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 6

When we left the restaurant, I was walking on air. Dave didn't pick up on it or seem to be happy for me, but it was a big deal as far as I was concerned; I was on top of the world, wanting someone to be happy for me. I had secured the means for my immediate objective—to be with Dave—and I felt good about it.

 

Whether I stayed at Mike and Steve's house or got my own place, I had the means to make it happen. I was on track to be with Dave. Just Dave and I … living together! God, I liked the sound of that! The fact that he was being so quiet bothered me though; it was out of character for him; I'm usually the reserved one, prone to over-analyze or internalize things, while he tends to be on the carefree, lighthearted side.

 

"Dave, you don't seem to be in a very good mood. Are you okay?" I nudged his shoulder with mine to maybe snap him out of his funk and get a smile out of him.

 

"I'm good, dude; I was thinking."

 

He returned his gaze to the sidewalk a few feet ahead of us, walking slowly. This definitely wasn't typical 'Dave' behavior.

 

I looked at him, much as I always do—longingly; he looked good; I wanted to touch him now—especially in the way that turns me on so much.

 

Dave is the essence of male beauty both inside and out. He's the kind of person that draws everyone's attention when he walks into a room. Yeah, he has the looks, but more than that, he's bold in a calm, self-assured way; he doesn't have the need to offer his opinion or what he may consider to be funny or important. He's easy going and usually quite confident. He's not particularly funny as a comedian but he sees the humor and irony in situations, and I like that about him. He's intuitive.

 

We were soon seated, waiting for the streetcar on St. Charles, as I studied him. He appeared withdrawn and a little down; I was worried that it may have been something I'd said or done. I couldn't imagine what that might be or what he was thinking, so it began to worry me.

 

"Dave," I said. "What's wrong?"

 

I wasn't eager to hear what he had to say from the look on his face. God, for the umpteenth time I couldn't imagine not being with him, or him not wanting to be with me; it would kill me. Still, something was bothering him and I wanted to help if I could.

 

We sat on a bench, just the two of us, waiting. He looked so forlorn and dejected; it was beginning to scare me as to what might be going on in his head. I decided I had to get him talking, whatever was on his mind.

 

"Dave?"

 

"Yeah?"

 

"What's wrong?"

 

"Nothing; I'm okay," he said staring at the ground between his feet.

 

That wasn't very convincing at all. His hand was resting on the bench, and I placed my hand on top of his and squeezed. I glanced sideways at him to gauge his demeanor.

 

"Then why are you sitting there with a long face looking like someone died?"

 

"It's nothing. I'm fine."

 

"Well, something's wrong." I wasn't sure how to proceed, or even if I wanted to, but whatever it was, I had to know.

 

"C'mon, Dave, talk to me; we don't have any secrets."

 

Unless you call being afraid at times, 'a secret', I surely didn't have anything I was keeping from him.

 

"Dave?"

 

"Yeah?"

 

"C'mon, dude; talk to me. Please? What's eating you?"

 

I stroked the underside of his arm with an open palm and put my hand over his again. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and pull him in for a hug but the venue was an obvious deterrent. He had a hint of a shadow on his chin and cheeks; it looked sexy as hell, 'manly' was the thought that came to mind. My man, Dave!

 

"Val," he said, then cleared his throat; he was still looking down. "Are you sure you want to be with me?"

 

Oh, my God! He didn't just say that did he? I'd told him I loved him; didn't he remember anything? Where's this coming from? He's the reason I'm here, for God's sake. Was he planning to distance himself from me? Get away from the urchin that latched on to him? Oh, man, this is way too much to think about and a little too scary.

 

"Dave, I'm here because of you … because I want to be with you," I hesitated for a moment. "Did you meet someone else?" That was the only thing I could think of that might explain where he seemed to be going.

 

"No, nothing like that. You just got a job, and I've never worked in my life; I feel like a loser. I mean … I could have a job, I guess, but I never tried; I wouldn't know where to start. You're so determined and … I don't know what. It makes me feel kind of inferior or lazy or something."

 

"Listen to me, Dave. I have to work because I'm poor; that's the way it is. You don't have to work, and that's okay; you're lucky. All you have to do is concentrate on school and do your best; you have a good head start; take advantage of it."

 

"You don't think I'm a slouch?"

 

"No! Not at all. I wish I was in your position and didn't have to work—not that I mind working; I actually like it. If I didn't work, I'd still be stuck in that hell-hole back in Plaquemines Parish. C'mon; cheer up; bud. I can ask if they need more help at the restaurant, or you could ask your dad to get you a job at the hospital if it'll make you feel better. I'm sure he has some influence; he's a surgeon."

 

I hoped that would do it. I didn't like to see him this way; he was much more fun to be around when he was up. Well … 'in a good mood' is what I meant, but I could handle 'up', too, with no problem.

 

The streetcar stopped and we boarded, making our way to the rear so we could sit alone.

 

"Let's go to Mike and Steve's house. Mike's working at home today and was supposed to talk to Mom at lunch time."

 

"Okay; I'm starving, though. Can we eat there?"

 

"Yeah; I'll leave some money on the counter for what we take."

 

"See what I mean, Val? I don't have any money to leave."

 

"Geez, Dave; you don't need any money; okay? You can go home anytime you want to eat so don't worry about it."

 

I raised his chin with my right hand; he was sitting next to the window, and I was on the aisle side.

 

"C'mon, dude; cheer up and smile for me please?"

 

That did the trick, he let a big ole beautiful 'Dave' smile overtake his face, it was a good thing I was sitting down or my weak knees would have failed me. He was so radiant when he did that, and it came so naturally for him, he could be some kind of teen idol, looking that good without trying.

 

We got off the streetcar and made our way to the house. We had to jump the fence to get to the front door. I reminded myself to ask Mike for the code before the neighbors called the cops or got suspicious. The door was locked so we rang the bell. We heard Mike's footsteps coming toward the door; they stopped inside then he pulled the door open.

 

"Come in, guys," he said, stepping aside.

 

"Hi, Mike," I said in passing. "Can we make lunch? I'll leave some money on the counter."

 

"Take what you want and don't worry about it."

 

"Thanks, did you talk to Mom?"

 

"Yeah, she's coming here this weekend to talk to you."

 

"Does she want to take me back? There's no way I'm gonna go back there … no way, Mike. I'll leave now if I have to. I don't care; I'm not going back under any circumstances. Mike, I'm going to look up the address of the Y on the net in case I need it."

 

I was ready to skate again if I had to. I wasn't going back to Buras; no way in hell. I want to be with Dave, and if I have to find my own place to make it happen, then so be it. It would be hard to do, but I could manage. I could make it anywhere except there. Mom was straight; it wasn't a problem for her. For me, it's an altogether different story; I'm gay and that makes it much more difficult; it doesn't work in my favor.

 

"Take it easy, 'little man'; nothing's been decided. She hasn't said 'no' and wants to meet us and discuss the matter in person—with … you … present. She wants to see you badly; she's very concerned about your well-being."

 

"Mike, you know I hate that name, don't you?" Grrr. He seemed to be doing his best to take up the slack where Mom left off.

 

"What name?" He was wearing a broad grin, the big shit. He knew exactly what I was talking about.

 

"I think you know." He definitely said that on purpose; his smile gave him away.

 

"Mike, can you use some of those attorney tactics on her? You know, baffle and confuse her so she buys into the idea."

 

Shaking his head, Mike looked at me and Dave. "We'll see," he said, and headed toward the library.

 

"Can we use the hot tub in the back yard?"

 

I winced when I posed the question, but what the hell; no guts—no glory.

 

"Good Lord, you're a pain in the butt."

 

"Okay, forget it; erase that. C'mon, Dave; let's make a sandwich and let the ole geezer take a nap; maybe it'll sweeten him up. Besides, we only have today and I have to start work tomorrow."

 

I grabbed Dave with one arm around his neck and pulled him to me as we walked toward the kitchen. He was grinning from the teasing I gave Mike, and Mike seemed to get a kick out of it as well. As long as things were light and breezy, he was open to a little banter—liked it, even. It's only when he got in those serious moods that I had to watch what I'd say.

 

In the kitchen I said, "I have to be careful or he might send me back. I don't want to be a nuisance and get him pissed off again. He's very excitable and has a short fuse after it's lit."

 

I remembered all too well the scenario on the boat trip into town, not wanting a repeat of that. Although the thought of his big strong arms around me at the beginning of the trip was memorable, I wondered what else about him was big and strong; God, I'm pretty sure I'm a sick puppy.

 

Dave snapped me out of it, "How old are Steve and Mike? I think he's hot for an older dude. I could see getting it on with him ... if it weren't for you, that is," he quickly added in an attempt to redeem himself. He managed a thin smile hoping to deflect any backlash his comment may have warranted, and to be truthful, I couldn't get mad at him anyway; he's too darn loveable.

 

I glanced at him, giving him a feigned look of disgust; after all, I was guilty of the same thing, then said, "I don't know for sure; I never asked. You should see him in a business suit—or anything, come to think of it. You've seen him in a bathing suit, too; pretty hunky, huh? And he's got strong muscles, too." I was starting to talk myself into a hard-on, so I tried to put the thought aside.

