Date: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 17:41:20 -0800 (PST)
From: John Michaels <mmanlookin@yahoo.com>
Subject: Anna and ASher - Chapter 4

			      ANNA AND ASHER
				    BY
				    JM

email: mmanlookin@yahoo.com

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			       CHAPTER FOUR

     Asher had added a pair of aviator to his ensemble, and looked smokin'
hot!  It was all I could do to keep from ravishing him right then and
there. As we walked toward the entrance, I asked him about parking for the
residents.  He pointed to a building the abutted the property for the
apartments that appeared to have an awning-covered walk-way connecting the
two.  I hadn't noticed the walk-way yesterday when I arrived, my mind
simply on getting out of the heat and getting settled in.

     "It must be a bitch, if you've got a lot of groceries or other things
to carry," I observed.

     "Nah!" he said.  "They've got hand carts you can load your stuff on.
In some ways, it's even easier, since you can get everything in one trip.
Then there's the elevator.  The only bitch part is having to return the
cart, but it's no big deal, since you've probably saved having to make
several trips lugging stuff.  And I usually jump on it and coast - kinda
like an over-sized skate board, if there's nobody in the way."

     "I guess I can used to that," I said.  "My apartment in Boston had a
similar set up, although it was a high-rise with the parking garage
underneath."

     At that point we had arrived at the guard house where Asher introduced
me to the security guard, whose name was Jerry.  He wasn't the same one as
yesterday, but maybe the guy I met worked the afternoon shift.  Jerry
confirmed this when he told me that there were three shifts: 6AM-2PM (his),
2PM-10PM (Tom, the one I'd met yesterday) and 10PM-6AM (Roger).  He said
that on weekends there were two 12-hour shifts (6-6) that were covered by
part-timers, not always the same pair.  He said these were mostly
university students wanting to earn some extra money and who were in the
criminal justice program there.  Just about then our cab arrived, and
before hopping in, I asked Jerry if there was any paperwork I needed to
fill out for parking my car in the garage.  He reached into a drawer and
pulled out a form, handing it to me and telling me to just drop it off
there later with whoever was on duty and they'd get the info inputted into
the
 system.  Taking the form and thanking him, Asher and I hopped in to the
cab.  Pulling out my smartphone, I brought up the address information for
the BMW dealer for the cabbie, and off we went.

     Asher and his family had been living in town since shortly after Anna
was born - almost 10 years, and he knew the place well.  He didn't really
seem all that excited though and still had a look of disappointed
frustration on his face.  He had been hoping to be able to tell where we
were going, but the road address I gave the driver was the location of
quite a few different car dealers, so he really had no more clue now than
before.  I tried to keep him distracted by getting him to be tour guide and
point things out, and it helped a little.  He seemed to come out of his
funk, and when we finally pulled into the dealership and he saw the large
BMW sign, his eyes got huge.

     "No shit!" he quietly exclaimed.  Then turning to me, he said,
excitedly, "You're getting a BMW?  What kind?"

     "You'll find out soon enough," I said, patting his thigh.  By then the
cab had stopped, and, after paying the fare plus tip, we exited the cab and
hurried into the showroom to get out of the heat.

     As with most of these places, when any reasonably presentable adult
walks in the door, you're almost immediately inundated with eager
salespersons, and this was no exception.  Before Asher could even remove
his sun glasses, there were four eager beavers bearing down on us from the
bank of sales cubicles, plastic smiles firmly in place.  Too bad I was
going to disappoint them.  The sale had already been made.  I had already
paid for the car in full, including all state and local taxes, it was
already insured, since this was an order for a specific vehicle, and, if
they did their jobs right here, it should even have the registration plates
on it and ready to drive off the lot after proper identification was
established.  I had the file with me containing all the documentation.  Now
let's see if they try to play games with me.

     "Welcome to Saunders BMW," said the first to oil his way up to us.
"How may we assist you today?"

