Date: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 10:35:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: bryan wilson <wilson81abc@yahoo.com>
Subject: Betting on Love and Life-2

This story is a work of fiction involving sex between consenting adult
males.  If this disturbs you than leave now. I have no knowledge of the
sexual identity of anyone mentioned in this story, including any
celebrities. This is my original story, please do not copy duplicate or
repost anywhere without my express written permission.  This is my first
attempt at writing all comments are welcome.  wilson81abc@yahoo.com


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***JERRY***

What had I done? Had I run off the man I wanted to be there for? Was he
ever going to speak to me again? What would he tell Mary? Would Mary ever
speak to me again? So many questions were running around in my head and for
the first time in my life I did not know what to do, I have never ever been
so unsure of any situation as I was at this moment. I headed for the high
rollers bar and sat at a table in the corner and ordered a drink and
started replaying everything in my head again and again. I am unsure how
long I had been sitting there when I heard the waitress came over and spoke
to me. " Excuse me, are you Mr. Martin? "

" Yes I am, how can I help you? "

She said, " There is a young lady at the door asking if you were her and,
if so wanted to come in. Is she a guest of yours? "

" If her name is Mary Austin, she is a guest of mine, could you please show
her over. "

" No problem Mr. Martin. " she replied and headed to the door.

Mary walked in, changed out of the beautiful dress she was wearing earlier
and in just a pair of jeans and a nice blouse. As she neared I was worried
why she came looking for me and what she was going to say.

I stood as Mary arrived at the table and took her hand and said " Please
have a seat Mary. "

I asked if she would like something to drink and she ordered a double
whiskey and the waitress went to get her drink and freshen mine. When she
returned Mary took a long drink and set her glass down and looked me
straight in the eyes.

" Jerry, I am not here to yell at you, I know you wouldn't do anything to
hurt Sean, but what I want to tell you is a little about that little
brother of mine that I am sure he avoided when you two talked at dinner the
other night. " She announced with a sound of determination in her voice.

" Well Mary you are right, I would never do anything to hurt Sean or for
that fact you. In the last two days, you have become closer to me than most
of my family has been to me in my entire life. I also figured Sean was
skipping parts of his life in the story he told me, but like I have told
you, a friendship takes time to develop before someone takes the
opportunity to tell someone all their deepest parts of their life. "

Mary nodded her head in agreement then started her story about Sean, " Well
Jerry, was always special, I could see it in him when he was young, but I
don't think that my mother or father ever saw it. When dad died it almost
crushed him, I thought I would never see that sparkle in him again. It had
just started to reappear and he was becoming the special person I knew he
was when mom died. It was extinguished again, like a candle in a wind
storm. He became dark and introverted, I tried to help him, I even had him
to see a psychiatrist to see if he could help pull that charming
personality back and put the sparkle in his eyes. "

Mary paused and took a drink and stared off like she was trying to find the
words to put together to make me understand her feelings and what she was
trying to say. Then she cleared her throat and started again.

" I had many sessions with Sean and had talked with the psychiatrist
several times alone to see what it was that Sean needed and how I could
help him, to become the man I knew he should be. I won't go into too many
details about that Jerry, Please do not think bad of me for that, but I
think in time, Sean will tell you himself. I do not want to break his trust
in me, specially with the future that is looking at me head on, can you
understand that Jerry? "

" Mary, I do not want to breaking any trust your brother has in you. I have
told you how I feel about trust and how dear it is to me. I just want to
know what happened and what I did to upset him like that? "

" I know Jerry, and I will tell you it was nothing you did. Well not that
you intended to do that set Sean off tonight. I think it was the basket of
desserts that you gave him and told him to enjoy. Mother was always making
desserts for us, it was her way to end a dinner and let us kids know how
much she loved us. When you gave him those desserts that were left and told
him to enjoy, It was the same thing mom used to do when there was 1 piece
of anything left. She would hand it to Sean and tell him to enjoy. It
overwhelmed him after all the time and energy you put into this evening to
make it special for me and him. He just didn't know how to handle it; it
was like the waves of life suddenly rose and came crashing down on him and
covered him in memories he has buried. "

" Oh Mary, I never intended to hurt him like that, I had no idea. How could
such a perfect evening end in such a devastating way. I only wanted the
whole evening to be special for both of you, I would never had sent them
with him had I known. " I stated as I lowered my head and realized what
pain I had cause Sean and the tears started flowing.

Mary took my hand and said, " Jerry, it wasn't just that simple gesture
that set him off. But I fear to tell you more without Sean's knowledge
would go a little too far right now. Just let me tell you he is more upset
at this moment that he may have insulted you; so much he is about to scream
and run away and I don't need him falling apart right now. There is far too
much pain in his future that I'm afraid is going to push him closer to that
dark place again. I came down to ask you for a favor. "

" Anything Mary, I will do anything and everything for the both of you. I
just do not want to cause him anymore pain. I would hate myself." I told
Mary.

