The Other Boys of Summer

This is a story about some young gay men and their families, and what they experience learning about gay life. Thanks to Tim Mead for all his help. Comments welcome to Cgard43@hotmail.com

THE OTHER BOYS OF SUMMER

-12-

Of course, what lay ahead of us was this dinner party at Drew's parents. I'd done a bit of research and found out that they weren't just anybody: he's very big in business and she's very big in philanthropy in town. While I was checking folks out, I looked into Eric's parents also. How about that: the same background and the same proclivities. In other words, two well-to-do families. It made me chuckle.

What had begun as just two young guys who liked each other dating had suddenly become two scions getting together. Too bad they couldn't produce children together; their parents would have been delirious. For myself, I was just very relieved that the dinner was about Drew and nothing to do with me.

My mother had called to respond to the invitation and asked Drew's Mom about the dress. She'd inquired about black tie, but Drew's Mom said that wasn't necessary. Mom kept quiet about anything else they might have talked about, even when I asked. So I was dressing in my best dark blue suit when I heard the doorbell ring. I dashed downstairs and it was Rafe.

"You've got to help me, man," he said in a whisper. "You know how inept I am about dressing." I just grinned at him. He looked hot in his tight jeans and a knit shirt.

"No, you're not; you're just not willing to trust your own instincts, but let's go upstairs and get you fixed up." We walked up to my room and as he unloaded the clothes he'd brought with him, I proved my point.

"Look here, you've got a beautiful gray suit, perfect white shirt, a wonderfully cheerful tie, belt, socks, shoes, etc. Everything's perfect, Rafe." I stopped and turned to look him in the eye. "You did bring underwear, didn't you?" He giggled.

"Of course, you idiot, I showered and shaved at home and have on clean underwear," he said with a laugh. I admit that I was laughing by then too.

Rafe dropped his jeans and indeed he had on sexy white briefs covering his large, perfect package. I couldn't help myself; I slid my hand up and down the front a few times and then goosed him up the back.

"Watch it" Rafe said, and then he kissed me quickly.

"Just checking out my property, you know. It is, isn't it?" I asked. He laughed and grinned.

"Of course it is," he answered, kissing me again and sliding his hand down the front of my pants, "Just as yours is mine." Another kiss; a little longer this time.

"But really, Rafe, why don't you trust yourself on this stuff?"

"Simple, my love," he said as he kissed me quickly, "You just do it so much better than I, and besides, I'm your boyfriend. I get to have you take care of me." I laughed at him for that remark and touched his handsome face.

"Yes, and I always will. Now, get dressed."

We assembled downstairs and then my Dad surprised me by saying he'd hired a car to drive us. I'm sure I looked puzzled.

"Hey, if they're going to serve cocktails and good wine, I want to enjoy them both and I don't want to have to worry about driving home from across town with all of you in the car. Doesn't that make sense?"

"Sure, Dad," I said, but I was starting to get just a bit more puzzled. I mean, when the boyfriend asks for help in dressing and the Dad says we need a hired car, I'm wondering what the heck is going on. How silly am I, indeed!

My Mom looked lovely. Actually, Dad and Rafe looked lovely too. I was so proud of them and I love them all so much. And so, at the appointed time, the car arrived and we all settled comfortably into the back of this big, wonderful limousine. I just couldn't figure out why I felt so nervous. I mean that's not like me.

Drew's parents' home was indeed beautiful. Not mansion huge (I'd seen some of those at work) but certainly large and very attractive. The whole entrance was floodlit as we arrived and I kind of gasped. Actually, I think we all kind of gasped.

"Here we go," Rafe said, taking my hand to help me get out of the limo. He helped my Mom next as my Dad climbed out the other side. A maid stood at the door as we entered, but none of us guys had hats, and still she smiled at each of us in turn. It suddenly dawned on me that I didn't know either our host or hostess and I turned to my Mom.

"It'll be okay, Andy," she whispered, "Trust me." And she was right of course.

Standing just to the right of the entry door was Drew. He walked over to Rafe and me and we shook hands. I introduced him to my parents, and then he drew us across the foyer to introduce us to his parents. My God, that dude has perfect manners.

Drew's parents were lovely people. They were very welcoming and they urged us to have a glass of wine or a cocktail and to enjoy some hors d'oeuvres.

We all kind of gravitated toward the bar set up at the side of a very large family room. That's when I saw Eric. A couple of adults I presumed to be his parents were with him. It looked like they were drinking some Perrier or whatever. I smiled in his direction and caught his eye. There weren't a lot of people there yet so it was easy to get his attention.

