Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:24:56 -0400
From: Morris Henderson <bigmoh@post.com>
Subject: Trials and Triumph 7

TRIALS AND TRIUMPH -- II

Chapter 7:  TWO BEGINNERS

It was less than a week before Eric received a call from Justin.
"This is Justin from the agency.  I've got your first assignment.  Are
you available to spend Friday evening and the whole night with a
client?"

"Yes," Eric replied, surprised that his new job would start so soon.
"Can you tell me about the client?"

"Single.  New client.  In his early thirties, he tells us.  A partner in a
big accounting firm.  He wouldn't say which one.  Still in the closet
because of career concerns so the usual discretion and
confidentiality is a must.  You know this but I have to remind you
that it's very important that a new client be satisfied.  That shouldn't
be a problem because he says this is the first time he's hired an
escort.  Don't know if he's a virgin.  Don't know what he looks like
either because all our contacts were by phone.  His name is
Richard Osborne.  That's his real name ... or at least it matches the
name on his credit card.  That's about all we know about him.  He
came up clean in our background check so you don't have to worry
about him being an undercover cop.  On the off chance he is a cop,
make sure HE initiates any sexual conversation or contact.  And
NEVER mention payment!  Most Johns will leave a tip somewhere
in the room.  If he does it's yours to keep.  If he hands it to you, use
your judgment.  If he says or implies it's payment for your services,
decline it.  But we went over all that when you were hired, didn't
we?"

"Yes.  I've read over the guidelines you gave me several times.
When and where do I meet him?"

"He'll be waiting for you at seven Friday evening in the Hilton Hotel
near the Galleria Mall on the Johnson Freeway.  It's a tall round
building.  You can't miss it.  He'll be reading a Time magazine in
the lobby.  Don't know where he'll take you for dinner but in case
it's upscale, you should wear a coat and tie.  You'll be staying the
night in his room at the Hilton.  That probably means at least two
couplings and premium pay for you, Stud.  Call in your report on
Saturday so we can figure the charges and cut a check for you."

"Thanks, Justin.  I'll be there."

"I know he's going to LOVE you.  No red-blooded gay man wouldn't
give his left nut for a romp in bed with you."


Eric rushed home from work on Friday to get ready for his
appointment.  He took a quick shower, used an enema, and got
dressed, leaving plenty of time to drive to Dallas and find the Hilton.
He arrived in the hotel parking lot with thirty minutes to spare so he
waited in the car for a while before walking into the lobby five
minutes before seven.  He was momentarily perplexed because
there were two men in the lobby reading a Time magazine.  But he
easily identified which of them was his John because he was
pretending to read his magazine but nervously glancing toward the
front entrance.  Eric was pleased to see that the man was quite
handsome with a trim (maybe too slender) body.  He wore an
obviously expensive suit and had well-groomed blonde hair that
contrasted strikingly with his dark eyes.

"Hi," Eric said, deliberately not using the man's name.  "Traffic was
light so I'm a bit early."

Richard Osborne looked up and seemed to be startled.  That made
Eric think he had identified the wrong man.  Unknown to Eric,
however, was that the reaction was an outward expression of total
admiration of the young man who would be his companion for the
night.  The agency had assured him of a young, sexy escort but the
figure that stood before him exceeded all expectations.

It was only a moment before the man said, "Eric?  I'm glad you
could make it on such short notice."  He stood, leaving his
magazine on the end table.  "I have reservations for dinner at seven
thirty.  Shall we head out to the restaurant?  My car is outside."


The dinner at a steakhouse on the outskirts of Dallas was delicious.
The conversation, however, was initially awkward and strained
because both Richard and Eric were nervous.  Between the main
course and desert, Richard gathered the courage to say in hushed
tones, "Pardon me if I'm not good company.  But ... well ... this is
the first time I've done this.  Arranged for a partner, I mean.  Fact of
the matter is, I've never had a partner even in high school and
college.  I'm not sure of what to do ... when we get back to the
hotel."

Mindful of the restriction on initiating explicit talk of sex, Eric quietly
replied using ambiguous terms that would nevertheless be
understood, "You can do whatever you want.  Ask me any
questions you might have.  I'll answer them as best I can.  But if it
makes you feel better I'm a little nervous, too.  I've never done this
before either.  Don't get me wrong.  I've had experience but never
with a stranger.  This is my first assignment from the agency.  I'm
sure everything will go well and you won't regret the adventure."

