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 6

Dusty gave a dinner party to celebrate Mary Ellen and Bo's first anniversary on Saturday. It was a grand affair, and a good time was had by all. Dusty and Jimbo, Bo's brother, took off the next day for a business convention in Germany. Dusty was now handling all the overseas business for the firm since becoming president. He appointed Jimbo as his executive assistant after working with him for a year.

The first two days of the convention were well attended as usual. The keynote speakers were addressing the convention for the morning and afternoon sessions on Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the week was devoted to smaller sessions that concentrated on specific industries. Dusty was concentrating on finding a new acquisition in the plastics market. On the second day, he met several German and Austrian executives from the leading chemical manufacturers. He remembered one Sebastian Von König in particular. Only Von König made a point of drawing Dusty aside to explain the new product his company was trying to market in the U.S.

At the Wednesday morning session, Sebastian chose the seat next to Dusty. When the session broke for lunch, Sebastian invited Dusty to his club for lunch.

"This is a delightful place, Sebastian; thank you for inviting me."

"It was my pleasure, Dusty. Do you plan to attend all the meetings this week?"

"I haven't made that decision yet. I plan to explore three of the companies that look interesting. If I can wrap that up in the next two days, then I plan to catch an earlier flight back home."

"Is my company one of the firms you plan to look into?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact. I left a message with your service this morning. I thought that was the reason for this lunch date."

"No it's not. I had no idea you wanted to discuss business with my firm. I hadn't checked with my office for messages this morning. Are you free for dinner this evening?"

"Yes, I have a meeting scheduled for this afternoon, but after that I'm free."

"Good!" Sebastian said, "We can conduct some business before dinner this evening. I will have my chauffeur pick you up at your hotel at six o'clock. Is that a good time for you?"

"That's fine with me."

"You're welcome to bring a guest along if you wish, Dusty."

"I'm traveling with my assistant, but I think he has other plans for this evening, thank you."

Dusty finished his meeting early and was able to spend an hour working out at the hotel gym and a half hour in the tanning booth. He showered and was dressed with a half hour to spare. He called his dad to check on the children. He selected his tan linen suit to set off his dark tan. He had picked up some positive signals from Sebastian at lunch today. Sebastian was one handsome hunk, and the kind of man who turned Dusty on. He was over six feet tall, a full head of pure blond hair, dark blue eyes, straight chiseled features and full lips, warm smile, large muscular shoulders that tapered down to a narrow waist.

The Mercedes pulled into the circular drive of a large three-story private home ten minutes from the hotel. The butler led Dusty into the spacious drawing room where Sebastian was waiting to greet him.

"Good evening, Dusty. What may I offer you to drink?"

"A glass of your fine German wine would be nice, thank you."

"I hope you're not going to be polite like most Europeans and take forever to get to the point. If you don't mind, I would like to get down to business first. Once that's out of the way we can relax. Is that okay with you, Sebastian?"

Sebastian explained in detail about his company's line of new plastic products. Why he was willing to work out a franchise for a joint venture partner in the United States. They spoke for two solid hours before Sebastian held his had up. "I'm sorry, Dusty. I'm forgetting my duties as a host. We can continue this discussion tomorrow if you're interested."

"Why not join me for breakfast tomorrow morning and we can continue where we left off. My last meeting is at nine-thirty tomorrow morning with another company. So far, I like what I hear from you. I'm going to have to see your market projections and bottom line figures on these products. Bring those with you tomorrow if you can."

"No problem, Dusty. Now tell me about yourself and your company." Dusty told him about the company background, the new markets he was developing, why he needed a complete product line to market, and where Sebastian's products would fit into his business scheme."

The butler appeared to announce that dinner was ready to be served. Sebastian led the way to the huge dining hall. The great table was set at one end for them.

It was a typical European dinner. Dusty relaxed, enjoying each course. "If you wish we can skip the dessert course and have our coffee in the library, Dusty."

"Thanks, I'm not a dessert person myself."

