by: Tyler Peel

© 2007 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent.

Chapter 33
Lessons Learned

Linda was putting the finishing touches on dinner when she heard her five boys coming in from the garage. “Don’t you dare drag that tree in here until I get an old blanket to wrap it up in!” she yelled.
 
Luke and Kyle led the way carrying a long box with Derek and Tyler following carrying a second long box.
 
“Oh my God? We finally got a real tree?” Linda began laughing and clapping her hands together. “Tyler, what’s wrong with your eyes?”
 
“He’s allergic to pine needles, Mom.” Kyle said laughing.
 
“You bought two trees?” Linda asked.
 
“Yes dear… We got a tree for the great room and one for the front entrance,” Larry said, not smiling.
 
“How big is it?” Linda asked.
 
“If you don’t know by now, Mom, then I want to know who my real father is,” Luke said casually.
 
“LUCAS!” Linda yelled. Everyone snickered while Linda glared at all of them. “Derek, would you go get an antihistamine for Tyler please?” Linda asked.
 
“Sure Mom. C’mon Ty, and I will get you drugged up and then have my way with you,” Derek teased.
 
“Good, because the smell of chloroform is making me sick!” Tyler said with a grin, following Derek out of the kitchen.
 
“What’s kloriforum?” Luke asked.
 
“Water with sodium fluoride in it,” Larry said, and Linda looked at him. Luke walked back to the television.
 
“What? You want the kid to know what Chloroform really is? We’re talking about Luke here!” Larry asked.
 
“Good point! That was kind of you to give up your Christmas tree for Tyler,” Linda said, giving him a hug.

“Anything to make our sons happy…,” Larry said, still pouting.
 
“Don’t pout, Dear, we all know the sacrifice you’ve made,” Linda teased giving him a kiss.
 
“Sit on the edge of the tub and put this cold, wet washcloth on your eyes,” Derek said, handing Tyler the washcloth.
 
“I guess we now know why I never had a real Christmas tree at home,” Tyler said holding his head back. “I’m just sorry I am spoiling your Dad’s Christmas.”
 
“Tyler? You just made everyone’s Christmas by not having to put up with the stench of a real tree. Mom doesn’t have to deal with needles so she won’t be in a pissy mood all Christmas, which means Dad won’t be in a bad mood because of Mom. Besides, I’ve got an idea on how Dad can have his tree,” Derek said.
 
“I need to go grocery shopping tonight. Could you drive me?” Tyler asked.
 
“Anything for you, Babe! What are we buying me?” Derek asked, grinning.
 
“I’m making dessert for Christmas dinner, but I wanted to do a couple of things for the Christmas Eve open house as well,” Tyler said.
 
“What are you going to make?” Derek asked.
 
“For Christmas dinner I thought I would make an Egg Nog cheesecake with a praline sauce. I found a couple of recipes on the internet and I thought that would be good,” Tyler said.
 
“Sweet! I have a boyfriend who is good both in the bedroom and in the kitchen!” Derek teased and kissed Tyler. “So where are we going bowling? I should know this since it is my idea, eh?”
 
“There’s a place called Brunswick Perry Hall Lanes, and Thursday night is cosmic bowling night with lasers, glow-in-the-dark balls, music videos, and 48 lanes,” Tyler said, rubbing his swollen eyes.
 
“We have seven people going. We really need an eighth person!” Derek said. “Do we have to take Jeff?” Tyler removed his washcloth and glared at Derek.
 
“Fine…,” Derek said. “I could always invite one of my old girl friends to come along?”
 
“Great! Do you think she might like me?” Tyler asked.
 
“Yeah, actually… screw that idea,” Derek said and Tyler laughed.
 
Kyle and Luke came along with Derek and Tyler to go shopping. Kyle and Luke settled on renting a DVD of Mission Impossible II, while Tyler got another video as a surprise for all of them and Luke insisted they buy one more jar of peanut butter… just in case a snowstorm arrived and they couldn’t get out to get more peanut butter! Tyler and Derek looked at each and laughed.
 
“Okay guys… think of it this way… Do you really want to be locked up in the house with me because of a snowstorm and I’ve run out of peanut butter?” Luke asked.
 
Derek grabbed a large jar of Kraft Crunch peanut butter. “Better make it two!” Tyler said.
 
“What are you making for the Christmas Eve party?” Derek asked.
 
“My turn to push the cart!” Kyle said.
 
“My ten minutes isn’t up yet!” Derek said. Tyler looked at Derek and shook his head.
 
“Wot?” Derek asked, grinning as he turned the shopping cart over to Kyle.
 
“Okay let’s see… we’ve got everything in here to make gingerbread, chocolate fudge, shortbreads, and lemon ripple cheesecake bars!” Tyler said, reading his grocery list.
 
“And chocolate pecan peanut butter squares?” Luke added with a cheesy grin.
 
“And chocolate pecan peanut butter squares!” Tyler said. “Why are there four boxes of Animal Cracker cookies in here?”
 
“Mango likes them!” Luke said.
 
“Okay, let’s get checked out of here and get home!” Tyler said.
 
“Can I go out into the Mall for a bit?” Kyle asked.
 
“No! I don’t want to have to go trying to find you,” Tyler said.
 
“I wanna go to the pet store and see if I can replace my snake I lost,” Luke said.
 
“WHAT SNAKE?” Derek and Tyler said in unison.
 
“Hahahaha… you guys are so easy to fool,” Luke said, laughing.
 
“Kyle, just wait until we load the Van up with the groceries and then we’ll take a walk through the Mall, okay?” Tyler asked.
 
The four boys began a stroll through the crowds of holiday shoppers. Luke was holding Tyler’s hand and Derek walked on Luke’s other side with Kyle beside him.
 
“I’m going into the Sports Authority for a minute,” Kyle said to Derek. Derek turned expecting to see Luke and Tyler but they had stopped a couple of stores back. “Whatcha lookin’ at purdy boy?” Derek said into Tyler’s ear.
 
“It’s a Men’s wear store Derek. I would think you should know what it is?” Luke said with sly grin. The window was filled with Tuxedos and men’s formal wear for New Year’s Eve.
 
“Ty?” Derek asked.
 
“What?” Tyler said not looking away.
 
“You thinking about asking someone to marry you and you want to pick out a Tux?” Derek teased.
 
“No, but I’ve got an idea…,” Tyler said. Derek, Tyler, and Luke were all huddled in quiet conversation when Kyle approached.
 
“What’s up?” Kyle asked.
 
“Want to have some different kind of fun at your Christmas Eve party?” Tyler asked.
 
“Any kind of fun would be better than attending that garbage.” Kyle said.
 
“Well, come here and I will tell you what we are thinking of doing…,” Tyler began.
 
All four boys arrived home carrying multiple bags of groceries and Kyle and Derek had to go back and get the rest of them out of the Van.
 
“What on earth did you guys buy?” Linda asked as she sat on a stool at the island with Larry beside her while they shared some wine.
 
“This is just Luke’s stuff!” Tyler teased them. “Except for Kyle’s gum, Derek’s toothpaste, and my deodorant the rest belong to Luke!” Tyler said looking at them with a straight face.
 
“LUCAS!” Linda said.
 
“Tyler, we really need to have a chat about Luke and how he uses people!” Larry said.
 
Tyler grinned and handed him his bag with four boxes of Animal Cracker cookies, peanut butter M&M’s, and a bunch of still green bananas. Luke grabbed the bag and ran off to his bedroom. “I was just teasing! This is what I need to do my baking tomorrow,” Tyler said.
 
“Give me the bill, Tyler,” Larry ordered, holding out his hand.
 
“Lost it…,” Tyler said, ignoring him.
 
“Bull shit! Hand the bill over. You’re not paying for this stuff!” Larry said.
 
“DADDY SWORE!” Luke yelled from outside the kitchen and then laughed out loud.
 
“Lucas!” Larry yelled only to hear the two feet running up the stairs.
 
“Bill?” Larry said to Tyler holding out his hand.
 
Tyler took Larry’s hand and shook it! “Nice to meet you Bill, I’m Tyler!” he said and then continued to unpack his groceries. Linda snorted and Larry growled.
 
“You know, Tyler…,” Larry began.
 
“Sir? I’m part of the family now so I can do my part to contribute! As YOU say, you only get out of it what you put into it, right?” Tyler asked. Larry growled again and Linda laughed.
 
“Peanut butter cup, Sir? Your blood sugar level seems low.” Tyler said unable to hide his grin as he slid a Reese’s P.B. cup across the island to him.
 
“Where’s my chocolate bar, Tyler?” Linda teased.
 
Tyler looked through three bags of groceries before he pulled out a Dove chocolate bar and slid it across the island to her. “Oh, yeah…, my favourite… Dove chocolate bars always make me want to put on my high heels and go dancing.” Linda said as she rubbed her foot up and down Larry’s right leg under the island. Larry’s eyes popped wide open.
 
“Umm, Tyler, before I forget… I spoke with Greg Anderson, and he found you a good lawyer in Philly. I gave him your email address, and he is going to send you the information in the morning. Gosh I’m kind of tired…,” Larry said staring at Linda as she ate another piece of the Dove bar.
 
“Oh yeah….,” Linda sighed, grinned, and winked.
 
Tyler heard Linda and paused for a moment from putting away groceries. He turned around to look at the two of them and he could see what was going on.
 
“I rented a movie that will keep the boys busy for a couple of hours…,” Tyler said without looking at them.
 
“That’s great Tyler… they’ll enjoy that…,” Larry said not really paying attention to what Tyler said or what he himself was saying. He pulled out Linda’s stool so she could get down and he began pushing her out of the kitchen. Tyler followed and handed Larry a bottle of wine, an opener, two glasses, and then he stuffed some peanut butter cups Larry’s pocket. Larry looked at him with some confusion.
 
“In case you need another sugar boost, Sir?” Tyler winked. The moment that Larry closed their bedroom door Tyler yelled, “Guys, everyone down here!” Luke, Kyle, and Derek came running.
 
“Kyle, would you set up the DVD player and make some popcorn in the microwave? Luke, jammies, pillow, Animal Crackers, and… you’d better bring Mango cause he will like this movie too! Derek, would you get the fire going in the living room and then turn out all of the lights in there?” Tyler asked.
 
“Ummm sure…, why?” Derek asked.
 
“Your parents want some private time, if you get my meaning…,” Tyler said with a grin.
 
“Too much info, Ty! Way too much info!” Derek said as he headed into the living room to start the fireplace. Tyler went to the fridge in the garage and pulled out six R.C. Colas.
 
“Everyone ready?” Tyler asked as he brought the drinks into the great room.
 
“What are we watching?” Kyle asked.
 
“A college staple! No one goes through University without watching Monty Python’s Holy Grail,” Tyler said.
 
“Sweet! I’ve heard so much about it, but I’ve never seen it before,” Derek said.
 
“I’ve never heard of it before… this is going to suck ass!” Kyle sulked crossing his arms.
 
“I love the scene with the Black Knight,” Luke said, stuffing his mouth full of Animal Crackers. Tyler, Derek, and Kyle all stared at him.
 
“What?” Luke asked.
 
“You’ve seen it?” Derek asked.
 
“A couple of times,” Luke said.
 
“You’re full of shit, Pukester. You haven’t seen the movie before!” Kyle said.
 
Luke went into full Monty Python mode. “Whose dat? Must be a King! Oww do you know he’s a King? He asn’t got shit all over him!” Luke said repeating the lines in the movie and then bursting into laughter. Tyler laughed at him.
 
“I just cut off your arm!” Tyler said in a fake English accent.
 
“It’s just a flesh wound!” Luke replied with an English accent.
 
“We are the Knights who say ‘Nee’!” Tyler said to Luke.
 
“Bring us a… Shrubbery!” Luke said, laughing hysterically.
 
“Great… now they’ve told us all of the best lines in the movie,” Kyle sighed leaning on one arm of the sofa.
 
“Silly English Kiiii-nig-its!” Luke said, and Tyler started to choke on some popcorn while Derek laughed at the two of them.
 
“Okay, Luke, you know the movie, you’ve passed the test, and you can pass Go and collect your degree.” Tyler said and Luke grinned at Derek and stuck his tongue out at Kyle.
 
“Everyone together on one sofa with the comforter?” Tyler suggested. No one moved. “Fine, Luke, Mango, and I will move over there,” Tyler said shaking his head.
 
Tyler snuggled up next to Kyle who was still sulking over having to watch the movie. “Just give it half an hour and if you don’t find it funny then we’ll turn it off,” Tyler offered.
 
After they were one hour into the movie Kyle had been laughing so hard that he could barely catch his breath. Tyler and Derek had warned him a few times to be quiet so he wouldn’t wake his parents who were sleeping above them.
 
“Am I hurting you?” Linda asked, as she bounced up and down on Larry.
 
“Only in the good way, Babe,” Larry said.
 
There was nothing better than when Linda was in the mood to do all the work and Larry just had to lie there and enjoy it. Larry played with Linda’s nipples hidden under cover of her black lace bra. Linda dropped down into Larry’s arms and sucked away on his ear lobe.
 
“Oh yeah, Babe…,” Larry said. Linda rose back up and lifted herself off of Larry. She saw his disappointed look. Grasping his hard member in her right hand she moved her hair back behind her ears and impaled her mouth on Larry.
 
“Oh… God!” Larry said as his eyes rolled back into his head. Tyler and Derek looked up at the ceiling above and then at each other and grinned.
 
Larry wanted to hold her head steady and fuck her brains out but he knew that was one of Linda’s no-nos. Larry clasped the headboard behind him with both hands and thrust his hips up once and held steady.
 
Linda twisted Larry’s cock back and forth as she devoured her prey. Using her long nails on her left hand, she ran them up under his balls. Larry flinched and his testicles tightened up. Linda pulled off Larry and extended her tongue out to lick up the outside of Larry’s cock from top to bottom. Larry’s facial expression could have been one of pain or pleasure or both!
 
Linda pressed her lips back down over Larry’s head and began to run her tongue around in circles over his piss slit. Twisting his shaft back and forth, she stroked him up and down and Larry came. The moment Linda pulled off of him he gave her a glass of ice water and kissed her passionately and told her once again how much he loved her.
 
Typically Larry would roll over and go to sleep but tonight was not a typical night. He rolled her over on her tummy and took the bottle of hand lotion on Linda’s nightstand. He squirted it out on her back and began to massage her. Larry worked from her neck and shoulders down to each individual toe before rolling her over.
 
“I love you so much, Linda!” Larry said as he softly kissed her.
 
Linda became suspicious that Larry might have had too much wine in him. She was about to say something when he pressed his finger against her lips. Larry got up and went into his walk-in closet and pulled out a card and a single, long stem, red rose in a vase. Linda gasped upon seeing the card and the rose. Larry set the rose on her nightstand and gave her the card. She didn’t even notice the small box he was hiding in his left hand. He crawled on top of her nuzzling between her perfumed breasts to keep her distracted while he slid the box under his pillow.
 
Larry began planting a thousand tiny kisses on her tummy as she opened the card.
 
Linda began to read aloud, “My Dearest Linda…,” Larry shushed her.
 
“I wrote it - I don’t need to hear it again,” Larry said looking up and winking at her. Linda raised the card up and looked at Larry. She gently hit him on the head with the card and smiled.
 
Linda lowered the card and began reading again, “My Dearest Linda, every moment of every day I am blessed with one thought that rises above any other, and that is my undying love for you and my appreciation of you being a part of my life. You are the air I breathe, that laughter in my soul, and the happiness, love, and warmth in my heart. Everything in my world that I hold close to my heart has come either through you or from you. There is nothing I have achieved in this life that came without your help and guidance. I have more than any man deserves in this world and all of it would mean nothing without you by my side to share it with. I am never alone or in need of anything as long as you are with me. For all the times that I have failed you I am deeply sorry and know that those scars live with me as a constant reminder that I will never be worthy of all that you have given me. As we approach our 20th Anniversary this coming summer I would ask, beg, and plead that you might consider me worthy of marrying you again? I promise to love, honour, and always remember every thing you unselfishly give to me. For my past, present, and future would you please marry me? Your ever loving, Larry.”
 
Linda began crying so loudly that Larry had to cover her mouth not to disturb the boys below. Larry reached over and pulled out a small box. Linda saw the box and put her hands to her mouth as she gasped. Larry got out of bed and kneeled down on the floor, on one knee and said. “Would you please honour me with another twenty plus years of happiness and take my hand in marriage again?”
 