     "I'm here to pick up the car I ordered," I said.  "It's a bit
complicated, so if you could direct me to your manager, I would be most
grateful."  The guy was struggling to keep his false smile in place,
clearly not liking the fact that I was going to rob him of a potentially
lucrative commission.  The others had sort of stepped back a bit, scowling
at their colleague, who had beaten them to the punch, but hearing what I'd
said, were waiting to see what transpired.

     "I'm sure that I'll be able to assist you with whatever it is," he
responded.  "Mr. Alger, our manager is a very busy man at the moment, and
I'm afraid you'd have to wait a while to see him.  I'm sure I'll be able to
assist you to your satisfaction."

     "That may be," I replied, trying to keep my growing irritation under
control.  "Mr. Alger is the one who handled this deal on your end here, and
he has all the information.  As a matter of fact, he's actually expecting
me today, although we weren't able to set a specific time.  So, if you
would please direct me to his office, I would very much appreciate it."

     "If you'd give me your name, sir, I'll call him to see if he's
available now," he said, clearly not happy with the way things were turning
out.

     "Thank you," I said, with creating my own plastic smile.  "Would you
please tell him that Jack Matheson is here to pick up his car."

     "Certainly, Mr. Matheson," he replied.  "Excuse me for a moment."  He
went over to a phone on a desk near the front door and could be seen
talking to someone.  He seemed to be quite agitated and his face was
getting red.

     "I think someone is getting his ass chewed out," Asher whispered,
leaning into me, accompanied by a giggle.  "What an asshole!"

     "He was beginning to piss me off, too," I said, quietly.  "But you
have to also remember that in most of these places, the only money they
make is their commissions.  That's why I didn't jump all over him.
Frankly, if I hadn't already bought the car, I would have at least let him
try to sell me one."

     "So what type of BMW are you getting?" he asked.

     "Patience, Love," I replied.  "You'll see it soon enough, I hope."

     "You gonna let me drive it?  I've got my learner's permit and have had
the driver's ed. class at school already."

     "Yep," I said, with a wink and grin.

     "No shit!!" he exclaimed out loud, drawing quite a bit of attention.
"Oops!  Sorry.  But you really mean it?"

     "I really mean it," I said, just as the salesman returned.

     "Mr. Alger will be right with you," he said, clearly not a happy
camper.

     "Thank you," I said, stiffly.  "Would you point me in the direction of
his office?"

     "It's the office on the left at the back of the showroom," He replied.
"You can't miss it.  It's the only one in that area."

     "Thanks again," I said, and, placing my hand on Asher's shoulder,
headed off in that direction.  We obviously had to pass several display
models, and Asher had to stop at almost every one to check it out.  We
finally made it to the office just as the door opened, and a rather
grandfatherly figure emerged.

     "You must be Mr. Matheson," he said, with his hand outstretched in
greeting.  "And who might this young man with you be?"  Once a salesman,
always a salesman, I guess.  He was well aware of the amount of money I
paid for the car and was making sure to keep the door open for a potential
future customer, even if he was a 15-year old boy, although he could pass
for 17.

     "This is Asher McKay.  He's the son of my neighbor," I answered, as
the two shook hands.

     "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Alger" said Ash, in a very mature manner.
Good parenting, great kids!

     "Maybe you'll think of us when the time comes for your own car," Alger
said, with what must be a patented, business-wide fake smile.  Boy, did I
have him pegged right!  "Let's step into my office and finalize the
paperwork, so you can take your new car home."  And with that, he ushered
into his office, closed the door and directed us to sit in the chairs in
front of his desk.  Then, we got down to business.

