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 3

Sunday

Kip was sitting across from Kyle in their suite having a nightcap.  "This has been a fantastic weekend, Kyle.  You certainly know how to entertain.  The longer I know you, the more I learn of your world.  I never realized what a complex man you are.  This weekend has really been a revelation for me.  I have one question, big brother; when did you decide I was ready?"

Kyle smiled, "You're a clever young man.  I was right about you from the beginning.  I can almost see the little wheels turning around in that sharp brain of yours.  If I didn't know better, I'd think you were a Petersen.  Actually, I had decided three months ago after I had a conference with your teachers.  I needed to know everything about you.  I've kept close tabs on you since the day we met in the park.

"I have a quite an extensive file on you.  Actually, the file goes back to the day you were born in Germany.  Personally, my instincts about you proved to be correct.  Yet, sound judgment is based on facts, not on gut feelings alone.  In my position I can't afford to make mistakes.  I'm pleased with the way you have matured, and also in the promise you made to me two years ago.  You never once broke the rules, even though you had many opportunities to do so while I was in Europe.

"For the past two years I've been gradually introducing you to my way of life.  You see, I didn't want to overwhelm you with everything at once.  My shrink assured me that you had to be brought along slowly, because of your history.  As we became good friends, and you didn't feel threatened, you made the transition.  You put your trust in me and accepted my way of living.  After you completed your second year in college with such high marks, I felt you were ready.  I've told you that I was a wealthy man, but that really meant little to you unless you can see with your own eye the trappings of wealth.

"You come from a comfortable middle class family background.  But, I don't think your clothing allowance would come close to the $80,000 wardrobe in Paul's dressing room.  Incidentally, on your next visit, I'll have Walter take you up to the storage room on the third floor.  I'd imagine there is another $150,000 worth stored up there you should go through.  I mention this only so you will have some understanding of how we lived.

"My mother hired a fashion consultant that advised her of the latest fashion trends.  Then they would have a small group go through our wardrobes and replace the out-of-fashion items.  We never had to go to a store to shop, they came to us.  Walter took our measurements and that was it.  Of course, Paul's wardrobe is over two years old, but his conservative fashion clothing is always acceptable.  I'll make sure that's taken care of when you make your decision.

"These last three years with you have been great, you have filled a void in my life that has been missing since I lost my family.  I really enjoy your company.  I want to be your benefactor if you will let me.  It bothers me, to see you wasting your talent with that job at the Plaza."

There were tears in Kip's eyes after Kyle finished speaking.  "I'm having a hard time controlling my emotions right now.  You'll pardon me if I lose it.  You are the kindest and most caring person I've ever known.  I never thought I'd ever say this to another man, but I love you, as a brother.  You've become so much a part of my life that I don't want to lose you.  You've encouraged me and gave me strength to carry on.

"I had already decided to accept your offer yesterday morning before I saw this magnificent estate.  You're giving me the opportunity to make something out of my life and I intend to do exactly as you said.  I hope that Karl appreciates you, because you are one super person and you deserve the best."

"Thank you, little brother.  I'm so happy you have decided to accept my offer.  You won't regret it, Kip."

"I haven't regretted anything so far.  Now, tell me about your lover? How is it I've never met him?"

"I met Karl years ago on one of my trips to Germany.  Karl was the managing director of our German operations.  My dad was in the habit of taking Paul and me on his business trips.  He believed that Paul and I should learn as much as we could about our overseas operations.  That's why we learned to speak German and Spanish at an early age.  My father envisioned us running the company when he became chairman.  One of us would handle the overseas operations and the other the domestic market.  After I lost my family in that car accident three years ago, I inherited everything.

"Over the years, I learned quite a bit about the family business.  Not only from working in the office every summer, but also from the everyday events Dad would discuss with us over dinner.  It was a family business and my parents instilled in us the importance of keeping informed about the important decisions that he made regarding the business.

"The death of my entire family at one blow was completely devastating to me.  I'm sure you know the feeling Kip.  The one thing that helped me cope with that tragedy was the overwhelming desire to make my father's dream come true.  The family business would continue and the next generation of Petersen’s would take over from me in the future.

"Since the reins were handed over to me, I elected to take an active role in running the company.  Naturally, I had to rely on the support and advice of the executives who were managing the various divisions.  Karl was really my first challenge.  Karl's family originally owned one of our European divisions before my family bought controlling interest in the firm.  He was an excellent manager but, after my father's death, he wanted to buy back control of the division.  He definitely did not want to take orders from a 21-year-old college kid.  He made that quite clear.

"My father had anticipated something like this might happen when Karl took over from his father.  Of course, my dad could have stopped Karl dead in his tracks, but he felt that Karl was talented and he would rather have him as a partner than a competitor.  Karl was an aggressive, competent executive and dad didn't want to lose him.  He felt he could control him and harness that talent for our mutual advantage.

