Friends and Family Series

Kip & Kyle

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2011 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

Two Years Later

The friendship between Kyle and Kip had grown in the direction that Kyle had hoped.  Kip became a regular visitor to Kyle's apartment during the first year.  Each of them filled a void that had been lacking in their lives.  Kip found a trusted friend in Kyle, one he knew would be there for him.  Kyle found in Kip the brother he lost.  On the nights Kip finished up early at his night job at the Plaza, he'd drop by Kyle's apartment to unwind.  He often would stay the night, as Kyle wouldn't allow him to walk home after midnight unless he took a cab to make sure he wasn't mugged.  Kim's neighborhood was not safe after dark under normal circumstances, let alone after ten o'clock at night.  Kip felt he was imposing on Kyle and stopped his late evening visits.

After a while, Kip no longer stopped by after work.  Kyle felt sad that Kip cut him out of his life, he missed his evening visits.  On the other hand, he was happy for Kip because he was finally able to meet some people his own age.  Kip had matured and became more self-assured.  Yet, he still clung to old-world principles that shaped his thinking.

During this period, Kip met a lovely girl and they were dating.  He never let that infringe on his Sundays with Kyle.  One Sunday Kip mentioned that he missed their evening visits, but the main reason he stopped was because he felt extremely uncomfortable with Kyle going out of his way to make sure he got home safely.  That was when Kyle asked Kip to move in with him.  If they got on each other's nerves then Kip could return to his aunt and uncle's rooming house.  Kip agreed to the arrangement only if Kyle accepted the same rent that he was paying at his uncle's house.  The arrangement worked out fine because it lasted over a year.  Kyle was spending months at a time in Europe returning only to change his wardrobe.  He would only be in town a few days then he was off again to make the rounds to his other divisions in Atlanta, Houston, or Seattle.  Yet, he continued to call Kip during the week to let him know his schedule.

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Kyle and Kip were returning to the apartment after celebrating Kip's birthday dinner at the Harvard Club.  Kyle had invited Kip and four of his classmates to a night on the town.  They were still wide-awake and decided to have a nightcap, before turning in for the night.

"Thanks for the super evening Kyle, we all had a great time.  You're a great guy and a super friend.  My life has been so wonderful since I met you.  It's been like a fairytale.  I'm waiting for this wonderful bubble to burst and then I'll be banished to my old rooming house once again."

"That will never happen," Kyle said.  "I think you've done a fantastic job of trying to juggle that job of yours and maintaining a 3.84 grade point average.  I'm very proud of you, little brother.  So as your reward, I'm taking you on a week's vacation to St. Thomas."

"That's terrific, Kyle, you're really too good to me.  As much as I want to go, I'm going to have to turn you down.  I can't afford to take the time off right now.  The doctors feel my mom has had another slight stroke and I will need to take some time off to be with her in Boston.  Mom is all the family I have left and it's been almost three months since I've visited her.  I know my boss would fire me if I asked for any more time off.  You know how annoyed he got when I was out sick last winter.  I really can't afford to lose this job."

"Kip, I’ve wanted to talk to you about your future for some time now.  What with all the travel I've been doing lately we really haven't had time for a serious conversation.  Firstly, I want you to change your major to Finance next semester.  You have a natural talent for that field.  Of course, this will depend on what you and your counselors have to say."

"I also want you to enroll in that accelerated program your advisors suggested.  You will be giving up your summers, but I'd rather you continue with your education than waste your time with this low paying job at the Plaza.  This way you will be able to complete your MBA much sooner."

Kip shook his head and smiled, "Kyle I think you're losing it.  I can't give up my job I need the money to subsist.  Anyway, I don't think my scholarship grant will allow me to do that.  This particular tuition grant is for a four-year program.  I've already looked into that.  As far as the MBA, I've already applied to NYU for a college loan.  If I can maintain my grades at the present level, it should be a piece of cake.  But, again I still need the job."

"Look, little brother, in the two years I've know you, you've become a close friend and I really care about what happens to you.  From now on, I plan to support you until you graduate from college with your MBA.  I've worked everything out, including a well-paying part-time job with flexible hours.  You don't really need to work, but knowing you, I figured you would give me a hard time unless you could earn your pocket money.  In any event, you'll receive an allowance and a credit card." Kyle smiled, "I wish I had a camera right now to capture the shocked look on your face."

