“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 11
“A Busy Holiday Season”

The sale was consummated the week before Christmas. As soon as it happened, John was having trouble sleeping so Adam made him see a doctor to get a prescription for sleeping pills. That seemed to make a difference; while John wasn't exactly back to his old self, he was tolerable with a good night's rest. He was quieter than usual and Adam did his best to draw him out; he knew if left to his own means, John would worry himself sick and that would only make matters worse. Conversely, Adam was a bundle of boundless enthusiasm; he wanted to fly the King Air so bad he could hardly contain his anxiety and John loved that about him.

Adam figured out that Mr. Hughes could legally fly the King Air and was planning to go up with him the day they arrived in Florida. Charlie Jenkins wouldn't be there until the day after New Years and that was too far off for him; he had to “fly that mother” and fly it soon or he'd go nuts.

After some begging and arm twisting, John agreed to go home with Adam for Christmas Eve, which prompted Jim and Dave to inquire about a ride. John was not looking forward to being on Jack Felstow's turf. For the few times he had met Jack, it had always been the other way around.

They took the Aztec and Jim's parents picked them up at Midway International when they arrived. The landing and parking fees were outrageous and John was glad it was only a one night stay. Adam's parents lived downtown so John and Adam were dropped off on the way to Evanston where Jim's family lived.

When Adam hit the button for the top floor in the elevator, John knew it was going to be something special; they were bound for the pent house. He chuckled in the elevator on the way up.

"What's so amusing, Babe?"

"I know it's crazy but I feel like I'm heading into battle, like The Charge of the Light Brigade or something."

"Relax will ya? We're having a quiet evening then to bed."

"Well, you may be going home but I'm riding into the valley of death and this elevator is my steed, and she's a spirited one at that; this mare wants to bolt, I'm having trouble holding her back, charge!"

"Geez what a flake, you have an overactive imagination."

"You know he hates me. I'm not so sure this was a good idea."

John wrapped an arm around Adam's neck, pulled him in for a quick peck then released him. John was smiling at Adam's dismay.

Adam exhaled as he shook his head; he was hoping things would go smoothly but it looked like John was gearing up for confrontation, and that he was.

Jack seemed to have it in for John and did little if anything to hide it. Jack didn't like the hold John had on his son and especially disliked the upper hand he seemed to exercise where their business was concerned. He wanted Adam, his son, to be the intellect; the prime mover; and the brains of the outfit. The truth was, he wasn't trained for it and John was; more than that, Adam trusted and relied on John's prudence and savvy, they complimented one another.

"Okay Hon, I'll cool it until he starts something. But I'm not going to sit back and take it like a wimp if he does."

"Thanks Babe, that's all I ask. And thanks for coming.” Adam gave John a one arm hug.

He was aware of the angst between the two and recognized it was mostly one-sided; his father could be difficult and he knew it.

When the elevator opened at the pent house floor, they stepped out. It was a nice quaint foyer about the size of a bedroom with a window at one end and a door directly in front of them. There was a nice oriental rug covering the marble floor and a Bombay chest with a lamp next to the door. Two Louis the XV leather upholstered chairs were positioned on a sidewall, separated by a table with a lamp; a crystal chandelier illuminated the foyer. There was a large oriental vase in one corner functioning as an umbrella stand. It was nice; nice and elegant.

Adam looked at John with a smile on his face.

"Okay, my turn. What's so funny?" John asked.

"Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. Give me a fortifying kiss."

Adam pulled his boy in for a kiss and a hug then Elaine Felstow opened the door; she heard their voices in the foyer and wanted to see if it was her son. It had to be someone she knew or they wouldn't have made it past security.

John and Adam quickly parted having been found out; they were embarrassed. They picked up their bags and went inside unable to look Elaine in the eye.

Elaine Felstow began to fawn over her son, kissing him, hugging him, and generally raising his discomfiture to the next level while John looked on smiling. When she was satisfied with her welcome, she greeted John by cupping his face, kissing him on the cheek, then commenting on how handsome he looked and nice it was to see him.

"It's good to see you guys. It's been a long time since you were home, Dear," Elaine said to them looking at Adam. "Come in and get comfortable."

"Which room do you want us to use, Mom?"

"You're welcome to any room you want. The guest room has a king size bed or you can use your room if you want."

"C'mon Bay...ah, John," Adam said as he started toward the guest room.

As they passed through the apartment, John was in a state of awe; it reminded him of a museum, which wasn't far off. Most of the pieces were museum or heirloom quality and he could only guess at their worth; he had no idea.

When they reached the guest room, Adam closed the door.

"Jesus Christ Hon, I can't believe this place. How did you like growing up in a pent house?"

