“Winging It”

By: Pee Jay
(© 2010-2011 by the author)

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

Chapter 8
"A Change of Venue"

Some months later, John had given up his apartment and moved in with Adam and Jim at the condo. He was reluctant to do so as Jim would not accept money for rent, which made John that much more uncomfortable. John paid every bill he could get his hands on and Jim was grateful reminding him it wasn't necessary or expected. John tried to pay the association dues too, but Jim's parents had that covered.

Jim entered into a relationship with Dave, who had moved in with them. With four adults in the condo, the walls were beginning to close in fast. As large as it was, with Dave spending his off time there; it felt more like a frat house than a home. Adam decided to take it up with John one afternoon before they locked up for the day. He was getting tired of the scenario, craving more quality time with John.

"John, do you think we have enough money to remodel the upstairs?"

"Is the situation at the condo getting to you?"

"Yeah, it is. It's more like Union Station these days with the four of us. And Dave, all he wants to watch on TV is that sci-fi station."

"I know. And there isn't much discussion about it since Jim likes that stuff, too. I don't mind once in awhile but every night is a bit much."

"What do you think? Can we afford it?"

"Yeah, and I'm glad you brought it up. I didn't want to say anything but it's starting to bug me, too; I wasn't sure how you felt about moving out."

So the decision was taken. The second floor would be converted into living space for them; it would be their first place together. It was early May and John had given his notice at work. His resignation was effective June first and he was a bundle of nerves, worrying himself crazy with anticipation.

He was giving up the security of a paycheck for the unknown, or so it seemed to him. It was a big leap in his mind and his apprehension was stoked with the decision to spend thirty some thousand dollars remodeling the second floor. He was having trouble sleeping. He would awaken with visions of skid row, pan handling, and homelessness; he was driving himself insane. He wasn't managing the transition well; he was tired, haggard looking, and not eating right. He was stressed out. He couldn’t escape his self-induced stupor.

Shortly after they bought the business, John had contacted the dean of the aviation school at the University in town and made a deal to bring additional student pilots to the business. The AFROTC (Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corp) program on campus was willing to pay for twenty-five hours of flight instruction for any junior or senior in the program who wanted it. The intent was to determine a student's interest as well as aptitude toward flying.

Adam did some comparative shopping with the competition and determined they were below market with their pricing. After careful consideration, the two decided on a new fee schedule and put it in place. John worried about the decision; he didn't want to discourage any existing business. Adam was excited with the prospect of additional income; there were plenty of ways to spend it, and he could think of a couple off the top of his head.

Between the additional students and the growing charter business; they were busy all day, every day. That was a big change from not so long ago when newspapers were read with feet propped on the desk during business hours. The new web site was a boon to business as well. Student pilots could book their own time slots over the Internet, as could charter clients. Jim had done a good job of making the process straightforward and easy to navigate and the graphics were outstanding as well, not to mention professional.

John and Adam had managed to squirrel away a respectable sum; John called it their love-nest-reserve and Adam rolled his eyes calling John a twit or something like that, whenever he did. They were spending less than half their cash hoard on the remodel, which did little to ease John's mind.

John should have known better; after all, he was the bookkeeper and well aware of their financial position. He knew where to hide things and what he could get away with. He didn't have to worry about auditors, just the IRS; and Turner-Felstow Aviation, LLC. was small potatoes as far as the IRS was concerned. They had bigger concerns to worry about than their little operation and John knew it.

Eventually, May thirty-first rolled around and found John in his cubicle putting his personal things in a cardboard box. The word had gotten around the office when he tendered his resignation. Everyone wanted to know where he was going, what he'd be doing, and he soon tired of repeating the story.

John took a few minutes in Will's office to say goodbye and thank him for everything he had done. John was ambivalent at leaving Will's tutelage and steady hand; he sincerely liked and respected him. He invited Will to come out for a free spin in the Aztec with his family and Will said he would think about it. They shook hands and agreed to stay in touch; John said he would call when the apartment was complete so Will could inspect it. They both smiled and shook hands. John preferred to say 'later' rather than 'goodbye'.