"Kip shook his head, "Of course I'm shocked, and I can't believe this.  Why are you doing this?  You've only know me for two years, yet you're about to spend all this money on me.  What's the catch?"

"You're right; there is a catch, Kip.  The catch is that after you complete your degrees, I want your promise that you will come to work for the Petersen Corporation for three years.  You'll be enrolled in our executive training program for the first year.  After the first year, your performance will be reviewed.  Based on that profile, you will be fast tracked into a job where your talents can be best utilized.  If at the end of three years, you are not satisfied with the company or your job, you're free to leave.  If you choose to remain, you can select the career path that you wish.

"The second catch is that you continue our friendship.  You must know by now that I like having you around.  You're a faithful companion and you have enriched my drab existent since you've been living here.  Although, I will never fully get over the loss of my beloved family, you have helped me accept it.

"You are an intelligent and capable young man and it is my feeling that you will become an asset to my company.  I'm convinced that the die was cast over two years ago when we met.  But there is something you should know about me before you make your decision.  I am a homosexual, Kip.  My sexual orientation should not be confused with my feelings for you as a person.  I see you as my friend and companion, nothing more.  I know you're a heterosexual male and I'm sure you'll marry the right woman and raise lots of children one day.

"You've had a difficult life so far, Kip, and it's high time you started enjoying a normal life for a change.  Your college years are important and you should be having fun.  You're at the point in your life when you should be meeting and socializing with the right people.  I want you to give this some serious thought before you make your decision.  If possible, I would like to have your answer by next week so we can make that trip to St. Thomas before I have to take off for Germany again."

"Kyle, your being gay doesn't bother me in the slightest.  I've suspected as much for some time.  You've never given me any reason to feel uncomfortable around you.  If fact, it's been quite the opposite.  You've always been very proper and reserved.  Some men are like that, which is fine, but it wouldn't hurt for you to hug me occasionally.  I promise I won't bite.  You have always treated me with respect and I know that you have my best interest at heart.  I also agree that we each fill a mutual need in each other.

"I've always felt comfortable knowing that you think of me as your brother, considering how close you and Paul were.  Maybe his sprit had led us to each other; only God knows.  On an emotional level, I don't want to give up the relationship we have together.  Since you have taken me under your wing, I don't feel alone any longer, I've been able to gain back my self-respect.  I'm not afraid to face the future any longer, because I know you will always be there for me.  But, I would be less than candid if I didn't tell you that I feel uncomfortable in allowing you to support me.  I come from a very proud family, and I know my parents would never allow me to accept your generosity, if they were around today."

"I understand your feelings, Kip, but if your parents were around we wouldn't be having this conversation, now would we?  I'm a wealthy man and the money I'll be spending on you is a piddling amount for me.  It means nothing to me, but that's hard for you to understand.  My grandparents, on both sides, set up trust funds for Paul and me when we were born.  Those trusts were considerable.  After my family was killed in that automobile accident, our lawyers sued the trucking firm for hundreds of millions of dollars.  The life insurance policies my parents carried alone were worth several million dollars.

"When I turned twenty-five, I inherited eighty percent of Petersen Corporation.  I won't bore you with the details of my holdings, but just let me say they are substantial.  The Petersen Corporation controls several large corporations in the United States, Germany, and Sweden.  That's why I spend so much time traveling abroad.  Very few people know who I am and what I own.  I keep a very low profile, and I ask that you keep what I've told you in confidence.  You've said many times how much you liked this apartment, well little brother, it's going to be difficult to figure out your share of the rent because I don't pay any rent for this apartment because I own this building."

"Wow, I guessed you aren't hurting for money, but I never realized you're super rich," Kip said.  "Look, I'm beat; I've got to hit the sack.  What's on the agenda for tomorrow?"

"We're going for a ride in the country after breakfast.  I want to show you my place in the burbs; we'll be back here Monday."

"What should I take along with me?"

"Nothing, I think it's time I bought you some new threads.  All you'll need is your shaving kit and a change of underwear.  Do you think you can be ready to leave here tomorrow by nine o'clock?"

"No problem, I should be up by eight at the latest."

"Good, the limo will be here to pick us up at nine.  The weather report forecasts a perfect weekend."

Petersen Manor

The limo pulled up to the ornate metal gates.  Kyle rolled down the rear window, took out his keys, and pressed the remote on the key ring.  With that, the gates swung open.  The chauffeur drove through the gates and along the road that wound around the estate.