 

"Yeah," Dave said, as he moved behind me and pressed his crotch against my butt; he was hard and if felt wonderful, as if he were parking it in his own private space. He was stroking my chest and stomach with his hands under my T-shirt and kissing me on the neck and cheek while I tried to make bologna sandwiches at the counter.

 

I swirled my ass against his crotch and said, "Keep it up dude, and I'm gonna jump your bones."

 

Dave pushed his now very hard penis against my ass and said, "Anytime, dude; I'm here for ya," and he chuckled.

 

Dave went on an exploring mission. He groped, stroked, and kissed anything he could as he ground into me; I loved it. I cocked my head backward and spread my legs so he could access anything he wanted. Then he pushed his hand in the front of my shorts and started to massage my hard dick. It was too much; I gasped and turned my head around to kiss him.

 

Just then Mike cleared his throat in the doorway and the two of us turned to see him standing there.

 

"So … who thinks I'm hot and hunky?" he asked succinctly, then grinned as he watched our escalating encounter wind down.

 

"Geez, the guy is a super-snooper, too," I said; I was sure he planned that surprise maneuver. "We were talking about Steve, Mr. Nosy."

 

I couldn't help but smile, and Dave started laughing as he moved away from me. Neither one of us felt comfortable showing affection in front of him; maybe at some point it would be okay, but we weren't there yet. I hated the feeling of Dave moving away, especially since he had me primed and ready to go.

 

"Hey, Mike! I forgot to tell you … I got a job today. I start tomorrow at The Admirals Palace in the Garden District. I can take the streetcar to and from work. It's perfect."

 

The only thing I had to do now was sell Mom on the idea of staying here—convince her that I would be fine, and not to worry. I hoped the new job would be a good start to demonstrate I was in earnest. Then there's Mike and Steve; I would pay them room and board so as not to be a freeloader. I was going to stick to my word on that one and maybe do the yard work or something else to help.

 

"What are your hours going to be?" Mike was curious.

 

"Same as when I worked for Charlie at the marina. He wants me there at three in the afternoon until midnight, more or less depending on business. Maybe later on weekends; they tend to be busier on Fridays and Saturdays."

 

Mike stood there pensively as he assessed my answer. He had an expressionless look on his face, which I interpreted as apprehension.

 

A few moments later he spoke, "There's a spare house key behind that cabinet door over there. You better take it now so you don't have to wake us up when you come in."

 

There were two keys on the chain when I removed it from the inside of the door.

 

"There's two keys here. What's the other key for?"

 

"It's for the guest house," he said as he motioned at the building through the kitchen window in the back yard.

 

"I thought that was the garage." I had only seen them go in and out with their cars up to this point.

 

"It used to be the servant's quarters when the house was built. We had a garage added on and remodeled the whole structure inside and out at the same time; Steve drew the plans." He paused for a moment then said, "Don't get any ideas; you're staying in this building so I can keep an eye on you."

 

"It never crossed my mind but … now that you mention it…"

 

"Drop it! Case closed," he said as he walked toward me and took a piece of bologna.

 

"See what I mean, Dave? A clear case of crabbed age setting in before it's time." We both started laughing.

 

I had read that term in English Lit last year in school and it stuck. I was only too happy to recall it at an opportune moment.

 

"Mike, can we check it out to see what it's like? I mean we aren't gonna break or steal anything."

 

"Yeah, then return the key to me so you won't be tempted to use it."

 

"Okay, Sarge," I said, then saluted him.

 

Geez, Louise, the dude never quits! He shoulda been a cop, for crying out loud. I decided to conveniently forget to return the key and hope that he would, too. It could be a nice pad for me and Dave to hang out in; nice and private, if you know what I mean.

 

The thought made me smile, and I looked over my shoulder at Mike. He returned a devilish grin then wrapped his arms around me from behind and raised me off the floor. I pumped my feet as they dangled in midair and yelled, "Help me, Dave. Sasquatch has me."

 

Mike laughed a belly laugh as though to say 'tough luck kid'.

 

Dave was all too eager to join in; he started tickling Mike in his armpits and ribs. When he did, Mike started giggling like a schoolgirl and had to lower me down as his weakened state overtook his body. I turned around and started in on him; he was trying, unsuccessfully, to fend off four hands with wiggling fingers on him. Dave hopped on his back and continued working him over while I kept up my assault from the front.

 

Mike was swatting at his body like an army of fire ants were crawling on him. He lost the ability or the will to stand—I'm not sure which—as he succumbed to his knees, laughing uncontrollably, and eventually tucked his head between his knees, armadillo style, in an attempt to shelter himself from our onslaught.

 

Dave looked up at me with a hint of mischief in his eyes between laughs saying, "Let's take him … alllllll the way down."

 

And that's what we did. It was like sinking the Bismarck, but we didn't relent until he was on the floor with the two of us sitting on him. Mike tired of bucking and kicking after awhile and liay there resting, face up.

 

Dave had his arms pinned to the floor with his knees while I sat on his legs; both of us proud of ourselves for accomplishing the nearly impossible. We sat motionless for a minute or so as we three panted, trying to catch our breath.

 

Dave had his back to me, obstructing Mike's view. I had the sudden urge to look at Mike's crotch and wondered what his hard-on looked like. I pictured it big and strong like Mike with a bush of dark pubes at the base and my dick began to harden down the leg of my shorts against my thigh. It was beginning to strain against the confines of the material and hurt, so I tried to think about angels or naked girls, anything to make it go down.

 

When he was finally able to speak, Mike said, "Get off me, you two, or I'll whoop your asses."

 

"You and who else?  You're not in a very good position to do that, now; are ya, Mikey-boy? What's the magic word?  Huh?" Dave asked, with a huge beautiful smile on his face, his eyes twinkling like sparklers in the night. He was clearly enjoying our supremacy, even if the advantage was only temporary.

 

Mike was having nothing to do with any form of surrender so he raised both arms and lifted Dave off the floor. Dave wavered a bit in the air and jerked his arms around to keep his balance as Mike's arms trembled. I quickly resumed tickling Mike and he dropped them back to the floor in defeat as he wiggled and giggled beneath us.

 

"Okay, okay, stop it; you're killing me," Mike said between laughs. "UNCLE, I GIVE! Now get off me, damn it."

 

Dave was still blocking Mike's view of me, so I quickly reached down and unzipped Mike's trousers as I asked in a serious tone, "Did I just hear you tell us to GET YOU OFF?" I tried my damnedest to suppress my laughter, knowing he had NOT said that.

 

"NO, 'LITTLE MAN', YOU … DID … NOT!  Now, STOP THAT, and get OFF OF ME!" Mike yelled, and then followed it with a giggle.

 

Dave was proud of taking down the great white menace and was the first to stand up and turn around laughing. I followed him to my feet; he high-fived me, then raised both hands with his fingers in a 'V' for victory and turned in a circle, pumping his hands in the air as he made a full 360, laughing all the way.

 

"Val, we took Sasquatch down. We own him!"

 

Steve came in the back door, kicking his shoes off and making the short walk into the kitchen. Looking around in confusion as Mike raised himself from the floor he said, "What's going on here?" Then he looked at three faces that were red from lack of oxygen, and he couldn't resist a smile, placing his briefcase on the table.

 

"We did good," I said as I turned to face Steve.

 

"Your other half may be feeling a little peaked at the moment. He might need a little TLC to rebuild his ego," Dave added.

 

I high-fived Dave again, and we had a good laugh at Mike's expense.

 

Of course, we were still grinning and panting, though we were doing much better now.

 

I looked at Dave as he spoke to Steve, saying, "Mike started it, and we finished it."

With that, he high-fived me again, and we had another laugh at Mike's expense.

 

Mike seemed to be okay with it as he moved toward Steve, kissing and hugging him. "You have a good day?"

 

"Same ole, same ole," Steve said as he kissed him back.

 

We heard Mike whisper in Steve's ear that he loved him and it made me turn my head to have a look at Steve's reaction. They were embracing each other, as couples do, and I had to smile. That was the way I regarded Dave; he was everything to me.

 

I made a sandwich for Mike and Steve, along with ours, wondering if Dave and I would ever have a lasting relationship like theirs. We cleaned up when everyone was done.

 

Mike went back to the library with Steve to work, while we went to check out the servant's quarters, or 'guesthouse', as Mike coined it.

 

I unlocked the door and patted Dave's butt as he walked past me; that made me grin. He turned his head, grinning back, and pulled me inside by the arm. I stumbled on the edge of the large area rug in the sitting room beyond the small foyer. I fell to my knees and he pushed me face down on the floor. He climbed on top of me and started humping my butt and making guttural sounds in his throat.

 

"Can I fuck you, Val?" he asked, as he smothered me with his body and kisses.

 

I loved the feel of him on top of me … or anywhere else for that matter.

 

He was kissing my neck and bunching my hair in his fist, which caused my dick to swell up. He spread my legs with his knees, and I loved the feel of his bare knees against the inside of my thighs, as he plied his arms under my body, tightening his grip on me.

