All for Acceptance

By: Rod
(© 2010 by the author)

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

Chapter 3

Just as Travis had said, there were uniforms in the front of the truck.  A couple of hangers had several pairs of chef pants each and several bore chef coats.  He did notice a few of the chef coats were embroidered with Travis’s name in addition to the TC’s’ name and logo.  Fortunately there were a variety of sizes and one with just the company name and logo that would fit perfectly.

He returned to the catering kitchen and finding an employee restroom he quickly changed into the uniform.  He needn’t worry about the fit of the pants; they were a newer style that fit a range of sizes.  There was a crisscross with Velcro at the waist that allowed for quite a variance in size.  The rest of the pants were intended to be somewhat baggy so they looked fine, especially with the way the chefs’ coat extended below his hips.  Being cut with three-quarter length sleeves keeping the cuffs out of the way of getting into anything he really looked quite the part.  His muscular build, cleanly cut hair, clean shaven face and deep blue eyes would certainly draw many longing glances from any who might see him.  He had been in very neat and clean clothes when he arrived but the uniform set him into another level, he was sure that Travis would be proud to have him seen by his side.  He just hoped that his peg leg wouldn’t be noticed in the excitement of the evening.  He wouldn’t want any one to freak out that an amp was working with such a renowned caterer. As he looked into the mirror to adjust everything just right his mind wondered back over the last day or so.  Little Travis know that Allan’s arrival at the precise time this afternoon was very intentionally planned.

A few days ago through in a not so happen-chance meeting he had become acquainted with one Billy Jackson.  Taking care to say just the right things Allan had enticed Billy to rant on about his part time job with TC’s.  It seemed that Billy was more interested in being with his buddies than working on a catering job.  Carrying things in and out, always being polite to everyone and having to wear those stupid checkered pants with the black chef coat trimmed in red piping around the cuffs, collar and edges with the company logo boldly emblazoned upon the left chest pocket wasn’t in his mind the way to be seen.  Besides the last party he had helped serve ended up being for a family who was good friends with several of his best buds and they were there as quests.  He had been given the business by his buddies every since and certainly wasn’t looking forward to another job this next week-end when he knew several of his friends were going to be there.  Hell, he had even received an invitation, not that he would go, he couldn’t unless he was working and he couldn’t be expected to put up with that again, could he.  Allan had sat listening patiently then, at just the right time, after he had managed to get all the details about the function, encouraged his new found friend to follow his own ideas, fuck with the job, go do as you please man, life is too short, enjoy it while you can, have fun, there is always tomorrow, hell, you can get another job, screw it!  Billy was in just the right mood that he totally agreed, bolstered in the idea that not only did he have the right idea but here was another great looking guy who agreed with him and hadn’t even known him for what ….thirty minutes?  He was accepting the invite from his buddies, off to Dellwood this weekend, water, boats, broads, and a lot of fun!

In was a rotten thing to do but Billy didn’t have the right to work with Travis as Allan did.  His only hope now was that he could impress Travis enough to take him on as a new employee, in Billy’s place of course.  Let’s face it Billy didn’t really want the job anyway, he just was looking for a good excuse to quit or get fired, he was too dumb to know the difference and didn’t think such a little thing by being fired would screw up his future, getting fired from a position as a lackey for a caterer was no big deal, right?  Allan did realize the importance, but to him it was more important to get in a good position with Travis, that was all that mattered right now.  In a way his future and well being could pretty well be dependent upon it.  Everything had to go as planned, it just had to work.

As they worked together Allan quickly picked up on the system Travis used and one has to admit it wasn’t exactly rocket science, Travis planned and executed things in a logical manner.  Allan only needed to think likewise and try to stay a step ahead to shine, and shine was exactly what he did.   Travis had been so worried about how things could go if he had to do everything himself that he deeply appreciated this great looking guy, who looked almost good enough to eat in the company uniform, not to mention the peg leg which turned on Travis more than one could believe.  On top of everything else the guy never stopped smiling.  Each time Travis turned to ask Allan to do something he was all ready beginning the task, whether it  would be bringing something to refill the table or assisting a guest, or just whatever needed to be done.  It seemed that Allan was reading his mind thirty seconds before he could even think to ask him to do something.  Billy was never like that, Travis had to ask at least twice before Billy would begin to do as asked and then it was often with a certain amount of attitude present, an attitude that should not be seen in the service business.  Travis needed only to figure a way to get Allan to continue with him, now that he had made the decision to fire Billy he needed a replacement, and who better than Allan.  He could only hope that the peg wasn’t an impediment to him being able to work.  At this point Travis didn’t really know that much about Allan but you better believe before this night was out he would certainly do his best to find out all he could.   As Travis continued to work he could only smile the more, proud of the work this new found friend was doing.  It was like they had worked together for years.  They truly appeared to any onlooker as if they were bound to each other in some way you couldn’t quite put your finger on.  The bond was there but just what was it?

