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 6

Waldorf Astoria

Kyle and Kip arrived at the hotel at 6:30 Friday evening.  The cocktail hour had begun at six.  The grand ballroom was divided into two sections.  The reception area was where the guests were greeted and given their assigned tables.  Several service bars were scattered throughout the room to accommodate the invited guests.  In addition to the service bars, waiters and servers circulated with trays of hors d'oeuvres and wine.  A string quartet was playing at the far end of the room.  At the appointed time, the wooden partition would open and allow the guests to enter the main dining area.

"Oh, my God, Kyle, did you invite the entire graduating class of Columbia University.  My invitation list had 150 names.  Who are all these people?"

"Calm down, little brother, breathe deeply and smile, I've invited a few friends, some business associates, a few politicians and the news media.  Don't worry I'll be with you the entire time.  Be your casual charming self and everything will be just fine.  This should be a snap for a sharp guy like you, after that commencement speech you gave the other day.  Now we should circulate."

They were only able to advance to about half the room before the doors to the dining area opened.  The guests began to move into the room and seek their assigned seats.  The servers moved about the tables and began serving dinner while the wine stewards served wine.  After the desert dishes were cleared away and the coffee served, the Masters of Ceremonies stepped onto the podium to open the procedures.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to your host Mr. Kyle Petersen."  (Applause - applause)

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for joining me tonight to honor Kip Schmidt, a young man who is worthy of your praise.  Kip's story is truly an American success story.  He was born in Germany of American parents and migrated back to America with his parents at the age of nine.  Tragedy struck Kip and his family without warning, and that shaped his life for the next several years.  His beloved father, the breadwinner of the family died of cancer leaving Kip and his mother alone.  After paying the hospital bills, Kip and his mother saw very little of his father's life insurance.  The struggle took its toll on his mother, resulting in a paralyzing stroke and she was placed in a nursing home.

"If that wasn't enough, this young teenager was beaten and assaulted by a gang of drug pushers because he refused to sell drugs for their organization.  The doctors were able to sew him back together, yet it took months of recuperation in the hospital to repair the damage.  The police were afraid for his safety, and after he testified against the leaders of this gang, he had to leave town.  He was relocated to New York to live with his only living relatives, his aunt and uncle.

"They were old and owned a rooming house in Hell's Kitchen.  They were not really up to the task of raising a teenager at that stage in their life.  However, they took Kip in.  Kip was a persistent young man who was determined to finish high school and go on to college.  In spite of the personal tragedies, he found two part-time jobs to earn enough money to survive.  Despite all the hardships, he maintained a high grade point average and was on the honor role for his last two years in high school, earning a four-year scholarship to NYU.

"I met Kip seven years ago and admired his drive and determination.  This young man, who has suffered so much at the most critical time in his young life, did not allow this to affect his attitude toward life.  His outlook toward his future remained positive, and he never lost his drive.  I was curious about this and asked him how he was able to go it alone and not think about his tragic life.

"He told me that his parents had instilled in him a strong sense of survival and after fighting to survive when he was at death's doorstep, he made up his mind that he would prevail.  He told me, 'I never had the time to dwell on my misfortunes.'  His time and energies were channeled into work and his studies.  He fell into bed most nights exhausted and awoke each morning at five to begin his day, working seven days a week with little time for anything else.

"Kip has achieved his goal and is being honored tonight for his outstanding record of achievements.  Kip Schmidt is a remarkable young man and a role model that any young teenager should attempt to emulate.  It has been my privilege to know Kip and to be favored with his friendship.  So that his achievements will be recognized for future generations to follow, I have endowed a scholarship in his name to honor him and his Alma Mater.  If the Dean would step forward I would like to present him with this check for five-million dollars to institute the Christopher Schmidt Scholarship Foundation."  (Applause)

The Dean came up and accepted Kyle's check.  He thanked Kyle and made his speech.  He went into Kip's outstanding record at Columbia and touched on how the Foundation would work.

After finishing his speech, he said, "And now, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to call our guest of honor up to the podium to say a few words."