Richard grinned broadly.  "Thanks, Eric.  I appreciate your
understanding.  You've made me feel much better."


Alone in the elevator, Eric said, "Calm down, Richard.  Walking
through the lobby your glancing around made you look nervous ...
and guilty.  We're just two friends going up to our room."

"Sorry," Richard said.  "But I can't help being scared that people will
find out about me.  It would destroy my career not to mention
devastate my family."

"I know exactly how you feel," Eric replied reassuringly.  "But on the
rare chance that anyone you know sees you, they'll be more
suspicious if you act like you're trying to hide something.  I learned
that years ago in high school.  I was afraid my secret would
become known.  As a result, my behavior around other guys --
especially in the locker room -- was unusual.  Fortunately, I
recognized it and make a conscious effort to act normally.  I'm not
saying it's easy.  But you can do it."

Inside Richard's hotel room, Eric said, "I knew you could do it.  We
passed a couple in the hallway when we got off the elevator.  You
smiled at them and they would never suspect why I was with you."

"But I knew!" Richard objected.  "And I felt guilty inside."

"First of all, there's no reason to feel guilty.  I fully understand why
you're afraid of being seen by somebody who knows you.  But
there's no reason to feel ashamed of us being together.  And doing
things together.  We're alone now.  You can do whatever you want
to do -- whatever you've dreamed about doing but never had the
chance."

"You mean that?"

"Absolutely.  I want you to be pleased."

"This may sound odd," Richard said hesitantly, "but I'd like to
undress you.  Would you mind?"

"Not at all."

Richard's hands were trembling as he removed Eric's jacket and tie
and laid them carefully across the back of a chair.  He awkwardly
unbuttoned the young man's shirt and impulsively touched both
prominent nipples before removing the shirt and folding it neatly on
top of the jacket.  Eric was patient but amused that the
fastidiousness was so typical of an accountant.

The man returned his attention to the half-naked body that was his
to admire and explore -- at least for one glorious night.  He ran his
hands across the defined chest and flat abdomen, murmuring,
"Gawd.  You're beautiful."  His trembling grew more noticeable as
he unbuckled Eric's belt, unbuttoned the waistband, and pulled
down the zipper.  He gasped audibly when he saw the bulge in
Eric's bikini briefs.  Erotic passion and lust seized control of his
mind.  He fell to his knees and quickly pulled the briefs and trousers
down to the young man's ankles.  Cock and balls now swung free
inches from his face, plunging the virgin into a delirium of delight.

Oddly, Richard asked, "May I touch it?"  His tone was much like a
small boy asking, "Can I pet your dog, Mister?  Please."

"Of course," Eric replied.  No longer constrained by the prohibition
against initiating sex, he continued, "You're free to do whatever
pleases you.  Touch it.  Fondle it.  Watch it get hard.  Lick it.  Taste
it.  Anything you've always wanted to do.  I'm here to please you
and help you live your dreams."

Richard did just that: touch, fondle, watch in amazement as it rose
to a swollen and upright position, and even tasted it.  His shyness
was disintegrated by his lust and by Eric's gentle encouragement.
No longer concerned with others' opinion of homosexuality, the
man was carried away by a tsunami of sensual pleasure.

Eric patiently allowed the fondling, caressing, (and worship?) to
continue for several minutes but then said, "Get undressed,
Richard, while I take off my shoes and pants.  I'm going to give you
the thrill you've always wanted."

Richard grinned.  He almost ripped off all his clothes and
uncharacteristically threw them carelessly in a pile on the floor.
Eric watched and noted that his client's respectably sized cock was
already fully erect and oozing precum.  He lay down on the bed and
held out his arms in invitation.  Richard responded immediately and
joined him on the bed.

Wordlessly, they hugged and ground their crotches together as
they lay side by side.  After several minutes, Richard said, "Help
me, Eric.  I'm not sure what to do ... or, more accurately, how to do
it."

"Let me show you.  Just lie there and relax.  And enjoy the moment.
I'm going to take you on a ride you'll never forget."

