Bo & Dusty

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2010 by the author)
Editor: Frank Perry

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

Chapter 2

"That was a smart move dropping the meat and stuff off at the apartment before," Dusty said. "I had no idea we would have to do a walk through before they'd allow me to sign the contract. At least we have the keys and the alarm codes. That's one less thing we have to go through tomorrow."

"I'll pay you to move my stuff into the town house tomorrow if you're dumb enough to turn down my offer."

"Temper, temper, I hope you're not going to get testy with me. Does that mean that if I decide to move in with you, I won't be paid? Is that what you're telling me?"

Dusty smiled, "God, I'm sorry, I was acting like a jerk again. I should have said if you elect to move into the townhouse, we will hire a moving company to handle everything; if not, I will pay you the same to move my things."

Bo laughed, "Now that didn't hurt did it?"

"Okay, Bo, you've stalled enough, tell me about yourself."

"My family owns this sorry worked-out farm in Richmondville, Alabama. It's a little town near Birmingham. The town is so small that it does even have a main street. Downtown Richmondville consists of a general store, a hardware store, an automotive repair and parts shop, and a gas station. Most of the people live simple, contented lives in our little town. Many of the folks have lived there all their lives. They are happy if they can sell their yearly crop and have enough money left over to pay off their bills and live off the remainder for the rest of the year. Sometimes they have a good year and have enough left over to buy a used truck.

"My folks are down-to-earth, church-going people and are content working their little farm. I guess if you have not seen how poor farmers lived, you would have no basis for comparison. Even if they could change, I don't think they would. I was different. I was exposed to the way other people lived when I got to stay overnight in their homes. Our football team had to play out-of-town games and the local folks used to put us up for the night. It was a revelation to me and something I’ll always remember.  I was sixteen at the time, and was amazed the way these other folks lived. I remembered staying with this one family. The guest room I stayed in had its own bathroom. Each of their kids had their own room with closets filled with clothes. They each had their own desk to use when they did their homework. Not only that, each child had a TV and stereo player in their bedroom.

"Some other homes were unbelievably beautiful. That was true of most places I stayed. I'm not saying that all the farmers in our community were poor. In fact, a number were prosperous. However, those farmers weren't native to our community they came from other areas. They purchased large tracts of land to farm using the latest modern farming methods and equipment. My high school social studies teacher took us on a tour of some of those modern farms. Again, it was quite an awaking. From that point on, I knew I wanted out of farming. I worked my tail off to maintain an 'A' average. I applied for every scholarship available. I also worked every odd job I could find to earn the money for college. Most of my clothes for my first year were purchased at garage sales or thrift shops. Even my shoes came from a thrift shop. My folks agreed to help support me for my first year. Nevertheless, that's all they could afford. That's why it's so important that I save every penny I can to make it through. I am the first member of my family to attend college. Everyone back home has been supportive of me and helped me wherever they could.

"My goal is to graduate college and to go on to law school, Dusty. I'm determined to become a lawyer. I can never go back to Richmondville to live, no matter what happens. That's the reason I stayed here all summer. I was able to find work here as a carpenter and handyman. I've have earned enough to get by for the next six months. I hope by then the loan I've applied for comes through. Your offer floored me this afternoon. It's still hard to believe. I'm still looking for the catch, Dusty. Nothing has ever been handed to me on a silver platter before. I always had to work hard for every dollar I ever made. Those sixty dollars you gave me this morning will pay for the insurance on my truck for another three months. That is how tight things are for me right now.

"What I did for you yesterday was nothing; I'd do it again for any person that needed my help. What those cowards did to you was despicable. I felt terrible that you had to suffer the pain and humiliation they put you through. You know, I respect you for the way you handled yourself. It took a lot of guts to shake that experience off and take it in stride. I've seen bigger men than you go to pieces for much less. What about you, Dusty? What was your childhood like?"

