This story contains descriptions of graphic sex between males. If that kind of thing does not appeal to you, stop reading now.
This story is pure fiction. If this resembles something that happened to you, it must have been an incredible experience. But it's simply a coincidence.
All comments are welcome: djwarner1984@hotmail.com Please donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/
-DJ
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The Inheritance Clause - 25
Dawson held Adam on his lap in the pool as they stayed in the heated water for a while. They decided they should take some time to put together some questions for Christine Larkin's interview. They reluctantly moved. They swam over to retrieve the basketball hoop and ball. They put them up onto the pool deck.
Adam got out first and grabbed a couple towels. Dawson joined him and they began drying off. The boys threw on their sun shirts. They slipped into their sandals, tossed the towels into the bin, and began heading toward the terrace.
When they got to the terrace, Joan was sitting with Melanie. Jacob and Carmen were near the entryway to the house, having a conversation. Dawson went toward Jacob and Carmen. They began talking. Adam went to talk with his mom.
"Oh, honey," Joan lamented, "Are you done already? I was going to come down and watch you swim."
"Yeah," Adam said, "We have things we need to do."
"Check this out," Melanie said excitedly as she showed him some photos, "This is the location we're going to lease."
"Nice," Adam said as he looked at the pictures.
"Oh, and when Dawson came by earlier," Melanie said, "He came up with the perfect name for our business. 'We're Kiln It!' Isn't that hilarious?"
Adam was surprised that Dawson came up with such a clever pun, given that he keeps saying he hates them. But he hid his surprise as he chuckled and said he liked the name.
"Mom, I need to talk to you about something," Adam said.
Melanie looked like she was going to try to get up to give them privacy.
"No, it's ok, Mrs. Barton. You can hear this, too. I'm sure my mom has already told you about everything," Adam said.
"Adam!" Joan reprimanded him, "What do you think I am? The town gossip?"
He put his hand on his hip, tilted his head, and raised his eyebrows at his mother.
"Really..." Adam said, "So you didn't say anything?"
"What?" Joan said, "I only told her about the inquiry... and what happened with you and poor Vickie... and what happened with your father..."
"So, Mrs. Barton doesn't know that Dawson and I are a couple now?" Adam asked skeptically as he looked back and forth between his mother and Melanie.
"Well, of course I had to tell her that," Joan said, "It was all part of what happened with your father."
"Mm, hmm," Adam uttered sarcastically.
"Anyway," Adam said, "We're interviewing someone today at lunch out here on the terrace. If you don't mind having lunch in the dining room and giving us space to meet with the candidate, we'd appreciate it."
"That's fine, honey," Joan said, "After lunch, Melanie and I were going to go look at the property and then have dinner out," Joan said.
"Mom," Adam said with concern, "Do you think it's a good idea with all the media snooping around?"
"Ah," Joan said as she swatted the air toward him, "I can say no comment just as good as anyone else."
"Ok," Adam said, "Just be careful... One other thing. I need you to make yourself scarce tomorrow morning. Vickie is coming here."
Joan's face lit up.
"Oh, honey," Joan said, "You came to your senses. You're taking Vickie back. I knew this would blow over."
Joan got all excited. Adam clenched his jaw. His breathing accelerated.
"Mom," Adam said angrily, "Listen to me... I am with Dawson now. I love him. There is no Vickie anymore. She's coming here so I can break it off with her for good."
Joan looked shocked. Melanie started to look uncomfortable. Dawson, Jacob, and Carmen heard him and stopped talking. They looked over at Adam.
"I need to know right now..." Adam said with quiet determination as he pointed a finger toward the ground.
His eyes began to water as anger swelled up in him.
"Do you love and support me unconditionally for who I am?" Adam said, "If you can't do that, then I don't know how we continue to have a relationship."
There was stunned silence as everyone looked at Adam.
"Honey," Joan said, "Of course I love you."
"Those are just words, mom," Adam said.
"Well, what do you expect me to do?" Joan said, starting to get defensive.
"Well, for starters," Adam said as he began to get calmer now, "Stop calling her 'poor Vickie'. She's just Vickie."
Joan stared at him.
"And you haven't made any attempt to get to know Dawson," Adam lamented.
Joan looked at the ground. Then she looked at Adam.
"You know what?" Joan said, "You're right. I did hope that this thing with Dawson would blow over... that you'd take Vickie back."
She looked at the ground again as everyone now stared at her.