At the end of the day, Kay Armstrong was hanging around John's desk. John was hoping to make his exit without further ado from her. She had turned into a pain in the neck as far as John was concerned; attractive yes, but a pain nonetheless.

"Can I come by the airport to see your business?" Kay asked.

"Sure, you know which one it is?"

"Yeah, it's Hughes Aviation, right?"

"That's the one. Would you like to learn to fly?"

"Maybe, I never thought about it."

"The first lesson is free but you have to agree to pay for another one to get it."

Kay smiled at John, "You must be the number one salesman there".

"Yeah, and the janitor, the bookkeeper, the plumber, the complaint department, and everything else I don't feel like paying to have done."

"Maybe I'll come around Saturday."

"You do that," John said as he offered his hand to Kay saying, "goodbye."

John left for the airport without looking back. He knew he would never again make his living in the field of accounting. If he were to leave a mark in the world, it would be in aviation with Adam at his side. Together they could make it work; no, they would make it work—there was no other way. John knew if he were with Adam anything was possible.

When John arrived at the airport, Adam was talking to the contractor. The contractor felt the job was complete and wanted final payment. Adam wasn't sure how to handle it, so he deferred to John.

John told him they would walk through the job and inspect it before final payment and the contractor agreed. With a pad of paper and pen from the desk, John suggested they do it then. He thought the sooner the guy had his punch list complete, the sooner they could move in.

The walk through was smooth. The list consisted, for the most part; of clean this, clean that, touch up here, touch up there, nothing of real significance. John twisted the contractor’s arm to get him to clean the windows and told him he could pick up his check as soon as everything was complete. They shook hands then the contractor left. The two of them waited for the burglar alarm guy to finish before they locked up and went home.

Back at the condo, Dave and Jim were getting dinner ready. John and Adam decided to order a pizza and have a couple beers. They sat down at the island and opened their bottles.

John said, "Well, Hon, that's it. From now on, we go to work together. Are you gonna get tired of me?"

"I might. I'll let you know when it happens."

John was too tired to pick up on Adam's bantering, he let it go. "We have to furnish the place now. That means spending more money,” he said.

"Aren't we using the furniture from your apartment?"

"Yeah, but it won't fill that place up. That's a big space up there. We need something for the windows and a stack washer-dryer for the closet in the bathroom."

"I can use the blank check Mom gave me. Do you think it would be over five thousand?"

"Probably," John said. He didn't like the idea of taking handouts from the Felstows but the thought of spending more money was less palatable. The idea of accepting something from old poker face was like admitting he needed him. He decided that Adam would eventually inherit it anyway, being an only child, so he quietly conceded setting his concern aside.

"When are you guys going to make the move?" Jim asked.

"We can start anytime we want," Adam replied, "we'll probably start taking things over tomorrow when we go to work."

And so they did. John had his furniture delivered from storage that Friday. Adam had a woman come out and measure the windows Thursday night then they followed her to the store to make selections.

Adam insisted on the more expensive plantation blinds while John tried in vain to talk him out of it. Adam reminded John that nothing was too good for their “love nest” and John had to laugh; Adam knew how to work him and John loved it when he did.

They were planning on Saturday being their first night in their new apartment. Adam reminded John that there was still a bottle of champagne left from the signing. He said it would be available to break the place in and John knew exactly what he had in mind. It made little John take note, too.

Saturday morning, they got an early start. They loaded the last of Adam’s things into John’s pickup so they could take them to work. They had packed Adam’s things over the previous few days so the ordeal went quickly. Jim was helping and it was obvious he was reluctant to see the guys move out.

They had shared many a good time in the few months they lived together. Jim was on the quiet side if not misty eyed; he knew John and Adam should have their own place but couldn’t help feeling like he was losing something. The guys promised to come over often and have them over, too. Adam extended an invitation for that afternoon to show off their new place and Jim accepted.