Kip stepped over to the microphone.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for sharing this memorable evening with me.  Let me say that I was completely surprised when I walked into this ballroom this evening.  I was lead to believe that this was to be a graduation party for a few of my friends.  But to my surprise, I found I was surrounded not only by my friends, but in addition, the who's who of New York's society.  I am honored that you took the time to spend this evening with me.  I wish my parents were alive to share this evening with us all."

"Earlier, Mr. Petersen told you how, by sheer determination, I reached this pinnacle all on my own.  That is not entirely true.  If I have reached the top of the mountain, it is because of his help and support.  I met Kyle Petersen at the lowest point in my life.  I was, for all practical purposes, alone, depressed and without a real friend in this new and hostile environment.  He became my friend, my benefactor and my mentor.  Most of all, my good friends, I know that I could not have achieved this goal without his generosity.  I am absolutely overwhelmed by that generosity and grateful to have known him.  I thank God that our paths have crossed.  Kyle Petersen is a true Good Samaritan.  Thank you, Kyle, and thank you again, ladies and gentleman, for making this a memorable evening."

The audience gave him a standing ovation as he left the podium and to return to his table.  The MC returned and announced that the band was for their entertainment and for those who cared to dance, and that they would play until midnight.

Kip resumed his seat next to Kyle.  He shook his head and smiled.

"Wow, what a wonderful evening, thank you, Bro.  You are so full of surprises."

Kyle was grinning from ear to ear.  "You're in for a lot more before I'm finished, little Bro.  Come on let's mingle and get the glad handing over.  We have to head back to Greenwich tonight."

Greenwich, CT

It was a beautiful summer morning as Kyle and Kip walked out to the stable for their morning ride.  The groomsman had their horses saddled and ready to go.  They mounted and rode off toward the bridle path.

"How do you like your new jumper?" Kyle asked.

"He's quite a handful and a bit headstrong at times, but we're getting along better these days.  I've told the stable manager to cut back on his oats during the week and it seems to do the trick.  Look, Kyle, we must have a serious talk.  I know you have a big heart and I really appreciate everything you have given me, but this must stop.  You're much too generous, almost to the point where I'm beginning to feel uncomfortable.  You have given me so much for my graduation.  The gold Rolex and that check for $5000 was enough.  Hell!  The cost of my education was enough.  That party last night and the foundation you set up for me is absolutely the most generous thing I can imagine.  I'm even afraid to ask you what you paid for my son, Paul."

"What else am I going to do with my money, than spend it on the people I care about?  You know how important you are to me.  Please indulge me for now.  I've been waiting for some time to present you with the new contract that I've drawn up.  It only awaits your signature.  Kevin Woodworth and I pulled it together last month.  We both feel that you have done well in your executive training program.  Based on that, we have decided the job that would best suit your talent and ability.

"As of July first, you will become Manager of the New Business development group.  Again, if after three years you don't like the job, you can pick any slot you want in the organization.  I'm starting you off at a salary of $100,000 with all the perks, stock options and incentive bonus.  If you do as well as you have so far, you should be considered for a VP slot.  Since you have learned about our overseas operations, I thought you would be the ideal candidate to hunt around for new acquisitions.  Kevin and I agreed to create this position for you.  The fact that you know my businesses helps.  I'm giving you three weeks to make your decision."

Kip stared at Kyle without saying a word.  He pulled up his mount and dismounted.  He leaned against his mount and began to cry.  Kyle jumped off his mount and walked back to where Kip was standing and rubbed his back.

"What's the matter, Bro?"

Kip turned around and hugged him.  He continued to sob for a few minutes.

Kyle held him and rubbed his back. "It's okay; cry all day if you want.  I'm sorry I've overwhelmed you with all this news.  I didn't think it would make you cry.  I thought it would make you happy.  I'm so sorry, little brother."

Kip released Kyle and kissed him on the forehead.  "Let's walk a bit, I can't ride like this."

They each slipped the reins over their mount's head and lead them along the trail.  Kyle put his arm around Kip's shoulder as they walked.

"You must be tired of hearing me lament about how generous you are, but it's the truth," Kip said.  "You've never been poor so you'll never know what it's like.  Did you know my father wasn't earning $75,000 dollars as a professor after twenty years of teaching?  The gifts you gave last week were worth a third of his yearly salary.  I'm living the life style of a wealthy man with servants at my beck and call, limo and private planes at my disposal.  Not to mention the penthouses, estates, villas in the tropics, and residences in Europe.  It's all so much to grasp, yet I enjoy every minute of it.