     The dealer in Boston that I had worked with on buying the car had been
very helpful, knowledgeable and competent.  Since I also had all of my
copies of all the forms and paperwork with me, we managed to get through
everything in a half hour.  We were all smiling in relief when the last
document was signed, and Mr. Alger used his phone, calling the service
department and asking that my new car be brought around to the front
entrance.  Asher still had no idea of the model I'd bought, only that it
was a BMW - his dream car.  We stood, shook hands, and Mr. Alger handed me
the packet containing all the paperwork and a set of keys with the
requisite remote/security fob attached.  He said that the other set was in
the car.  With that, we set off to the front of the showroom, just as a
sleek, silver, 4-door sedan pulled up.  Their service guy was just getting
out as we exited the building, Asher's eyes wide and his mouth hanging
open.

     "Whoa!" he exhaled.  "I've heard about these and read some stuff
on-line, but this is the first real one I've ever seen!"

     What he was referring to was a 4-door BMW ActiveHybrid 3 with a finish
called "Glacier Silver Metallic", and I have to admit that I was extremely
happy with the color.  When we got to the open door, Ash immediately stuck
his head inside to check out the interior.  He silently examined
everything, then turned back to me, slightly shaking his head.

     "This is freakin' awesome," he exclaimed.  I had to agree
whole-heartedly with him, although his comments were about the car.  Mine
were about him, as I once again took in the sheer beauty and masculinity
before me.  I had to shake my head to get back to the business of the car
before my twitching cock decided to inflate.

     Anyway, the interior was definitely plush, with light gray leather
seats, walnut paneling and accents...you name it, this car had it.  I had
upgraded to every available luxury accessory there was, and it was
definitely reflected in the price.  All told, I had paid almost 70 grand
for the car, but looking at it, the sheer joy on Asher's handsome face and
my own boyish delight at being the owner of such a fine vehicle, the cost
was well worth it.  With a final round of handshakes, Asher and I slid into
my new car, and as we were driving off, I noticed the disappointed salesman
with a sour look on his face watching from the showroom window as we drove
off.  Asher had gotten the car's manual out of the glove box and was
thumbing through, exclaiming over the car's features.  He came to the
section about the 8-point power seats and decided he had to try out all
positions to the fullest extent.  When he discovered that the seat could
fully
 recline, he leered at me.

     "These seats are as comfortable as my bed," he said, licking his lips
suggestively.  "We can have sex in the car.  And with the privacy glass, no
one can see in."

     "We're not having sex in the car, you little horn dog," I laughed.  "I
don't want cum stains all over the leather seats."

     "Keep a blanket in the back, then," he quickly retorted, with a
satisfied grin, figuring he had the perfect solution, all the while rubbing
his hardening cock.  My cock was also tenting my pants most uncomfortably.

     "Knock it off, you sex pot!" I said, winking.  "You keep this shit up,
I'm gonna wreck my new car.  Besides, you're supposed to be navigating so
we can get these errands run then go home and drain your balls."

     "Oh, God, Jack," he moaned.  "I was just kidding around, but the
thought of you and me at home alone is getting me so damn horny!"

     "I'm sorry, Love.  I was kidding around, too.  Sorta.  Let's get our
minds back on what we're supposed to be doing," I said, patting his knee in
as non-sexual way as I could muster.  "Our first stop needs to be someplace
where I can get some patio furniture for the space outside my door."  He
surprised me by taking my hand and rubbing it against his cheek then
kissing it.

     "Have I told you yet just how much I love you?" he asked, with very
wet eyes.

     "And I love you, too, Ash," I replied softly, stroking his cheek.

     Our little Hallmark moment was rudely interrupted by the blaring of
the horn from the car behind us.  We had stopped at a red light which was
now green, and Asher gave my hand a final kiss, then directed me to a lawn
and garden center that would have the type of outdoor furniture I was
looking for.  We selected 2 wing-back wicker chairs with cushions that also
had retracting foot stools, a side good-sized matching side table with
ample space for drinks, snacks and maybe a potted plant or two and a 2-seat
covered glider.  The space in front of my apartment would have ample space
for these.  From there, he directed me to my next stop, the liquor store,
where we decided he would stay in the car experimenting with the gadgets.
We figured it would be the easiest thing to do so that we didn't raise any
suspicions or concerns about an obviously under-age minor shopping with
someone who was going to be spending a goodly amount on booze.  Three
 quarters of an hour and almost $1000 later, I emerged with a very full
shopping cart.  I had an array of my favorite hard liquors, cordials and
wine, which I proceeded to load into the trunk.  Getting into the car after
returning the cart, I noticed Asher shaking his head.