 

Fucking me wasn't out of the question; it was just a question mark. I had never done anything like that and, I guess, from what Dave said, neither had he. But fuck me? I wondered if I would like it, or if it would maybe hurt; I wasn't sure. I was ready to find out, though. I would do it for Dave and, hopefully, like it as much as I cared for him.

 

"Yeah, you can fuck me, stud-boy. It doesn't appear you're going to give up on the idea anytime soon. You know I'd do anything for you."

 

"You're going to like it, Val. I know you will."

 

"What makes you so sure?"

 

"All the beautiful guys on the net like getting fucked, so I'm sure you'll like it, too."

 

Son of a gun, there's that reference to girls again. God, I hate that with a passion; I'm not a girl! How can I like getting fucked?

 

"Dave, you say you want to fuck me; then you say I'm beautiful; do you think of me as a girl or something?"

 

"No! Not even close, dude," he said, then slid himself off to the side.

 

He rolled me over to face him and put his arm under my head, and we hugged each other and kissed. Damn, he was one sexy virile male who completely disarmed me. I was hopelessly consumed with his manliness—the feel, the smell of him … hell, it was the whole package.

 

"Val, I don't know what's going to happen to us, but I do know one thing; I want to be with you. I want to fuck you because I love you; it's what I feel and how I want us to be. No one's ever inspired me that way. I want to fuck you so bad, I dream about it. Val, I know everyone that looks at you thinks the same thing. But it's different for me; I want to be with you. I want us to be together."

 

That sounded pretty honest and spoken from the heart, or so it seemed. I wanted to be with him, too, more than anything. If he wanted to fuck me and was so sure of himself, then I guess I would try it. After all, I loved him as much as I thought I could love someone. I had never loved anyone—other than Mom … and that was different. Dave made it happen for me. He made the days bright and the bad times disappear from memory when we were together. Dave awakened something inside I never knew existed; he made me feel alive and good.

 

When you lust for someone, it's one thing. When you love someone, as I do Dave, and want them, it's something all together different. It's the kind of thing that wells up inside of you and creates an itch that only that person can scratch; that certain something that makes you want to breach that threshold you've been waiting to cross and experience the longing you want to give in to. Oh, God, one of these days I'm going to be able to control myself; but for now, it feels good, and it feels right, and I'm going to take it as it comes.

 

"It's okay, Dave. We can do it if you want." I knew I cared for him, and that's all that was important.

 

It was getting uncomfortable on the floor so I sat up. "C'mon, you; let's find a more comfortable place to lie down."

 

I extended my hand and he accepted; then I pulled him to his feet. Dave backhanded me lightly in the nuts causing me to bend over reflexively. "Ouch."

 

"That didn't hurt ya, wuss." He smiled and punched me in the arm. "Hey, I know you don't have a car. I don't spose ya have a bike here, either."

 

"No, I had to leave my bike in Wisconsin," I didn't tell him it was an old ugly piece of shit. It would be okay in Plaquemines as long as I didn't know anyone, but here it would be a sore thumb, terribly embarrassing, and not at all cool. "I can buy one, though. I have plenty of money to get a nice one."

 

I really didn't want to spend the money on that either. After seeing Dave's computer in his room, I wanted one for myself. I guess Dave was trying to figure out how to move around, so I quizzed him.

 

"Why do ya ask? Is there somewhere you want to go? School will be starting in a couple months, and I have a job, so I won't be able to use it; besides, the streetcars take you all over the place."

 

"There's a nice bike path along the river, and Audubon Park has some nice places to bike, too. Hey, maybe Mike or Steve has one in the garage; let's check it out."

 

We found the garage through a small room that functioned as a combination pantry and laundry room. Dave opened the door and was first into the garage. "There's a mountain bike hanging from the rafters," he said, as he slipped between the two parked cars. "Whose BMW is this?"

 

"That's Mike's car."

 

"Then the Cadillac must be Steve's, huh?"

 

"I guess so. It's definitely not mine."

 

Dave was admiring the two cars like any healthy male with a driver's license would. I had to laugh; he looked like he wanted to make love to them he had such an intent look on his face. I pushed the button to raise the overhead door for more light and to let some heat out that accumulated from Steve's recently parked car.

 

There were two lawn chairs leaning against the sidewall so I took one out, set it up on the driveway, and watched Dave snoop around the garage. He was so doggoned attractive in everything he did; simply watching him was enough to push my 'on' button.

 

Steve was standing at the back door to the house and hollered at us, "Is Dave going to be here for dinner? Hey, what are you guys doing in there, anyway?"

 

He let the door to the house swing closed and crossed the deck. Then he hopped off and walked across the yard to the garage.

 

"What are you guys up to?" he asked suspiciously.

 

Dave turned to look at him, "Nothing, Steve. I noticed the bike hanging there and wanted to check it out; that's all."

 

He took the other lawn chair and set it up next to me facing the backyard.

 

"Are you staying for dinner?"

 

"I would like to, if you don't mind. I have to call my mother and let her know."

 

Steve nodded and said, "Okay, I was going to order Chinese. There's a place down the street that delivers; it should be here in forty minutes or so."

 

Steve was wearing shorts with a tank top, and sandals on his feet. He looked sexy as always, and I couldn't help but look at this crotch, wondering what he looked like naked and hard. Since he was older, I thought he must have bigger equipment; 'man-sized' equipment came to mind. That made my dick twitch and I tried to push the thought out of my head.

 

"Steve," I said as I turned in my seat to relieve the pressure of the swelling in my shorts. "I'll buy; okay? I got a job today, so it's my treat. How much will it cost?"

 

"That's not necessary; save your money for something important."

 

I loosened the Velcro fastener to my pocket and pulled some cash out. I took two twenty dollar bills and handed it to him.

 

"Is that enough?"

 

After some protest, I got up and stuffed the bills into his pocket. I wanted to run my hand a little further south and feel him up, but I resisted the urge. He's so damn cute in a grown-up sort of way. He went back to the house, while our eyes followed him every inch of the way.

 

Dave looked at me and smiled. "Damn, it would be hard living here with those two. He's so fucking sexy, and Mike ... he's total stud material and way too handsome, if ya know what I mean."

 

"I hear ya," I said, then grabbed his dick and squeezed it. "But not as hot as my dude, my man, Dave;" then I gave him a wink and a smirk to let him know what I was thinking.

 

He obviously liked that from the grin on his face. The armrest of his chair was inches away from mine so he leaned over and kissed me. I put an arm around his neck and one under his shirt to feel the soft hairs on each of his pecs; that was a big turn on for me.

 

 As I massaged his chest, he pushed his tongue into my mouth, and I opened up to receive him. He placed a hand on my crotch and began to push against my hard dick, which extended down my thigh, hurting like hell. I had to stand up to free myself and Dave rose with me keeping his tongue in my mouth as we stood.

 

We were both fired up and ready for action when we heard a loud knock on the kitchen window. We broke for a quick look to see who was there.

 

Mike was smiling through the glass and waving a finger as if to say 'cool it'. Dave turned away and slipped a hand into my underwear and squeezed my ass then ran a finger up and down my crack. I rolled my head from side to side and placed one hand on Dave's back and the other behind his head. I pulled him in, kissing him on the side of the neck and rubbed my cheek against his to feel his soft beard; it made my dick ache for release.

 

He was so terribly hot and sexy and manly ... my man, Dave! God, I have to be the luckiest SOB in the world, and the horniest one, too. How could I not be? Holding this picture of perfection so close while he all but fingered me as we stood there making out.

 

He gave me another squeeze and pulled his hand out of my underwear. He patted my ass, and I kissed him quickly, facing away from the house to free myself of the snag in my underwear.

 

"Jesus Christ, dude. I'm gonna make a mess in my pants of ya don't take a break."

 

Dave was chuckling as he dropped to his knees and kissed my dick on the outside of my shorts. I grabbed him by the arms and pulled him up.

 

"C'mon, knock it off for a while; okay? We have an audience ya know."

 

"I don't care, let him watch. Maybe he'll heat up, and Steve'll get lucky. Come here," he said as he took my hand and started walking into the backyard.

 

There was a small koi pond in the opposite corner of the backyard from the hot tub so we sat on a concrete bench and watched the water trickle down a small waterfall, as it made its way to the pond. The sound of the water and the circling motion of the fish swimming in the pond had a calming effect. Dave eased himself down to a horizontal position on the bench behind me. I lay in front of him, and he put an arm over me. I wrapped my fingers in his and said, "Do you want to use my phone to call your mother?"

 

"Oh, yeah; I almost forgot. Where is it?"

 

"In the left pocket of my shorts."

 

I knew he would get a little rangy in his search for the phone and waited to see what he was going to do.

 

He immediately went for my crotch and I started laughing.

 

"What's so funny?"

 

"You! I knew you were going to do that."

 

"Don't you like it?"

 

"Hell, yeah, I do and don't stop. It's just that I said to myself you were going to do it, and then you did; that's all."

 

"If you're so smart, what am I going to do next?"

 

"I don't know, but I'm sure I'll like it," I said with a chuckle.

