Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2002 11:38:48 -0400
From: Lee Mariner <mariner23502@hotmail.com>
Subject: Christopher(Chris) #5

CHRISTOPHER(CHRIS)
By
Lee Mariner

September 2002

DISCLAIMER: This is a gay fantasy and involves homosexual acts involving
young men and boys. All characters are fictional and in no way related to
any person or persons living or deceased. Any such perceived similarity is
purely coincidental. IF YOU ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO BE READING THIS STORY OR
YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH MATERIAL, "PLEASE LEAVE."

PLEASE DO NOT ENGAGE IN UNPROTECTED SEX, IT CAN LEAD TOO A LIFE THREATENING
CONSEQUENCE

This work is copyrighted by the author and may not be reproduced or copied
without the specific written consent of the author. It is assigned to the
Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission guidelines but it may not
be copied or archived on any other site without the consent of the author.

Copyright: September 2002 - Author: Lee Mariner - All Rights are Reserved.

Mariner23502@hotmail.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *

Chapter #5 - Happiness ??

Actually, it was a short drive too the Shell station that handled U-Haul
Trucks and Trailers where we could drop ours off.   When I rented it, I had
a hitch installed on the Lexus and I asked the attendant if he would unbolt
it from the frame, I didn't care to have it on the back of my car and I put
it in the trunk for use in the future if I needed it.  From the way Chris
was fidgeting around I could see he was anxious to be on the highway. It
only took a few more minutes before the attendant and I were finished and
the trailer was once again U-Haul's.

The traffic was light for a Sunday afternoon but we had left pretty early
and that was probably why.  Chris was looking out the window in every
direction including up.

"You have been on a trip before haven't you Chris?"

"Once when I was 11 or 12 years old." He answered over his shoulder. "Mom
took us back too W. Virginia to live with my grandparents but we didn't stay
long.  I haven't been anywhere since then."

"What part of W. Virginia was it?"

"I'm not sure exactly Charlie.  Mom's parents lived in some small place
called Ironton or something like that.  That's one of the reasons we didn't
stay, nothing to do.  Mom tried getting a job in some bar but she wouldn't
make any money there so we left."

"Some of those rural places are like that especially in the mountains.  Did
you like it there?"

"Not really, no kids around my age. Where do you live in Philadelphia
Charlie?"

"I have a condo/apartment that I think you'll like Chris.  Not right in the
downtown area of the city but sort of out in the suburbs. I had it renovated
the way I wanted it when I bought it."

"A condo?  I've never been in one of those, what's it like?"  He said moving
a little closer pulling his leg up on the seat facing me.

He was dressed in a pair of khaki shorts and a thin pullover with the words
Life Sucks emblazoned on the front.  Life probably had sucked for him so I
guess it was appropriate.  The shirt was thin enough that I could see his
nipples pushing against the fabric.  His eyes shined as he looked at me and
his hair was messed up from the wind blowing through the car window.  Chris
didn't hide his excitement very well.
The countryside was slipping by and the sky was a brilliant blue.  The
traffic was still light but that would change when we reached the main
north/south highway.  Chris sat looking at me with his hands in his lap
waiting for my answer.

"What's it like?  Well, you saw how the cottage is decorated didn't you? "

"Yeah, kind of simple like.  I mean not fancy with a lot of junk around."

"That's the way the apartment is, simple.  There are two bedrooms each with
its own bath and a very large sort of living room, den, kitchen but no walls
separating them.  There is a smaller bathroom off of the front door but not
for taking a shower in.  Both bedrooms open onto a full balcony through
sliding glass doors.

"You mean you can go between the bedrooms on a balcony? Hey, that's neat."

"The master bedroom, my room, it a little larger then the other bedroom but
I think you'll like it."  I said teasingly, glancing at him and turning onto
the main highway.

Chris didn't say anything for a few minutes but I could see a quizzical look
on his face.   He scratched his right forearm and moved a little closer
almost touching me.

"Charlie?"

"Yeah."

"Won't we be in the same bedroom?"  He said quietly.

"We will it you want too. I just thought you might like your own bedroom
next week."

"I've never had a bedroom of my own Charlie. Well at least not what you
would call a bedroom.  I'll sleep there if you want me too though."

Chris had turned the tables on me. I was trying to be cute and tease him but
he adroitly switched it around.  He put his hand on my thigh and there was a
sly grin on his face.