     "Shit, man!" he said.  "Do you drink a lot?  Are you some kind of
closet alcoholic or somethin'?""

     "Not really," I replied, chuckling.  "I like an occasional drink, but
mostly, it's for when I'm entertaining business clients or have company
over.  The cordials are the same.  I have one or two favorites, but the
rest are for company.  I do, however, like to have a glass or two of wine,
and they were having a sale on my favorite Australian varieties, so I
figured I'd stock up.  I guess we'd better make a stop at a furniture or
kitchen accessories store so I can get a wine rack."

     "You don't need that," he said.  "That cupboard that looks like a
small broom closet at the end of the kitchen counter should be a wine
closet, if your place is set up like ours and others I've seen there.  I
think I heard Dad say that it can hold up to 50 bottles."

     "OK," I said.  "I'll trust you on that one, so, next stop needs to be
some place where I can buy beer."

     "You really are an "alchy", he laughed.

     "Nah," I said.  "If I'm relaxing inside at the end of the day, I
usually like a glass of wine.  But if I'm outside where it's still warm, I
like a cold beer.  So where to?"

     "You can get beer at the grocery store," he replied.  "Got any more
stops in mind?"

     "Nope," I said.  "I do want to get plants and stuff for the planter in
the dining room, but we can do that some other time.  Once we're done
grocery shopping, it's going to take a good chunk of the afternoon just
putting stuff away and getting organized.  But I think for the moment, we'd
better look for some place for lunch before grocery shopping.  I don't know
about you, but it's after 12, and I'm getting hungry."  As if on cue, his
stomach grumbled.

     "Yeah, me too," he giggled, embarrassedly.  "What do you have in mind
for lunch?"

     "Nothing fancy," I said.  "And I have to warn you that I'm not a big
fan of the usual fast food places.  About the only time I'll eat there is
if I don't have very much time to eat.  What I'd really like is someplace
where I can have a nice sit=down meal with my boyfriend."  He blushed and
grinned widely.

     "Yeah," he said, quietly.  "I'd like that too.  Any kind of place in
particular?".

     "I like foods from all over the world," I replied.  "Thai, Chinese,
Japanese, German, French, Italian.  You name it.  But since we had your
mom's killer lasagna last night, something other than Italian.  And since
we live in this part of the country, there has to be some decent Mexican
restaurants around."

     "Actually, there's a dynamite Mexican place just across the road from
the grocery store," he said, perking up.

     "Excellent!" I exclaimed, just as both of our stomachs complained of
emptiness.  "Point the way!"  He is an excellent navigator, and less than
10 minutes later, we were pulling into the parking lot of the restaurant.
The lot was fairly full, but Asher said that he's been here quite a few
time with family and friends, and that even though it may look busy, he
assured me there would be little or no wait for a table.  He was right.

     We were seated almost immediately, and, after placing our drink orders
for iced tea, studied the menu.  He'd been there often enough that he was
able to critique pretty much the entire menu.  Everything appealed to me,
and I was having trouble making up my mind.  What we finally decided on was
a combo platter for two, which, Asher assured me, would be more than
enough.  The timing of our decision was perfect, as the waitress returned
with our drinks.  After she left with our order, we sat back and just gazed
at one another.  I finally smiled and just shook my head.

     "What?" he asked, with a small, nervous smile.