"My mother gave birth to four children and I was the only child who lived beyond the age of four. My mother was in her late thirties when I came along. I don't have any memories of her because she died before my third birthday. My only knowledge of her comes from what my dad and grandparents have told me. My dad has been a wonderful father for as long as I can remember. I felt that I had a normal childhood. Naturally, I had a nurse and a governess to tend to all my needs when my dad wasn't around. I was a bright child and began my education at the age of four. I had a series of language teachers early on, because the theory at the time was that children were more receptive to learning foreign languages at an early age. They must have been right, because I became fluent in German and Spanish before I entered grammar school. Of course, I attended private boarding schools and commuted home every weekend. Even while enrolled in private schools I was segregated from the other students and given accelerated classes in advanced studies, because of my high IQ.

“Early on, I knew that I liked boys more than girls. It wasn't until the butler caught me having sex with the maid's son that my dad found out about it. The next thing I knew, I was being shunted from one shrink to another. After four years and three shrinks later, I was diagnosed as a certified homosexual. That's when my Dad and I had a long and serious talk about my future. Dad took it rather well and did his best to help me. He was resigned to the fact that I was to be the end of the line. Naturally, I continued my therapy sessions, only this time it was to help me cope with my homosexuality in the real world. I highly recommend it to all teenagers. I was able to meet young men who were experiencing the same problems in society. At least I learned firsthand the many ways to have sex with another male and what could happen if you did not take the proper precautions.

"Don't laugh, but in spite of everything, I've haven't learned how to pick-up a guy on my own. Can you believe that? I become so scared when I approach a guy, I'd freeze up and become tongue tied and walk away after I've embarrassed us both. Thanks for not laughing; smiling is acceptable."

Bo grinned, "Go on with your story, Tiger."

"Finally out of sheer desperation, I solicited my shrink in helping me find reliable male prostitutes to service me. I found this to be the ideal sexual release and not as frustrating. It's better than masturbating. Anyway, it works for me."

"Dusty, prostitutes are fine to get your rocks off, but even you must realize you're not going to find a partner that way. The only way you're going to find someone is to go into the jungle and beat the bushes, like every other male hunting for a partner; that's all part of the game. This is the only way you're ever going to find the right person for you. Personally, I think you're going about this thing the wrong way. You're pushing it too hard, Dusty. Let me ask you a question. Are you looking for a meaningful relationship, or one night stands?"

"Naturally I'm looking for a meaningful relationship."

"Then continue with the prostitutes and at the same time, learn how to become a hunter. This way you won't be under pressure and you can take your time finding a Mister Right."

"That makes a lot of sense, Bo. Now it's late and I've got to hit the sack. It's not the company, it's the hour, and so I bid you good night."

"Good night, Dusty."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Dusty awoke and had showered and dressed by six the next morning. He made the coffee and sat in the comfortable chair with his notebook computer on his lap. He opened the reference law book and began reading a case. Every once in awhile he stopped reading to type notes into the computer.

"What case are you reading now?" Bo asked.

Dustin jumped and was startled, "The giant awakens; good morning, Mr. Richmond. This case is Andrews v. The City of New York," Dusty replied.

"Pardon me to hell," Bo said. "I'll rephrase that, Mr. Taylor. Good morning, Dusty, and pray tell what are we reading this morning?"

"Did anyone ever tell you that you have annoying habits? You are not supposed to scare the crap out of your guest that way."

Bo laughed, "I'm sorry if I scared you, I hope you didn't mess on that seat?"

"Is this going to be Day Two of Beat up on Dusty?"

"I'll let you know after we have breakfast. I usually don't have to face a hockey puck like you the first thing every morning."

"Why don't you get your lazy ass out of bed and get dressed, before half the morning has slipped by. Would you like me to fix breakfast while you're making yourself presentable?"

"My God, don't tell me you can cook. I thought you had people do that for you?"

"I will disregard that unwarranted slur about my domestic abilities. My feelings will not be hurt if you preferred that I not disturb your pristine, well organized kitchen."

"If you feel that you can rustle up some bacon and eggs without burning yourself, have a go at it."

"How long will you be in the bathroom?"

