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
-7-
Church that Sunday was fine; actually it was better than fine. I got quite a lot out of the sermon and found the pastor very well spoken. Rafe and Drew got to meet for the first time. I was very impressed with Drew in church. He escorted Eric and went out of his way to introduce him (and us, come to that) to the people at the church that he knew. Before the service started, I got to talk to Drew about a few things
"How long have you been coming here?"
"Ever since my parents let me come home from that awful conditioning session. They're very devoted to their church and I thought maybe I could make them understand about me if they knew that there are good places like this church that accept people like me.
"I actually got my Mom to come to service here one time. It wasn't a holiday or anything and I promised we'd sit in the back, but it was the camaraderie that won her over. You know, people greeting each other, chatting, being friendly and all that. She liked the sermon that day too, though she declined to go to communion. I went by myself and when I came back she patted my knee and told me with a big smile that she thought I was a good boy." I confess that made me laugh; it was somehow so Dickens like.
"She was also amazed at how many people were here that day," Drew went on, "Though I did explain that some of them are not gay." Then he chuckled.
"She didn't even go nuts when a couple of guys in front of us kissed and hugged each other during the 'sign of peace' as I was afraid she'd do." I just smiled, understanding what he meant.
"It was shortly after that my parents both told me again that they loved me and accepted me as I am."
"That's wonderful, Drew," I said, "I am so very glad for you."
Meanwhile it seemed to me that Rafe and Eric were whispering, though I shouldn't feel bothered by that. I asked Eric to change seats with me so I could sit with Rafe and we could go to communion together. Eric grinned but I noticed he took Drew's hand in his when he sat down again and held it through most of the service.
Once the service started and they did the Sign of Peace, I got hugs from Rafe, Eric and Drew and a very attractive woman who was sitting behind us. I felt the warmth of the congregation's very friendly atmosphere, just as Eric had reported.
Drew and Eric went to communion together and Rafe went with me. The blessing was incredibly good, delivered by a very small but very knowing young woman. She made it clear that she was blessing us both as individuals and as a couple if that's what we were. I can't remember the words, but I walked back to my seat still holding Rafe's hand and feeling incredibly good.
I said a prayer as I always do and then Rafe took my hand again.
"That was beautiful, wasn't it?" he whispered and gave me a great smile. I just nodded as I felt the tears well up in my eyes. I always feel so good being with that guy.
Brunch was even better than church; it was spectacular. We all had Bloody Mary's to start. Then it was one of those huge buffet type things and I got to try so many things I'd heard of and wondered about: smoked oysters, smoked trout, real caviar, all kinds of cheeses, chilled asparagus in a wonderful mustard sauce, kiwi fruit, mango and the most luscious desserts. I tried not to make a pig of myself, but it was just so tempting to try all these things that were new to me.
And, everything was delicious. I also felt like I didn't need to eat again for at least two days.
The conversation was also very nice. Drew explained that he had graduated from college three years ago, that he was an accounting supervisor for the company he worked for and that he had a good-sized staff. He said he really liked his job and felt he was doing quite well career-wise.
Rafe explained to Drew and Eric about his summer job with the computer company. I knew it was his favorite thing to work on and he gets so excited when he talks about it that it's quite contagious. Besides, I'm always so proud of him.
Meanwhile, I'd come to believe that Drew was indeed a great guy and maybe just what Eric needed. But I didn't know for sure, of course.
When the check came, we all reached for our wallets.
"Don't bother guys," Eric said, "Your money's not good here. This goes on my Dad's bill, and I already cleared it with him so don't worry."
"Really?" I asked. He just nodded in a way that told me he didn't want to talk about it any more.
We all said thank you and headed for the door, but Rafe pulled my hand asking me to stay behind.
"This is so cute, I have to tell you," he whispered. "Eric asked me if he could practice sucking my cock!" I was surprised, but he laughed.
"Oh, Andy, for God's sake," he said with his sweet smile, "Of course I told him no and that he'd have to figure it out on his own." I chuckled.
"That's when he told me he knew I'd say because you already told him the same thing, didn't you?" I nodded. Remember, though, Rafe does have a devilish streak. He lowered his voice even further to a bare whisper.