     "If anyone had told me 48 hours ago that I would fall deeply in love
with a gorgeous 15-year old boy, I'd have bitch-slapped them and told them
they were out of their freaking mind," I said, softly.  "But here I am,
sitting across from a gorgeous 15-year old boy - young man - who I'm deeply
in love with.  And, that I have his parents' blessing to pursue a
relationship with him.  I feel that this should all be a fantastic dream,
but if it is, I hope I never wake up.  I love you, Asher."  His eyes were
filling up with tears, and his bottom lip was quivering as he put his hand
on the table and slid it toward me.  I reached out and placed my hand on
top of his, giving it a gentle squeeze before pulling back.  We definitely
don't need to send out any PDA red flags in public, and he seemed to
understand, as he slid his arm back and wrapped his hand around his drink
glass.

     "I know what you mean," he said, once he got his emotions under
control.  "I try to come across as cool and confident, but inside I'm
scared shitless with everything that's happened so fast.  Ever since I
realized I was gay, I've always been more attracted to older, athletic
guys, and they're the ones that have always fueled my fantasies.  You saw
that poster across from my bed.  Did you notice that he looked about your
age?  (I nodded.)

     "There are some pretty hot and buff guys at school, especially some of
the athletes that you'd think would be a constant turn-on for me, but the
only way they are is when I imagine what they'll look like in 10 years or
so.  I have no problems showering with them after P.E or practices unless
my imagination starts working to make them older.  When I first saw you, I
almost creamed in my shorts.  To me, you look way hotter than my hottest
fantasy.  You're my ultimate dream man!  You're so handsome and have a body
to die for.  And that you'd even be interested in a kid like me is unreal!
It scares the hell out of me, Jack.  I'm pretty convinced that even as I
get older that it will always be older guys I'm attracted to, and it's you
that I want to be with.  But what happens when I get older?  Will you still
feel the same way about me, too?  Between that and these incredible
feelings I have for you are what scare me.  I feel that I'm
 just a huge puddle of emotions inside, and I don't know how to sort them
out.  That's what scares me the most.  I don't want to screw things up.  I
love you, Jack!"  The tears were freely flowing now, and I wanted nothing
more than to take him into my arms and kiss and comfort him.  But, given
our present locale, I simply handed him a napkin to wipe his face.

     "Ash," I said softly, "I wish we were home having this conversation
and not out in public.  I want nothing more right now than to hold you and
comfort you.  A lot of the emotional side of what you're feeling is caused
by those damn adolescent hormone.  But they are also very adult emotions,
too.  I'm scared, too, Ash, by how deeply and quickly I've fallen in love
with you, and that I'm going to screw things up.  I've been in
relationships in the past but none of them have ever affected me as deeply
as now.  I don't want what we've started to ever stop, but to get bigger
and stronger.  And that's what has me the most excited and nervous.  You
are the very first guy I've ever truly and totally fallen in love with.  I
always hoped that I would find my Mr. Right among the guys I went out with,
but it was a 15-year old boy that claimed that distinction.  I fell in love
with you the moment I first set eyes on you, Ash, and it really
 surprised me.  And the thing that really excites me is the fact that I'll
be by your side as you grow into an adult, and become the terrific adult I
know is inside you.  But that's just it.  I want you to grow, not jump,
into adulthood just because you're already in an adult-type relationship.
What we do behind closed doors is very much part of the adult world, but
outside, I want you to enjoy being a kid, maturing as nature intended. I'm
really looking forward to watching you, and as you grow, so will my
feelings for you, and THAT'S what scares me.  I'm so very much in love with
you right now, that anything bigger than what I'm feeling now boggles my
mind!  I never knew that love could be this deep, this strong, this
wonderful, and the fact that it's only going to get better blows my mind!
And I confess, I have the same worry as you.  Will you still feel the same
way about me 10 or 20 years from now when age starts to take its toll?  I
 always knew that when I did find the right guy, that it would be for the
rest of my life - that there would never be anyone else.  But will you be
there with me to the end?  That's my biggest fear."