" Jerry, It will all be ok, I just need you to do me this favor, I know it
will be hard to understand, but please consider it before you answer. "
"Mary, anything I can do to help Sean I am willing to do. "

" Well maybe I should tell you what I want before you say that. I want to
know if you can help Sean when my time comes. I know he is going to be a
total wreck and he will need more support than anyone we know can give him,
and Jack is going to need him to be strong and not lost. They are going to
need each other, but a 3 year old can not help Sean with all the things he
is going to need. "

" Mary, I have told you I am your friend. If Sean needs any help at all I
will be there for him. I want you to know and be at peace with that fact, I
have become very fond of you both in the last couple of days. If I could
move heaven and help you with your problem I would be on the phone in a
second. I know you do not really know me, and you might be basing your
judgement on what I have done for you in the last couple of days.  But I am
just that person, I never flaunt what I have, that is no way for one person
to do to another. I work hard for what I have and I have never ever done
anything that would put any questions forth about my integrity. "

Mary was shaking her head and said, " Jerry, I do not judge someone on what
they have or don't have. I see the love you have for me and Sean, it flows
from you, just wanting to be shared with those you are giving it to. I just
want you to know that there is more to Sean, something deep in him, God, I
wish I could tell you, it would make things so much easier. That thick
headed brother of mine thinks Im not aware of it, or that he has hidden it
so well the world would never see it, but its there. I wish you could see
it the way I do. "

I looked into Mary's eyes trying to find the answer she so wanted to tell
me, but it eluded me. Like the sunrise chases away the night, it was there
but in the shadows. The shadows blocked it from me, but I understood where
Mary was coming from. I just lowered my head and said,

" I'm sorry Mary, I am so sorry I can not help you. It hurts me to no end
to know that, but I will try my best with every bit of my being to be there
for Sean. "

Mary leaned forward and kissed my cheek and said, " I better get back
upstairs before Sean comes looking for me, I'm sure he doesn't even know I
have been gone. Would it be alright with you to join us for lunch tomorrow?
I don't think I will be able to do breakfast after I'm done with Sean
tonight. "

" That would be an honor Mary, shall we just stay here in the hotel? I can
order a nice lunch and have it sent to the room and you and Sean could join
me there. "

" That would be perfect Jerry. It will give us a little more privacy so
maybe Sean will be a little more open to speak that way. "

I gave Mary my room number and I stood and gave her a big hug and kissed
her cheek, she walked off a woman with more on her shoulders than anyone
could understand by just looking at her.

I sat there and had a few more drinks, trying to wash the pain away, but I
was still hurting, more than I had felt in my life. Why? Why now? How could
I reconcile this on a spreadsheet? It is not possible, then it hit me. Like
a load of bricks being dumped on my head. This was personal, not just
personal, but deep down to the soul personal. Why had I not seen it, could
this be what Mary was trying to tell me, was it what I had seen in her
eyes? I headed up to my room to try and sort this out in my head; try to
come to some understanding before tomorrow. I stopped and turned and went
over to the concierge desk and talked to Mr. Richards and ordered lunch for
tomorrow. I ordered lobsters for me and Mary and a steak I knew Sean would
just love, and of course I ordered desserts too. I could not help myself, I
just knew if they were missing from the tray Sean would be devastated. That
all accomplished I headed upstairs and to what would be a restless nights
sleep.

*** MARY/SEAN***

Meanwhile in Mary and Sean's room, she had returned and just as she had
predicted Sean didn't even know she was gone. When she opened the door he
jumped and looked around and asked Mary where she had been.

Mary walked over to the bed and patted it for Sean to sit down next to
her. She hugged him and said, " We have to talk baby brother. "

Sean knew this was serious, Mary never called him little brother unless it
was something serious. He walked over and sat down next to Mary and she
took his hand in hers and looked him in the eyes and said. " Sean, I have
know you since the day you were born, I remember mom bringing you home from
the hospital. You smiled all the time, not once did I ever hear you cry,
not when hungry, tired, needing changed. As a child myself I thought that
was weird, All my friends who had little brothers or sisters used to
complain all the time how much their siblings cried. I just never
understood why you didnt. The more I saw you the more I understood, you
just beamed with a brightness inside you that I knew was something
special. Something I don't think mom and dad ever saw in you, or if they
did they never said anything to me. As I watched you grow, I saw that
special part of you grow and shine and continue to be brighter and
brighter. I could never understand what it was, that a part of you that
shined though your smile, your eyes, your whole being. I know you think
your big sister is not as smart as the rest of the world, or I don't know
things as fast as everyone else, but I do know what I have seen in you all
these years is love. Not just a simple love, but a full complete love, one
that I don't think anyone else has seen in you or you have ever admitted to
yourself is there. Sean, I have seen that love leave you, when dad and mom
died.  It was like it was a light being turned off, like a darkness that
crept deep inside you and wouldn't let that love shine. I have cried many a
nights just thinking of where that light inside you went, what could I do
to help bring it back, to help you spark that light so it would shine and
you would be that special little boy again I grew up with. "

Mary had tears running down her cheek and Sean was sitting there like
someone had looked right down inside his soul and started reading all that
was written there; like an intruder was stealing all that made him a
person. How could Mary know all these things? I have never talked to anyone
about these feelings, never showed them to the light of day. Keeping them
hidden and buried was the only way I found to make it through all the rough
times that we have been through.

