The Reluctant Mentor
By: Morris Henderson
(© 2009 by the author)
 

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

Chapter 3

Rick thought about Tom and Ann’s suggestion for several moments and then said, “I’m impressed by your obvious trust in your son’s good sense and judgment. Based on my limited acquaintance with him, I have to agree that he’s a very mature and sensible young man. I’m flattered by your trust in me after what I’ve told you although I’m afraid you’re being too optimistic. In spite of that, I accept the responsibility. It may not be easy for me at times but after more than 30 years of honoring my marriage vows, I’m accustomed to suppressing my feelings. And controlling my behavior. I just hope I can continue to do so. Todd deserves a happy future and if I can contribute to that, I’ll be pleased. You have my word that -- in the unlikely event that things start to get awkward -- I won’t allow myself or Todd to cross the line.”

Tom smiled and said, “That’s something Ann and I also discussed, as you might well have guessed. If Todd initiates something AND if you feel it would be helpful and not hurtful to him, then we would not object. Provided, of course, that you make it clear that he should seek out someone his own age for a committed relationship.

Rick was stunned. “I can’t believe you said that! Do you mean...”

“The chances are slim to none,” Tom replied. “But IF that’s what Todd wants ... AND IF you feel it would help him, then allow him the experience. Obviously, however, it cannot be a continuing relationship. Please make that clear to him.”

Rick was astonished that Todd’s parents would, in effect, grant a license for casual sex with their son. It took a while for him to reply. “I don’t know whether to be pleased or frightened by what you’ve said. It would be the realization of a dream for me. But it also increases the challenge by making it somewhat more acceptable to...” He couldn’t finish his sentence. How could he explicitly mention having sex, even though the discussion thus far was unambiguous.

“We recognize the position we’re putting you in,” Ann said. “But we’re also convinced that you, like us, have Todd’s interests in mind. And we’re confident that you will be guided by that. Why? Because of everything you’ve said since we’ve known you. Your concern for Todd is obvious. Your willingness to explain the risk was honest and courageous. Your sense of honor is commendable. We’re asking a lot of you. Are you still willing? You’re free to say ‘no’ ... now or at any time. We’ll understand. With no hard feelings.”

“I’ll try,” Rick said. “But let me emphasize. Anything that Todd and I say to each other about being gay ... or anything that we may or may not do ... I will treat as confidential. If Todd wants to tell you, that will be his choice but I will not report to you and I will explain that to Todd.”

“Of course,” Tom and Ann replied in unison.

Rick returned home filled with awe over his discussion with Todd’s parents and feeling an increased burden of responsibility for helping Todd without inadvertently saying or doing something that might hurt him.


Three weeks passed. At least once a week, he ate supper at the Petersons or hosted them for an evening meal. Rick and Todd spent most of each Saturday together, visiting museums, attending ball games, playing billiards at the Club House, and thoroughly enjoying themselves in a variety of activities. Their rapport was rapidly reaching the point where Rick felt he had won the young man’s trust, which would allow the serious conversation that Rick had been planning. The opportunity presented itself when Tom telephoned Rick on Thursday night.

“First of all,” Tom began, “I want you to know that there’s been a significant improvement in Todd’s attitude. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him so happy and at ease. He’s constantly telling us what a good time you two have together and even asks when you can come visit. Ann and I are grateful.”

“I assure you,” Rick replied, “the pleasure is mine. I don’t recall having as much fun since my own children were small.”

“I also wanted to tell you that we’re leaving tomorrow night to stay the weekend with Ann’s parents. Her father is ill; we don’t know what the problem is. The lab tests are not back yet but Ann wants to spend the weekend with them.”

“I see,” Rick said, saddened that he would face a lonely weekend without Todd’s energy to liven up his life. “I hope Ann’s father will be fine and that you enjoy your visit.”

“Well,” Tom said. “That brings me to the next reason for the call. Todd is very disappointed. He’s been looking forward to his Saturday with you. He even asked if he could stay here. Neither Ann nor I are comfortable with that. He’s eighteen and very responsible but leaving him alone for two days is more than we’re ready to do.”

Without hesitation, Rick said, “He could stay with me. That would solve the problem, wouldn’t it?”

“I was afraid to ask,” Tom said. “You’ve done so much for him but babysitting him for two days is a lot to ask.”

“Nonsense! I would enjoy it. You and Ann won’t have to worry. Todd will be happy. I suppose his grandparents will be disappointed that they don’t get to see him but, given the circumstances, they probably wouldn’t be in the mood to entertain a rambunctious teenager.”

“You’re sure you don’t mind?”

“On the contrary. I’m delighted. Moreover, I think the time is right to have a talk with Todd. I think he might be willing to open up to me now.”