Eric's hands and tongue roamed all over the slim man's body to the
accompaniment of moans and squeals of delight from the virgin.
Precum fell in a string to form a pool just below the man's navel.
Eric licked it up, held it in his mouth, and transferred it to Richard by
way of an open-mouthed kiss.  Noting the man's surprise, Eric said,
"It's your precum.  And I think it's delicious."

Eric then applied his full attention to teasing, sucking, and stroking
the throbbing penis that was begging for orgasmic relief.  It wasn't
long before the man screamed and his cock erupted in several
volleys of creamy nectar.  Eric had to swallow some but saved most
of it to deposit in his client's mouth.

After a prolonged period of recuperation from the most intense
orgasm of his life, Richard said, "Gawd!  That was magnificent!"

"If you're pleased, then I'm happy, too," Eric said.

"Would you let me do the same to you?  I can't promise that I'll be
anywhere as good as you were but I'd like to try."

"As I said before, Richard, you should do whatever you want to do.
This night belongs to you."

Richard tried his best to duplicate the marvelous treatment he had
enjoyed but was awkward at times.  Nevertheless, Eric enjoyed
everything the man did.

After a very long shower in which they washed each other and both
sprouted hard-ons, they returned to bed to enjoy each other, this
time in a sixty-nine position.  Once again, Richard was quick to
ejaculate; Eric's climax took a little more time but Richard didn't
mind the extended opportunity to taste Eric's shaft of manly meat.
Then they cuddled tightly together.

Before falling asleep, Robert's thoughts were mainly ecstatic
gratitude for finally experiencing what he had yearned for since he
was about fifteen years old.  Eric, while he enjoyed the sex, thought
about the life he had chosen to live.  He concluded that sex without
love can be enjoyed.  And his new job with its variety of partners
wasn't merely the "whore boy for hire" that had worried him
previously.


They woke early and spent more than an hour gratifying each
other's primal urges.

Before parting, Richard asked, "Can we do this again sometime?"

"Of course.  Just call the agency and ask for me."

<><><><><>

Late Sunday night, Mike called to ask, "So how was your first
assignment?"

"Very nice," Eric replied.  "The client was a pleasant sort of guy and
quite handsome.  I enjoyed the dinner but he was shy and awkward
at first.   He was almost paranoid about our being seen together.
But in the privacy of the hotel room he was an animal.  That
surprised me because he was a total virgin.  I enjoyed the sex --
three times -- but you want to know what's surprising?  This
sounds corny but my greatest satisfaction was giving him what he
had wanted for so long."

"Funny you should say that," Mike said.  "I didn't mention it when I
talked to you about joining the agency because I figured you would
think I was just blowing smoke up your ass.  Fact of the matter is,
that's exactly how I feel with many of my clients.  They're not virgins
but they're appreciative as hell.  And it makes me feel good that I'm
giving them the pleasure they miss in their regular lives."

Eric said, "It wasn't that long ago that I had my first sex so I know
how this guy felt.  I'm pretty sure he went away very happy."

"That reminds me.  Have you heard from Max lately?"

"No."

"Well, I'm probably out of bounds so act surprised when he calls
you.  He called me earlier today to thank me for recommending
you.  It seems that your client called Saturday evening to sing your
praises and wants a return engagement next Friday night.
Obviously, Eric, ya done good.  And you're sure to get more
assignments."


Chapter 8:  AN ELUSIVE DECISION

Max called Eric soon after Mike's call.  "Eric, my boy," he gushed.
"You were a big hit on Friday night.  The client was positively
effusive in his praise for your performance.  No small part of it was
how well you talked him through his anxieties, which allowed him to
fully enjoy the night.  He wants another session Thursday night ...
this time at his home.  Are you willing to take on another long shift
from seven on Thursday to noon on Friday?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good!  I'll send you his address along with payment for your
outstanding inaugural performance.  One more thing.  One of our
regulars wants company on Saturday night.  All the other escorts
are booked that night and I'm confident that you can please him.
It's not an all-nighter, just a few hours.  Can you handle it for me?"

"Of course."

"Great!  I'll have Justin call you will details -- where, when, his
preferences, that sort of thing.  Welcome aboard, Eric.  You're
going to be a great asset for the agency."