"Touché you devil.  We sleep together and you knew we would from the start."

He smiled pushing his hand down into my crotch. His soft brown eyes flashed
as he squeezed, leaning over and kissing me on the cheek quickly. "There is
lot's you have to teach me Charlie. Not about loving you but how too love
you. I want to know all about loving someone, especially you."

My cock was swelling as he squeezed it, my breathing quickening.  Daytime
and on a highway at 65MPH was not time to be getting horny but I was getting
there fast.  Looking at him, I placed my hand over the bulge in his crotch;
he was hard as steel and we still had an hour before we were home.

"Wrong time Chris."

"I know." He said laughing. "I like getting you hard and making you horny.
That means you want me like I want you."

"Want you, yes. But there is another reason I want you and not for sex.
Being with you is not just for that Chris; I like you for more then that.
There is another reason I asked if you wanted to come home with me."

Chris withdrew his hand and slid back a little still looking at me. Out of
the corner of my eye, I saw the blank look on his face, his lips quivering
slightly.

"What other reason is there Charlie?

"Chris." I said quietly hesitating a little. "Didn't you think it just a
little strange that I would ask you if you wanted to come with me and we
have only known each other for just a few days?"

"Not really, I thought you liked me and since it was two weeks before school
you wanted me with you for another week. I'd like to stay with you until
school starts and not just because of sex. I'm not dumb about sex Charlie
but you are the only man I've ever been in bed with and I liked it, I like
you.  I've never been with anyone that I like as much as I like you and
being with you.  I wish it could be for all the time but it won't and I know
that. You don't think I've come with you just for that do you?"

"Of course not Chris or I would never have never asked you just for that.
Next week you will meet some different people and we will be doing things
you haven't done before.   I want to take you too the museums, restaurants,
shopping for new clothes and maybe a hockey game.  I want you to see the
schools the kids go too and the zoo. Lots of things Chris and not just going
too bed together, there are other things than that. Here's the Delaware
Memorial Bridge and after that the Walt Whitman and when we cross that, it's
only 10 minutes and were home."

Christ twisted away sliding too the other side of the car, looking out the
window.  His remarks about wanting me to be his dad on weekends and then
about adopting him burned in my brain.  Adopting him or anyone had never
crossed my mind but then I had never been involved with someone 16 yrs old
since high school.  If it could be done I was pretty sure that Lloyd would
know how it could be.  We drove the last few miles in silence until I pulled
into my parking space.

Chris jumped out almost before I parked, his eyes gleaming. "This is where
you live Charlie?"

"Yes and I need your help carrying these bags."

"Oh yeah, sorry." He said grabbing his two plastic bags and one of mine.

I made a mental not that I was going to call Lance Spencer as soon as we
were upstairs, those plastic bags had too go. The elevator doors slid back
and I ushered Chris in before sliding my magnetic key card into the slot on
the button panel and punching #2. He watched everything I was doing.

"How many apartments are there Charlie? There are only 4 buttons."

"Just 4 Chris, ours is on the 2nd floor."

"You mean we have a whole floor?"

"Yes, the entire floor. When the door opens that's our apartment."  I said
and Chris looked a little puzzled looking first at the button panel and then
at me.

"What happens if someone punches your button and comes into your apartment?"

" They can't Chris. See that slot in the panel? You saw me slid my card in
and then punch the button.  If you don't have the card and try it, the
elevator will automatically flash a warning in that little black screen you
see there and it won't move. Everyone has the same type of card but it is
coded for their floor only."

"Gee, how about that." He said excitedly and then stood back as the doors
opened on our floor.

The elevator must have fascinated Chris. He turned watching the doors slide
shut and then spun around still holding his bags and mine.  "How does
someone get up if they are coming for a visit or something?"  He asked.

"They call from downstairs and we push that red button so they can push the
right button in the car.  It's all done automatically Chris. Follow me and
I'll show you were to put this stuff.  I want to make a call while you look
around. There are some drinks in the fridge if you want one.  Bring me a
beer will you?"

As Chris left the room, I slid the curtains back from the glass doors
flooding the room with light.  My auto dial telephone listing was under the
phone and picking up the received I punched Lance's number hearing it ring.
After a few rings his voice came over the line, "this is Lance Spencer, at
the tone leave your name and number for a call back as soon as I can."