"Twenty minutes, tops."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Bo finished up in the bathroom and sat down at the table. Dusty took the two plates out of the oven and set one at each place. The other warmed plates held the hot buttered toast and the bacon.

Bo tasted his omelet and nodded his head in approval. "This is great, Dusty, everything is just perfect. Where did you learn to cook like this?"

"New York and Paris, I'm a Certified Blue-Ribbon gourmet chef."

Bo chuckled and shook his head, "You are something else, Tiger. You're all right in my book."

"Thanks, I may be a nerd, but I'm not without talent."

"That breakfast was the best I've ever had in this apartment. Now, we have a busy day ahead of us, so let's plan our day right now. How much cash do you have on you?"

"Five-hundred in cash, and five thousand in Traveler's Checks," Dusty said.

"There's no way you'll be able to hire any commercial movers today. I suggest that we rent a U-Haul truck and hire a couple of guys to help us move into the townhouse."

Dusty smiled, "Other than thank-you, I have only one question. When did you decide to take me up on my offer?"

"Yesterday afternoon."

"You, son-of-a-gun, why did you keep me guessing. I could have already rented the truck."

"Before I gave you my answer to move in with you I wanted to make certain that you weren't put off because of my background. You answered that question for me this morning. You reacted exactly the way I hoped you would. I know we are going to have to make some adjustments, but I'm confident we can work that out. You're not going to cry are you?"

Dusty was embarrassed and quickly rushed into the bathroom. When he returned Bo was on the telephone. Dusty took the sheets off the bed, shoved them into a pillowcase, and covered the bed with the blanket and dust cover.

Bo hung up the telephone, "Feeling better?"

"Yes, sorry about that, it won't happen again."

"Don't feel ashamed about that, it's a normal emotion. I'm glad you didn't see me cry, last night."

Dusty smiled, "Thanks, so what is the plan for today?"

"I've reserved the U-Haul truck and boxes. The U-Haul place has two experienced movers who will do the job for a hundred bucks each. They don't care how long it takes. I notified the property owner that I'm leaving today so he'll be checking the place after everything's moved out. Actually, I don't have much stuff to move. We'll need to pick-up the U-Haul in two hours, which will give us plenty of time to take care of your hair styling. The glasses and clothes will have to wait. We have a lot to do today. I figure we can move everything from here in one trip with the two trucks. You can lead the movers over to the townhouse. I'll finish up with the property owner here and drive over in my truck. How does that sound?"

"Great, well let's get going. We need to stop at the bank on the way."

"I want you to come in with me when we get there," Dusty said.

When they arrived at the bank, Dusty asked to see the branch manager. A few minutes later, they were shown into his office. "Good morning, Mr. Taylor, how may we help you today?'

"I want to open a joint account with Mr. Richmond, my roommate. Do you think you can handle that for us?"

"My pleasure, Mr. Taylor, I'll have you out of here in fifteen minutes, tops.

"Mr. Richmond will need two-thousand dollars in cash. He'll need five-hundred dollars in small denominations, and the balance in hundred dollar bills."

"Yes sir, how much do you want to open the account with?"

"Ten-thousand dollars for now, I wish to maintain that balance in the account. Draw that from my regular checking account."

"Yes sir," the manager handed over the signature cards to be signed. "All right, this will take me a moment."

Bo looked at Dustin and smiled.

The manager returned in a few minutes. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Mr. Taylor, if you would please sign this transfer form for the ten-thousand dollar transfer to the new joint account. Fine, now I need you both to sign these signature cards. Mr. Richmond, please sign this receipt for the two-thousand cash advance. Here is your temporary checkbook to use until your printed checks arrive. Is there anything else I can help you with today, gentleman?"

"No, that's it for today; thank you for your help," Dusty said.

"Good day, gentlemen."

They returned to the car and Bo drove downtown to the hair stylist. "All right, Bo, what's wrong, what did I do to upset you?"

"Why did you give me that money, Dusty?"

"Because you told me you needed cash before we left the apartment, I figured you needed it for your landlord and to pay the U-Haul guys. If you need more I have another five hundred in cash and my Traveler's Checks."