 

"Like it? You're gonna love it." Then he started jamming his dick into my ass furiously as he grunted and made a 'grrr' sound.

 

Although we were still wearing our shorts, I could feel him through our clothes. I couldn't help laughing at his primitive aggressiveness and how serious he was. I could only imagine the look on his face; it was too much. I laughed some more.

 

A few more thrusts and he seemed to lose interest so he called his mother and, like he predicted, it was okay with her. After he hung up, he said he had to be home by ten; I liked the sound of that. We would be able to hang out together for the rest of the evening. He stuffed the phone back in my pocket and put his leg over both of mine. I felt like I was in a cocoon surrounded by Dave; it was great.

 

He pushed his crotch against my butt and I could feel his hard dick through our clothes.

 

I smiled to myself and said, "You can fuck me if you want."

 

He kissed the back of my neck and said, "I want." Then he ran his free hand under my neck and drew us together … tight.

 

"Ahem," we heard a voice behind us. "What's this talk about fucking?"

 

It was, of course, Mike; no one else has the knack for timing that he does.

 

"Sounds like super-snooper, Dave." I said still looking at the pond. We were too wrapped up to go through the effort of untangling.

 

"Yup, who else could it be?" Dave asked, and we both chuckled. "I guess he didn't learn his lesson earlier."

 

"Guess not. Ya think we need to re-educate him?"

 

"Maybe, whatcha got in mind; a little discipline?"

 

"Um, I need to think about it so we can come up with something really good. You know, something we can brag about."

 

Mike walked around in front of us and stood a little too close. His crotch was above eye level and way more tempting to look at then either one of us could offset with self-control so we checked him out. He was wearing baggy shorts so we couldn't see anything except his incredibly sexy, muscular legs. Since our privacy had been invaded, Dave decided to sit up.

 

"What's up, Mike?" he asked.

 

"Dinner is here and ready; Steve's bringing it out on the deck. Go on, you guys; he could use some help; I'm going to feed the fish, and I'll be right there."

 

"Yes, ma'am," Dave said with a snicker, making me laugh, too. "Be there in a flash, as soon as I get a little something to tide me over."

 

Having said that, I was already sitting and he swung a leg behind me and buried his head in the small of my neck, kissing and licking as he ran his hands over my chest and stomach, inside my shirt.

 

"Whoa, dude," I said, "not in front of Monsignor Mike."

 

I turned my head, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and stood up with my dick bulging in my shorts. I turned away so Mike couldn't see, saying, "C'mon, Dave," and I pulled him to his feet.

 

We walked toward the deck, me with my arm around Dave's shoulder, and half behind him to hide my erection. He knew why I was walking that way and smiled at me, patting my crotch. I kissed him quick, and patted his firm butt for the hell of it; actually, it was the fun of it.

 

In the kitchen, Steve was putting plates and utensils on a tray with napkins and condiments. Two brown bags with the food were on the counter, so I started to take the individual cartons out of the bag. One bag had the receipt stapled to it and I noticed the price was thirty-eight dollars and some odd cents. That only left a little less than two dollars for a tip and I guessed that Steve or Mike made up the difference. That was okay, at least I covered the cost of the meal, I felt good about it.

 

I sat next to Mike and across from Dave while we ate. Mike opened the umbrella over the table before we sat down; there was a gentle breeze blowing as we chatted between bites. The heat of the day was dissipating; it was turning into a pleasant evening—still hot, but pleasant nonetheless.

 

About half way through the meal, I felt Dave's foot in my crotch. I looked at him and we both began to smile and looked down at our plates.

 

Mike, the super-cop or super-snooper or whatever, picked up on it right away. He leaned back and looked under the table to see Dave's foot between my legs.

 

"Ahem," Mike said, looking at Dave. "Do you mind?"

 

"Not at all," Dave quipped, all cheerful and smiley, proud of himself, too. He was smiling big time.

 

That was enough for both of us to start laughing so I looked down at my plate, so as not to be encouraged by him. I could hardly resist his smile much less his laughter; I hoped Mike wasn't close to popping his cork again. I squeezed Dave's foot between my thighs and laughed again because this time it tickled and made me shiver.

 

"God, they're like two little girls," Mike said to Steve with a smile on his face.

 

That was a good thing; it meant he wasn't approaching the boiling point.

 

I looked at Dave again and we burst out laughing. We both knew it was silly, but once you get started on something like that, it's hard to stop. We were egging each other on, and it was too funny, and fun, all at the same time! Thank God, Mike found it amusing, too, or he'd probably start pounding the table again.

 

"Can't you two call it off long enough to eat?" Mike said sarcastically.

 

"Try it; you'll like it," Dave said.

 

"His nibs couldn't do that at the dinner table," I said to Dave.

 

I barely got that out when Dave started laughing, which fueled me, and we were off to the races again. This time Steve couldn't resist a snicker, and before it was over he was laughing outright, along with us.

 

When things calmed down we all looked at Mike to make sure he was okay, and it seemed like he was. He had a thin smile on his face as he shook his head, trying his best to exhibit disgust.

 

Having satiated my appetite, I got up from the table and stood behind Mike. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and said, "We'll clean up, big-guy," and I kissed him on the cheek. I winked at Steve as I straightened up and began collecting the dirty dishes.

 

Dave joined in and we had the mess cleaned up in no time. Dave started the dishwasher after I loaded it, and we wiped the counters clean.

 

Steve and Mike were talking on the deck, so we went outside to join them.

 

Steve looked up and said, "Do you guys want to go for a walk and get an ice cream with us?"

 

"Yeah, sure," Dave agreed quickly.

 

Steve grabbed his keys off the kitchen counter and locked the back door. We went around the side yard to the front gate.

 

"Hey; do you guys mind giving out the combo for the gate so we don't have to climb the fence every time?"

 

Steve gave us the code and motioned us to go ahead of them.

 

Dave insisted they go first, saying, "We'll follow you guys, so we can check out your butts,"

 

I nudged him with my elbow and rolled my eyes. When Steve and Mike were in front of us, I looked at Dave and started cracking up; he was wearing that devilish Dave grin that I found so irresistible.

 

I overheard Mike say, "Kids," then he shook his head.

 

"Hey, Mr. Mike, we heard that," Dave yelled ahead to him. "We're not kids, just so you know."

 

"If the shoe fits, wear it," was Mike's comeback.

 

We walked back to the house after the ice cream store where Dave and I took a cushion from a chaise lounge on the deck and laid it on the grass by the pond. Then we lay down on it making ourselves comfortable.

 

As dusk settled in, the night lighting came on. There was an underwater light illuminating the pond so you could see the fish swimming with strategically placed lighting around the perimeter of the garden; it was magical and mesmerizing, as we lay there entranced by the serenity of the trickling water and swirling motion of the fish swimming about.

 

"Damn this is a nice place," Dave noted. "I hope it works out that you can stay here."

 

"Yeah, me, too. We have to be careful to keep a low profile, so they don't get pissed off and decide to run me out of here."

 

"We might have pushed it a little tonight with the ribbing and all that."

 

"Yeah, maybe a little bit. Mike seemed to be okay, though, and that's good."

 

Dave pushed his erect dick into my ass again bringing the idea of screwing to mind once more. I was too tired to give it much thought, so I grabbed his arm and pulled it around me. He lowered his head onto my shoulder blade and exhaled. Shortly thereafter, we were fast asleep.

 

My cell phone started ringing waking us from our respite. I fumbled for it in my pocket and saw his father's name on the caller ID, so I handed it to him.

 

"It's for you."

 

As Dave talked, I could hear his mother's voice clearly; it sounded like she was mad; I was hoping he wouldn't be in trouble. When he finished talking, he closed it and handed it to me.

 

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

 

"It will be. She's pissed cause I'm late, it's ten-thirty. I have to get going."

 

"How did she get my cell number anyway?"

 

"I programmed it into speed dial at home," he said as he lifted himself off me and stood up.

 

I took the cushion and tossed it on the chaise lounge as we rounded the deck heading for the front gate. "Shit. I forgot the combo to the gate," I said.

 

"I remember. It's five-zero-four, the same as the area code for New Orleans."

 

"Oh" I said. "Come here and give me a goodnight kiss."

 

We kissed for a minute, then he let himself out through the gate. I watched until he was almost out of sight. I blew him a kiss, then sighed and looked after him as he disappeared. When I turned around, Mike was standing there and I let out a high-pitched scream and jumped backward, stopping only because my back was against the fence.

 

Mike started laughing like he was going to burst as I was bent over trying to regain my breathing and heart rhythm.

 

A few moments later, I said, "Dammit, Mike; why don't you fart or something so I know you're there?"

 

That was all he needed to fuel another round of guffaws. I couldn't resist smiling at him; it was kind of humorous after all. But that damn girl-like scream, I hoped that went unnoticed. Shit, first Dave says I'm beautiful, then he says he wants to fuck me, and now I go and scream like a girl; maybe I am part woman—who the hell knows?

 

"C'mon, Big Daddy," I said; "it's getting late," as I walked past him toward the backyard. I grabbed his T-shirt pulling him along. "Were you spying on me?"

