Out of the Closet
 by: Hankster

© 2012 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 5 

As they walked into the apartment after church the phone was ringing.  It was Jeff again.  Tuck hesitated before picking up the handset.  He feared something bad had happened.  Once again a stroke of fate intervened.

“Dad,” Jeff said, “May I please speak to Brian for a moment.” 

Tuck handed the phone to Brian.  “Jeff wants to speak to you,” he said solemnly.

“Brian,” Jeff began, “I just spoke to Mackenzie.  She’s not ready to talk to you…yet…but she wants me to convey a message to you.  Paul has gotten a big promotion, and they are moving to Los Angeles.  She didn’t say anything until this morning because she didn’t want to upset you and Colleen.  Now she has begged Colleen to move to LA due to the circumstances.  Colleen agreed, if my mom would come with her.  It didn’t take much convincing.  Both women are hesitant to face the public in Lake Henry because they are so ashamed.  They are making arrangements to move to LA, and should be there before the month is out.  Mac has asked you not to look for an apartment.  The houses are yours if you want them.  But the women are taking the cars, and most of the furniture, as soon as they find a suitable house or an apartment.  They haven’t decided if they’ll look for separate housing or share.  They are driving to LA tomorrow morning to look for a rental.  They may consider purchasing in the future, but for now they want to rent, since the future is so uncertain.”

“I’m speechless,” Brian said.  “I’ll let your father know and we’ll make a joint decision.”  He hung up.

Tuck had heard every word.  “What do you think, Babe?”

“I think we can sell one house and live in the other.  I can’t believe it.  It’s a miracle.  God is being very good to us for some reason.  I think Maryann and Colleen will be happier in LA also.”  All the while Tuck was talking, he was shedding his clothing.  Brian decided to do likewise.  Before they knew what hit them they were playing sixty-nine on the living room floor. 

When they had both satisfied themselves, they cuddled on the thick, plush carpet and fell asleep.  They had enjoyed very little sleep in the past twenty-four hours.  That’s how Jim and Jeff found them a few hours later.  Their sons had decided to come home earlier than usual in view of the circumstances.  They wanted to be there to support their fathers.  They too got naked and lay down on each side of the older couple.  They hunkered up to their fathers, and they fell asleep also.

Brian and Tuck stayed in Phoenix with Jeff and Jim until their wives moved to Los Angeles.  In the end the women rented separate apartments in the same high rise.  Each apartment only had one bedroom, so the only furniture they left in the two bedroom cottages in Lake Henry was the guest bedroom furniture.

Brian and Tuck refurnished both cottages, and decided to put one of them up for summer season rental.  They could actually rent for season, and get more income than an annual rental.  They asked Dan Harriman to show both cottages, and they would rent out the one that got the first offer.

Each member of the crew had lots of gay friends in Phoenix.  Michael’s law practice, and Jeff and Jim’s accounting practice, were heavily skewed with gay clients.  None of the crew was aware of the fact that word had gotten around in the gay community that Lake Henry was very gay friendly and had a growing gay population.  The word was strong enough that the first people to come to see the cottages were a gay couple, who owned a jewelry store in Scottsdale.  They were about ten years older than Jeff, somewhere in their forties, and they were Jeff’s clients.  Ken and John were so taken with the beauty of the surroundings that they made an offer to buy either one of the two cottages furnished, rather than rent.  The offer exceeded what Dan thought was the fair market value, and the offer was accepted.  They chose Tuck’s house only because it was several yards closer to Jeff and Jim, and they wanted to surprise them.  After the offer was accepted, they drove back to Phoenix and went right up to Jeff and Jim’s office.  Their fathers had already called to give their sons a head’s up.

The four men hugged and kissed, and Jeff said that he wanted to introduce them to Joey’s Place next weekend.  Ken and John laughed and said that Dan and his partner were taking them out to Joey’s on Saturday evening.

“We’ll see you there then,” Jim laughed.

Brian and Tuck could not believe their good fortune.  The house was still jointly Maryann’s, so Dan called her and she agreed to the sale.  He told her that he would send her half of the proceeds after closing.

Brian and Tuck put Tuck’s half into a joint account, and after the divorces, Brian put Tuck on his deed, immediately after Colleen was removed.

On the first Sunday after they reoccupied their Lake Henry cottage, they went to church.  They were a little fearful of facing some of the residents of the town, so they arrived late and sat in the rear.  Paul’s sermon was right on.  It concerned not making judgments which are best left to heaven, and the joy of forgiveness.  After the service they went to the social hall.  They were warmly greeted and nobody said a word to them.  It helped that Doug never left their sides.

The two men fell into a routine of domesticity.  They enjoyed their new freedom, and walked around the house naked.  They socialized with Paul, Doug, Dan and Warren.  Josie and Jason Fisher were also on their close friends’ list, but they didn’t go out with them as often as with their gay friends.  They didn’t want to wear out their relationship with the crew, and preferred if Jeff and Jim visited them on weekends.  Ken and John often joined everyone for an evening at the crew’s house when they were in Lake Henry (but not for sex.)

They completely involved themselves with the church expansion, and on opening Sunday they feared that they had not made the new space big enough.  Every seat was occupied.

Brian and tuck did not recognize most of the congregants.  Where were they all coming from?  Tuck figured Dan would know and he decided to question him about it.  He caught Dan in the social hall after the service.

“Somehow,” Dan started to explain, “we got listed in the Arizona gay yellow pages, as a great resort destination.  It started out with summer rentals, but now most new comers are more interested in purchasing or building.  My business is booming and Randy’s is going through the roof.  He and his competitors are backed up for over a year with new construction.”

“I sure hope we don’t get honky-tonk,” Tuck said.  “I don’t think I could stand that.”