Bo shook his head, "You're something else. You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you. All this is completely over your head."

"Bo, stop treating me like I'm a moron. I'm trying very hard to do what's right. Now what's the problem?"

"I'm sorry, Dusty, you're right. I guess you really think I needed two thousand dollars, too, for my landlord and the movers?"

"I really didn't know, I was only guessing. I thought that would be enough. I never get involved with these sorts of things. My business manager handles it for me. I've never had to bother taking care of things like this before. If I want something I buy it and that's it."

"Okay, I'm beginning to understand you now. I'm sorry, I have a lot to learn about you it seems. Look, Tiger, five hundred was enough to handle everything. In the future, I'll be more specific. I'll give you back whatever I don't spend tonight."

"Thank God that's settled," Dusty said. "Keep the money for petty cash. I want you to keep five hundred dollars cash on hand, and five-thousand in Traveler's Checks at all times. You should apply for a passport ASAP. One last thing, have that truck fixed up and give it to your folks. We can drive it down home when it's repaired. I would like to meet your family anyway. I promise not to be a nerd and I won't speak unless spoken to. Let me know what kind of vehicle you want me to lease for you. Porsches and trucks are out. We'll leave early on Friday for Atlanta so you'll have plenty of time to pick out a lease car. We are going to have a fun weekend buying ourselves a new wardrobe."

"Do you have anything else on your list, Tiger?"

"You can stop being so damn condescending. Jesus, what's wrong with you anyway?"

"I'll tell you later, Dusty. Now you be a good little nerd and do as you're told in this salon."

"Is it okay if I breathe?"

Bo chuckled, "If you feel you must."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Janet, Bo's stylist discussed which style would look best with his hair. "Dusty, I'd kill to have natural hair like yours; don't worry, we'll fix you up just fine. With your new glasses, you should be a knockout. Get lost, Bo," Janet said, "come back in an hour."

"Where do you know Bo from," Janet asked?

"We have the same law classes together. He is my new roommate as of today. I had it with the Delta frat house and he was looking to make a change so it worked out for us just fine."

"How long have you known Bo," Dusty asked.

"Since last year, he's a great guy, not like most of the hot shots around here. We dated a couple of times, nothing serious, he's a real gentleman. Honey, if he weren't serious about a gal back home, I'd sure make a play for him. He is my kind of man. He's also a damn good craftsman. He does all our repair work at reasonable prices."

"I'm going to tell you something; you were smart moving out of that frat house. They've had a lot of complaints over the years about the goings on there and I know from reliable sources that they are going to crack down hard on them all."

"Okay, you sit there for twenty minutes and I be back to wash the chemicals off."

Bo was sitting in the car waiting for Dusty making notes in his journal. Dusty opened the door and hopped in. "Well, what do you think?"

"Take the glasses off for a minute. You look hot. You know, Dusty, you're a good-looking guy."

Dusty chuckled, "Want to have some fun, Mister?"

"Who knows, if you play your cards right, I just might."

"I'm just another pretty face to you; anyway you're engaged to a girl back home. If you want me, the girlfriend has to go."

"You're a sly one, aren't you?"

"Don't worry, Bo. I won't blow your cover."

"What makes you think I don't have a significant other back home?"

"For two reasons, one you would have told me about her and secondly you could not afford to get involved with any girl at this time in your life."

"You may be dumb in some areas, but you sure have a brain in that skull."

"Where are we headed now?" Dusty asked.

"First, to the U-Haul place to pick-up the truck, then back to the apartment."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

"I'm amazed, we're all moved in and it's only two-thirty. Do you feel like cranking the truck up and doing a little food shopping?"

"Sounds like a winner. I'm surprised you would even consider riding in my junky pickup," Bo said.

"Hey, I'm not a snob. I just don't feel that a pickup is in keeping with your new image. If you feel happy with it by all means keep it?"

Bo laughed heartily, "Come on, let's get the shopping over with, Tiger."

The truck bed was loaded with boxes of their purchases of groceries and cases of wine, liquor and beer.