Larry opened the box and said, “Oh Shit… backwards!” He laughed and turned the box around. Linda gasped again as she saw the three diamond solitaire ring before her. Larry removed the ring and slid it on her fourth finger.
 
Tears flowed as Linda looked at the ring. Larry, still waiting for an answer, held up a Dove chocolate bar and said with a smile, “I’ll throw in a half-eaten Dove bar if you say yes?”
 
“Oh God, yes, Larry!” Linda screamed and Tyler and Derek glanced at each other. “I don’t need a diamond ring to marry you again!” Linda said pulling Larry into a hug.
 
“Damn! I could have bought a Mazda RX-8!” Larry joked.
 
“Shut up and kiss me, Larry,” Linda said.
 
Larry pushed Linda back down on the bed and said, “I really have nothing of importance in life if I couldn’t share my world with you.”
 
“Larry, this ring is so beautiful and so unexpected, but it doesn’t come close to the card you wrote,” Linda said, still crying.
 
“Fine! Give it back and I’ll have a RX-8 by tomorrow afternoon.” Larry said pulling on her hand. Linda smiled and took her hand back. Larry winked and worked his way back down to Linda’s tummy.
 
Massaging each thigh with his hands, Larry used his thumbs to spread Linda’s vagina open. He ran his tongue from bottom up over and over. He clamped his lips down on the top of her clitoris and sucked back and forth while inserting two fingers in and out. Larry opened his eyes to look up at Linda and he could see that her eyes were closed. Larry happily smiled at the fact that she wasn’t looking at the ring. Larry’s right hand worked its way up to take Linda’s left hand in his. She squeezed tight when her first of two orgasms began. When all was over he covered Linda up and went back into the closet and brought out a crystal vase with 19 roses of all different colours in it.
 
“I wanted you to know that all of the colours of my life for the last 20 years have come from you!” Larry said as set the vase down on the dresser at the end of their bed. “And don’t even say I didn’t need to do that because the flowers are almost as expensive as a ring now!”
 
Linda laughed and hugged Larry as he got into bed.
 
“Why tonight?” Linda asked.
 
“Tonight? Well because with Christmas coming I knew we wouldn’t have time with everyone home, and Tyler basically guaranteed us a couple of hours alone with no interruptions. Besides, I didn’t want to wait until our anniversary to tell you how much I love you and how much you mean to me,” Larry said, lying on his right arm looking at Linda who was looking at her ring.
 
“So you’ll marry me again?” Larry asked.
 
“Unless a better offer comes along before June?” Linda winked.
 
“What would entail a better offer than a three stone ring with two carats of total diamond weight?” Larry asked.
 
“A man who could put the toilet seat down!” Linda joked.
 
“Well then I guess I don’t have to worry about competition because that’s never gonna happen,” Larry laughed and cuddled up with Linda.
 
“I want a story,” a sleepy Luke said as Tyler put him to bed.
 
“You don’t need a story tonight Luke, you can barely keep your eyes open,” Tyler said.
 
“Dad always reads me a story!” Luke demanded.
 
“Can I ask you a question, Luke?” Tyler said.
 
“Only if I get a story,” Luke grinned.
 
“Nope. Forget it then…,” Tyler said, getting up and giving Luke one more kiss.
 
“Okay, then ask the question,” Luke said.
 
“Firstly, Luke, I shouldn’t have to bribe you to ask you a question, and for future reference I won’t be bribed by you or anyone else!” Tyler said.
 
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way,” Luke apologized.
 
“You don’t need to be a con artist to have friends, Luke. You put everyone through a rigorous set of tests that you yourself can’t even live up to!” Tyler said. “I think you’re funny, and loveable, and I like you very much but I just don’t understand you!”
 
“What don’t you understand?” Luke asked.
 
“I don’t understand why you collect peanut butter jars? Would you be happier if you had a million peanut butter jars?” Tyler asked.
 
“I just like them… I just like peanut butter!” Luke said, trying to defend his collection.
 
“That’s great Luke. If you love them then it’s fine with me. It doesn’t matter to me anyway,” Tyler said.
 
“You don’t like them?” Luke asked sitting up in bed.
 
“I don’t like or hate them. I was just trying to understand why you collect them? I don’t understand why people collect anything. You go into the houses of old people and they have a spoon or teacup collection on the wall! People have houses stuffed with Elvis memorabilia, or Coca-Cola advertising or some other junk,” Tyler said.
 
“I just like it… I guess,” Luke said.
 
“That’s great Luke; if it makes you feel happy inside having the best or rarest collection of something then I am happy for you,” Tyler said giving him a kiss and getting up.
 
“Don’t you collect something?” Luke asked.
 
“Not really. I guess I collect music because it inspires me or helps me to feel better when I’m feeling down, but I don’t buy CD’s hoping that someday they will be worth something. For me, happiness comes from the inside. It’s about being honest with the people around me that I love and with myself! I still have a long way to go in that area but I am working at it everyday,” Tyler said.
 
“I want my story!” Luke said not liking where the conversation was going.
 
“Okay Luke. I will tell you a story and I then I will tell you another special story on Christmas Eve and that will be the last time I ever tell you a bedtime story,” Tyler said.
 
“Why?” Luke asked.
 
“Because you’re not the little boy you pretend to be Luke. Maybe you and I are the only ones who know that but we both know it’s true,” Tyler said.
 
Luke was about to speak when Tyler hushed him.
 
“Once upon a time there was a King who lived in a land far, far away. He ruled his Kingdom from one end to the other. His country was surrounded by many other Kingdoms that each had their own King.”
 
“Luke, what name should we give this King?” Tyler asked.
 
“Luke!” Luke said.
 
“Are you sure?” Tyler asked.
 
“Yes!” Luke said smiling.
 
“Well King Lucas had traveled to visit many of his neighbouring Kingdoms and saw all of the beautiful houses that these Kings lived in and the beautiful thrones each King had. He decided that he wanted to have a home that was bigger and more beautiful than any other King’s homes. A home that was completely different from all the other kings of the land! He ordered a glass palace to be built as his new home.
 
He invited all the Kings from the surrounding Kingdoms to visit his beautiful glass home! Every time another King would visit King Lucas he would bring a gift, as it was custom to do back then. King Lucas loved his throne he sat on and but he also loved everyone else’s throne. He got the word out that if they wanted to visit they had to bring a new throne as a gift,” Tyler said.
 
Luke frowned as he saw where this was heading.
 
“King Lucas was given so many thrones that he had to build a second floor on his glass home and then a third floor as well to store them all! His entire home was filled with beautiful thrones from top to bottom. Then one day the weight of all of these thrones were just too much on this glasshouse. The house came crashing down, crushing King Lucas,” Tyler said and stopped.
 
“That’s it?” Luke asked.
 
“That’s it!” Tyler answered.
 
“That’s not exactly a happy bedtime story!” Luke said angrily.
 
“You didn’t ask for a ‘happy’ bedtime story? You asked for a story!” Tyler said.
 
“This is about my peanut butter jar collection isn’t it?” Luke asked.
 
“Not really, Luke. What’s the moral of the story?” Tyler asked.
 
“You suck at telling bedtime stories!” Luke answered.
 
“Maybe… but there is a moral to this story,” Tyler said.
 
“What is it?” Luke asked. “Please?” He coldly added.
 
“People who live in glass houses shouldn’t stow thrones!” Tyler said and started laughing while Luke glared at him.
 
“You’re talking about my wall of peanut butter jars aren’t you?” Luke demanded to know.
 
“Nope! Peanut butter jars don’t mean a thing to me Luke. I already told you that,” Tyler said.
 
“Well you’re talking about something?” Luke asked, pouting.
 
“Pouting won’t make me give you the answer. You have to dig deep inside to figure it out yourself,” Tyler said as he kissed Luke goodnight and turned out his lamp.
 
“Is this to do with asking Jeff to put Santa up?” Luke asked Tyler as he was leaving.
 
“Nope! I only ask you to do things that make other people feel happy or loved, Luke,” Tyler said.
 
Tyler walked down to Derek’s bedroom and found him in bed almost asleep.
 
“I gather you had to tell Luke a story?” Derek asked yawning.
 
“I did but he didn’t like it.” Tyler grinned. Derek’s eyes opened.
 
“Why not?” Derek asked.
 
“It hit a little too close to home,” Tyler said.
 
“What did he do this time?” Derek asked sitting up in bed while Tyler stripped down to his boxers.
 
“Sorry, Derek, but that’s between Luke and me.” Tyler said. Derek saw the bedroom door move and put his finger to mouth and then pointed to the door. Derek then winked at Tyler. Tyler smiled.
 
“Fine… you’re keeping secrets from me now!” Derek said winking.
 
“Derek, if I told you a private conversation I had with Luke he would never trust me again. I don’t care if he likes me or hates me? I only care about two things! That he knows that I love him and that he respects me for being honest with him even if he doesn’t like what I have to say,” Tyler said smiling.
 
“I thought you two had worked things out?” Derek asked, grinning at Tyler.
 
“So did I but he tried to play me for a fool,” Tyler said dropping his boxers into his suitcase.
 
“So I guess you will have to leave then?” Derek said rolling his eyes. Tyler almost burst out into laughter.
 
“I want to finish making all the food for YOUR Christmas dinner,” Tyler said grinning.
 
“I’m sure Mom will pack something for US to eat on Christmas day,” Derek said smiling.
 
“You’re leaving too?” Tyler said
 
“Well I’m not going to leave you alone on Christmas Day. Kyle and Luke can have my presents,” Derek said.
 
“You know, we could go to Quiznos and get turkey subs to eat on Christmas Day! It will almost be like having a turkey dinner with loved ones!” Tyler said biting on his lip so that he wouldn’t laugh.
 
Luke tapped on the bedroom door and asked Tyler if he could speak with him.
 
“You can come in, Luke,” Tyler said smiling at Derek.
 
“I need to see you in my room for a moment,” Luke said.
 
“Okay,” Tyler said, opening the door.
 
“Ummm Ty?” Derek called.
 
“Yeah?” Tyler said.
 
“Ummm… boxers?” Derek said smiling. “We don’t want Luke finding another snake do we?”
 
Tyler laughed and grabbed a pair of night shorts. “My Bad!” he said, walking out and down to Luke’s room.
 
Tyler entered Luke’s bedroom to see that he had been crying.
 
“What’s a matter, Pookster?” Tyler said, sitting down beside Luke and putting his arm around him. “Having a bad dream already?”
 
“No.” Luke said.
 
“What’s wrong then?” Tyler asked.
 
“You were talking about the inline skates when you told that story weren’t you?” Luke asked.
 
“Yeah I was and I’m proud of you for figuring that out all by yourself.” Tyler said.
 
“I didn’t figure it out all by myself.” Luke said lowering his head down. “I was spying on you and Derek and I heard you say that I had fooled you.”
 
“Well my respect for you has just doubled, Luke!” Tyler said.
 
Luke looked up at Tyler. “How is that?”
 
“You told the truth, Luke! How can one not respect another man who tells the truth, even when he doesn’t want to?” Tyler said kissing Luke on the top of his head.
 
“I’m sorry about the Santa thing,” Luke said.
 
“Which one?” Tyler teased.
 
“Both! I’m sorry about smashing the Santa Claus you made for me and I’m sorry about lying to you about believing in Santa Claus. Will you forgive me?” Luke asked.
 
“You are forgiven but… you are still getting the inline skates from Santa Claus,” Tyler said, not smiling.
 
“I don’t want them. I don’t deserve them,” Luke said.
 
“No, you don’t deserve them but maybe every time you put them on it will be a reminder of what you did. There is nothing of real value to be gained when you deceive someone to win, Luke,” Tyler said.
 
“I don’t want them!” Luke said.
 
“You don’t really have a choice unless you can come up with some sort of solution?” Tyler said.
 
“I don’t want you to leave either! I don’t want you to ever leave, Ty!” Luke said leaning into Tyler and wrapping his arms around him.
 
“I already told you Luke that I don’t ever want you to be out of my life either. I will make you this promise though! I will always try my hardest to be a part of your life for as long as you want me to be, but if you ever tell me to go then I promise you I will never, ever return! So remember in anger or in happiness, always choose your words carefully?” Tyler said getting up and tucking Luke into bed and kissing him goodnight.
 
“Are you still going to tell me stories?” Luke asked.
 
“Nope! I am going to tell you one more bedtime story on Christmas Eve. It will be a little bit about you but how the story is told depends on what you do to fix this problem you have?” Tyler said. “Just remember one thing Luke, I love you very much. I always have and I always will,” Tyler said smiling.
 
“I love you too, Ty, but I would still like you to read me bedtime stories,” Luke said.
 
“Welcome to one of the most exciting, terrifying, happy, and sad times of your life, Luke! You’re no longer a little boy. You’re on the road to becoming a man, and a good one at that, but I’ll let you in on a little secret that will make your voyage a little easier,” Tyler offered.
 
“What’s that?” Luke asked.
 
“You happen to possess one of the most valuable collections in the world! You have three brothers who love you more than anything else and they are all here to support you,” Tyler smiled.
 
“You’re right, Ty! Night,” Luke said, rolling over. Tyler closed Luke’s bedroom door.
 
When Tyler woke up the next morning around five he discovered that he hadn’t been holding on to Derek all night but in fact Luke. Tyler slipped out over Luke and had his morning pee. He threw on a sweatshirt and socks and headed down to the kitchen. As he left Derek’s room, Abbey, who was looking for breakfast, and a pee, joined him.
 
“Morning, Abbey,” Tyler said and he sat on the top of the stairs putting his running shoes on while Abbey happily accepted a quick belly rub. Tyler fed and watered Abbey and then began his task of preparing all of the desserts for Christmas. By 8 o’clock Tyler had made two large pans of peanut butter squares along with a smaller square pan of them. The dough for the pecan shortbreads and gingerbread were in the fridge chilling. The Egg Nog cheesecake and the Virginia’s Chocolate Cheesecake had just come out of the oven and were cooling outside on top of the barbeque.
 
“All we have left to do, Abbey, is to make 4 tons of fudge, bake cookies, and make the lemon cheesecake bars,” Tyler said, smiling at her. Abbey panted.
 
“Sorry, Babe, no chocolate for you but how about a Beggin’ bacon strip?” Tyler asked. Abbey’s tail fanned the floor moving back and forth as he gave her a treat.
 
“Do I get a kiss?” Tyler asked, bending down. Abbey’s tongue gave him his right cheek a full lick.
 
“Looks like I’ve got competition,” Derek said, standing at the entrance to the kitchen.
 
“There’s no competition, Derek. Abbey’s my favourite girl!” Tyler said turning to face Derek as he stood up.
 
“Nice butt by the way!” Derek said.
 
“Why, thank you,” Tyler gleamed.
 
“I was talking about Abbey’s!” Derek grinned. Hearing her name, Abbey hurried over to her Derek for a morning pet.
 
“Damn you look hot, Derek!” Tyler said noticing the large bulge in Derek’s too tight night shorts. “I could do you right now on this counter if there was room to.”
 
“Really?” Derek smiled.
 
“Really, really!” Tyler said. “I love your hair like that!”
 
“Like what?” Derek asked giving Tyler a hug.
 
“You’ve got that ‘I slept in a dumpster last night’ look about you,” Tyler said, as they began to kiss. “And you didn’t brush your teeth yet, did you?”
 
“I can’t drink coffee after brushing my teeth, Ty,” Derek said, with his hands moving up under Tyler’s sweatshirt.
 
Larry, fully dressed, along with Linda wearing her bathrobe, entered the kitchen to see Derek and Tyler kissing.
 
“Oh my God!” Linda shrieked noticing all the food that Tyler had prepared. Derek and Tyler jumped apart as Derek wiped his lips. Larry burst into laughter.
 
“Thank God the island is covered with food or who knows what we might have seen going on in here?” Larry joked.
 
“I’m sorry, boys, I didn’t mean to interrupt! I was referring to all this food you boys have made,” Linda said.
 
“Glad she didn’t notice the two cheesecakes cooling outside on the barbeque,” Tyler joked.
 
“Food that Tyler made Mom!” Derek said.
 