“It shouldn’t happen,” Dan stated emphatically.  “First of all, there is very little land left for building, and second of all the city council has put very strict regulations and limitations on the kind of businesses that can be opened here.  You really should attend council meetings once in a while.”

Tuck looked sheepish.  “You bet I will, from now on,” he said.  “Then you are telling me that most of the newbies are gay?”

“Yup!”

“I’ve got an idea.”

The next Sunday a notice appeared in the church bulletin:

There will be a meeting of the friends of Dorothy on Sunday afternoon, July 15, at 3 PM at the home of Tucker Simmons and Brian O’toole.  Let’s get to know each other.  111 Lake Road.  RSVP  802-777-1212.

Brian and Tuck rushed home after services.  There were already several phone messages accepting their invitation, and they received several more calls a while later.  In all, thirty friends and new comers attended.  Brian and Tuck had generously stocked up on soda, cold cuts and beer.

Dan, who knew almost all of the newcomers announced that he would host the meeting the following Sunday.

“Wait, wait,” Pastor Paul yelled.  “There are too many of us.  Why don’t we use the social hall at the church.  We could all chip in three dollars a week.  One third of the proceeds could go for the rental of the hall, and the remainder would go to cover the cost of food.  We could place a standing order with Rosie.  All I would ask for is a committee to set up, and clean up afterwards.”

“We’ll all help,” someone yelled. “Let’s pony up now.  Tuck this was your idea.  Would you please collect for next week’s meeting.”

“Glad to oblige, and while I’m doing that, if anyone wants to go skinny dipping in the lake, Brian and I will provide the towels.”

About half the guys stripped in record time, throwing their clothes on the sofa.  The others said they had to leave, but would love to skinny dip next week, if the guys who lived on the lake would invite them over.

“The lake is open on Saturday and Sunday at 151 Lake Road,” Michael yelled over the din.  Then as an after thought, he yelled, “Grab-assing is allowed.”  Jerry groaned.

Everyone wanted to stay and help clean up, but Brian and Tuck insisted that everyone should go home.  Only their next door neighbors, Ken and John, and their sons, Jeff and Jim, refused to go.

“You know Dad,” Jeff said, “that was really ingenious of you to think of  getting all of us together.”

“Well son, I guess my ingenuity factor grew quite acute during all those years that Brian and I had to figure out ways to be together.  Now we don’t have to do that anymore, but I don’t want my thinking process to atrophy.”

“Well, keep up the good work.  On behalf of the Lake Henry gay community, I salute you.”

Here, here,” Ken said.

That evening, after the last of the swimmers left, and they were alone , Brian wrapped his arms around Tuck.  “Do you remember something you said to me when Jeff told us he knew all about us?” Brian asked. 

“No. What?”

“You said that even if we didn’t miss the love part of being gay, we missed the emotional part.  You know what I mean, having gay friends and being part of the gay community, the camaraderie and the socializing.”

“Yes, I do remember saying something like that.  I guess it no longer applies.  I kinda like being out of the closet.”

“Me too, “ Brian said.  “It’s strange.  I loved Colleen.  I’m sure I still do, but I don’t miss her as much as I thought I would.  Our lives together are so rich.  It’s enough for me.  I’m very content.”

“I feel the same way,” Tuck said.  “I sure would like it if you fucked me right now.  We’re getting older and pretty soon, we might not get hard enough.”

“I’d be delighted to fuck you, if you’ll oblige me also,” Brian said.

They were experts now at delaying their orgasms.  They fucked each other back and forth until Brian could no longer hold back and his huge cock gushed his jism high up Tuck’s guts.  Brian stayed inside his lover until nature forced him to fall out,  When Tuck reentered Brian, he held nothing back.  Yelling to Brian, “I love you,” over and over again, he came, screaming his lungs out.

The next morning, Monday, they were eating breakfast in the nude when the phone rang.  “Brian is that you?” a familiar voice said.  “It’s Tom Hawkins.”   Tom was the CEO of World Wide Consulting, Brian and Tuck’s old firm.

“I tried Tuck first,” he said, “but his phone was disconnected.  I hope he’s all right.”

“Oh yes, Tom, he’s great.  You might as well know that we are both divorced.  Tuck sold his house and he moved in with me.  It saves on lots of expenses.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be.  Trust me.  It’s for the best.  But to what do I owe this pleasant surprise phone call.”

“Well, buddy,” Tom said, “I’m glad to report that we have more work than the regular staff can handle.  But the work load spikes and we don’t want to put on more permanent staff.  I was wondering if you and Tuck could help us out with a little consulting work now and then.  You’d be well compensated.” 

Brian was shocked.  Michael’s failed idea was becoming a reality even though it was no longer needed.  “Tell me more,” he said.

“Do you remember Jenkins Manufacturing in Flagstaff?  They’ve got some problems, and they specifically asked for you and Tuck.  When I told them you had both retired they were very disappointed, but I told them I was pretty sure I could lure you guys into helping them out.  What do you say?”

“Let me speak to Tuck and we’ll call you back within an hour.”

“Good.  I told the guys at Jenkins that I’d give them an answer this morning.  You could go up tomorrow morning and probably return Thursday or Friday evening if it’s convenient for you.”  Tom hung up the phone.

“Did you here that?” Brian asked.

“Yes.  Why didn’t you say yes immediately?”

“I thought maybe Paul and Doug could take a few days off, and relive their honeymoon in Flagstaff.”

“Wow.  That is such a good idea,” Tuck said.  “Look, you call Tom back and tell him it’s a go.  We’re going even if Paul and Doug can’t.  I’ll call Paul, and tell him that they have to let us know by this evening, because we’ll be leaving before dawn tomorrow morning.”

To be continued...

Posted: 09/14/12