"Kyle, this estate is beautiful. The landscaping is breathtaking."

In the distance, Kip could see the manor house.  The house itself was a classic Roman Gothic style with a portico extending out from the main entrance.  The circular drive led directly to the front entrance.

Kip let out a long slow whistle as they approached the main entrance.  "This manor house is absolutely fantastic.  I've never seen anything as humongous as this before.  So this is your 'place in the country'?"

Kyle smiled, "Yes it is really quite an imposing structure.  It's been in the family for some time.  My great, great, grandfather built the place shortly after he bought the property.  Of course, over the years the family sold off some of the land because of the upkeep and taxes.  Even so, there is still quite a lot of land left.  We'll take a couple of horses and ride around the property tomorrow if you like."

The limo pulled up to the entrance.  The butler was waiting at the top of the steps to greet Kyle.

"Welcome home, Mr. Petersen.  It's good to see you again."

"Thank you, Walter.  This gentleman is Kip Schmidt, my protégé."

"Welcome to Petersen Manor, Mr. Schmidt."

"Walter, please inform the cook that I'm expecting twelve people for brunch tomorrow.  Will you see if you can hire a string quartet for the brunch as well?"

Walter smiled, "Yes, sir, it will be like old times again.  I'll take care of everything.  Would you like a light lunch today, sir?"

"That's fine Walter, Kip and I will be having dinner at the Club tonight.  In the meantime, I'm taking Kip on the grand tour of the house.  We'll be starting with this floor first.  Please let us know when lunch is ready."

"Yes sir."

Kyle had finished the tour of the left wing of the mansion as Walter informed them that lunch was being served in the family dining room.

Walter finished serving them lunch and left.  "Well, you've been very quiet all of a sudden, has the cat got you tongue?" Kyle asked.

"This house is just so elegant.  I'm overwhelmed at what I've seen so far.  It's hard to believe that all this belongs to you.  Why would you want to live in Manhattan when you have a home like this?"

"There are many reasons, but the main reason is because of the death of my family.  This house held too many memories.  I think this is the second time I've been back here since the accident.  This is my home, the house I grew up in and it holds so many wonderful and warm memories for me.  But it hasn't been easy for me to stay here without feeling depressed for their loss.  It was much more depressing for me three years ago.

"Today I'm able to walk through the house without expecting to see them popping into a room or to see my brother sitting in his suite studying.  The final blow came one Saturday morning two years ago.  I woke up and quickly dressed in riding clothes because I thought I would be late for our usual 7:30 ride.  I'm sure the groomsman thought I was losing it when I asked him if my father and brother had already left.  I rode anyway, yet I could not see the bridal path I was crying so hard.  We were a close family and the weekends were special to us.

"This house used to be filled with family and friends.  My mom always encouraged us to bring our friends home, which we did.  It was open house on Friday nights for my dad's famous barbecues.  Sometimes half my class would show up.  I'm telling you this place was packed.  Yet, it wasn't just for us kids either.  My parents' friends and the neighbors attended as well.  It was a year-round event.  During the winter months, we held it in the sports pavilion.  I must show you that complex tomorrow.

"I needed to be around people my own age.  Living here alone was too much.  That's when I made the move to Manhattan.  Now of course, there's Karl and you to keep me in Manhattan."

"Who is Karl, I never heart you mentioned him before?"

"I met him over a year ago.  The reason I never told you about Karl before was because I was not sure if this was going to last.  I've been down that road once and gotten burned, I wanted to make sure this was going to last before I said anything."

Kip smiled, "And here I thought you were waiting until I was 21 before popping the question to me?"

Kyle laughed, "Baby, if I thought I had a chance with you, I wouldn't have waited to pop the question."

"Well, I'm happy for you," Kip said.  "When do I get to meet my competition?"

"In a few months; Karl will be in Germany for the next several weeks.  He won't be back in the States until December.  Come with me to my brother Paul's suite, I want you to see if any of his clothes will fit you."

They left the dining room and headed to the second floor.

"There are ten bedrooms on this floor; four suites, and five bedrooms.  Paul and I shared the larger suite.  It's the only one that shares a large den."