     "Jack," he replied, still wiping his eyes, "I've grown up around
people who have been committed to and have loved one another all their
lives: my folks, my grandparents and others.  Yeah, I know a lot of kids at
school come from broken homes, but I've been lucky to be surrounded by the
very best examples of love of the "'til death do us part" kind.  And, like
you, I knew that when I found that one special person, that it would be
forever, and I've found him.  You!  And it surprised me just as much as it
did you.  It's just trying to deal all these new feelings and emotions
that's made me kind of a mental case, and I know I'm gonna need help
sorting through them.  Now I can understand why Mom wanted us to take
things slowly.  Help me, please, Jack.  Help me to love you as I want to
and need to and to give you the full love you deserve!  There's no doubt in
my mind that I've been so damn lucky to find you as young as I am, and it
really
 excites me, 'cuz that means that I have more of my life to love you.  But
it scares me, too."

     "This is a pretty damn heavy conversation to be having over lunch in a
restaurant," I said.  "Ash, do you trust me?"

     "With my heart and my life," he said without hesitation.

     "OK," I replied.  "I want to sit down with BOTH of your parents when
your dad gets back, and recount everything we've just said here.  There are
three positive things that will come out of that.  One: It will show them
that we are taking time to work out the truly important issues in a
relationship like ours, not only as being gay, but the inter-generational
side of it, too.  Two: It will reassure them that we really are in love and
willing to do the work needed to make our relationship work.  And three: It
will show them that we trust and respect them enough to be able to talk
about it.  Right now, your mom is our biggest supporter, and, from what she
told me, your dad could very well be, also.  And we're going to need all
the support we can get.  And then, there's Anna.  We'll need to talk to
your folks to see just how much information we give her.  It's going to be
very clear to her that we have something going on between us,
 if she doesn't suspect already."

     "Umm...she already pretty much knows," he said, squirming
uncomfortably.  "It's something I was gonna tell you, but it would be
better if we waitied 'til we got home."

     "OK, " I said, wondering why he seemed as nervous as he did.  Just
then, the waitress brought our meal, effectively shutting down
conversation.

     The platter with array of Mexican delicacies looked large enough to
feed a good-sized family.  There were a variety of savory fillings, as well
as dishes of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped onions, lettuce and
tomatoes.  There was also a separate covered dish containing a large stack
of warm, soft tortilla shells completing the food items for a make-your-own
feast.  When the waitress had finally unloaded everything from her tray
onto the table, there was just enough room left for our plates.  After
asking if there was anything else we needed and getting a negative reply,
she left, and we began putting together our tacos.

     I guess we had both silently agreed to keep conversation lighter for
now, so we talked about personal things that helped to us to better know
one another.  It was a comfortable time, talking about his school, sports,
his friends, some of the tales of their antics interrupting our meal with
laughter.  I told him some of about my growing up in northern New England,
my job and some of the wackier clients I'd dealt with over the years,
causing more interruptions for laughing.  We had a great time and learned a
lot more about one another, but under the surface, I knew we were both
still feeling the emotions of the earlier conversation.  We both finally
had to call a halt to eating, having stuffed ourselves silly.  He had been
correct when he said this place had great food.  There was precious little
left on the platter when I finally caught the waitress' attention.
Declining the offer of dessert with a mutual groan, I paid the check, which
 was very reasonable, I thought, for the amount of food, got into the car
and drove across for to the grocery store.