“You’re too kind, Rick. I’m more than grateful for everything you’ve done.”

Todd was elated when his parents told him he could spend the entire weekend with Rick. Rick, however, had mixed feelings. Yes, he would enjoy Todd’s company. But his apprehension grew. Chances were that they would have a discussion about gay sex. That, in turn, could lead either to an awkward situation in which Todd requested a sexual encounter or to two nights of agonizing frustration as Todd slept in the guest room. Could he think rationally about what was best for Todd? Could he find the words to bring up the subject of sex? Could he then offer any meaningful advice to help Todd cope with his homosexuality, the verbal abuse from his peers, and the isolation he endured?

Rick and Todd had supper Friday night at a steak house, went to a movie, and stopped on the way home at an ice cream shop for desert. Todd had a great time. Rick only pretended to. The intended conversation about gay sex weighed heavily on his mind.

When they returned home Rick said, “I hate to sound like a parent but it’s late. We’ll have to be up early in the morning to drive to the fishing lodge.”

“Would it be all right if I showered first?” Todd asked.

“Of course. There are fresh towels in the bathroom. I’ll grab a shower when you’re finished.”

Todd walked down the hallway to the bathroom, leaving Rick sitting on the sofa ... and visualizing his young friend standing naked under the hot shower. Would he jerk off? Very likely, Rick thought as his own cock began to swell. “Damnit,” he muttered. He reminded himself of the absolute need to avoid sexual contact. Still, he couldn’t stop thinking of what it would be like to be in the shower with him.

He fought with his conscience for a long time but the mental image of Todd standing naked in the shower and stroking his firm cock dominated his mind. Long-suppressed desires awoke within him and could not be quenched. Rick’s cock responded as expected to the lascivious thoughts that were cascading throughout his brain and overpowered any hope of rational thinking. In the midst of his mental turmoil, he was startled when he heard Todd call his name. He jumped and turned to see Todd standing just a few feet away from him. A towel was wrapped around his waist. Rick’s obsessive train of lustful thoughts persisted and he immediately concluded that there was only a bare crotch under the towel.

Todd said, “I just wanted to thank you again for letting me stay here. Dinner, movie, fishing tomorrow ... it’s really great.’

After a momentary but agonizing battle with himself, Rick was able to seize control of his senses enough to stammer, “No problem, Todd. I’m happy to have you here.”

Todd noticed the man’s nervousness. His expression suggested fright, and anxiety was evident in his voice. “Are you okay?” he asked. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I’m fine,” Rick lied. “Really. I guess I’m just used to being alone and forgot for a moment that you were here.”

Todd was not convinced and he studied his host. It was then he noticed the tell-tale bulge in the man’s crotch. It surprised him. He had never thought of Rick or any other older man getting horny but immediately thought, “Why not?” Attributing Rick’s nervousness to his arousal and not wanting to embarrass him, Todd said, “Okay. I’m off to bed. The shower is yours.” He walked down the hall to the guest room oblivious to the cause of Rick’s arousal.

A few minutes later, Rick took his shower while chastising himself for letting his desires trump his resolve not to allow his feelings to interfere with his goal of counseling Todd. He allowed himself a thoroughly satisfying jerk-off while trying -- unsuccessfully -- not to think of Todd. Finally in bed, he lay awake, deeply troubled by the thought that the desirable young man was in an adjoining room. After what seemed like ages he fell asleep but not for long. He woke trembling because the disturbing dream reoccurred -- with one significant difference. Again they were cuddling naked in bed. They were fondling each other but both of their cocks were soft without any hardening response. It was as if they were both enjoying a post-orgasmic bliss. Rick was disturbed and feeling somewhat guilty. The rest of the night gave him only fitful sleep.

The alarm clock (which he had not used for a long time) blared at six. Slight disoriented, he slammed the off button and then remembered that he and Todd were going to the fishing lodge that day. He dressed and knocked on the guest room door with no response from inside. He knocked harder and called, “Todd! Time to get up.” There was still no response. He opened the door only to find the bed unoccupied but made up as though it had not been slept in at all. Total confusion overtook his mind. Where was Todd? Where did he sleep? Only when he heard the toilet flush and, moments later, the bathroom door open did he solve the mystery.

“Good morning, Rick,” Todd said cheerfully. “I’ll bet you thought I’d sleep in. No way! Can’t be late leaving for the fishing trip, can we?”

“Good morning, Todd. I’ll have breakfast ready in a few minutes. Scrambled eggs and bacon okay?”