Lance always monitored his calls and at the end of the message and the tone
I said "Lance, Charlie Mercer here, pickup if your home."  Waiting for a few
seconds and no answer I started to leave a message when I heard the click of
Lance picking up his phone receiver.

"Charles, its not a good time to be calling. Can I call you back in an a few
minutes?"

"Sure Lance, sorry for interrupting. I'll be home." I said smiling to myself
thinking about catching him in the middle of what I was pretty sure he was
doing.  The trick must not have been that good or he would never have
answered the phone and calling back in just a few minutes meant he was
trying to get rid of whoever it was.

Lance and I had met in John Wanamaker's where he worked in men's clothing
and accessories.  It was one of those eye contact things with a head nod
when I went into the changing room and he followed me carrying the suit I
was interested in.  He wound up being more interesting then the suit. He
locked the door and grabbed my crotch, his emerald green eyes flashing as he
pulled my zipper down with the other hand.  We didn't say a word and he
sucked me dry. I returned the favor and we had become friends after that
first encounter.  Lance was a free spirit and liked men too much to become
involved with one for more then a few times but we both enjoyed sex with
each other.   He was just a couple of inches taller then me with broad
shoulders and a small waist, built lean and muscular. His hair was coal
black and he had the greenest eyes I had ever seen. Lance weighed around
175lbs and was endowed with a smooth clean-cut thick 7" cock that he knew
how to use.  Chris was built a lot like Lance and he would be just as much
of an eye catcher as Lance was.  When Lance walked into a restaurant or bar
it seemed like every eye shifted in his direction and he knew it. I always
enjoyed meeting him for dinner and watch him as he sort of strutted to the
table.

I was thinking about Lance and wondering who his trick was and
I didn't know Chris had come in the room until I heard him behind me,
"Here's your beer Charlie. Who's Lance?"

"He's a friend of mine that you will be meeting. He said he was busy and
would call back.  What are you drinking, a beer?"  I said taking mine from
him.

"Yeah, I guess I should have asked but I didn't think you would mind."

"One every now and then is okay but don't make it a habit. What do you think
about the apartment, like it?" I said taking a drink of the beer.

"Yeah Charlie, it's real cool.  I had to think for a few minutes before I
found the fridge though. You've got every thing built in and it all looks
alike, stainless steel and chrome." He said sitting down beside me on the
bed holding his beer between his legs.

He sat quietly fingering his beer, his head down a little. Rubbing his back
I asked quietly, "Something wrong Chris?"

"Nothing's wrong Charlie it's just that I've never met anyone that treated
me like you have.  Whenever Mom brought a man too the house they would
always curse at me and tell me to get out except for the one that wanted me
when she told him he could have me.  I'm feeling all funny inside and I'm
not sure why." He said lifting his face too mine. His eyes sparkled from the
tears he was fighting not too shed.  I felt his body shudder a little as I
pulled him closer to me kissing his soft lips.  It was as if a dam had
broken. He sobbed softly against my chest and I heard a muffled "I love you
Charlie, I really do."

My heart swelled hearing him say that for the first time. Leaning him back
onto the bed I hovered over him his face streaked by tears. Kissing the
tears away I felt his arms slip around my neck his eyes locked with mine.
Deep in their soft depths I could see what he had been feeling inside of him
and he smiled gently, "I do love you Charlie, that's what I've been feeling
and I didn't really know it until now."

"And I love you Chris. I started falling in love with you the other night
when you thought I was sending you away.  I'll never do that Chris and you
will never be treated mean again, I promise."

Chris tightened his arms around my neck pulling me down his lips opening on
mine. We kissed deeply and passionately. For a brief second I wondered why I
was not becoming aroused and then it hit me hard.  I love this boy and it
wasn't just for the sex, I needed him.  He relaxed his arms slightly and we
broke the kiss just as the telephone rang.  "Damn." I said sitting up on the
side of the bed reaching for the phone answering "hello Lance?"

"Yeah it's me Charlie.  I thought you were out of town for the weekend,
what's up?"

"I was but I came back a little early.  Did I interrupt something a little
while ago?" I asked as Chris sat up beside me his hand in my groin.