 

He was still giggling intermittently as he tried to speak. "No," he paused to snicker. "No, I wasn't. You weren't in the backyard so I began to worry and came looking for you."

 

He placed his arm around my shoulder and I placed mine around his waist as we made our way to the backyard.

 

"Mendacity!" I said.

 

Actually, I wanted to say 'horseshit' but I didn't. I wondered if he was going to pick up on the references I made to "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof". Maybe all he ever read were law books; it was a possibility. Or maybe hunks don't read that kind of shit; I could only speculate. And in the end, it really didn't matter. Mike was a cool dude, and I was beginning to sense a kindred spirit in him, he's a good person with noble intentions, and that counts for a lot.

 

We turned out the lights and said goodnight to each other, then went to our respective rooms. I stripped and flopped onto the bed. I put my hands behind my head and stared at the ceiling.

 

I thought about Mom and hoped she was okay; I missed her a lot. Tomorrow was Wednesday—my first day on the new job. Then on Saturday, Mom would be here. I said a silent prayer for her, then slipped under the sheet for the night.

 

The next morning I was up before Mike and Steve, so I readied the coffee maker and went back upstairs to shower. When I finished, I went through my routine quickly and made the bed in the room I was using. It was a little too soon to think of it as my room, but I liked the idea just the same and smiled to myself.

 

I took my new uniform out of my pack; it was wrinkled up like a prune. I panicked not knowing what to do. I heard Steve in the kitchen so I went down to talk to him.

 

"Steve, do you guys have an iron?"

 

"No, why do you ask?"

 

"I forgot to take my uniform out of my pack yesterday and it's wrinkled to the max. Where can I buy an iron around here?"

 

"Bring it down here and let me look at it."

 

I took the steps two at a time and nearly ran into Mike at the top. "Whoa, sorry, Mike" I said, as I barely sidestepped him enough to avoid a collision and then fell on my arse.

 

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to run in the house?" he laughed. "Seriously, slow it down in here before you break something, will ya?"

 

"Yeah, sure," I said as I picked myself up off the floor. "We never had a house big enough to run in."

 

Feeling foolish, I walked the rest of the way to the bedroom.

 

Back in the kitchen, I unfolded my uniform to show Steve.

 

"You can throw the pants and bowtie in the dryer and tumble the wrinkles out on low. The shirt is cotton and probably needs ironing. There's a hardware store on Magazine Street just past the ice cream parlor; they should have irons there."

 

"Thanks, Steve."

 

"Sure, and you should consider a shave and a hair cut, too; you're starting to look a little scruffy."

 

"I'm on it, dude. I'll buy a razor at the hardware, too; thanks again."

 

I went upstairs to the bathroom to have a closer look at my appearance. Steve was right, my hair was getting long and looked a little on the unruly side while the peach fuzz had returned to my face but I sorta liked the unshaven look. On closer inspection, I decided to go ahead and shave; the fuzz was a little too thin to look anything like Dave's shadow. It looked like wishful thinking at best, but the idea made me smile.

 

Downstairs in the kitchen, I said goodbye to Mike and Steve as they left for work. I asked Steve to set the dryer and start it for me so I wouldn't ruin anything; I had never worked one before and was worried that I might damage something.

 

Knowing that it would take thirty minutes to complete the cycle; I decided to go buy an iron and razor. I rummaged through my pack and found seventy dollars in the side pocket.

 

Mike said he put the thirty dollars back that I gave him to buy diesel fuel for the boat and I guessed the other forty was the money I gave Steve for dinner last night. That was real nice of him, but I found it irritating that he wouldn't accept the money. I resolved on the spot to have a talk with them as soon as possible about rent and paying my own way. I was not going to freeload here or anywhere, as far as that goes. I put all my money in my pocket, hoping I would come across a bank to open an account.

 

As I walked down Magazine Street, I contemplated calling Dave and thought it might be a bit too early, so I decided to wait a while. When I got back to the house the neighbor was in the yard gardening and looked up to say hello as I passed her yard. I waved and replied with a greeting of my own and gave her a friendly smile.

 

She was a fit, well-figured, attractive woman, reminding me a lot of Mom.

 

Inside the house, I couldn't wait any longer and pulled my phone out to call Dave. There was a message from the service provider advising me that my bill was overdue and unless they received payment of forty some dollars by Friday; my phone was going to be turned off. I went into the library and returned their call. They gave me a web address to visit if I wanted to pay on line; the lady said I could use a credit or debit card. I assured her I would take care of it before the deadline; I thanked her and hung up.

 

Next, I dialed Dave's house, and his mother answered on the second ring.

 

"Hi, Mrs. Guidry; this is Val; is Dave home?"

 

"Just a minute," she said, rather curtly and set the phone down a little too hard.

 

A few silent moments passed, and Dave came on the line,

 

"Val?"

 

"Yeah, how goes it?"

 

"Not so good; I'm campused for being late last night."

 

"Campused? What the hell is that?"

 

"It's my mother's way of saying grounded. I'm grounded till Monday."

 

I could hear the despair in his voice and, to be honest, I was feeling it, too. Quickly doing the math, that meant that I couldn't see him for five whole days. I would go nuts, I was sure of it.

 

"Dave, that can't be; did you try talking to her?"

 

"Yeah, but she threatened to extend it if I didn't shut up. Hell, I don't know what to do; I'm gonna go crazy if I can't see you."

 

"Can you have visitors? Shit; that sounds like prison or the hospital for Christ sake."

 

"Nope, I'm not even supposed to have phone calls, but she said I could talk to you and tell you not to call."

 

"Well, fuck, Dave! Try to cut a deal with her. Tell her you'll clean the garage or the basement … anything to get back on her good side. You can think of something; can't you? You have to! Tell her you'll wash the windows inside and out; that always works with Mom. C'mon, dude; put on your thinking cap; I'm doing my best here. Did you try apologizing and promising to never do it again? Did you tell her how much you love her? That always softens 'em up."

 

"Dude … I already have to clean the garage, and we don't have basements in Louisiana; that's gonna take like two days; okay? And how can I tell her I love her when I want to choke her? Huh? Clear that one up for me if ya can. Man, I'm all ears."

 

"I don't know what to say `cause I don't know her that well, but you do. Think of something and work it out, for Christ sake. Make her feel guilty if you can, or appeal your sentence to a higher authority—like your dad—how 'bout that?"

 

"There is no higher authority around here. Mom runs the show; she's the ringmaster."

 

"Sounds like a dominatrix to me."

 

We both laughed at that one, but soon the conversation returned to the serious business at hand.

 

"Yeah, and guilt is something she doesn't understand. Are you getting the picture?"

 

I sighed at the lack of effort Dave was willing to exert. It's true, I didn't know his mother all that well, but give me some credit here; can't he plead or do some fake crying or something? Anything at all; just try!

 

"Dave, who wears the pants in that family?"

 

"Duh, ya gotta ask?"

 

"Well, it's time for you to raid your mother's closet and reclaim them as the man of the house. Establish a protocol, some kind of precedent, let her know who's boss!"

 

That was intended more on the light side than anything.

 

"Val, this isn't going anywhere, and she's standing in the hall looking at me. I should go."

 

"Okay but I'm not giving up on this. I have a lot to do today; I'll see ya tomorrow. If I have to break into your house to do it, I'll be there. Oh, Dave … which window is your bedroom window?"

 

"I'm not telling, `cause you'll only get me in more trouble."

 

He lowered his voice a couple octaves and said, "I love you, and I miss you big time."

 

"I love you, too. I'll see ya tomorrow." Then I hung up before he could say anything.

 

Well, that wasn't very good news; in fact, it was downright ugly. I tried to think of something as I went about shaving and ironing. As hard as I tried, I couldn't come with anything. I could, however, walk past his house on the way to work. All I had to do was get off the streetcar and walk two blocks over, maybe I would be able to see him working in the yard or something.

 

I left the house to get a haircut and open a bank account. On the way back, I strolled into a clothing store and bought a pair of black dress shoes and a belt for work. I took another shower when I got back to wash the loose hair off; I hate the itchiness after a haircut.

 

I had a few hours to kill before work, so I mowed the grass, did some weeding and watered the garden. I noticed a sprinkler system but didn't know how to operate it so I did it manually. Now that I was all sweaty and dirty again, I took my third shower of the day.

 

Before I dressed and left for work, I left Mike and Steve a note on the desk in the library along with some cash.

 

I asked one of them to pay my cell phone bill via the net with their credit card and emphasized that they should not put the money back in my pack. I left them the necessary information then asked them to think about a fair price for rent, assuming Mom didn't haul me back with her on Saturday. That aside, I put a slice of bologna with mustard between two pieces of bread and left for work.

 

I got off the streetcar at the stop nearest to Dave's house. I walked two blocks over and surveyed his house from the other side of the street. They lived on the corner with the garage facing the side street. It was a grand old house in the antebellum style that was so typical of moneyed Louisianans.

 

The first thought that came to mind was 'the bitch is in there.' I smiled but it was short lived. I noticed the overhead door to the garage was open, as evidenced by its protruding beyond the structure, and a pile of junk was stacked on the short approach. Dave walked out with two old lawn chairs and threw them on top of the pile, then went back inside.