"You're right," Joan said again
She paused and then looked up at Adam. There was a sad look in her eyes.
"It's just... everything with your father since Clayton died has been so stressful. And then this trial and everything... and then you tell me you're gay and you fell in love with a guy you met a week ago... a guy I don't even know... It's all thrown me for a loop, Joan said."
"I do love you," Joan said, "I am happy for you."
"Again, mom..." Adam said as his voice started to soften, "those are just words."
Joan looked at him for a few more moments. She planted her hands on the table and stood up.
"You're right," Joan said again, with more firmness.
She walked over to where Dawson was standing. She stood in front of him, looking into his eyes.
"Forgive me," Joan said, "I should have done this yesterday."
She paused. Adam had a hopeful look on his face. Joan opened her arms and leaned toward Dawson.
"Welcome to the family, Dawson," Joan said, "It's kind of messed up, but it's the best we can do."
Dawson smiled as he went in for a hug.
"Thank you," Dawson said.
They embraced. When Joan pulled away she turned toward Adam.
"Honey," Joan said, "I'm trying."
"Fair enough, mom," Adam said as he came toward her.
They embraced. Adam sniffled and tried to blink his eyes to clear the tears from them as they hugged.
"I love you, mom," Adam whispered.
"I love you, too, honey," Joan replied.
Melanie got up and moved toward Dawson, Carmen, and Jacob. She was gesturing her hands to signal the group that they should go. The four of them went into the house to give Adam and his mom time by themselves.
Joan and Adam finished their hug and separated.
"This is all so new to me, honey. You need to give me some time to adjust," Joan said.
"I know," Adam said.
"Listen. I do appreciate you putting me up here, but you should have time alone with Dawson. I should get out of your hair. You both need to start living your new lives. And so do I," Joan said.
"Well, Dawson and I are going to the cabin tomorrow, so we can be alone. We'll be back Sunday night," Adam explained.
"Good. You should go," Joan said as she reached out and held Adam's hand, "I'm going to go to a hotel for now. The lawyer thinks I can get the house, so I will stay at the hotel until the divorce is finalized."
"Mom, no," Adam said, "It's ok for you to stay here until you get things settled. Just give me and Dawson some space."
She looked at the ground and thought about it.
"Ok, honey," she said.
Adam nodded.
"I need to go get dressed," Adam said.
"You go, honey," Joan said with a smile.
They embraced and then Adam headed into the house.
When the group left Adam and Joan, Melanie went to the bathroom. Dawson thanked Carmen and Jacob and they left. He made his way up to his room.
Dawson looked at his hair in the mirror and found that it had dried funny. So, he decided to take a quick shower to shampoo his hair. When he was rinsing his hair, he was replaying the conversation they had with Krantz in his office. He realized he missed the significance of something that Krantz had said. He decided he would talk to Krantz about it first, before saying anything to Adam.
Dawson heard Adam come into the bathroom. He turned and came out from under the spray. He could see Adam still in his swim suit. He shut off the water and opened the door.
"Everything good with your mom?" Dawson said as he stepped out and grabbed a towel.
"Yeah," Adam said, "Really good."
Adam came forward and grabbed the back of Dawson's wet neck as he came in for a closed mouth kiss. They held it for a few moments and then Adam broke the kiss.
"Thank you," Adam said.
"What did I do?" Dawson said with a slight chuckle.
Adam took a deep breath and sighed. A slow smile formed on his face.
"I feel like you gave me the strength to confront my mother," Adam said, "We are going to have a different relationship from now on. A better one."
"Well, I'm glad. But I'm not sure I did anything," Dawson said.
Adam had a bemused smile on his face.
"I think I'm going to take another shower, too," Adam said as he started to take his sun shirt off.
Dawson moved toward his bedroom.
"Do my hair when you get out?" Dawson said.
"I should start charging you..." Adam said and then laughed.
Dawson smiled as he went into his room. He got dressed and came into the bathroom. He began brushing his teeth. Just as Adam shut off the water, Dawson decided to take the gel out and try to do his hair himself. When he was almost done, Adam came up behind him, naked, mostly dried off, holding his towel.
"You got it," Adam said, "Just that part right there."
Adam gestured to one side in the front of Dawson's hair. He watched his reflection as Dawson fixed it.
"See?" Adam said, "Gorgeous."
"Thanks, babe," Dawson said.
