the "Christian texts" we used at Mt. Olive. And, it's nice to be able to have access to a full-size chemistry lab."
"Anybody give you any problems?" asked Tom.
"No, one person asked me what happened to my face and I just said it was an accident. End of the questions," Matt replied.
"How were the teachers?" Tom asked.
"Good except for two. Mr. Korte doesn't teach his class. It's almost like a lab. We have an assignment to do, but don't get any help from him. Joey Sullivan and Daniel Pearson have managed to figure out how to make the computer run three short program routines, but it's all over my head. I think all Mr. Korte is interested in is a bulletin board that he has on his computer at home. It doesn't make any sense to me, but they said that everyone is supposed to 'login' everyday. I'm still not sure what that's all about. The computers in the classroom do have Lotus and WordStar on them and I've used both of those programs before."
"I've heard that there are problems in his class, but this is the first time I've really heard a reliable report," Tom said.
"Joey and Daniel said they would watch out for me and help me learn," Matt said.
"I don't know Daniel, but you can count on Joey. He's a great kid, just like you, and if he said he'll help you, you can count on him."
"I think he's a neat guy." Then in a quiet voice, he added, "and a real hunk, too."
Tom laughed. "Yeah, he and his older brother - or his new Dad."
"What exactly is going on there?" Matt asked. "Joey didn't really explain it to me."
Tom told him the brief version of the story as they sat in the parking lot at the grocery store.
"Come on, we need to get a few things and get back home so I can prepare dinner for us," Tom said as they got out of the little car.
Eddie arrived home as Tom was showing Matt how to dice vegetables for the stir-fry dish they were going to have for dinner.
"Hey, Matt, how was school?"
Matt gave Eddie the same story he'd told Tom.
After he told about his experience in Phys Ed, Eddie was relieved. He's already spoken to Coach Dennison about Matt's problem with cracked ribs and was pleased to know that Paul hadn't pushed him into something he shouldn't be doing. Eddie felt that Paul Dennison was his own worst enemy and one never knew what would turn him into a raging bull.
Daniel invited Joey over to his house after school and was very disappointed when Joey declined by saying that his grandparents were visiting and he thought he should go home right after school.
As Joey was leaving the building for the walk home, Forrest Ross caught up with him.
"Hey Joey," he said as he fell instep with him.
"Hi Forrest, sorry I've missed you the last few mornings."
That made Forrest feel good as he really wanted Joey to be a friend, but he also thought that he'd like to get better acquainted - a lot better.
"Yeah, I haven't seen you or your dog."
"Well, my grandparents arrived on Friday night and they're still here. It kinda changes our routine because they sleep in my room and I sleep on the hide-a-bed in the living room. I haven't heard the paper arrive the last two mornings, but it was already there when I let Mitsy out."
"How long are they going to be here?" Forrest questioned.
"I don't know. Grandpa had a meeting at the bank with my two Dads' this morning. I don't know if they will go home tomorrow, or not. We really haven't talked about it."
"Cool. Are they nice people?" Forrest asked.
"Super. Grandpa is the business manager for a huge law firm in Dallas and my Grandma is a really neat person. She's teaching all of us how to cook."
"Neat. I wish I could do more than fix "hamburger helper" and tuna fish casseroles. My Grandma can't get out of bed and she really doesn't eat all that much either. The nurse who comes in every morning to get her cleaned up and changes her bed usually fixes her lunch. Sometimes she fixes extra for me, but not often."
"My Dad. my real Dad was a pretty good cook and he showed me how to do some things. He used to have to work overtime a lot so he showed me how to fix pot roasts and things like oven-fried chicken and use the crockpot. Of course I know how to grill burgers and hot dogs, too."
"That's neat," Forrest said.
"Grandma showed us how to make homemade bread and cinnamon rolls, too. It's really neat to be able to make bread dough and do things like that with it."
"Wow, I'd never thought about being able to do things like that. Guess I always thought you just bought them at the grocery store."
"She taught us to make pies, too," Joey said excitedly. "It's really neat to roll out the dough and put it in a pan with sliced apples or cherries and bake it. And, it smells and tastes great, too."
"That's neat. Do you think you could show me how to do it?" Forrest asked.
"Well, Grandma's still here, it might be best if she showed you and I could help, too."