"Tell you what, Dusty. I'll start preparing dinner and while you start putting the frozen stuff away, we can decide where to stock the spices and other things."

"One nice thing about this kitchen, it's completely equipped," Dusty said. "Everything is first class and the china and crystal are quite good. We should be very comfortable here and it's a fine house to entertain in. After we are settled in, we can start entertaining the right people to further your career. That should be fun."

"I'm sure Dad will insist on meeting you. We need to make a trip up to Atlanta to buy you some clothes. Are you free this entire weekend, Bo?

"No, I have to install some bookcases at the University this weekend."

"Is this something you really want to do, Bo?"

"Of course not, but I got to earn my share of the expenses. Okay?"

"Call them up and tell them you are going to be out of town this weekend. In fact, I want you to quit all your jobs. I'm paying you for anti-nerd training. Do you have any social engagements that will keep you in Athens?"

"No, that's it.

"I'm going to make reservations for us at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead for the weekend. We'll head to Atlanta after our last class Friday afternoon."

"You're going to spoil me Dusty. I could get used to this kind of living very easily."

"Get used to it, baby. I'm not spoiling you at all. We're both going to need to work hard to become successful lawyers. You're going to meet a nice rich woman and marry her and live happily ever after." Dusty smiled, "That's a fairy tale, Bo."

"What about you, Tiger?"

"I will probably end up meeting a string of losers who will be good in bed and useless at everything else. I'm encouraged by your suggestion about having children. I plan to do that right away. I think four is a nice round number. God, I hope I'm not carrying my mother's bad genes. I should start procreating my last year in law school. Dad is not getting any younger and I want him to enjoy his grandchildren while he still can."

"I don't like the idea of quitting all my part-time jobs, Dusty. What if you should decide to kick me out? Jobs are scarce in these parts and I need the income to continue law school."

"I've already taken care of that, Bo. I've set up trust account for you. You can elect to walk out next week and your tuition and living expenses are paid for the next school year. As long as you live here, all your expenses will be paid. If I should die, your tuition will be paid in full. Dusty handed Bo a folder, "Here is the letter of agreement."

Bo shook his head and smiled, "I don't know what to say, Dusty, other that thank you so much."

"Look, Bo, just be here for me, and teach me to be a more like you and keep an eye open to see that I stick to the exercise program. You know how much I hate that. The most important thing I ask of you is that you watch over me to make sure I'm not raped again. I don't want to end up a bloody pulp in some alley. We've got to look out for each other, okay?"

"You got it, Tiger. Dinner will be ready in less than an hour. Let's see if we can organize these groceries and put them away."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Bo's nine-year-old truck took longer to fix-up than expected. The shop had to rebuild the transmission. After the repair work was completed, the truck was in good shape. Bo and Dusty drove to the farm over the Halloween weekend. Bo led the way driving in the truck and Dusty followed in Bo's SUV. That was the first time that Dusty had visited the rural Alabama countryside. He wanted to rent a room at a motel for the weekend after seeing the old farmhouse, but Bo and his family insisted that he stay with them. He had no choice but to accept their hospitality. By the time they left on Sunday for Athens, he admitted to Bo that he had a good time.

"What did you think of my family?" Bo asked after he turned the van onto the highway.

"You have a very nice, wholesome family, I really enjoyed the weekend. One thing for sure, there is always something to do on a farm."

"My family really likes you. They thought you were down to earth and were genuinely interested in them. My dad and mom said you were interested in the workings of their farm, but also in what was going on in the community. Mom was pleased in the way that you took such an interest in all the children, and inquired about their future. What was that all about, Dusty?"

"I had a long talk with your dad about the farm. He told me about the crops he planted and the report from the Extension Service about the soil. Your dad said with proper land management, he could plant crops that would yield a nice profit every year. The report did not reflect his views. He said the report said that the soil was worn out and it would take several years of crop rotation to rejuvenate the soil. If he relied on the heavy use of agricultural chemicals it would increase the yield, but at a heavy cost. The cost would depend on the crop; then again, it may not be cost effective. I could see he was discouraged, because he did not want to mortgage the farm in order to invest the kind of money in the program the Extension Service man suggested. Your dad feels he needs to plant a cash crop every year and hope for the best. He is hoping that he can continue to farm the land until the kids are grown up and on their own."