"Worst of all, Kyle, I'm happy with this way of living and I don't want it to end.  Being a realist, I keep thinking that one day this will all end and I'll hit bottom and be very depressed.  You see, I've lived through this once before and I don't want to set myself up for a fall once again.  I've tried deliberately not to get caught up in your world.  When you asked me to come to live with you, I did so by casting myself in the role of a your employee and not your as your brother.  Yet, you insist on treating me as you're equal.  Don't you see that I'm not your equal?  I'm still your employee and a companion, nothing more.  Unfortunately, I've became caught up in this golden web.  I would like it to continue for a while longer for myself and for Chris and Paul.

"Your relationship with Karl is unique and seems to meet both your needs.  Today you seem to think differently after you've had a taste of what transpired in the hospital the last time.  One day that may all change.  Maybe you'll find another lover who will not want me hanging around.  Then it will be good-by, Kip.  That's the reason I don't want to get too cozy living with you, because it may not last."

"The same thing could happen when you get married," Kyle said.

"That's true, but the way my life has been going lately.  I don't see that happening any time soon.  Anyway, it will take a special woman to cope with me and two children."

"What two children," Kyle asked?  "Are you holding out on me?"

"Didn't I tell you, when I leave I'm taking Chris."

"Then, it doesn't look like your leaving, because Chris stays.

"First of all, Kip, this will always be your home.  Secondly, if I ever did find another lover, I'd make sure you have an apartment in the same building.  No lover can ever force you out my life.  I love you and that will never change.  In time you will be earning enough money to live a very comfortable life, I'll see to that."

"Thanks for putting up with my slobbering all over you.  I'm flattered that you and Kevin think I'm such an asset to the firm that you are offering me this great opportunity and before you change your mind, I accept your offer."

"Life could be so much simpler for us if you could become my lover.  You must know how much I love you, baby.  But, I don't want to complicate our lives any more than they already are."  He kissed Kip on the forehead.  "Let's get back to the house and have breakfast.  I promised the children a pony ride this morning."

"Yes, I'm starving," Kip said.  "You're right; it would be much easier if I could be in love you.  It bothers me that things could be different.  I can't give you the kind of love and affection you need.  I do want you to know that I'm not bothered by your displays of affection.  As long as you understand that it can't go any further.  If you can live with that, then I won't feel so guilty."

"Thanks, Kip, I can live with that."

Kip smiled, "For the record, I think you are the most handsome man I've ever met.  As I've told you before, if I swung that way, I'm sure you would prove to be a passionate lover."

They remounted their horses and returned to the stable.  Kip was on a high, riding back.  He was entertaining Kyle by recounting some amusing incidents that occurred at his party.  Kip noticed that Kyle's mind was somewhere else because he was not paying attention to his stories.  As they were walking back to the manor house Kip asked, "What's wrong Kyle?  All of a sudden I've lost you."

"I hadn't intended to bring this up now, but I must get this off my chest.  Look baby, you really haven't experienced life yet.  You've worked hard all your life and it's time you started enjoying bachelor life before you settle down to married life.  You've never had the time to sow your wild oats up to this point.  Now that your education is behind you and you're starting your business career, I think it's time for you to start to enjoy life.  I've kept you under too tight a reign up to this point and you will never experience freedom while you are living with me.  You need that freedom to spread your wings and not have to report home to me every day.  Therefore, I've made a most difficult decision that is for your best interest."

"I've been agonizing over this decision for months; now it's time to move forward.  I've been selfish in wanting to keep you to myself.  This is not good for you, nor is it right.  For the first time I'm doing what's best for you.  This doesn't mean anything has changed between us, we will remain as close as always, but I think you should have your own apartment and start enjoying your life.  Everything else will remain the same.  You'll still share the penthouse apartment and the house in Connecticut."

"I would expect you to come home to see the kids as usual and to take your turn watching them while I'm out of town.  Right now my present thinking is to buy one of the new penthouse apartments in midtown Manhattan that would be suitable for entertaining.  Your new position is going to require you to do more entertaining, so this new apartment will be ideal for that.  The company can write off most of the expenses."

