Plaquemines Parish

By: Pee Jay
(© 2009 by the author)

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

Chapter 5

I didn't say much to Mom. I gave her a quick cordial smile and went to my bedroom; I was very disheartened at the ruined prospect of Dave's visit. I lay in my bed with my face in the pillow and began to examine my situation and what it would take to make it better.

If I can't see Dave and I have to be here all alone, then screw it. Christ, I've been beat up, harangued at work, and then there was Kris trying to force himself on me. And I'm going to hang around here for more of that? I didn't think so.

I have to get out of here, this isn't working for me and there's no indication that things will change anytime soon. And Dave, what about him? I wasn't ready to talk to Mom about being gay and what would that accomplish anyway? It wouldn't change a thing.

Mom had a boyfriend now, or at least someone who was interested in her; she would be fine. There's every reason to leave, get out of here, and save myself; anywhere would be an improvement. The sooner I could work it out, the better off I would be.

As I walked to work, I began to weigh the various aspects of leaving. Actually, it would be running away; I would be a runaway! That sounded pathetic in and of itself. I wondered if the cops would track me down and return me to my life of hopelessness and disappointment. There was only one way to find out.

But Mom, dear sweet Mom. She would likely be concerned. Hell! Out of her mind, is probably more like it. I would have to compose a note that assured her everything would be okay. I would have to convince her that I could take care of myself and remind her that she wouldn't have me as a burden any longer. I thought that leaving her behind would be the hardest part of it. I didn't want to cause her any undue pain or distress, and that would be the tricky part—trying to convince her I would be fine.

If I were going to go, it should be soon, so I can get settled and enroll in school … wherever that ends up being. One thing is for sure … I am definitely going to finish school. I will not be a dropout stumbling along life's byway for the rest of my years.

I came upon the downed tree that Kris was sitting on that night we had our run-in so I sat down to call Dave. I took my phone from my pocket and turned it on; I wanted to hear Dave's voice and talk to him about his aborted visit; 'well-sabotaged' seemed more accurate. I missed him terribly and would have to settle for the sound of his voice if I couldn't see him. There was a message from him, asking me to call; that was my intent, so I did.

His mother answered and, after saying hello and asking how I was, told me to hang on. I told her, "Fine," but I wanted to say miserable and call her the B-word for her part in killing Dave's visit. I was pretty sure it was something she said to Mom.

There wasn't any trouble to be had around here unless you call wanting to be with Dave trouble. I wanted that more than anything, but I would settle for talking to him; that would have to do for now. I don't know why, but when I'm with him everything is great, settled, and nothing else seems to matter.

"Hello," he said.

"Hi, Dave, how's it going?"

"It would be better if I could come visit. What happened?"

"I don't know. I think it must be something your mother said to mine. That's the only thing I can think of," I told him.

"Like … what would she say?"

"Did she say anything about finding us in bed or something like that?"

Dave thought for a minute and said that his mother probably did say something along those lines, and it made me cringe. That meant that Mom knew about us. She knew about me! Oh, God. Now I absolutely have to get out of here. How could I face her?

"I think I'm going to get out of here. I had a confrontation with Kris after work recently."

"What happened?"

I told him about the incident, and he said he felt bad about it. I told him not as bad as I felt and now that Mom knew or suspected me of being gay, that was all the more reason to make my way out of here.

"Where are you going to go?" Dave wanted to know. "I want to see you again. Val, this isn't some stupid crush I have; I care about you. I was going to come and see you even if I got in trouble."

That really made me feel good to hear him say that. I had the very same feelings and it made me want to be with him. I knew it was right for both of us.

"New Orleans," I said. "It's a big city and I should have no problem finding a job. I'm a waiter now and making good money. I know how to smile and flirt with the women, and the guys that show interest are good tippers, too."

We both had a laugh over that.

"Val keep your phone on; will you? I hate not being able to talk to you."

"I will as much as I can. You know Charlie doesn't want us taking calls at work, so I turn it off. "Hey!" I said, looking at my watch. "Speaking of work … I have to get going or I'll be late. I'll call you tomorrow; okay?"

"Okay. I miss you."

"Miss you, too. Talk to ya later."

"Later, sexy."

Well that didn't go so bad. At least I know he still cares, and man do I ever miss him. I miss him so much. Dave lives in New Orleans so that's where I'm going. I'm going to see Dave and be with him! Maybe I can get in the same school he goes to. I felt like I was walking on air the rest of the way to work.

That night it was business as usual. We weren't terribly busy and I had time to think about leaving; how I was going to do it and what to mention in the notes I left for Mom and Charlie. I wanted to make my getaway as soon as possible so I could get settled and see Dave.

In the morning, I had toast and coffee with Mom. I couldn't look her in the eye and was feeling fidgety and nervous. I was in the process of deceiving her and hated the way it made me feel. I had never lied to her outright. Oh, sure, there were the little white ones; the ones that don't matter and spare the person hurt. But this was different, this was deliberate deception. I didn't like the feeling at all.

As I watched her eat breakfast, I was beginning to feel guilty. Not guilty enough to call it off, but guilty just the same. I asked her to drop me off in town on her way to work. I told her I wanted to put some money in the bank. What I really wanted to do was buy a bus ticket to New Orleans for the next day and cash the paychecks I had accumulated. Between my tips and the paychecks, I had almost two thousand dollars and I thought that would be plenty to live on until I found a job.

On my way home, I called Dave and told him my plan. He thought it was a little crazy now that it was actually going to happen. I told him he wouldn't think it was crazy if it were him beaten up and harassed and stuck in some shack in the middle of nowhere. He wanted me to call him as soon as I was in New Orleans, and I agreed. I was beginning to feel the tide of emotions that comes from being close to him, and it was enough to keep me going.

When I got back to the house, I packed a change of clothes in my pack and the extra uniform Charlie gave me. After closing, I planned to change into my clothes and leave the uniforms along with a note next to the front door for Charlie to find in the morning. I wrote the note in my room and put it in the bag with my other uniform. The note said I would contact him when I got to where I was going so he could forward my last paycheck. I thanked him for all the nice things he did for me and especially the job, and I apologized for the short notice; I hoped he wouldn't hold it against me. I mentioned the beating and incident with Kris again along with all the crap that I took at work as reasons for leaving. I skipped the part about Dave in the likely event someone asked him if he knew where I went.

Then, I packed my things up and went to hang out at the pier until it was time for work. I had a quick swim in the gulf and took up my position on the pier. As I lay there, taking sun, I was spread out on my back wishing Dave were there to lie on top of me so I could kiss him, and feel his presence and weight on me. The night we spent together on his boat seemed like such a long time ago.