On Tuesday, a letter from the agency came with the information
Max had promised together with a check.  Eric was astonished at
the amount of the check.    With the tip Richard gave him, it almost
matched his weekly pay at the auto parts store.  For one night's
enjoyment!  Compensation was never discussed in all his
conversations with Mike, Larry, Max, and Justin.  He hadn't asked
and they hadn't volunteered the information.  Clearly, with only a
few more assignments each week, his new job would easily
surpass his income from a forty hour week peddling fan belts and
wiper blades.  But he prudently decided that he would not quit his
day job yet.  He would wait a few weeks to be sure that he wanted
to commit to his new career.  He needed to think it through very
carefully.

To aid him in evaluating his options, he made two lists.
Postive:
+ Considerable increase in income
+ Enjoyable "work"
+ Lots of free time
+ Getting out of Denton
+ (Maybe) finding a loving partner in Dallas
Negative
- Stigma of being a male prostitute
- Variable and uncertain income
- Risk of unsavory clients (kinky, fat, etc.)
- Risk (minimal) of arrest
- Risk of disease
- Not long term (getting too old)
- Burn out - bored with job

He pondered over the lists for days -- adding, deleting, and
revising.  For example, he changed a negative (burn out) to a
positive (can quit at any time).  His decision alternated between
staying with the agency and declining all further assignments.  As a
result, he was nowhere near a confident decision.  Maybe if he
asked Mike and Larry for advice he could make up his mind.

<><><><><>

At ten minutes before nine on Friday night (no free meal in this gig)
he arrived at the Omni Dallas hotel on Lamar Street, parked, and
walked to the front desk.  "I'm here to see Mr. Prescot."

"Yes," the desk clerk replied.  "Your father is expecting you.  Go
right on up to room 1237."  The father-son fiction was part of the
information Justin gave to Eric.

Prescot was waiting at the open door of his room.  Eric guessed it
was a sign of the man's eagerness to get down to business.  He
was a tall man of about fifty and only slightly overweight, much of it
around his waist but otherwise well built and handsome with short
blonde hair, square jar, and piercing eyes.  He wore slacks and a
white dress shirt open at the collar.    "Eric?" the man asked.

"Yes, Sir."

The man flashed a friendly smile and said, "Good.  Come in."  He
pointed to one of two chairs in the room and said, "Have a seat."
Prescot sat in the other chair.  Eric had been worried about
substituting for guys who were much more experienced but his
worries vanished because the man said, "I was disappointed that
Tim was not available but I assure you that after seeing you I'm no
longer disappointed."

"Thank you, Sir.  I hope you can say the same thing in the morning.
I'll try to meet or exceed your expectations."

The man held up a half-full glass of whiskey and asked, "Can I fix
you a drink?"

"Thank you but no."

Prescot sipped his drink and asked, "Before we get started, can you
tell me about yourself?"

Eric was befuddled by the question.  He didn't expect to have to
recite his biography and he wasn't at all sure what to include.  He
chose to focus on what he thought would be relevant to the
situation.  "I'm nineteen.  I was a companion to a wealthy executive
for several months and he was -- if I may say so -- extremely
pleased with me.  I'd rather not say who he is or why we parted
because it would violate confidentiality.  I've also had experience
with others before and after living with the executive.  I'm new to
the agency but I've received praise for my work.  Is there anything
else you would like to know?"

Prescot was impressed with Eric's demeanor and admired even
more what appeared to be a firm, muscular body beneath his
clothes.  He was especially pleased with the young man's honoring
of confidentiality.  "You come very highly recommended.  It was
Max's glowing description of you and your work that convinced me
to accept a substitute.  But he didn't say how long you've worked
for him or how many clients you have served."

It was not phrased as a question but Eric felt compelled to answer.
"Only one week and only one client so far.  But the client was
extremely pleased and has booked me for more sessions.  Max
must also be pleased because he's given me more assignments."

"Let me see what you've got under your clothes."

It was an abrupt and bold deviation from the course of the
conversation but Eric stood and began to undress.  Fortunately, he
had practiced the procedure with coaching from Mike and Larry and
successfully followed it in his interview with Max.  His movements
were just slow enough to tease (and arouse) but not exaggerated to
the point of being unnatural.  Prescot's attention never wavered.
His rational need to examine the merchandise was abandoned in
favor of relishing the sight of an extraordinarily attractive young
man revealing himself.