He turned and they kissed. Dawson pulled back and looked down at Adam's chest. He reached out and adjusted the chain around Adam's neck with Clayton's rings on it. He looked down at the spot where Adam's bruise was.
"The bruise is pretty much gone," Dawson said as he touched the area.
Adam looked down and touched the area, too. Their fingers connected lightly as they both touched Adam's skin.
"Mmm," Adam said.
"Meet me in the office. I'm going to go talk to Krantz about arrangements for my parents coming here," Dawson said as he removed his hand.
"K," Adam said.
Adam turned to go into his bedroom. His exposed plump butt cheeks were too tempting to Dawson. He gave one of his cheeks a nice, good swat. Adam jumped slightly.
"Hey! C'mon!" Adam said, "Don't damage the merchandise."
The boys both laughed as Adam continued into his bedroom. Dawson left the bathroom, through his bedroom, heading to find Krantz. As he stood in the hallway closing his bedroom door, he saw Krantz coming up the stairs.
When Krantz reached the step before the landing, he held onto the banister and stopped. He leaned down a bit using the banister to hold himself up. He took a deep breath. He exhaled and then forced himself to stand up straight as his face winced. He took another deep breath and then exhaled as he closed his eyes.
A look of realization came over Dawson's face. He turned so he was looking toward the bedroom and noisily reclosed the door. He turned toward the stairway and pretended to see Krantz for the first time.
"Ah, Krantz, I was going to look for you. I need to have a word," Dawson said.
"Of course, sir," Krantz replied as he pulled down on his vest to adjust it.
"In private..." Dawson said as he gestured down the hallway.
Dawson led him to the office. He unlocked it with the hippo figurine. They went inside and Dawson shut the door.
"I'm trying to figure something out," Dawson said.
Krantz stood there and looked at Dawson expectantly.
"Who was Clayton's lover?" Dawson said bluntly.
Krantz looked at Dawson with surprise. Dawson watched Krantz's reaction intently.
"Well, I could tell you," Krantz said with his stoic face, "But maybe it's best if that is something I don't reveal. I don't see the point."
Dawson sighed and looked at Krantz with sympathy.
"You've already told us, Krantz," Dawson said.
Krantz looked at the ground with confusion. He brought his hand up and rubbed his chin as he thought about it.
"When did I do that?" Krantz said quietly as he looked at Dawson with concern.
"This morning," Dawson said, "when we talked in your office. You said it twice."
Krantz's shoulders slumped. He looked genuinely concerned as he turned slightly and sighed.
"What did I say?" Krantz asked with concern.
"You referred to Clayton's 'relationship with Mr. Santos'," Dawson explained, "Those exact words. You said it twice."
Krantz looked defeated.
"Wait," Krantz said as he suddenly looked at Dawson with confusion, "Why didn't you or Mr. Jameson say anything?"
"We already knew," Dawson explained, "I figured it out on Sunday that Clayton and Jorge Santos were lovers. That's why we didn't react when you said it. It didn't register as new information to us. I didn't realize it until I was thinking about it just now. Adam still doesn't realize it."
Krantz looked at the floor, deep in thought.
"It's not like you to make a mistake like that, Krantz," Dawson said.
"I must have been distracted," Krantz said, "A lot has been happening these last couple of weeks."
Krantz was still looking down, avoiding eye contact with Dawson.
"You and I both know it's more than that, Krantz," Dawson said with a compassionate tone, "I know you're not well. What's going on?"
Krantz smiled slightly and then lifted his head to look at Dawson.
"I should have known I couldn't hide anything from you," Krantz said.
Dawson reached out his hand and gripped Krantz's shoulder. Krantz took a deep breath and sighed.
"I had colon cancer two years ago," Krantz said softly, "It was treated and it's been in remission. But two days before Mr. Jameson died, I got the result of my latest checkup. The cancer is back. And it has spread to my liver. It's not a good prognosis."
Dawson looked at Krantz with concern. He squeezed Krantz's shoulder.
"Oh, Krantz," Dawson said, "I'm so sorry."
Krantz sighed. His eyes began to water.
"Did they say how long?" Dawson managed to say quietly.
"I will most likely make six months," Krantz said, "but not much longer after that."
"That's why you acted so quickly to bring Christine Larkin to us," Dawson mused as he removed his hand from Krantz's shoulder.
Krantz sniffled. He took out a handkerchief and blew his nose.
"I'm so sorry," Krantz said as he tried to compose himself.