Sebastian led the way to the comfortably furnished library. "Would you be offended if I removed my jacket and tie?" Dusty asked.

"Not at all, please make yourself comfortable. If you'd like to wash your hands, the door on the far wall is the powder room. If you will excuse me for a few minutes, I'd like to run up to my dressing room and change."

"Take your time," Dusty said.

The butler carried in a silver tray with a pot of coffee, cups, cream and sugar. He returned a few minutes later with a second tray with two brandy snifters and a decanter of brandy. "Will there be anything else, sir?"

"I'm fine, thank you."

Sebastian returned dressed in a sport shirt and slacks. He poured the coffee and then the brandy into the snifters, handing Dusty his coffee. After serving himself, he sat in the chair opposite Dusty.

Dusty stared at Sebastian's eyes as he sipped his coffee.

"Are you married, Dusty?"

"No, I'm single."

Dusty smiled and said, "Did you know who I was when you spoke to me this morning?"

"I had absolutely no idea who you were. Frankly, the reason I wanted to meet you was because I thought you were attractive and I wanted to learn more about you. Does that surprise you?"

"Not at all, I'm flattered by your attention. I would like to set the record straight, Sebastian. I'm gay and unattached. You're a handsome man and I would like to dance with you. I want to feel that sexy body up close. Does that upset you?"

Sebastian smiled revealing a radiant smile that lit up his face. "Take your drink and come with me, Dusty." Sebastian led him to his second floor bedroom suite. He closed the door and selected some easy listening dance music on the stereo. After dimming the lights, he walked over to Dusty, took him in his arms and kissed him once on each cheek then lightly on the lips. They danced close for several numbers until Sebastian stopped and unbuttoned Dusty's shirt and let his fingers roam over his chest and back. After several minutes more Sebastian stopped and kissed Dusty. "Don't move," Sebastian said. He slowly undressed Dusty until he stood before him naked. "You have a beautiful body, Dusty." He began kissing his neck and upper body.

Dusty stopped him and slowly undressed Sebastian, kissing his body as he removed each article of clothing. They embraced and kissed more passionately.

Sebastian put his arm around Dusty's waist and led him into the bedroom where they made love.

They were lying on their sides with their arms and legs intertwined. "That was wonderful, Dusty. Will you please stay the night with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask. Did you think I was about to walk away from such a gorgeous creature as you. We'll have a little sleep and start all over again, handsome. My first appointment is with you tomorrow morning. It been a long time since I've met anyone like you and I had to fly to another continent to find you. I can't keep my eyes open, so sweet dreams, Baby." With that Dusty kissed Sebastian, laid his head on the pillow next to him and fell sound asleep.

Breakfast

"Dusty, will you stay here with me until you have to leave for home?"

"Yes, I will. Before I leave you on Sunday, I want to know everything about you, including every inch of that incredibly beautiful body of yours. I'll make you so satisfied sexually, that you will never forget me and spoil you for anyone who sleeps with you again. I will take you to heights you never thought possible. Are you ready for that, Sebastian? You still have time to walk away."

"I don't have a choice. You already have me under your magic spell. I've never felt like this before, you're fantastic. I can't believe that we made love three times last night. Each time was better than the time before. I'm excited right now just listening to you. I'm clay in your hands, my precious. I've never known such sexual freedom as this, ever before. I want to be with you every second until it's time for you to leave."

"I feel the same way, Sebastian. However, my handsome stud, we must come back down to earth and take care of business. I have that meeting to take care of later this morning. After my meeting is over, I'll check out of the hotel and come back here. If you could pull those papers together for me, maybe we can draw up a letter of agreement to present to our respective boards. If it works out, you and I will have a good reason to see each other more often."

"I'm sure we can put together a package that will be acceptable to both boards," Sebastian said.