When Eric lowered his bikini briefs, his last article of clothing, his
cock and balls swung free and Prescot gasped, "NICE!"  The
conclusion of the subdued strip tease came when Eric repositioned
his cock in a way that convincingly seemed to be a natural gesture
but was actually a deliberate way to attract attention to what he was
offering to his client.  The ploy was unnecessary because Prescot's
eyes were riveted to the cock of above average length and
diameter.  Still, it added to the man's lustful desire.

Without another word, the man quickly stripped off his clothes and
wrapped his arms around his companion for the night.  He held Eric
in a tight embrace for several minutes as he felt his cock engorge.
Eric's cock also responded to the contact of their naked bodies but
not as rapidly as his client's.

Wordlessly, Prescot led Eric to the bed, laid him down, and lay
beside him.  He then spent several minutes running his hand over
the young man's body.  Nothing between his knees and shoulders
were unexplored.  Except the cock which was now fully erect.  The
man moved to straddle Eric's legs and began to fondle the
hardened shaft and pendulous balls.  Unable to restrain his desires
any longer, Prescot wrapped his lips around Eric's cock, drawing it
slowly into and out of his mouth while teasing the sensitive tip with
his tongue.  His technique was so skillful that Eric had to
consciously resist the urge to ejaculate.

Again without saying anything, the man moved up to straddle Eric's
chest and positioned his own throbbing cock in front of Eric's face.
It was more of a nonverbal request than an invitation so Eric
engulfed the stiff rod and began to suck.  Although the client was
totally in charge, Eric was keenly aware of the need to be an active
participant and used what he had learned -- mostly with Ted
Connors -- to stimulate and arouse.  He squeezed the man's ass
checks, deftly slid a finger into the hairy crack, and massaged the
puckered orifice.  Prescot didn't object so (with difficulty because of
no lubrication) he worked a finger up to the first knuckle into the
anal channel, which then allowed him to intensify the stimulation.

Unexpectedly, Prescot withdrew his cock from Eric's mouth and
said, "I want to fuck you.  Have you cleaned yourself out?"

"Yes.  Thoroughly."

"Good.  I'm going to lie back.  Get on top of me and sit on my cock.
Face me so I can watch your cock bounce as you ride me."

Eric complied, doing all the work while his client lay motionlessly.
After several minutes, Prescot closed his eyes.  With a groan and a
powerful upward thrust of his hips he discharged a load of cum
deep in Eric's ass.

Eric maintained his position with the deflating cock buried in him but
without moving.  When the ecstasy of his orgasm wore off, the man
ordered, "Off!  On your back!"  He was clearly a man accustomed to
authority and being obeyed.  He was a man of few words but they
were unambiguous in meaning.  Eric obeyed the commands.
Prescot then sucked Eric's cock in a way that was somewhere
between active and ferocious.  Soon, Eric warned, "I'm gonna
cum!"  The information had no effect on Prescot's efforts.  Several
blasts of cum assaulted the back of the man's throat and were
swallowed.

They showered, gently but thoroughly washing each other in
decidedly erotic ways before crawling into bed and cuddling tightly
together.  Prescot said nothing as they awaited sleep.  The man
was reflecting on what had been a thoroughly satisfying
experience.  Eric, however, was worried that he had not performed
well.  There was nothing in the information Justin had provided
about Prescot's habits of not communicating in other than terse
commands.  He had tried to please but the lack of any signs of
approval or appreciation was distressing.  He felt in many ways the
same as he did during the last days with Ted Connors.  He was
nothing more than an available body although a desirable one.  He
didn't expect affection from a client of the agency.  But he did
expect more than a single-minded interest in carnal gratification.

Morning brought an identical repeat of the sexual activities of the
night before.  As Eric dressed to leave, he was depressed but
maintained an outwardly cordial attitude.  His disappointment and
sense of failure weighed heavily on him.  That changed, however,
when Eric got dressed and Prescot said, "It's been wonderful, Kid.
You don't have the experience of Tim but your performance was
flawless.  Can we get together again?"

"I'd be happy to," Eric replied but, worried about stealing a client
from another staff member, said, "Just call the agency, Sir.  They
make the assignments."

"I will.  And I intend to make my choice known!  I couldn't wish for
anyone better than you."