"In the future, you will be reporting to Kevin.  Again, I feel this will create a much healthier working arrangement for you.  Kevin is a sharp businessman and you can learn a lot from him."

"This comes is a big surprise," Kip said.  "I always thought I'd be your assistant, we've always worked well as a team.  Why have you changed you mind?"

"As I said before, it is a decision based on what best for you.  If you must know, you were the best assistant I ever had.  That is not the issue.  The problem is that I would hold you back for any future promotions.  Hell, do you think I want to give you up.  Yet, I know my weaknesses and you are my weak spot.  If I were selfish, I'd keep you as my assistant.  Yet, I know down the road you will want to make your own way.  If I held you back, eventually you would come to resent me for this and find another company.  In the end, I would not only loose a good executive, but most likely our friendship as well.  I can't afford to risk that.  I've already made the decision to hire a competent female as my executive assistant, in addition to some other changes."

"Can you share them with me?"

"Of course; I have no secrets from you, Kip.  Nothing has changed between us.  You still are my confidant and best friend.  Always remember that.  From now on, my main goal will be to raise my family properly.  The business and everything else comes second.  In order to do that I plan to work out of my home in Connecticut and use the Manhattan apartment only when necessary.  I've signed a contract to have a video communications link set up between the house and headquarters and all the major division offices.  They are also installing a site at my estate in St. Thomas and at my summer home in the Hamptons."

"I've purchased three aircraft for my personal use that will be ready for delivery in two months, and I've hired the necessary flight crews and maintenance support personnel.  I plan to divide my time between three locations:  St. Thomas, in the winter, summer in the Hamptons and Connecticut for the rest of the year.  Of course the children will accompany me to each location.  The modified 737 jet will be the aircraft to take the entire family plus my extra technical people and the Lockheed-V will be used for short trips.  The helicopter will ferry us around the Northeast area."

"It looks like the typical Petersen well-planned operation," Kip said.  "Obviously you've been working on this for some time.  Tell me, Kyle, why did you wait so long to tell me what you were planning?"

Kip noticed the tears in Kyle's eyes as Kyle turned to face him.

"Quite frankly, Kip, I expected a different reply from you.  You see, I was interpreting the signals from you in a different way.  Yet, I wanted to be sure where I stood with you.  I thought you were falling in love with me.  That is the reason I conceived this plan in the first place.  In either event, I intended to go ahead with the plan based on your answer."

"You've lost me, Kyle?  What do you mean, you expected what different answer?"

"If you were in love with me you would have stayed with me as my partner.  I would have trained you to be my partner in my businesses.  We could have raised our children together and still have time to run the business from anywhere in the world.  That's what I meant, Kip.

"The jury is not in yet, on you.  In spite of what you telling yourself now, I still feel that one day you will be mine.  The children and I will wait until you're ready.  I've never wanted anyone as much as I want you.  I love you as much as I loved Paul, only more so.  You were right about my relationship with Karl.  Now in retrospect, I classify that relationship as an affair.  It's a moot point now because I don't intend to see him again.  I loved Paul as I never loved anyone in this life, yet we were both immature.  Had he lived, I think he would have become bisexual.  The pressure to have a normal family life was too strong in him."

"Personally, I think he was still experimenting with sex, and our love for each other was taking him down the wrong path.  He was only sixteen.  He swung both ways; he was having sex with girls at the same time.  I think, in time, he would have realized he would have gone straight."

"I have one last gift to give you and I don't want you to have a hissy fit.  I promise not to give you any more expensive presents, but I find it very difficult to restrain myself from giving you gifts."  Kyle smiled.  "Wait until you see your engagement and wedding presents."

Kip shook his head and smiled, "You sir, are impossible.  Am I going to like my graduation present?"

"I think you will, if you promise you'll act like a perfect gentleman," Kyle said.  "I don't want you to wet your pants in front of our guests.  Just smile and say thank-you."

Kip laughed heartily, "You're crazy."

"You bet, baby.  Dinner is formal tonight, little Bro.  Our guests should be arriving at six."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Kyle and Kip were both in the nursery.  They were each holding one of the babies and feeding them their bottles.  Chris was sitting on the chair next to Kip, "Sweetheart, are you going to protect your baby cousin, Paul?"