"I knew the moment I saw you Monday morning at the convention center, that there was something very special about you. I observed you very discreetly over the next two days. You're a handsome man with an open and friendly personality. However, your body language drew me to you. You were business-like in your actions, but when you relaxed, you reverted to your natural way. You may not be aware of it Dusty, but you're a sexy and charming man. Maybe it's because of your size and that perfectly proportioned physique of yours, but whatever it is, you're sexy as hell. I felt you would turn out to be straight, like so many of the other attractive men I've observed at these meetings. I was in Seventh Heaven after lunch yesterday when I realized you were gay."

"You're a beautiful person, Sebastian. I'm flattered you feel this way about me. I think you're a super guy and I hope we can work things out. I want you to be honest with me, Sebastian. Did any of my actions give the slightest indication that I was gay?"

"Absolutely not," Sebastian answered. "If you had shown any outward signs at all, I would have ignored you completely."

"That's all I wanted to know. Thank you for being honest with me. Now, my handsome Prince Charming, let's adjourn to your library and conclude our meeting," Dusty said.

Sunday

Dusty and Sebastian were having their coffee in the morning room. "I had an enchanting four days, Sebastian; you are a charming and delightful companion and I want to see you again."

"I wish you didn't have to leave," Sebastian said. "I guess I'm going to have to fly to Connecticut to have you recharge my batteries. These have been the most wonderful four days I have ever known. You must know by now that I'm crazy about you, Dusty. I'm going to miss you terribly."

"It will be impossible for me to fly back here for at least two months, Sebastian. I'll be commuting to South America during that period. Maybe we can get together for a long weekend in Brazil or in Colombia while I'm there. You're always welcome to stay with me in New York whenever you can break away."

"Let's plan on meeting in South America and in New York," Sebastian said. "It must be difficult being a single parent. I don't think I have the temperament to raise six children. Fortunately, my wife does a good job of raising the boys."

"Do you foresee any problems selling your board on our joint venture, Dusty?"

"As far as I'm concerned it's a done deal, Sebastian. You work things out with your people and submit a formal contract agreement. I've talked to my dad about the deal and got his input." Dusty grinned, "Of course there is nothing wrong with you making a business trip to New York to make changes in the contract, or any other areas you wish to explore."

Sebastian chuckled, "You know how meticulous I am about details, Baby, and I can assure you I'll be traveling to New York regularly to stay on top of you."

Dusty took Sebastian's hand, "I hope you keep your promise."

Bo's Manhattan Penthouse

"Bo, are you free this weekend?" Mary Ellen asked. "Mother is giving a dinner party to celebrate Dad's birthday on Saturday evening. I would like you to be there."

"That's fine with me, Mary Ellen," Bo answered. "I thought we were supposed to attend that fund raising party at the Metropolitan on Saturday."

"We were, but Dad's birthday party is more important than the Met. Anyway, this will work out perfectly. Mother and I can take a helicopter together from the local airport direct to JFK Airport for our flight to Athens. This will give us time to make any last minute purchases."

"It completely slipped my mind that you were leaving this coming Monday. Are we still scheduled to meet in Paris in five weeks, or has that date been changed?"

"Yes, dear, the schedule has been changed. Mother wants to take some more time to do a little shopping. Therefore, our vacation date has been pushed back by two weeks. Look at it this way. You'll have an extra two weeks to stay late at the office."

"That's a long time to be away, honey," Bo said. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too. I think it will work out for both of us. You'll have two months to play the role of the busy executive and not have to make excuses to me about working late at the office, or having to rush out of town on some business trip. I'll have mother for company and won't have to eat alone."

"That's not fair, Mary Ellen. Why do you keep bringing this up? You knew from the beginning that it was going be tough on our marriage for the first three years and you agreed to be supportive of my career. I promise you things will get better. I've turned the corner and we will have more free time to spend together from now on. This partnership was too important for our future to drop it now."

"You also said we could start having children right away," Mary Ellen said. "Maybe if I had a child to take care of, I wouldn't feel so lonely."

"I'm sorry, honey, it's not because we haven't tried. Maybe we both should take those tests the doctor suggested."