Eric just grinned, "Thank you.  I'm glad you were pleased."

He turned to leave but stopped when the smiling Prescot said, "I
think you forgot something on the bedside table."

Eric looked and saw several bills in a money clip.  He walked over,
picked it up, and asked, "Are you sure this is not yours, Sir?"

Prescot laughed.  "You ARE new at this game, aren't you?  It's
yours!"

In the elevator, Eric counted the cash.  The client was not amiable
but he was VERY generous.

<><><><><>

Eric's next appointment with another client was less rewarding.
A very overweight man in his late sixties who reeked of
cigarette smoke met him at a Holiday Inn.  With no preliminaries
and minimal foreplay, they got naked and sucked each other to
orgasm in a 69 position.  It was over in less than an hour.  He
complimented Eric and thanked him profusely but Eric left without a
tip.


As Eric drove home, he reflected on the two experiences.  The only
similarity was that both clients were interested in one thing only:
sexual gratification.  He wondered if that would be a common
thread in every subsequent assignment.  He also wondered if he
would find a partner and be able to form a loving bond.  If so, would
he be able to live separate lives like Larry and Mike who
inexplicably seemed able to love each other while constantly
servicing lonely men.

When he arrived home, he revised his lists of pros and cons once
more.


Chapter 9:  THE OUTING

Eric had been working for the agency for three months.  His
schedule had expanded and he was servicing at least five clients
each week and sometimes as many as ten in Dallas, Fort Worth,
and surrounding cities.  It was it profitable because Max steered
him only to affluent clients who tipped generously.  His expenses
were minimal and his bank account was sizable.  More importantly,
he was happy.  The frequent sex was enjoyable, of course, but he
took pride and delight in pleasing grateful and lonely men.  He
didn't yet have what he most wanted, a lifetime companion, but he
was optimistic about finding someone to love.

In early December, Max summoned all twelve employees to a staff
meeting at his home.  It caused quite a stir among the escorts
because it had never been done before and no one had any clue
about the purpose of the meeting.  Max deflected all questions
about why he called the meeting.

Everyone assembled on a Wednesday afternoon to find name tags
laid out for them on a table in the foyer.  It was a considerate move
since none of the escorts had personally met more than two or
three of their colleagues.  For the first hour, they mingled and
introduced themselves to each other while Max and Justin
circulated to make sure that plates were filled with hors d'oeuvres
and glasses filled with wine or soda.  Always in hushed tones when
the curious young men were sure that neither Max nor Justin could
hear, they wondered to each other "What's this all about?"  The
consensus was that it must be an early Christmas party.

All conversations were interrupted when Max called out,
"Gentlemen!  Would you all join me on the patio out back?  Bring
your plates and glasses if you like.  I have something to say to you."

Most of the guests looked quizzically at each other but they all
followed Max and Justin out the back door to a spacious patio.
Four tables and sixteen chairs were in place under a very large
awning.

When everyone was seated, Max started the meeting.  "First and
foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for your
efforts.  It's you guys that have made the agency the success that it
is.  And I want to commend you for earning the praise ... and the
loyalty ... of our clients.  As a token of my thanks, I'm inviting you to
a two-day retreat where you can relax and have a bit of fun.  I've
arranged with one of our satisfied clients to rent his vacation house
in the Piney Woods Region of East Texas.  Calling it a house isn't
right.  It's a huge place surrounded by forest on three sides and
overlooking Sam Rayburn Lake.  There's a swimming pool and
tennis court out back.  I've visited there and I assure you it's palatial
and beautiful.  There are only six bedrooms in the main house and
two in a nearby guest house so you'll have to double up at night."
Max paused and continued, "HOW you double up is entirely up to
you."  A mixture of giggles and laughs rippled through the surprised
staff.  Max turned to Justin and jokingly asked, "What's so funny?"
Laughter resumed.

"The dates are December 27th and 28th -- typically a slow time for
the agency.   It's only two days but I think you will enjoy it.  It may
conflict with regular weekly appointments for a few of you.  If so, I
will explain to your clients the reason.  I'm sure they will
understand.  Some of you might have other plans for those dates.
I'm hoping, however, that ALL of you can arrange your plans to join
us.  Now.  What will you do to fill two days of vacation?  There will
be no planned activities except for meals that will be catered.  You'll
be on your own to hike, go boating, swim, or ... whatever comes up
and catches your fancy."  Boisterous laughter erupted.