Sean started to say something, but Mary cut him off and said, " Please
Sean, let me get this out before you say anything. If not I may never be
able to say it and I would go to my grave feeling like I failed you."

Sean shook his head and waited for Mary to finish what she had to say.

" Sean, I have seen that light back in your eyes, your heart, your
soul. You have been so happy the last few days and I have been trying to
figure out exactly why. I know Jerry has done some amazing things for us,
and I know you are so grateful for what he has done for me. But there is
more there than just being grateful, there is love. I dont know what kind
of love and I could care less, but I know it is love. When you came back to
the room tonight in the state you were in I thought something terrible
happened and Jerry had said or done something awful to you. I knew in my
heart he never would but I just couldn't understand what it was. When you
dropped that basket on the floor and I saw what was inside, and I
remembered what Jerry said I figured it out in a second. It was what mom
used to tell you when she would give you the last of any dessert, wasn't is
Sean? "

Sean was sitting looking at the floor, tears rolling down his cheek. He
just nodded his head yes and couldn't get the courage to look up and Mary.

Mary put her arm around Sean and pulled him in and hugged him, " I thought
as much, I can't believe I forgot that when Jerry said it. I had to go find
him Sean, I had to let him know he did not do anything to you. "

Sean jumped up off the bed and looked at Mary like she had hit him with a
bat. " Why Mary, Why did you have to do that? I ruined everything, why
couldn't you just let it go? "

" Sean, I had to, he thought he did something wrong and it was him that had
hurt you and he was hurting. I did not want him to think he had done
anything wrong after all he had done for us the last two days. It wasn't
fair to him, and you need to tell him that. "

" I can't Mary, I don't know what to do. I've never felt this way about
someone before, let alone admitted it to anyone even you. "

" Well we have to find a way Sean, we are having lunch tomorrow with Jerry
in his room. Between now and then you have to figure out what you are going
to tell him. But whatever it is you tell him, it has to be the truth, you
at least owe him that, not to mention yourself. "

Sean took a deep breath and sunk into the bed and said, " I know Mary, but
I don't think I have that much courage to say it. "

Mary sat down next to Sean and took him in her arms and held him as he
started crying. She let him pour out his emotions, knowing that he needed
to let them go so he was able to come to grips with what he was going to
tell Jerry.

After an hour Sean had calmed down and sat up on the bed and looked Mary in
the eyes and asked, " Are you ashamed of me? "

" I could never be ashamed of you Sean, you are my brother, and besides
Jack the only family I have left. I will love you no matter what. "

Sean hugged Mary and said, " Thank you Mary, but I still don't know if I
can tell Jerry the whole truth, not right away. Can you understand that? "

" I can see where you are coming from Sean, but you have to let him know he
was not the cause of your break down last night, he is so concerned about
you, I thought he was going to need to be sedated last night when I met him
downstairs. "

Sean got a look of sadness across his face and hung his head again, " I
didn't mean to hurt him Mary, it's the last thing I wanted to do. "

" I know Sean, I think you should tell him what set you off, I'm sure he
will understand. If you don't tell him the rest right now I think just
letting him know what caused the incident last night will put him at
ease. "

" I will tell him all about that Mary, but please promise me that until I
am ready you wont push me to tell him the rest. I just don't think I can
deal with all that right now. I have enough on my mind without bringing all
that out. " Sean said looking at Mary with tears in his eyes.

" Awww Sean, I know you do. I am sorry that all of this is being put upon
your shoulders, you know if I had any other way of doing it I would never
put all this pressure on you. "

" I know you wouldn't Mary, I pray every night for your health and my
sanity, it seems neither of my prayers have been answered. "

" Well that might not be true Sean, If you think about it Jerry could be an
answer to your prayers. He could help you deal with all the things in your
life you need help with, specially once I'm.... " and Mary stopped before
finishing her sentence.

Sean looked at Mary not quite understanding what she meant except the last
part of her sentence. Mary and Sean decided to get ready for bed and hoped
that tomorrow would bring some clarity to their lives. Sean went to bed
thinking about what Mary had said, How could Jerry help him with his
problems; how could he ever understand what he was going through. How could
Jerry ever understand how much I loved him, cared for him and wanted to be
with him. How could a man as defined and well liked and known and Jerry was
ever be able to understand another man being in love with him? Sean's mind
worked overtime all night long, causing a long sleepless night, all his
thoughts kept coming back to Jerry and how could he ever tell him how he
felt about him?