Chris smiled, and looked up at Kip, his big brown eyes sparkling, "I love Paul, Uncle Kip, will you let me hold him?"

Kip leaned down and kissed Chris on the forehead, "I love you too, sweetheart, and of course I'll let you hold Paul."

He rested Paul on Chris's lap as he supported Paul's head.  He handed Chris the bottle and let him feed him.  Chris leaned down and kissed Paul on the forehead.

Kyle watched the three of them sitting there together and smiled, "I wish I had a camera, this is one of those Kodak moments."

Kip smiled, "I never thought that I would like being a father, but now I realize how wonderful a child is.  They give their love freely and they are so helpless.  I think that is why I love them so much.  Not just my own, but all of them.  They are all so precious.  After we finish feeding the babies, I think I'll have a nap before dinner if you don't mind.  I couldn't fall asleep right away after last night's banquet."

"You go ahead; I'll wake you in time for the party."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Walter knocked on Kip's bedroom door, "Mr. Kip, it is time for your shower."

Kip was disoriented when he awoke, "What's that, Walter?"

Walter opened the door and walked into the bedroom and switched on the lights.  "Sir, it's 6 PM, and you need to shower and dress for your party."

"Oh, dear, I asked Kyle to wake me at five," Kip said.  "Have the guests started arriving, Kip asked?"

"Yes, sir, Mr. Petersen said you needed to rest and I was to wake you at six."  While you're taking your shower, I'll lay your clothes out and help you dress."

"Thanks, Walter, I won't be long."

Forty-five minutes later Kip descended the grand staircase to the ground floor.  He heard the sound of the string quartet coming from the living room.  The downstairs had been transformed since lunchtime.  The circular table in the center of the foyer was adorned with a large bouquet of yellow roses.  Everything sparkled, it was the first time he had seen the house so festive.  Bouquets of flowers adorned the tables and chests in every room.  It certainly accented the elegance of these tastefully decorated rooms.  The servers were dressed in white coats with gold piping and buttons and gold bow ties.  Everything sparkled including the guests.  Kip walked into the living room and greeted some of the guests he had met before.  Many were new faces to him.  He found Kyle surrounded by a large group of people in the middle of the room.  Kip walked over and stood next to him.

Kyle smiled, "Feeling better?" he asked.

"Yes, much better, thank you."

Kyle put his arm around Kip's shoulder and led him over to the fireplace and said to all, "May I have your attention please?  I'd like to say a few works to those of you who haven't met him yet.  I would like to introduce my adopted brother, Kip.  I want to thank you for joining us today.  This is the first time in four years that I have opened this house for a party.  It has been too long since I have seen your happy and smiling faces.  I hasten to assure you that will change from now on.  I had promised Kip I would not give my little speech about how he helped me get through my grieving, but, I feel that I have been fortunate that he was there for me when I needed him the most.

"I'm sure after you have had a chance to know Kip, you will learn to appreciate him as much as I do.  Actually, this is his graduation party and an announcement that Kip has accepted my offer to join the firm.  Enough said, or my talented protégé will skin me alive.  Moreover, for your dancing pleasure this evening we have an excellent band and an open bar set up in the Sports Pavilion.  One last thing, you are all invited to be our guests for brunch tomorrow between 10 AM to 2 PM.  Oh, by the way, don't waste your time trying to steal Kip away from me because I've got him tied to an ironclad contract.  Thank you again for coming and please enjoy your evening."

He squeezed Kip's shoulder, "Did that speech offend you, Bro?" Kyle asked.

"No, that was fine.  This is the first time I've seen you lighten-up in front of a large group.  You're always so reserved and serious.  I like this side of you."

"You see, you bring out the best in me.  Come on, let's get a drink, it's time to party." Kyle steered him over to the bar.  Kip did not feel a bit uncomfortable having Kyle's arm around his shoulder.

"After we finish dinner I want to give you your present.  We'll have to stick around in the foyer to say goodnight to about half the crowd that will leave after dinner.  The rest will head over to the Pavilion.  No speeches or crowds, just you and me, okay?"

"That's fine with me."