"I agree," Mary Ellen said. "I'll have the doctor schedule the tests as soon as we return from abroad."

"Good," Bo said. "Honey, would you like to come with me Saturday morning to visit the Taylor's. I haven't seen the kids in over two weeks."

"You go ahead by yourself. Mother and I will be busy. Promise me you won't make a day of it, okay?"

The Taylor Estate

Dusty was in the breakfast room reading the morning paper when Bo arrived. "Good morning, Dusty."

"Hi, stranger, it’s about time you decided to drop around; the kids have been asking for you."

"Why, didn't you tell them that you sent me to South America for two weeks?" Bo asked.

"Hey! Why should I be the heavy? Daddies are always the good guys. Would you like a glass of Gatorade before we jog?"

"Yes, please."

Dusty poured two glasses. "I thought we could have breakfast with the kids after we get back, if that's okay with you?"

"That's fine with me. Mary Ellen and her mother are doing some last minute shopping today. I don't have to be back to the old homestead until this afternoon."

"Aren't you the brave little trooper? I'm surprised the Haslet's even allow you on this estate."

"A little bitchy this morning, aren't we. Are you on the rag today?"

"How did you guess? Let's get going, maybe I'll feel better after some fresh air," Dusty answered.

They returned an hour later, showered and joined Miss Grant and the children in the morning room. The children ran up to Bo to give him a warm welcome. "You kids play with Uncle Bo while I see how breakfast is coming along," Dusty said.

After breakfast, they moved outdoors to the enclosed playground area Dusty had built for the children. "Children you amuse yourselves. Uncle Bo and I have business to discuss."

They walked over and sat in the lounge chairs. "This is a great place for the kids, Dusty."

"It's working out quite well. I finally got tired of them wandering off while I was working out here. I had this enclosed play yard built. They can't climb the fence and the door has an electric door lock. I can work in this enclosure and not have to worry about them falling into the pool or straying off. Of course they want to play with their four older brothers and sisters, but the older ones can only take so much of their little brother and sister."

"Hey, Baby, I want to congratulate you on the great job you're doing in South America. The reports have been very favorable. My managers have given you high marks," Dusty said. "When did you learn to speak Spanish?"

"I've been studying the language for over two years. As a matter of fact, I started it the same time I began my MBA."

"Did I tell you that I'm planning a big engagement party for Jimbo and Barbara?"

"For God's sake, when did all this transpire?"

"They've been going steady now for six months and Jimbo told me he was going to pop the question two weeks ago. Well, he did and she accepted. They've set the date for the first Saturday in January."

"That little stinker; you'd think he would tell his big brother first."

"Well, he wanted to tell his boss first since both he and Barbara work for me. Anyway, Jimbo and I are close, not only as friends, but also as associates. It looks like I'm going to lose him soon as my assistant. I'm promoting him to assistant VP next year. I realize he won't want to travel as much after he's married. Anyway, I want someone like Jimbo watching my back while I'm on the road. I'm hoping that they both want to live nearby so they can both continue working for me. I'm planning to give them a parcel of land to build their new home on, and a substantial check for the building fund if they accept the land. Barbara's parents have a nice home a mile from here. I think she will go along with the idea. I'm very fond of her. Our parents have been friends for ages. So it's looking good, Bo."

Dusty stared at Bo, "You Southern boys may be slow starters, but once you get going you overtake everyone else in the field. I'm really proud of you and your brother. You both have come a long way since we met. Of course, I always knew you would be climbing that ladder with me, but now I have your brother who will be climbing up with us. I'm prejudiced when it comes to you. I know I promised not to let my feelings for you surface, but on the whole I think I've done pretty well at controlling myself, don't you?"

Bo grinned, "You've done fine, Tiger. I think a lot of that has to do with the affection you shower on Prince Sebastian, the Fair."