 

I grinned at the image of 'my man, Dave' cleaning the garage, and started walking closer. I was standing by the sidewall outside listening to Dave swear and throw stuff around. He definitely knew all the four letter words, and I couldn't help but chuckle silently. The noise and swearing subsided, which piqued my curiosity, so I moved around the corner to have a look. He was intent on reading the label on a paint can.

 

"DAVE," I shouted.

 

He threw the paint can in the air along with his arms and jumped backward emitting a loud aaah!

 

He tripped over an old bicycle and landed on his butt.

 

I doubled over and started laughing like a Hyena. I had to drop my pack as I staggered on the driveway, weak with satisfaction and mirth at having scared the crap out of him. I laughed so hard my face glowed as I began to sweat under the hot, humid Louisiana sun.

 

I was still laughing like a fool when he said, "Asshole."

 

That fueled another bout of uncontrolled laughter. It was evident he was irritated by my animated gratification when he said, "What the fuck are you doing here?"

 

I was beginning my descent into normalcy but not entirely able to hold a conversation yet. I panted for air as I straightened up. The next order of business was to hold and kiss him, so I started walking his way. I offered my hand in an effort to help him up so I could get my arms around him.

 

Accepting my offer, I pulled him to his feet.

 

I wrapped him in my arms as tightly as I could and kissed his mouth like we hadn't seen each other in years; it was wonderful. He slipped his tongue in, and I opened wide for him. We broke, both of us needing air; I held him close laying my head on his shoulder with my chin in the small of his neck, still panting to catch my breath.

 

"I'm so glad you're here," he said, squeezing me.

 

"Me, too," I responded. "I wish I didn't have to go to work. I would rather stay here with you."

 

God, he felt so good and warm and alive and … I don't know what all … 'everything that's worthwhile' was all I could think of.

 

He pushed back and said, "You got a haircut. They cut off the highlights. It makes you look so different."

 

"I'm still me," I said but his observation was bothersome.

 

Did he like me any less because I looked different? I hoped not; putting the thought aside, I said, "Do you like it?"

 

"I've never seen your hair this short; it makes you look younger."

 

I didn't like the direction of this conversation much, so I said, "Has your mother changed her mind or lightened up at all?"

 

"No. She's still rigid and bitchy as hell."

 

"Well, my man, that's not good. I hate to say it, but I have to get going to work." With that, I put my hand behind his head, my other hand on the small of his back and pulled him in. "I'll be thinking of you."

 

I hugged him and held on for the wonderful feeling that was Dave. Damn, he was so good and wholesome and sexy and ... no wonder I love the dude! God help me.

 

"Yeah, me too. I wish you didn't have to go."

 

"I'll be here tomorrow at the same time; okay? I hope to see you then." With that said, I released him and put my hand on his shadowy cheek. Geez, it felt so masculine and virile. I couldn't help but think about Dave wanting to screw me and began to bone up at the thought of it.

 

"Dude, I love ya always," Dave spurted out.

 

"Same here, same here. I gotta go or I'll be late on my first day. See ya tomorrow, same time, same place."

 

"It's a date."

 

We had a quick kiss and I left, crossing the side street, in case his mother was looking out the window, and I made my way back to the streetcar line. Before his house was out of sight, I turned to have a last look.

 

Dave was standing under the garage door watching and raised a hand. I did, too, then smiled as I turned to go. One of these days, we would be together, and I wouldn't have to think about either one of us leaving.

 

As far as first days go, work went fine. I netted just under two hundred dollars and it wasn't even the weekend. Rob, one of the other waiters, said it was an unusually busy night and the fact that I had two large groups was out of the ordinary. He said I shouldn't expect that all the time, that it was an exception and not the rule.

 

Either way, I wasn't complaining; we rode the streetcar home, together, toward Canal Street. I wished him a goodnight, what was left of it, and I got off at my stop; he stayed on to the end of the line since he lived in the Vieux Carré.

 

The next morning I heard the shower in Mike and Steve's room running and someone making noise in the kitchen, so I got up to say hi before they left for work. When I made it to the kitchen, Steve was toasting a bagel.

 

"Morning Steve," I said, then gave him a quick peck on the cheek and a pat on the rump.

 

"Hey there; how did your first day on the job go?"

 

"Great; I made two hundred dollars last night."

 

"No kidding! They need more help there?" he asked with a chuckle.

 

"It was an unusually busy night. I had two large party's that made up over half my tips. One of the other waiters said not to take it as the norm. Anyway Steve, I need to talk to you guys."

 

"About?"

 

"Well, if I'm going to stay here, I should be paying room and board."

 

Mike walked into the kitchen and said, "Good morning, sport" on his way to refresh his coffee. He wasn't wearing a suit so I asked,

 

"Are you working from the house today, Mike?"

 

"No, but I'm going in late. My case load is light at the moment, so I'm taking advantage of it."

 

"Cool," I said. "Maybe we can have a talk then."

 

He turned his head toward me with a puzzled look on his face.

 

"What's on your mind, sport?"

 

Geez, now he's got a new name for me. Well, I can get into that mode, too!

Let's see how he reacts.

 

"Well, Big Daddy, it's about how much I should be paying as long as I'm staying here. I mean for room and board, ya know?"

 

Steve was first to speak. "By the way, thanks for cutting the grass. If you want to continue doing that no one will object." He walked over and gave Mike a kiss goodbye, saying he would be home early after a lunchtime meeting with a client; then he left for the office.

 

Mike and I discussed the room and board issue at length. He agreed I should pay something so we settled on an amount. When he finished prorating the current month, I went upstairs to make out a check and square up with them. He said part of my obligation would be keeping the lawn mowed and the house clean. He said I could start with their bathroom today, and I gave him a sarcastic comment about a houseboy, which made him laugh.

 

He told me Steve paid my phone bill and pocketed the cash. I told him about my new bank account and debit card that should be here shortly, and how I would be able to take care of it myself going forward. He was about to get up when I said, "Mike, there's something else." I said it on a solemn note, looking at the table.

 

He eased himself down, focusing on me, "Yeah, go ahead. What is it?" his interest, obviously piqued.

 

"Well it's kinda embarrassing," I said, then cleared my throat. "It's about sex." Now I had his attention.

 

His face was a little flush and I guess mine was too from the feel of it.

 

"Yeah, go ahead."

 

"Well … it's about Dave and me." Then I got tongue-tied and stuttered, so I shut up to regain my composure. 'Oh, hell, just say it,' I thought silently. "Well, Mike, he wants to screw me."

 

Mike started laughing at that. It wasn't mean or condescending, he was truly amused, which made me chuckle along with him. In a way, it was a good thing, because it lightened the mood and took some of the tension out of the air … at least for me it did.

 

"Mike? You done laughing at me, yet?"

 

It really didn't bother me, but I felt the need to press him for some reason. He stifled himself, donning a serious face.

 

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I wasn't making light of the situation; it struck me as humorous for some reason. What do you want to know?"

 

"Like I said, Dave wants to screw me, and I'm not so sure. I mean I've never done anything like that before and I just don't know what to do. What I mean is, I don't know if I want to do it or not."

 

"Well, first of all," Mike said, "never do anything along those lines you don't want to do, ever. Whether you love him or not doesn't matter, and don't feel guilty about it if you don't think you're ready. You're a very attractive young man, and I can certainly understand why he feels that way. If he loves you as you do him, then it's perfectly natural to want to share the most intimate act two men can do. I understand you wanting to please him, but the act should be even and reciprocally desirable for both of you. You should want it as much as he does."

 

"Having said that…" Mike went on, "…there are some do's and don'ts you should be aware of. I'm going to set up an email account for you on the computer. I'll send you some links for you to read. I think they will explain things in detail much better than I can. Do you know if Dave has had intercourse with anyone?"

 

"He says he hasn't, and I believe him. He did mess around with another boy once and got caught. He said they jacked each other off and that was it."

 

That was a little difficult to get out but I had to tell him. After all, I'm the one that brought up the subject, and he was trying his best to help.

 

"He should be safe then. If either one of you ever has sex with anyone else then you MUST wear a condom from then on. Do you understand that clearly?"

 

"Yeah, I do."

 

"Okay then, sport. Are we done now?"

 

"I guess so. Thanks Mike. I wanted to ask you sooner, but I couldn't get the nerve, and the time never seemed right," I said, still looking at the table.

 

"Anytime, anywhere … you call if there's anything, and I mean it; okay?"

 

"Yeah, thanks."

 

With that, we both stood up and started for the living room. Mike had his hand on my back and patted my shoulder then veered off for the library, and I made my way upstairs. I cleaned up my room; yeah, I said 'my room'; I just paid Mike for that privilege, so there!

 

After I made the bed, I lay on it, wondering what Dave was up to. If he hadn't been grounded, he would be here now. I decided to clean their bathroom and walked over to the top of the stairs hollering at Mike,

 

"MIKE?"

 

"YEAH?"

 

"I'M GOING TO USE YOUR SHOWER AND CLEAN IT AT THE SAME TIME; OKAY?"