Steve and Mike's boat pulled into the marina a few hours later, and I saw Steve walking toward the marina. He was shirtless and wearing a bathing suit, I was turned on by the sight of his body. His light brown hair and the soft thin hair on his legs glistened in the sunlight. His long legs widened perfectly into his round butt. The shadow of his beard was sexy, too, he was all male and cute as hell in a grown up sort of way. On his way back, he spotted me and came to the end of the pier to say hello. He stood over me and I looked up the loose fitting leg of his swimsuit. I could see his hairy crotch and had a sudden urge to touch him.

"Hi, Val, how are you?"

I remembered the dream I had about the two of them and became embarrassed, but tried not to show it. I couldn't resist another look up his bathing suit and admired what he had in there. I was starting to get hard so I sat up and took off my sunglasses to get a good look at him.

"Good, thanks, how are you guys and where have you been?"

"We went to Corpus Christi to visit some friends. Is Dave still here?"

"Nope. They went home a few days ago, but I'm leaving tomorrow to visit him in New Orleans."

"Nice, how long will you be staying?"

Now I had to lie or maybe give him half the story, which was better than lying.

"I'm not sure; I haven't bought the return ticket, yet."

"How are you getting there?"

"By bus, I just bought the ticket today."

"And when do you leave?"

"Tomorrow."

"No kidding! You can ride with us if you want. We're going home in the morning."

"To New Orleans? Is that where you guys live?"

"Yeah."

I told him again that I'd already bought the ticket, and he informed me that I could get a refund when I got to town. It sounded rather enticing, the ticket was sixty dollars, and I liked the idea of getting my money back. I asked him how much he would charge me for the ride to the city, and he said, "Nothing." I insisted on paying something, so he said I could buy lunch.

I figured that couldn't cost more than ten dollars per person, and less for me, so I agreed. He wanted me there as early in the morning as I could make it, and then we would leave. I gave him my cell number and we said goodbye. I told him it was time to go to work, and he said they would be in for dinner later, as he walked away.

Work went well and the night was uneventful. Mike and Steve came in for dinner, like Steve said, and Mike was real nice. He said it was perfectly okay with him, and they were glad to have me along. I thanked him and said I would be at their boat early the next morning.

I helped Marla with the dishes after closing and said goodbye to Charlie when we finished. Little did he know it would be a long while, if ever, until we met again. I hated to say it and I hoped my note would explain well enough that he wouldn't be upset with me. Before I left the restaurant, I took one more look at Charlie to fix him in my mind's eye and asked the Lord to look favorably on him; he was a good guy and deserved all the best.

It was hard to fall asleep that night knowing what morning would bring. I went from tears for the uncertainty of what may come, to anger from what had happened, and all points in between; my thoughts were all over the place. It seemed like forever but eventually I fell asleep.

The next morning I had breakfast with Mom. When she finished eating, she said, "I have to get going, honey; give me a smooch."

We rose together and I wrapped her in my arms. I pulled her warm, soft bosom to me and said, "I'll always love you, Mom."

"Where's that coming from?"

"It's just a feeling, Mom. Ya better get going, 'little lady', or you'll be late."

She chuckled and kissed me on the forehead. I stroked her arm as she pulled away. I walked her to the front door. Before she opened the door, I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind and kissed her on the neck and said, "I love you Mom."

She turned to look me in the eye and smiled. Then I watched her get in the car and drive off. I wasn't sure when I would see her again; one thing I knew for sure … I loved my mother and would let her know that I was okay as soon as I could.

It didn't take long for me to gather my money and necessary belongings into my pack. I sat at the kitchen table and composed a note for her. By the time I finished, I was leaking tears all over the place and had to freshen up again in the bathroom. I started down the road toward the marina; before our shack was out of sight, I turned to have one last look at it. I bid it a silent farewell, thinking of Mom, then turned to go; I hoped that she wouldn't worry too much. I knew things would work out for me; hell, I would dig ditches if that's what it took to make it.

I placed my uniforms and the note in a paper bag by the front door of the restaurant with Charlie's name on it. As I walked to Mike and Steve's boat, I saw Mike on deck waving at me. I gave him a half-hearted wave and smile as I approached and wondered if I was doing the right thing. I tossed my pack on a bench after I climbed on board and gave Mike a hug, thanking him for the ride. He squeezed me hard, and I loved the feel of it. It wasn't a sexual hug; at least not for me it wasn't; it felt warm and reassuring and safe.

Steve came up from below and said, "Hey, what about me?"

I laughed as he approached and gave him a hug, too. I lowered my head a little and, with my lips, pulled on some hair sticking out of his armpit. It must have tickled a little bit because his upper body twitched and he giggled. I pulled away from him because I was starting to get hard and didn't want to deal with all that it entailed.

"I'm ready to cast off, skipper," I said to neither one of them in particular.

"Aye, matey. All landlubbers ashore ere hold yer peace or yer knickers," Mike said in his best cockney accent, and Steve and I laughed with him, not knowing what the heck he was saying or meaning. After we were underway, I went around to the bow and lay down, resting my back against the cabin wall with my hands behind my head. I closed my eyes and pictured Dave without his clothes. God, I missed him something awful. I could see his almost black hair against his tanned olive skin with his white teeth and his warm brown eyes and long lashes. I thought 'girls eyelashes' and laughed, but it wasn't really funny; they made him look sexy and inviting; the vision of him was dreamy. I drew my feet up toward my butt and started rubbing my crotch with one hand and my chest with the other. I kept my eyes closed and envisioned Dave's naked body then spread my legs wishing he were between them.

"You want some help with that?"

I bolted upright, startled by the intruder's words. It was Mike. I looked away with surprise; I had been busted for acting on my fantasy. I could feel the heat in my face.

"Hi, Mike. Who's driving?" was all I could think to say. I was embarrassed as all get out to say the least.

"Steve's' piloting; mind if I join you?"

"Nope, make yourself comfortable."

Mike sat down resting his hand on my thigh. I was uneasy with the situation and wondered if I was supposed to have sex with him or Steve or whatever in payment for the ride. It's true I had an erotic dream about them but actually doing it was something altogether different. I was a little scared and began to tremble slightly with anticipation.

"Don't worry, Val. You're safe with us,” he said as he removed his hand.

"Is that how I have to pay for the ride?"

Mike laughed and slapped my thigh lightly then put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into a firm embrace. He messed my hair with his other hand and chuckled. I loved the feel of his strong arms around me; it really did make me feel safe and secure. And Mike was quite the hunk, anyway, with his athletic frame and clean cut good looks. Yeah, Mike was a hunk; there was no question about it.

"Mike, can I ask you something?"

"Shoot. It doesn't mean I'll answer, but fire away."

"Do you love Steve?"

He was quiet for a few moments. My head was leaning against his right tit with his arm still around me. I cocked my head to look at the expression on his face. He looked surprised by the question and I wondered if I overstepped my bounds.

"It's okay, Mike. You don't have to answer. It's none of my business."