"Mom and Dad sold the house and bought this place after I went to college. I didn't grow up here."

"Oh okay, as nice as it is; I couldn't imagine a kid liking it. I mean where do you go to play baseball and all that kind of shit, you know?"

"Come here you," Adam said as he lie on the bed. He was tired from flying.

John walked over, climbed on the bed then lowered himself on Adam. He kissed him a few times and rolled off to the side; he was getting hard and had to rearrange himself.

Adam rolled toward John on his side, draped his leg and arm over John, then closed his eyes to rest. John ran his arm under Adam's neck then rested his hand on his shoulder closing his eyes. A few minutes passed and they fell asleep.

Awhile later, there was a soft knocking on their bedroom door. Since there was no response, the door slowly opened. Jack Felstow stood in the doorway observing the two asleep in each other's arms. He paused for a moment watching; unsure of what to make of it. He knew they slept together but seeing it was something altogether different; it expunged any trace of doubt he may have had.

As he looked on, he was trying to assess his perception of the two. The truth was, he was feeling several emotions—disappointment that his son was a homosexual; regret that he would not be producing grandchildren; pride at what he had accomplished; love because he truly loved his son; and despondency for the way society, and maybe himself, would condemn him. He quietly backed out of the room pulling the door closed trying his best to reconcile his thoughts and emotions.

Jack made his way to the library to pour himself a scotch on the rocks then went to the kitchen. Elaine was warming some hors d' oeuvres in the oven so he sat at the island to talk with her.

"Elaine?"

"Yes dear?"

"How do you feel about our son? I mean him being with John. I guess they call it gay these days. We never really discussed it."

"I'm happy for him. I don't think he could have found a better guy to be with. John is smart, has a good sense of business, and handles himself well. Adam says he's tight with the funds, which is good. Adam doesn't show much discipline when it comes to money and I can certainly see why he's attracted to him; John's very handsome. Why do you ask? Especially now—after all this time."

"I went into the guest room and saw them sleeping together and I guess ... I don't know ... I guess it hit me. Our son is a homosexual. Doesn't that bother you?"

Elaine stopped what she was doing and turned to address her husband. She wasn't mad, disappointed, or surprised. She did, however, want Jack to understand the way she saw it.

"Jack, I would love to see our son get married and have kids. It's the way we thought it would be; the way we assumed it would be. However, it isn't like that; our son is gay and he loves John. When I came to understand that; yes, it bothered me. I want grandkids and heirs, but it doesn't look very promising. Adam is the end of the line for the Lemieux's. Jack, he's our son; I love and support him until the day I take my last breath, and then some if I could. Does that answer your question?"

Jack understood his wife implicitly; her point was clear and concise; he loved his son, too, a lot. He was having trouble with the gay thing; he had always had a problem with it and wished he could get past it. For whatever reason, it was the one thing that taunted him; constantly there, gnawing away like a tune you can't get out of your head. His son was a homo and he couldn't get past the mental image of what that meant. Having sex with another man was repugnant to him, and that's what his son was doing.

"It's a hard thing for me to understand, Elaine. Do you realize that they have sex and how they have it?"

"Jack, it's none of our business what they do behind closed doors. He's our son and I love him. While I can't say that I love John in the same way; I would certainly help and support him any way that I could. He's important to Adam, and so he's important to me."

A few minutes later, John and Adam began to stir in the bedroom. Adam looked at the clock on the nightstand; it was 5:30 in the afternoon. They had been asleep for an hour and he thought it would be hard falling asleep that evening, at least at their usual bedtime.

Adam shook John, "Wake up, Babe.”

John began to stir and open his eyes. He pulled his arm from under Adam's head and it was tingling like a thousand needles were penetrating it; the weight of Adam's head had cut off the circulation causing him to moan.

"What's wrong, Babe?"

"My arm went to sleep. It feels like it's going to fall off," then John shook his arm trying to stimulate the blood flow.

"Let's get something to eat, I'm starved."

"Me too, I guess it's time to say hi to your father huh?"

"Yeah, try to relax and take it easy. Come on, I'm hungry."

“Me too,” John said then they went to the bathroom to freshen up. Adam's hair was sticking out like a wild man’s so John wet it down and combed it for him. He liked doing that and Adam rather liked it, too. After they finished in the bathroom, they made their way to the kitchen to find Jack and Elaine seated at the island talking while classical music resonated throughout the apartment.

John was dreading the moment he had to greet Jack. He knew Jack disliked him and probably resented him, too; he was there for Adam and going to make the best of it. He decided if things went south; it wouldn't be his doing. He was committed to make their visit as pleasant as possible.