"Prince Sebastian is a handsome and delightful man. But alas, like all the special men in my life, he too has become a former lover. You know something, Bo? If I'm not careful I could develop a complex. I liked Sebastian and tried hard to make it work. There were too many obstacles in our path. The sex was there, but we are worlds apart. Sebastian comes from an aristocratic family and has a different mindset on many things, particularly when it comes to raising children. His parents brought him up by the old school principles, very proper and dedicated to his family business. We are both alike in that respect.

"He has sent me an invitation to his banquet next month. He was promoted to Managing Director of the family business. I do not want to attend. I'm really between a rock and a hard place with him. I know he will want me to stay with him."

"God, Bo, why do I get myself involved like this? It's utter madness. I'm hoping Dad will agree to attend as Chairman of the firm. I'm really torn over this. Sebastian and I agreed to go our separate ways last week. Of course, he wants to do this gradually and I want a clean break. I've asked him to stop sending me roses twice a week. I plan to call tonight and tell him that it's over. I don't plan to see him again except for business meetings.

"I'm going to miss the sex. We had a healthy sexual relationship going. This relationship with Sebastian taught me a lesson. I don't want to become involved in a long distance relationship ever again. What I would like now is a relationship where my lover is next to me every night and I'm not going to settle for anything less the next time around."

"I'm sorry it didn't work out between you and Sebastian. I must admit you made a handsome couple. Of course I happen to think you're the best looking one."

"Thanks, Bo. Coming from you, that's a big compliment.

"Bo, I'm going to be honest with you just to keep the record straight. I was fond of Sebastian, but I'm still in love with you. I was attracted to Sebastian because he reminds me of you. You're alike in so many ways. I don't expect you to understand this, but that's the way it is. Deep down, I knew it would never work. Needless to say, I enjoyed the sex and that's the only thing I'll miss."

Bo shook his head, "I suspected as much after I met Sebastian. As I've told you before, I'm not as insensitive as you think, Dusty. I've caught those longing looks when you thought I wasn't looking. I know you too well. The last three men that you've had affairs with all resemble me in one way or another. Look, I'm sorry it didn't work out between you and Sebastian. Let's face it. You only gravitate to types like Sebastian because you know it won't last. I must admit that Sebastian came closest in matching your background. He could have been the ideal mate for you if he lived and worked in New York. Yet, once again you found a reason to break off the affair. You neglected one cardinal business rule with Sebastian. Never have an affair with a client, an associate, or an employee.

"Another thing while we’re on the subject, find yourself another shrink. Evidently, the one you have is not helping you. When are you going to wake up and realize that there can never be a loving relationship between us? Why would you want to get involved with a redneck from Alabama? So many men out there share your own social background. I'm sure they wouldn't hesitate to jump in bed with you if you gave them half a chance? Why do you continue to punish yourself?"

Dusty's mood turned somber as he answered. "I'm sorry I've made you feel uncomfortable. I've never thought for one minute that you were insensitive, or lacking in intelligence. Your humble beginning and your struggle to learn are the qualities that I admire in you. My financial help freed you of the financial burden you were in. Everything you learned and what you have accomplished was because you had the drive to make something of your life. I'm proud of you and it makes me feel good knowing that I've played an important role in your growth. I won't argue the fact that I've not been successful finding a lover like you. My shrink happens to agree with you. You're right of course. I'll never succeed in finding a spouse as long as I'm in love with you. Did you think I'm not aware of that? I've agonized over this for three years and have concluded that I'm content with the status quo. In time, things will change, but for the present, I'm not willing to change. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and you'll take me to bed again."

Bo shook his head and smiled, "You never give up, do you, Tiger. You're a sweet guy and it's hard to stay angry at you. Don't minimize the role you played in helping me get ahead. Without your support and encouragement, I wouldn't have made it. The reason I get so angry with you, is because I care what happens to you and you above all deserve a happy life.