"But I did tell him that if he really wants to learn to be good orally, he should try to persuade you to suck him off, because you're the best." I was stunned into silence for about fifteen seconds until Rafe and (up ahead) Eric broke out into gales of laughter. I could feel myself blushing.
"What's this all about?" Drew asked in his sweet way.
"Nothing," I said, "It's these two trying to stir up trouble. Ignore them." But I couldn't ignore either Rafe or Eric. Eric looked so happy, but Rafe didn't.
The next week, Drew and Eric went bowling again, but went home separately. They did, however, stop in at the bar where Fred works. To Eric's surprise, both Fred and Don were there as customers and they remembered him. He was very pleased and glad to be able to introduce Drew to them. He was almost joyful that he now had friends in the 'gay world.' I couldn't help but smile when he told me about the incident.
Later that week, Drew came out of the office to chat with me again.
"I'm so glad you helped me reconnect with Eric. I really think the world of him. He's also hot, if you know what I mean!" I grinned at him and he blushed.
"No, I mean it, but I feel so awkward about approaching him about...well, you know."
"You mean sex?" I asked. Now he smiled.
"Guilty," he said. "I've not had lots of experience but I really do care for Eric and I'd like to be with him that way." Now I couldn't help but laugh.
"Look, pal, I'm on Eric's side in this whole situation but I will tell you that he likes you too. From what he told me, you turned the whole 'spend the night together' decision over to him, right?"
"Yeah," he said, "I didn't want to push." Again my brain said 'good guy.'
"That was very good of you. I don't think Eric's had that much experience either so I think it's good that you guys are taking it slowly.
"Do you live alone?" I asked.
"No, I have a roommate, but he's gay and of course I have my own room."
"Well, in my experience it's usually best just to be straightforward. When are you and Eric seeing each other again?"
"Tomorrow," he said. "We thought we'd just go out for a couple of beers. Why?"
"Instead of doing that, buy yourself a six-pack, rent a movie and suggest to Eric that the two of you just go back to your place. Oh, and you might want to work that out ahead of time with your roommate. I can't say for sure whether Eric will decide to have sex or stay over because that's his decision to make. This just opens the door."
"Of course I can do that," Drew said, "Why didn't I think of that?" I just smiled, but I resolved right then and there not to tell Eric about this conversation.
The weeks were moving along, both for when I finish my summer job with the lawn crew and when Eric's Mom and Dad would return from their cottage. I sat down one evening and tried to figure out if I'd told Eric all I could.
I knew I'd taken care of the social part, the dating part, and hopefully even the sex part. What I hadn't dealt with very effectively was the parents' part. What kind of a tutor was I?
I had another brainstorming session with Rafe the next evening, trying to figure out what, if anything, we could do to further prepare Eric for his parents' return. We were at Rafe's apartment.
"Look, Andy, you found a loophole so that Eric's not going against his parents wishes about dating, and you've assured yourself that Drew is a nice guy and worth dating. The only real issue is whether Eric's Mom goes nut-so when she finds that her son is happy and quite well adjusted instead of the way he was at the start of this summer, right?" I couldn't argue with what he'd said.
"That reminds me," Rafe went on, "Did Eric ever tell you just how he'd cleared the whole brunch thing with his Dad?" I laughed.
"Yes, he did, and it was just old fashioned honesty. What he basically said was 'Dad I've met some nice friends and would like to take them to the club for brunch. Is that okay?' His Dad asked if they were guys and Eric said yes. He said his Dad actually chuckled.
"Sure, son, take them and have a good time. Enjoy yourselves," His Dad had replied.
"Well, Andy, that doesn't sound like a guy who wants anything but the best for his kid," Rafe said, "It also sounds like a vote of confidence in his son's ability to host friends at brunch. That's really very adult you know."
I nodded.
"I think we may need to call in a big gun to help with the parents problem," I said quietly. Rafe looked puzzled but didn't ask.
"Meanwhile," I mused, glancing at my watch, "I wonder if our boy has gotten laid tonight?" I chuckled as I explained to Rafe about the 'beer date.'