"I don't mind. You caught me off guard with that. The answer is … yes; I love Steve more than anything in the world. I would do anything for him and he feels the same way. Why do you ask?"

"I don't know. I was curious; that's all."

I rested my head against his chest again. I liked his answer; it was what I wanted to hear. I knew I loved Dave, and now I know two other guys who love each other. There was Charlie and Bill, too. I knew by his answer that I wasn't crazy or alone or screwed up. I was relieved and a lot more sure of myself after Mike's response. I was sure being with Dave was the right thing to do.

"Do you love him, Val?"

That caught me off guard but I didn't have to give it much thought. I just nodded my head and felt a little stupid, but I do love Dave. I wasn't sure what to say, but it seemed like Mike understood me and it felt good to tell him. He tightened his grip for a few moments, and I put my hand on his knee; he felt big and strong and protecting; he felt good.

I was overcome with emotion and my eyes began to get moist. I hated myself but I couldn't control it. I didn't know if I was being sentimental because I was running away, or because I loved Dave, or maybe I was just a big baby. The last thought made me snicker and cough as I blinked a couple tears away.

"Hey, what's wrong there? Are you okay?"

He tightened his arm around me and squeezed a little. It felt great and I slipped an arm behind his back and rested my head on his shoulder. Even though I loved Mom, he felt better than she did; he was strong and confident; and of course he was a hunk of a guy, which didn't hurt. After a short while, I saw his dick move in his bathing suit, so I eased myself away from him and said, "Thanks Mike. I feel a lot better now. Do you have a problem?" and I nodded at his crotch.

He chuckled and rearranged himself, and then he said, "It's not my fault. You're a very attractive boy; I mean very attractive."

"I'm not a boy, Mike."

Mike laughed and pushed me away from him, "Go blow your nose and help Steve make lunch.”

"What if I'd rather sit in your lap?"

It seemed like a little taunting could be fun.

"Get out of here, you little shit," he said with a smile, so I did. And for the moment, everything seemed to be in order and make sense.

Steve said there was sandwich material in the fridge below and told me to get started. I guess I won't be buying lunch after all and that's good, I can save the money. He cut the engines and said he would be there in a minute as soon as the boat came to rest. I had them all made on paper plates with a handful of chips before he came below. He passed them to Mike, then I brought the drinks up. I had three beers with me.

"Ah, excuse me, little man, but aren't you underage?" Mike asked.

"Oh, my God, not you too! I can't believe it, Mike. I just ran away..." I choked on those words as I realized what I was saying.

"I mean that's what Mom calls me, and I call her 'little lady'." I prayed that would explain away my hasty remark.

My eyes darted between Steve and Mike to see if they picked up on my incomplete statement. I wasn't aware of it, but the look on my face must have finished the thought because they gave each other a knowing look, then stared me down. I pretended as though nothing happened and sat at the table taking a bite of my sandwich. I looked down at the top of the table and cracked the pop-top on my beer. Mike reached over and took it away. I gave him a putout look since my mouth was full and continued chewing.

They both sat down at the same time like they were joined at the hip or something; neither one of them taking their eyes off me. It was nerve wracking. Are they going to eat or what? I looked up and smiled at them and Steve grinned back at me. Good! One down and one to go.

I took another bite and gazed at Mike. He was sitting there like an alabaster likeness of a Greek statue, rigid and sexy as hell. Well, actually a tanned alabaster Greek statue, but his stare was cold and hard; one might say heartless. Who does he think he is? God or something? Why is he beating me up with those looks? Not very nice; not nice at all. The thought made me laugh and I regretted it. Whenever Mom gets mad and I laugh, it sends her off the deep end; she gets infuriated, and I hoped Mike wasn't the same way.

It was quiet for way too long, and I couldn't stand it any longer. "Well?" I asked.

"Well … what?" Mike mimicked with a stern face. He still hadn't touched his plate.

"I don't know. You got a … problem … or something?" I inquired very tentatively.

Mike slapped the table with an open palm and pointed his index finger at me; his face was red hot. The sandwiches jumped, the chips flew, and the beers fell to the deck, the open one rolling around and leaving a frothy trail behind it. That scared the shit out of me, and I leapt back in my chair. My eyes narrowed on him as I tried to figure out what his problem was. Then I had a sudden urge to laugh, but I stifled it successfully. I looked at Steve and he raised one eyebrow—no smiles this time.

I looked down and said, "What are you going to do? You can put me ashore … now … if you want; it's not a problem."

"You're goddamn lucky I don't put you over my knee. You misled us, you little shit.”

"If I'm a little shit, what does that make you?"

Fuck him! Mr. High and mighty. Who does he think he is? He's not my father, or my conscience for that matter. If he wants to get into name-calling, I can do that, too! Fuck him and the boat he rode in on. I can swim to shore from here; no problem. I wished Dave were here to help or just make me feel not so alone. Why do I have to go through this shit by myself?

Mike rose out of his chair and paced around in a circle stroking his hair with one hand. He was muttering swear words under his breath as he looked up with open palms.

I said softly to Steve, "What's his problem?"

"I think you know," he came back just as softly.

Mike went below still talking to himself and shaking his head. I stared at Steve hoping he would break the impasse.

"Steve, take us to shore and let me off. I'll get out of your hair."

"Val, I've only seen him this upset a few times. I suggest you go down there and talk to him if you don't want to be turned in when we get to town."

My appetite was shot and I certainly didn't want to be turned in. My sandwich was only half gone and I was numb. My own mother never gave me this much trouble. And I guess—to be honest—I never gave her this much cause for excitement. I had to convince Mike to relax and settle down; breathe in, breathe out, and don't turn me in; be cool. The last place I wanted him to go was to the cops or whomever they turn you into, and then home again. Why the hell can't I get a break? It's so simple; all I want, is to be with Dave, get a job, and graduate; is that too much to ask? Apparently so.

I went below, "Mike? Where are you?"

"I'm back here in the Stateroom."

His voice was muffled and low. I walked to the back of the cabin and pushed the door open.

"Can I come in?"

"Enter."

I walked over to the bed and sat on the edge looking at him. He was sprawled on his back looking at the ceiling. I sat on the edge of the bed and touched his arm. "Mike, are you okay?" I asked.

"No!" he said and pulled his arm away.

Jesus Christ! Did he have to be so abrupt? What the hell is eating him?

"Mike, come on. You can put me ashore now if you want. It's okay. I'll be fine."

"You little shit. You knew what you were doing all along, didn't you?" He was right. I deceived him the same as I did Mom and Charlie. My big mouth—or should I say, my dumb mouth—gave me away, but I can't take that back now. I have to make this work out in my favor.

"Mike, please don't turn me in. I can't go back there; please. I'll jump off now and swim ashore, but I'm not going back."

He didn't say a word; he was still shaking his head from side to side and facing away from me. He mumbled something I couldn't understand.