     Grocery shopping with Asher was a trip!  His mischievous teen side
emerged, and I was constantly having to keep an eye on what he was throwing
into the cart.  I had given him my phone, that had my shopping list on it,
and since he knew the layout of the store, I let him lead the way.  I was
frequently putting odd items definitely not on my list back on the shelves
that he had tossed in.  I finally had to call a halt to his antics as I
replaced 2 boxes of Kotex.  He was laughing hysterically as this was
witnessed by a rather overly-large woman behind us, and I simply shrugged
and smiled at her as she harrumphed her way past us.  But he did calm down
and behave himself, although there were intermittent giggles as we'd pass
items that would caused some embarrassment at check-out.  Since I was
stocking my pantry, refrigerator and freezer from the ground up, we
eventually had to get a second cart .  The only other problematic moment
was when
 he reached into the cooler to grab a case of beer.  I quickly reminded him
of the age requirement, and it was a good thing, too, as I had just reached
into the cooler myself when one of the managers walked past.  We would have
been busted for sure!  We finally reached the end of the list and pushed
our two full carts to the check-out.  Asher gasped when the final total
came to a little over $600, but I knew this would be an expensive trip,
since I needed everything from the ground up, including all the cleaning
supplies.  As we exited the store, I began to get a little nervous,
wondering if we'd be able to fit everything into the car.  After a lot of
reshuffling and double stacking, we managed, although Asher ended up with 2
bags on the floor between his feet and one on his lap.

     The trip home was fairly quiet, and I could tell he was probably
thinking of what it was he wanted to tell me once we got there.  When we
arrived, I pulled into my designated space, and Asher went to get a cart to
carry our purchases on.  He returned, pushing a trolley with handles on
both ends, similar to what you see in places like Home Depot but a little
shorter.  I made sure all the liquor and beer were included on it, and we
soon had it loaded with still more in the car.  He went and got another
one, and we soon had the car unloaded and headed to the elevator.  The
trolley wouldn't fit in the elevator, so I unloaded the hootch and as many
bags as would fit, leaving room for myself, dreading the many trips it
would take from the elevator the apartment.  Asher told me that there was a
trolley on each floor, and I gave a huge sigh of relief.  I told him I'd
send the elevator back down, and he could load it for the next trip while I
got
 the first batch into the apartment.  With the amount of purchases, it was
going to take at least three, if not four, trips, since the elevator had a
weight limit and could only hold so much.  When I got to our floor, I
noticed the trolley he had mentioned against the wall to the left.  I got
everything loaded and sent the elevator back down for the next load, and
headed for my apartment.  I got everything unloaded, putting the liquor on
the dining table to be stored in the hutch, and took everything else into
the kitchen, putting it onto the counters.  I went back out, took the
trolley and loaded it with the next batch Asher had sent up.  I was just
going past the McKay's apartment when Anna poked her head out to see what
the commotion was all about.

     "Hi, Jack," she beamed, stepping out, wearing that bathing suit she
had on yesterday, causing a reprise of the same reaction from down below.
"Looks like you did a lot of shopping.  Need any help?"

     "Anna!  Come, go out, but shut the door," said her clearly frustrated
mother, as she came to the door.  "Oh, hi, Jack.  Looks like you boys
bought out the store."

     "Boys?" asked Anna, looking from her mother to me.  "Was Ash with
you?"

     "Yep.  He was my navigator this morning," I said, with, what I hoped,
was a warm smile.

     "How come I couldn't go with you," she pouted, clearly upset that I
took her brother instead of her.

     "Anna Louise McKay!" said Alicia, sternly.  "First of all, young lady,
you had your gymnastics class this morning.  And secondly, I told you that
Asher and Jack needed time alone to talk about things.  Now, apologize for
your rudeness!"  Any child knows that when a parent uses their full name,
they're in deep shit, and Anna quickly realized that was the case now.

     "I'm sorry, Jack," she said, very embarrassed to be caught out and
dressed down in front of me.  "That was my "mouth before mind" thing again.
But it seems you like Ash more than me, 'cuz your always spending more time
with him."  Alicia flashed me an "oh, shit!" look.

     "It's OK, Honey," she said, pulling Anna into a hug.  "I know Jack
likes you, too.  It's just that Ash and he are guys, and sometimes they
want to spend time together doing "guy" things.  There are things I need to
talk to you about, now that you're growing up, but I want to wait until
your dad gets home so he can be there, too.  Will you just be patient and
go along with things until then?  I'm sure you'll be able to spend time
with Jack, too."  I could see Anna blush, as she darted her eyes to me and
back to her mother.  In that quick exchange, something told me that she was
a lot more savvy than her mother realized.