"You did but it was nothing important, just some trick I picked up downtown
last night. Christ what a slob. To bad you were gone or I might have fucked
your brains out."  Lance said as Chris was fumbling with the snap on my
jeans.  Trying to push his hand away I answered.

"Oh, you think I play second fiddle too some trash you pickup, not hardly."
I almost whispered as Chris pulled my half hard cock out of my jeans
stroking it and grinning at me.

"Hey slut, you got someone with you? You sound sort of heated up, need me to
help you out?"

"That's none of your business and it'll be a cold day in hell when I need
your help. I called to see if you are working tomorrow and when."  I said
tightening my gut while Chris brought me too a full hard.

"Yes, I work the 1PM too 9 shift tomorrow. Are you coming in?"

Before I could answer Chris kneeled between my legs and took my cock in his
mouth and I let out a soft moan.

"Oh shit, Christ. You're getting a blowjob and talking with me on the phone.
  That's not fair, I love phone sex." Lance almost screamed into the phone,
"Call me back when you're finished if you can."

I dropped the phone back into the cradle and took Chris's head in my hands
turning his face up to mine. His eyes gleamed and he licked his lips.  "Let
me please Charlie, I've been wanting to suck yours." He said softly almost
pleading.

I held his head looking into his eyes, my cock throbbing and pre-cum running
out and down into my groin.  I watched as he pulled his shirt over his head,
his chest heaving and unsnapped and opened his shorts pulling his cock out,
it was wet and sticky with his pre-cum the blood engorged head almost
purple.  I started to lift him up with my hands under his armpits but he
resisted.

"No Charlie, let me do this. I want to taste all of you, please."

"Chris." I said softly looking into his face. "If you want to suck my cock
let me show you how. Strip the rest of your clothes off and get on the bed
with me but put your head down where my cock is."

Removing the rest of my clothes, I moved to the center of the bed and Chris
kneeled beside me his cock jutting out like a flagpole waving back and
forth. His lean muscled chest expanded and relaxed evenly as he breathed. I
could see his nuts moving in their sac and his thick cock jerk with each
beat of his heart. Lying beside me with his mouth inches from my cock, I sat
up and put my hand on the back of his head.

"Take it real easy Chris until you feel it hit the back of your mouth.
Relax when you feel it."

It was fascinatingly erotic watching my cock disappear in his mouth. His
tongue felt like soft velvet sliding over the underside. I wasn't sure he
would be able to take all of it on his first try but the ecstatic heat of is
mouth was like a fiery furnace. Chris groaned softly when the head touched
and I almost lost it. Waves of electricity washed over me. I groaned loudly,
"Wait Chris, wait. Follow me." I said lying down and taking his thick
dripping cock in my mouth. Feeling it touching the back of my mouth I moaned
slightly and he pushed his hips forward driving his cock down my throat.
Holding his head, I pushed gently and felt Chris gag slightly. I stopped and
waited for a second before pushing again feeling his throat relax as he
sucked air in around my cock and I slowly slipped deeper until his nose was
buried in my thick pubic hair.

We both waited and when I started withdrawing Chris followed me and we
slowly built up a driving piston movement between us.  His cock felt like
hot steel as he drove his hips plunging his cock into my throat. It was like
I was driving my meat into a volcano, the sweat was pouring off of us. We
both were in a euphoric fog of passion hips driving wildly greedily sucking
and swallowing each other's rock hard meat.  My cock was as hard as granite
and ready to explode. I felt Chris moaning his cock swelling, his muscles
tightening. We reached almost matched eruptions sending thick hot streams of
lava cum gushing forth being swallowed greedily.   Chris suddenly flipped
over on top of me driving his cock deeper as it jerked, hot spasms of cum
filling my mouth, running down my throat.  I drove my hips upwards when he
drove his mouth down gripping the base of my cock with his lips and
squeezing tight he sucked trying to draw more of my life sperm into his
mouth.

I know we both lost it in that moment of passionately enjoying bringing each
other over the edge down into the abyss of sexual enjoyment.  He was like a
living suctioning pump on my softening cock and he continued driving his
soft cock in my mouth.  I drained every drop I could squeeze out with my
lips and he quivered from the sensitive sensation his cock was feeling from
my tongue twisting around its soft length.