"I hope so," Rafe said, "Wouldn't it be great if they actually got together."
"Well, don't forget, Eric has to go back for another year of college; Drew's stuck here at his job I suppose. You know how difficult long distance dating can be."
"Well, we did okay with just getting together every couple of weekends when we were separated, didn't we?" he asked. We'd done that for a year and a half before he joined me at the university. I smiled and was rather surprised when he moved toward me and put his arms around me.
Having been with Rafe many times while we dated, I knew his amorous skills very well. He rather stealthily moved me to the couch and we made out. This was something we hadn't done for a while.
Some months ago, we'd come to think that we needed some space so we could find our way in the world. That was not my idea, by the way.
Making out with Rafe is just about the best thing ever to me. Oh yes, I like sex, but the intimacy of touching, holding and kissing is still just about tops.
"Oh God, Andy," he said very quietly, "You'll never believe how much I've wanted you and for how long. I just couldn't tell you."
"What are you talking about?" I asked in a very surprised voice, "Why not, Rafe? I've loved you since forever and I thought you knew that. So, why couldn't you talk to me about it?" He got a very serious look on his face.
"Why?" he repeated softly, "Most of all it was because we don't come from the same place, Andy. Your family is educated, successful and sophisticated. My parents aren't. My parents couldn't even manage to stay together. I know how some parents feel about guys like me. I wasn't sure your folks would ever want me in your family, and it scared me enough not to even want to try."
"Oh, Rafe, that's...."
"That's why I went to see that counselor." His voice had dropped now to a bare whisper, and I'm sure I looked surprised, because I was.
"I didn't know about that."
"I know," he said quietly, "I only went for several months until he convinced me that I was just erecting a phony wall between us that served no purpose. He convinced me that I was worthy of being your boyfriend as well as your best friend. But by then I was so embarrassed at what I'd done that I couldn't find a way to explain it to you." He was almost weeping.
I was dumbfounded and didn't know what to say.
"Interestingly, it was Eric who helped me see the way."
"What do you mean?" I asked. This was sounding very serious.
"Well, Eric's so open and honest about his feelings; he doesn't hold anything back. I've never been able to be that way before. But, I decided that I owed it to both of us to just tell you how I feel. So, here I am; I love you and I want you, Andy." Now, that got my attention.
"You're an idiot, Rafe," I said, pulling him toward me and enjoying a long, sensuous kiss. He simply ignored what I'd said.
"I mean you..." but Rafe interrupted me again.
"And I must add this," Rafe said after the kiss, "Seeing how hard you're working to help Eric just added another dimension to how much I both admire and love you." Then it was my turn to laugh, which was stifled by the long kiss that followed.
"Oh crap," I think I said. I didn't need a commentary on my good deeds. I needed him.
When we'd moved away from each other for a moment, I couldn't help adding my part.
"Thank you," I said, "That's very sweet. Now, for the record, I love you and always have." He grinned at me then.
"Do you remember the night you told me that one day my parents would simply ask me to bring my boyfriend home for dinner?" I asked. He laughed and nodded. Actually, he giggled, which is something Rafe seldom does, but I suspected that it was the release of tension from his earlier statement.
"Well, today my Dad asked me, 'Andy, when are you going to bring Rafe over for dinner? He seems such a nice lad.'" Rafe almost fell off the chair but picked himself up and kissed me in a way I have seldom been kissed.
"But does he know?" Rafe asked.
"Oh yes, Rafe, he knows. I couldn't hold back after all this stuff with Eric. I thought myself a total hypocrite, and so I told my parents all about me several weeks ago. They were wonderful about it, by the way. And they rather quickly guessed so I admitted that I'd dated you." Rafe's eyes hadn't left mine so I had to go on.
"So he really did ask me to bring the boyfriend over...at least I hope you meant what you said that way."
He swooped (I'm not sure that's a word, but it works in this context) me into his arms and kissed me like for good and always, and I couldn't have been happier.
Many minutes later, I found myself in bed naked with Rafe. Obviously I wanted to be there. I love him, and there we were, and I don't think I'd ever been more excited before.