"But, I was not my dad and I didn't really know Karl that well.  That's when I decided to make a trip to Germany to see what I was up against.  What I discovered was the most sophisticated, charming, handsome man I had ever met.  After several meetings with the Karl, I was able to pierce that hard shell. I found the love of my life.  Not only was he a handsome man, he was also the most passionate lover I have ever known.  He came from an aristocratic background.  His family was well respected in Germany for generations.

"Unfortunately, my wonderful lover was happily married with two adorable children.  That is one of the big problems with our relationship.  It sounds like a story right out of the TV soaps.  Naturally, we both have to keep our relationship secret.  If it ever got out it could hurt too many people.  That's one of the reasons you've never met him.  He never comes to the apartment.  I maintain a suite at the Waldorf.  Karl's division maintains a suite at the Waldorf as well, which happens to be one floor above mine.  We also have the same type of arrangement in Munich.  It's not the ideal arrangement but, it works for us.  So that's the reason I make so many trips to Germany.

"Now I think you can understand why I like having you around.  It is hard enough when circumstances force you to be separated from the person you love, but I found it difficult to live alone after being used to living with a large family."

Kip chuckled, "You better be careful with Karl.  It sounds to me as if he's locked into a sweetheart deal.  If he plays his cards well he can get the whole ball of wax.  I think I better meet this guy."

"Yes, Kip, I think you should.  Would you like to come with me to Germany next month to meet Karl?"

"I would like that.  If you can spare a day while we're there, maybe you could come with me to see my old home in Heidelberg.  Of course, before I make any plans, I need to talk to the Dean's office at NYU and to interview for the job with your company.  After I have that squared away, I must visit my mother in Boston."

"How would you feel about transferring to Columbia University, Kip?  I've talked with the Dean and he told me that you could enroll in their accelerated program with the new group that's starting next month?"

"Wow! Columbia, that is the best," Kip said.  "But, Kyle, their tuition is much more than NYU."

"There you go again with the money!  Don't sweat that job interview, little brother, because you'll be working for me.  I've already talked to my VP of Finance and you're scheduled to interview with him at 9 on Tuesday morning.  He also has the agreement ready for you based on the proposal I made you on Friday.  Besides which, he will explain how your expense account works and give you a company credit card.  What's wrong Kip, why are you staring at me like that? Have I upset you again?"

"You've haven't upset me.  It just that I'm caught it a whirlwind that is not of my making.  What scares me a little is that you knew instinctively that I was going to accept your offer before I had given you my answer.  Mind you, it's not that I'm ungrateful, in fact, I think it's terrific.  This is quite a change for me.  Before I met you I had taken control of my life, such as it was.  I'll admit it was a constant struggle every day.  But, it taught me a lesson, that if I were to survive in this world, I had to stand on my own two feet.

"After I was raped, I realized that there was always going to be someone around, who was willing to pay the price to get what he wants.  Instead of making me his boy-pussy, he made a man out of me.  I lived a sheltered existence up to that point.  But, that incident taught me what a jungle it is out there.

"Now it appears all that has changed.  I'm afraid I'm losing my independence by allowing you to take control of my life.  I don't know how this will eventually turn out.  It would be different if we were casual friends, but we're more than that.  I'm fond of you and I don't want to be shut out of your life.  I'm convinced that you would be deeply hurt if I did not accept your most generous offer.  You have devoted a lot of your time and energy to helping me."

"Kip, I don't expect you to give up your independence because of my offer.  What I'm doing is allowing you the opportunity to grow.  Why is that so wrong?  Why shouldn't I do something good with my money? I certainly can't take it with me.  Of course I knew you would accept my proposal mainly because you're an intelligent young man.  There is no logical reason for you to refuse." Kyle smiled, "When do you think you'll be able to make the trip to St. Thomas?"

Kip laughed, "You're one smooth cookie; it's easy to see why you have Karl and everyone under you're spell.  Well, Bro, I'm tired, so before you have me jumping through any more hoops, I'll say, thank you, and good night."

"Smart move, I'll think I do the same," Kyle said as he stood.

Kip was almost to the door when he turned around and walked back to where Kyle was standing.  He wrapped he arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.  "I love you, Bro; see you in the morning."  He released Kyle, turned around and walked out of the room.

It was so spontaneous and natural that it took Kyle a minute to react.  He smiled and stared at Kip as he left.  It wasn't until he crawled into bed that he thought about their conversation and Kip's warm embrace.  Even though it only lasted a few moments, it was enough for Kyle to realize that there was something magic between them.  He couldn't respond to Kip at the time because that embrace sent a marvelous feeling throughout his entire body.  He knew he didn't want it to end.  Kyle was troubled because he knew what that meant and he did not want to complicate their relationship by falling in love.

To be continued...

Posted: 08/10/12