In the kitchen, John approached Jack and said, "Hello Mr. Felstow nice to see you again. You have a beautiful home," then he extended his hand.

"Thank you John. It’s nice to see you again and Merry Christmas," then they shook hands.

"Merry Christmas to the both of you, too,” John said.

“So far so good,” John thought to himself taking a stool at the island opposite Adam's parents.

Elaine winked at John; he knew she was expressing her appreciation for John's courtesy and civility. He returned her wink with a wan smile; he wasn’t for sure how things would progress.

"Can I get you guys something to drink?" Jack asked.

"Yeah Dad, two vodka martinis please. What kind of vodka do you have?"

"I have some premium stuff from Poland. Will that do?"

"Yeah, sounds good."

After Jack left the room, Elaine took the opportunity to speak, "Thanks John, I want this to go well. He's making progress."

John said, "Elaine, if things go south it won't be because of me. I promised Adam and I'm sticking to my promise,” then he leaned sideways to give Adam a one arm hug.

Elaine believed and appreciated the sincerity of John's intent; she was hoping for a pleasant visit, too.

Jack put the martinis in front of the guys then sat down next to his wife. His gaze was alternating between John and Adam making the two of them uncomfortable. It was that damn poker face that didn't lend so much as a hint of his thoughts; it made John want to fight fire with fire though he managed to control himself.

"Elaine and I want to give you guys something for Christmas, something nice. We planned to spend some money but we wanted to check with you first. We didn't want to waste money on something you may not need or want."

John and Adam looked at each other quizzically then returned their attention to Jack.

"Like what did you have in mind, Dad?" Adam asked.

"Son, that's why we're asking; we don't know. We want you guys to tell us; it should be something you want but can't get for yourselves."

John looked at Adam and smiled, "I'm going to get the ad for the King Air out of my bag. I'll be right back."

John left to retrieve the ad from his bag. Adam knew they already owned the plane and was intrigued by what John had in mind. He was sure John was going to ask for the King Air to gauge his father's reaction. It would be a good way to break the news. He was grinning big time.

"What's so funny, Son?" Jack wanted to know.

"Nothing Dad. John went to get our wish list."

When John came back, he handed the publication to Adam. He thought it best if Adam presented it to his father.

"Here Dad, that's what we want."

John and Adam studied the look on Jack's face; it was too much. Jack's eyes were darting back and forth; it was obvious he saw the price. It was printed in boldface type.

Elaine didn't react, she appeared to take it as information; she was nonplussed at the enormity of their request. John and Adam were smiling at each other; that type of thing was right up their alley!

After what seemed like a long time, Jack said, "That's a lot of money."

Adam looked at John and started laughing; John was drawn into his boy's ruse, he couldn't resist a genuine chuckle.

"What's so funny you guys?" Jack wanted to know. Jack was aware of the money he and Elaine had; it wasn't out of the question, just a hell of a lot of money.

"How 'bout it Dad?" Adam asked.

"Guys, this is a ton of a lot of money. We wanted to do something nice but one point eight mil? I gotta tell ya; it's probably too much."

Adam feigned a disappointed demeanor. He gave John a look as if to say I told you so then looked at his father with reserve.

John said, "I told you they wouldn't go for it," trying to look crestfallen.

Elaine said, "It's not out of the question; can you guys explain why you want this?"

Adam couldn't stand it any longer; he wasn't one to keep a secret. "Mom", Adam said. "We don't want you to buy it for us; we already own it. We're going to Florida the day after tomorrow to pick it up."

John glanced at Jack from the corner of his eye for his reaction then looked at Elaine. She was beaming at her son; full of pride that her son could and did make a purchase such as that. She picked up the ad to examine it closely.

Finally, Jack had to say something, "That's a nice looking airplane and it has a price tag to match. What are you guys planning to use it for?"

"Charters," John said. "We're doing a lot of business with the State of Illinois now. When we get it home, I'll be pursuing some corporate accounts to keep it aloft as much as possible."

Adam proceeded to tell his parents about the airplane; things like range, speed, and service ceiling. He told them about the pressurized cabin and explained how that worked; the fact that it was approved to fly into known icing conditions, and a lot of detail they didn't understand or care to know. It was obvious from the way he described the plane that he was excited about it.

Jack couldn't help being impressed. When he thought about it, he had to hand credit them; they were doing well.

"How much are you guys financing?"

"Just under one mil," John said. "That leaves us a small cushion of about two hundred thousand."

"So how much did you put down on the plane?"

"The out the door price was just under two million with taxes and transfer fees. We put one million down and borrowed one mil. We bought the plane from a bank in Atlanta."