"I'd like that, but I need to go home and fix something for both me and my Grandma, too," Forrest told Joey. "Maybe another time," he said sadly.
"Not a prob. but I'd bet she'd be proud to help you."
"Maybe another time," Forrest said.
"I start Drivers Ed tomorrow after school and that's going to be every Tuesday and Thursday for about 3 months. Then I always have choir on Wednesday night. This Thursday is All Saint's Day and our choir has to sing for the mass at 6 o'clock."
"Are you Catholic?" Forrest asked.
"No, I sing in the choir at St. James Episcopal. My Dad, Dale, and me are taking the confirmation class and will become members the next time the Bishop visits. My other Dad, Craig, is already a member there."
Forrest was still confused about the "Dad Dale" and the "Dad Craig" thing. And Joey had mentioned his "real Dad", too. He knew that the reason Joey was in Williamsport was because his father had died. He really wanted to know more about it, but didn't know how to ask the questions. But he thought that Dale and Craig must have a "special relationship" and he'd like to know more about that - and how Joey fit into the picture.
After Joey arrived home, he played with Mitsy for a time while talking to his Grandparents. Doris was busy in the kitchen and suggested that Joey bring his homework to the counter and study there so they could visit as he worked.
"How did the meeting with Mr. Stanton go this morning?" Joey asked Frank.
"Pretty well, but we need to wait until Craig and Dale get home before we talk about it. They are the people who are going to be responsible for any decisions that are made," Frank told Joey, giving him a squeeze around the shoulders.
"Grandpa, do you think this computer store is a good idea?" Joey asked.
"I really do, Joey. This is a new market that is going to make a very big impact on the way information can be exchanged. Up to this point, every system has pretty much stood alone, but the various agencies have determined what can be made public and what can't, so they can exchange data with each other. The world is going to become much smaller and the little computers on your desk will soon have more power than all of the computers, together, that sent the men to the moon."
"Gee whiz," Joey replied.
"We're starting to hear things about "data exchange", the "world wide web" and other information that can be exchanged. There will be a lot of junk available, but there will also be a lot of good information, such as research material, that can easily be accessed by everyone. There are going to be problems with not being able to protect data that shouldn't be available, but computers are going to be the biggest jump in technology for the 20th century, just as the 'Industrial Revolution' was in the 19th century."
"I'd never thought about that," Joey replied.
"Believe me. You fellows have a chance to help determine the future," Frank told Joey.
Craig arrived home from his office about that time. He gave Joey a hug, and then demonstrated the same gesture to his parents.
Craig had caught the last of the conversation between Frank and Joey.
"Dad's right, Joey. We're going to be in - close to the ground floor. I think the sky is the limit."
They were in a deep discussion of computers when Dale came in the door about 15 minutes later. He had hugs for everyone and a kiss for Craig. It still bothered Frank a little bit to see two men kissing each other on the lips, but he was getting used to it. He knew his boys had a special and loving relationship and that was okay. It was just that he hadn't gotten used to the visual aspect of it yet.
Craig fixed drinks for everyone. Joey had completed his homework and put it in his backpack to take to school the next day. He washed his hands and asked Doris what he could to do help with dinner.
"We're having stuffed pork loin and it's already in the oven so it will be done in about 30 minutes. I'm going to make mashed potatoes and gravy so you can peel the potatoes and then get the green beans ready to cook. They will need to be washed and the stem ends pinched off, then cut into about 1-« inch lengths. We'll season them with onions, salt, fresh ground pepper and some rosemary. I have the salad greens washed and dried and the vegetables for it are already chopped."
Doris had already used the remainder of the loaf of French bread to make her favorite bread pudding dessert.
Everyone visited while the meal preparations came together and the conversation continued after they sat down to eat, with Craig asking the blessing before the meal.
As they ate, talk tuned to the question of hiring David Perkins and his role as general manager.
"I don't see how he can be responsible for everything," Craig said. "I see his job as generating business and being responsible for the products we carry. Surely he can't be expected to manage the day-to-day business operation and hiring all the personnel, can he?"
"That's a good point, Craig, certainly one that you need to talk to Leland about. If the manager is good, he should delegate authority and not have to be bothered with the day-to-day problems," Frank responded.
"Do you mean that his job should be as a business and product manager, not really running the operation?" Dale asked.