Before either of them could realize it the cake had been cut and served, the buffet table was being cleared, the leftovers being dealt with and the DJ had requested the removal of the bridal table from the dance floor so the dancing could begin.  Allan again worked side by side rapidly clearing then undressing the tables moving them into a folded position into the appropriate storage area.  Soon everything was out of the ballroom and the two made short work of the kitchen clean up and packing.  With out comment the containers and remaining items to be removed were relocated in the back of the truck ready to return to thee commissary.  Little needed to be said as they worked silently and efficiently getting everything back as it should be inside and the truck ready to return. A quick look around the kitchen and hall, a final discussion with the Bride’s Mother who had signed the contract, a good-bye to the Banquet facility manager and the bar tenders and Travis was ready to leave.  Allan was leaning against the back of the truck as Travis exited the building and shut the door, a large gym bag sitting by his side.  He had changed back into the clothes he wore upon his arrival and neatly held the uniform folded over his arm.

“Ready to get something to eat?” inquired Travis.

“You bet, I thought you’d never ask.  I think I could eat about anything right now, good thing for all the noise in there I think my stomach was trying to say something a number of times but couldn’t be heard over the din!” stated Allan.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were that hungry, I’m sure I could have managed to get you at least something to hold you over while we were working, but I appreciate, more than you can believe, how you handled things tonight.  I couldn’t have asked for better help then what you provided.  Have you worked for a caterer before?”

“No, first time, I just figured if I tried to think about things the way I thought you might and how I would want things to be if I were the one hiring you then I couldn’t be too far off from what should be done. I’m glad you’re pleased.”

“Pleased?  I couldn’t be happier, let’s get in the truck and we’ll see about something to eat, and then get this mess back to the shop.  I certainly want to have a discussion with you before you get away.  I still want to hear the story about the foot if you’re willing.”

“Lead the way boss! Right now if it means I can ride I’ll follow you anywhere.” Allan replied.

“I didn’t thing to ask, do you have a car?  How did you get here?” asked Travis suddenly remembering he just saw Allan show up, but didn’t know how he had gotten there.

“No car, no transportation, and nowhere to go, so I guess I’m at your mercy,” stated Allan forlornly.

“No transportation, and nowhere to go, what do you mean, where do you live?” asked Travis with a concerned edge to his voice.

“I guess I’ll have to explain as part of my story, but for now let’s just say I’ve ended up homeless and help with that is part of the assistance I was referring to earlier.”

“Considering how you worked tonight, there is no way I wouldn’t be willing to be of assistance.  Jump in the passenger side and let’s go!”

Allan picked up his bag and strutted towards the passenger door of the truck.  With Travis on the other side and unable to see him the width of his smile was only limited by the placement of his ears and even they were a little wider apart than normal for him.

The drive was one of peaceful silence.  Both men were pleased with the events of the evening.  Travis had completed yet another fabulous presentation, nothing but compliments were heard throughout the room.  Even the stodgy old photographer had commented that the cake was among the most beautiful he had been fortunate enough to photograph even in all his years in the business.  The hall manager glowed with pride as it was recognized that he had in fact recommended TC’s to the family.  Allan felt he had succeeded in the task at hand, everything was going better than planned, he was still with Travis about to get a good meal he was sure.  During that meal he would work on the next part of his plan, his survival could depend upon it.

Each man was so lost in their own thoughts that before either realized it they were pulling up to the dock at the shop.  Travis adeptly backed the truck to the dock and got out to unlock the door and begin to unload.

“I thought we were going to eat then come to the shop?” asked Allan as he too stepped out of the truck and followed.

“I know but as we were driving I though I could put together a better meal here just as quickly.  No interruptions as we would have somewhere else, and we can talk as long as we like without any one to try to listen in,” answered Travis.

It took a short period of time to move the contents of the truck into the shop and put things into their appropriate place.  The dirty dishes, pans and service ware were stacked by the dishwasher.  Once started it wouldn’t take long for everything to be cleaned and ready to put away.