"I have to tell you guys, I'm impressed," Jack said.

"Thanks," John said. "Sometimes we wonder if we're crazy of just plain stupid. I think it will be the reason for our first gray hairs," John said.

The conversation continued in an easy relaxed vein with some kidding back and forth. They had another drink then Elaine slid a prepared meal into the oven; one she had delivered from a local caterer. Adam’s parents gave them each a gift certificate for a thousand dollars. John wished he had known about it before Adam made him spend the money for new clothing; there wasn’t anything he needed or wanted. Adam thought he would buy the armoire he saw at the furniture store for their bedroom though the gift certificate was a good deal less than the price.

When they finished eating, John and Adam decided to go for a walk while Jack and Elaine retired to the den to watch television. Their walk turned out to be one lap around the block; it was a cold, blustery winter's night in Chicago, not one for a casual stroll. Back inside the apartment, John and Adam said good night to Adam's parents then went to bed.

Christmas day, John awoke early and peeled himself away from Adam. He put on some jeans and a t-shirt then quietly left the bedroom. Elaine and Jack were in the kitchen having coffee. As he entered the room, John greeted them taking a stool at the island and wishing them Merry Christmas. They both greeted John with a Merry Christmas then Elaine served John a black coffee.

"What time are you guys leaving?" Elaine asked.

"I don't know. We have to work it out with Jim and Dave. Did we mention that they flew up here with us?"

"No you didn't," Jack said.

"Yeah they did. They're staying at Jim's parent’s house in Evanston. They're going to pick us up on the way back to Midway. Then the four of us are going to Florida for a few days. We're going to leave Adam there so he can get checked out in the King Air. When he's legal, he's going to ferry it home to Springfield."

"Sounds hectic," Elaine said.

"I agree. I would be happy to spend a few quiet days at home."

Jack said, "We have been thinking about buying a house in Florida or Arizona now that I'm retired".

"Are you leaning toward one or the other or still undecided?" John asked.

"Elaine wants us to buy in Florida mostly for the tax and inheritance laws; I prefer Arizona. I like the golf courses and the desert so we’ll talk some more before we decide.”

"What about you, Elaine? Are you still serving on the board?"

"Yes, but I'm not going to serve another term. Hopefully we can decide where to buy before that happens."

Adam strolled into the kitchen making his way toward the coffee then took a seat at the island next to John. He wanted to kiss him good morning but thought better of it with the old man sitting across from them. He put a hand on John's shoulder as he sat down; touching him was better than no contact at all.

John couldn't resist a longing leer at Adam with his hair sticking out in all directions. It looked like he had it spiked that way on purpose. For whatever reason, it always struck John as sexy. John patted at Adam’s hair trying to make it lie down; it was one of those things that made him feel good. He knew, for the most part, it was pointless; Adam’s hair had a mind of its own until it was tamed by a shower then blow dried but that didn’t deter him from trying. After a couple futile attempts, John abandoned the idea then stroked Adam’s thigh below the countertop.

Jack witnessed their exchange and felt an odd sensation of approval; it was difficult to ignore their intimate exchange. He surmised that his wife was probably right when she said Adam loved John and wondered if that were possible between two guys. The truth be known, he wanted to embrace the concept, too; yet he couldn’t quite get his arms around it. As much as he wanted to get past it, he was still stuck on the gay thing. As he studied his son, Jack was thinking about the sex part of their relationship and wondered who was doing what to whom. He put the thought aside; it was more than he was able to concede.

John finished his coffee and stood saying he was going to take a shower then left for the bedroom. Adam said he was going to get his cell phone from the bedroom before John got started and would be right back.

Adam closed the bedroom door behind him and jumped on John's back, wrapping his arms and legs around John while kissing his neck. John leaned forward under the weight of his boy and fell on the bed.

"Hon, are you going to fuck me in your parent's house? Say yes."

"I'm going to fuck you silly when we get home." Adam scrambled for John's mouth and began to deep throat his handsome half with his tongue.

"I can't wait that long. I need it now, and I shouldn't have to tell you twice," John said as coherently as he could with Adam controlling his mouth and laughing all at the same time.

"Oh God Babe, I want it so bad," Adam said positioning himself on top of John's ass then started pressing his hard-on against him.

After a minute of that, Adam climbed off John and straightened himself. John rolled over to expose his hard-on in his pants and said, "Look what you did to me.”

"God I wish we were home now," Adam said. He took his cell phone off the nightstand, kissed John, and then said he was going to call Jim. He made it as far as the door then went back to kiss and squeeze John again before he left for the kitchen.