“Speaking of… I need to get back to work here. Do you have any Christmas cookie cutters?” Tyler asked Linda and she went to a drawer and pulled out a bag of assorted designs and attachments.
 
“I’ve got to get Kyle and Luke up because we have some shopping to do this morning,” Derek said.
 
“I need some decorative gel icing and some plastic squeeze bottles. Can you pick some up?” Tyler asked, as he poured coffee for Larry and Linda.
 
“Sure, but what colours do you want?” Derek asked.
 
“All the red and green you can find but I also need an assortment of other colours as well. I am doing a Christmas tree on the Egg Nog cheesecake,” Tyler said.
 
“Egg Nog cheesecake?” Larry asked with a big smile.
 
“With a praline sauce,” Tyler added smiling back.
 
Kyle came running into the kitchen in only boxers and socks. He did an eight-foot slide on the tile floor and then began singing.
 
“We're Knights of the Round Table. We dance whene'er we're able.
We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impeccable. We dine well here in Camelot. We eat ham and jam and spam a lot,” Kyle sang with a big grin and finished with a round of applause from his brothers and parents.
 
Luke arrived as the applause for Kyle died down.
 
“Morning, Pookey!” Larry said. Luke never said a word to anyone. He walked around the island and looked at all the food. He came over beside Tyler and placed his palms flat on the counter and jumped up holding himself in the air.
 
“Morning, Luke, did you sleep well?” Tyler asked.
 
“What is your quest?” Luke demanded with a British accent.
 
“I seek to finish making all this food before Christmas!” Tyler responded in a British accent.
 
“What is your name, Sir Knight?” Luke asked still holding himself up off the floor.
 
“Sir Tyler… of Canuckistan!” Tyler said and everyone laughed.
 
“What is the average wing speed of a sparrow?” Luke asked with a big grin.
 
“African or European?” Tyler asked back.
 
Luke paused and looked out to the backyard. “I don’t know?” Luke responded and yelled “Aahhhhhhhhhhhh” as he pushed himself up in the air from the counter and dropped down to the floor. Luke got a round of applause as well.
 
Derek poured two glasses of chocolate milk for his brothers.
 
“Sounds like someone had fun last night watching a movie?” Larry said sipping on his coffee.
 
“More fun than you guys had reading the Bible!” Luke said, taking his chocolate milk.
 
Everyone look at each other wondering what he meant? “What do you mean, Pookey?” Linda said.
 
“While watching the Holy Grail last night we kept hearing ‘oh God, oh God’…,” Luke said, walking off to the great room to watch television.
 
Everyone snorted or laughed except Linda who turned beet red. Kyle dropped his head down into his arms on the island hysterical with laughter. Tyler grabbed a dishtowel to put over his mouth as coffee came out his nose from laughing.
 
“Dad, can you put that sign back out on the front lawn… I want to be adopted by another family?” Kyle said laughing.
 
“Add my name to it as well!” Derek said.
 
Luke returned to the kitchen. “You people are all freaks,” he said, standing next to Tyler.
 
“Holy crap! What’s that?” Luke asked pointing at his mother. Everyone looked at Linda.
 
“What are you looking at, Luke?” Derek asked.
 
“That!” he said pointing. Linda knew exactly what he meant and she held up her hand showing the ring off.
 
“That, Lucas, is a Mazda RX-8 but with better gas mileage,” Larry said.
 
“Holy crap is right, Luke!” Derek said.
 
“Your Mom and I are going to get married this spring,” Larry said and silence took over the room and three mouths dropped open and Tyler grinned.
 
“Oh God!” Luke yelled putting his hands on his face. “I’m a bastard!” He screamed and everyone began laughing.
 
“Glad to see you finally owning up to it, Luke?” Kyle said grinning. Luke stuck his tongue out at Kyle.
 
“Maybe I should rephrase it Luke. We are going to get married again,” Larry said smiling.
 
“Congratulations!” Tyler said and went over and gave Linda a hug and kiss.
 
“Thank you, Lord!” Luke said. “I don’t want to be a statistic!” Everyone laughed.
 
“I can assure you Luke that you are a one of a kind!” Derek said.
 
“Can I be the ring bearer?” Luke asked.
 
“Can you drive an RX-8?” Larry asked, grinning at Luke.
 
“Not as far as you know, Dad!” Luke grinned back at Larry. Larry held out one finger to ask something but decided he didn’t want to know the answer.
 
“Sweet! I just realized we all get to go on a honeymoon!” Kyle said.
 
“We?” Larry and Linda said together.
 
“Disneyland!” Luke yelled! “Can Mango and me have our own room?”
 
“NO!” Larry and Linda said in unison.
 
“You’ve got to pick up Kyle’s pants too when you are out, Derek,” Tyler reminded him.
 
“Right! Thanks for reminding me!” Derek said.
 
“Don’t forget the sunglasses?” Tyler added.
 
“Now I won’t,” Derek grinned.
 
“Kyle’s pants?” Linda asked.
 
“Nothing…” Derek and Tyler said together. Luke and Kyle laughed.
 
“When is Casey due back?” Derek asked.
 
“He’ll be back in time for bowling,” Tyler said.
 
“Speaking of bowling… what do you want to do for dinner Larry?” Linda asked.
 
“I’m not sure that I follow you?” Larry asked.
 
“Derek and Tyler are taking all of our boys out for bowling and dinner tonight so we will be alone. I thought maybe we would go out for dinner?” Linda suggested.
 
“Hmmm… or we could just stay home and read the Bible,” Larry said winking. Linda elbowed him.
 
“That’s it! I’m going to go shower!” Derek said shaking his head.
 
“Not if I beat you there first! I do not want to be a part of this conversation,” Kyle said, and they both scrambled to get out of the kitchen.
 
“Derek?” Tyler yelled and Derek stopped.
 
“Wot?” Derek asked, slowing and twisting his head sideways trying to look mentally unstable.
 
“Don’t forget to brush your teeth,” Tyler said smiling.
 
“Shouldn’t you be making your family some breakfast instead of yakking?” Derek winked.
 
“I want Tyler’s French Toast for breakfast,” Luke announced.
 
“I do too!” Larry said chiming in. “What is Tyler’s French Toast?” He asked.
 
“It’s a fifty-fifty mix of eggs and Egg Nog along with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg!” Tyler said as he began pressing out gingerbread men from the cookie mold. “C'mere for a moment, Luke," Tyler called.
 
“Wot?” Luke asked twisting his head slightly.
 
“You do that much better than, Derek,” Tyler said laughing.
 
“I do everything better than, Derek,” Luke said. Tyler, Larry, and Linda all stopped what they were doing and looked at Luke.
 
“Please don’t explain that, Luke,” Tyler asked. “I want you to try this and tell me if it is Luke approved?” Tyler asked cutting a peanut butter chocolate pecan square out and giving it to Luke. Luke popped the entire square into his mouth chewing away but said nothing.
 
“Luke?” Tyler asked.
 
Luke walked over to a kitchen cupboard and pulled out a jar of Kraft peanut butter and said, “Needs more peanut butter!”
 
“K…,” Tyler said, rolling his eyes at Larry and Linda.
 
“HEY?” Luke said holding an empty jar in his hand. “How many times do I have to tell you not to put empty jars of peanut butter back in the cupboard? If I’ve said it once… I’ve said it…,” Luke paused holding the empty jar up in the air. “Never mind, get back to work making my breakfast,” he said, pulling out a fresh jar of peanut butter. Linda laughed and Larry shook his head.
 
“May I please have another piece of your delicious squares?” Luke asked.
 
“Huh?” Tyler said.
 
“Double Huh?” Linda said leaning forward on the counter.
 
“I think it’s be like Tyler day around here?” Larry guessed aloud.
 
“I’m about to do dishes, Luke, lots and lots of dishes,” Tyler said.
 
“Be like Tyler day was yesterday Dad, but you can make up for your faux paus by doing Tyler’s dishes today,” Luke said. “Square please?” Luke asked again holding out one hand with the other hand holding a knife loaded with peanut butter. Tyler dropped a second one into Luke’s hand and winked.
 
“Looks like breakfast is all ready, except for putting the French toast on the grill,” Larry said.
 
“I need to speak to Tyler alone so go away…,” Luke said waving them off with both hands and Larry and Linda glared at Luke. “Please?” Luke asked with a smile.
 
“I guess we’ve now been booted out of our own kitchen?” Larry said to Linda.
 
“Go read your Bible, Dad,” Luke said and Larry smiled at Linda!
 
“There’s a good idea, Linda. We could read the Bible together,” Larry said, and Linda smiled shaking her head.
 
 As they left the kitchen and started upstairs, Derek came down the hall wrapped in only a towel having just finished his shower. “Mom, I need to speak with you alone for a moment?”
 
“Great…,” Larry said.
 
“Go read the Bible alone!” Linda teased.
 
“Like I haven’t done that a thousand times before?” Larry moaned.
 
“Practice makes perfect, dear!” Linda said grinning and following Derek down to his room.
 
“What’s a matter, honey?” Linda asked.
 
“We need to get Dad out of the house for at least an hour! Do you know how to get rid of him?” Derek asked.
 
“Derek… I’ve been married to your father for over 20 years now! Of course I know how to get rid of him. Tell me what you want me to do?” Linda said.
 
“Luke, Kyle, and I are going to get a real Christmas tree for Dad. We’re going to set it up on a stand outside on the patio and decorate it with lights as a surprise for Dad but we will need about an hour from the time we get home to get it finished,” Derek said.
 
“Oh Derek, that’s a wonderful idea. Your Dad needs to pick up the wine and liquor for tomorrow night so what I’ll do is send Tyler with him,” Linda said.
 
“Thanks, Mom,” Derek said hugging Linda.
 
“You’re welcome honey; anything for one of my boys,” Linda said.
 
“Isn’t Tyler great?” Derek asked.
 
“He sure is! Hold on tight to him, Derek, and don’t ever to do anything to make him want to leave you,” Linda said.
 
“Mom, there isn’t a day that I don’t consider myself the luckiest guy in the world to have Tyler in my life. I never knew what being in love was until we found each other,” Derek said.
 
“Now you know how I feel about your Father,” Linda said.
 
“I think we kind of figured that out last night….,” Derek said laughing.
 
Linda coughed and smiled.
 
“It’s okay Mom, Tyler jumped to the occasion and immediately told Luke that you guys were reading the Bible!” Derek said, laughing.
 
“I think it’s really great that you and Dad are still so much in love at your…,” Derek stopped.
 
“Age?” Linda said, narrowing her eyes and biting down on her lower lip.
 
“Yeah, exactly! What are you now, 29 years old?” Derek asked grinning.
 
“Go get your brothers and get that damned tree put up!” Linda said kissing Derek’s cheek. “Thank you for being the wonderful first son you are Derek. I couldn’t be any prouder of you than I have been in the last month.”
 
Tyler lifted Luke up on to the counter and then hugged him. “What’s up, Pookster?” Tyler said.
 
“I was thinking about those skates. I came up with two ideas!” Luke said.
 
“Uh huh…,” Tyler said as he began pressing out cookie shapes in dough.
 
“I could give them to Casey because he doesn’t have anything near what I have but then I thought that there are a lot of people worse off in the world than even him? So I figured I could either return them and donate the money to charity or give them to the Santa Claus Stocking fund for kids who don’t have all that I have,” Luke said.
 
“What do you have that no one else has, Luke?” Tyler asked
 
“I have you and Mom and Dad and Kyle and Derek and Casey…” Luke said.
 
“I got your point Luke and I like your style! I was going to go out and make a donation to the food bank today so why don’t you come with me and we’ll see if they can help us find a needy boy who could wear your skates?” Tyler asked and Luke smiled.
 
“I’m sorry for all the things I’ve done to you this week Ty,” Luke said.
 
“All you’ve done is make my world a better place, Luke. You are without question the one person I would most want to be like!” Tyler said giving Luke a soft kiss on the lips. “How about some French Toast and then we’ll get showered and go?”
 
“After breakfast, Larry, I need you to pick up the liquor, beer, and wine… and while you’re out could you see if you can buy a case of cheap wine glasses, please?” Linda asked.
 
“So much for Bible study!” Larry said, sighing.
 
“Honey… we have the house to ourselves tonight! When was the last time we got to go naked in the Jacuzzi?” Linda winked.
 
“If we gave Derek some extra money do you think he would take them all to a movie after bowling and dinner?” Larry said jumping up off the bed and getting dressed again.
 
“Shit!” Larry said.
 
“What’s wrong?” Linda asked.
 
“Kathy and Casey are coming home tonight,” Larry said.
 
“Oh that’s right! I need to discuss some of the presents we got for her to give Casey from Santa and herself,” Linda mused.
 
“I think you’re missing my point? We won’t be alone tonight,” Larry said.
 
“I’m sure we’ll get some quiet time, honey,” Linda said, kissing his cheek.
 
“Nope. Sorry, it’s Christmas! Let’s take Kathy out to dinner and maybe a movie?” Larry suggested.
 
“Really Larry? That’s so sweet of you to think of that,” Linda said.
 
“I didn’t actually… I thought about what Tyler would do?” Larry groaned. “I had better get breakfast into everyone!” he said leaving the bedroom.
 
Tyler and Luke were heading upstairs as Larry was coming down.
 
“Don’t you guys want breakfast?” Larry asked.
 
“We just ate, Dad!” Luke said.
 
“Derek and Kyle are eating breakfast as we speak,” Tyler added.
 
“My work here is done!” Larry smiled to himself heading into the kitchen.
 
“Hurry up and get dressed Luke. I’m going to grab a quick shower and shave,” Tyler said.
 
Tyler stripped naked and turned on the shower. He thought about having a quick jack off session when he finished washing his hair and body but decided he didn’t have time. He was glad he didn’t because when he turned off the water and opened the sliding glass doors Luke was sitting on the vanity.
 
“What do you want Luke?” Tyler asked covering himself with a towel.
 
“I was just waiting for you,” Luke said.
 
Tyler walked over to the sink and began applying shaving cream to his face.
 
“Does it hurt to shave?” Luke asked.
 
“Sort of… I wouldn’t say it is the highlight of my day!” Tyler said as he finished covering his beard. He looked straight at Luke and said, “Ho Ho Ho! Have you been a good boy this year, Lucas?” Tyler asked smiling
 
“Santa... I’ve been the poster boy for all the Angels in heaven this year!” Luke said with praying hands, barely able to keep a straight face.
 
Tyler roared with laughter, “You’re a lying little sack of shit, Luke!”
 
“Santa, does Mrs. Claus know you swear around the children?” Luke asked grinning.
 
“No, and she doesn’t know that I play strip poker with 5 of the reindeer on Tuesday nights either!” Santa Tyler laughed with his ‘ho ho ho’!
 
“What are your favourite things that little boys and girls give you when you go to their house?” Luke asked.
 
“Hard liquor, dirty magazines, and pork rinds!” Santa Tyler said ending each answer with a hearty deep laugh.
 
“What do you like best about your sleigh Santa?” Luke asked still giggling.
 
“My BOSE stereo system and the port-a-potty I installed about 10 years ago!” Santa Tyler said laughing.
 
“What house is your favourite to go to?” Luke asked of Santa Tyler.
 
“Ryan Philippe’s… he’s a bad, bad boy… if you know what I mean?” Santa Tyler asked, winking and Luke shook his head.
 
“What do you spend all the cash on that people leave for you on Christmas Eve, Santa?” Luke said.
 
“Strippers, Cheesecake, and blond hair colour for Mrs. Claus!” Santa Tyler said laughing as he began shaving.
 
“Speaking of Cheesecake Santa, what’s your favourite food?” Luke asked.
 
“Anything but reindeer meat, little boy! Oops. I probably shouldn’t have said that!” Santa Tyler laughed and added, “I like to drop by Quiznos or pick up some ribs at Darryl’s Restaurant in Greensboro when I am flying over the Americas…”
 
The bathroom door opened and Derek said, “Luke? I’ve been searching for you. We have to go do that thing for Dad!”
 
“I can’t go! I have to help Tyler with something,” Luke said. Derek looked at Tyler.
 
“He really does have something very important to do, Derek,” Tyler said.
 
“This is not happening…,” Derek said walking out of the bathroom.
 
“Go get your coat and boots on Luke while I get dressed,” Tyler said wiping the excess shaving cream off of his face.
 