When they had Adam's things upstairs at the FBO, John grabbed a hold of Adam, "Well here we are. Our first place together," then he kissed and released Adam, "and you didn't carry me over the threshold either," John added.

"God, does it come easy for you?"

"If you think I'm going to bite on that one; you're nuts."

Adam smiled; his plan foiled, "I have something else you can bite on."

"Forget it, I don't want that cheesy-weenie," John said then laughed, "or maybe I do. I'll have to think about that. I thought about it; I want it!"

Adam put his arms around John's waist from behind and held him as he moved his hands over John’s chest and stomach. The two stood motionless and mute looking out the windows at the airport, savoring the moment. After a short time, Adam said, "Babe are you losing weight?"

"Yeah, I think so. I had to start using the next notch on my belt. Come on, let's lay down for a few minutes; I'm tired."

Within a couple minutes, John was out for the count sawing logs. Adam took a blanket from one of the boxes and covered him up. He closed the door behind him to let John catch up on some sleep. He had seen how the last few weeks wore on John. He felt for him, but there was little he could do; John was over-thinking the situation again, he had to work it out for himself. He looked at his watch; it was only 9:00 am. He decided to go downstairs; his first student of the day would be there soon.

Larry was sitting at the desk and asked about John. When Adam explained, Larry said, "Good, he's been looking bad lately," and it was true. John had literally worried himself sick over quitting his job and the remodel project.

Shortly after noon, the phone in the apartment rang waking John up. He fumbled for the handset on the nightstand, pushed the on button, then said, "Hello".

"Hi John, its Jim. It sounds like I woke you up."

"Yeah, you did. Not to worry, how's it going?"

"Good. Dave and I thought we would come over about five if that's okay."

"That's good timing. Adam should be done giving lessons. See ya then."

"Okay, bye," he said then they hung up.

John turned the phone off and went into the kitchen. Adam had made all the selections for the cabinets, counter top, and floor—it looked great. It had a contemporary European flair with an understated elegance. And the best part to John, it wasn't expensive as far as those kinds of goods go. He looked in the fridge and it was empty, save the bottle of champagne. He put a sweater on and adjusted the AC higher before he went downstairs; he had a chill in spite of it being June.

At the desk, he opened the schedule on the computer to see when Adam would finish for the day. He decided to check out the web site that Jim had recently completed. Jim had done the work free at home but the guys had to pay for the hosting services. 'It was classy,' John thought, ‘much better than Fischer Aviation,’ their chief competitor. John made a mental note to take Jim and Dave out for dinner as a gesture of gratitude; he knew it could have cost a hell of a lot more.

John was starving so he ordered lunch from a Chinese restaurant that delivered; he was too tired to go himself and not feeling all that well either. He made the order large enough to accommodate Larry and Adam, who were both due back soon.

Larry was first to return and asked John why it was so hot in there, then lowered the AC, 'It was June for Christ sake,' he thought, 'and numb nuts was wearing a sweater’.

John thought it was a little on the cool side and couldn't understand why he was complaining; he was too tired to protest, he let it pass.

"Larry, I'm going upstairs to lie down for awhile. Would you call me when the food gets here?"

The remodel project coupled with his resignation had been too much for John; it was finally catching up with him.

"What did you order?"

"Chinese and I got enough for you and Adam, too. Take the cash out of the drawer and put the receipt in there. Make a note of how much you tip. Okay?"

"Yeah sure. Are you okay?"

"No, I think I'm getting sick. I'm going to lie down for awhile," and with that, he went upstairs to bed and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

When Adam returned, Larry was eating lunch at the desk and talking to a pretty girl standing at the counter. It was Kay Armstrong, she was asking about John. Adam was giving her the evil eye trying to figure out her motive; he was pretty sure he knew why she was there. She wasn't asking questions about flying.

Adam asked her how she knew John and Kay explained how they used to work together. She had a twinkle in her eye that Adam began to resent; he recognized the glow and knew what it meant.

"So did John go upstairs?" Adam asked Larry.

"Yeah, he went up a little while ago saying he wasn't feeling well."