Just as Allan was moving the last few items to their proper places Travis pulled some items from the cooler and lighting the broiler began to prepare a meal for the two of them.

A few baked potatoes through a microwave, a couple of salad plates adorned with tossed salad, the steaks right off the broiler, condiments, some bread and a bottle of wine quickly adorned the table off to the side of the office.  Linens covered the table and heavy weight silver sat ready at each place as the two sat to enjoy their first meal together.

“This is great, haven’t had a meal like this in I can’t remember how long!” stated Allan between bites.

“Really? No steak and all the trimmings?”

“Are you kidding, not for me, couldn’t afford it, I’m lucky to get enough food these days just to keep from being hungry, never expensive stuff like this.”

“You mentioned your Mother dying recently, where do you live?” asked Travis.

“I was living with Mom in her apartment but when she died there was no way to pay the rent, my grandparents are too far away and besides for various reasons my Grandfather said that now that I am nineteen and have my high school diploma, it’s time for me to take care of myself.”

“That’s rather brash for him to say considering you just lost your Mother, are they your Mother or your Father’s parents?” inquired Travis.

“My Mother’s, but then she didn’t get any help from them either.  She hasn’t for as long as I can remember.  I’ve never known my Father, he was never around and my Mother would never tell me anything about him.  The big mystery man, but I think he had something to do with the reason my Grandparents wouldn’t help.”

“Sorry to hear that, so where have you been staying?”

“First I tried to stay with some friends from High School but that got old fast, lately it has been where ever I could find a place to sleep, at least it’s been warm out so need to worry about the cold yet.”

“You don’t have any place to stay at all? What have you been eating?”

“What little money I had couldn’t pay the next month’s rent, but has given me at least some food everyday until yesterday, that’s when it finally ran out.  I have been trying to find anything I could do to work for food or whatever but haven’t had much luck.  I did manage to work a few hours in a laundry, day before yesterday and managed to get something to eat and get my clothes clean.  The facilities around some of the lakes have showers to let you rinse after swimming or skiing so a quick change into a swim suit, get wet and you can get into the bath house and get a shower.  That’s what I did this afternoon before walking over to the hall where we met.”

“Why did you go to the hall?”

“I was by there yesterday and heard someone saying something about a big important wedding being held there today so I figured I might just luck out and get some work.”

Travis was dumbfounded by what he was hearing; this guy was just nineteen, too old for the juvenile system to help, too clean and honest it seemed to be considered a problem and not knowing enough to know where to turn for help.  At least he had the ethics to look for work not just a handout. There was something that Travis couldn’t figure out and it had something to do with why he couldn’t let go of the idea he had to help Allan, there was some reason he couldn’t let him continue to fend for himself, some way he would help.

“Allan, you are a very attractive guy an I am not trying to come on to you but you sound like you do need some help buddy, I have a home of my own and a spare bedroom, you are welcome to use it till we can figure out what can be done. You would be safe there I promise, you would be in no danger from me or any one else.  I would like to help.  I wanted to ask you about that peg leg.  I didn’t notice you having any problem working this evening with it are you really all right with it to be putting the pressure on it working and the like?”

“I had a snowmobile accident when I was ten years old; a buddy from school had invited me for a day out on snowmobiles.  My Mother could never afford for me do something like that and I guess a couple of the guys in my class could afford to so they invited me to spend the day with them.  There were three buddies of mine, all with older brothers who were supposed to be the only ones to drive the snowmobiles.  Jamie my best bud convinced his older brother that he could handle it and then I could ride on behind him.  As we came around a curve he lost control and we hit a rather large rock and became airborne, I flew off the back and when the snowmobile came down it crashed into my leg right below the knee.  The motor was still running and for some reason the drive belt was still moving, the edge hit my leg cutting through the skin and breaking the bone, the movement of the belt just pulled things apart and next thing we knew part of my leg was several feet away.  I was rushed to the hospital and emergency surgery had to be done.  They couldn’t save the lower part of my leg so they cut it neatly.  I was lucky the surgeon was often a contributor of his time and skills to the indigent because he didn’t even ask if there was insurance or coverage for his services he just went ahead and took the same care he would have for a full paying patient.  Of course Mom didn’t have any money to pay anything and the hospital ended up writing off the charges, I got a good clean amputation leaving a pretty good stump so it could be fitted with a good prosthetic but there was never any money for the prosthetic and I ended up with a peg crafted by an old man in our neighborhood who needed to use one himself.  He knew our situation and helped me as he had a number of others. It didn’t take too long before I could move with the best of my friends peg leg or not.  At least the surgeon had left me with a stump that would allow me to use it without pain.  I have to thank him for that.  The only problem is when I can’t use the peg I need to use crutches and my last pair managed to come up missing as I was trying to get anything I could remove from our apartment.  It had been furnished so all I could take were some personal items, pictures and some clothes.  I didn’t have any place to take any big stuff anyway so I only left with what I could carry and use.  Unfortunately my crutches weren’t in the apartment; I don’t know what happened to them, I can only hope that whoever got them has as much or a greater need for them as I have.”