Luke ran up to the attic and pulled out a small crate and brought it back to the kitchen. He grabbed a stool and climbed up to open his peanut butter cupboard.
 
“Do you want some help, honey?” Linda said as she was washing dishes.
 
“No Mom… it’s all good,” Luke said as he began pulling out new jars of peanut butter and putting them into the crate. He took his one large jar of smooth peanut butter from Angelo and Gina and put it back up along with one jar of Crunchy peanut butter that he was giving to Casey in his stocking.
 
“What are you doing, Lucas?” Linda asked.
 
“Just sorting out what’s important,” he said as he walked off towards the garage with his crate full of peanut butter. Luke then went to see his Dad who was in his office.
 
“Dad, I need to get into my box?” Luke asked, and Larry knew right away that he needed to get into his locked bottom right hand drawer of his desk. Larry pulled out the box and handed it to Luke. Luke in turn pulled out his own key and unlocked the box right in front of Larry.
 
Luke opened the box and pulled out a wad of bills that made Larry gulp. “How much have you got in there, Luke?” Larry asked as Luke was pulling out five $20.00 bills.
 
“A few thousand, I figure,” Luke said.
 
“Are you turning tricks on the street for money, Luke?” Larry questioned Luke.
 
“Dad… You know I’m not a good skater like Kyle,” Luke said.
 
“Don’t you think?” Larry began.
 
“Dad! We’ve had this discussion. I don’t tell you how to invest and you don’t tell me,” Luke said holding his palm up towards Larry.
 
“May I ask what you are going to do with YOUR money you are taking out?” Larry asked.
 
“I’m making a donation to the Salvation Army and the Baltimore Area Food Bank,” Luke said recounting his bills.
 
“Are you going to buy your Dad anything for Christmas?” Larry asked.
 
“Did you want something?” Luke said seriously.
 
Luke pulled out a five-dollar bill. “Sure, I’ll buy you something.” Luke said. Then he thought about it for second and put the five-dollar bill back. “Why spend my money on a card when I can have Kyle print one off of the internet?” Luke said as he closed and locked his box.
 
“It feels so good to be loved…,” Larry sighed.
 
“Talk is cheap, but love is priceless, Dad!” Luke said as he left the office counting his money once more.
 
“Tell that to the guy who lost out on his commission on a Mazda RX-8,” Larry mumbled to himself.
 
Tyler grabbed the box with Luke’s inline skates from Derek’s closet and headed downstairs. “Are you ready to go, Luke?” Tyler asked.
 
“Yup!” Luke said.
 
“I better tell your Mom we’ll be gone for about an hour or more,” Tyler said walking into the kitchen.
 
“Are you and Larry ready to leave because I’ve got the list made up,” Linda said.
 
“Me and Dr. Anderson, Ma’am?” Tyler queried.
 
“To pick up the alcohol and soft drinks!” Linda said.
 
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about Ma’am?” Tyler said.
 
“Oh Shit!” Linda laughed. “I forgot to ask you. Could you go with Larry to the help him get the drinks for the party? I would really prefer if you picked the wine… if you know what I mean?” Linda said winking.
 
“Well, Luke and I are just headed out,” Tyler said as Larry came into the kitchen.
 
“Larry! The boys have to run some errands so could you go with them to the liquor store right now and then Tyler and Luke can go and finish what they need to do?” Linda asked.
 
“Sure…, I guess. Tyler do you want to follow me then?” Larry asked.
 
“Sure.” Tyler said. “Mrs. Anderson, I left instructions and baking times for the gingerbreads. Put one tray in the freezer for 10 minutes before putting it into the oven and after the first tray goes in put the second tray into the freezer and so on. Just leave them to cool on the trays so I can decorate them when I get back.”
 
“Don’t worry, it will be fine and thank you for all you have done Tyler,” Linda said giving him a hug.
 
Tyler followed Larry into the liquor store and when they went in one of the employees noticed that they had filled a cart with a lot of alcohol and offered to help the three of them.
 
“Did you folks need some help?” Dennis asked.
 
“Yes, Sir,” Tyler said. “We have a list to fill but I would really like to get a good single malt Scotch about 12 plus years old. Do you have anything from Isley?
 
Dennis smiled upon hearing someone who knew about good Scotch! “We do but we don’t keep it out here! Come with me?” Dennis said.
 
Dennis punched a series of numbers into a keypad next to a locked door and everyone heard the click. Dennis opened the door to a room that was bigger than their regular retail area.
 
“Whoa!” Luke said upon entering.
 
“Whoa is right, Luke!” Larry said pushing the cart into the back room.
 
“They must keep peanut butter in here too!” Luke whispered to his dad. Larry grinned silently.
 
Dennis led Tyler to the Scotch section. Tyler pulled out two bottles that were over $150.00 a piece.
 
“We need some good Italian red and white wines. Perhaps some Chianti from the Parma region of Northern Italy and do you carry any Frascatti?” Tyler asked.
 
Dennis beamed! “Yes! I still got two cases from 1999. They’re on special as well! Less than eight-dollars a bottle!”
 
“We’ll take two cases then!” Tyler grinned.
 
Larry and Luke looked at each other.
 
“What else do you need?” Dennis asked.
 
“We need some Crown Royal, Dry Vermouth for Martini’s, Tanquery Vodka, Tequila, and some beer! Do you carry Michelob?” Tyler asked.
 
“Only because the owner drinks it!” Dennis joked.
 
“It’s still better than Bud,” Tyler said smiling.
 
“I wouldn’t feed that crap to a slug!” Dennis said.
 
“Are we having slugs tomorrow night?” Tyler asked Larry.
 
“You’d better believe it!” Larry said.
 
“What about Smithwicks and Rikard’s Red?” Tyler asked. “Maybe some Moosehead as well?”
 
“I’ve got Smithwicks and Moosehead, but Rikard’s Red is only available in Canada. The American version is called Killian’s Red and it is palatable if you’ve had enough to drink beforehand,” Dennis said grinning as he led them to the beer section.
 
“I love this!” Tyler whispered to Larry. “A beer snob! How great is this finding a guy who knows his stuff?” Tyler giggled.
 
“Whatever floats your boat, Ty,” Luke said, rolling his eyes at his father.
 
“Word! Little man,” Larry said fisting with Luke. Tyler gave both of them the evil eye.
 
“When the guests start complimenting you on your choice of Scotch I will be expecting apologies from both of you!” Tyler said and wandered off to catch up to Dennis.
 
“Snob!” Larry and Luke said in unison and laughed.
 
When it came time to check out Tyler never batted an eye when the total came to $924.00. Larry almost dropped dead of a heart attack. He pulled out his VISA card and handed it to Dennis.
 
Tyler figured that the owner of the liquor store was the older man standing behind Dennis watching the large order be registered.
 
“Sir, are you the owner?” Tyler asked.
 
“Yes Sir, can I be of help to you?” The man said.
 
“Nothing Sir, I just wanted to complement you on what a great help Dennis has been. He makes an excellent sommelier! You are very lucky to have such a great assistant,” Tyler said as the owner perused the quantity and quality of the stock on Tyler’s cart.
 
“Thank you, Sir. We are very proud of Dennis! Many of our best customers work exclusively with Dennis to make sure their functions are properly met. Gino Mazerelli!” the owner said shaking Tyler’s hand and smiling.
 
“Dr. Anderson?” Dennis said. “There seems to be a problem with your card, Sir!”
 
“Oh Shit! I know what it is? I put the ring on the card.” Larry said quite embarrassed.
 
“No problem Dad!” Tyler said winking. “We’ll put it on my card!” Tyler said pulling his VISA card out and handing it to Dennis.
 
“There won’t be a problem, Dennis - I have a $25,000.00 limit.” Tyler said.
 
“Whoa!” Luke said.
 
“Mmmm hmmmm.” Larry said putting his card back in his wallet.
 
“You seem to know a great deal about wine yourself?” Gino asked.
 
“He does Mr. Mancuzi! I would hire him in a moment!” Dennis said.
 
“I work in a small Italian restaurant in Philadelphia called Ciccone’s Trattoria.” Tyler said.
 
“Angelo Ciccone?” Gino asked.
 
“Yes Sir. Angelo and Gina are my bosses,” Tyler said.
 
“It probably should be noted that they think of Tyler as their own son!” Larry said putting his hand on Tyler’s shoulder.
 
Gino handed Tyler his card and then said something in Italian to Dennis. Dennis handed Tyler his credit card and the chit to sign. He asked Tyler to wait one moment and said he would be right back. Dennis returned with two bottles 1991 Barolo covered in dust and protected by a plastic mesh sleeves. He wrapped one bottle in bubble pack and put it in a bag with one of Gino’s cards. Dennis then handed the bag to Gino who in turn handed the bag to Tyler.
 
“I would be very grateful if you would kindly give this to Angelo and Gina from me when you return to work?” Gino asked. Tyler accepted the bottle on Angelo and Gina’s behalf!
 
Gino then handed the next bottle to Tyler as a thank you gift for delivering the first bottle. Tyler politely declined.
 
“Thank you Sir but I must respectfully decline. It would be my honour to deliver this to Angelo and Gina as a small thank you for all they have given me, but if you feel the need to say thank you then you may do so by never letting go of Dennis,” Tyler said smiling as he shook Gino’s hand. Larry noticed that Tyler quickly inserted his hand in his pocket and shook Dennis’ hand. He saw the quiet exchange of bills.
 
When they finished loading up the Van Larry stared at Tyler.
 
“Did I do something wrong?” Tyler asked.
 
“No. You did everything the way it was supposed to be done. I learned more in one hour with you than I did in a week at medical school!” Larry said. “Why and how much money did you put in Dennis’ hand?”
 
“It’s customary to tip the Sommelier for good service but I like to think of it as an investment! Dennis will now personally handle your orders. Trust him implicitly! I’ve learned to give approximately 5% of the total order, though after using him for a year you probably want to go a little higher in the Christmas season. It’s actually saves you money in the long run. He will hunt out and find under-valued wines and spirits all over the world! A good Sommelier makes you look great to your guests!” Tyler said grinning.
 
“How did you know what beers to choose?” Larry asked.
 
“Very easy! Beer drinkers come as three basic types. There is the white-trash barfly who wears the Bud cap with the logo. Then there is the moderately sophisticated beer drinker who wants to taste something more than the local slosh on tap, and finally there is the cultured American beer sipper! He will enjoy one beer while shooting a game of pool or eating barbeque! He wants quality not quantity. So we have Michelob which is the higher end of the slush, Moosehead for those who want more flavour but don’t have radical tastes in beer, and finally we have Smithwicks, a mild British beer which can be enjoyed over a couple of hours,” Tyler said.
 
“Whoa!” Larry said. “Thank you Tyler for your help and your credit card. Drinking on your tab will be fun for change!” Larry winked and Tyler grinned.
 
“Sir, you still need to get a case of cheap wine glasses! Can you handle that yourself?” Tyler asked.
 
“Go on your Merry Christmas way…,” Larry said, and Luke rolled his eyes.
 
“Let’s go to the food bank first,” Luke said.
 
“Yes, Boss,” Tyler said, turning to smile at Luke.
 
Tyler got out of the Jeep and walked up to the big overhead loading ramp doors of the food bank. He turned expecting to see Luke but he was still at the Jeep trying to unload a box. Tyler went back to help Luke and find out what he was doing.
 
“Lucas? This is a year’s worth of peanut butter to a family that lives on it… or a month for you!” Tyler teased. Luke looked up with his eyes beginning to water.
 
“I’m sorry Luke, I wasn’t trying to be rude. That’s a really great offering and I know that can’t be easy for you do?” Tyler said and Luke sniffled. “At least let me carry it for you,” Tyler said, trying to take the box from Luke but he moved away.
 
“Ahhh, I see… This is something you have to do on your own, eh?” Tyler asked and Luke nodded but wouldn’t look at Tyler.
 
Tyler shut the Jeep door and walked up the stairs ahead of Luke so he could hold the receiving door open. They saw a man in his fifties in a uniform sitting behind a desk in an office so they went to see him to ask directions.
 
Tyler tapped on the open door. “Excuse me ,Sir?” Tyler asked.
 
“Sergeant Bagger! How can I help you?” The man behind the desk asked.
 
“Sir, my little brother is here to make a donation to the Food Bank and we were just wondering where to take it?” Tyler asked.
 
Sergeant Bagger looked around behind Tyler to a boy hiding that was holding a box. The Sergeant narrowed his eyes and moved slightly to his right to get a better look at Luke. Once Luke peeked out from behind Tyler the Sergeant’s frown turned into a huge grin! He turned around and grabbed the calendar off the wall and began flipping the pages backwards.
 
“Ah Ha!” Sergeant Bagger yelled, and then started to scan the fine print of the calendar. “You’re Lucas Anderson?” he asked with a huge smile.
 
Luke peeked around Tyler’s leg and nodded in fear. The sergeant jumped up out of his desk and came straight at Luke with his hand extended.
 
“It’s an honour to meet you, Lucas!” The Sergeant said. “I’ve never met a Kraft Calendar kid! You are definitely the most talked about month of 2005. Here, let me set that box down. Holy crap! You’re giving us peanut butter too?” The sergeant asked and Luke nodded now holding on to the back of Tyler’s coat.
 
“Can I see the calendar?” Tyler asked.
 
“Just a second. Come here Lucas? Sit down! Use my chair if you prefer,” Sergeant Bagger offered.
 
Luke smiled and sat down in one of the two chairs facing the Sergeant’s desk.
 
“Sir?” Tyler interrupted.
 
“What?” Asked the Sergeant not amused at Tyler’s interruption.
 
“I hate to bother you Sir but we need to get this dropped off and get going,” Tyler said smiling.
 
“You can’t go yet! You just got here! I have to phone some others around here who will want to meet you Lucas. Would it be all right if we had a few pictures taken with Lucas? We’ve never really had a star show up here before. It would be great for morale!” The Sergeant asked Tyler.
 
“If you want to take Lucas’ picture then you need to ask him,” Tyler said, reaching over and lifting the Kraft Foods Peanut Butter Calendar off of the Sergeants desk.
 
“Holy Crap Luke! There’s your wall of fame and you! What’s your shirt say?” Tyler asked.
 
“It said Pork Fat Rules but I crossed out the pork fat and wrote in Kraft Peanut Butter,” Luke said, grinning.
 
“Ummm Sergeant, I see you are with the Salvation Army and I was wondering if I could make a donation to them while I am here?” Tyler asked.
 
“Oh yes! Certainly!” The Sergeant said and pulled out the receipt book.
 
“Now I’m a Canadian, so the receipt is no good to me so would you make it out to Larry Anderson please in the amount of $100.00?” Tyler asked.
 
“Make it $200.00.” Luke said pulling out five twenty-dollar bills and setting them down on the desk.
 
“Oh oh oh …” The sergeant began to hyperventilate. “You’re not only giving food but money also? This is probably the most exciting day of my life!” The Sergeant said placing one hand over his heart and looking up to heaven. Tyler looked at Luke and both giggled.
 
“Dear Lord! The world needs more Lucas Andersons!!!” The Sergeant said.
 
“If there’s a shortage you can have this…Owww!” Tyler said upon being punched in the arm by Luke.
 
What should have taken 10 minutes ended up being almost an hour and a half! Tyler ended up holding the cameras for everyone and taking all of the pictures.
 
“Sergeant Bagger?” Tyler called away from the group.
 
“Yes Tyler?” He said almost giddy from the morning’s events.
 
“Do you people do a Christmas dinner for those in need?” Tyler asked.
 
“This Saturday the 24th at noon! Most of the people working here are volunteers and they want to be home with their families on Christmas Day,” Sergeant Bagger said.
 
“Would I be able to volunteer and come in and help?” Tyler asked.
 
“Me too!” Luke added.
 
“You’re kidding me right?” Sergeant Bagger said clapping his hands together in excitement.
 
“Sergeant, Sir? I really don’t have the time to go through all of this again. What time would you like us to be here?” Tyler said
 
“Ten o’clock would be great! Next to Thanksgiving this is our busiest meal of the year! If you wouldn’t mind Luke, we could probably raise some much needed funds if we could advertise a little bit that a celebrity like you was going to be here?” Sergeant Bagger asked and Luke grinned.
 