I scooted next to him lying on the bed and put my arm over his chest snuggling up to him, propping my head up with one hand. I asked him to be quiet and listen. I told him about the ambush with the threats and innuendos that were made, the bruises, my ribs, the concussion, the whole bit; the probing with the branch in my butt, and Charlie's car scaring them away. I told him about the derogatory comments at work, the pushing, shoving, and verbal abuse. I mentioned our shack and our situation just so he knew where I was coming from. I told him about Kris and his attempt to have sex with me, and finally, I told him about Dave and how much he meant to me.

I told him I loved Dave and was going to be with him. I told him he could turn me in, do whatever he wanted; it would be nothing more than a temporary setback, something to overcome. I told him to do what he thought was best for him, and I would do the same for myself; I meant every word of it and intended to make it happen, even if he turned me in. I hadn't come this far to give up now.

When I finished making my case, I watched him for some kind of reaction. I was hoping that would soften him up. Whether or not it did, I still had my agenda and more than ever, was resolved to make it happen. I mentioned once before that I'm not a quitter and I'll be damned if I'm gonna start now; no way in Hades.

We put into port in New Orleans, and the tension was still in the air. Mike had been quiet for the balance of the trip saying very little, mostly talking to Steve. I cleaned up the deck where the beer spilled. I thanked Steve and gave him a hug. He was so nice and soft and sexy and a good guy, too. He reminded me of Mom with his softness, caring, and easy-going manner. I thanked him and squeezed him again. He was a lot more sympathetic than Mike.

I went below to retrieve my pack. I fished thirty dollars out to give to Mike before I said goodbye. On deck, I stuffed the thirty dollars in the waistband of Mike's swimsuit. I thanked him for the ride and wished him and Steve good luck. I asked him to wait until tomorrow to call the authorities if that was what he was going to do, and left.

I was half way down the pier to the marina when I heard footsteps running behind me. Mike twirled me around and said, "Where are you going, you little shit?"

"Fuck you. I'm not a little shit," I almost yelled as I pulled my arm from his grip and started walking away.

I was pissed and sick of being the brunt of his self-righteous attitude. Who the hell does he think he is anyway? He should try being me for a while; that would cure him or shut him up. He may be a hunk, but his 'bedside manner' is unrehearsed at best. He can go screw himself with his lofty ideas or morals or whatever the hell he draws on to justify his attitude. Fuck him … AND his big-ass boat!

"I'm talking to you."

"Mr. Fucking Important!" I said loudly and shook my head as I walked away.

"COME BACK HERE, VAL."

I didn't look back and didn't want to give him the satisfaction that I cared about what he had to say, mostly because I didn't. I guessed that guys like him were the reason guys were called dicks in the first place. How could I ever have thought otherwise?

I walked toward the parking lot and came to the stairs leading down to it. I sat down trying to think of what to do or where to go next. Hell, this place may as well be Europe or Antarctica or Oshkosh as far as that goes. I chuckled at the last thought; at least I knew where Oshkosh was; it was close to home. Well, my old home in Wisconsin, anyway, and that was a world away now. It was late afternoon and I had to figure something out; I had to find a place to sleep, but where could I go?

I turned my cell phone on to see there were messages from Mom and Charlie. I sighed at the thought of having to call Mom. Then I would have to listen to her plead and beg and, I'm sure, listen to her cry. I wasn't up for that so I turned it off.

I felt a hand rest on my shoulder. I looked up and it was Steve; then I turned my gaze straight ahead. He sat down next to me and said, "Val, why don't you consider coming home with us for the night? You don't have anywhere to go; do you?"

"No, I don't, but what about Mike? He's acting like super jerk; he's being a dick."

Steve laughed and hung his arm on me. Geez, I had to admit that the nearness of him felt good and reassuring, comforting even. I wanted to wrap my arms around him so bad, I thought he was a lot like Mom—the way he wasn't pushy or headstrong like Mike. He pulled my head against him and said,

"Val, Mike wants you come home with us. This town is no place for a kid to be on his own."

"I'm not a kid, Steve."

"Okay. But come home with us while you try to figure out what you're going to do."

"Are you going to turn me in or call my mother? If you do, then I'll be on my way now."

"We don't know your mother or where you live. We don't want you on the streets, so stay with us until you can figure something out; okay? Mike is an attorney and he thinks about all the bad stuff; things like us being gay, and you staying in our house. You're a minor according to the law, and a runaway. We can get in big trouble for having you stay with us."

I liked what Steve said, and I liked him as a person; hell, I could see myself having sex with him if it weren't for Dave. I decided to accept his offer. If Mike got weird then I would just leave. I would get out of there if that's what I had to do; there was nothing to lose so I accepted his offer.

Steve went inside and brought Mike out with him. I stood up and looked Mike in the eye to gauge his mindset. He was impassive and neutral as he returned my gaze evenly. We got in Mike's car and drove to their place in silence, which made for an uneasy ride.

I was starving when we got there but decided not to say anything. They showed me to a spare room and told me to put my things away; then they went to their room. I looked after them in the short hallway. They disappeared into their bedroom and I could hear them talking. Their voices were within earshot but I couldn't understand what they were saying.

I put my pack on the floor and lay down on the bed. The sun and the fresh air from the gulf had been tiring, not to mention the events of the day. I pulled my phone out of my pack and turned it on. Mom had left another message and it made me feel miserable. I pulled a pillow out from under the comforter and rolled on to my side, turning the phone off. I wished Dave were here and curled up with the pillow, imagining it was him as I clutched it and fell asleep.

The next morning there was an eerie silence in the house. I fell asleep in my clothes on top of the bed the night before. I sat up in bed and looked around. It was strange being in someone's house, not knowing what I should be doing or where I was. I knew I was in New Orleans, but where exactly was I? I had no idea.

I went downstairs and found the kitchen. There was a note from Mike and Steve on the counter. They wanted me to call them when I got up and they left both their work numbers. I decided to call Steve first; he was much easier to talk to.

I dialed the number and the receptionist answered, "Miles, Davis, and Brown, Architects; how may I direct your call?"

"Steve Brown, please," I said.

Two rings later and Steve answered, "Hello, this is Steve."

"Hi, Steve; it's Val."

"Just a minute. I have to close my office door. I'll be right back."

I wondered what he had to say that was important enough for him to close his door. When he came back, he asked if I slept well, and I assured him I did. I apologized for falling asleep without talking to him and Mike. He told me to get something to eat from the fridge and clean myself up in the bathroom. I told him I wanted to call Dave and he said to go ahead but don't leave the house. We were going to have a talk when they got home from work. He made me promise to call Mike, and we hung up.

I called Mike at work and he answered his own phone; he seemed to be in a good mood. I apologized to him for yesterday, and he apologized to me, too! That was a little confusing, coming from him, but nice to hear, all the same. I guess I would have been upset too if someone misled me like I did him. He told me not to be too nosy around the house, and I told him I would respect his property. We hung up on a good note, and I felt much better about the whole thing.