"Yes," Frank said. "At least in my realm of business. The manager should have an operations manager he can trust - and one who knows his stuff. He shouldn't have to be bothered with firing someone who is consistently late to work, or the training of employees, being responsible for the company payroll and watching the cash flow."
"You mean that we really need an operations manager-type of person in addition to a general manager?" Dale asked.
"Yes," Frank answered emphatically. "Certainly to begin with you need someone who might be called a 'business manager' who is responsible for the financial aspect of the business. That's accounts payable, payroll, insurance benefits, personnel manager and that's just a few of his duties."
"I wish you didn't have so long to go to retirement," Dale said. "I'd hire you in a minute for that job."
Craig and Joey immediately picked up on that statement, as did Doris.
"Actually, the only job I've had since college is where I am now. I went to work for the two attorneys' who founded the law firm right after I graduated from college. I've outlasted everyone as I've been there for 33 years. Both John Stevens and Blair Simmons are dead. Everyone else has been hired since I started." Frank thought for a minute. "You know that the way our pension fund is set up, I actually could retire and start drawing about 75% of my present salary right away."
"Don't forget that you also own stock in the firm, so you get profit-sharing, too," Doris reminded him.
"Yes, but under the terms of incorporation anyone who leaves the company for any reason has to sell their stock back to the corporation at the current book value. Then the other stockholders are allowed to buy it on a pro-rata basis," Frank said.
"What kind of money are you talking about?" Craig asked his father.
Frank did some quick calculations. "Probably about $700 thousand."
Craig was stunned, as was Dale.
"Would you even consider coming to work for us?" Dale asked hesitantly.
"Yeah," Joey said
"Wait a minute, guys. In the first place, an emphatic 'yes', but there is more to it than that. Your mother and I have lived in our house since shortly after Craig was born. Don't forget that Susan and Becky still live in Dallas. We have our friends and other things there."
Doris spoke up. "That house is almost too big for the two of us to roam around in. It's true that most of our friends live in that area, but we've made some good friends here in Williamsport when we've visited. Certainly we love the area. I've found some great stores and I think your Dad and I both love St. James, along with Fr. George and Paul."
Craig was clearly excited about this idea. If the three of them could get Frank to come to Williamsport and be part of their new company, he was sure that all of them would feel secure that the company was run right and might make even a greater success.
"Wow, would you and Grandpa really move here?" Joey asked. He was really excited about this.
Dale said, "I'm all for it, but there are a lot of details to be worked out and I would guess that we definitely need Leland Stanton's input on this. He may have an entirely different idea than what we've just discussed."
"I'm all for asking to talk to him again in the morning - or whenever he has the time," Craig told his family. "Dad, if you and Mom would consider it, I'm like Dale. I would have a much better feeling that someone was watching out for us and making this whole idea work right."
"Let's call Leland in the morning and see if we can have another meeting with him. I'm sure that he will be able to tell us if David Perkins is interested, too," Frank said.
The meal continued with much excitement and all kinds of ideas thrown out about Frank and Doris moving to Williamsport, where they would live and how Susan and Becky would react to the idea. Everyone had a say in the subject and by the time the wonderful meal ended, it seemed as if a casual remark had become a full-fledged concept. One that this family was willing to embrace.
Later that night after they went to bed, Dale and Craig talked about the dinner discussion, which had continued as the kitchen was cleaned up and then for the next couple of hours until it was time for all of them to go to bed.
Frank and Doris were clearly excited about the idea of moving to Williamsport and "helping their boys" in their business venture.
Joey loved his grandparents, whom he was just starting to get well acquainted with. He'd never had either "two parents" or "grandparents" and he felt that he was lucky that he'd gained both, although it was sad to lose his real father. As for the "two parents", it didn't matter that they were gay and both male. He loved both of them equally and knew he was safe from any adverse people that might cross his life. The fact that they all lived together and were supportive of each other was good enough for him.
Dale and Craig made slow, sensuous love to each other that night. Their ability to read each other as the lovemaking continued did a lot to enhance the feelings each had for the other. The stimulation each gave the other was full of assurance and love. They had become a well-oiled machine in the few short weeks they had been together; time that had great healing powers for the need of another man to share their lives with.