***JERRY*** As I woke the next morning my mind was still working on last
nights events, Mary had laid a lot at my feet with what she told me about
Sean. Could I be ready to help someone who was so in need? Someone who was
going require the patience of a saint, and more love than an army of
mothers could supply. I had to tell my self I had concerns, but my heart
told me I could do it. I got out of bed and headed for the shower, I
enjoyed a long hot shower, shaved and dressed. I then set up my laptop and
contacted the office and handled some business, I then phoned Mark
Harrison, my personal business manager, he has managed all my business
dealings around the world. He is the only one that knows all my personal
financial details and I trust him more than I have anyone in my life. I
talked to Mark for over an hour, getting updated on all the details that
needed my attention and made plans for everything and a meeting the
following week to meet Mark in person to set up the next financial
quarter. After I had all my business settled I decided to head to the gym
for an hour to try and clear my head for my meeting with Mary and Sean this
afternoon. I worked out rather hard and still all I could think about was
Sean, a picture of his face with tears flowing and the look in his eyes as
the elevator door closed was seared into my brain. All I wanted to do was
take that pain away from Sean, to see that smile on his face, that smile
that just lit up a room and melted my heart. I had to find a way to help
them, to help Sean, he deserved to be happy; to be wearing that smile all
the time and to be able to do what made him happy for the rest of his
life. I had to start pulling together a plan to help Mary and Sean, I did
not just want to barge into their lives and throw money around. I am sure
they would love the money and would help alleviate some of their concerns,
but I have learned the hard way that just giving money like that can cause
more harm than good. I will bet that Mary would keep a good head on her
shoulders with what I could give them, but as young as Sean was I was
worried he might not be able to handle the added stress. I finished my work
out and headed back to the room for another shower, this one I enjoyed even
more than the first one this morning, I massaged a lot of stress out with a
wonderful jack off session, with Sean playing a starring roll in the scene
that played out in my mind. Before I realized, it was getting close to Mary
and Sean to be there for lunch.  I had to finish getting ready before they
caught me in the middle of a post orgasmic high, and to set the living room
up for the delivery of our lunch. I worked setting up the living room area
for a comfortable lunch with Mary and Sean, I just hoped that they would
see it that way and not feel strange. While I was sitting having a drink
and deep in thought there was a knock on the door, I walked over and opened
it and there stood Mary and Sean. I invited them in and showed them to the
living room and they had a seat, I then asked them, " Would either of you
like a drink? "

Mary said, " No thanks Jerry. "

Sean looked at the floor not looking at me and asked for a shot of Crown.

I turned and went to the bar and poured both of us a double shot and went
and handed Sean his glass. He still did not look up at me when I handed him
his drink. This made me even more nervous than I had been all day.

Mary noticed how nervous I was and that Sean had not looked up from the
floor since they had walked in, she then asked " What are we having for
lunch today Jerry? "

I was startled at the break in silence and looked at Mary and said, " I
ordered lobster for You and I and a steak for Sean. It should be here soon,
I told them to have it here at 1:30. I thought that would give us a little
time to get comfortable before the food arrived. "

Sean looked up at Mary with a definite pain in his stare and just slightly
shook his head no. Mary sensed her brother was not going to be able to talk
to Jerry and had to do something to get the conversation started between
the two of them.

" That sounds delicious Jerry, I can't wait to try the lobster. You might
have to help me though, I have never eaten lobster before. "

" I will be very happy to help you Mary, it is not as hard as you might
think to partake of the succulent meat of the lobster. I can even help Sean
if he needs any assistance with his steak. " I said with a laugh to try and
help break the tension in the room.

Sean started to chuckle and looked up with a smile on his face, the first I
had seen since last night before we returned to the hotel.

" Well that's one thing I don't think I will need any help with Jerry, but
I thank you for the offer. " Sean replied still with a smile on his face.

" You are very welcome Sean, and I am very happy to see you with a smile on
your face. "

Sean blushed and waved his hand in the air like he was trying to push it
out of the room so no one could hear it. Then he turned towards me and
asked, " Jerry, can we step out on he balcony for a moment? I need to talk
to you. "

This was a fast and bold statement from Sean, like he just got enough nerve
to blurt it out before he lost all bravery to speak.

I said, " Sure Sean, right this way. " I turned to lead Sean out onto the
balcony and looked at Mary with a question in my eyes and she just shrugged
her shoulders.

Sean and I headed out onto the balcony as I started to close the door I
told Mary, " Make yourself at home, if you want anything to drink there is
a full bar over there and is stocked with just about anything you could
want. "

Mary nodded and said, " Thank you Jerry. "

I walked out onto the balcony with Sean and closed the door to give us some
privacy. Still on edge with Sean's sudden burst of courage, I was still
wondering what was going to come.