“First off I think we can stop and pick up a pair of crutches.  I know of a pharmacy near by that would have whatever kind you need and I can’t see you trying to hop around without your leg.  If you’re finished we can start the dishwasher and it won’t take long for everything to go through and be ready to put away.  I don’t like to leave things a mess. I would expect any of my crew to clean up before leaving and they do, I can’t do otherwise myself, so, if you are up to it let’s finish up then we’ll stop for some crutches then head for my home.  I think I can come up with some kind of dessert there we could both enjoy.”

“I’m sure of that!” answered Allan with a twinkle in his eye.

In no time as Travis had said the twelve foot long continuous feed dishwasher had made quick work of all that need to be washed and as fast as the water could evaporate the items were put in their appropriate places, a quick wipe down of all the counters and the place was ready for the crew to start again Monday morning.  It was one of the few Sunday’s tomorrow when nothing was going out and everyone had a welcomed day off.

Allan followed Travis out the door remembering to grab his bag as Travis locked up and set the alarm, leading them to the Hummer sitting around back in a locked and fenced area.

“Wow some set of wheels!” exclaimed Allan as he saw the vehicle they were heading to.

“A gift from a very special friend a few years ago, I’ll tell you about it later.  Right now let’s move out of here.”

It was just a couple of blocks when they pulled into a 24 hour pharmacy, one of the larger ones in the Twin Cities. Travis took Allan right to the proper department and told him to pick out whatever he needed.  A clerk approached them and asked a few questions before recommending a set of forearm crutches rather than the old fashion full length type used under the arms.  Allan stated that he had lost a set similar to the ones recommended and could actually use them more easily.  The ones he was looking at were rather a bit more high tech than what he had lost and didn’t feel right after looking at the cost.  Travis ignored his suggestion to get something else and had all ready instructed the clerk to pull a new pair from the stock room and ring them up before returning to assist in adjusting them to the proper fit, also telling the clerk to ignore the protests of his companion.

With the efficient assistance of the clerk the two were soon heading out the door and back to the Hummer. Once in, seat belts fastened after the package had been stowed, Travis backed out of the parking spot and headed for home.

Allan was beside himself with gratitude; yes, he had finagled a little to set some things up, but never imagined that Travis would be so generous.  He toyed with the idea that he may have to come clean with Travis earlier than previously planned.

Travis was right; it was only a very short distance to his home.  All too soon they were once again departing the Hummer and heading towards the side door to the abode.  Allan’s first impression was that it was really quite a neat house, a lot more than his Mother and he ever had.  They had only lived in apartments, moving every so often to have a lower rent payment allowing what money they had to stretch a little further.

Once inside, Travis took Allan straight to the guest bedroom and showed him on the way where the bath was and invited him to get comfortable.  If he wanted to take a shower, soap, towels and whatever he might need would be in the bath closet just behind the bathroom door.  There were some new toothbrushes in the closet so he could help himself.  If he needed anything else just yell and he would help.

Travis headed for his own room and quickly grabbed a pair of shorts and a tee shirt as he entered his own bath to take a quick shower.  As he disrobed he threw his garments into the hamper in the corner and started the shower.  He knew that the plumbing changes that had been made to the house were supposed to allow both showers to work simultaneously so there would be no problem with the temperature or quantity of water available for both showers at the same time.  He was just about to step out when he heard his name being called from the other bathroom.  Ignoring his shorts and tee since he was still dripping wet he grabbed a towel, tried to use it quickly and threw it around his waist as he headed for the other bath.

As Travis approached the bathroom door he started to answer Allan. “Yeah buddy what’s up? Is there a…”  Just then he opened the door and the sight before him took away his ability to continue his sentence.  Allan was standing next to the shower without his peg and without any other clothing as well.  It had been five years since Travis had finished college and the communal showers after physical exercise, or his time spent with Phillip III.  He had forgotten just what effect a handsome, in shape, nineteen year-old amp would have on him.  He knew it wasn’t Phillip his lover in front of him right now, Phillip was missing his forearm not a leg, but the male of the species, especially in this condition with any missing body part, was the sight of his dreams.  Though the lower part of Allan’s leg was missing, everything else was in place, just as it should be, more than it should be in some cases.