Adam made for the stairs at once taking them two at a time.

Kay asked Larry who that guy was that just left; she was weak-kneed over Adam's good looks and sex appeal. Larry told her that was John's boyfriend and business partner, Adam.

The shocked look that came over her face was enough to scare an infant to tears; she was completely blindsided holding her mouth agape. When Larry saw the look on her face, he realized what he had done and regretted it. She obviously didn't have a clue about John's sexuality.

"His boyfriend?" was all that escaped her mouth.

Upstairs, Adam found John lying in bed with a blanket and comforter over him, the heat in the apartment was stifling making it hard to breathe. He sat on the side of the bed and asked John, "Babe, is there anything I can do?" as he felt John's forehead. He was on fire; it felt like a blast furnace, and he was wearing a sweater. Adam couldn’t help thinking, 'What the hell?’

"No, I think I have a bug; the flue maybe. I don't know. I get real hot then cold as ice."

"Did you eat?"

"No, I'm not hungry. I'll get something later."

"I'm going to get you something to eat now. You have to eat." Adam went downstairs to get some food for John. He thought John had to be hungry; after all, he was the one that placed the order.

He brought a couple containers upstairs and made John sit up in bed. As John ate, Adam told him about the girl from work downstairs and John furrowed his brow. He assured Adam there was nothing between them saying she was a pain in the neck at work, nothing more.

Adam could certainly understand the attraction; John was the most handsome thing he'd ever seen, probably ever would see for all he knew. Then he pictured John’s muscular ass with dimples and thought, 'You'd have to be dead not to be turned on by that,' then he smiled.

"I have to get back downstairs. The next student will be here any minute," Adam said as he kissed his hot hunk of maleness he thought silently then got up and left. He mused to himself, 'He's hot even when he's sick, messed up hair and all'.

Kay left when Larry and Adam did, since John was feeling lousy upstairs they had to lock up. After a short time, John could hear the office phone ringing downstairs so he made his way to the desk to do what he could.

The rest of the afternoon dragged on for John, but flew by for Larry and Adam; they had a full schedule. Saturdays and Sundays were like that, most of the student pilots worked or went to school during the week and took their lessons on the weekend.

At four o' clock, everyone was done for the day. Larry went home and John and Adam went upstairs.

"I'm going to get us some groceries," Adam said, "will you be okay while I'm gone?"

John sat on the couch with a blanket over him and turned the TV on. "Yeah, Jim and Dave will be here around five. I forgot to tell you earlier. Jim called around noon after you left."

"You want me to call them and cancel?"

"No that's okay. I feel a little better now. Hon, will you get some juice while you're out? Grapefruit please."

"Sure, if you think of something else call me on my cell. I'm going now."

John tuned the TV to a classical station and stretched out on the couch for a nap. He was comfortable, relaxed, and feeling very much like he was home. He drifted off to sleep in quiet bliss.

Adam returned as Dave and Jim were getting out of Jim's SUV. They helped Adam with the groceries, there was a lot to carry; they were starting from scratch. Adam led them to the side door and showed them where the doorbell was that rang upstairs. The side door was a new addition required by the building code for a fire escape.

John was sitting on the couch with a blanket around him watching TV when the three of them came upstairs.

"Are you crazy wrapping up in that blanket in the middle of June?" Jim said.

"Either that or I'm sick. I think I'm sick so no hugs or kisses for you guys. And I don't want to hear any complaining," John said smiling, "come on in, what do you think of the place?"

"It's nice. I didn't expect it to be this big either," Dave said and Jim agreed.

"Don't you guys have air conditioning?"

"Yeah," Adam said then lowered the thermostat, "John hasn't been feeling well."

Adam gave them the tour, which didn't take long, there were only four rooms, thoug they were large ones. The dining room and living room were one very large space that functioned as a classroom before the conversion. Mr. Hughes used it to teach ground school at one time. Adam showed them the new wall safe in the bathroom. Dave wanted to know the combination and Adam gave him a look as if to say, “Yeah right”.