He lay on top of me a little longer before releasing my sensitive cock.
Turning around he snuggled closer kissing my sweaty chest and licking the
hard nipples of my breasts.  We held each other close in the soft after glow
that always followed having reached the heights of love making and then
enjoying the joining of each other in the soft loving moments that followed.
I didn't say anything.  Chris lay beside me and I could feel his heart
racing, beating in his chest as his breathing returned slowly too normal.
My hand ran over his smooth muscled ribs and back, it was like rubbing my
hands over silk.  I'm not sure how long we lay together but Chris didn't say
anything for a long time and then, "That was fantastic Charlie. It was
almost like there was no one but you and me together. When you shot you're
cum it tasted like salty sweet cream when I swallowed it.  Does mine taste
the same way?  I've tasted it when I jerked off but I really didn't know
what it was like until now."

"If you eat to much garlic it tastes different but just about always like it
did just now Chris. Some people don't like it and spit it out but it was
like you were gushing cream."

"I don't know why someone would do that Charlie. I like the way it tasted."

"Some don't though Chris. Run in and get the shower ready while I call Lance
back.  He is probably jerking off waiting if I know him."

"Let me stay while you call him, I want to hear what you say. Are you real
good friends with him?"

"If, by that, you mean have we been in bed together. Yes but that's all.
Lance is a good friend, that's all. Are you jealous?"

"No, I don't guess I am but I want to know everything about you and your
friends."

"Plenty of time for that get the shower ready please."

I watched Chris walk to the bathroom a little pleased that he might be a
little jealous.  Just as he reached the bathroom door he spun around, "When
are you going to fuck me Charlie?"

"Chris!!!" I exclaimed a little shocked. "You sex imp, get the shower
running."

He laughed softly looking at me.  His sweat slick body gleamed in the soft
light from the outside and he ducked through the door.

Lance answered the phone on the first ring, "Was it good/"

"Damn Lance, you are a slut aren't you? Did I ask you about the trick you
had with you?"

"Shit. He was just that, shit.  His asshole was like a coat sleeve, I was
afraid I might fall in each time I shoved it too him.  Are you coming in too
the store tomorrow? I thought you had to work?"

"I'm taking the week off and yes I'll be there.  What are you doing for
dinner tonight, staying in or out."

"If you bring your new friend with you, I'll meet you at the Drury Lane for
dinner, prime rib tonight."

"And then after dinner you start cruising, no thanks. We'll meet you at the
Hannaford Inn instead and then you can go cruising later."

"Well, he must really be something if you're going to pass up the Lane. What
time, it's almost 6:30 now?"

"Make it 8PM okay?"

"Okay, see you then." Lance said hanging up.

If I knew Lance, he would be ahead of time.  He hated not knowing if there
was a new kid on the block that he had missed.

The bathroom was filled with steam when I went inside and Chris was
enveloped in billowing clouds standing in the shower.  Three days earlier he
had looked like a little beach bum hustling a few dollars from a new
resident in the neighborhood but that had changed.  He looked like anything
but a little beach bum. His lean body glistened under the lights, his
muscles rippling as he ran his hands over his chest and stomach.  I stood
watching him as he circled his head under the water and felt that sort of
empty feeling just under the sternum in my chest and breathing was a little
difficult from the emotions that welled up inside of me.  He was
breathtakingly magnificent and would only improve as he grew into full
manhood.

Opening the door too the shower he turned, "Hi, the water is great. Come on
in." He said water streaming over him.

" Lance is meeting us for dinner at the Hannaford Inn Chris. It's a German
place up in Germantown." I said slipping my arms around his waist and
pulling him closer and he ran his arms around my neck.  His soft supple body
molded too mine his half hard cock pressed against me. His eyes were
sparkling from the water and excitement I think we both were feeling.
Kissing his soft lips gently I looked in his eyes.  "Chris, do you really
love me as much as you think you do?" I asked softly feeling his muscles
tighten slightly, the water streaming down over us.

"Don't you believe I do Charlie?"

"Yes, I do Chris. I just want you to be sure that you do and it's not all of
the other things that have happened between us."

"Charlie, I fell in love with you before anything happened.  I know I'm only
a kid but I know how I felt when I watched you working at the beach.  You
didn't know I was but I told you that before." He said softly and a little
sadly moving out of my arms.  "I'm pretty sure we won't be together for very
long Charlie. You're 30 and I'm only 17.  If maybe I was older if might be
different but I'm not. I've read where some gay guys live all their lives
together but none that are 14 or 15 years different.  All I know right now
is that I want to be with you as long as I can unless you say different."