 

"GO FOR IT, SPORT. THE CLEANING SUPPLIES ARE UNDER THE SINK."

 

Geez, I was still a little ambivalent about my new name; maybe it would grow on me. I exhaled then set about the task at hand. Neither of them made their bed so I did that and commenced cleaning the bathroom. When I finished the shower, I nosed around in the vanity drawers and didn't find anything unusual there. Satisfied with a job well done, I cleaned my bathroom, well, the hall bathroom, but it really was mine since I was the only one who used it. The only thing left to do upstairs was pass the vacuum, so I did.

 

Then I was bored again, so I had the idea to sit on the deck taking some sun and sneak a beer out with me. I made a sandwich for Mike after I ate mine. I took his plate with chips and an ice tea and placed it on the desk beside him, so he wouldn't come into the kitchen and spy on me, sipping a beer.

 

The next few days passed much like that. Me going to work, Mike and Steve doing the same, me doing the yard work and cleaning in my new role as houseboy and tenant.

 

Things were growing more comfortable with every passing day. As Saturday neared, I was anticipating Mom's visit and wanting to see her more and more. As the time grew short, I began to miss her and think about her a lot. The past week was the longest I had ever gone without seeing her, and honestly, I missed her.

 

I visited Dave in his garage every day on my way to work; I was quite sure his mother was aware of our rendezvous, but she never interfered and I, for one, was grateful for that.

 

It was Saturday morning when I opened my eyes. I took my cell phone from the nightstand to find out what time it was … ten o'clock. I panicked. I was sure Mom was on her way to New Orleans by now. The drive was an hour at the most in weekend traffic; I wanted to be cleaned up and well dressed when she arrived.

 

I stumbled downstairs through the living and dining rooms into the kitchen and found no one. Shit! Where the hell are Mike and Steve? I ran to the stairs and took them two at a time; they must be in their bedroom; that was the only place I could think of. The door to their room was open; there was no sign of them.

 

Confused and baffled, I went back to the kitchen to pour a coffee and rethink things, trying to settle down. The coffee pot was still in its warming mode, so I knew they hadn't been gone long. That didn't do much to calm my nerves though; Mom was on her way. As much as I wanted to see her, I definitely didn't want to do it alone or go back to Poorman's Parish; that was no place for me.

 

I paced the kitchen, stroking my hair and trying to figure out what was going on, how things would shake out today, where I would be sleeping come nightfall.

 

I went upstairs and called Mike's cell phone; he'd said to call anytime, so I did. It rang in their bedroom! What the hell? Where is he? Where's Steve? Fuck, fuck, and fuck! And ya know what? Fuck me, too, cause that I surely will be if they don't come home before Mom gets here. I'll be on my way back to Plaquemines, sure as shit. What to do? What to do? I couldn't think; I was in panic mode.

 

I went back to the kitchen, taking my coffee in hand; I sipped it and tried to calm down, thinking logically, or so I hoped. I paced around in a quandary, wondering how the impending events would unfold. I stopped at the kitchen window to look at the backyard. To my surprise, I saw Mike and Steve in the hot tub; thank God they were home! I was about to run out there when I noticed something, they were in each other's arms. They were screwing!

 

Steve was sitting in Mike's lap facing him and bouncing up and down as they kissed intermittently. Mike was fucking Steve! And Steve was rolling his head back between kissing Mike and bouncing up and down. How the hell can they do that when Mom is on her way?

 

The scenario was much too exciting, and I started to get hard watching them. Steve was the 'pretty' one and Mike was the hunk or stud or whatever. They were fucking; fucking in the hot tub! That's what Dave wanted to do to me! I started stroking myself as I watched them screw; the scene was too hot to think about looking away.

 

Steve looked like he was in another dimension as his head rolled around, and Mike kissed him with conviction; Steve's arms were wrapped around Mike's neck.

 

He supported himself and squatted over Mike's crotch as Mike arched his back and legs forcing himself into Steve. Oh, My, God; is that me and Dave in another place and time?

 

Steve made it look so wonderful and his naked body was to die for; how could Mike not be turned on by that?

 

I was fascinated with what I saw; it was so hot and stimulating, and Steve was loving every minute of it; he was beautiful and definitely the woman in the relationship. I couldn't help but think that I would be the woman in our relationship; Dave wanted to fuck me; that's what he said. If I did that, then I would be the woman, the girl for the two of us.

 

Mike was looking at Steve like he was the only thing in the world while Steve cycled up and down on Mike's stiff member. Mike was using force to pound himself into Steve, it was glorious, and erotic as anything I had ever seen.

 

Steve put his hands behind his head, arching his back, and came without touching himself, evidenced by his moaning. God it was too much to witness, too hot, and way more than I could have imagined.

 

I wanted Dave to do that to me. If Steve was liking it so much then I was sure I would, too. I grabbed my dick in my shorts and started stroking myself aggressively.

 

I was watching Steve and imagining Dave's hardness inside of me, I was overcome with the need to be with him. A few strokes later and I unloaded in my shorts with my own verbal enunciation; God it felt so good. I missed Dave in the worst way.

 

I went upstairs to clean up and lie in bed; I didn't want them to know I saw the whole thing. As I lay there, I couldn't help but visualize Steve and the 'out of this world' sensation that overtook his body. I wanted that, too; I wanted it with Dave and me. I was sure of myself now; I wanted to be with Dave in the same way.

 

I slipped under the sheet and closed my eyes, tucking a pillow between my legs. I was going to wait until Mike and Steve came inside to get up again; no way was I going to embarrass them. They were too good to me to be intrusive. But Steve, I would have to talk to him about sex; I was sure of that. I was going to be like him in my relationship with Dave; I was going to be the girl! I didn't like the sound or idea of that too much.

 

"VAL," came a holler from downstairs.

 

It could only be Mike. I hesitated for a moment as if I were waking up and yelled, "YEAH?"

 

"GET YOUR ASS OUT OF BED; YOUR MOTHER'S ON HER WAY."

 

I had to smile at Mike's take-charge attitude, and the thought of him fucking Steve … it was too funny. 'Big Daddy' was on a mission, taking charge.

 

"COMING, FATHER," I acknowledged.

 

I straightened up the bed, put on a clean pair of shorts, and went down to the kitchen without a shirt. I was wide awake, having risen earlier, but they didn't know that. I left my coffee cup in my room.

 

"The coffee's almost gone," I said.

 

"Make some more," Mike said on his way to the powder room.

 

"Does he ever take a break?" I asked Steve with a twinkle, looking him in the eye.

 

"Yeah, he does. He's a pretty good person when ya get to know him."

 

"I agree. I like him, he's a good dude, and beneath his crustiness, he's pretty soft." I rendered a sincere smile, because I believed it.

 

Steve was making omelets on the cook top and I couldn't resist hugging him. God, I felt like a needy thing, but I wanted to do it badly; he made a good 'Dave substitute' besides; maybe it was good time to talk to him.

 

"Steve?"

 

"Yeah?"

 

"Ah … nothing," I chickened out.

 

Steve said, "Are you gonna get dressed before your mother gets here?"

 

"Yeah, I'm gonna do it now." I hugged Steve around his waist from behind, some more, and felt his stomach and chest. He was soft and defined and felt very nice.

 

I tried to explain what I was doing, "I miss Dave so much; he's grounded until Monday".

 

I looked down at Steve's ass to see if there was a hint of him being fucked, there was nothing out of the ordinary; he still looked cute and sexy in a grown-up sort of way. I laid my head on the back of his shoulders, wrapping my arms around his waist again. He felt so good.

 

"I understand you're missing Dave, but you have to get yourself cleaned up, like NOW. Why don't you call him, and stop using me as your surrogate."

 

"I can't even call there." I didn't say anything about visiting him in the garage every day. I had a strong urge to push my hand into the front of his bathing suit, and that caused me to start hardening up.

 

"Val, get going NOW."

 

"Okay, okay."

 

He was starting to show signs of stress so I let him go, mostly because I was getting hard. I kissed his cheek and headed for the bathroom. Dave aside, I found Steve sexy as hell for an older dude. I made a mental note to ask their ages when the timing seemed right. I also had something important to discuss with him; next time I wouldn't chicken out.

 

I had everything in the kitchen cleaned up and put away after showering. I put on some of the new clothes I'd bought at the mall with Steve; I wanted to look my best for Mom's visit.

 

The three of us sat in the kitchen waiting for her, each of us with our own thoughts. I was nervous and fidgety with trepidation at a possibly unfavorable outcome. I love my mom but the circumstances under which I left were less than thoughtful and, I'm sure, caused her a lot of worry and grief. I suddenly felt like a piece of shit—ashamed of what I had done and the way I did it.

 

Mike put his hands on top of mine, as I played with the centerpiece on the table.

 

"Relax, Val; everything's going to be fine."

 

I looked at him, trying my best to smile but it didn't seem sincere.

 

Steve put his hand on my arm and asked, "Why don't you pick out a CD and put it on the sound system, something easy so we can talk over it. That should keep you busy for a few minutes."