I was starving to death having eaten only half a sandwich all day yesterday, so I ate all the leftovers in the fridge and was still hungry.

I went upstairs to get my cell from my pack, then I called Dave. Three rings later, he answered the phone.

"Dave, is that you?"

"Yeah, Val?"

"It's me. I'm in New Orleans. I miss you."

"That's great, where are you? I want to see you."

"I don't know," and I laughed. "I'm at Mike and Steve's house and I don't know where that is. They're at work and told me not to leave the house today."

"Is there some mail or a magazine with their address somewhere?"

"Um, yeah, I think so; let me go downstairs and look."

As I was heading downstairs, I was describing their house to Dave. It was beautiful and everything looked so expensive I was afraid to touch or sit on anything.

"Yeah," I said. "Here's something with Mike's name and address. It's the Legal News and they live on Magazine Street."

"Oh, my God! That's only a few streets over; we live on Prytania."

He asked me for the house number and entered it on his computer. It turns out we were only about a twenty minute walk apart. He said he lived in the Garden District, and Mike and Steve were in the Lower Garden District. Dave said he was coming over, and I asked him to bring some food. I told him I would pay him back when he got here, and we hung up.

I unlocked the front door and went upstairs to get cleaned up. When I finished, I sat on the front porch waiting for him. I was a bundle of nerves but in a good way. I thought if I had to pee I would probably do it in my pants, I was so excited, thinking about seeing him. God, it seemed like the longest time since we saw each other.

As I waited, my phone rang; it was Mom calling from work. I took a deep breath and decided to answer. I didn't want to, but I owed her that much—and probably more—I was sure she was worried beyond reason.

I answered it with a low voice, "Hello."

"VAL, WHERE ARE YOU? I'M GOING CRAZY."

"Mom, take it easy. I'm okay; everything's fine; calm down."

"Where are you? You have me worried sick, and I can't sleep. Val, come home."

"Mom, relax. I'm fine. I'm going out looking for a job tomorrow; don't worry; okay."

"It's not okay. I want you to tell me where you are right now."

I told her I was in New Orleans and she kept insisting I come home. I didn't mention anything about Dave, or she would surely be able to track me down, and I most definitely didn't want that; as much as I loved her, I wasn't going back. I told her I would call her tonight at home, then I told her I loved her, and she started crying. Well, I couldn't handle that, so I said my battery was running low and I would call tonight. She was still crying when we said goodbye making me feel like crap. I wished she wouldn't be so emotional, for Pete's sake.

Dave was running down the sidewalk and I spotted him half a block away. There was a wrought iron fence around the yard and the gate required a code to get it open, so I stood in the yard waiting for him. When he got to the fence, he hopped over it as gracefully as a gazelle. We wrapped each other in our arms and started kissing and tonguing each other's mouth as we laughed between his panting.

He felt so good and so right and so natural in my arms. I was overcome with joy to see him and hold him and pull him close. He was every bit as good as I remembered; it was like having your dream come true.

"I missed you so much, Val," he said as we hugged.

I almost cried as I hung on, he felt so good and I missed him something fierce. I want this guy and I'm not letting him out of my sight again. This is my Dave, my reason to be here.

It was a great feeling. I'm sure, now, more than ever, that I love him and want nothing more than to be with him. I knew he felt the same way and could only hope that we could work it out. I would do whatever it took to make it happen. I want to belong to him and him to me.

After our greeting, I ushered him in the house. He was looking around the place in awe marveling and commenting on the furnishings and decor. I shoved my hands down the front of his shorts and grabbed his short leg, but it didn't stay very short for very long; neither did mine. As I felt him up, he became hard as concrete. I led him upstairs to the room I used last night, and we stripped in no time flat.

He pushed me on the bed and began poking my stomach with his hard dick, and I pushed mine into him, loving the feel of him against me. We thrust into each other kissing and moaning and grunting. We were both close to release when he stopped and sat up on my legs. He hooked the front of his T-shirt behind his head and pulled mine off.

I lay on my back with him gazing down at me and me looking up at his body and face. God, I loved him and the feel of his body; he was all that I imagined perfection to be. He was warm and more than I could ever want. He placed his hands in mine and lowered himself so that our bodies touched everywhere. We kissed and licked as we smiled and pushed our hardons against each other wanting to feel what we had to offer each other.

He stopped at my ear and nibbled on it, then whispered, "I love you, Val. I love you so much."

"I love you, too," I echoed his words, then I squeezed and wrapped my legs around him like he was going to get away if I let go.

He raised his head and looked me in the eyes, "You're so beautiful. I want to fuck you."

Geez, that made me open my eyes. Fuck me? That could only mean one thing. My hardon shriveled up like a dried leaf. The thought of it was kind of scary. That was supposed to be a one-way street and he wanted to go the wrong way!

"Dave, I don't know if that's a good idea or not. I mean I never thought about it, but it seems kind of unnatural. I'm not sure."

He lowered himself on the bed next to me; his dick was still hardness personified. In fact, with his suggestion in mind, it looked like a railroad tie. I just didn't know.

"I've seen it on the net and guys really get off on it. You'll probably like it, and I really want to fuck you bad, you're so damn beautiful." Then he added softly, "It feels so good to be here with you."

"Would you stop saying that? You make me sound like I'm a girl or something."

"Well … it's true. Guys can be beautiful, too, you know, just like you," and he chuckled, then kissed me on the mouth.

That was all I needed to get geared up again, and I went after him. I turned in the bed and took his hardon in my mouth and began bobbing and sucking as I propped myself up on my knees and hands. He lifted my leg and scooted under me licking my balls and hard dick.

We carried on that way for a few minutes, and I gave into him when he started licking my hole and it drove me crazy with pleasure; it made me harder than ever. I never dreamed it could be so stimulating. As I worked on him, his body went rigid and he pulsed his load into my mouth, it was a mouthful and I took it all. He had his finger in my butt and sucked on my dick at the same time causing me to jettison my load. I ejaculated pushing my ass into his finger which felt phenomenally great. It felt good to have something of Dave's inside me.

It was the second time either one of us came in someone's mouth. When I looked at Dave he opened it to show me; then he swallowed and we both started laughing. I didn't have a chance to swallow as I laughed; his cum started leaking out of my mouth and down my chest.

I rubbed it into my skin with my hand and lay next to him kissing him anywhere I could, running my hand over his chest and stomach. I was loving him, and he was loving me; what a wonderful feeling it was.

"I love you, Val. We have to find a way for you to stay here."

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm getting a job, then enroll in school for the fall."

We lay there touching, feeling, and kissing in a state of limbo until we both fell asleep, content in each other's arms with our legs intertwined and our crotches pressed together.