"I discovered that two years ago," Bo said. "I wanted Dad to look into rotating the crops on one section of the land, but he did not want to raise low profit crops at the time", Bo said. "I took the opportunity to talk with your brothers and to your mom at some length. Your brother, Jimbo, is a very intelligent young man. He told me the local school is not able to help him with the courses he needed to enter the University. He is trying to study on his own. That's why he spends every spare moment with his nose in a book. Your brother, Steve, is smart in a different way. He is more mechanically inclined. He loves working on cars and repairing the farm equipment. He has some good ideas on how to improve the equipment. Your mother agrees with my assessment about both boys. She is disappointed that they don't have the money to send them to college."

"I've been giving a lot of thought to this and I think I have found a way to make this right. At least I've formed an overall plan. I plan to work out the details with a couple of experts at the University to see if my idea will work. If they are sound, you need to help me sell the plan to your family."

"Oh God, here we go again. You're on another mission. Why don't you run it by me before you go off half-cocked? Tell me exactly what I'm supposed to convince my family about. I'll tell you right off the bat that they are poor, yet very proud. They will not accept charity from you or anyone else."

"I'm aware of that. This is not going to be charity. This is going to be a sound business proposition. I'm going to invest in your family's new business. I'm suggesting a long-term low interest loan to be paid back when the farm starts to make money. That's for starters. I'm also setting up a scholarship fund to further your brothers' education. My intention is to send both boys to private prep school to prepare them for the University of Alabama. Steve can go for a Technical degree and Jimbo can go for a Business or Law degree."

"That's going to cost a lot of money, Dusty. I know your dad spoils you, but do you think he'll allow you to spend that kind of money?"

"Don't worry about the money, I have plenty of my own. My dad pays for my college and all my expenses. However, I don't have to ask his approval as to how I spend my inheritance. Of course I always seek his advice, but he won't stop me unless I start spending several millions at a clip."

"I thought your dad had invested in the townhouse and was picking up the tab on my expenses," Bo said.

"Wrong, the house and your expenses are coming out of my Trust account. My car and our living expenses come out of the allowance my dad gives me."

"It sounds like your family comes from money, but I thought your dad was paying your expenses. Do you mind me asking exactly what your dad does, and the source of your income?"

"My parents both come from what they call old money. The family brought it over to the States from Europe generations ago. My dad inherited his family's money and the family law firm. My mom was also an only child, whose family had amassed a considerable fortune. From what Dad told me, my mom was a smart woman. She also controlled and managed the brokerage firm she inherited. She did this from behind the scenes. Of course, she had key executives running the business, but as Dad said, she ran the board of directors. She had a suite of offices on the third floor in our home in Connecticut. She continued working up until the day she died. Today, everything is managed by my trustees and my board of directors. My dad is vice-chairman of the firm, and sits on the board to watch over my interests. We both attend the quarterly board meetings. It's all very dull, but I do enjoy it. I'm proud to say that I inherited my parent's brains.

"I couldn't ask for a better father. I can honestly say he's never spoiled me and always taught me good basic values. Dad taught me never to flaunt my wealth. But, I do have the option to spent my money wisely and appreciate the finer things of life."

"Do you mind my asking how much you are worth?" Bo asked.

"As of last quarter, not including my stock holdings in Dad's firm, I'm worth a little over two billion dollars."

"Holy shit, I can't even count that high!" Bo exclaimed.

"Why the hell were you living in that crappy frat house? Hell, you could have had anything you wanted. I don't understand you, Dusty."

"The answer is simple. I wanted to keep a low profile and not call attention to myself. If I tried to live in the style that I am accustomed to, I wouldn't be able to move around as freely as I want. If people knew what I was worth, I'd have to keep a team of security people following me around and I would most likely be back living is a large house with servants. Dad always had a security detail watching me when I lived at home. Our home in Connecticut has a large staff of security men, 24/7."