     "OK, Mom," she finally said.

     "Well," I said, "you can spend some time with me now.  You can help me
try to figure out where to put all this stuff we bought."  This seemed to
perk her up a bit.

     "OK," she replied.  "Where's Ash?"

     "He's still loading the elevator," I said.  "There's a lot of stuff."
As if on cue, the elevator rattled to a stop with the next load.  "Oops!
I'm slacking here.  Help me unload this, then, if you want, you can start
putting things away while I get the next load.  Try to get all the frozen
stuff put away first.  I think I managed to get most of it on the first
trip."

     "Why don't I give you a hand," said Alicia, clearly relieved that the
moment seemed to have passed.  "I can reach the cupboards Anna can't."

     "I really appreciate the offer," I said.  "That will help things go
faster."  I pushed the trolley to my door, and we quickly got it unloaded.
The females got busy, putting things away while I went back for the next
load.  It took two more trips before Asher finally arrived on the elevator,
just as I was returning the trolley to it's staging are.  "Your mom and
Anna are helping put things away," I told him, giving him a quick hug.

     "I'm glad we're getting some help," he sighed, but I really wanted to
talk to you."

     "We can talk once we're finished putting stuff away," I said.  "Your
mom will definitely understand, and she'll deal with Anna."

     It took more than an hour to find the proper home for everything, but
we eventually had everything put away.  We all gratefully collapsed ion the
living room with beverages of choice, and Asher was glancing longingly at
my beer while he drank his iced tea, as we sat around the dining table,
recounting our shopping trip and Anna filling us in on her gymnastics
class.  We'd been chatting for about half an hour, when there was a knock
at the door.  It was the delivery guys with my new patio furniture, and as
they were getting it set up on the walk-way, Rachel showed up, looking for
Anna, who was supposed to have met her at the pool an hour ago.  Anna
reluctantly said good-bye, then, giving me a quick hug, scooted off with
her little friend, as the clatter of their sandals and their giggling
chatter diminished.  Alicia gathered up the drink glasses and took them
into the kitchen with Asher on her heels.  I could hear them talking
quietly for a
 minute, before they came back, arms around each other.

     "Well," she said, "I'll leave you two to talk.  I think I might even
join the girls at the pool."

     "Thanks so much for all your help," I said, giving her a hug.  "I'd
probably still be at it.  By the way, why don't you let me show my
appreciation with dinner tonight.  It won't be the gourmet meal you
provided last night, but I think I can manage something edible."

     "That would be wonderful," she replied.  "I hadn't planned anything
for dinner yet, and a chance to the fruits of someone else's labors would
be a nice change of pace.  We can celebrate with the first meal in your new
home."

     "Great!" I exclaimed.  "Why don't we set the same times as yesterday:
drinks at 6 and dinner at 7-ish."

     "Sounds perfect," she said, hugging both her son and me.  "Anna and I
will see you then."  It wasn't lost on either of us that she implied Asher
would be remaining with me, and, as she got to the door, she paused, turned
back, and lovingly cupped her son's face in her hands.  She looked at him
wistfully, then kissed his forehead.  "I love you so much, my precious
son."  Then they were in a tight embrace as tears slowly ran down Asher's
cheeks.

     "I love you too, Mom," he said.  Stepping back, she gently brushed the
tears from his cheeks before turning and hugging me.

     "Take good care of my baby," she whispered in my ear.

     "Always," I whispered back.  Kissing my cheek, she turned and went out
the door, which I shut behind her.  Asher was immediately in my arms,
hugging me fiercely.

     "I have got to be the luckiest kid in the world to have the people
that mean the most to me love me like they do," he said, "especially you."
Then he kissed me - not an open-mouth, tongue-ravishing kiss, but
closed-mouth, which still managed to convey the depth of his love, which I
returned in equal measure.  Breaking the kiss, he rested his head on my
shoulder and sighed heavily.  "We gotta talk, Jack."