Adam filled his cup with coffee then sat down at the island to place his call facing his parents.

Jack was looking at his bright eyed son; he was exuding delight and enthusiasm after his trip to the bedroom. He decided to feel good about it for his son; after all, he had always wanted him to be happy and it appeared he was.

Jack asked Adam, "Do you love him?"

Adam looked up with a surprised look on his face; he wasn't sure what prompted that. The direct nature of Jack’s question was unnerving. He looked quickly between his mother and father as he prepared his response. After a few seconds, he said, "Yes,” locking eyes with his father. He wasn’t going to be intimidated into lying about his feelings for John. Furthermore, if the old man didn’t want to hear the answer then he shouldn’t have asked.

"I want to apologize, son. I know I've been difficult about all of this. It's just...well … it's been hard for me but I want to try and understand."

Elaine took her husband's hand and held it while he spoke. That was a big step for Jack and she knew it; she wanted something like that for a long time. She rubbed her husband's forearm softly with her hand.

Adam said, "I don't want to start anything but maybe you should say something to John. I had to beg him to come. He really didn't want to; he did it for me." Adam was staring at the sparkles in the granite countertop as he spoke.

Elaine rose and walked over to her son and hugged him from behind; she felt badly that her son was uncomfortable in his own home. She kissed him on the head and said, "Anyone hungry?" She asked hoping to diffuse the tension with a change of subject.

John walked into the kitchen as she asked the question and said, "Yes, I could eat a horse about now," then chuckled.

Everyone else responded with a variation of John’s comment so Elaine decided to get busy. She took a brown bag from the fridge that had “Breakfast” written on it and placed it on the counter. It didn't go unnoticed by Adam.

"Mom, you must be keeping that place in business," Adam said with a grin.

"I've been trying to get your father to try his hand in the kitchen but he's not interested," she said.

Adam told John about the year his mother burned the Thanksgiving turkey and they all had a laugh. Adam wasn't done though, there was the year she burned the Christmas ham too and that brought another round of laughs.

Elaine waved her hand and said, "It was easy, nothing to it," as if she were acknowledging a compliment.  After breakfast, the parents and Adam went to shower and dress.  John followed his boy to the bedroom hoping to get a little action. He wasn't worried about Jack and Elaine; the master suite was at the opposite end of the apartment. John closed the door behind him a little loud and startled Adam; he wasn't aware that John was following him.

He turned around to look at John, "What do you want?"

"Three guesses and the first two don't count."

John unbuttoned his jeans and slid them and his briefs down to the floor. He stepped out of them and walked toward Adam growing progressively harder.

"Get the lube," John ordered Adam.

John bent over, placed his hands on the bed, and spread his legs. He turned his head to look at Adam behind him and said, "Fuck me.”

So that's what Adam did. He lubed his boy and ran his erection up and down the crack of John's ass. He rubbed his shaft on the soft fine hair around John's hole and stiffened up. He pushed John's t-shirt up around his shoulders exposing his muscular back and buttocks then bent over to grope him.

He eased himself inside John's firm cheeks burying his erection deep into his handsome lover maintaining steady pressure as his hardness throbbed. He kissed the sides and back of John’s neck while his hands felt John’s chest, stomach, and nipples eventually stopping at his armpits to indulge his infatuation with the dark brown hair he found there.

John whimpered with pleasure, spread his legs a further apart saying, "Do it.”

That was all Adam needed to give John the ride of his life. He let John have it with everything he had and John kept whispering "harder" as Adam plowed him for all he was worth. When they both spent their load, they collapsed on the bed. Adam was still hard and pressing it inside John as far as he could. John was lying on the bed in seventh heaven with his lover boy's presence hard inside of him.

Adam started to move and John said, "Leave it in there," then swirled his ass slightly to feel his boy filling his guts, loving the sensation. John arched his hips trying to force Adam deeper inside and Adam wrapped his arms under John's chest with his forearms rubbing in John's armpits, titillating himself even more.

"God Hon you fell so good, I could spend all day like this," John said.

Adam kissed John's neck and said, "I love being inside of you. You're so fucking hot John. I love you," then he kissed John's neck some more.  John made an 'mmm' sound and closed his eyes; as far as he was concerned, it didn't get any better than that. A few moments later and John said, "You think you could go again?"

"Hell ya, it won't be a big load though."

"Get 'er going, Hon."

With that, Adam began to move in and out of John slowly and methodically until he was hammering John's ass again and eventually they both erupted with a gasp. Adam quickly deflated after the second round slipping out of John. They laid side by side completely spent and content.

A minute or so later and Adam said, "I have to get cleaned up," as he rolled away from John.