" Jerry, I have to get this out and I want you to please be patient as I
stumble thru this. I can't keep a train of thought straight in my head
today, so please wait till I finish before you ask any questions. "

I nodded my head in agreement and had a seat at the table while Sean stayed
standing looking over the city from the balcony.

" First off I want to apologize for last night, you had done so much to
make it a beautiful evening and I went and ruined it, I am so sorry for
that and for any hell I put you thru last night. "

I cleared my throat to begin to tell him that I was not worried about how
the evening ended, I was worried about him, but as I did Sean said, " Not
yet Jerry, I need to finish this before I chicken out and cant talk. "

I set back and waited for Sean to continue. He took a deep breath an a sip
of his drink then let out a sigh and started.

" What happened last night was in no part your responsibility Jerry, you
did something so wonderful. I never thought I would ever meet anyone that
could be so kind and caring as you were with Mary and me last night. I was
so happy when we returned to the hotel I thought it was all a dream and
never wanted it to end. When you handed me that basket of desserts and told
me to enjoy, a feeling of emotions just washed over me, like I was pulled
into the shadows. I was transported back in time to when I was a little kid
and was in the kitchen with my mom, I could see her just as if I had awaken
that morning in the house and nothing had ever happened. When we were
younger mom used to cook and bake all the time, we had a different dessert
with our meals every night. Mom was excellent at making desserts, she took
pride in them and after dinner she would put some aside for dad to take to
work the next day in his lunch, then give me the last piece and say to me,
enjoy honey. As I took that basket from your hand I was overwhelmed, I
could see, smell, hear my mom and I didn't know what to do. I broke down
and had to get out of there. I swear Jerry, I never meant to hurt you, I
was up all night worried I made your night a living hell. I have to
know... well I need to know I didn't hurt you Jerry. "

Sean turned around and looked at me with the tears of a child running down
his face, looking for an answer like looking for security in the middle of
a bad dream.

" Sean, you did not hurt me, I was worried as hell about you last night. I
was concerned for you and worried that you were going to be alright.  I am
so sorry that something I did had brought back such vivid memories for you
Sean. It was never my intention to hurt you. "

" I know you never meant to do anything to hurt me Jerry, it wasn't your
fault. If I tried to avoid every word, phrase, smell sight that brought
back a memory about my mom or dad I would have to live in a cave never to
see anyone again. " Sean stated with a half smile on his lips.

" I can understand that Sean, but I think you might need some help dealing
with these memories and emotions. I am sure not a psychiatrist, but I can
tell you that if you find the right one, they can be a godsend, and I speak
from experience. "

Sean looked at me with a bit of shock on his face, " You mean you have seen
one before Jerry? "

" Yes Sean I have, and they can be very helpful to lead you to a point
where you can come to terms with difficult decisions or situations in your
life. "

Sean was looking at me studying my face to see if he could see why I might
have ever needed the services of a psychiatrist. I am not sure what he had
seen or what he decided but he turned and looked back over the city as if
to be looking for the answers amongst all the activity that was going on
below.

Mary came to the door and opened it and said, " I'm sorry to interrupt, but
lunch is here. "

I touched Sean on the shoulder and said, " Come on Sean we need to go
inside so I can help you with that steak. " I said laughing as I turned and
went inside.

Sean followed us with a smile on his face and a little laughter. I went
over and signed the bill and added a generous tip as I saw the waiter back
out the door. Returning to the living room I saw Mary talking to Sean and
give him a hug, I thought what a brave woman, always thinking of her
brother even in the position she was in herself.

" Let's eat, before it gets cold. " I said to get Mary and Sean to the
table.

As I removed the covers off our meals and we sat to begin our lunch there
was a more peaceful feeling in the room, the tension that was there earlier
has seemed to evaporate. This helped me realize that Sean was in a much
happier place emotionally, ready to move forward.

My phone started ringing and I excused myself from the table and went to
the bedroom to answer it to allow me a little privacy.

" Hello. " I answered the phone.

" Mr. Martin, this is Mr. Oliver, we had a meeting this morning and you did
not show. I was calling to make sure everything was alright with you. "

" I am very sorry Mr. Oliver, I had a personal matter to resolve this
morning. I am in the middle of lunch and I think I can settle both of our
problems by the time I am finished. Can I call you back when we are done
and we can then set up an appointment for a meeting? "

" That would be acceptable to me Mr. Martin, I thank you for your help and
I hope you solve all your problems and the rest of your stay goes well. "

" I am sure it will Mr. Oliver, I will talk with you soon. "

I walked back out to the living room and Mary was sitting there looking at
her lobster like it was going to walk away and she would have to fight it
to keep it on the plate.