"Whatever you decide to do is fine with me, Dusty. It's your life. I don't feel threatened by you and I don't feel uncomfortable about the way you feel about me. I understand you and I'm not going to get bent out of shape if you show your feelings for me openly. My eyes have been opened from my travels abroad. I've learned so much from my visits overseas. I've seen how European men act. They are more open in their affection toward each other. I'm no longer surprised by anything that goes on these days. You are still my closest and dearest friend. As long as you respect my feelings about homosexuality, I'm not going to be offended by your display of affection when we are in private. If you step over the bounds, I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Bo."

Dustin Jr. walked over to Bo and stood next to him waiting until his father finished speaking. "Uncle Bo, can you come with us to Disney World?"

"That will depend on when you're planning to go?"

"In two weeks. Please say you'll come."

"How long do you plan to stay, Dusty?"

"We're planning to leave on Wednesday evening and fly back on Sunday."

"I'd like to go I've never been to Disney World."

Dustin Jr. clapped his hands and gave Bo a big smile, "Thanks, Uncle Bo." Dustin ran to tell the other children his news.

Smiling, Bo said, "Dustin Jr. is a wonderful boy. God, you have no idea how much I miss them. Mary Ellen said you turned down her invitation to attend her dad's birthday party tonight."

"I'm not going to be a hypocrite, Bo. I have no use for the Haslet's and their feeling for me is mutual. I'm sorry if it complicates things for you, but I didn't marry the family. Are you happy in your marriage to Mary Ellen?"

"Let's say the bloom is off the rose. We are still going through a period of adjustment. I think this trip to Europe is a good thing for both of us. I know I haven't been the best of husbands to date, but as I've told Mary Ellen, I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"My biggest concern is her brother, Sandy, and her mother. They are still trying to run our lives. Unfortunately, Mary Ellen is so brainwashed by them that she believes the world revolves around them. I know Sandy wants me to join his law firm, but I think he's a shady character, besides being a real jerk. I could never work with a man like that. My father-in-law understands my position, but Mrs. Haslet and Sandy keep reminding us of our loyalty to the family. I've tried to explain this to Mary Ellen, but she refuses to go against her family. Why would I want to walk away from a partnership with you, to join a third-rate law firm like Haslet and Company?"

"You didn't say that to Mary Ellen, did you?"

"Yes, I guess I did more or less when we had one of our heated discussions. I told Mary Ellen the only way I would leave you was if Sandy made me an equal partner and changed the company name to Haslet, Richmond and Associates. That was three months ago and I haven't heard a word about it ever since and most likely I never will."

"Way to go, Bo. They'll never agree to that. I'm glad you stopped by today. I'm taking off to South America on Tuesday and will return in two weeks. Just in time for our flight to Disney World. I'm flying out of JFK tomorrow evening. Why don't you plan to meet me at the Westchester County Airport on Wednesday afternoon, in two weeks time for our flight to Orlando? Look, since Mary Ellen is going to be away, why not stay here with Dad and the kids while I'm gone? I know Dad would love the company. Your room is just the way you left it."

"I'll take you up on that offer, Tiger. I'll call your dad at the office tomorrow. I have a confession to make. I still miss living here with you and the kids. Do you realize we'll both be thirty next year?"

"You had to remind me. Do you realize that Dustin and Claudia will be nine next year? Dusty smiled, "The nerd and the red neck have come a long way, Baby. I think we've done all right, Bo."

"I agree. Our class reunion is coming up this fall," Bo said. "Are you planning to attend?"

"I wouldn't miss that for the world. We'll strut around that reunion like cocks-of-the-walk."

"Way to go, buddy."

"I hate to run, but I promised Mary Ellen I'd be back for lunch."

"Why don't you ride into the office with Dad on Monday morning?"

"I'd love to, but unfortunately I'm heading back to the city early tomorrow morning. I have a contract to read before Monday. Thanks for the offer."

"I wish I could ask you to give my warm regards to your in-laws but I can't. I'm sure you'll think of something appropriate."

"Be nice, Dusty. I'll say good-by to the kids. I'll see you two weeks from Wednesday," Bo said as they walked over to where the children were playing.

♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦

To be continued...

Posted: 03/23/12