After many more rounds of kissing and a bit of oral play, I was surprised when he rolled a condom down over my cock, rubbed on some lube and then positioned himself over me and carried some more lube to his ass.
He grabbed my hard-on and started to insert it into his hole. This was something Rafe and I had never done before.
"Are you sure you want this?" I tried to ask, but he had already positioned the head at his hole and quickly pushed down to take the first inch or so. Then he stopped as a look of pain crossed his face.
"I want it," he said, "But slowly." After a short time he began moving down on me again. He moaned as the next couple of inches went in and stopped again.
It was probably five full minutes before he got the full length of me into him, but when he finally took the last inch and felt my pubic hairs touch him, he stopped and smiled at me. His face looked so excited that it kind of startled me.
"Fuck me now," he whispered, "I want it so badly, Andy." I told him to roll toward the side so we could change positions. We did it while keeping my hard pole deep in him. I raised his legs to my arms, leaned forward to kiss him, and then began stroking in and out. His first somewhat pained noises changed quickly to moans of delight. He had a huge smile on his face.
His body was so hot, it was driving me wild, and as I stroked further into him, he started moving back to meet me. He continued to moan in pleasure the whole time. I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep from coming quickly. I tried to slow the pace, but his ass muscles kept grabbing me and it was making me crazy.
"Oh, God! You're so hot!" I whispered, abandoning any hope of delaying my climax. I was pistoning it in and out of his hole quickly, and I couldn't help myself.
I called out that I was going to come as I plunged as deep as I could and felt it start its almost volcanic eruption deep inside the latex sheath. He kept squeezing his ass muscles against me, and I could feel myself throb deep inside him. Then I felt his hole clenching around me, and that's when I realized that he was coming too - all over his chest and abdomen.
"Oh, yes! Oh yes," he said, pulling me toward him and thrusting his tongue into my mouth passionately. We kissed and kissed, me still pretty hard and still deep inside him. A couple of minutes passed before he spoke.
"Do me again, now. Please, Andy." he asked.
"I don't know if I can," I said in a weak voice, raising up and making my penis flex inside him.
"Oh yes! Oh please!" he pleaded as he started squeezing his muscles against me. It didn't take much of that action before I was fully stiff again.
Soon, I was filling him again with deep strokes, and he was going wild. He moved back onto me just as much as I stroked into him, and brought me to a second, fantastic climax in just a few minutes. Just as amazing was that when I reached down to stroke his cock as I neared the finish line, he came in my hand.
"Oh, my God, Rafe. You're unbelievable," I cried as I shot another load inside him.
We remained in this position for quite a while longer, until I helplessly felt myself begin to slip from him.
"No," he whispered, but I couldn't stop it. I smiled at him as I went into the bathroom, and when I returned I found him in exactly the same place. I'd brought a warm, wet washcloth and cleaned him up carefully and with light kisses.
"Oh wow," he whispered as I lay down next to him, "Nothing's ever been as wild as that. You're so damn good."
"I love you Rafe," I said quietly. Our eyes met and I remembered what Eric had said that day: "You can't lie to sexy brown eyes like his." But his eyes still seemed to show a question.
"I love you in every way possible, Rafe, and will for as long as you'll have me." Then he pulled me closer and kissed me again. Before I closed mine, I saw tears in his eyes.
After we'd cuddled together for a while longer, my curiosity got the better of me.
"Rafe, what brought that on? I never even knew you liked to bottom."
"I've never done it before," he said quietly and pulled me closer to him. "But I knew that I wanted that with you so I've been practicing with an 'Andy-sized' dildo so that I'd be ready when the time was right."
"What?" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry so I did neither. I just kissed him again. What an amazing man; I was just speechless.
We talked for a long time then, mostly serious, about our relationship and other things as well. We both regretted the time we'd wasted, but as I pointed out, if it made Rafe more sure of himself about me than maybe it was worth it.
It was an unforgettable time for both of us. And then we cuddled before dozing off to sleep for the rest of the night. Wow, what an evening!
to be continued.