" I am very sorry Mary, I left you in the cue waiting on me to show you how
to tackle that lobster. "

" No problem Jerry, I was more worried it was going to get away from me. "
She chuckled in response.

I sat back down and started showing Mary the easiest way to break apart a
lobster and enjoy the meat inside. Mary caught on quickly and was eating
all she could get out of the shell. Sean was eating his steak like it was a
last meal and he and Mary had some back and forth conversation about what
pigs each other were. I laughed at each remark and reply, it was like being
invited into the deepest intimate parts of their family.

After we finished our lunch I open the last covered dish on the cart and
offered Mary and Sean dessert, I was a little nervous with the situation,
but I knew how Sean was if there was no dessert at the end of a meal.

Sean and Mary both ate their desserts and said how great they were. I
skipped mine and went to the bar to pour us each a drink to enjoy after the
meal and to help ease things into the next conversation I needed to have
with Mary and Sean.

I asked, " Would you like to sit on the balcony or here in the living room
while we have our drinks? "

Mary said, " I think I would like to try out that balcony if you two don't
mind. "

We headed out onto the balcony and had a seat at the table and were
relaxing in the afternoon sun. I then asked Mary and Sean, " What are you
two doing the rest of the day? "

" Mary and I are going to go down and have some fun at the pool. Maybe see
if I can get some sun on this pale white body of mine. " Sean said

" I think I will be finding the shade and stay as cool as I can in this
blazing sun if you don't mind Sean. " Mary stated.

" Mary and Sean, I have something I need your help with. " I said

Mary and Sean looked at me with a bit of surprise on their faces, like I
could not have a problem that I couldn't fix on my own.

" Anything we can do Jerry. " Mary answered first.

" Well I want you to know right up front that if you do not feel
comfortable doing this you can decline and I will not be offended at all. "

Mary and Sean both shook their heads in agreement and waited for me to
continue.

" I had a little luck at the tables the other night and the casino is
wanting me to be presented with a check and be included in their
advertisements.  I am a very private person and just can not allow myself
to be put in the spot light like that. I do not want the casino to be out
of an advertising moment either so I was wondering if you would mind taking
my place and receiving the check and money. "

Mary and Sean sat there with their mouths open and looking at each other
with a look on their faces like they had won the lottery.

Mary then asked, " Jerry I don't know, how much are we talking here and
what would we have to do? "

" I have to make an appointment with the casino manager, after I got your
permission for me to continue with this plan. The amount is a little on the
big side and I will take care of all the taxes so you two need not worry,
but after all is done it is about $100,000. "

Mary turned pale white and just sat there trying to form words and could
not get one to come out of her mouth, Sean was looking at me like he was
hit by a bus.

" I know this is a big favor to do for me Mary and Sean, but I would be
indebted to you both if you would do this for me. "

" Well Jerry, I dont know what to say, that is a lot of money. Are you sure
that you want to give up all that just so you dont have to be in some
pictures and image used in a few advertisements? " Mary said.

" Mary, I am quite sure, I really do not need the attention and the money
would not change my life one way or the other. "

Mary looked at Sean and asked, " What do you think little bro? "

Sean had sat there quiet the whole time and finally spoke, " Mary, I dont
know, its a lot to take in, and I'm worried that Jerry is doing this just
to help us out and he might need that money for himself. "

Mary shook her head understanding what Sean was thinking.

" Please Sean, I can honestly tell you that I do not need the money, I do
rather well for myself at my job and would rather see that money go to you
two who could put it to a much better use than I could leaving it sit in a
bank account doing nothing. "

Mary asked, " Can you give us a moment to discuss this Jerry? "

" Take as long as you need, I will be inside if you need anything. "

I went back in to the room and headed to the bedroom to give them as much
privacy as they needed to discuss the proposal I just laid upon them. I
knew of the two it would be Sean that would take the most convincing to do
this for me. Mary was already headed to the answer I was wanting, it was
Sean who pulled her back and I was hoping that Mary could convince
him. They talked for over an hour when I heard the door to the balcony
open, I went back to the living room to see what decision they had reached.

They both stood there looking like statues, as I approached Mary smiled at
me and grabbed me and gave me a hug that about squeezed the air from my
lungs.

" We would be so blessed to do this for you Jerry, I do not know what angel
in heaven above has sent you to us, but I will be thanking the good Lord
for you in every prayer I make. " Mary shouted.

" I am so thankful to you both, I will call Mr. Oliver and set up a meeting
with him to see when we can arrange this. May I ask how much longer you two
are staying here in Vegas? "

" We are scheduled to fly back home on Friday afternoon. " Mary answered.

" That does not give us much time to get this all settled then does it? I
will get on the phone now and meet with Mr. Oliver and I will then let you
know when and what is happening. " I told them both.