Chris leaned against the tile wall of the shower looking like the little boy
he was not.  Moving a little closer and lifting his chin with my fingers I
looked again into his soft brown eyes. "You are not a little kid Chris.  Do
you remember asking me to be your Dad on weekends"

"Yeah but I didn't think you took me seriously."

"Uh huh, you didn't think I took it seriously?" I said holding his chin.
"Remember when you said I could adopt you and then we could be together
always? Would you like for that too happen Chris?"

His head snapped up hitting the back against the wall. He started breathing
faster and I could almost see his heart beating in h is chest. He didn't
move from against the wall or say anything, fighting for air.  I could feel
an excitement rushing through me as I waited for him to answer.  When he
did, it was a rush of words.

"Your kidding me, you aren't serious. Oh Charlie can you make it happen, do
you really want me?  Oh Christ, I don't believe it.  You'll never have any
trouble from me Charlie, I promise but when, how, where can you do it?"  He
almost hollered, laughing and crying at the same time his arms like steel
bands around my chest as he hugged me too him kissing my face.

My chest felt like it was in a vice from the power of his arms around me.  I
pushed him back slightly so I could breath and gasped, "It won't if you
break my back Chris. Lets finish getting cleaned up and we can talk about it
after we get back from dinner. Don't say anything about it too Lance.  He is
a hell of a nice guy but a first rate gossip."


We finished showering and I made another mental not to have the shower
enlarged.  Chris dried me off and then himself, he was bubbling over with
excitement.   Wrapping towels around us, I emptied his bags of clothes on
the bed.  Going through them we found a pair of khaki slacks slightly
wrinkled but clean and a black short sleeve collared golf shirt.  I was
feeling a little devilish and when Lance met Chris I wanted to see his eyes
pop out when he saw him wearing that tight black shirt.

Chris followed me to the kitchen section and dropping the ironing board from
the wall laid his clothes on it.  "Do you know how to iron?" I asked.

"Yeah, I ironed some of Mom's dresses for her. Where's the iron?"

"In that little alcove where the board is stored. It's already plugged in;
all you need to do is set the heat.  Just get the wrinkles out. I didn't see
any shoes in the bags."

"I only have the sneakers Charlie."

"That's okay, they'll do for tonight. Tomorrow we fix all of that. I'll get
your briefs and a t-shirt out for you.  I didn't see a jacket so you will
have to wear the undershirt. Besides it'll look good with that black shirt,
white showing at your throat." I said going back to the bedroom so I could
dress.

I took a pair of tan Docker slacks from my closet with a pearl gray short
sleeve collared shirt and Cordovan loafers.  Chris came back with his
clothes and started dressing as I was running my electric shaver over the
stubble.

"Maybe I should shave Charlie, can I use your razor?"

"Let me feel your cheeks first. You don't look like you need it, nothing but
peach fuzz from what I see."

He looked a little sheepish as I touched his cheeks and he grinned, his
gleaming white teeth flashing.

"It'll be soon enough and then you will hate it so don't rush." I said
slapping Fahrenheit cologne on my face handing him the bottle. We both would
probably smell like whores at first but it faded pretty quickly to an almost
gardenia like musk.

Chris was finishing up dressing while I called for a taxi. It was better
using a taxi in Center City then trying to drive.  Looking Chris over, I was
right. He looked fantastic and his shirt and slacks fit perfectly.  His
white sneakers did not look that bad, it's what most teenagers wore anyway.
It surprised me how well he had ironed the wrinkles from his clothes.

Double-checking to be sure the iron was off and looking around I Pushed the
elevator button making sure I had my pass card with me. Chris would need one
later on.  Sliding my card in the slot, the automatic controls were set as
we left the car, doors sliding quietly shut behind us.

It was only a short walk too the front of the building and the cool evening
air felt crisp as we walked.

A taxi pulled up to the curb at almost the same time we got there and the
driver leaned over looking out the passenger window, "You guys the ones that
called for a cab?"

"Yes." I said as we got in. I gave him the address where we wanted too go.
Chris was quiet and all eyes, looking at everything even though it was
getting darker.

"How big is Philadelphia Charlie?" He asked.