John followed him into the bathroom to clean up and take a leak. When he finished, Adam was waiting on the hot water.

 John said, "Love ya stud.” He kissed his boy then went to the bedroom to dress and pack.

John dropped his bag by the front door then made his way to the kitchen. Jack and Elaine were still in their room so John decided to look in the fridge for a snack and something to drink. He noticed another brown paper bag with “Lunch” written on it and smiled. He took a stool at the island with a glass of grapefruit juice and a plate of left over hors d' oeuvres from the night before and began to eat.

He reached into his jeans pocket for his cell phone to turn it on in case Jim called. When he powered it up there was a message from Jim. John returned the call and agreed to meet him in front of the building at noon. They hung up then John pulled the morning paper to him and began to read while he waited.

Elaine was the first to finish and return to the kitchen. John looked up as she came around the corner.

"Wow, you look very nice today," John said. "Are you going out later on?"

"Yeah, we're going to Old St. Patrick's for Christmas mass."

"Geez, I wouldn't have minded going. We should have thought of that earlier."

"I didn't know you were Catholic."

"Oh yeah, I attended Catholic schools through high school. I have some good nun stories, too, guaranteed to make you laugh."

Adam came into the kitchen and, not seeing his father, decided to give John a quick peck and hug and he did. Elaine smiled at the brief encounter; she was pleased that Adam felt so comfortable in her presence.

Jack came into the kitchen looking well tailored in a dark suit with a red tie. John and Adam gave him the once over then told him how distinguished he looked. Jack thanked them then went to the closet to get his and Elaine's coats. When he came back, they all said their goodbyes and wished each other Merry Christmas and Happy New Year again.

Jack thanked John for coming with Adam telling him how nice it was nice to see him again and John reciprocated. Though he was a little stunned by the sincerity of Jack's statement. It seemed out of character for him; John attributed it to Christmas.

Adam didn't feel like flying so John did the honors and the flight was smooth and uneventful. The four of them talked about their time in Chicago and were glad to be going home. They all agreed that their stay was just right; another day would have been too much.

Jim offered to buy dinner when they got home and everyone liked the idea. Adam suggested the bistro in the gay district and the motion was seconded then carried.

Jim drove the foursome in his SUV while they joked and kidded each other along the way. They got along well and always seemed to have fun when they got together and that time was no exception. Jim suggested they have a couple drinks in the bar before they ate and everyone liked the idea.

The four of them sat around the corner of the bar laughing and joking. Adam was in a particularly playful mood and clipped Dave on the back of the head several times. Dave seemed to get a kick out of it mostly because he deserved it whenever it happened.

A friend of Dave's approached him and was introduced to everyone; his name was Bob. He was an attractive guy and obviously the gym rat type with oversized muscles, a tight t-shirt and jeans, sporting the typical crew-cut.

Jim bought him a drink while he familiarized himself with the group answering questions they asked and asking some as well.

He was paying particular attention to Adam; touching him and standing a little to close for John’s liking. He would lean over to make body contact with Adam every time he set his drink on the bar or picked it up.

He made an affected effort to laugh when Adam made a humorous observation. He would place his hand on Adam's shoulder while looking at him a little too long and longingly; it was beginning to wear on John.

Bob had his back to John as he stood touching and leaning on Adam; more accurately, lusting after him from John's point of view. The last straw came when Bob put his arm on the back of Adam’s stool and left it there after setting his empty glass on the bar.

Adam was oblivious to his advances; he was enjoying himself and their friends. It never crossed his mind that he would be with anyone other than John or the object of anyone else's desire for that matter. He was being the good natured, gregarious, kindhearted person that John knew and held near and dear.

John was sitting at one end of the group while Jim sat on the far end. Dave and Adam sat next to each other at the corner while Bob stood with his back to John. John rose to his feet in a huff with a furious look on his face unable to witness the scenario any longer. He couldn't go after Bob. The guy was a brute; he was capable of squashing John with one hand.

"Do you mind?" John said loudly. His face was deep red with anger.

Everyone turned to look at John. Bob removed his arm from Adam’s stool as he turned around.

With all eyes on him, John said, "That's my boyfriend you're manhandling. Do you mind leaving him alone or better yet—get lost."

John was irate beyond common sense and trembling. One wrong word out of Bob and he was poised to pounce. He had worked himself up to the point where Bob's stature was irrelevant; he was ready to kill.

Adam looked at John dumbfounded; he couldn't figure out what the hell was wrong with him. He had never heard John raise his voice as long as he had known him. He went over to John and stood in front of him blocking John's view. Adam put one arm on John's shoulder and rubbed the back of his neck while the other hand stroked his side.