Adam pointed out that the window treatments weren't installed yet and the area rugs hadn't been selected. He said when he received another blank check from his mother; they'd buy the rugs. It was an indirect way of letting John know too, and avoiding an argument. John smiled at Adam's technique. He was getting to be rather smooth or maybe it was shrewd; he wasn’t sure.

They all took a stool at the snack bar that demised the kitchen from the breakfast nook. Adam put a CD on the sound system and they chatted for some time.

Jim commented on the kitchen, so John told him how Adam made all the selections down to the paint color; both he and Dave were impressed.

Dave said the place had an art deco look and how it reminded him of South Beach; everyone chuckled at the analogy. He said the curved corners of the building made of glass block were very South Beach. The others had to take him at his word; they had never been there. He said the stucco exterior was another facet of the look and Adam told him the building was built in the 1950's; about the time John was born. John responded by sticking his tongue out at Adam.

"We'll have to buy a palm tree if we're going the South Beach route," John said.

"Actually that would look real good in the corner with an up-light for night illumination," Adam said.

"It's true, the best decorators are gay," Jim said to Adam grinning.

Adam frowned; he was unsure how to take the comment. John was smiling at Adams dilemma as he tried to determine if it was a compliment or a jab.

"Since we're all here, let's have a toast to the new place," Adam said.

He rose then took the champagne from the fridge. He had to go downstairs and get some Styrofoam coffee cups, everything was still in boxes. When he came back, he placed them on the counter in front of the group.

"John, are you sure he's gay? He's putting champagne in Styrofoam cups," Dave said.

Everyone laughed.

"I'm pretty sure he is. The last time I looked; I didn't have a pussy."

"Oh yeah you do, it's a boy pussy. The best kind," Adam said with a grin.

Everyone got a charge out of that while John turned red.

"Get your pussy over here stud boy and receive your discipline," John said.

Adam came to John's side of the snack bar, kissed him on the head, and gave him a quick squeeze; John was all set and happy with that.

It was getting close to 7:00 and Adam wanted to know if anyone wanted pizza. John asked if they could order something different for a change but he was overruled so they ordered pizza.

Dave was standing at the windows overlooking the airport. A 737 touched down and Dave remarked how cool it was to be able to watch it from the living room. Adam reminded him that when it took off it would be quite loud in the apartment as the building was at the lift-off end of the most frequently used runway, two-seven. Fortunately, there were only a few commercial flights per day at the airport and less on weekends.

John told Dave that that was how poor people lived and Adam rolled his eyes. He reminded John that they weren't exactly broke and the money was accumulating faster than it was going out. John cited the thirty some thousand dollars they spent and how long it would take to replace it.

"Damn it Babe. Why are you always so negative when it comes to money?"

"You can't have it if you spend it; and I don't get blank checks from home."

Adam began to understand John's frugality and fiscal conservatism. 'Not being able to have it if you spend it,' had a certain veracity, a simple truth in and of itself. 'Damn,' Adam mused to himself, 'Only an accountant could come up with something like that. No, only John could come up with something like that,’ then he smiled at the notion. It was no wonder he loved that gorgeous hunk of manliness that made him bone up at the most inconvenient of times, he was—what was he anyway—he was John!

"What's so funny?" Jim wanted to know.

"I just picked up on Turnerism."

John excused himself to go lay down for a while and everyone expressed their wishes for a speedy recovery. He pulled the blanket around himself as he stood up and closed the bedroom door behind him. Adam thought about breaking-in the apartment the right way; it would have to wait.

Jim and Dave stayed for quite some time after the pizza was delivered chatting and joking. Adam hesitated to thank and compliment Jim on the web site for fear it would touch off a round of computer garble but decided he had to do it. Adam was right. Dave and Jim launched into a discussion that Adam could only nod his head at from time to time. It was evident that Jim and Dave were well matched. Between the computer thing and sci-fi; it seemed the two thought with one head. Adam wondered if that was a good thing, having too much in common.