“Travis,   TRAVIS,    TRAVIS !” repeated Allan trying to get Travis’s attention. 

“Oh yeah, what do you need Allan?” asked Travis as he suddenly came back to earth and regained some degree of control.

“How do you work this control I don’t seem to be able to figure it out,” asked Allan.

“Just like this,” replied Travis as he proceeded to step towards Allan and reach into the shower.

As Travis moved to explain the control  and reached over to turn on the shower Allan stood in his same position enabling him to see what Travis was about to show him.  What Travis wasn’t planning was at the moment he went to reach for the control the growing in the front of his towel and the movement of his waist caused his towel to fall to the ground just as his body brushed against the front of Allan’s unmoving midriff.  The contact only made the condition the condition worse as Travis realizing what had happened began to turn red.  He had never been embarrassed like this before and certainly had been in showers with other well built men before, but something was different.  Allan had a different effect on him.  Adjust the spray to a proper temperature he stepped back to allow Allan entrance to the shower.  As he started to reach down for the towel he had dropped he discovered it was no longer there, When Allan started to hop into the shower on his one leg he had momentarily stepped on the towel and with the next hop the towel had flown across the room towards the door.  It was only a stroke of luck that he had not tripped and fallen.  When Travis rose again realizing his towel wasn’t within reach he found himself face to face with Allan, both men totally nude and obviously very excited.  Both were also rather red and stood speechless for only a few seconds but what seemed like forever.  Finally Allan broke the tension with the question, “Are you sure I am still safe here?” Travis would have died on the spot but the laughter that followed Allan’s question caught him off guard. “I don’t know if I want to be safe from you!” was all Allan needed to add to make Travis realize that there wasn’t a problem.  Damn Allan was coming on to Travis.

Travis quickly recovered when the full aspect of the situation and there identical status registered. 

“Need someone to wash your back?” playfully asked Travis.

“Is that all you want to help with?” retorted Allan.

Travis stepped into the shower and began to relive one of those many mornings he had spent with Phillip III.  He knew he was with someone else not Phillip, but it seemed all right.  Hadn’t Phillip asked to go on with his life, to find another?  Maybe in some way Phillip had a hand in bringing this about.  He didn’t know, all he knew was this opportunity wasn’t going to get by him.  He was going to enjoy it to the fullest.  Just as he had always been with Phillip, the more he tried to satisfy Phillip the more satisfied he became.  Tonight would be no different.  For the first time in five years he would feel the love he so missed.

Travis had made changes in the plumbing to always have plenty of hot water but before the two were finished they rushed to escape the now turning cold shower.  It was a slow and loving administration of towels to each others bodies before they left the bath and with Allan arm around Travis’s shoulder for support the two headed for Travis’s bedroom.  The guest bedroom had been totally forgotten.  Travis threw the shorts and tee he had laid out on his bed over onto a chair and pulled back the covers pushing Allan in first before following right behind.  Allan knew what was happening and was just as happy but couldn’t see very much as the lights had been switched off as hey entered the room.  Each previous room, the bath and then the hall had also been darkened as they passed through them.  Only a small amount of light cast through the window allowed the slightest hint of a shadow as they took their positions so closely intertwined.

The next morning brought them rapidly awake as the sunlight poured over them through the easterly window.  They had not spent very much time in slumber.  It was more a period of exploration and exhilaration bringing each of them to the pinnacle and over the edge numerous times in the hours before thy finally succumbed to sleep, their exhausted bodies not allowing them to continue any further.

Allan was still dazed with the reality of the situation, the thing he had wanted more than anything else in life was to get to know Travis.  To get to know him in this way and experience what he had was beyond belief.  He could only hope that when he leveled with Travis and told him all he knew that Travis would not turn him away. 

Travis on the other hand was basking in the reblossoming of a state of mind he had not experienced for so long.  Phillip III would always have a special place in his heart and nothing but nothing could ever replace it.  Still, he had been lonely over the years.  Several things had occurred, but there had not been anyone to replace his lover.  Today he needed to see a few of those people who were still ever so precious in his life but none of them were his life partner.  He could only hope that his life partner was now sleeping so angelically beside him. 

To be continued...

A special thanks to Jesse Mercer for editing.

Posted: 09/03/10