The fact that Joey had come into their lives shortly after they made a commitment to each other was just frosting on the cake. Dale and Craig had each other, but they had more than enough love to include Joey in their family. Frank and Doris' support added to their pleasure and ability to feel that they loved each other.
Of course, there was the Williamson family and other friends they had grown to love and trust. They could add Craig's business partner, Don Albrecht, to the list. Williamsport was a great place to live and they were ready to take on the world with a new business venture, especially if Frank was really serious about being their operations manager.
Joey was tired when he went to bed. It had been a full day for him and it seemed that his life had become busier after he moved to Williamsport. He had made friends quickly with several young men and they seemed to share many common interests, starting with Hal, Bret and Matt who shared his enthusiam for singing. He loved the choir at St. James and the opportunity to become part of it. His other friends, Bryce, Daniel, Forrest and Barry were as close as the guys he'd left behind in Houston. He wanted to get involved in Boy Scouts again as he had worked hard in that organization and enjoyed the activities his former troop provided.
So much had happened in his young life in the last month. then before he had any more thoughts, he was asleep.
Meanwhile, Frank and Doris were talking to each other about the day.
"Are you really serious about pulling up stakes and moving here?" Doris questioned.
"Only if you are, my dear," Frank replied. "We're financially secure and depending on what they could come up with for a salary for me, we might not have to touch the funds we have until I really retire."
"This is a big decision for both of us. I like Williamsport, but I don't want to intrude on the lives of our boys. They need their own space and it may not really include us. I just don't want to be in the way," Doris said as she snuggled closer to Frank.
"If I'm reading things right, the biggest obstacle to this project is that both Dale and Craig feel they don't have the business expertise to really run this operation - and I think it will eventually turn out to be a large one. They both feel like they are signing on the dotted line, then giving the money to someone else and hope the person can use it properly and not lose it all for them.
"I know I have the expertise to run this company and avoid any pitfalls that might be encountered. Sure, they need a general manger who is able to focus on the overall operation, select products, promote the company and make it grow, but that person can't do everything and make things work. He needs a person with my experience to make this work and not have to be deciding about every little thing that pops up. He shouldn't have to be involved with anything that doesn't require an executive decision. This is something I can do - and do it well," Frank said, holding Doris to him.
"I know you can do it, hon, I just hadn't thought about the possibility of us being involved in this venture. There are a lot of decisions to be made - on all sides of this issue, and I want to be part of their lives, too. Susan and Chuck will be getting married soon; at least I think that's in their plans. What if she needs my help in planning her wedding? What about Becky? She's a smart girl, but she certainly has an unstable relationship with the men in her life. Can we just pick up and move here without taking them into consideration?" Doris asked.
"Doris, honey. we don't have to make that decision right now. Leland Stanton may have plans that are totally different. But, I'd like to stay and meet David Perkins, should he come for an interview. I think Craig and Dale would be okay with that."
"I know. It's just a lot to think of."
Both of them were soon asleep, in the comfort of each other's arms.
Author's Note: Thanks for the overwhelming response to previous chapters. I have received positive replies from all over the world. My special thanks for proofreading help to Paul Daventon, who has taken time to help me catch obvious errors. Also to two other "on-line pals", Joey Tuvok and Thomas from Austin who have been giving me encouragement and their friendship the last few months.
I have to apologize for the long delay between Chapter 50 and Chapter 51. I realized the other day that the first 50 chapters were written while I was unemployed and it was my "therapy" for the frustration that I was enduring, wondering what was going to happen (or not happen) next. I love my new job and the people are great to work with, but terribly demanding and most evenings I'm too tired to sit down and try to make sense of my thoughts.
To those of you who kept hounding me about the continuation of the story - Thanks a lot. It really means a lot to me that the story has caught the attention of so many people who want to read about real people instead of an "instant jerkoff" story. (Not that I don't enjoy those myself.)
Thanksgiving weekend I moved to a new apartment in a high- rise south of downtown Tulsa. I'm on the 18th floor and have a wonderful view to the west of the Arkansas River and all the activity along Riverside Park; biking, joggers, the Tulsa Rowing Club activities and beautiful sunsets on the evenings when there are clouds. If you are interested, let me know and I'll send some of my favorite pictures to you.
Comments are appreciated and you can reach me at TulsaAuthor@aol.com.