 

When I looked at him, he was grinning and I couldn't resist one either.

 

"Okay," I said, "something easy."

 

I opened the armoire in the living room and made a classical selection; I knew nothing about classical music, but I thought it would be fine in the background. I held it up for Steve to see in the doorway; he nodded his approval so I started it up and put it on repeat.

 

Back in the kitchen, I couldn't stand it any longer; I had to say something, "I'm nervous."

 

"I couldn't tell," Steve said sarcastically.

 

I rolled my eyes at him. The last thing we needed at the moment was sarcasm, and how could he be so cavalier at a time like this anyway? My future was hanging in limbo, for Christ sake!

 

"Did anyone unlock the gate?" I asked.

 

"Yeah, I did while you were in the bathroom," Mike said. "Relax sport; everything's going to work out just fine."

 

"I hope you're right, Mike. As much as I love Mom, I'll die if I have to go back there. I won't go back! I make enough to support myself here. I'll fucking run before she makes me get in the car; I swear to God."

 

"Watch the language, sport, and no one—including you—is going to do any running today; got that?"

 

I nodded my head, but I was not in agreement with his prophesized version of how I might react. It occurred to me if I did have to make a dash for it, then I should have my money with me.

 

I stood up and said, "I'll be right back. I'm going upstairs for a minute."

 

Steve gave me a look that I could only characterize as cold and suspicious. I went to my room and started rummaging through my pack for my checkbook and debit card. I was getting panicky, because they were nowhere to be found. I stood up and swore out of frustration then, remembered I placed them in the dresser.

 

I walked over to it and found them in the top drawer. I leafed through them to make sure everything was there. I turned to head toward downstairs, only to see Mike standing in the doorway.

 

"What are you planning to do with that stuff?"

 

"I was making sure everything was still there." That sounded weak, but I couldn't think of anything else to say.

 

He extended his hand as if to say 'hand it over', so I did. The guy was too much. How does he always manage to turn up at the worst time? I don't have a clue. And I sure as hell don't know what I'll do for money if I have to skate; tomorrow is Sunday and the banks are closed; that means sleeping on the streets for two nights if I have to take off.

 

"You won't be needing this stuff today; I'll keep it safe for you," he said, and then stuffed it in his back pocket. "I'm quite sure your mother is going to agree to you staying here. I'd be very surprised if she makes you go back after the conversations Steve and I have had with her."

 

Conversations? They didn't say anything about talking with mom. When did all this take place? And why didn't they say something about it? Everyone is discussing my future except me!

 

"How come you didn't tell me? And what did she say to make you think that?

God dammit, Mike, this is my future you're discussing. Don't you think I should have something to say about it?"

 

"Watch that mouth, kid, and I mean it," he said in a tone of voice that definitely meant he was serious.

 

"Sorry, Mike; this is eating me up inside. I can't stand not knowing how things will turn out."

 

"Trust me," he said, then crossed the room to give me a squeeze.

 

Good God, he felt great, and his timing, as usual, was perfect.

 

"I do, Mike," I said as I hugged him back. "I'm sorry for causing you and Steve so much aggravation. Somehow, someday … I'm going to make it up to you guys; I promise."

 

He pushed me away and said, "C'mon, sport; we have a job to do; let's give 'em hell."

 

With that, he escorted me to the top of the steps. I heard Mom's voice in the living room and took a deep breath, looking at Mike.

 

"Here goes nothing," I mumbled, and started down the stairs.

 

When Mom saw me at the bottom of the stairs, she stood up and hurried over to me, wrapping her arms around me.

 

"Oh, Val, I missed you so much, honey. Are you okay? I've been so worried."

Then she pulled me close to her bosom, and we both started crying like babies.

 

I cried like I never had in my life. I was sobbing and shaking as I held her fast. The tears were coming so hard I couldn't see. All the guilt and love I held inside for her churned and welled up, escaping me like a tsunami; I was out of control and powerless, so I let it out, all of it.

 

It was a couple minutes before we were able to think about anything other than bawling.

 

When we drew apart, Mom said, "Let me have a look at you," as she sniffed her nose.

 

I wiped my eyes on my forearm and looked at her. God, it was so nice to see her, and she looked great. Steve walked over to us with a box of tissue. We both took a handful, and I dried my eyes, then blew my nose; Mom did the same.

 

"I missed you, Mom."

 

"I missed you, too, honey, more than you know."

 

I whispered in her ear, "Me, too; I love you, Mom." Then I kissed her on the cheek.

 

She smiled and motioned toward the sofa, taking my hand. I felt like a little boy again holding her hand at the zoo and following her around; I liked it a lot; I missed that. We sat next to each other as I continued to hold her hand. It was reassuring to touch her and be close to her again.

 

Mike, ever the attorney and take-charge kind of guy that he is, started the conversation, saying that he and Steve had several discussions with Mom, which were for my benefit. As it turned out, they had done most of their talking while I was at work, and that explained why I wasn't aware of it.

 

As he talked, I looked several times at Mom, trying to read her. She sat there stoically; it was a bit unsettling not being able to calculate her mood. Maybe it was the time we spent apart, but I didn't think that was it. She was always cool under fire, and this was one of those moments.

 

Mike was starting to bore everyone with his pragmatic approach, covering all the bases as he went. It was all so logical that it almost seemed redundant to me, if it weren't my destiny that was under scrutiny. I wanted to ask him to get to the point, but I didn't want to piss him off either, so I sat there listening. I noticed Steve's eyes roaming around the room, too, which confirmed my thoughts.

 

Not long thereafter, Mike began to wrap up his narrative.

 

"So … we have these documents for you to sign Mrs. Milner. In the event something happens to Val while he's here, either Steve or I will be able to react on his behalf."

 

I glanced sideways at Mom to gauge her reaction. She wasn't aware of my fake ID, which would allow me to make my own decisions, so I kept my mouth shut.

 

"Mike and Steve, please call me Catherine or Katy. I hope we're past formalities, more so, since my son is going to be in your care."

 

Wow! I couldn't believe my ears. Mom's gonna let me stay! And all the horseshit that I caused Steve and Mike? They signed up for more; there's a God after all!

 

I didn't want Mom to know I was overjoyed, even though I was; she might take it the wrong way. I wanted to express my gratitude without being overly exuberant.

 

I put an arm around her and said, "Thanks, Mom, and I mean it. I'm gonna miss you a lot, but I'm coming home to visit before school starts."

 

Mom smiled at me as only parents do at their children; "How's Dave?"

 

I was flabbergasted by this, but maintained—I was hoping—a detached demeanor.

 

"Dave is good. He's grounded until Monday though."

 

She slid the signed documents across the coffee table to Mike with a smile on her face.

 

"Your grades are most important—don't forget that, Val—they're more important than work."

 

"I won't, Mom. I'm a good student and learner. I've always had good grades; you know that." I couldn't help but be drawn in by her mothering; I missed it and liked it.

 

She turned to face me. "Honey, I've been seeing Bill for the last couple weeks. He lives here in New Orleans, and he's been a tremendous support to me through all this. We have a date tomorrow, and we're going to wander around the French Quarter, then have a late lunch at the yacht club at Lake Pontchartrain before I go home. I'd like for you to go with us, so you two can meet each other."

 

"Tomorrow is my day off, and I'd love to go, Mom. Where are you staying tonight?"

 

"I have a room on Canal Street, so I won't be far away."

 

I looked at Mike and Steve, "Can she stay here?"

 

"Sure," Steve was first to respond.

 

"That's nice of you," Mom said. "I guaranteed the room, so I have to pay even if I don't use it. I would rather have my own space, to be honest."

 

She stood up and thanked Mike and Steve; then she held me, and I wrapped my arms around her. Why did I ever think she would want anything but the best for me?

 

"I love you, Mom," I whispered in her ear as I held her tight. We had been through so much since Dad died. She was my only family, and I surely didn't want anything to come between us.

 

She placed both her hands on my cheeks and said, "You're still my baby. I will always love you, and I expect you to visit before school starts. Bring Dave, too; I would like to get to know him."

 

With that little comment, she expunged any anxiety I may have had about my sexuality. In one short phrase, she told me she knew, that it was okay with her, and I didn't need to hide it. No wonder I love her; she's the best; she's my mother!

 

I walked her to the front door and opened it. I had my arm around her shoulder and began to get misty, again, because she was leaving. Not like I'd left her, but she was going, just the same. Sure, I would see her tomorrow and spend time with her and her new boyfriend; something about her leaving, though, had a profound effect on me.

 

Before she left the yard, I pulled her into a hug—a very aggressive one. "Thanks, Mom. I miss you so much, and I want you to meet Dave, too."

 

I held her tight. I only had one mother, and I wanted her to know how I felt.

We kissed each other goodbye, and she let herself out the gate. As I watched her drive away, I noticed she was driving a new car; it was the first new car she ever had, I was happy for her and smiled at my beautiful mother. She was definitely a keeper, and I was the luckiest kid on earth to belong to her.

To be continued...

I would like to acknowledge Wayne for his help in keeping me focused or on track, and Chris for his help in editing and proof-reading.

Posted: 10/16/09