Adam feigned a yawn hoping the guys would pick up on it and consider leaving; he was bored to death with the conversation. He was as bored as Jim would be if they were talking about flying.

"Well guys, I'm going to hit the sack and check on John."

"We should be going," Dave said, "thanks for the pizza and you guys have a real nice place here."

"Yeah," Jim added, "thanks, we'll have to get together again soon."

Adam escorted them downstairs to the side door and thanked them for dropping by. When he closed the door behind them, he sighed in relief. It wasn't that he didn't like them, that he did; Jim was his roommate and friend. He didn't realize how wrapped up in the computer world Jim was because they never talked about it. And they couldn't talk about it since Adam's knowledge was very limited like John's.

Adam turned off the lights and went to the windows overlooking the airport to marvel at the view. The airport had a very different appearance at night. The runway and taxiway lights were pretty with their different colors, the beacon on the tower that beckoned VFR pilots, the flashing lights on the aircraft as they taxied, and the sequential strobes of the ILS (Instrument Landing System). Adam thought the scenario would make an attractive poster. It was interesting and beautiful; he understood it all.

Monday morning found the two of them in bed when they heard Larry unlock then let himself in the front door. He rapped on the door that led upstairs to check for some sign of life; there was none. He started the coffee maker then called upstairs from the office phone and got the answering machine. At the tone he left a message, "Get your queer asses out of the fart sack", and then he hung up. He was proud of himself as evidenced by the grin on his face.

He booted up the computer to check the schedule. He had a charter in an hour with some real estate executives. He hated that kind of charter it was always boring flying around looking at buildings or undeveloped property. However, he reasoned, at least he got to log airtime in the Aztec.

Adam made his way downstairs barefoot wearing jeans and a T-shirt, his hair sticking out in all directions, "Is the coffee ready yet?"

"No and you better go back upstairs; you're going to scare someone."

"Very funny, don't you have a charter run this morning?"

"Yeah, in an hour."

"You better get the Aztec out of the hangar then."

"Yeah, yeah where's John?"

"Taking a shower. He'll be down in a few minutes."

When the coffee was ready, Adam poured two and went back upstairs with the morning paper under his arm. He was glad it was Monday; it was a much slower pace versus the weekend, usually no students came in until afternoon. He sat at the snack bar in the kitchen sipping his coffee and reading the paper. The phone rang and Adam hollered at Larry downstairs, "What do you want?" The doors at the top and bottom of the stairs were open.

"It's not me," came back at him.

Adam reached for the cordless on the counter top and answered, "Hello".

"Hi honey, its Mom."

"Oh hi Mom, how are you?"

"Good. How are you and John?"

"John was sick over the weekend but he's fine now."

"That's nice to hear. The reason I'm calling is that I would like to come visit you. I want to see the new apartment."

"Are you bringing Dad?"

"Not this time. He's in France negotiating prices for next year."

Adam was relieved to hear that. He wasn't up to another run-in with the old man so soon.

"Okay, when were you thinking of making the trip?"

"This weekend."

"Weekends are a bad time, Mom. We're really busy now and weekends are the worst days."

John was out of the shower standing in the kitchen with a towel around his waist listening to the conversation. He whispered in Adam's ear, “Tell her to bring her checkbook,” then Adam smiled. John patted at Adam's hair trying to make it lie down but it didn't do any good. He loved the feel of Adam’s soft, shiny hair that glistened with blond highlights in the sun.

"How about Wednesday and I'll leave Friday morning?"

Adam told her that would be fine then they hung up. John quizzed Adam about her plans. John said they would have to pull the place together in the next couple days and mentioned that the blinds were being installed the next day. That said; John went to the bedroom to dress while Adam headed for the shower.

It was a quiet day compared to the weekend and a welcome respite for the three of them. At four in the afternoon, Larry and Adam were done for the day. Larry went home early while John and Adam hung around the office waiting for the clock to strike five.