“I know the Mayor and many city councillors would want the photo op and if we could say something like ‘for a can or cash donation bring your own camera and have your picture taken with Kraft Foods June 2005 Calendar Kid Lucas Anderson’, then we could really raise a lot for the needy people of Baltimore,” Sergeant Bagger pleaded.
 
“What do you say, Luke?” Tyler asked.
 
“I think this will be the best Christmas yet,” Luke said, shaking hands with the Sergeant and then Luke saluted the Sergeant and Sergeant Bagger saluted back.
 
“One last question Sir? Luke has a brand new pair of inline skates he wants to see go anonymously to a guy around his age for Christmas. Could you help make that happen?” Tyler asked.
 
“I know just the boy, too! He and his Mom volunteer every Saturday and they also make use of the food bank. The staff here chipped in and bought David a hockey stick and ball for his birthday along with a cake. Hey Luke, maybe you would like to give him the present yourself?” Sergeant Bagger asked.
 
“No Sir, it’s to come from Santa Claus, not me,” Luke said sadly.
 
“Well that’s really kind of you Luke. The world would be a much better place if we had more Lucas Andersons in it,” Sergeant Bagger said.
 
Tyler and Luke said their goodbyes to everyone and headed home. Tyler put his fist up in the air and Luke met him halfway.
 
“Ya dun good pardner!” Tyler said in a John Wayne voice.
 
“We dun good, Tyler!” Luke said taking Tyler’s hand in his.
 
“Giving is a lot more fun than receiving, isn’t it?” Tyler asked.
 
“Nope!” Luke said with a big grin and then winked at Tyler.
 
“I already knew that, Ty. I let Casey play with or have anything he wants in my room,” Luke said.
 
“Really? I never knew that?” Tyler said putting both hands back on the steering wheel.
 
“Don’t tell anyone, Ty, I have an image to maintain,” Luke grinned, and Tyler lightly punched his arm.
 
Tyler put on a song especially for Luke called ‘Everybody’ by Stabilo Boss. “Have a listen to the words of this song, Luke! It’s about the greed in the world,” Tyler said and he and Luke listened quietly until it ended.
 
“Are you going to help me make three pans of fudge when we get home?” Tyler asked.
 
“Sure, I will taste it for you!” Luke said as they pulled into the driveway.
 
“How does it feel to know that you are playing Secret Santa to a boy your age who is in need?” Tyler asked.
 
“I know it’s a lot better to help people one by one rather then spending your life with a plan to save the world that might never happen,” Luke said.
 
“Word!” Tyler said smiling. “Just think if every person helped just one other person!” Tyler said putting his arm around Luke as they walked into the house.
 
Tyler and Luke arrived in the kitchen to find everyone working at decorating the tree.
 
“Welcome back, boys!” Linda said. Tyler spotted all of his trays of cookies sitting there waiting to be decorated.
 
“So where did you two go off to?” Linda asked.
 
“We went to the food bank, Mom!” Luke said smiling.
 
“Did you make a donation?” She asked figuring out now what Luke was doing with his peanut butter.
 
“We both did!” Luke said. Tyler quietly stuck the receipt in Larry’s hand saying it wasn’t any good to a Canadian and Luke was too young. Larry smiled and winked at Tyler.
 
“Luke was a huge hit! The sergeant in charge even referred to him as a celebrity,” Tyler said.
 
“Really?” Larry asked.
 
“Kraft Foods is a big contributor to the Food Bank and they recognized Luke from the calendar. He had his picture taken with just about everyone who works there. They invited us to come help make and serve Christmas dinner for the less fortunate on Saturday morning. I told him yes but I said I would need to confirm it with you first. Sergeant Bagger, the guy in charge there, said that if they could promote Luke being there that the Mayor and other dignitaries would want to show up along with the Press to increase awareness of the need to help those less fortunate,” Tyler said.
 
“Wow Luke! That’s incredible!” Larry said. “I’m really proud of you.”
 
“Luke was amazing. He sat there holding small kids on his lap to have his picture taken with the family, The Sergeant said it was a huge boost to morale for Luke to not just show up but to make a donation of peanut butter and money!”
 
“You donated peanut butter?” Derek asked in shock. Luke politely smiled but didn’t say a word.
 
“So would it be okay if Luke comes with me to work there on Saturday?” Tyler asked.
 
“That’s fine with us Tyler, but it’s Luke’s decision. We really need you guys back and ready for the Christmas Eve party which usually starts around 5 p.m.” Linda said.
 
“Great! I will give Sergeant Bagger a call and let him Luke can be there so they can try to get some free press out of it,” Tyler said putting his arms around Luke and kissing the top of his head. “I’ve never been prouder of you than I am today, Luke!”
 
“Ty, come over here we need your help? You too Luke!” Derek asked.
 
“Mom? Want to do the honours?” Derek asked, handing a small gift-wrapped box to his mother.
 
“Merry Christmas Tyler!” She said handing Tyler the little box. Tyler read the card out loud. “Merry Christmas, Tyler, love always, your family! Thanks, everyone,” Tyler said.
 
“You haven’t even opened it Ty? Why are you saying thanks?” Luke asked and Linda swatted the back of his head.
 
Tyler tore open the paper to uncover a red box with a transparent plastic window on it. Inside was a beaver tree ornament wearing a toque with ‘Canada’ on it holding a hockey stick. At the bottom it said “My first Christmas, 2005” Linda had written the name Tyler on the front of the base. Tyler’s eyes began to water and he hugged Linda saying, “It’s beautiful, thank you.”
 
“Where should I hang it?” Tyler asked.
 
“Somewhere at the back where we don’t have to look at it!” Kyle said grinning.
 
Tyler picked up Luke and let him hang it up on the tree! When Luke finished they both got a round of applause and Luke got a kiss from Tyler.
 
“Don’t set him down, Ty!” Derek said handing Luke the Angel to put on top of the tree. Luke burst into laughter! “Did you do this, Ty?” Luke asked and Tyler winked.
 
“What is it?” Linda asked.
 
“Tyler took two of the peanut jars he made from Luke’s broken Santa and his 5 reindeer and glued them on to the Angel’s hands!” Derek said.
 
“I need to get back to work. Who wants to help? Derek? Kyle? Luke? Good!” Tyler said. They all shrugged their shoulders and followed.
 
“I really need your help to decorate the gingerbread men and gingerbread trees while I make the fudge!” Tyler stated.
 
“It’s all good, Ty!” Derek said. “That’s what family is here for!”
 
“So I am learning how lucky I am to have three of the four best brothers in the world by my side,” Tyler said.
 
“How do you make fudge, Ty?” Luke asked.
 
“Sugar, Carnation milk, chocolate, marshmallows, and vanilla! It’s really easy,” Tyler said.
 
“Did you pack it yourself?” Luke asked bursting out in laughter while Tyler, Derek, and Kyle stared at him in silence.
 
“I thought we would do one pan of chocolate fudge with peanut butter swirled into it but I’m rethinking that now… What do you think Derek?” Tyler asked and Luke pouted.
 
“Definitely the dumbest question you’ve ever asked, Ty!” Derek said.
 
“Can you show me how to decorate the trees, Ty?” Kyle asked, and Tyler used the red and green gel icings to make ropes running back and forth and then used all of the other colours to make Christmas lights. An hour and a half later Derek, Kyle, and Luke had finished the gingerbread and Tyler had finished making fudge.
 
“Nap time,” Tyler said after rinsing the last dish.
 
“Word!” Derek said.
 
All four boys went up to Kyle’s room and collapsed on his bed. Tyler lay down with his arms around Kyle facing Luke who was held in Derek’s arms.
 
“So, Ty…,” Derek began. “Can I come along and help you guys on Saturday?” Derek asked.
 
“I was wondering when you were going to volunteer,” Tyler said.
 
“Bi-otch!” Derek said.
 
“Word!” Tyler responded.
 
“We’ve got a problem?” Luke announced.
 
“I’m sure whatever it is will be your problem and not mine!” Derek said poking Luke and grinning at him.
 
“Are your teachers invited to the Christmas Eve party, Luke?” Kyle asked grinning.
 
“What’s our problem, Luke?” Tyler asked.
 
“Well… we’re going bowling! There’s only Chris, Jeff, Casey, and the four of us! That makes it an odd number!” Luke said counting out on his fingers.
 
“We’ve got a problem, Derek!” Tyler said lifting his head to speak to Derek.
 
“No problem… we’ll leave Kyle at home,” Derek said.
 
“Oww! That hurt.” Derek said.
 
“Good, assmite!” Kyle said, smiling at Luke and Tyler.
 
“I might be too injured now to bowl…,” Derek whined.
 
“Yea!” Luke and Kyle said and Tyler laughed.
 
“Nooooow. I’m not dead yet!” Derek said in a British accent from the movie the Holy Grail.
 
“Yes, you are!” Luke said, matching Derek’s British accent.
 
“No, I’m not!” Derek replied.
 
“You’re very, very ill! You’ll soon be dead!” Luke said and Kyle and Tyler started laughing at the banter between them.
 
“I think I’m getting better,” Derek said.
 
“No you’re not!” WHOP! Luke said. “There… you’re dead now!”
 
“Okay, okay… I’ve got an idea?” Tyler said tapping his cheek.
 
“Hey Everybody!!!!!!!” Casey said standing at Kyle’s bedroom door.
 
“CASEY!” Everyone yelled.
 
“Haul yer ass up here Casey,” Tyler yelled and Casey dove into the centre of the bed between Luke and Kyle.
 
“Tickle time!” Derek said.
 
“Noooooooooo!” Casey yelled and all four of his brothers began tickling him and kissing him while he laughed hysterically.
 
“Okay? Enough! Casey and Luke… go and get Casey unpacked! We leave in 3 hours. Kyle, go and… use your left hand for a change. Derek I need to talk… alone!” Tyler said, getting up and pulling Derek up with him.
 
“Fine... just leave me here alone…,” Kyle moaned.
 
“Okay!” Derek said walking through the bathroom to his room.
 
“I’ve got an idea?” Tyler said.
 
“Coolies!” Derek said, starting to kiss him.
 
“Not that!” Tyler said pushing him away. Derek made a pouty face.
 
“What would you think of phoning Cody and inviting him up for the night to go bowling? He might even be able to stay for some of the party?” Tyler said.
 
“That’s great! He’s probably alone doing nothing anyway! Phone him!” Derek ordered.
 
“Ask your parents first!” Tyler said.
 
“You mean OUR parents and you have to ask them,” Derek said.
 
“I’m not asking them; it’s your house.” Tyler said.
 
“Wrong! It’s our house!” Derek said walking out of the room! Derek went to the top of the staircase and yelled. “MOM! DAD! Have you got a minute?”
 
“Oh shit!” Tyler said aloud in the bedroom.
 
To Derek’s surprise his Dad opened his bedroom door behind him wearing his bathrobe and yelled, “WHAT?”
 
Derek turned around and looked at his Dad in the bathrobe who was not amused by the interruption and sporting a sizeable chunk of wood.
 
“Ummm… ummm… Tyler needs to speak to you guys for a second,” Derek said, giggling. Linda came around from behind the door tying up her bathrobe.
 
“What’s the matter, honey?” Linda asked.
 
“Tyler needs to ask you guys a question!” Derek said. “He’s in our room.”
 
“Don’t worry dad, Cialis is good for 24 hours!” Derek said turning to lead them back to his room. Linda snorted laughter and Larry reached out to swat the back of Derek’s head but Linda blocked him.
 
All three piled into Derek’s bedroom.
 
“Oh God… why did you do this?” Tyler asked Derek.
 
“Do what?” Linda asked.
 
“Just ask them!” Derek said.
 
“Dr. and Mrs. Anderson?” Tyler began.
 
“NO, Tyler! Mom and Dad!” Derek said.
 
“Dad and Mom…” Tyler said sticking his tongue out at Derek. “Would it be okay to invite a friend of ours from Drexel up for the night?”
 
“Why certainly, Tyler, and you don’t need to ask but that was nice of you to do so,” Linda said.
 
“What’s the matter, Tyler? Derek can’t keep it up and you need someone new?” Larry asked winking at Tyler.
 
Derek punched his Dad in the arm.
 
Linda punched Derek in the arm. “Don’t hit your father!” she teased.
 
“Are we done here?” Larry asked.
 
“We are, but I’m not sure about you?” Derek said with a big grin and looked at his watch. “Don’t worry Dad you still have 23 hours and 53 minutes left!
 
Larry turned to walk out of the room and Derek slapped Larry’s ass and said, “Have a good game, Son!” Tyler fell over on the bed laughing and Linda raised one finger up at Derek’s nose when Larry hollered for her. She decided not say anything.
 
“You’re such a shit and a weird shit at that!” Tyler said.
 
“D isn’t just for Derek, it’s also for dysfunctional,” Derek said grinning.
 
“Here’s the phone, Derek. Call him and invite him!” Tyler said.
 
“Why me? It was your idea!” Derek said.
 
“Cause I already asked Mom and Dad,” Tyler said punching him hard in the arm as he walked into Kyle’s room. Derek followed Tyler into Kyle’s room and clicked on Cody’s name.
 
“Hey Cody? It’s Derek,” he said.
 
“Hey, Derek, is everything okay?” Cody asked.
 
“No… No it isn’t okay, I’m afraid,” Derek said grinning and holding the phone out so Tyler and Kyle could hear Cody.
 
“Is Tyler okay? What’s wrong? Is he hurt?” Cody yelled into the phone.
 
“It’s worse than that, Cody!” Derek said and Tyler and Kyle covered their mouths from laughing.
 
“What is it?” Cody yelled.
 
“We want to go bowling tonight and we are short one bowler!” Derek said and Tyler and Kyle laughed out loud.
 
“Excuse me?” Cody asked.
 
“We need you to be here in 3 hours so we can go bowling. Tyler said you could drive back to Philly tonight but I insisted that you stay!” Derek said laughing as Tyler began to attack him.
 
“Are you cereal?” Cody asked laughing.
 
“Captain Crunch’s honour!” Derek said, as Tyler tickled him. Tyler wrestled the cell phone out of Derek’s hand.
 
“Hey Codylicious,” Tyler said as he flopped down on Kyle’s bed next to Kyle. “Want to come bowling?
 
“You must be joking? Drive to Maryland to go bowling?” Cody asked.
 
“It’s glow-in-the-dark bowling and I’ve never bowled in my life and if you come you can have Kyle’s ass!” Tyler offered and Derek dropped on the floor laughing. “What the fuck?” Cody heard Kyle yell in the background.
 
Cody listened and heard mumbling. “Sure Kyle, we can hook up the webcam and make Danny watch back in Iowa!” Cody went into full belly-laugh mode.
 
“You guys are so mean to my boyfriend!” Cody said. “Hang on a second.”
 
Tyler heard Cody yell at his father, “Dad??? Can I go to Baltimore to go bowling in three hours?”
 
“What? Did I hear you right?” Coach Conners asked.
 
“Yeah, I would stay the night with Derek and Tyler at the Anderson’s house. I would be back tomorrow,” Cody said.
 
“If you like? Are you talking to Tyler right now?” the Coach said.
 
“Yeah, Dad,” Cody responded.
 
“Tell him thanks for the gift whatever it is,” Coach Conner’s said.
 
“Dad says your gift sucks ass!” Cody said bursting into laughter as he walked into the living room where his dad was reading the paper. “Hey Dad can I take the Miata?”
 
“Not now!” Tyler heard the Coach say and he laughed at Cody.
 
“Son of a… email directions and I will be on the road in twenty minutes. Do I need to bring anything?” Cody asked.
 
“Bring your balls <Tyler chuckled> and something to protect your ass from Kyle reaming you six feet under,” Tyler said.
 
“No problem! He can ream my ass anytime he wants!” Cody said.
 
“Drive safely Cody, there’s no rush to get here! We want you alive, well, except Kyle, he’ll screw anything… Be safe, my brother!” Tyler said.
 
“Love you guys too!” Cody said hanging up.
 
Tyler closed his cell phone and said, “Kyle! Tonight is your night if you want it to be.”
 
“Huh?” Kyle said.
 
“Well… Cody could sleep in your bed tonight if you wanted,” Tyler said.
 
Kyle’s eyes widened completely.
 
“Derek, can I talk to Ty alone for a second?” Kyle asked.
 
“Sure, little brother,” Derek smiled.
 
“You can sleep alone tonight Kyle. I was just teasing you.” Tyler said grabbing each of his cheeks. Kyle snarled at him as he pushed his hands away.
 