"There is no need to apologize, Krantz," Dawson said.
Krantz collected himself and stood up taller. He put the handkerchief back into his pocket as he took a deep breath and exhaled. He appeared to be back to himself again.
"I have a favor to ask of you," Krantz said, "Will you tell Mr. Ja... I mean... Will you tell Adam? I don't think I can do it."
"I will tell him when we're at the cabin," Dawson said, "It will give him time to absorb the news before he sees you."
"Thank you, sir," Krantz said.
"What can I do to help you?" Dawson said with sympathy.
Krantz squared himself and looked determined.
"Sir, you should do nothing differently. I can continue to perform my duties," Krantz said, "Please, make no special considerations for me."
"Ok, Krantz," Dawson said.
Dawson thought for a moment.
"Does Niven know?" Dawson asked.
"No, I was trying to muster the courage to tell you and Mr. Jameson first. Now that you know, I will tell her while you are at Rosemary's Point," Krantz explained.
"Ok," Dawson said.
They stood there for a moment in awkward silence.
"Is there anything else, sir?" Krantz asked.
"Oh, yes... There is something else. I wonder if you can do something for me," Dawson said, "I want to surprise Adam."
Adam got dressed. When he stepped into the hallway, Dawson and Krantz were in front of Cassie's room talking in quiet tones. Krantz had his notebook out and was writing. When Dawson saw Adam approaching, he spoke in his normal voice.
"Thank you, Krantz," Dawson said.
"Of course, sir," Krantz replied as he closed his notebook and put it into his breast pocket.
"Everything ok?" Adam asked.
"Yeah," Dawson said soberly, "My parents should be here tomorrow at 1:30."
"Ah," Adam said, "Oh, Krantz, can you arrange for a car to bring Vickie here tomorrow from her hotel? Let's plan for 9:00."
"I'll take care of it, Mr. Jameson," Krantz said.
Krantz stepped back to leave, then stopped.
"Every other Tuesday, the landscapers tend to the grounds. They've just arrived. I've told them not to use any equipment during your lunch with Ms. Larkin," Krantz told them, "They will defer mowing and trimming to this afternoon."
"Thanks, Krantz," Dawson said.
Krantz and Dawson made eye contact. Krantz nodded and then left them. Dawson held up Larkin's resume, which Krantz had given him.
"Krantz said Larkin will be here in about 45 minutes," Dawson said, "We'll have time to talk to her before we have lunch. And afterward, I was thinking we could show her the grounds."
"What about the landscapers?" Adam said.
"We won't be in their way, so it should be fine," Dawson replied.
"Ok," Adam said.
"Oh, also, Krantz will have her sign a non-disclosure agreement, so we can freely discuss anything," Dawson said.
"Great," Adam said.
The boys went into the office. Adam went toward the computer desk. He put his hand on the scanner and tapped it as he went around and sat at the desk. He was reminded that they still needed to scan the pictures in the photo albums.
Dawson took a seat at the oak desk. Dawson found a couple notepads and tossed one to Adam. The boys began going back and forth, discussing what qualities they thought they would need in a personal secretary. Then Adam started putting some questions down on paper.
The whole time they were talking, each time Dawson would look across at Adam, he couldn't help seeing the array of pictures of Adam's grandmother on the wall. They had pretty much finished with getting their questions settled when Dawson rolled his chair back. He tossed Larkin's resume so it was on top of the notepad with the questions Adam had written down.
"Hey, babe," Dawson said, "C'mere."
Dawson waved Adam over. Adam smiled and got up. He went over to Dawson. Dawson grabbed Adam's hips and started to turn him.
"Sit here," Dawson said as he moved his legs to let Adam get closer.
Adam sat on Dawson's lap. Dawson wrapped his arms around Adam's waist. Adam overlayed his hands on top of Dawson's. He leaned his head back onto Dawson's shoulder, so their cheeks touched. Adam sighed.
"I've been looking at your grandmother's pictures," Dawson whispered.
"Hmm?" Adam said softly as he looked across the room at all the pictures on the wall.
"After we scan everything, I was thinking," Dawson said, "You know those big frames you can get with all the different spaces in it for a lot of pictures? What if we take your grandmother's pictures, mix them in with pictures of your granddad we can find in the albums, and make some collages. We can probably make about 3 or 4 of them. And then, we can put them somewhere downstairs, maybe the living room, so we can enjoy them more often."