Todd had never been fishing before so most of the 45-minute drive to the lodge was taken up by a tutorial on rods, reels, techniques, and what to expect. Todd was interested in everything the experienced fisherman had to say. Rick was grateful for the conversation because it diverted his attention from any lustful thoughts.

At the lodge, they carried the fishing tackle about half a mile upstream and found a good spot just below some rapids. Rick coached Todd on handling the rod to cast a fly out into the water. He was a quick learner. Both enjoyed the fishing although the fish were not biting. Rick’s only moment of forbidden thoughts came when Todd walked back into the woods to pee. The mental image of the teen holding his manhood and releasing a solid stream was enough to cause a stir in his loins.

They ate lunch of sandwiches and bananas while they chatted and enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors. Just after noon, the skies darkened. By one, it was raining. Rick and Todd retreated to the shelter of the lodge where many other disappointed weekend-anglers were voicing their frustrations over having their outing spoiled. An hour later, it was a downpour. When the five o’clock news came on in the television in the lobby, the lead story was a landslide that had blocked the Hanson Canyon road. An estimated 70 residents in the canyon above the landslide were thought to be safe but unable to get out until crews could begin clearing the road. The reporter said officials had told him it would be late Sunday before the road would open to traffic.

“Shit!” Rick mumbled and then said to Todd, “Sorry for the language. It looks like we’re stuck here until tomorrow. Maybe you’d better call your parents. If they see the report on TV, they’ll be worried about you.”

Todd walked across the lobby to a bank of pay phones where he had to wait in line for an available phone. Rick, meanwhile, noticed a line at the registration desk and joined it, hoping to get two rooms for the night. When he finally got to the head of the line, he asked for two rooms, preferably adjoining. “I’m sorry, sir,” the harried desk clerk said. “I have only one room left. Would you like it?”

Rick didn’t like the idea of spending the night in one room with a tempting young man but liked the idea of camping out in the lobby even less. “I’ll take it,” he said as he pulled out his credit card. “My grandson and I will just have to share a room.”

He then walked over to Todd, who was next in line for a phone. “Tell you parents we’ll be staying here for the night. We’re not stranded; I’ve booked a room for us and the dining hall will be open for meals.”

Todd grinned before stepping up to the phone. He dialed a number, got an irritated look on his face, fumbled in his pocket for a few coins, and finally said, “Make that a collect call, please,” and said in response to the operator’s request, “Todd Peterson.”

The call was short and ended when Todd handed the receiver to Rick and said, “Dad wants to talk to you.”

Rick took the phone. “Don’t worry, Tom. We’re safe and sound. A little wet from the rain, maybe but we’re fine.”

“So, I understand you have a bed to sleep in,” Tom said.

Rick immediately recognized the implications of Tom’s reference to a bed and replied, “Yes. But I want to assure you, Todd is ... and will be ... safe. I have no greater priority than to watch out for him.”

“I understand,” Tom said, adding for emphasis, “Fully. I appreciate your concern. And your efforts if you get my meaning.”

“I do, indeed,” Rick replied. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll hang up because there’s a line of people waiting to use the phone.”

With their fishing tackle stowed in the trunk of Rick’s Lexus and having no luggage since they hadn’t planned on spending the night, Rick and Todd went to their room. Upon walking in, Rick quietly muttered, “Damn!” There was only one double bed.

Todd heard it and said, “Hey! It’s not a luxury suite but it’s dry, it’s warm, and it’s clean.”

“You’re right,” Rick said, unwilling to reveal the reason for his disappointment. “We’re not exactly dressed for dinner but there’s bound to be a lot of folks like us. Let’s go get supper.”

When they returned to their room after a big meal, Todd sprawled on the bed while Rick sat in the only but not very comfortable desk chair. “I’m sorry,” Rick said. “I should have checked the weather forecast.”

“Not to worry, Rick. It’s been fun anyway. Kind of an adventure. Besides, I always like being with you. You’ve been very kind to take me places my Dad doesn’t have the time to.”

“Well, I enjoy your company, too. I look forward to our excursions when I’m rattling around my condo alone.” The comment was honest but Rick regretted saying it. He was afraid Todd would feel sorry for him and he hated to be pitied.

He needn’t have worried because Todd said, “If you don’t mind, I’m going to shower and hit the sack. I’m not used to getting up at five in the morning.”

“Go right ahead,” Rick said. “I’m right behind you.”

While Todd showered, Rick obsessed over thoughts of a naked Todd in the shower. Even more troubling was how he would control his emotions and endure the night in bed with him. Todd was enjoying the “adventure” but Rick was tormented, torn between his self-imposed duty to help a young man cope with isolation and peer taunts and his recently awakened craving for sensual satisfaction.

To be continued...

Posted:12/04/09