Eric appeared in a minute or two, with parents in tow. I forced myself to remember that despite what I knew they probably weren't really ogres and that I should be friendly. As if to communicate the point, I smiled and winked at Rafe.

"Andy, I'd like to introduce you to my parents," he started and then he stopped. "I'm sorry, Mom and Dad, I'd like to introduce Andy and Rafe to you; they've been great friends to me this summer while you were gone."

"Yeah," I said as we shook hands, "He was also my boss all summer." That got the laugh I'd hoped for. I didn't want to get off to a bad start with Eric's parents.

His Dad had a very warm smile, kind and cheerful. His Mom's smile looked like she'd worked on it a bit. We all said hello.

"Ah," he said, "You're Andy. I'm delighted to meet you and Rafe. I've heard a great deal about you both." I'm afraid I looked surprised.

"And let me introduce you to my parents," I said, indicating them and introducing the couples. We all smiled, but it was my Mom who made the first move.

"I think I know you, don't I?" my Mom said to Eric's Mom. They smiled at each other as women do sometimes.

"Of course, dear," Eric's Mom said, "Forgive me, I've been away all summer and have been totally out of touch." They moved toward each other as women do and hugged.

"Everything okay with the book mobile thing and the charity shop?" Those are my Mom's favorite charities.

"Yes, we're doing very well for this time of the year." The rest of us just sort of looked at each other. Finally my dad took charge.

"Guys, let's go find something to drink, shall we?" He led Eric's father, Eric, Rafe and me to the bar. I suspected that Eric's father didn't drink per se, but hey, my Dad's a great guy, and soon Eric's Dad and he each had a cocktail in hand, Eric had a beer and Rafe and I each had a glass of wine.

"Rafe, would you please take this drink over to Andy's Mom?" my Dad asked. Rafe looked a bit surprised but handed me his wine and took that drink and another glass of Perrier to the ladies.

As we talked, there were waiters and waitresses passing some of the most delicious hors d'oeuvres I've ever tasted. I had to set Rafe's glass down to taste some of them, but they were very, very good. Soon, Rafe was back, and I gave him back his wine and told him what he'd missed. He caught up in a hurry.

My Dad and Eric's father quickly got into a conversation that left us younger guys free to talk among ourselves.

"Isn't this great?" Eric asked as I watched him stare across the room at Drew. I chuckled. We talked for several more minutes and I explained about introducing Rafe to my crew pals last week. Eric thought that was a fun idea, although I admit I didn't tell him about their misunderstanding of my relationship with him.

Rafe complimented Eric on how handsome he looked and Eric blushed. His gaze remained on Drew, now standing with his parents.

"Tell me, Eric, how many more people does Drew have to stand there to introduce?" He laughed.

"I think he's done."

"Well, then, get him whatever he'd like to drink and take it to him. By the way, see if the bartender knows what his parents like and ask him to send a waiter over with those too. That would be a nice gesture." He scurried off.

"How do you know this stuff?" Rafe asked me quietly.

"What?"

"Just that. How did you know to tell him to do that?" It totally caught me off guard.

"I don't know, Rafe," I said quietly, "I'm just trying to help; I follow my instincts, I guess." He laughed, but then he whispered to me.

"As I said before, I'm so damn proud to be your boyfriend." If we'd been in a private place at that moment, I think I'd have either hit him or more likely, kissed him for a long time.

I watched Eric bring a drink to Drew, who looked at him like a guy in love, and then saw that his parents had been served as well. They all seemed clearly pleased with the gesture, and the parents then watched as Drew and Eric walked away together. The parents, I was delighted to note, looked quite happy.

A few more guests arrived and then Drew's parents moved away from the foyer and began to circulate among the guests. I watched as they had a conversation with Eric's parents and then with mine, and it all certainly looked amicable.

I had only a brief chat with Drew's father who took my hand in his and smiled at me.

"It's so good to meet you, Andy. Drew obviously thinks very highly of you." I just nodded and smiled at him as he moved on to greet others.

I'd been introduced to any number of people; many of them seemed to be family or friends of Drew's, either from school or otherwise.

"Andy, this is my friend Terry," Drew said indicating a nice looking guy with him. "He's also my roommate." We shook hands, of course.

"Nice to meet you in person this time," Terry said with a smile. I agreed and said so.