Sometime later, I was slapped hard on my naked butt, and then I heard another similar sound which was Dave's ass being slapped. It was a bad wakeup call, and we both awoke looking at each other puzzled. I had my back to the door and Dave was looking behind me blinking his eyes. I turned around and saw Steve standing next to the bed.

"Get your asses dressed and downstairs before Mike comes home," was all he said, and then he walked out of the room.

He didn't seem mad, just a little irritated, so we did our best to engage the real world and lie there trying to snap out of our sleep-induced fog. I looked at Dave, and we had a passionate kiss with a tight grip on each other.

"I love you," he said again, as he pushed his hard dick into me.

"I think you have sex on the brain. I hope you aren't confusing sex with love."

As soon as I said that Dave's face drew a long, hurt look and I felt bad about it. I had to know, though; he wanted to fuck me, and if that was all I was, then I had to rethink things, as ugly as it sounded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it the way it came out."

Dave was looking away and climbed over me and out of bed; his feelings were obviously bruised. I went after him in the middle of the room and hugged him tight.

I whispered in his ear as I held him close, "I love you. I had to be sure."

He raised his gaze, and I kissed him on the mouth with all the sincerity I could muster. "I love you Dave, and don't forget it".

We held each other close and fast, I could feel him return my sentiment.

"GET DRESSED NOW," Steve said from the doorway.

We both looked and understood the urgency in Steve's voice; he was beginning to get frustrated. He didn't want Mike to witness this scenario, and I didn't either. Mike could be a hard-ass, given the proper stimulus.

We dressed and went downstairs to find Steve. He was in the kitchen preparing some food.

"Steve, are you mad?" I asked.

"No, but it would be best if Dave—that's your name … right?—left soon."

We looked each other in the eye, and Dave said he should get going. He said they would be having dinner soon, and his mother would be wondering where he was. I walked him to the front door, and we held on to each other for a minute or so.

"I love you, Val."

I wrapped him up and held him tight. Those were the best words he could have said. I knew I wanted to be with him. And loving him? That wasn't a question; it was a given; already done. I put my face in the small of his neck and said, "Mmmm. I love you, Dave Guidry. Take that with you."

We kissed and I let him out the front door. I patted his butt before he hopped over the fence and watched him walk away. It was so hard to do, just like the last time I watched him leave; I didn't think it would ever get easier. After coming all this way, I would have to wait until tomorrow to see him again.

I exhaled and turned to go inside. Steve was standing in the doorway watching. He was looking at me like I was a freak or something; at least that's what it felt like. It was one of those … 'Mike' … looks that make you think you have no secrets.

"What?" I asked.

"You love him, don't you?"

"Yes, I do, and he loves me, and it's not gonna change."

"That's a brash statement for someone your age."

"Whatever," I said, as I passed by him heading inside the house. "I'll leave you guys alone tomorrow. I'll be out of here."

It was so frustrating to have people sit in judgment of us, like I need his approval or something. What is that all about? Why do other people want to interfere? It doesn't concern them; it's none of their business. Dave was all that mattered to me; he was the reason I was in New Orleans and not somewhere else. So what's the big deal? Leave us alone already. 'I love Dave,' I thought silently, 'so there.'

I decided to leave in the morning. I needed a place of my own so I can get on with things. Steve and Mike got much more than they bargained for with me, and I appreciated what they had done, but they didn't need a freeloader hanging around.

I heard Mike come in from a door somewhere in the back of the house. I didn't know exactly where, because I didn't go nosing around after I talked to him on the phone. I could hear the low murmur of their voices but couldn't make out their conversation. After a few minutes, I heard Mike's footsteps on the stairs; then they stopped outside the bedroom door.

I rolled over to look at him standing there. "Hi Mike. You have a good day?"

Geez, he looked so handsome standing there in a suit and tie. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed loosening his tie.

"What are we going to do with you?"

"Nothing, Mike. I'm going to leave in the morning. I already wasted a day sitting around here, and I don't want to cause you and Steve any problems. You saved me sixty dollars by giving me a ride here and I appreciate it. Well actually it was thirty because I gave you thirty for gas." That made him laugh.

"I put the money in the side pocket of your backpack last night. Thanks for the thought all the same. And where do you think you're going?"

"I'll get a job and a place to live."

"Even if you had the money, you can't rent a place; you have to be eighteen."

"I have fake ID which I paid a lot for. I'll get a room at the Y, and I have plenty of money, Mike; I'll be fine."

I noticed Steve leaning against the doorway with his hands in his pockets.

Steve said, "You won't last a day at the Y. They'll be all over you." My stomach let out a loud growl and Mike started grinning. I couldn't resist his smile and all three of us chuckled.

"Come on," Mike said as he stood up. "Let's get something to eat."

He went to their bedroom, and I followed Steve downstairs to the kitchen. Steve had something cooking, and the aroma made my gut wrench with hunger pains. Steve told me to have a seat at the table, and he gave me a bottled water.

"How about a beer, Steve?"

I was grinning because I already knew the answer, but I wanted to see his reaction. He was fun to kid around with, because he wasn't nearly as serious as Mike. He didn't react at first, obviously taking the time to choose his words. He went over to the refrigerator and opened the door. He didn't reach for anything he just looked inside. He closed the door saying,

"There's two beers missing."

I knew exactly what he was getting at. He thought Dave and I took them and I smiled. Of course we didn't, but I was eager to play along.

"No, there isn't," I said confidently.

He turned to look at me.

"Don't bullshit me, you little s..." he stopped in mid-sentence.

"I'm not bullshitting … 'little man'. You either took them yourself or miscounted; so there. I know you think Dave and I took two beers but we didn't. In fact we never went in the kitchen, so if you're going to accuse me, just come out and say it instead of trying to intimidate me into admitting to something I didn't do."

I couldn't help grinning ear to ear because I had him, and he knew it.

Mike came in the room with an ominous look on his face. He focused on me and said, "Dave was here?"

Now it was Steve's turn to grin at me behind Mike's back. He was awful brave when someone else was in the hot seat.

"Yeah, Mike," I said. "He only lives about a twenty-minute walk away. His family lives on Prytania Street."

"Where on Prytania?"

"I'm not sure but he said they were in the Garden District, and you guys were in the Lower Garden District. That's all I know."

Mike kept the questions coming until I had to tell him how Steve found us. I didn't want Steve to have a problem with Mike over me, so I came clean and fessed up. Damned attorneys. I wonder if they're all like that, or if it's just Mike. He didn't appear happy for us; in fact, he looked like he might pop his cork again, so I ate in silence—speaking only when spoken to and keeping an eye on him.

I filled my plate two more times and probably would have had more if the food wasn't gone. During the meal, Mike asked for my mother and father's phone number. I explained about Dad and our reason to relocate to Louisiana. I gave him Mom's number at work and home. He told me to call her tonight and advise her that we were going to call her at work in the morning.

