THE WHITE HOUSE
Chapter 4
Nothing much changed in Cal's life during the next two years. He had sex with Henry less and less often. He spent most of his time between semesters at Mc -Donnell Douglas plants talking with designers and working on the shop floor alongside production workers. He still attended the odd White House party, and frequently was accosted by the president for discussions on his progress. Tab Moore was now also a frequent partner in conversations on the requirements of troops with regard to transport. Glimpses of Dido were rare. Elise told him that Dido tried to miss parties where he knew Cal would be.
"He always looks sad when he sees me, and whenever Tom brings you into the conversation Dido looks near to tears. Cal, you need to think seriously about future relationships. I think you have a fine man in Dido. He would be loyal and true to you, whether you were in his bed or halfway round the world. All you have to do is recognise how important love should be in your life. I can't imagine mine without Robert and I know both of us would be devastated if one of us strayed."
Cal looked at this sister who was wise beyond her years, realising that he did miss Dido, and didn't really miss not screwing Henry every day at college. The holidays were long, but he realised sex didn't feature in them. Was the tumultuous and frequent sex he had enjoyed with Henry just a release after the constraints of the army?
All of these thoughts were going through his mind when Elise announced the date of her wedding. Robert was going to have his best friend as Best Man but asked Cal to be senior usher. Out of courtesy, Elise invited the president and was dumbfounded when he accepted. Tom accosted her in one of the white house corridors and told her.
"You are not to worry. My security chief is going down to talk with your parents and all the security concerning me will be carried out with minimum fuss."
What a marvellous coup for this `country hick', in her own community it would elevate her and her family to the cream of local society.
The parents were so proud of their son and daughter.
The grand day arrived and Elise was delighted that a White House protocol adviser worked with the parents to integrate the president into the proceedings without any disruption. Everybody had to be in place on time was the only consideration, no one being allowed in after the president.
Tom loved the informality, and Anakin was almost mobbed by all the girls. The four aides were nearly as popular, but it was Dido who stole the show for Cal. He was dressed in a silver grey morning suit with brilliant white silk cravat, held in place by a huge emerald stud. His grey top hat was the icing on the cake, until he took it off, and then his gorgeous light brown locks took the show, with his incredible green eyes captivating everyone he talked to. Cal had chosen to be less formal and wore a midnight blue tuxedo with matching bow tie and cummerbund. His jet-black hair and imposing physique made him a picture of lust as well. Invariably the two men bumped into each other at the reception. Both men looked sadly at each other realising that they were missing each others company.
"I think we need to talk Dido."
Dido nodded and they wandered off together away from the crowds.
"I miss you Dido. I realise that sex without love soon loses its appeal.
"I guess I had the chance to learn that during the years you were in the army, Cal. That was why I was so uncompromising two years ago."
"If you can forgive me, I would like a second chance. I've never stopped loving you and now I know I can live up to your standards. I think I'm ready for that monogamous relationship you set so much store by."
Dido's face lit up like a Christmas tree as he lunged at Cal, took him in his arms and planted an incredible kiss on his lips before moving back far enough to whisper.
"There is nothing in this world I would like more."
Another kiss followed to be interrupted by a cough nearby. They pulled apart to see Anakin grinning all over his face.
"Dad is leaving now in Air force One, but you guys can stay if you want. He'll allow a charter back to Washington on Sunday night."
Dido blushed, Cal grinned.
"He's staying, we've got two years to make up for."
Cal was holding Dido as he said it.
"Does that mean we won't have to put up with the hangdog look of the last two years?"
That was enough for Cal and Dido to relax and grin at the president's son.
"I guess we had better come back to the house to say goodbye then."
The exchanged look was enough to sustain these two young men until they could retire to Cal's room.
"Sorry it hasn't changed much since I was a school boy, I guess I've not slept here enough to do anything about it."
Dido grinned and just bounced on the bed.
"This is the only part of this room I'm interested in."
"Good, but as it's my room, I bag being the top."
Cal said it with a huge grin on his face.
"You can be anything you like as long as it's with me."
And that was how it was.
Cal finished his degree and decamped to McDonnell Douglas. He and Dido had an even more disjointed relationship, but the one constant was their continued love for one another and their constant monogamous living.
Cal designed war machines, often discussing power requirements in Washington with Tab Moore and his father.
Tom served his second term, during which time Dido took, and passed the bar exam.
Cal's next very pleasant surprise was when Dido met him from work one day and took him to see a superb house in the suburbs, with swimming pool and tennis court. The four car garage with servants quarters above looked bigger than the house Cal was brought up in.
"What are you doing here, I thought you were in Washington. I've just engineered a flight to Washington for Friday to spend the weekend with you."
"Cancel it in the morning and spend it here with me instead."
"Where."
"Here, in this house. You see, I've got an appointment with a legal firm in town to join them as a junior partner and Dad says we can't get married but this is a wedding present to the two of us."
Cal couldn't believe it. The house was more like a mansion, stood in its own grounds, loads of privacy and inside, stupendous.
"While we were furnishing it I should have consulted with you Cal, but I so wanted this whole thing to be a surprise for you."
Cal laughed, grabbed Dido and started to dance him round the room.
"I don't mind at all Lover. I'd live in a wood shed as long as I can curl up with you every night."
Reality was that Cal had developed good taste in many things during his time as Tom's protégé and his special treatment at McDonnell Douglass, initially with Tom's influence, but very soon on his own merit. He knew that the house had been expensively furnished, but it was not fussy, clean lines, no clutter, much like Cal would have done if he had the money.
The party that set the tone for their life was Cal's 30th. Anyone that had any doubts about the relationship of these two men soon had them dispelled. It was held at their home with a V.I.P. guest list and the speech Dido gave made it clear that Cal was his soul mate and lifelong partner, as if all their friends, one ex president and the C.E.O. of McDonnell Douglas didn't know that already.
THE END
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