"Babe, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

John put a hand on Adam's chest and looked into his eyes.

"It's that ox over there. He's trying to pick you up. I swear to God I'll fucking kill him."

"Who Bob?"

"Yeah, he's doing everything he can to get you in bed; can't you see that?"

Adam turned around to look at Bob who had vanished; his empty glass was the only trace of him. He looked around the room to see Bob exiting through the front door. He returned his focus to his boy.

He put his arms around John and whispered in his ear, "Babe, I'm not going anywhere with anyone other than you—got it?" Then he kissed John's cheek and hugged him.

John put his arms around Adam and said, "I swear to God, Adam; I'll kill the son of a bitch."

"Sit down Babe and don't say that too loud; it could get us into trouble."

Adam sat John on a stool then stood next to him with his arm around his boy massaging his back. As he looked down at John, he couldn't withhold a smile. That was exactly the way he felt toward John and the very reaction he would have had; he was proud of John.

John looked up at Jim and Dave to gauge their reactions.

Dave was smiling and said, "I guess I know who not to mess with," and chuckled.

John stirred his drink with his finger a little too embarrassed to make eye contact with anyone.

Adam kept an eye on John through dinner making an effort to keep him occupied so he wouldn't give the incident further thought. By the time the meal was over, he seemed to be himself again and partook of the conversation freely.

Jim and Dave dropped them off at home and agreed to be back at eight the next morning for the trip to Florida. Upstairs in their apartment, John and Adam prepared for bed then hit the sack; it had been a long day and they had a long day in front of them come morning.

The next day they left for Opa Locka Executive Airport a little before nine Central Time and landed about five in the afternoon Eastern Time; about seven hours en-route with six and a half hours flying time.

They made one stop for fuel and lunch then John flew the last leg of the trip. They were beat and went straight to the hotel after Jim rented a car. In separate rooms, they cleaned up, ate, watched TV for a while, then turned in for the evening.

The days passed quickly for the four. Adam was able to convince Mr. Hughes to go up with him in the King Air the day after they arrived. Hughes was reluctant; he hadn't flown that class of airplane in years. He had the ticket meaning he was licensed to fly the King Air but he wasn't current. In other words, he hadn’t flown that class of aircraft recently.

It was technically a breach of insurance company and FAA regulations but the old man knew Adam could fly the airplane and remembered, all too well, the feeling from years gone by. The old pilot even had a thrill flying the plane himself and thanked Adam.

They toured the area doing the things that tourists do. One day Dave showed them around Miami Beach and John and Adam understood what Dave was referring to when he mentioned their building and apartment reminded him of the area.

They did the beach scene one day and that bored the tears out of John and Adam.

They hung out at Mr. Hughes house another day using the pool, cutting up and lounging around; Hughes was glad to have the company and the commotion. That same day, John played golf with Mr. Hughes and the two of them had a good time; Hughes kicked John's butt and John vowed to get in practice and put him down the next time around.

New Year's Eve the group went to a gay bar in Ft. Lauderdale to ring in the New Year; they had to buy tickets at the door for fifty dollars per person. John was reluctant, the money aside; he recalled what happened the last time they were in a gay establishment, and he had to fly the next morning, too. When John suggested an option, he had to yield; he was overruled.

The next morning was traumatic for John and Adam; they had to say goodbye for two weeks. It would be the longest time they were apart since they had known each other. It was a hard thing to do.

The only consolation John had was the fact that Adam was staying with Mr. Hughes; he was scared to death something might come between them. He knew it was baseless but the thought dogged him nonetheless.

Adam was worried about John having to run the business without him; he didn't want John becoming stressed and not eating; or worse, getting sick over the whole thing. He also wanted to be in their apartment, their home, alone with John, in bed, just the two of them.

In the end, it was difficult but they said their heartfelt goodbyes in the bedroom; the one Adam would use at Hughes' house.

As John walked toward the rental car, Adam watched silently; it was hard as hell to let his Babe walk away, he would surely miss him.

If it was hard for Adam, it was gnawing John up inside; he was leaving the only reason in the world for him to exist, his sole purpose, his boy.

As they pulled away from the curb, John had his window down and watched Adam's image fade away, he raised his hand with an open palm.

On the way to Opa Locka Executive, John sat in the back seat of the car depressed. He didn't want to go home; he wanted to stay with Adam. He had never spent that much time away from him since they met; it was ugly and unpleasant to think about, two fucking weeks. It may as well have been a lifetime!

At Hughes' house, Adam lay on the bed in his room commiserating with what he was sure John was feeling. He was empty and alone; separated from his loved one by circumstance or necessity or whatever it was; it was a bitter pill to swallow. John was gone and he was alone; he wasn't happy. He wanted to go home.