"Mike, I love my mother, but if you're planning on having her pick me up, then I'm leaving tonight. I won't go back except to visit, and I'll do that before school starts."

"And where do you plan to go to school?"

"I don't know, but it's going to depend on what school district I live in; at least that's how it works in Wisconsin. Do you guys have internet service?"

"Yes," Steve said. "Why do you ask?"

"If you could find out where the Y is and the address and phone numbers of a few nice restaurants, then I can get started in the morning."

"Not so fast young man," Mike said. "We haven't decided what we're going to do with you yet."

I rather liked the term 'young man' in that it was a hell of a lot better than 'little man' or 'little shit'. Although, it still wasn't what I wanted to hear.

"Mike, I'm getting a job tomorrow … one way or the other. I'm not wasting another day sitting around. If you could please get me those phone numbers and addresses, I would appreciate it."

After we cleaned the kitchen, the three of us went to the library, as Mike called it, to get on the internet. It was a beautiful room with a fireplace and built-in cabinetry and bookshelves from floor to ceiling. The books were mostly legal and architectural volumes that they both used when working from home.

Mike informed me he would be working from home tomorrow, and we would be calling Mom together; it wasn't phrased as a suggestion either. He promised that he wouldn't turn me in, but couldn't guarantee that Mom wouldn't come and get me. I told him I was resolved to bolt at the first hint of Mom taking me back to that horrible place. As much as I loved her, I know that sounds repetitious; there was no way I was going back … no … blessed …way!

They printed the information for a few of the better restaurants in the area and numbered them beginning with the best or, as Steve put it, the most expensive, which meant bigger tips. The internet was fascinating, I had only used it in school, and the computers were rigged with parental controls but this one didn't have any! It looked like fun, and I remembered what Dave said earlier that day.

When we 'understood each other', as Mike said, they got up to watch TV, and I chose a book from the library. I wasn't much into television, it seemed like a big waste of time to me. As we left the library, I said to Steve, "Geez, is he always this organized?" The question had an underlying air of sarcasm.

Steve laughed and said, "Yeah, it isn't so bad once you get used to it," and he made sure Mike could see the smirk on his face. It was evident he was lodging his own little jab.

I didn't call Mom that night like I said I would. I figured if we were calling her in the morning, then we could cover everything at that time, and she wouldn't be able to make me feel as guilty with Mike on the line. And she would be at work, too; that would make it harder for her to be emotional, or so I hoped.

Before I started reading, I wanted to call Dave and hear his voice, talk to him and pretend I was lying next to him. I wondered what his room looked like. His father was a surgeon and, no doubt, made a lot of money. I tucked a pillow between my legs and one under my head and speed-dialed him.

After two rings someone said, "Hello.”

"Hi, this is Val is Dave home?"

It was his father, Don—or Mr. Guidry, if you prefer. He said "Hello," and asked me to hang on for a minute.

Dave picked up the extension and I heard him holler, "I got it."

There was a click on the line, and Dave said, "Val?"

"Yeah, how are you?"

"I miss you. Is everything okay?"

I explained about the powwow with Mike and Steve, and how it went earlier, and our plan to call Mom in the morning. I assured him, after he asked, that I wasn't leaving and would be out of their house at the first mention of going back. I told him I was going job hunting in the morning after we called Mom, and he said he wanted to go with me. I mentioned the stuff Mike printed from the net and speculated that it shouldn't be all that difficult to find a job.

We chatted some more about what to do tomorrow, and I said I would call him when we finished talking with Mom; after all, I had no clue where anything was, and Dave knew the area. We said good night, and Dave told me he loved me very much. I said I loved him, too, and wanted to be with him, and we kissed over the phone. I waited for him to hang up, and he waited for me to hang up.

"Hang up, Dave."

"I was waiting for you to go first."

We both chuckled and said good night, then I hung up. Enough is enough, for Christ sake! I exhaled deeply and rolled onto my back, smiling at the ceiling and hugging the pillow, wishing it were Dave. A few moments later, I looked at the door; Mike was standing there. My heart skipped a beat at his unexpected presence.

"How long have you been there, Mr. Nosy?"

"Long enough," he said walking toward the bed, smiling.

He sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at me. His stare was uncomfortable, but I didn't look away. I wasn't going for that intimidation crap again, but damn, he was a handsome dude, and hard not to like, and smart, too, if I were honest. And I had to admit … tolerant … after the last two days. But how much longer would he put up with me? It's a long shot, but it sure would be nice to stay here. I couldn't help but think how strong, confident, and handsome he is. And Steve, you couldn't ask for a nicer more appealing guy, not to mention, sexy. I guess it was easy to see the attraction between the two.

"Mike, I don't want to go home. It sucks there; it's really bad. Let me know if you make some kind of deal with Mom for me to go back 'cause I need a head start."

"We hope after our conversation with your mother tomorrow that she'll let you stay. Steve and I would like to have you with us and see how it goes. We both like you and think you have yourself on the right track. Do you love Dave?"

"Didn't you hear me, Mr. Nosy?" I asked as I rolled away from him on the bed.

It was too embarrassing to give him an answer. Damn, there's that aggressive, direct approach, attorney crap again. Why does he always have to put someone on the spot? I wonder if he ever gets out of that mode? Poor Steve. Poor me!

"Yeah, well there's going to be a lot of 'Mr. Nosy' if you're staying here; get used to it."

"Lighten up, Mike; this isn't court or whatever."

He chuckled and lay next to me on the bed. He wrapped his strong arm over my chest and another under my head and it felt great. The bastard, how does he do it? Makes you feel like shit one minute, and then the next, you want him to take his clothes off! I don't get it.

I pulled his arm tight around me and placed mine on top of his; damn, he felt good. He wasn't Dave, but he was being nice, and I liked this version of Mike a lot. He seemed protective, and—I don't know what—maybe fatherly? I had to give it some more thought; I don't know. It felt safe to be here with him; yeah, safe. That's it; it was safe, being with Mike in his strong arms. It occurred to me to ask him about screwing, because of what Dave said, but it didn't seem like the right time. And besides, I wasn't sure if I wanted him to know I was thinking about that.

The next morning, I was up before them, and got the coffee pot going, and then went to shower. I left the zip-lock bag with my toiletries in the room so I went to get it in my underwear. Steve came into the hallway at the same time in his skivvies and we checked each other out, then started laughing when we realized what we were doing.

When I got back to the hall bathroom, I locked the door. I was starting to get a hardon and pulled my underwear down to check it out in the mirror. I stuck it out as hard and as far as it would go. It was enough to impress myself. It was big and rigid as hell and pointed straight up. I thought the brown bush around it was hot and arched my back with my arms raised to make it look bigger and see the hair under my arms. It was so hard, it felt like it was going to blow up!

Just then a loud knock came from the door, "HURRY UP IN THERE," Mike hollered.