Adam was rubbing Dawson's hand as he listened to Dawson's idea. When Dawson finished, Adam tapped Dawson's hand.
"I love that idea," Adam whispered with a slight catch in his throat.
Adam's eyes were beginning to water as he turned his head to kiss Dawson. They kissed for a few moments. Adam turned back and settled into Dawson's arms after he broke the kiss. They sat like that for a few minutes. Finally, Adam let go of Dawson's hands and started to lean forward. Dawson released his hold on Adam and the boys got up. Dawson absentmindedly rubbed his stomach. Then he looked down.
"You know," Dawson said, "Niven's evil plan to fatten me up with her cooking is working. I should start working out more."
Adam looked down at his own stomach.
"Yeah, I hear that," Adam said, "Maybe we should start swimming laps in the morning?"
"Mmm, yeah," Dawson replied, "We can start tomorrow."
"Sounds good," Adam said as he picked up the resume and the notepad with their questions.
The boys left the office and made their way down the hall.
"You know, I was thinking about the artwork inventory," Dawson said, "I know it's a task we don't have to do anymore, but I think we should finish it. We really should get a handle on what we're going to do with the decor of the house, don't you think?"
"Yeah," Adam said as he slipped his hand into Dawson's as they went down the hallway, "I was thinking the same thing earlier."
They walked by the room that was now Cassie's office. The door was open halfway. They could hear Cassie on a call with someone. She saw them and waved as the boys walked by. They waved back.
"You know, you made quite an impression on Cassie," Dawson said.
"I did?" Adam said with surprise.
"Yeah," Dawson replied, "She was initially leery of you and our relationship."
They started down the stairs.
"Ah, the not helpful comments you told me about?" Adam said.
"Yeah," Dawson said, "But the tour you gave? And your mom's stories at dinner? She knows you a little better now. I think she's coming around."
They had reached the landing halfway down the staircase. Adam stopped walking. He posed with a big smile, framing his face with his hands.
"Of course she's coming around..." Adam said, "Remember? I'm adorable."
Dawson rolled his eyes and laughed.
"'I'm adorable'..." Dawson mocked him, "Where do you get these ideas?"
"What?" Adam asked as he laughed, "You know I'm adorable."
"I know you're ticklish," Dawson said as he suddenly reached for Adam's side.
"Ah!!! No!!!" Adam screeched as he dropped the notepad and resume and tried to get away.
Dawson pinned him against the banister and tickled him lightly.
"No!!! Please!!" Adam begged as he laughed and tried to push Dawson away.
Dawson stopped and stepped back.
"Well, I don't know what to call that, but it's certainly not adorable," Dawson joked with a big grin on his face.
Adam smacked Dawson's shoulder. He was still laughing.
"Don't tickle to me!" Adam tried to sound intimidating but he was laughing while he said it.
Dawson picked up the notepad and handed it to Adam. They were both giggling as Dawson bent down and picked up the resume. Dawson reached for Adam's hand. Adam took it and then playfully slammed his shoulder into Dawson. Dawson laughed and planted himself to keep his balance. They kept walking down the stairs, laughing. The boys decided they would meet with Larkin in the living room when she arrived, so they made their way there.
Niven had prepared a service cart with assorted drinks and snacks. It was unobtrusively placed off to the side as you came into the living room. Adam went over to the photo albums. He opened one and began going through the photos. Dawson went up to one of the paintings of Adam's grandmother and Camilla Santos and looked at it.
"Hey, babe?" Adam said.
"You know..." Dawson said.
The boys spoke at the same time. Then they both laughed.
"You first," Dawson said with a smile.
"I was thinking..." Adam said as he went back to flipping through one of the albums, "Maybe we can find some pictures with my granddad and Jorge. Not the obvious ones, but ones where Jorge is in them. And we can mix them into the collages."
Dawson chuckled.
"I was going to suggest we include pictures of Camilla with your grandmother," Dawson replied.
The boys looked at each other and grinned. There was quiet for a few moments as Adam flipped the pages.
"You know," Dawson said, "I don't think I saw any photos of Krantz or Niven in any of the albums."
"Hmm," Adam said, "I guess you're right. I didn't see any either."
Adam mused over it for a moment or two.
"What made you think of that?" Adam asked.
At that moment, Krantz appeared in the doorway with Larkin.
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The Inheritance Clause - 25
If you like this story, tell me: djwarner1984@hotmail.com And then donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/
-DJ