"Maybe you should have had a bodyguard after what happened to you."

"That was unfortunate, but it was not all bad when I think about it. I've found a good friend and a bodyguard. Everything happens for a reason."

Bo smiled, "I guess you're right, Tiger."

Six Months Later

Bo was sitting in the den in his easy chair reading a law book. Dusty hung up the telephone, walked over, and sat opposite Bo in his large Lazy-Boy chair. They each gave the other one for Christmas. "You don't look like a happy camper, what did your dad have to say, Tiger?"

"He's planning to take us to a new resort he has found for our spring break. Moreover, he won't take no for an answer this time. Shit, I'm sorry, Bo, you don't have to go if you've made other plans?"

"Since when have I ever made plans without talking them over with you first?"

"Are you annoyed?"

"Of course not, why should I be. I don't blame your dad at all. You've been stalling him since Christmas, now he wants to meet the guy Dusty's been keeping."

"Bo, I don't think that's funny; that's an awful way to describe our friendship."

"Look, Tiger, when are you ever going to lighten up? We have been roommates for over six months now and you still act like were shacking up. Granted, you're starting to look better, but you have a long way to go. You have cute buns and the rest of your body is not too shabby either. I may just jump your bones myself." "Are you willing to marry me, Bo?"

"No, Tiger, I'm just admiring the results of my creation."

"Dad's sending his private jet to pick us up a week from Friday. We are to pack our summer and winter tuxedos, tennis rackets, and golf clubs. I'll have Chang start packing tomorrow. Make sure you take our passports along."

"I will see to that, not to worry. Why do you get so uptight about these things, Dusty? You've got to learn to relax and remain calm. Learn to control your emotions at least outwardly. How would it look if you acted like this in front of an important client? We must start working on that, okay. Anyway, you really have nothing to worry about. Your dad has planned the trip and Chang will do all the packing, all you have to do is to get in the van and relax."

"Are you afraid he'll think a red neck is not good enough for his son? Is that what's really bothering you?"

"No, that's not it at all. Dad has it in his head that you are my lover. He doesn't understand how a straight guy would want to live with me. My dad's not prejudiced at all. Dad is a very powerful and wealthy man, Bo, and he is not afraid to use his position when necessary. You don't see Jack or his friends around campus anymore, do you?

"Christ, he did that?"

"Dad handled it, Bo. He loves me very much, and will do anything for me, but he just doesn't understand my gay side. Dad will defend my freedom of choice against anyone even though he doesn't like the idea. We just never talk about it."

"Dusty, are you afraid your dad is going to persuade me to move out. Is that what all this is about?"

"The thought did cross my mind."

"You can stop your fretting. I gave you my word that I would stay with you until we graduated Law School and I have no regrets so far... Bo smiled. "I may have to rethink our arrangement if you keep carrying on like a chick on the rag."

"Bo, if I ever act effeminate in word or action, I want you to call it to my attention. I can't allow that behavior to creep into my life."

"Don't worry, I'll let you know. That's why you should never give up on your workout at the gym, Dusty."

"I've got a date for dinner tomorrow night and if I get lucky, I may be home late, or not at all."

"I hope you score, I was beginning to wonder about you." Dusty said.

"Look we all can't be celibate like you, or are you resorting to a hand job in the shower these days?"

"Listen you sleazy character, a gentleman does not allow his body to control his mind. When I feel I need sex, I'll visit the services of a prostitute."

Bo laughed, "You know I never knew a guy who was as screwed up as you. Why don't you join one of those encounter groups and meet a nice gay guy. You're never going to find a lover if you don't play the field."

"I wish just once you would pay attention to what I keep telling you. Why would I want to complicate my life at this point? I have four more years of Law School to get through. I can't afford to get involved in a relationship that could screw up my life and endanger the relationship we have together. There is plenty of time for that after I graduate. I'm a weak person and emotionally immature. Why should I take the risk of getting involved with a guy and lose sight of my goal. I can avoid all that temptation by only associating with straight people. I'm not lonely because I have a good friend like you around to bounce things off. I couldn't be happier."