I almost lost my balance when I jumped, and my dick deflated like a popped balloon. Jesus Christ, the guy has the worst timing. I nervously finished up as quickly as I could. I felt guilty as hell, like he knew what I was up to, or something. Geez, now he's the bathroom cop, too. What next?

After breakfast Mike gave Steve a hug and a big kiss on the mouth, and we both wished him a good day at work. He winked at me and turned to go.

"Okay, young man; fill your coffee if you want more, and let's make that call."

Before we made the call, I told Mike that Mom wasn't aware of the trouble I had back in Plaquemines. He wanted to know why, and I told him I didn't want her to worry; she already had enough on her mind. I told him about Mom and Dave's mother talking and how it led to the demise of Dave's visit. I mentioned what I thought was the reason behind it, and he simply nodded, not saying anything.

"Mike, is there any way you could talk to her first without me?"

"Why don't you want to talk to her?"

"I don't want to tell her the whole story."

"You mean about being gay?"

"Yeah, and everything else, too. Mike I just want to be here with Dave, and I'll run away again if I have to."

He agreed, but insisted I sit in the room while he called her. I took a place on the couch and listened. Mike was smooth, and it was obvious that Mom was upset, because he would pause every so often and nod his head as he listened.

Mom wasn't one to shout or raise her voice; she was pretty cool and adept at expressing herself. He told her about everything including Dave, the trouble at work and on the way home. He even went so far as to tell her he was gay and living with Steve; that made me cringe. I hoped that revelation wouldn't be an automatic rejection of what he was working up to.

When they were finished Mike looked at me and said, "Your mother wants to talk to you."

I moved to a chair in front of his desk and he passed me the phone.

"Hi, Mom."

"Honey, you didn't have to run away. Why didn't you think you could talk to me? I feel like I failed you."

Then she started crying, and I hated it. I didn't know what to say, so I said, "Don't cry, Mom. Everything is okay. I'm going to get a job today."

I wasn't sure who I was trying harder to convince, me or her. I did my best to choke back the tears and was barely successful. Oh, God, can this be over soon? I hate it when she cries. Now I feel like the bad guy. I feel responsible for making her miserable, and I guess I am.

She regained her composure and said, "I have to go now. My boss wants me in his office. I'll call you on your cell later, and I expect you to answer it; okay?"

"Yes, Mom. I love you."

"I love you, too, honey," and she hung up.

I passed the phone to Mike and said, "She's upset."

"What did you expect? She loves you, and she's worried sick."

"I don't know, but I hate to see her worry so much. What did she say to you?"

Mike said she was aware that I was gay and was waiting for me to tell her. He said that Dave's mother had mentioned her suspicions over the phone, and they had decided to keep us apart because they thought we were too young. That was no big surprise; I suspected something like that as soon as Dave's visit was cancelled. He said they were going to talk again at lunch, and he would propose the arrangement to her at that time. I told Mike that I would pay rent so I wouldn't cost them anything, and he said we'd discuss it when the time came.

I thanked him and said I was going to call Dave and go look for a job. I went upstairs and made the bed. When I called Dave, he gave me directions to his house, and I left after saying goodbye to Mike.

Dave's mother answered the door and looked surprised to see me. She stood there looking at me for a few moments, then invited me in. Dave was having breakfast so she escorted me to the kitchen. He was eating a bowl of cereal when I walked in.

"Morning, Dave."

"Morning; it didn't take you long to get here."

"The directions were easy enough to follow."

"Sit down," he said. "You want something?"

"A black coffee if it's already made; otherwise I'm fine." Dave poured me a coffee and put it in front of me. I watched him as he moved around and tried not to stare; his mother was sitting at the table with us.

"What are you two doing today?" she wanted to know.

"I'm looking for a job," I said. "Dave's coming with me for company." She gave Dave one of those parental leers and said, "It wouldn't kill you to get a job, too, young man."

"Maybe I will," he said.

Then he looked at me as he was lifting a spoonful of cereal to his mouth. His head was bowed close to the bowl, and he let one of those 'Dave' smiles go, and I couldn't stand it; I had to grin, too. We went to his bedroom with our coffees, and he showed me his computer and some of the games he had on it. I never knew anyone that had their own computer, I was impressed. In fact, the whole house was like something you would see on television. Other than Mike and Steve's house, I could only imagine that some people lived like that.

While Dave took some time getting ready, I sat at his desk and called a few numbers Mike had given me. There was no answer at some and a couple others said they weren't hiring. I ended up with two restaurants to apply to, and one was specific about the time I should show up. They were both at the top of the list according to Steve's ranking meaning they were expensive. That was good, since the tips would be larger.

We were early for the interview by twenty minutes, so I gave my name and waited for them to call me. We sat in the waiting area just inside the front door. It was mid-afternoon and they were starting to get busy preparing for the evening crowd. I couldn't help but notice the waiters as they went about their business; they were all very attractive. One of them looked so much like an older Dave that I couldn't stop checking him out, and he caught me in the process. As soon as I realized it, I looked away, embarrassed to the max.

"That guy looks just like you except older," I said to Dave.

"You think so?"

"Yeah, but you're actually better looking than he is. You're more handsome,"

and I gave him a quick nudge and a wink.

He liked that and started smiling. I wanted to grab him right there, but I held back.

A short while later, the manager walked up and looked us over; he wanted to know which one was Val Milner. I stood up and extended my hand saying, "I am, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too; I'm Roger Blackwell the manager."

He led me to his office and closed the door. We sized each other up thoroughly, then he told me to have a seat. The interview went well. I smiled a little and tried to be cheerful and friendly without over acting, and it seemed to work. I told him we just moved here and couldn't remember my home address or phone number but would fill it in and bring the application back. I lied and told him I was eighteen, and that went off without a hitch.

He said I could start tomorrow and reminded me to bring the application back the next day. I was so elated by the news that I couldn't keep a straight face. I was grinning out of control and couldn't hide it. I thanked him profusely; shaking his hand and telling him how much I appreciated it.

Roger gave me a uniform and told me to try it on in the bathroom to see if it fit properly. I was checking out the fit in the mirror when one of the waiters walked in.

"Hi," he said eyeing me up and down.

"Hi, how's it going?"

"Good. Are you the new waiter?"

"I guess so. Roger just hired me a few minutes ago."

"I can see why," he said with a grin breaking across his face. "My name's Rob."

"I'm Val; nice to meet you."

I wasn't sure what he meant when he said he could see why, so I kept quiet.

I turned in the mirror to check the fit of the uniform on my backside.

Rob slapped me on the butt on his way to the sink saying, "Don't worry; it looks great. I'm sure Roger noticed, too."

I was embarrassed by his observation and at a loss for words. I turned in the mirror to have one more look at the front of me. I was satisfied with the fit, so I went into a stall to change.

To be continued...

Thanks again Chris and Wayne, you guys are the best!

Posted: 10/16/09