Kyle led the way to the right wing and into a large comfortable den.  It had a large fireplace set between two wide floor-to-ceiling French doors that faced the garden.  To the right and left of the room were doors that led into the bedrooms.  Kyle led Kit into the bedroom on the left, Paul's room.  It was the typical college man's bedroom with built in bookcases and open shelves with the trophies and plaques he had won over the years.  One section had photographs and snapshots of Paul growing up, with a large photograph of the family hung to the side of the grouping.  What caught Kip's attention was that it included each of their signatures.

Kip said, "You certainly were a handsome looking family.  What is the reason for the signatures?"

"That was Paul's sense of humor.  He said we would all be famous one day and this picture would be worth a lot of money.  Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and a creative mind.  He was quite the well-rounded athlete.  Unlike me, he was an outgoing, terrific person.  He had that charismatic personality that drew people to him like a magnet.  Paul woke up with a smile on his face every morning and stayed that way all day.  He never had a bad word to say about anyone and refused to listen to gossip.  He was a wonderful brother and I loved him dearly.  I don't know what God's plan is, but it's sure difficult to understand why he had to take my whole family at once.  They gave so much to everyone and made so many people happy."

"Where is it written, that life was going to be easy, Kyle?  You've got to accept the hand that you're dealt and do the best you can with it."

"You're right," Kyle said.  He led them into Paul's dressing room.  "I won't be offended if you don't want any of Paul's wardrobe.  Most of his suits were brand new, the rest of them he hardly wore.  Paul had his favorites and liked to walk around most of the time in jeans or his Yale sweats, or his pullovers and anything the team was wearing that day.  Of course, the folks made him dress for dinner.  Paul complained a lot but with good humor.  Why don't you try on his tuxedo first? You'll need one for dinner tomorrow night."  Kyle slid the clear glass door back and took out the black tuxedo for Kip.

Kip took off his shirt, jeans and shoes and tried on the tux.  "It's a perfect fit.  I thought you would be the same size as Paul.  Here try on everything."  Kyle adjusted the suspenders and cummerbund after Kip slipped on the black shoes.  He had him slip on the coat again.  "Perfect, Kyle said.  "How do the shoes feel?"

"As if they were made for me," Kip said.

"Great! Now while we’re at it, select a suit to wear for this evening and brunch tomorrow."

"Why don't you select for me?" Kip asked.

Kyle picked out two Versace suits, one tan, and the other blue with accessories to complement each.  To complete the outfits he chose a pair of light brown and black Farragamo shoes.

"Here, try this lot on for size."

"Well, what do you think?" Kip asked.

"You look like you stepped off the cover of GQ.  The light colors complement your tanned complexion.  My little brother has turned into a handsome young gentleman."

"You noticed that too? Sue Ann tells me that all the time," Kip said smiling.

"Was Sue Ann's nose out of joint when you took off this weekend?"

"You've got that right; she was not a happy camper.  She wanted me to take her to a Christening Sunday afternoon.  I feel it is too early to get involved in any family gatherings.  I don't want to get too serious with Sue Ann at this stage of my life, or with any other woman for that matter.  There's time for that after I graduate.  She a great woman and I enjoy her company, but I know she wants more out our relationship than I'm willing to give.  We agreed to an open relationship, but now she wants us to go steady.  As much as I enjoy sleeping with her, I'm going to have to cool down the relationship.  This weekend is a good start."

"You're young and have plenty of time to sow your wild oats before you settle down.  Why don't you spend some time this weekend going through Paul's things and decide what you want to keep.  Whatever you don't want, let Walter know, I'm still not ready to tackle that job.  Since this will be your room in the future, you can decide what clothes you want to move to the apartment and what stays."

"Are you sure this is what you want, Kyle?  Seeing me in Paul's clothes may trigger some unpleasant memories for you."

"Not at all, Paul spent most of the time in those beat up jeans and Yale shirts, and that's how I remember him.  Promise me you won't dress in any of Paul's Yale clothes.  I'll have Walter pack them up with the rest of the discarded clothing."

"Don't worry; I'll take care of everything, and Kyle, I really appreciate this."

"You're welcome, we have the rest of the afternoon left.  Would you like to ride around the property for a couple of hours, or would you rather see the rest of the inside?"

"I'd like to ride around the outside first and if we have enough time before dinner, we can continue the grand tour of the house."

"Fine, I'll call the stables and have them saddle a couple of horses."

To be continued...

Posted: 08/03/12