"I've chartered a bus to take us there and back.  I've prepared an
information sheet on when and where to meet the bus and some
more information.  Justin?  Would you please pass them out,
please?    Any questions?"

After a short pause, Tim asked, "What should we bring?"

"A shaving kit, a change of clothes, and ... depending on you
interests ... swim suit, hiking shoes ... whatever you might need for
your preferred activities."

"Plenty of condoms?" Justin shouted.

"JUSTIN!" Max shot back, faking displeasure.  "Can't you think of
anything else?"

Justin pretended to sulk, which only caused the laughter to grow
louder.

"Okay, guys," Max said to quell the din of laughter.  "Meeting's over.
I'll assume that you will all come but let me know in a couple of
days if you CAN'T attend the party.  You're welcome to hang
around here for a while or get back to whatever you had planned
for the rest of the day."

<><><><><>

It was about a four hour bus ride to the site of the retreat but the
joviality and energetic conversations among the passengers made
the trip pass quickly.  It was almost midnight on the evening before
the two-day retreat when the bus pulled up in front of a very large
house.  "Geez," one of the escorts exclaimed.  "It's a scaled down
version of the Grand Hotel complete with huge porch and a
portico!"  Pressed for what he meant by those who had never heard
of the Grand Hotel, the young man explained, "It's a famous and
very classy hotel on Mackinac Island in upper Michigan.  I stayed
there with my parents years ago.  And to think this is just some
guy's vacation house!  Incredible!"

Max escorted the entourage into the house as the bus pulled away.
Inside, he briefly pointed out where to find the available bedrooms
and bathrooms (He and Justin would take the master suite.) and
finished by saying, "It's late.  Breakfast is at seven.  If you haven't
already paired with a room mate, do it now.  I'll see you in the
morning."

Most had already agreed to share a room and proceeded
immediately from the foyer up the stairs.  Eric and Tim were among
the first to go up the stairs.  They had not met each other prior to
the trip and nothing more than chance found themselves as seat
mates on the bus trip.  They developed an immediate rapport and
agreed to share a bedroom.

Tim was not a hunk like many of the other escorts.  He had a thin
frame and very youthful looking face that made him seem years
younger than his age of eighteen.  Perhaps, Eric thought, that
would be appealing to some clients.

Tim came from a dysfunctional family in northeast Ohio.  His
parents found out he was gay and berated him mercilessly.  They
threatened to send him to a camp in Wyoming that claimed to
"cure" homosexuals.  He refused to go and left home at seventeen
to live with his boyfriend.    A heated argument with his boyfriend
just before high school graduation forced him to move out.  He
hitchhiked to Texas to stay with his married older brother who knew
he was gay and accepted it.  Unable to find a job without a diploma,
he started working for the agency.

But they were dissimilar in other ways.  Tim was a gregarious
extrovert who made friends easily.  He was what academics would
call a lateral thinker because he creatively found connections
between seemingly unrelated things.  Whereas Eric's interest was
in the orderliness of demonstrable facts, Tim saw the world around
him differently and was drawn to artistic expression in painting,
music, and the performing arts.

Eric found Tim to be, for lack of a better word, refreshing -- honest
and unpretentious, energetic, an attentive listener and interesting
talker.  Tim appreciated Eric's curiosity and genuine interest in
Tim's passionate love of visual and performing arts.  Together,
those factors formed the basis of mutual attraction and their
agreement to be room mates.

Upon staking claim to one of the upstairs bedrooms, Eric and Tim
unpacked the few things in their overnight bags while still talking to
each other as if they were old friends.  Eric said, "I think I'll grab a
quick shower before anyone else monopolizes the bathroom."

Tim surprised even himself when he impulsively asked, "Why don't
we shower together?"

Eric's expression was briefly startled but it quickly changed to a
grin.  "I'd like that."  But, fearing that his comment was too bold, he
immediately added, "It will save time for others who want to
shower."

Both young men grinned.  Each had the same hopes.  Each sensed
that the other felt the same way.  They stripped off their shoes,
socks, shirt, and trousers and walked down the hall to the bathroom
where they took off their underwear.