Terry seemed very pleasant but laid back. He did set off my gaydar a bit, although I don't think mine's very well developed.

"I think it's great the way you've been helping Drew and Eric," he said quietly, "They're both such great guys." I smiled and agreed.

"Drew really needed to meet someone like Eric; he'd been feeling a bit down before this summer." Now, I didn't need gaydar!

People were milling around and that led to a lot more introductions. I didn't mind of course, but I did try to keep focused so I wouldn't miss anyone's name.

A few minutes later I heard someone announce that dinner was served. I'd finished my wine so I put the glass down on a tray nearby, as did Rafe, and then we started to move toward what appeared to be the dining room. I'd been counting and finally figured out there were about twenty of us at dinner.

I'd never been to a dinner party that large so I looked to my parents who just motioned for us to follow what they did. As we neared the entrance to the dining room, my Mom gestured to a small table on the right.

Yes, there was a chart with my name, and it told where I was to sit. Rafe's was there too. Oh boy, this was exciting! That made it easy for us to find our places at the table that was confirmed by the place cards. I just love learning new stuff like this.

When we finally got seated, I realized someone had been very clever in figuring out the seating. The parents were mostly at either end of the table. My parents and Eric's were near each other though they weren't seated together, of course. My Mom was actually sitting next to Drew; I'm sure Drew will enjoy chatting with her because she's so special. Actually, I thought that was a rather unusual choice under the circumstances, since they hadn't met before, but I didn't dwell on it.

We young guys were all together sort of in the middle, and our hosts were top and bottom of a quite long table. Rafe was across the table from me and was sitting next to Eric, with an extremely lovely young woman on the other side. Only Drew, of the young guys, was absent from our section; he sat on his Mother's right.

I was seated between two guys: on my right was Terry, Drew's roommate and on my left a very handsome guy named Dave.

"I've asked our friend to say grace," Drew's mother said, gesturing to the man on her left. I didn't recognize the man, but I guessed he was their pastor.

"Heavenly father, we ask your blessing on all of us this evening. We pray for health and happiness for us and our family and friends. We ask a special blessing for parents and children and we give thanks for your bounty that we are to receive."

"Wow, what a lovely blessing," Rafe said to the young woman on his right, and then he looked at me and smiled his special smile.

"Amen," I said and winked back. Damn he's good.

From across the table I heard an interesting conversation.

"Tell me about the lunch, Rafe," Eric said, "Did you guys have fun?" I heard Rafe laugh.

"Well, considering how poor my Spanish is, I think we had a pretty good time. They obviously like Andy a lot." I was glad to hear that.

"They surely do," Eric said, "They both think the world of him."

"It really is good to meet you," Terry said very quietly next to me. "I mean that." I nodded but couldn't think of a reply to that. Instead, I asked Terry how long he and Drew had been friends and he said that they'd met in college.

"Drew's my best friend and I'm so happy for him." We both smiled and I agreed. At least now I knew what he was talking about.

"And Eric seems to be really nice too," he went on. We talked for just a few minutes about that. My take on Terry was that he was very nice but just a tiny bit slower than average. I hoped I was wrong in that first impression.

Dinner was wonderful. First there was a fantastic shrimp dish...I don't know the name of it, but it was rich and garlicky and wonderful. Then came a small steak (okay, I'm a growing boy and I could have eaten two) with some great roasted potatoes and green beans with toasted almonds, followed by a salad and then a fabulous cheesecake with raspberry sauce for dessert. There was a white wine with the shrimp and then a great red wine with the steak. Everything was delicious and I sure wasn't hungry when it was over.

During dinner, I got to talk with the people who were seated near me. Dave was quite charming in a very straight way. It turned out he was Drew's cousin and he pointed out his parents who were seated near the host's end of the table. He also pointed out his sister who was the striking young woman sitting next to Rafe. That didn't bother me.

Dave seemed very nice and told me he was entering his senior year in college at a very well known school.

"Drew tells me you've been helping him this summer," he said quietly, "Thank you. Drew's always been my favorite cousin and I'm so glad that things finally seem to be going his way. I really mean it." He sort of dropped his voice and whispered the next line.

"I was the first one in the family that Drew told. I tried to help but there wasn't much I could do. So, thank you. You've been a fine friend to him." That got a big smile from me. Then he laughed.

"Now, I wish you could help me," Dave said with a broad smile. I'm sure I looked puzzled.

"No, no, no," I said with a laugh, "I'm going back to college in a week or so and I won't have time to help anyone but me." Then I stopped.