“Ummm Ty? I don’t want Cody to be my first,” Kyle said, as he slowly formed a smile.
 
“Are you saying what I think you are saying?” Tyler asked.
 
Kyle smiled.
 
“Kyle, I would hurt you. I would tear you in two… and not intentionally,” Tyler said.
 
“Well I didn’t think it would happen tonight. I figured we would work up to it!” Kyle grinned.
 
“When you feel you are ready why don’t you start with Chris?” Tyler said. “C’mere and let me hold you.” Kyle moved in for a hug.
 
“I think you know how much I love you?” Tyler asked.
 
“Yeah I do, I’m just not sure if you realize it?” Kyle asked and got up and left his bedroom.
 
Tyler lay back on Kyle’s bed for a moment and looked up at the ceiling. “What the Fuck?”
 
Tyler went down to the kitchen to find himself alone. He pulled out one of the bags of jumbo tiger shrimp that Linda pulled out of the freezer and dumped them into a sink of cold water to let them thaw. He got a large glass bowl and some wooden skewers. He soaked the skewers in a dish filled with water. Adding olive oil, a tablespoon of curry powder, some freshly chopped garlic and coriander along with the juice and rind of two limes. He mixed in the shrimp and let them marinate. Tyler, with Abbey in tow, went outside to start the barbeque.
 
Tyler looked down to see Abbey sitting patiently at his feet wagging her tail. “Hello, Dawg?” Tyler said, smiling down at her. <Thump, thump, thump banged Abbey’s tail on the patio deck. >
 
“How about we make some bruchetta, Abigail?” Tyler asked. He took a stick of French bread and sliced it down the centre into two pieces. While the bread broiled in the oven for a bit he cut one clove of garlic in half and chopped the other two cloves up finely. When the bread started to darken he removed it and rubbed the half a clove of garlic on it and then added olive oil, chopped garlic, fresh basil, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
 
Tyler skewered the shrimp, three to a stick, and took the tray out to the barbeque along with the bruchetta. When he finished cooking the shrimp and bruchetta he returned inside. He cut the bread up and poured a dish of Thai dipping sauce. Within ten minutes the smell had permeated the house and everyone was making their way down to the kitchen.
 
“Mmmmm. I smell garlic!” Linda said glowing from her post-orgasmic bliss. Larry just seemed to be in a daze. Casey and Luke showed up next. Casey grabbed the Ciccone’s jar of peanut butter and Luke grabbed two knives.
 
“Casey, go get your Mom please and tell her that Tyler is cooking?” Linda asked.
 
Casey ran upstairs to the doorway next to Larry and Linda’s bedroom. He opened the door and yelled for his Mom to come down. Kyle wrapped in a towel from a shower and Derek followed behind. Everyone but Casey devoured the shrimp samplers that Tyler made. Conversations ran from bowling to what movie Linda, Larry, and Kathy would go see.
 
The buzzer in the gate went off but no one seemed interested in answer it so Tyler went over to the keypad and punched in 1234. He opened the door to greet Chris and Jeff. Tyler figured it was better to stay low key with Jeff. He gave Chris a hug and told them to follow him into the kitchen. Cathy, Linda, Larry, Casey, and Luke were on the outside of the island sitting on stools while Kyle, Derek, and Tyler leaned on the kitchen side of the counter. Chris moved in beside Kyle and it wasn’t long before Larry noticed that Kyle’s left and Chris’ right hand were down under the counter below anyone’s view. When he caught Kyle’s eye he winked and Kyle blushed.
 
Jeff moved down beside Tyler and leaned in beside him.
 
“Chris, what do you want to drink?” Tyler said.
 
“R.C. please,” Chris said.
 
“Jeff? Do you want something to drink?” Tyler asked.
 
“Sure… smells like coffee is brewing?” Jeff asked.
 
“Yup. Just for me since no one else wanted any. I’m glad you are having some because I hate to drink alone!” Tyler grinned. “What do you like in coffee?”
 
“Just black, please,” Jeff said.
 
“You can slide over, Jeff?” Derek offered. “Try some curried shrimp?” Derek said, handing him a skewer.
 
“This is amazing!” Jeff said.
 
“Try it with some thigh dipping sauce!” Luke said sliding the bowl across the table. Everyone broke out in laughter.
 
“What?” Luke said.
 
“Luke, it’s THAI dipping sauce not thigh dipping sauce!” Derek said.
 
“It’s made with peanut butter, Luke,” Tyler said as he set two mugs of coffee down.
 
“So are you guys going to play in teams?” Larry asked.
 
“Yup,” Derek answered.
 
“We’re still short a bowler then?” Luke said.
 
The doorbell rang and Derek said as he went to answer it, “Not any more we’re not!”
 
Everyone in the kitchen heard Derek when he said, “Cody!”
 
“Who’s Cody?” Chris asked.
 
“He’s a friend of my brother’s. He’s dating Danny… the one I told you about,” Kyle said.
 
“Oh. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!” Chris said with a big grin.
 
“We don’t want to know what that’s all about, do we?” Larry asked.
 
“No, Sir!” Kyle said grinning. Derek arrived with his arm around Cody. Cody was wearing his cowboy hat that Danny had given him for Christmas.
 
“Wow this is some mansion ya got here!” Cody said. “Hi everyone!”
 
Kyle was the first to run over and jump into Cody’s arms! “Told ya we would see each other over the holidays!” Kyle said giving him a hug.
 
“Luke!” Cody yelled and Luke jumped up in the air and landed on Cody almost knocking him over!
 
“Cody! This is my best friend Casey and his Mom, Kathy!” Luke said introducing them both.
 
Cody stuck out his fist and met with Casey’s.
 
“Nice to meet you, Casey! I’ve heard about what a great hockey player you are! So you’re the guy who is Tyler’s personal guest at our game in February?” Cody asked.
 
Casey giggled and Cody messed his hair.
 
“Cody, this my friend Chris and his brother Jeff.” Cody shook hands with Chris and when he met Jeff he said, “So you’re the great guitar and football player that Tyler told me about?” Jeff smiled shyly and put his hand out to shake. Cody wouldn’t stand for any of that and pulled Jeff into a surprise hug. “Any friend of Derek and Tyler’s is a friend of mine!”
 
“He’s more than a friend, Cody,” Tyler said, “He’s family!”
 
“Family?” Cody said looking at Tyler. “So don’t loan him any money then?”
 
Jeff and everyone else started laughing. Cody stood with his arm around Jeff and took his hat off and set it on Jeff’s head.
 
“Cody, these are our parents, Larry and Linda, and this is Casey’s mom, Kathy.” Derek said, introducing the three of them.
 
“Pleasure to meet you Dr. and Mrs. Anderson,” Cody said reaching across the counter to shake both of their hands. “Derek and Luke are fine boys!” He said winking at Tyler, Derek, and Jeff.
 
“What about me?” Kyle asked. Cody shifted his eyes back and forth and everyone laughed.
 
“You are so dead meat later!” Kyle added with an evil grin.
 
“So now you’ve got two teams!” Larry said. “Who are the Captains?”
 
Luke, Casey, Kyle, and Chris all started screaming that they wanted to be Captains. Tyler asked Derek to get a deck of cards. Tyler pulled out 13 cards from the Ace of hearts up to the King of hearts. He shuffled them and then spread them out on the counter face down.
 
“Okay, everyone gets to draw one card. Don’t turn it over or look at it. Ace is low and King is high! The highest and lowest card will determine who the two Captains are. The high card gets first choice for his team,” Tyler said.
 
“What does the winning team get?” Derek asked.
 
“Okay, let’s do it two ways! Everyone chips in five dollars and each team chooses a charity and the money goes to the winning charity?” Tyler suggested.
 
“But when I kick your ass Tyler… and I will, I want something for that!” Derek said.
 
“Any ideas?” Tyler asked.
 
“Losing team has to make breakfast for the winners tomorrow morning?” Kyle suggested.
 
“And clean my room!” Luke said.
 
<Silence>
 
“What?” Luke asked holding his arms out stretched.
 
Everyone choose a card and placed it in front of themselves. Larry, Linda, and Kathy couldn’t stop laughing through all of this.
 
“If you’re a team Captain, Derek you had better choose me because I want Hollandaise sauce with my Eggs Benedict,” Tyler said.
 
One by one they began turning their cards over.
 
“5 of hearts!” Casey said.
 
“Jack of hearts!” Luke said and he and Casey fisted.
 
“9 of hearts,” Chris said.
 
“6 of hearts,” Kyle moaned.
 
“Ten of hearts,” Cody said, showing everyone his card.
 
“2 of hearts!” Jeff said, grinning.
 
“All right, Jeff!” Tyler said patting Jeff on the back.
 
“C’mon baby… Papa needs a king of hearts!” Derek said, as he flipped over the queen of hearts.
 
“Now you see Luke? I told you Derek was my queen!” Tyler said, winking. The room erupted in laughter and Derek sent his queen of hearts flying at Tyler’s head.
 
Tyler turned over the Ace of hearts. “Oooooooooooooooh!” was heard through the room.
 
“So the opposing Captains are Tyler and Derek???” Larry taunted. “Derek chose your first team member!” Cody and Tyler snorted.
 
“This is so going to end up in a divorce!” Luke said matter-of-factly. More laughter.
 
“I choose… Cody!” Derek said grinning.
 
“Interesting choice, Derek? Have you ever bowled, Cody?” Tyler asked.
 
“Once!” Cody grinned.
 
“Shit!” Derek said, and Linda swatted the back of Derek’s head for swearing.
 
“I choose… Jeff.” Tyler said looking to his right with a smile. “That is, if you will do me the honour of being on my team?”
 
“Sure, since Derek doesn’t want me…,” Jeff joked.
 
“Ooooooooooooh!” spread through the room.
 
“I choose Luke!” Derek said.
 
“You can’t choose Casey!” Luke said to Tyler.
 
“Why not?” Tyler asked.
 
“Cause we are a team and we want to kick your butt!” Luke said grinning.
 
“Okay then… instead I will choose… Casey.” Tyler said grinning at Luke.
 
“I’m telling Santa about you!” Luke said. More laughter.
 
“I choose… the cuter, smarter, and more gifted of the two!” Derek said. Kyle grinned.
 
“No, Kyle, I want Chris!” Derek said, laughing at him.
 
Kyle made a “Grrrrrrrr” noise.
 
“You see now Linda why our sign in the front lawn never worked?” Larry said.
 
Everyone laughed at Kyle.
 
“Derek, that’s not fair? I’ve never bowled and you’re handicapping us with Kyle?” Tyler said, winking at Derek.
 
“What?” Kyle yelled. “Both of you better sleep with one eye open tonight!” he said with a smirk.
 
“We always do when we are home, Kyle,” Derek said winking at him. Everyone laughed.
 
“Okay, team, gather around?” Tyler said. They got into a huddle and whispered to Casey, Jeff, and Kyle and then said out loud for everyone to hear. “Okay, team, let’s show our sportsmanship and do a team cheer for the other team!”
 
They all placed their hands one on top of the other and raised them up to the ceiling together saying “Gooooooooooooo Losers!” And then they laughed and clapped. Team Derek scowled at them.
 
‘Team Tyler’ got into the Jeep and followed ‘Team Derek’ in Cody’s van.
 
“Shit! This place is amazing!” Kyle said seeing MTV videos playing on the wall, a laser light show and hearing rock music blaring to the point that everyone almost had to yell.
 
They decided to skip the shoe rental and bowl in sock feet.
 
“Okay, someone needs to show me how to hold the ball?” Tyler asked lining up. Derek ran up behind him and grabbed his balls from under his legs. “Like this!” Derek said and everyone laughed.
 
“Try that again Derek and your balls will be glowing!” Tyler said, grinning at Derek.
 
“That was really very good, Ty, for your first time! Three gutter balls in a row!” Derek said and Team Derek laughed at him.
 
“Oh I thought I was supposed to avoid hitting the pins?” Tyler said winking at his team.
 
Derek and Cody were good bowlers! Luke did okay and Chris was failing miserably! Jeff bowled like a champion, while Casey and Kyle held their own, and Tyler was steadily improving for a first-timer.
 
Casey never broke 100 in his three games and Chris was only marginally better. Luke and Kyle averaged around 160 for each of their three games. Derek and Cody averaged between 200 and 300 over their three games. Tyler went from a 60 to a 140 to a 220 in three games. When all was finished Team Derek had beaten Team Tyler with a score of 2360 to 2140!
 
Luke went insane and Tyler became what was to be known as the epitome of a bad bowler! Tyler took it all in good stride and everyone made sure to compliment Casey and Chris, as they were new to bowling as well!
 
“Sorry I let you guys down,” Tyler said to his team.
 
“You did great, Ty, for a guy who’s never bowled before,” Jeff said.
 
“I was the worst!” Chris moaned.
 
Jeff pulled him aside and said, “Not at all, li’l brother! You hardly bowl at all. You did great and I was really proud of you!” Chris smiled.
 
“Chris, I would have you on my team any day, and remember, big brothers don’t dish out compliments unless they are deserved,” Tyler said, winking at Jeff.
 
Luke interrupted the Team Tyler post-game meeting to offer his ‘autograph to anyone who wanted it? “Five bucks is a good price!” Luke told them.
 
“Did everyone have fun? I know I did,” Tyler asked.
 
“That’s a loser line!” Luke said, and then did his happy dance.
 
“Hey Luke, what was your highest score?” Tyler asked.
 
“171!” Luke proudly announced, pushing his chest forward.
 
“Interesting… my high game, for a guy who’s never bowled before was 220,” Tyler said. “Maybe you and me should have a rematch! Just the two of us?” Tyler grinned.
 
Luke stopped his happy dance and thought for a moment! “No thanks, I’m retiring as a champion,” Everyone mussed Luke’s hair up.


“Luke! No one likes a sore winner!” Derek said. “Ha ha! Looooosers!” He said pointing at Tyler and his team. “Where are we going to go for dinner?” Derek asked Tyler.
 
“Wherever your team isn’t!” Tyler teased.
 
“How about Chili’s?” Luke asked.
 
“Jeff, you’re the true Champion here so where would you like to go?” Tyler asked.
 
“Doesn’t matter to me,” Jeff said smiling.
 
“That’s what I thought you’d say… Chris, where does our brother Jeff like to eat?” Tyler asked.
 
“His favourite place is Ruby Tuesday’s!” Chris said.
 
“Ruby Tuesday’s it is!” Tyler said.
 
“Which location?” Derek asked.
 
“Pick one and we’ll go to the other,” Tyler said grinning.
 
“Hey Ty? Don’t forget I’ve got those things in the Van for you that you wanted! I got the last three!” Cody said.
 
“Sweet! Thanks Cody! I’ll straighten up with you after dinner,” Tyler said.
 
“What?” Derek asked.
 
“Never mind.” Tyler said.
 
“Spill it!” Derek told Tyler.
 
“Not here and not now!” Tyler said, sitting on the bench next to Derek as they put their shoes back on.
 
Tyler and Derek didn’t notice that Jeff was listening in on the conversation. “Just tell me quickly,” Derek said.
 
“Those four things that you, me, Cody and Danny have?” Tyler said.
 
“Uh huh?” Derek said.
 
“And we got two more for Luke and Kyle if you remember?” Tyler said out of the side of his mouth.
 
“Right…?” Derek said.
 
“I got three more!” Tyler said.
 
“Oh… OH!” Derek said with a big smile. “So the entire family will each have one?”
 
“Uh huh!” Tyler said.
 
“You went to all that trouble and didn’t get Cody to pick up cinnamon buns?” Derek asked.
 
“Duh! Why do you think we invited him?” Tyler asked winking at Cody.
 
“Sweet! You’re are so smart, and kind, and thoughtful…,” Derek said laughing.
 
“I got him to get two dozen! One dozen for Chris and Jeff to take home and one dozen for the house,” Tyler said.
 
Tyler looked over at Jeff and Jeff turned away immediately. “Did you have fun Jeff?” Tyler asked.
 
“Yeah, it was a blast. I really like being a part of this family,” Jeff said, smiling at Tyler.
 
“Good. I like that you and I are family as well,” Tyler said.
 
“Everyone ready to go?” Derek asked. All chimed in their agreement.
 