As the three of them crossed the tarmac to the Aztec, Jim was cognizant of

John's mental vagaries and put his arm around him.

"I don't want to leave, Jim."

"I know. It's only for a short time,” Jim said then squeezed John with one arm.

The embrace was comforting for John and he felt somewhat better, not good, just better because someone understood.

The flight home was uneventful. They stopped for fuel along the way and Jim bought lunch; Dave and Jim enjoyed the flight and took turns in the co-pilot seat.

Dave asked a lot of questions when he sat up front and Jim seemed to become more at ease in the small plane. John had explained to Dave how easy it was to find a landing place in the event of a crisis versus a commercial jet, which was a lead balloon without the thrust of the turbines.

At home, Jim and Dave helped John put the Aztec in the hangar before they left. They said goodbye and invited John to dinner during the week; it was Jim's idea to help occupy John's spare time. John accepted and was grateful for the offer. They said goodbye and John went upstairs to unpack.

The next few days proved hectic around the FBO; it was evident Adam wasn't there. Everyone was stretched thin trying to manage. John talked to Adam every night on the phone and kept him abreast of what was happening.

The weather was clear and frigid; a Canadian Clipper had pushed its way south keeping the sky's clear and navigable while the students used it to their advantage.

John began to sell flying time in the King Air; he wanted it booked as much as possible. It was supposed to be an income-producing tool; he didn't want it to turn into an expense. It was an election year and John was able to benefit from it selling charter time.

He committed the plane to a solid block of charters. John made presentations to both political parties as well as some State departments. The governor was up for re-election as well as one of the state’s senators in Washington D.C. The King Air was, for the most part, booked through Election Day. John was pleased; he would have until late fall to recruit corporate clientele.

When Adam came home, there was bedlam around the FBO; the excitement was overwhelming. The employees along with a couple students were milling around the new plane in awe so Adam eventually agreed to take them for a ride. He was bursting with pride.

Larry sat in the co-pilot seat and Adam let him fly it for awhile; he was impressed with the avionics, they were state of the art. Larry was taxiing back to their side of the airport and chose to make a detour; he passed in front of Fischer Aviation and waved to one of the instructors. He looked at Adam and they grinned at each other; Larry's friend recognized them.

John was upstairs standing in the window, watching his boy as he talked on the phone; he was wearing a grin as he waved at Adam when he looked up. The group moved into the building and a minute later John could hear Adam taking the steps two at a time. John was in the process of saying goodbye when Adam grabbed him from behind and buried his head in the small of John's neck.

When John hung up, he turned around, wrapped his arms around Adam's waist, and lifted him off his feet; kissing him anywhere he could plant one and laughing at the same time. Adam was equally enthralled. He had both arms around John's neck with his legs wrapped around John's waist squeezing him as tightly as he could, as though he might get away or some crazy thing.

They kissed and ran their hands over each other, pawing, groping and stroking in an attempt to make up for two weeks of forced separation. There was a knock at the door at the bottom of the stairs then Larry hollered into the stairwell, "Are you guys up there?"

He knew they were and he was quite certain of what was going on; he didn't want to crash their reunion.

"Yeah, come on up," Adam hollered.

John set his boy down then the two walked to the stairs to meet Larry. Adam had his arm around John, which suited John just fine; he was happy to be back in Adam's arms, safe and secure in the presence of his boy.

"Damn, that's one fine airplane," Larry said as he did a double take at their arm in arm scenario.

"Yeah, she's a beauty," John concurred. "Come on Larry, have a beer with us and celebrate. It's almost quitting time anyway."

"Okay, it doesn't look like you two are going to get much done between now and then,” he said with a grin.

They walked to the bar and John couldn't resist kissing Adam along the way.

"Why don't you jump his bones now for Christ sake?" Larry said to John.

"Okay, you want to watch? You might learn something."

"Erase that. I can live without the knowledge, thanks just the same."

They sipped their beers while they chatted. John told them that the King Air was booked through November and Larry should be checked out as soon as possible. Larry was excited with the revelation and eager to get started. He told the guys that he had been engaged to be married the previous weekend and they congratulated him. Adam asked if they could meet her and Larry agreed to bring her over for a drink sometime soon.

When they finished their beer, Larry excused himself saying he had to get home to his bride to be. Adam followed him downstairs and locked up for the night.

John heard Adam close the door to the stairs and called him into the bedroom. When Adam got there, John was laying naked on the bed with his arms outstretched; unable to contain a huge grin.

To be continued...

Posted: 04/08/11