I asked Mary, " Can I get your cell phone number from you? That way you and
Sean can go to the pool or anywhere else you want to see and relax while I
go and handle the details. Then when I am finished I can call you and we
can meet and I can fill you in. "

I handed Mary my cell phone and let her enter her number in my contact
list, I shook Sean's hand and told him. " I really appreciated all the help
they were giving me and please do not worry. "

I walked Mary and Sean to the door and told them I would contact them as
soon as I was done meeting Mr. Oliver. They headed off and I returned to
the living room to place the call to Mr. Oliver.

I asked, " Can we make this meeting as soon as possible, I have a solution
that I think would be very beneficial to you and the hotel. "

Mr. Oliver told me to meet him in his office in thirty minutes. He then
told me how to get to the hotel offices. I rushed to the bedroom and got
dressed in my best business suit that I brought with me and headed out to
the meeting. I made my way through the casino and found the offices rather
easily with the information that I was given. I enter Mr. Oliver's office
and told his secretary that I was Mr. Martin and I had an appointment with
Mr. Oliver. She went into his office and told him I was there then motioned
for me to enter. I walked in and Mr. Oliver crossed the room and said, "
Welcome Mr. Martin, it is a pleasure to meet you. " as he shook my hand.

" It is a pleasure to meet you also Mr. Oliver and thank you for taking
this meeting so quickly. "

" It is no problem Mr. Martin, If you have an idea for us that we can use
for a promotion campaign than I am more than happy to listen. "

" I think I have found a solution to both our problems Mr. Oliver; you can
have a wonderful promotion and advertising campaign and I can keep my
privacy. I have met two of the most wonderful people here at your hotel and
I would like for you to give the winnings to them, I will claim the money
as income and pay all the taxes on it, but I want you to give the rest to
them and you can use them in all your promotional material. "

" Well Mr. Martin that sounds interesting, but I am not sure that we can
make that happen. There may be to many regulations to get around for us to
be able to do that. "

" It seems to me that all you would have to do is take the money out of my
house account and give them a cashiers check in that amount and send me the
IRS forms for the amount that I won. That way every government agency is
happy and you get someone to use in your promotional material. "

" I am still not sure about this Mr. Martin, I will look into the
regulations and see if we can handle the matter in the way you want, but if
there is anything in any of the laws that stops us than we will have to
drop the matter there. "

" I think I can help you with that Mr. Oliver. Would the word of one of the
licensing commissioners be sufficient enough to ease your fears? "

" I would be more than happy to take their word for it, but it will take
weeks to set up a meeting with one of them. "

" Which one of the commissioners would you trust the most to give you a
legal opinion on this matter Mr. Oliver? "

" Any of them would be able to answer to my satisfaction, but I am telling
you now they will not be able to come here soon enough for us to handle
this problem. "

I took out my cell phone and called Mark Harrison and asked him to call 2
of the commissioners in Nevada and ask them for their opinion on the matter
and I told him that I needed an answer in the next few minutes. Please have
them call Mr. Oliver here at the hotel to give him their answer.

Mr. Oliver and I sat there looking at each other waiting on the phone to
ring, mine rang first and a few seconds later his did. I turned and walked
away from Mr. Oliver's desk to answer mine, it was Mark and he told me that
both the commissioners told him that my proposal would be perfectly legal
and the hotel should not have any problem in handling it that way. I
thanked Mark, but he stopped me and asked me what was I up to? I will tell
you when I get back home next week at our meeting. I hung up as Mr. Oliver
received his second phone call from the other commissioner, I waited for
him to finish his conversation then came back and sat in front of his desk.

" Well it looks like we will be able to handle this your way Mr. Martin, I
am just amazed at how fast you got that handled. I have never known anyone
to get through to any of the commissioners let alone two of them that
fast. "

" I make sure that I know everyone in play in any area of the country I
travel to Mr. Oliver. Here are the names of the two individuals I would
like to receive the winnings and their room number. I am sure you can look
up any further details you need and if you need anything more just give me
a call and I can supply any information to you. "

We made plans on a photo shoot and check presentation for Mary and Sean the
next afternoon on the main floor of the casino.

" I really appreciate this and for all your work Mr. Oliver, and as you see
when I am indebted to someone I always come through for them. If I can be
of any assistance to you in the future just give me a call. "

" I am glad it worked out Mr. Martin, I thank you for your offer and if you
are ever in Vegas and need anything, I am just a phone call away. "