As they left the bowling alley Jeff stayed close to Tyler. He figured out that Tyler had bought something for him, Chris and Casey but he wasn’t sure what it was.
 
“I love your Jeep, Ty!” Jeff said as they approached it.
 
“Really? It’s pretty cool. Belonged to my Dad but it’s mine now,” Tyler said. “Do you want to drive to the restaurant?”
 
“Sweet! Are you sure it will be okay?” Jeff asked.
 
“Are you a good driver?” Tyler asked.
 
“When I’m in someone else’s vehicle,” Jeff said laughing.
 
Tyler tossed him the keys! “Oh yeah!” Jeff said with a big smile.
 
Tyler’s cell phone rang and he saw the name “Cody” on the display.
 
“Can you hear me now?” Tyler answered.
 
“Why aren’t you driving?” Derek asked.
 
“Because…,” Tyler answered.
 
“Can’t really talk huh?” Derek said.
 
“Right…,” Tyler said.
 
“You’re doing a good job with Jeff, more than I would have,” Derek said quietly so no one else in Cody’s Van would hear him.
 
“It’s worth it.” Tyler said. “What did you want Derek?”
 
“Did you read what is written on the back of your window?” Derek asked laughing.
 
Tyler could hear Luke say in the background “Don’t tell him!”
 
Tyler looked back and asked Kyle to read what is written on the dirt in the back window.
 
“I’m…. A….. Loser!” Kyle read slowly as it was backwards.
 
“Tell Luke he’s history, Big time!” Tyler said laughing.
 
Tyler heard Derek yell back at Luke, “Tyler says you’re history!” He then heard Luke say, “He’ll have to catch me…”
 
“Derek, tell Luke what I did to Danny in the hallway and then tell him that’s gonna happen to him in the restaurant!” Tyler said clicking his cell phone off.
 
“What did you do to Danny?” Jeff asked.
 
“He played a joke on me so I wrestled him in the hallway of our dorm. When I was done I came back into Derek’s and my room with all of his clothing,” Tyler grinned.
 
“And Danny?” Jeff asked.
 
“Danny was left completely naked knocking on the door screaming obscenities at me and demanding to be let in,” Tyler said smiling proudly.
 
“And you let him in?” Jeff asked.
 
“Once he said, please.” Tyler said. Everyone laughed, but Casey thought it was the funniest thing he’d ever heard. He also made Tyler promise to make sure he would be there so he could watch!
 
As they pulled into Ruby Tuesday’s restaurant Tyler’s cell phone went off again. “What the hell do you want now?” Tyler yelled at Derek.
 
“Tyler?”
 
“Mrs. Anderson! Oh God! I thought it was Derek! I’m so sorry!” Tyler said and Jeff, Kyle, and Casey’s laughter overtook any conversation they might have had.
 
“It’s okay Tyler… if I didn’t know better I would have thought that was Kyle on the other end,” Linda said laughing.
 
“I’m truly sorry, we lost and they’ve been riding us ever since. Luke even wrote on my Jeep ‘I’m a loser’,” Tyler said laughing. “Did you want to speak to Derek?” he asked, getting out of the Jeep?”
 
“No, I don’t need to. We went to dinner but decided to skip the movie. We are making a little surprise for dessert for the winners and we wanted to know who won?” Linda asked. “Oh, and you can tell my youngest that he will be washing your Jeep tomorrow by hand!”
 
“Hey Luke, your Mom says you’re going to be washing my Jeep tomorrow, by hand!” Tyler yelled.
 
“You’re so full of shit Ty, there’s no one on the phone.” Luke said. Jeff, Kyle, Casey, and Tyler started laughing.
 
“Your Mom says you’re now grounded tomorrow for swearing,” Tyler told him.
 
“Fuck you!” Luke said laughing at him.
 
“Your Mom says you’re now grounded for two full days for swearing,” Tyler said. “I suggest you shut up now, Luke!”
 
“Luke! Shut up! It’s really Mom on the phone!” Kyle said.
 
“Whatever… Assmite!” Luke said.
 
“Hey Luke, who else would know that your sheets needed changing two nights ago because you wet the bed?” Tyler said holding the phone up to his ear.
 
Luke almost threw up and everyone roared with laughter.
 
“You’re not really going to ground him are you, Mrs. Anderson? He would be unbearable for the rest of the holidays,” Tyler asked.
 
“No, but make him sweat a little please? It will do us all some good! Have fun and sorry to hear you didn’t win. Tell Derek and Kyle I love them too,” Linda said laughing.
 
“Yes Ma’am! See you in an hour or so,” Tyler said closing his cell phone.
 
“It looks like a line up to get in,” Derek said.
 
“Go get in line guys! I need to talk to Luke for second.” Tyler said. They all laughed as Luke sat on the sidewalk curb almost in tears.
 
“You okay?” Tyler said.
 
“Was that really my Mom?” Luke asked.
 
“It was and you already know that I don’t lie to you, Pookster!” Tyler said.
 
“Then I’m not all right,” Luke said with tears coming to his eyes.
 
“I talked to your Mom and you’re not grounded, but you do need to take her aside and apologize and tell her that you were just putting on a show because we were teasing you,” Tyler said putting his arm around Luke’s shoulder.
 
“Lesson learned, eh?” Tyler asked, and Luke just nodded his head as he cried a few tears of relief.
 
“It’ll be okay, Luke!” Tyler said picking him up and hugging him. “I give you my word! Now let’s go have some fun? You’re the winner and it’s time for you to celebrate!” Tyler said.
 
“What’s everyone having tonight?” Ashlea asked the group.
 
“Can we start with 4-way sampler, cheesy spinach dip, and some spicy Buffalo wings?” Tyler asked, “And make sure I get the bill please?”
 
“Drinks?” Ashlea asked.
 
“Could we get a pitcher of Sprite and a pitcher of Mr. Pibb?” Tyler asked.
 
“Certainly! I’ll be right back with your drinks and take your orders!” Ashlea smiled.
 
“She’s a hawtie!” Tyler said to Jeff.
 
“No shit!” Jeff said.
 
“*Ahem*” Derek coughed and smiled.
 
“What? She’s a babe! I can look,” Tyler said grinning. “Besides she’s probably only interested in Luke!”
 
“How old do you think she is?” Jeff asked.
 
“Probably no older than 18 I gather,” Tyler said.
 
“Sweet!” Jeff said grinning.
 
Ashlea returned with their appetizers and drinks ready to take their order.
 
“Why don’t I go around the table?” Ashlea said.
 
“Sure Ashlea, and this is Jeff, by the way,” Tyler said and Jeff blushed.
 
“Hi Jeff. What would you like tonight?” Ashlea asked.
 
Jeff just stared at her and everyone started to laugh. “Ummm, Jeff? Hello?” Derek teased.
 
“Oh, umm sorry, whatever is fine with me?” Jeff said staring at Ashlea.
 
“He mentioned the Shrimp Alfredo earlier so why not go with that?” Tyler said.
 
“Sure thing.” Ashlea said as she wrote it down and smiled back at Jeff who just grinned. “I’m guessing you’re kind of quiet on a date huh?” she asked Jeff.
 
“Apparently so,” Cody said answering for him. The table laughed and Ashlea just smiled at Jeff and bit down on her lower lip.
 
“Cody? What are you having?” Tyler asked.
 
“Smokehouse burger, hold the fries, and add a Caesar salad please.” Cody said.
 
“Casey?” Tyler asked.
 
“Can I please have the Ruby Mini’s?” Casey asked.
 
“Anything for a cutie like you!” Ashlea said smiling and Casey giggled.
 
“Luke?” Tyler asked.
 
“Ultimate Colossal Burger with a side of onion straws, please,” Luke asked closing up his menu and passing it back to Ashlea.
 
“Luke?” Tyler called.
 
“I’ll finish it! I promise!” Luke said.
 
“We don’t call you the Pukester for nothing, Luke,” Kyle said.
 
“Kyle, what are you having?” Tyler asked.
 
“Bacon-cheese burger with extra onions!” Kyle said smiling at Ashlea.
 
“Thank you, Kyle,” Ashlea winked at him.
 
“I’ll have the Church Street Stacker, please,” Chris asked.
 
“Ultimate Colossal please with onion straws instead of fries, please, Ashlea,” Derek requested.
 
“Carolina chicken salad with the Smokey Dijon, please!” Tyler said, smiling at Ashlea.
 
“Thank you gentlemen and I’ll be back with your appetizers shortly.” She said smiling and leaving.
 
Bowling banter continued between the group of seven while number eight kept an eye out on Ashlea and where she was in the restaurant.
 
“Holy crap, Luke, did you really finish that?” Cody asked laughing.
 
“Huh?” asked a dazed Luke.
 
“Are you okay Luke?” Derek asked.
 
“What do you think Derek? He just ate the equivalent of two Oompa Loompas!” Tyler said.
 
“The real movie Oompa Loompas’ or the porn version? The chocolate dipping scene was masterful at minimum and the concept of ‘ever lasting gobstopper’ well… it was of Andy Warhol / Woody Allen quality…,” Cody mused aloud.
 
“HUH?” Derek and Tyler said together.
 
“Oh sorry… kids and stuff… right!” Cody said looking guilty.
 
“K….” Derek said.
 
“Can you make it to the van okay, Luke?” Derek asked.
 
Luke belched. “I can now!” Luke smiled.
 
“I’ll be right back guys, I just need to pay the bill.” Tyler said getting up. He cornered Ashlea and got to her to add on a $50 dollar gift card to the bill. He also mentioned Jeff’s fascination with her and that if she were interested it would be great time to return the VISA slip with a phone number for Jeff. Ashlea smiled and pulled out a Ruby Tuesday’s business card and wrote her name and number on the back of it.
 
When she handed the card to Tyler she said, winking, “You could call me.”
 
Tyler grinned saying, “You know the guy at our table with the almost shaved head?” Ashlea nodded. “He’s my boyfriend.”
 
“Oh?” She said smiling. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.”
 
“Don’t be sorry! Not realizing is a compliment and having a pretty lady dropping hints is never something you should have to apologize for!” Tyler smiled. “Just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I can’t acknowledge beauty when I see it.” Ashlea blushed.
 
Tyler pointed over to their table and said, “So you see Derek?” Ashlea nodded. “Ultimate colossal boy is Luke, Derek’s little brother and the blondish boy with the skater hair is his other brother Kyle. Kyle’s boyfriend is Chris sitting next to him and Chris’ straight brother is Jeff. Derek’s family is holding an open house on Christmas Eve from five until eight p.m. If Jeff were to call you would you be able to drop by? There will be fifty or more people there who don’t know each other so it isn’t like you would be the odd person there. Co-workers, friends, neighbours… people like that.”
 
“I might be able to squeeze it in,” Ashlea smiled.
 
“Sweet!” Tyler said. “Jeff is such a great guy I think he might be worth getting to know.”
 
“He seems a little shy?” Ashlea said.
 
“What would you expect when someone as pretty as you appears before him?” Tyler grinned.
 
“Is Jeff as sweet as you are?” Ashlea asked.
 
“A thousand times nicer!” Tyler said as he walked off back to the table.
 
“Did you get a date with our server, Ty?” Derek teased and Jeff glared at Derek.
 
“Yeah I did!” Tyler grinned. Jeff’s face went white. “Got her phone number too! It’s just too bad she doesn’t want me. She wants Jeff to call her!” Tyler said, handing Jeff the Applebee’s business card.
 
“Wooooooooooo!” came from the table.
 
“Let’s get out of here? There’s some sort of surprise for the winners at home,” Tyler said.
 
“I don’t think I can eat breakfast…” Luke said and everyone laughed. As they walked back to the Jeep, Jeff asked Kyle and Casey if they could ride in Cody’s van because he wanted to talk with Tyler alone, and they did.
 
“Where are they going?” Tyler said to Jeff.
 
“Ummm they wanted to ride with their friends,” Jeff said. The ride back was quiet except for Tyler telling Jeff that Ashlea was indeed free to attend the Christmas Eve open house at the Anderson’s. Tyler followed Cody’s van up the steep driveway and almost hit Cody when he slammed on the brakes and the side passenger door opened. Luke jumped out and threw up on the lawn. Derek jumped out to look after Luke and both vehicles continued up the driveway parking on the far right so as not to block the garage doors.
 
“Poor kid,” Tyler said as he got out and took a roll of paper towels he kept in the Jeep and walked it over to Derek. Luke looked green, but he seemed slightly happier. Tyler picked him up and carried him back into towards the house when Linda came running from hearing the news.
 
“Oh, Baby, are you okay?” Linda said and Luke nodded that he was.
 
When Tyler, carrying Luke, arrived in the kitchen there was a lot of noise as everyone was cooing over the cake sitting there before them. Linda and Kathy had made a chocolate slab cake with peanut butter icing on it. They decorated it with a couple of bowling pins and balls made of icing and at the bottom it said ‘Congratulations Chris, Cody, Derek, & Luke’.
 
“Aren’t you coming inside?” Derek asked Jeff.
 
“Yeah… I just wanted to talk to Tyler alone but haven’t had the chance.” Jeff said. “Not sure I would know what to say anyway.”
 
“What did you want to say?” Derek asked knowing full well what Jeff wanted to say.
 
“I want to apologize for being an asshole to him. He really is everything you and Kyle said and more. I don’t even know why he is nice to me,” Jeff asked of no one in particular.
 
“That one I can answer Mr. Coulter.” Derek said pulling Jeff into a hug. “You’re family! Nothing more, nothing less. There is a down side of course… you’re stuck with us!” Derek laughed and so did Jeff.
 
“I haven’t even thought about what to get for Tyler this Christmas?” Jeff said. “I heard you guys talking about having bought something for me and Chris and I gather Casey.” Jeff confessed.
 
“You shouldn’t eavesdrop Jeff though I am guilty of that myself, but I will tell you one little thing about it. When you open up your gift just remember that it was Tyler’s idea and don’t buy him anything. He doesn’t want anything and he can afford to buy whatever he wants anyway. If you gave him a card and told him how much he means to you that might be the nicest gift he will receive this Christmas?” Derek said holding Jeff tight.
 
“You guys are so lucky to have each other,” Jeff said.
 
“We are all very lucky to have each other and that includes you!” Derek said. “Now let’s get in there and see what the surprise is.”
 
“I love you, Derek,” Jeff said.
 
“I love you too Jeff and I already told you that. Brothers don’t lie to each other so remember that what we say is what we mean! Just think about this for a moment Jeff? You have Chris, Casey, Luke, Kyle, Tyler, Cody, Danny, and me to call on whenever you want or need us!” Derek said and Jeff smiled at the ground.
 
“Let’s go inside little brother,” Derek said, kissing the side of Jeff’s head.
 
Everyone was gathered around the island eating cake except for Luke. Luke was sitting on Tyler’s lap eating a peanut butter sandwich with one hand and shoveling forkfuls of cake into his mouth.
 
“What are you doing, Pukey?” Derek said, laughing at him.
 
“I was hungry!” Luke declared.
 
“Come on boys have some cake!” Larry said.
 
Tyler got up and poured two mugs of coffee for Jeff and himself.
 
“Thanks, Ty,” Jeff said taking his mug of coffee and sitting down next to Tyler and Luke.
 
“I turned on the Jacuzzi for you boys! Just remember NO RUNNING on the deck!” Larry said pointing at the eight of them.
 
“We know, Dad!” Luke said.
 
“You’re not even going in there! It’s almost bedtime for you and Casey,” Linda said.
 
“Awwww, Mom?” Luke whined.
 
“I think you’ve gotten yourself into enough trouble tonight already young man!” Linda said and Luke shut up.
 
“We thought you guys would like to stay up in the apartment with me tonight so we have room for everyone to sleep,” Kathy said, “So Larry and I built you a fort up in the living room area and put sleeping bags and some snacks inside!” she said.
 
“Whoa!” Casey said grinning.
 
“Coolies!” Luke said smiling.
 
“C’mon, Jeff?” Luke said.
 
“What? Why me?” Jeff asked.
 
“Cause I need you to install, Santa,” Luke said, pulling on Jeff’s arm.
 
“Can I do it in the morning?” Jeff asked.
 
“No.” Luke whined as he dragged him away from the kitchen. “And while you’re installing it I can give you my order for breakfast in the morning!” Luke added.
 
“Uh huh…,” Jeff said.
 