"Too big sometimes but you'll get used to it. I'll take you on the subway
and get a map so you can study it."

"A map?"

"Of course Chris so you can get around when you need to. Most of the city is
pretty well covered by the subway and some buses but you need to learn how
they run."

"Take a cab kid, get you there faster and safer." Our driver injected from
the front seat.

"That can get to be a little expensive using taxis all of the time." I said

"Nah not really, all depends on where you want to get too. Here's your stop.
You want I should come back later? Tough getting a cab up here at night
sometimes."  He offered.

"Make it about 9:30. If we aren't outside, come in and ask. I'll let the
host know your coming back."  I said handing him his fair and tip.

"Just stay inside Mr., I'll come in for you and your son. What's your name?"

"Mercer, Charles Mercer and thanks."

"No problem." He said driving away as I looked around for Lance. He was
probably inside at the bar.

When we walked inside, the host approached us. "Mr. Mercer."

"Yes." I said

"Mr. Spencer is waiting for you at his table. He told me you would be
coming.  Follow me please."

Guiding Chris in front of me, we followed the host. Lance was waiting for us
in one of the small alcove tables.  When we got closer he stood his eyes
glued on Chris.

"Charlie." He said softly extending his hand to me but looking at Chris who
had stepped aside so I could shake Lance's hand.  His grip was firm but his
green eyes looked up and down Chris.

"Hi Lance. This is Christopher Connor. Chris, Lance Spencer the friend I was
telling you about. " I said pulling a chair out and sitting down.

"Oh Christ, I' m sunk if he has been telling you about me Chris. Nice
meeting you."  He said extending his hand.

Chris took it, his eyes not wavering from Lance's. I could see the muscles
in his forearm tighten but Chris did not flinch. "Nice meeting you Mr.
Spencer." He said softly. "Charlie has only told me you were friends, that's
all."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that. How about a drink Charlie? What'll you and
Chris like? "

"Harvey's Cream Sherry over ice for me Lance.  Chris?"

"Iced tea is okay."

Taking our orders, the host left. A young blond girl brought the drinks and
took our dinner orders.  I noticed Chris looking over the menu watching me.

"If you like bratwurst with German hot potato salad and sauerkraut Chris,
it's really good here." I said winking at him. "That's what I think I'll
have. What about you Lance?"

"Sauerbraten for me with mashed potatoes and a small salad. I'm trying to
watch my waist line."

"I'll have the same as your having Charlie." Chris said winking back at me.

After the waitress left, Lance leaned back in his chair holding his beer
stein.  Chris sat silently looking at me. I could see the wheels turning as
Lance was thinking.

"Where was it you went over the weekend Charlie? I don't remember."

"I never told you Lance that's why you don't remember. I bought a cottage in
Maryland on the ocean and Chris has been helping me with it.  A friend of
mine helped me get it and it needed some work."

"Then you live there Chris, with your family?"

"Yes sir. " He answered, quietly sipping his tea. "We have a house not far
from where Charlie bought his.  I do odd jobs during the summer to earn some
extra money and he needed some help.  He was telling me about where he lived
and asked if I would like to come up for a visit before school starts week
after next."

"School, what year are you in?"
"I'll be a junior this term."

"What college are you going too?" Lance asked and I glanced at Chris over
the rim of my glass.

"Not college Mr. Spencer, high school." Chris said softly and evenly.  I was
impressed with his coolness as Lance asked him questions.

"That's why I called you Lance.  Since Chris helped me out this summer, I
thought maybe you could help outfit him for school. Think you might be able
to? He hasn't been too Philadelphia and a week of sightseeing would be a
nice vacation."

"You know I can Charlie." He said just as our orders were delivered.

"Philly has a lot to see and maybe we can get in a hockey game while he is
here. You like hockey Chris?"

"I've only watched it on TV.  I don't understand the game and all that stuff
about over and back, red lines and blue lines. I'd like to see a game
though."

"I think I can get us some tickets at the store.  Every now and then a few
courtesy tickets are left at the teams ticket office on the mezzanine.  I'll
give you a call if I can. What time are you coming in tomorrow Charlie?"

"You said that you would be working the 1PM too 9 shift tomorrow so probably
not long after that. I've got to check in with work first thing."

The rest of dinner went quietly with only a few questions from Lance.  I
could almost hear the questions he wanted to ask but he didn't.   Chris sat
quietly eating answering when asked something by Lance.