After the pleasantries were over I turned and headed out of Mr. Oliver's
office and headed to the High Roller bar to have a drink and relax.  I sat
and thought about all the events of the last few days, I had to pray that
Mary and Sean would handle this with the grace and not become obnoxious
with the money. I called Mary and let her know that everything was set up
for the casino to present her and Sean with the check in the casino
tomorrow. I then asked her what her and Sean wanted to do on their last
night in Vegas. She told me that she was a little tired today after all the
excitement of the last few days and said she was going to spend the evening
in their room, but if you and Sean want to head out and do something that
was fine with her. I told her I would have to talk to Sean about it and
would let her know. She thanked me for the call and told me she would see
me later. I hung up and thought to myself, what could Sean and I do for his
last night in Vegas? Besides the ideas of getting him in my bed which I let
linger in my mind for quite awhile, I started to think of something that
maybe Sean would like to do. As many personal details as he had told me
about him and his family, I really did not know much personally about Sean
his likes dislikes, dreams, achievements. I thought I had to change that
and wondered where we could go that would be entertaining, yet give us time
to talk and get to know each other better. I decided instead of making
plans and not wanting Sean to feel obligated to go I would call Mary and
see if I could talk with Sean and see what he wanted to do. I phoned Mary
and asked her if I could speak with Sean. She said he was out in the pool,
I asked if she would have him call me when he came back in, I wanted to see
if he wanted to do anything tonight or if he was going to stay in with her
this evening. Mary said she would have him call me and would probably see
me soon, she was really getting tired of being outside in the heat. I
finished my drink and decided to head up to my room and and make some calls
to get ahead of work for the next week. I called the office and set in
motion all the plans I had on my agenda for the next week and then started
looking through my clothes to decide on something to wear for tonight, but
not knowing what we would be doing I have too many choices. The phone rang
and I answered it and it was Sean, I said hello and asked if he was having
a good time at the pool. He told me he was really having fun, but Mary
needed to head up to the room, the heat had drained all her strength and
needed to rest so she was ready for the events tomorrow. I then asked if he
wanted to go out tonight and if there was anything that he wanted to do or
see on his last night in Vegas. He hesitated with a reply and I sensed he
did not want to go out, or if he did he did not want to go with me, I told
him if he did not want to go out with me tonight that was fine, he was
under no obligation to do anything. I heard Sean sigh and my heart dropped,
I thought right there at that moment I had pushed him too hard and too far
and this was the end, where I envisioned a beginning.  I felt a tear run
down my cheek and I cleared my throat and told Sean not to worry, spend the
evening with Mary, get some rest and I would see them tomorrow for the
photo shoot in the casino. Sean did not say anything, I was worried he had
hung up on me and I was talking to myself.  Just then Sean said Jerry, " I
think we need to talk but I don't want to be out in the public when we do
it. Can we just stay here in the hotel and have dinner and maybe go for a
walk up the strip afterwards. "

" If you are sure that is what you want to do Sean I am fine with that. I
will see you at 7 for dinner, if that is alright with you.  He told me that
was fine and I ended the call. I called Mr. Richards and asked his to get
me reservations in the restaurant at 7 tonight for two. He confirmed the
time and number in the party and said there was no problem, I thanked him
and headed for the bedroom and thought about a nap before dinner.

I undressed and laid down to try and gather my thoughts before the meeting
with Sean, my fears and desires battled with each other as I slept.
Neither one of them willing to give on the subject of Sean, the fears
showed me an angry Sean, fighting with me and accusing me of trying to
destroy his family, that my money would never change him or his view of
me. My desires showed me the flip side, the love, the passion, the life
full of romance that could be possible. I tossed and turned and woke up and
felt like I had been in a car wreck, the pain that the dreams gave me also
came with guilt. That one emotion right up there with envy that I despise,
it has grabbed a hold of me and does not seem to want to let go. What did I
have to feel guilty about though, I had done nothing to lead Sean or Mary
anywhere. I never forced Sean to tell me about hid life and how it has
turned out, in fact, I asked him many times if he was sure he wanted to
continue telling me and gave him many options to end it at anytime. I had
to look deep inside myself to find where this guilt was coming from, could
it be from how Brad had ended our relationship, or maybe where I wanted
Sean and my relationship to head. Damn, I really needed to slow my brain
down, every time I fall for someone it has to get in the way. I was
determined this time that if there was a chance at true happiness and love
I was shutting my brain off and pouring myself into the relationship.

I got up and poured myself a drink and went out onto the balcony to try and
calm my mind, to get my thoughts back under control. I looked out over the
city and realized I had a tear running down my cheek, but why, why was I so
ready to head down the lonely road of heartbreak when I had not even
started. I was startled out of my revery by the phone ringing, I looked at
the clock and it was almost 7. I was lost in time and forgot I had to meet
Sean, I answered the phone and it was Sean. I am so sorry Sean, I got
caught up in something with the office, let me finish changing and I will
be there in 5 minutes, there is a reservation under my name for us, just
tell them and have them seat you and I will hurry and get there. I hung up
and started changing like a mad man, throwing on things as I found them and
rushing out the door.

==============================================================================

Thanks to everyone for the emails, I really like hearing from everyone.  I
want to give a big THANK YOU to Larry for proof reading and helping me edit
this chapter and future one.  There are some major twists coming up next
chapter. Thanks again for all that are reading.