"What do you need help with anyway? You're a very handsome and charming guy," I said in a whisper. He laughed.

"Well, you know, a guy always needs friends and maybe finding a wife," he said. Who really amused me was how he giggled after he'd said it.

"Hey, I'm not running a matchmaking service," I whispered and grinned at him, trying to keep it light. "You don't need me to find someone for you, and actually I didn't find a friend for Drew; he did that all by himself."

"But where do I...?" he started.

"Wherever you are. Work, school, church, clubs, wherever. People are out there just waiting to be met and be made friends. At least that's my philosophy; and I'm sure there are plenty of delightful women who'd love to date you. In fact, I'm sure of it." He had a great smile on his face.

Dave chuckled. "That sounds like good advice, I guess. I'll take it. Actually, I do okay on that score," he said with a laugh.

He then confided that he already had a steady girlfriend at his college, although they weren't serious enough for him to bring her home to meet the parents. I could tell then that he was a really good guy, despite being straight. So I smiled at him and he grinned back and we did a low 'high five.' I like straight guys who don't feel that they deserve to act superior.

I was amused by the response that got from Terry: he winked at both of us. I doubted that he'd heard Dave tell me about the girlfriend, and I for one wasn't going to tell him about her.

But meanwhile I couldn't resist watching Rafe and Eric across the table; clearly, they were having a good time chatting, by themselves and with the others around them. At one point it seemed like Eric was whispering but that didn't concern me. I did notice Eric glancing down the table at Drew fairly frequently, which made me smile. I tried not to catch their eyes. It was a party after all, and I am neither a controlling nor a jealous guy.

We were just finishing the cheesecake, when I heard a bell ring down the other end of the table. I looked at our host (seated near my end of the table) but it wasn't he. No, Drew's mother stood at the other end of the table with a small bell in her hand. It had startled me.

"Sorry," she said, "I always think that's rude, but it is a large room." I couldn't argue with her about that.

"We're all so very glad that you're here with us tonight," she said, "We wanted to honor our son, Drew on his exciting promotion, and we're glad you're here to share the occasion." There was very polite applause and Drew looked embarrassed. Then from the other end of the table, his Dad stood.

"But Drew wouldn't accept that we should have a party just for him; he insisted there had to be another reason." I glanced at Rafe and he smiled one of his best smiles. That's when I knew I was in trouble. I crossed my eyes and glared at him.

"You see, this has been a very interesting summer for our Drew. We knew he was bothered about some things in his life but this year he's found the way to turn the corner. And Drew insisted that this dinner had to be about the people who helped him do that. And his Mother and I were happy to agree.

"First, there's his cousin Dave who's been one of Drew's closest friends for most of his life." Dave just waved to Drew without rising.

Next, there's Drew's new friend Eric who Drew thinks is one of the best friends he's ever had, and he certainly seems to be. Thank you, Eric." There was a bit of applause and after a bit of urging, Eric stood up briefly. I couldn't see Eric's parents but I hoped they were pleased. Clearly, Eric was flattered by it.

"Then there's Rafe, who befriended Drew and Eric and helped them to find their way through the maze they were in. So we say thanks to Rafe as well." I glared at Eric as Rafe stood up while people applauded.

I glanced at my Mom and Dad, seated down the table and across from me, and my Dad winked. My Mom had those tears in her eyes again. Now I definitely knew I was soon going to be very embarrassed.

"But I'm going to ask Drew to say the final part because he feels so strongly about it." Drew stood at his end of the table and then walked halfway down the length of it in our direction.

"When I first met Eric, some time ago, we were both in a very tough place, but I saw in his eyes a look of friendliness that I really admired. Sometime later, I met another friend who helped me to reconnect with Eric and get to know him. It has been a wonderful experience this summer.

"I know that there may be other, equally difficult times in my future, but right now I feel sure I can handle whatever comes along. And for that I will always be grateful to our friend Andy who was there at the right time. He's kind and clever and very smart about things. He did everything he could do to help both Eric and me to become good friends. Andy is simply one in a million." He stopped and was standing just about eight feet from me.

"Thank you for everything, Andy. I really mean it."

Well, to say I was blown away wouldn't say it at all. I had tears in my eyes from what he'd said, but the best part was that I had Eric and Rafe across the table from me nodding to tell me that this was true. I felt the tears start rolling down my face. I looked at Drew and he smiled in his quiet, sweet and confident way, and that's when I started getting control of myself again. It took me a minute or so but I managed. Dave patted my shoulder in a friendly way, and then gave me a huge, very friendly smile. Those really made me feel better too. It also made me realize that I had to say something. So I wiped my eyes, took a deep breath, stood up and plunged ahead.