"Your only problem is you talk too much," Bo said. "I'm trying to read this case history. Are we supposed to be studying or what?"

"Right, I'll talk to you next week," Dusty grinned. "You really know how to stifle a brilliant conversation."

"Would you like to hear about the plan I've come up with for your family, or are you too busy?"

"Sure, I'm curious as to the plan you have developed; you sure have taken a lot of time to figure this out."

"The reason it's taken so long is because there were a lot of variables involved. It took the professional’s time to come up with this package. Now everything has come together, the market research is done and the strategic planners have come up with a final package. I had to be sure that your folks would buy into the deal. I remember your comments about their hang-up about accepting my help and I took that into consideration.

"First thing we're going to do is to buy the 1500-acre tract that abuts your father's farm. That will give him a total of 2500 acres. That tract has a river running through it which will give him plenty of water for irrigation. I'm also taking an option on another ten thousand acres south of your father's farm. The plan is to turn that farm into a wholesale commercial nursery. We'll grow shrubs and evergreens that will be sold to distributors. In addition, he will be growing herbs to be sold to restaurants and specialty food stores. The herbs will be marketed and sold both fresh and dried. The herb business can be planted immediately. The tree and decorative shrub farm will take a growing period of several years to show a stable income.

"I've gone ahead and had your brothers tested and evaluated. Both boys will need special tutoring to ready them for college. Jimbo will be going to a private boarding school just outside Birmingham. In addition, Steve will be will also be enrolled at a prep school, close to Jimbo’s school. This school will prepare him for his entrance into the School of Engineering at the University of Alabama. Both boys can be home every weekend if they want. Since they will both be in accelerated programs, their school days are going to be longer than normal. That is the reason they cannot commute home every day.

"The plan is to hire a consultant to teach your dad how to plant and grow the tree farm, and about taking care of the shrubs. In the early phases, we are going to need a crew to prepare the fields and to help plant the seedlings. Another group will come in to build the greenhouses for the herbs. From what I saw, the barn and the out building looked to be in good condition. The farming equipment will be traded in on new specialized equipment. I've run the figures and estimated costs for the labor, equipment, land and annual upkeep and maintenance.

"Of course, your dad will still own the business and receive an annual salary. In addition, he'll need to hire help to replace your brothers' labor. That's also been factored into the plan. I've also factored in a college fund for your sisters' education as well. My guesstimate is that the farm should begin earning a profit after five years and will begin to repay my investment. By that time, Steve and Jimbo will be out of college and they can help your dad run the family business or look at other opportunities."

"Your job is going to be to help me to sell this plan to your family. From what I've observed, I feel that both your parents want what is best for their children. Therefore, I think we can convince them to go along with the plan. This way, the kids will get a good education and will come back home to a promising future, if agriculture is what they want. I have a feeling that Jimbo has other goals. But, if he is as smart as I feel he is, I will find a place for him in one of my companies."

"You sure can shock the hell out of me sometimes, Dusty. No matter what my folks think of your plan, I for one think it is brilliant. How in the hell did you come up with the concept of growing herbs and shrubs?"

"It's pretty simple when you start with a basic premise. After meeting with your family, I knew they were hard working and dedicated. Not like your typical dirt farmer. They love their land and their family. I knew they would never leave that homestead. Therefore, based on that premise, I had to come up with a product they could grow on that land. Yet, that product that had to be profitable and not compete with other farms in the area. Once that was established, my experts came up with herbs and shrubs. They are crops that are not labor intensive and not affected by the elements like so many other crops are."

"Why are you doing this for my family, Dusty?

"Because I like them and I want to see that they get ahead. I have the money to back them in this, and I'll have the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile with my money. I feel strongly that they will go along with my plan. I know it will work and give them a stake in the future. In the end, I will have gained some good friends in the process."

"You are a good person, Dusty. I'm learning more about you every day. I think I can understand why you've acted the way you have for so long."

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To be continued...

Posted: 03/23/12