Eric must have shown his surprise upon seeing Tim's pelvic region
with no public hair, which made his average penis look longer.  Tim
chuckled and said, "Yeah, I keep it shaved.  It's a turn-on for a
couple of my regulars; all the others don't mind.  Any time a new
client requests a juvenile escort, Max tells them we're all at least
eighteen.  If they insist on a young appearing escort, he gives the
assignment to me.  I can't be sure -- I have no clear evidence --
but I think one guy might be a pedophile but if I can satisfy his
urges so he doesn't bother little boys, I'm happy to do it."

"Well," Eric said, "I'm not a pedophile but I must say it's sexy."

It was not undiluted lust but it was a combination of mutual
fondness and admiration that drove them both to be gentle and
caring as they washed each other.  No words were spoken as they
tentatively began; none were necessary.  The budding bond
between them eliminated the need for requests and permissions.
Both became increasingly aroused in small part by the sensuous
actions of washing and being washed but mostly due to their
fondness for each other.  Their erections did not plead for release
as much as they seemed to beg for the privilege of bestowing joy
on a deserving friend.  The intensity of their orgasms was magnified
by their liking for each other.  As each deposited his seed in the
other's mouth, he didn't fully recognize the magic of the moment:
another seed had been sown -- the latent seed of love for each
other.  Neither could foresee how soon or how vigorously that seed
would grow and flourish.  Both of them, however, were warmed by
a rich glow of emotional bliss as they cuddled together in bed.
Before they fell asleep, each reminisced to himself about his first
lover.  It seemed so long ago and quite meaningless when
compared to the current evening's physical and emotional
gratification.

<><><><><>

Everyone gathered on the patio by seven in the morning or slightly
after for the catered breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, toast,
waffles with a selection of syrups, juice, milk, coffee, and tea.  The
good food was enhanced by the view of a swimming pool, tennis
court, and part of the expansive back yard, some of which was
obscured by a wooden privacy fence on three sides of the pool that
was visible only from the house and patio.

After breakfast, everyone scattered to enjoy hiking in the woods,
swimming in the pool, playing tennis, canoeing on the lake,
lounging on the patio, or going back to their rooms for undisclosed
reasons.

"Hey, Eric," Mike said.  "Care to join Larry and me in a walk through
the woods?"

"Sure," Eric replied.  "Would you mind if Tim comes along?"

"More the merrier!" Mike replied.

For the rest of the day, Eric and Tim were inseparable -- canoeing,
swimming, playing billiards in the basement game room -- which
caused many others to speculate.  The new friends' companionship
was particularly obvious to Mike and Larry.  They, more than
anyone else, noticed the uninhibited laughter, the frequent
consideration of the other's needs and wishes, the sparkle in their
eyes when they exchanged glances, and what seemed to be a glow
of happiness in both their faces.

Larry and Mike sat with Tim and Eric at dinner that night.  When
Tim excused himself to go to the bathroom, Mike seized the
opportunity to resolve a question that had intrigued him for most of
the day.  "You and Tim get along very well together.  Is it more than
a friendship?"

Eric was blindsided by the question and was hesitant to reply.  Yes,
he cared for his vivacious new friend.  He allowed himself to hope
that the friendship would continue and ... perhaps ... blossom into a
relationship.  But it was far too soon to be sure of any reciprocal
interest.  To divert the subject he answered, "I only met him
yesterday.  He's fun to be with.  He's a friend ... like you and Larry
are my friends."

"Forgive me," Mike said.  "It's just that I see in both you and Tim the
same thing that Larry and I experienced when we met.  Call it
excitement, camaraderie, joy ... whatever.  But I've never seen you
so happy.  Let me just say that I hope it works out for you both.
You'd make a perfect couple."

Larry interjected, "If it does, buddy.  I hope we're the first to know
that our prediction was right."

"Geez, guys!" Eric exclaimed.  "You really believe in love at first
sight?"

"YES!" both Mike and Larry said in unison and laughed.


That night, as Eric and Tim made love in bed, they both felt that
they may have found someone with whom to share the rest of their
lives or at least allowed themselves to hope so.

To be continued


AUTHOR'S NOTE:
My thanks to Iatia for his peerless editing and continuing
encouragement.