"I am absolutely overwhelmed at being given such a nice tribute in front of all of you," I said, "And I congratulate Drew on his promotion and wish him every success and happiness in the world.

"But I have to explain something to all of you. I met a guy this summer who seemed to need my help, and it wasn't Drew. The guy I'm talking about needed help finding out about himself, learning some things about life and the world, and getting his parents to understand him better. His problem was compounded because his parents were away at the time."

[I knew that was a stretch, but I wanted to soften what I was saying regarding Eric's parents for everyone's sake.]

"Now, I've been a lucky guy all my life. I have wonderful parents (I gestured to them) and they've always been there for me whenever I needed them. I've always been able to discuss anything with them and that's given me a tremendous sense of peace within myself. Like Drew, I'm also blessed with having some very good and close friends. I guess, in a way, they help me to like myself." That got the chuckle I was hoping for.

"My friend wasn't quite so lucky at that time. He didn't feel up to the challenges that life had put before him.

"It seems to me that sometimes parents don't always understand how tricky growing up can be. There are so many things to learn. So, I tried to help my new friend. It was really nothing more than that. I tried to smooth over the rough spots and let him move ahead with some of the knowledge that he needed to do so.

"That what I did brought happiness to others is something that pleases me very much, but my motive was just to help a friend who needed it. And I don't have anything more to say than that. Thank you, Drew, for your kind words and again, congratulations to you on your evening." Then I sat down.

I was surprised when people applauded. For what, I asked myself. Actually there was quite a bit of noise at that point but I tried just to keep to myself.

As we rose from the table, it was Drew's father who spoke to me first, and he walked close to me to do it. He took my hand in his.

"I say again, I now know what Drew meant when he talked about you. You really are an exceptional guy."

"No sir," I said, my voice cracking, "I'm just an ordinary guy who was trying to help a friend." He laughed, but he didn't raise his voice.

"Maybe in your view, but I see someone a lot bigger than ordinary." He shook my hand and then he smiled at me again. That was the first moment that evening when I felt honored rather than embarrassed by what had happened.

Dave shook my hand and pulled me into a straight-guy hug. "You're really good, man. Thanks." It helped me right then to laugh with him.

Eric came around the table and also hugged me, and then whispered in my ear.

"Thank you, Andy, not only for what you said but for the way you said it."

My Dad was next to stand beside me, and he hugged me and kissed my cheek as he often does.

"You always make us so proud, Andy," he whispered in my ear. I just grinned with the tears again filling my eyes. He slipped me his handkerchief, for which I was very grateful.

Drew walked over and put his hand behind my back and pulled me to him in a hug.

"I meant everything I said," he whispered, "And I hope we'll all be friends forever. Thanks, pal." That made me smile.

"You're amazing," someone said and I looked to see Eric's Dad. I tried to wipe my eyes. "You did all that for my boy?" he said, "How can I ever thank you?" At that point, it was clear that he was tearing up as well.

"You've made him into a happy guy, thank you." I smiled; you really can't speak when you're crying. I just kept trying to wipe my eyes.

Suddenly I realized that his wife was standing behind him.

"Me too," she said quietly, "Thank you. I was upset but now I'm so proud of Eric for standing up for himself." That got to me but I kept my voice at whisper level.

"You should always be proud of Eric; he's a really great guy and he deserves it." My eyes met hers and in this case, tears or not, I wasn't going to flinch.

"I promise I always will be," she whispered. And so I smiled. I knew then that we'd reached the moment for Eric to know real happiness.

My Mom walked over and hugged me, and then she whispered in my ear.

"I got to hear a lot of very nice things about you from Drew during dinner. I'm so proud of you, Andy,"

I wiped my eyes and took a sip of water. Suddenly someone touched my arm and I turned, knowing it was Rafe. My Rafe, right there for me as always. And I hope that never changes.

Before we left, Drew's mother had hugged me and thanked me as well; hell, I think everyone there hugged me. On the ride home I felt wasted.

"I never expected that," I said. Rafe took my hand and my Mom leaned over and kissed me.

"We know, but none of us could tell you, could we?" she asked. I looked at her in surprise, but just then I knew how great being loved really is. What an incredible feeling.

to be continued.