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 7

West Hampton 

Kyle said, "Kip, I want you to do a feasibility study on the cost of buying a manufacturing operation and relocating it to our operations in Canada.  I have a feeling that we could save ourselves a bundle in the future.  I've heard all the arguments in favor of the cheap labor markets in Asia and Mexico.  I feel that we could lose our capital investment down the road if we invested in those areas."

"The corruption in Mexico is too wide spread and the business environment has a long way to go before I'm willing to build a factory there.  The Asian market is too unstable now and I feel that will continue in the future.  China's attitude toward the United States troubles me and I'm not convinced that their cooperation will continue over a long period of time.  Canada is a stable and friendly neighbor.  Not only that, they have a skilled and abundant labor pool with the raw materials we need and they honor their agreements.

"By the way, how did your first session go with the shrink?"

"I thought it went well," Kip said.  "He has me on a three sessions per week program.  I'm afraid to ask what this is costing you."

"Nothing at all, it is covered under your health insurance.  Look, baby, if you don't like this doctor, you won't hurt my feelings if you want to make a change."

"No, I like him; as a matter of fact he broached the subject himself.  But, I told him I thought it would be to my advantage since he knows you.  I start seeing him on a regular basis starting next month."

Martha's Vineyard

Ten o'clock Wednesday morning, the Captain walked to the bow where Kip and Kyle were sunbathing.  "Mr. Petersen you have a call from a Mr. Woodworth; do you wish take the call, sir?"

"Yes, Captain, I'll take it in the lounge."

Following the call, Kyle returned and sat down on the air mattress.  "Kip, I hate to cut our trip short, but a helicopter will be here in an hour to fly us back to West Hampton.  I just received word that Karl Gabler died three hours ago.  I'll be flying to Germany this evening."

"I am so sorry, Kyle; what would like me to do?"

"There's not much you can do right now.  Could you stay with the kids for the rest of the week in the Hamptons?"

"Sure, that's a given.  Did Kevin happen to mention the cause of death?"

"He suffered a massive stroke."

"Kyle, are you sure you don't want me to go with you?"

"That would be great, but unfortunately that's out of the question.  I need you to stay here to keep an eye on the children.  I feel sorry that Karl died so young.  Yet, I feel it's for the best.  He has not been in the best of health since he returned to work.  Anyway, I'm relived in a way; now I don't have to tell him we were through."

Two Months Later

Kyle and Kip were in the drawing room at Petersen Manor enjoying a cocktail.

"It's good to have you home again even if it is only for two weeks.  The children have missed you, Kyle.  It's unfortunate you must be away so long.  It would be much better if you made a few short trips home on a regular basis."

Kyle chuckled, "I'm not home four hours and you're already on my case, you're acting like a nagging spouse and I'm not receiving any of the perks of marital bliss, is this how you welcome me home?  What's the matter, Kip, aren't you getting any lately?  Speaking of which, where is the perky little Miss Georgia?"

"We broke up last month," Kip said.

"Is that why you're taking it out on me?"

"I'm sorry, Kyle, I don't know what's wrong with me lately.  I guess I'm feeling guilty for not being with my mother when she died.  Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I'm crazy about the kids, but I miss adult company.  You have become so much a part of my home life, that I enjoy having you around.  Besides which, Georgia was getting on my nerves.  She was trying to instruct me in how I should raise the children, can you imagine that?  Here's a woman who couldn't find the powder room without a road map.  Anyway, our children are just one tick under perfect."

"I'm only pulling your leg, babe," Kyle said.  "Are you still seeing your shrink?"

"Yes, he's been a big help."

"Kevin tells me you're working too hard.  As your boss, I'm giving you an order not to work 80 hours a week, seventy is enough.  I have two days of meetings this week, but we're all taking off for St. Thomas Friday night.  Do you think you can break away?"

"I'd love to, but I have too much on my plate right now, you go and have fun."

"Well I'm disappointed that you can't make it.  How do you like the new apartment?"

Kip smiled warmly, "It's beautiful.  I sat down with the interior designer last month and everything should be finished by next month."

"Great, I'm sorry I wasn't here for you mother's funeral.  How did it go?"

"It was a very nice.  I was happily surprised that so many people showed up for the funeral service.  I plan to take my parents' ashes back to Germany and have them buried in Munich next to my grandparents.  I've already purchased the gravesite and ordered the headstone.  It's big enough to put my name on there when I die."

"No, Kip, I want you to be buried in the mausoleum I'm having built next to the family gravesite right here in Greenwich.  It's big enough for you and our children for generations to come.  If you want, your parents can be buried there with us."

"That's very thoughtful of you, Kyle.  I would like to have them buried close by to tell you the truth.  At least I can visit them on their birthdays."

"Well, tiger, I'm exhausted.  I'm going to say goodnight."

"I'm going to look in on the kids and hit the sack myself."

St. Thomas

They were sitting on the terrace having their coffee at the Harbor View restaurant.  "This has been a wonderful weekend, Kyle.  Thanks for flying me out here," Kip said, "I feel like a new man again."

"I've never seen you look so fit," Kyle said.  "God, but you're so handsome.  It's difficult for me to contain myself sometimes.  Forgive me, if I'm making you feel uncomfortable.  It's a feeling I wanted to share with you."

"Thanks Kyle, you always make me feel special.  You have never made me uncomfortable.  Thank you for teaching me how to sail; we have so much more privacy on that yacht.  It's much more relaxing than having a crew milling about.  We must do that again."

"Don't worry, we will.  How do you like my new high-speed video network?"

"Great, everyone I've talked to thinks it's a great idea.  I didn't realize how much I missed the kids," Kip said.  "They are delightful and so affectionate."

"Look, baby, anytime you want to get away for a weekend, the planes are always available."

"Thanks, Kyle, I'll do just that."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦ 

Kip went into the nursery to check on the children before returning to his suite.  Kyle entered the sitting room carrying two brandy snifters.  He set them on the coffee table.

"Anything interesting?" Kyle asked.

"Not anything that needs to be taken care of tonight, just the usual panicky messages from Kevin."

"Turn that thing off and come watch the late news."

Kip walked over and sat on the sofa next to Kyle.  Fifteen minutes later Kyle fell sound asleep.  Kip woke him after the news was over and helped him to bed.

To be continued...

Posted: 08/24/12