The next day, the plantation shutters were installed in the apartment. John and Adam finished unpacking and configuring the apartment between lessons, charters, and phone calls. By the end of the day, the place was looking good and feeling more like home. There was still a good deal left to be done but for the time being; they were pleased and decided the place was presentable and ready for Adam’s mother.

She called the next morning shortly after ten. Adam was flying a charter so John took the call, “Hello?”

“Hi John, it’s Elaine.”

“Hi Mrs. Felstow, when do you expect to be here?”

“My flight arrives at twelve-thirty. Can you pick me up?”

“Of course,” John said. For whatever reason, he thought she was driving. They always drove. Chicago wasn’t that far from Springfield, the state capital; three hours or so at best.

“Thank you,” she said, “I’ll see you at the baggage claim then”.

“See you there,” John said, “have a safe flight,” then they disconnected.

That evening, after Larry left for the day, Elaine suggested they go out for dinner. John and Adam preferred to stay in. It didn’t take them long to reach an unspoken accord. After a few glances between them, John and Adam decided to acquiesce. It didn’t happen often and Adam wanted to indulge his mother. John sensed it and furnished his unspoken assent with a nod.

“What kind of place would you like to go to, Mom?”

“A French restaurant; it’s my treat. Do you know of any?”

“No but I’m sure I can find one on the Internet.”

Adam sighed to himself as he turned away from his mother. It appeared dinner was going to be an ordeal. He was hoping for a burger and beer but that didn’t look plausible at that point. He found a restaurant that looked promising and called for a reservation then he and John changed clothes and they left.

The meal went well; they enjoyed it and each other’s company. Elaine ordered in French as did Adam while John struggled to do the same. He had three years of it in school but never used it in practice. Their conversation ranged across a myriad of topics. Elaine was in a talkative mood and seemed to enjoy herself and the buzz from the wine she selected; it was apparent she knew French wines.

Back at the apartment, Elaine slept on the sofa bed in the living room so there was no messing around; even if there were a closed door between them. The next morning, Elaine was awake with the coffee ready sitting at the snack bar in the kitchen.

“Morning, Mom,” Adam said as he left the bedroom. He walked toward her then kissed her.

“Morning. Did you sleep well? You should look in the mirror; your hair is sticking out all over the place.”

“I know,” was all Adam said then went to the bathroom to relieve himself.

John walked into the kitchen and greeted Elaine saying “good morning” then poured a coffee. He sliced a bagel, dropped it into the toaster, then took a seat next to her.

Elaine couldn’t help noticing how attractive John was as he went through the motions. He was shirtless wearing pajama bottoms. She knew she was much older; she was Adam’s mother. She also knew she wasn’t blind to that kind of thing. It was apparent, the attraction her son had for John.

They visited over coffee and a bagel then took turns using the bathroom. Elaine was last to finish so John and Adam straightened up, folded the bed away, and waited for her to come out of the bathroom.

Elaine finished packing her things into an overnight bag then approached the two in the kitchen. “Here’s a check,” she said sliding it in front of Adam.

“Thanks. This one will be over five thousand, Mom. We’re going to finish the apartment with it.”

“That’s fine. I’ll transfer the money when I get home. Keep it under ten thousand or we’ll have a problem.”

Adam said he would then John wished her a safe trip home. She hugged John then Adam drove her to the passenger terminal. On the way downstairs, Larry opened the door to holler at them. He was going to yell something to the effect of getting their asses to work until he saw Adam’s mother. Adam introduced them then said they had to get going. They weren’t running late, but didn’t have time to spare either.

When Adam returned, John was still upstairs. “Is she going to make her flight?”

“Yeah,” Adam said. “The terminal wasn’t busy at all.”

"Hon, I think we may have made a mistake. Do you realize we will never get away from work as long as we live here?"

"Yeah, it's not forever though. And for now, I really like it."

"So do I mostly because it's ours. This past weekend, it sank in. It doesn't matter upstairs or downstairs; we're always at work. I feel like a shop keeper in colonial times."

"You need a partial."

"I don't need any dental work, I was just there."

"A partial lobotomy, you think too much."

To be continued...

Posted: 02/25/11