We were having coffee when the host came too the table. "Mr. Mercer, your
taxi is waiting outside."

"Thanks, would you tell him we will be right out please?"  I said, checking
my watch, he was right on time.  "Care to share the cab with us Lance?"

"No thanks Charlie, I drove.  I'll probably stop at the Lane on the way home
for a drink. Might see a friend or two. See you and Chris tomorrow. It was
really nice meeting you Chris."  Lance said standing up.

"Thank you sir, it was a pleasure."  Chris said extending his hand as he
stood. They shook with softer grips then before.

Lance looked at Chris for a moment before turning too me. "Thanks for dinner
Charlie, see you later."  He grinned walking away.

Sticking me with the dinner check did not surprise me that was the way Lance
was.  He though bankers had tons of money.  Dropping four $20 bills on the
table we followed thanking the host as we left.

The cab was waiting outside just like he said he would be.  Getting in, the
driver looked back at us. "Told you I'd be here Mr. Mercer. Did you and your
son have a good meal? I've never eaten there. My old lady likes seafood so
that's where we go most of the time when we eat out. Going home or somewhere
else?"

"Home.  If you like German the Hannaford has good food. You and your wife
should try it sometime."

"Nah, not likely." He said reaching back with a card in his hand. The name
on the card was Guilford Perkins and there were several services listed
including private limousine service.

"Guilford Perkins, that's your name?"

"Yeah but call me Gil.  I do other things on the side when I'm not driving a
cab.  Hold on to the card and if I can do something for you, give me a call,
24 hrs a day anytime."

"Thanks Gil, I might do that. I don't drive downtown anymore then I need
too."

"Then give me a call, take you anywhere you want."

When we reached the apartment, I handed him a $20 bill and he handed me $10
back. "To much, $10 covers it. Enjoyed meeting you and your boy. Don't
forget, give me a call sometime if you need me."

Chris and I stood watching Gil drive away and he tapped his horn lightly.
"Seems like a nice guy, doesn't he." Chris said.

"Yeah, he did. Did you enjoy dinner and meeting Lance?" I asked as we walked
to the elevator.

"The food was great but I've got a lot to learn about eating out. It was
neat the way you let me know what to order.  I don't think your friend
caught on."

"You weren't impressed with Lance then?"

"Oh I guess he is alright Charlie. I don't know him as well as you do but
I've seen men like him hanging around at the beach.  They would be leaning
on the boardwalk railing or sitting in chairs making eyes as someone walked
by.  He seemed like that type to me."

"That's pretty close Chris. Lance has a way of growing on you after awhile
though.  Taking him in small doses helps and he does know men's clothing.  I
always thought he would have made a great designer."

"He did ask a lot of questions but mostly about me and not us. That
surprised me."

"And you handled it, I was proud of you.  Are you ready for bed?

"Bed sounds good Charlie, it's been a long day, but can we sit up for a
little while and talk?  I'm still too excited for sleep."

"Sure.  There is a robe hanging in the small bedrooms bath on the back of
the door.  Wear that one until we get one for you and hang your clothes in
the bedroom closet."

"You want me to sleep in there Charlie?"

"No Chris but if it's going to be your bedroom it has to have your things in
it.  Adopting you is not just saying it and that makes it happen Chris.
There is a long procedure that has to be gone through first.  Change out of
those clothes and come on back, there are some thing we should talk about."

I'm not sure if it was the soft lighting in the great room or the thought of
adopting Chris that made the atmosphere in the room seem almost ethereal but
as he turned I said softly, "Chris."
Half turning, he looked at me and I said, "It will all work out, don't
worry."

"I'm not Charlie." He said moving towards me, putting his arms around my
neck. "I've never been as happy as I am right now and it's because of you.
God has a reason for bringing people together and I believe he brought you
and I together to be with each other.   He has answered part of my prayers
and I believe he will answer the rest." He whispered brushing my lips with
his and leaning back in my arms.

It was not a kiss but the meaning was in the touching of his lips to mine.
Nothing erotic, only the warm feeling that he belonged in my arms with me.
His face shone with an inner confidence and in the depths of his eyes there
was only love and trust.

Nuzzling his nose, I whispered softly. "We can take care of the other
bedroom tomorrow."


Tomorrow........!!!!