“Remember the tiny little burger I had for dinner? Well for breakfast…” Luke began as he and Casey each had hold of an arm pulling him out of the kitchen. Everyone laughed at Jeff.
 
“Poor Jeff…,” Derek said laughing.
 
“We probably won’t see him again until morning,” Larry said smiling.
 
“Jacuzzi time!” Derek yelled. Everyone got up to head upstairs to change. Kathy and Linda went up to get Casey and Luke ready for bed.
 
Derek stuck his head in Luke’s bedroom door. “How’s it going?” He asked.
 
“Should be done now. Turn the light switch on please?” Jeff asked. Derek reached over to the light switch and found it covered in tape. “Good thinking Jeff!” He said pulling the tape off and turning the light on. Santa began his infinite journey in circles above Luke’s bed.
 
Luke threw his arms around Jeff’s neck and said, “Thanks Jeff! I love you!”
 
Jeff closed his eyes for a moment and said, “I love you too, Luke!” When Jeff opened his eyes he saw Derek smiling at him.
 
“C’mon Jeff? I wanna get you naked and get into the Jacuzzi,” Derek winked and headed off to his room.
 
“Sure… dump me for a bunch of naked guys in a hot tub,” Luke sighed.
 
“Luke! You know you are my first choice of people to spend time with,” Jeff grinned.
 
“Well, duh, aren’t I everyone’s first choice?” Luke said pulling his pj’s out of a drawer.
 
Six naked boys headed downstairs single file wrapped in large white towels. Tyler and Derek removed the hard cover off the Jacuzzi and everyone began getting in. Kyle was flanked by Cody on one side and Chris on the other. He wasted no time in putting his left hand on Chris’ cock under the water and his right hand on Cody’s thigh. Derek sat down next to Cody and Jeff stuck himself next to Derek on purpose. Derek looked at Jeff and then at Tyler grinning. Tyler had three seats to choose from so he took the centre seat and had an empty seat on each side of him. Tyler spread his arms out over the two empty seats.
 
Larry approached them with a tray of cans of R.C. cola. “Anyone, and I mean anyone, who spills soda in the Jacuzzi will be emptying, cleaning, and refilling it!” Larry warned and everyone thanked Larry for the drinks and he left.
 
“Damn, this is so fine!” Tyler said. “I wonder if we can install one of these in the new house?”
 
“You guys have a house at Drexel?” Jeff asked.
 
Tyler held up crossed fingers. “Maybe?” Tyler picked up his cell phone and looked at it.
 
“You missed a call?” Derek asked.
 
“Nope! Kyle, can you turn the jets down please?” Tyler asked.
 
“Ummm do I have to?” Kyle moaned.
 
“No, but I asked you to and we’ve all seen you guys with erections so don’t worry about it,” Tyler said and everyone laughed except Kyle.
 
“It’s time to make a phone a call!” Tyler grinned.
 
“Who are you calling?” Jeff asked.
 
“I’m not calling anyone. It’s time for Cody to make a long distance phone call and tell someone where he is and what he is doing right now,” Tyler said grinning.
 
“You are such a bastard! I love it! Does the phone have a speaker setting?” Cody asked.
 
“It does!” Tyler said pressing the number 4 on his phone and holding it for two seconds.
 
“I’ll talk first but when I tell you guys everyone yell ‘Hi Danny’ together, okay? It’s ringing,” Tyler said.
 
“Tyler?” Danny said.
 
“Hey Daniel! How’s it going?” Tyler asked.
 
“Hang on a sec? Yeah you guys go ahead and play… this is long distance,” Danny said, leaving the kitchen.
 
“Did I interrupt you?” Tyler said.
 
“Did you? You could have called four days ago! I’m playing cards with my parents and Grandma…,” Danny moaned.
 
“Oh I’m sorry Danny… I will let you go then,” Tyler said to the phone grinning at everyone in the Jacuzzi. Tyler laid the phone down on the deck and leaned over the edge to talk. Everyone gathered around him trying to stay quiet.
 
“It sounds like water? Are you in the tub?” Danny asked and everyone had to cover the giggles.
 
“You are correct! I am relaxing in the tub. That’s why I sound distant. I don’t want to hold the phone in case I drop it in the water. Anyway, I know you are busy playing cards with the rents…,” Tyler said grinning.
 
“Fuck you, Puckhead! You hang up and I swear next time I see you that you’ll be the one lying naked in the hallway!” Danny said. That started the laughter.
 
“Hey! You’re not alone? I hear other voices? Is Cody with you?” Danny said all excited.
 
“Okay, <one, two, three> HI DANNY!” Everyone yelled.
 
“Hey, Babe!” Cody said.
 
“Cody! Oh. I miss you so much Babe! Where are you guys?” Danny asked.
 
“I’ll let Tyler tell you!” Cody said laughing.
 
“I’ll let Derek tell you!” Tyler said laughing.
 
“Hey Danny, love you. I’ll let Kyle tell you!” Derek said laughing.
 
“Hey Danny! I’m sitting on Cody’s lap right now!” Kyle said and everyone began laughing.
 
“You mean bastard!” Danny said laughing.
 
“Hey Danny, we’re going to get a few pics snapped of us and we’ll email them to you tonight, okay?” Tyler said.
 
“Shit! That would be great! I miss my brothers so much. I love you guys, but where are you?” Danny asked.
 
“Jeff?” Derek said.
 
“Hi Danny, I’m Jeff, one of your brothers! We’re all here at the Anderson’s home in Baltimore,” he said. Everyone was silent waiting for Danny’s reaction.
 
“Nooooooooo! This is so not fair! I’m in God’s country playing thirty-one for pennies while you guys are hottub’n?” Danny yelled and everyone laughed.
 
“Okay Danny, relax. We were all thinking about you and wanted to call you and wish you a ‘Merry Christmas’,” they all yelled into the phone.
 
“Anyway Danny, got a little bit of news for you and then we’ll let you have some private time on the phone with Cody, okay?” Tyler asked.
 
“Thanks guys, Merry Christmas to y’all.” Danny said. “You guys made my Christmas!”
 
“No problem Danny. Got a question for you? Could you afford approximately $300.00 per month plus food to share an apartment?” Tyler asked. Derek and Cody began giggling.
 
“Really?” Danny asked. “That’s like $200.00 less a month than we’re paying now.”
 
“Really, really!” Tyler, Cody, and Derek said in unison.
 
“Yeah? You found an apartment for all four of us?” Danny asked.
 
“Nope, it’s not an apartment Danny. It’s a four story townhouse,” Tyler said.
 
“Oh my God! Oh my God! You’re shitting me right?” Danny asked.
 
Tyler picked up the phone. “No, not at all and we’ll email you the pictures of the place tonight as well. I’ll get off the phone and let Cody talk to you. Love you Danny!” Tyler said.
 
“Love you too, Puckhead! I’m glad you’re home for the holidays!” Danny said. “That’s the best Christmas present I could get,” Danny added.
 
“Thanks Danny. Me too! Here’s Cody,” Tyler said handing the phone over to Cody.
 
Cody leaned over the edge for privacy and the others chatted quietly.
 
Kyle reached over and started rubbing Cody’s butt. Cody swatted his hand away and everyone laughed.
 
“Kyle, would you go in and grab my camera off of Derek’s dresser please?” Tyler asked.
 
“Do I have to?” Kyle asked.
 
“No.” Tyler said and Cody closed the phone and handed it back to Tyler.
 
“Derek would you phone your Dad and ask him to bring out the camera and grab our Cowboy hats?” Tyler asked.
 
Larry arrived in his bathrobe carrying three cowboy hats and a digital camera.
 
“Dad, don’t frown you’ve still got 14 hours!” Derek teased. Larry wasn’t amused.
 
“Thanks Dr. Anderson. Would you mind snapping a couple of pics of us to send to our friend Danny in Iowa? Right now he’s sitting at his kitchen table playing cards with his parents and grandmother,” Tyler said.
 
“Oh, okay, that is a legitimate sympathy case if I’ve ever heard of one before,” Larry laughed.
 
Tyler, Derek, and Cody sat up on the edge of the Jacuzzi wearing their cowboy hats with Chris, Jeff, and Kyle in the water below them. Larry snapped four pics. The boys then turned around and got into a semi circle and bent over exposing all of their butts to Larry.
 
“You can’t be serious?” Larry asked laughing.
 
“Dad! It’s cold here! Snap the picture,” Kyle whined.
 
“You didn’t look like you were suffering from the cold when you stood up Kyle?” Larry teased.
 
“Ooooooooooh!” Everyone said laughing. Larry snapped a couple of pics.
 
“Thank you, Sir,” Tyler said taking the camera from Larry. Larry couldn’t help but stare at Tyler’s more than gifted package. Larry rushed back in the house and everyone returned to their old seats with the exception of Jeff who now sat beside Tyler.
 
“Okay Kyle, we need a shot of you sitting on Cody. Make a face like you’re getting fucked,” Tyler said.
 
“You’re so bad, Ty!” Cody said.
 
“Fine, we won’t do it then,” Tyler said.
 
“Like hell we won’t!” Cody laughed as he pulled Kyle up on top of him.
 
Kyle began making faces like he was in pain but it wasn’t really working so Cody reached around and grabbed Kyle’s cock! <Snap> Kyle turned around and wrapped his arms around Cody’s neck to make it look like he was riding him on top. <Snap>
 
“Okay guys, got it,” Tyler said laughing.
 
Cody and Kyle burst into laughter and Tyler snapped a couple more pics of them to show Danny that they were just teasing him.
 
“I think it’s time for bed everyone!” Derek said, yawning.
 
“I think I need to run in the morning.” Tyler said. “Haven’t been out in a few days now. Is it okay if I just relax in here a bit?”
 
“Go crazy. Just don’t drown and make sure you put the cover back on. Do you know how to turn it back down to 60 degrees?” Derek asked.
 
“Yeah, your Dad showed me earlier. He figured you wouldn’t remember,” Tyler teased.
 
“C’mon Cody!” Kyle said. “You’re sleeping with Chris and me tonight!”
 
“I am?” Cody asked as each boy took one of his hands and pulled him out of the Jacuzzi.
 
“Here’s your towel but don’t worry, we’ll dry you off upstairs,” Kyle said winking.
 
“Derek?” Cody pleaded for help.
 
“Relax Cody, you could sleep in a room with a lock on the door and they will still get you so don’t fight it.”
 
“Derek!!!!” Cody pleaded.
 
“If it gets really bad call 911?” Derek teased. “Or if you want you could just tell them a story and they will fall right asleep? I suggest you tell them what the four of us did last Friday morning,” Derek said winking.
 
“What’d you guys do?” Kyle demanded to know.
 
Cody glared at Derek. “Brother’s don’t do this to brothers you know!” Cody said.
 
“Actually they do Cody! Welcome to the family!” Derek said and Tyler began laughing hysterically.
 
As they dragged Cody in by the arms up to the house Kyle wanted to know what happened.
 
“You’ve heard of a three-way Kyle?” Cody asked.
 
“Yeah?” Kyle said.
 
“This was four-way,” Cody said.
 
“You guys had an orgy?” Chris asked wide-eyed.
 
“Four people are NOT an orgy Chris!” Cody defended and then winked.
 
“I want every single detail, Cody,” Kyle said.
 
“Damn, I think I just blew my load,” Chris said, and Kyle laughed.
 
“I’m going to head in,” Derek said. “Jeff you can sleep in Luke’s room or in between us if you want, but if you are sleeping with us I suggest you face Tyler so your ass won’t be as sore in the morning!” Derek said as he winked and got out and Tyler laughed out loud.
 
Tyler and Jeff lowered themselves down to neck level in the Jacuzzi. Jeff turned the speed up so bubbles were everywhere.
 
“I wanted to say thanks for the sheet music and taking me out tonight,” Jeff said.
 
“What?” Tyler yelled. Jeff slid over beside Tyler. Their knees touched and Jeff flinched but Tyler didn’t.
 
“I said, I wanted to say thank you for the sheet music you gave me and taking me out tonight,” Jeff said. Tyler smiled and turned down the speed of the water a bit.
 
“You’re welcome Jeff! You’re my brother so anything for you any time,” Tyler said leaning back with his eyes closed.
 
“Derek already said that to me a couple of times but it’s kind of hard to take seriously. People just aren’t like you guys,” Jeff said, looking over at Tyler.
 
“You will only get out of your family what you put into it. Typically you won’t get much because not everyone wants to work at it but around here the love is real,” Tyler said keeping his eyes closed.
 
Jeff leaned back against the wall and moved his hand over to Tyler’s arm. He worked his way down and took hold of Tyler’s left hand. Tyler held Jeff’s hand snugly.
 
“Is this okay?” Jeff asked. Tyler squeezed Jeff’s hand three times.
 
“Does that mean something?” Jeff asked.
 
“What?” Tyler asked opening his eyes and looking over at him.
 
“The three squeezes? Kyle has done that several times and Derek too!” Jeff said.
 
“It means I love you.” Tyler said. Jeff squeezed Tyler’s hand three times.
 
“Are you coming with us next week?” Tyler asked.
 
“Coming where?” Jeff asked.
 
“Oh Shit! You don’t know? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Tyler apologized as he sat up.
 
“About what?” Jeff asked sitting up.
 
“I… don’t think I can say?” Tyler pondered.
 
“You can’t stop mid sentence Tyler? I can keep a secret,” Jeff said.
 
“Well it might be considered a part of your Christmas present so I don’t want to spoil it,” Tyler said.
 
“I’m not Luke’s age,” Jeff said sulking.
 
“Fine… Next week. Derek, Cody, Danny from Iowa, and me are going to Derek’s cottage up in New York State. We want Kyle, Chris, and you to join us for New Year’s and if you say ‘really’ I will be forced to hurt you,” Tyler joked.
 
“Really?” Jeff asked winking. Tyler lowered his eyes and faked an angered look. Jeff laughed.
 
“If ever you need me or Derek just yell, scream, or holler and we’ll be there for you. Honour Bright!” Tyler said. “Before you ask… it means a solemn and trustworthy promise,” he said.
 
“I already knew what it meant, Tyler,” Jeff said smiling. “And thank you. The same goes for me.”
 
“Thanks Jeff. That means a lot and I know if you say it then your word is good,” Tyler said. “We have to cook breakfast and I want to run in the morning so we had better get to bed, eh?” Tyler said.
 
“Eh? You sound like a Canadian,” Jeff said.
 
“I am a Canadian,” Tyler said.
 
“Well that explains the gay thing but I never would have thought…,” Jeff said, and began laughing from teasing Tyler.
 
“Sorry Ty, I already knew you were a Canadian,” Jeff laughed.
 
“Derek’s was right. You’d better sleep facing me!” Tyler winked standing up. Jeff stared at Tyler’s semi-erect cock.
 
“Holy fuck! I don’t think I could get my mouth around that?” Jeff said.
 
“You won’t know till you try!” Tyler winked extending his hand to pull Jeff up.
 
Tyler and Jeff got dried off, turned down the temperature on the Jacuzzi and covered it back up. When they arrived in Derek’s bedroom, he had already uploaded the pics, resized, and cropped them to email to Danny.
 
“Want to see my new desktop picture guys?” Derek said clearing the screen to reveal six naked butts in a circle. “I’ll update it when we’re in New York to include Danny!” Derek said smiling.
 
Tyler went and brushed his teeth. When he came out of the bathroom he saw Jeff lying in the centre of the bed wrapped in Derek’s arms. Tyler removed his towel and opened a drawer to pull out a pair of night shorts.
 
“If you wear those you’ll be the only one wearing them,” Derek grinned. Tyler flung the shorts across the room and got into bed with a big grin.
 
“You guys are amazing. I keep thinking this is a dream and I am going to wake up alone,” Jeff said.
 
“You’ll never be alone again Jeff as long as you choose to be a part of the family, but always remember it’s a two-way street,” Derek warned.
 
“What do you mean?” Jeff asked.
 
“If you’re not here for the rest of your family don’t expect your family to be there for you!” Tyler said.
 
“Do you guys always finish each other’s sentences?” Jeff asked laughing.
 
“That and a lot of other things we finish together,” Derek said sliding his hand down over Jeff’s erection and kissing the back of his neck. Tyler in turn grinned and turned out the light.
 
To be continued…
 

tylerpeel@tickiestories.us

Posted: 12/23/08