It was after ten when Kyle and Kip said goodnight to about two hundred of the guests.

"I've never seen so many limos, Mercedes, Jaguar's and Rolls Royce's concentrated in one spot," Kip said.  "It's like the opening night at the Opera."

"Let's walk down to the stables, I want to give you your present," Kyle said.  They walked around the drive to the rear of the house.

"Will you look at that, someone's parked that Mercedes smack in the middle of the driveway," Kip said.  "I'd better call Walter.  What a beauty it is, someone paid big bucks for that baby.  I've never seen a four door hard top, have you?"

Kyle smiled, "She is that," Kyle said as he reached into his pocket.  He handed Kip a set of keys.  "That is your graduation present, baby."

Kip looked at the car, then back to Kyle, "Oh Kyle, what a wonderful gift, thank you so much." He threw his arms around Kyle and kissed him on the cheek.  "You're a wonderful brother, I love you."

"Push that button in the middle of the remote.  That will disengage the alarm system, unlock the doors, and turn on the lights."

Kip pulled open the door and sat behind the wheel.  Kyle sat on the passenger side.

"The seat adjustment controls are on the door panel," Kyle said.

After Kip adjusted the seat the way he wanted, Kyle said, "Ken can give you a rundown on all the features tomorrow.  Feel like taking a spin?"

"Yes I would, but I'd better not, I've had several glasses of wine at dinner," Kip said.

"Turn her around and take the road to the stables," Kyle said.  "That road wraps around the inside of the property."

"What a super automobile; I can't even hear the engine running and the seats are so comfortable," Kip said.

"Look, baby, if you'd rather have a Rolls Royce we can get that instead.  But, I thought you'd like the Mercedes better.  I ordered this four-door sedan because it's roomy enough for us and the three older kids."

"No, this is perfect.  I love the new car smell and the feel of the soft leather seats," Kip said, as he stopped the car and turned to Kyle.  "You have made me very happy.  This has been the most memorable week of my life and you made it all possible.  It's hard to believe that our seventh year anniversary is in a few days.  Our friendship has endured longer than most marriages.  I shudder when I think back to what my life was like before I met you.

"Kyle, sometimes I'm deeply troubled about our relationship.  It bothers me that you are so generous to me.  I feel that I keep taking from you and give nothing in return.  I love you, but I am not in love with you.  Yet in spite of my feelings, I don't want to leave, because I enjoy being with you.  I don't feel that I am being fair to you.  You are such a warm caring person.  Don't think I'm not aware of those 'Kodak moments' like this afternoon in the nursery.  I can see the love in your eyes.  Those are special moments for me and I don't feel uncomfortable or embarrassed by your affection."

"I've never told you this, Kip, but when we met, I felt your spirit penetrate my body.  It was the most wonderful experience ever.  It was like the afterglow and tranquility I feel after I've had an orgasm.  That is the only way I can describe it.  That is the moment I knew that you would be an important part of my life.  The more we were together, the happier I became.  I fell deeply in love with you two years ago.  Oddly enough, I understand the confusion you're feeling right now.  But, I want you to stop worrying about our friendship as a ledger.

"I'm grateful that you have agreed to live with me and help me raise our children.  I could never put a price tag on the many enjoyable hours you have given me.  Stop beating yourself up with this guilt trip.  I want your promise right now that you'll make an appointment with my psychiatrist next week and talk to him about your fears and doubts.  As far as I'm concerned you're perfect in every way.  But, I also don't want you losing sleep over this guilt trip you're on."

Kip smiled and shook his head; he leaned over and kissed Kyle on the cheek.  "You always make everything right for me.  Now let's get back to our guests."

"Baby, you just balanced your ledger.  The beach house in the Hampton's will be ready next Wednesday.  I thought we could take the rest of the month off and spend it by the ocean.  The sun and the fresh air will be good for the kids. What do you say?"

"Great, I think we can both use the rest.  It will be wonderful doing nothing the next three weeks.  Do you realize we've never spent that much time together?  Maybe we'll end up crawling the walls after the first week."

"Quite frankly, I think I would get antsy after the first week.  Let's just plan to relax during the first week.  After that, we can get down to business."

To be continued...

Posted: 08/17/12