Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2017 03:09:26 +0000 (UTC)
From: jim ford <sojourn1950@yahoo.com>
Subject: Change of Heart chapter sixteen

This story is fiction.

The characters are adults in adult situations.

Warnings: The only person you can ever hope to truly know is
yourself. Trust no one; use condoms.

If you are not of legal age or in a jurisdiction in which this document is
illegal, go way.

This is my story. Please respect the copyright. If you enjoy it, let me
know.


Please donate to Nifty. Surely these tales are worth, at least, the price
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Author's Note: I have received some help with beta reading and editing. If
you notice, express your thanks to Jay T. and I will gladly pass it on.


Some readers have commented on the gun violence in this story. This is the
first time in any of my stories someone dies at the hand of one of my
characters. I will be happy to send you links if requested. Now onto a more
heinous aspects of civilization... politics, money and sex. That last one
is definitely not heinous... hind... anus hindanus? hinanus, hianus,
heinous...? Hmmmm... maybe it is.

Sometimes I crack me up! If you don't agree, let me know.

Jim

Sojourn1950@yahoo.com



Jeff grabbed his shoulder feigning injury. "You know there are laws
addressing domestic violence, even in Texas." Taking Paul's hand in his,
looking deeply into those soft brown eyes he admitted, "I had to do
something. When I saw him go for his gun, I didn't think. I just knew I
couldn't let him hurt you. You've changed my life, for the better, in so
many ways. For the first time in a long time I belong to a family again. My
life doesn't mean much without you in it. Loving Maria is a given. I will
always love and cherish her. But, our lives would be desolate without you."

Paul gripped Jeff's hand a little tighter. "I don't really think you're a
dumbshit. I just... I mean... In books and movies heroes always swear to
lay down their lives to protect the ones they love. You didn't say it. You
did it! How do I say thank you for something like that?"

Paul didn't notice, but Jeff saw when Dave, who was driving, laid his hand
palm up on the center console. Then he watched as Sam interlocked their
fingers. Somehow, that simple act spoke of more love than what's expressed
in all of Shakespeare's love sonnets.

"You can say `Thanks' for trying to save your life, but tell me, would you
have done any less for me?"

With his brown eyes misting, "Jeff I don't know what I wouldn't do for you.

"Since I met you, life... my life has changed so much. I had never
seriously harmed another human being. Even playground fights were started
by others. I had expected to be overwhelmed with guilt after shooting that
bastard. All I feel is that the universe is a better place without him. I
would do it again if it meant protecting the ones I love, Maria and you.

"As for the Sheriff, he was a bad man too. Although, I'm not really
convinced he would have shot me. I am glad I didn't have to find out, but
still, I wonder."

"Babe, the Sheriff had every intention of shooting you. He wasn't carrying
those loaded guns and drugs in his trunk for some high school show and
tell. He intended to kill all of us on that back road.

"Drawing on what I learned from both of my psych courses, he was going to
kill us because we humiliated him and because we represented what he hated
so much about himself. He hated being gay. In some twisted way, I think
killing us would've helped justify his own self hatred. He is... was a
classic example of a homophobe who was outwardly manifesting his own lack
of self acceptance."

Paul brought his other hand over to clasp Jeff's between his, "Hon, let's
make a pact, Ok?  I'll give up my sappy gay soap opera dialogue, if you
give up sophomoric psychoanalysis. Deal?"

Jeff, at first looked confused. Then recalling he had accused Paul of using
dialogue from gay soap operas, he smiled. "Well, it'll be your loss. You
never know when my spot on psychological observations could be crucial in
helping you heal some critically ill farm animal. Besides, what if, years
from now, I decided to take up watching gay soaps? You'd be right there by
my side watching them with me. Meaning, you would have given up
nothing. You've got to up the ante if you're looking to make a deal. How
about you become my love slave, then i'll give up my very perceptive, in
depth, psychoanalytical observations. Now, that's what I call a deal."

Sam interrupted with, "Jeff, Paul, Fred just told us that Rosarita fixed
some tortilla soup and sandwiches for their lunch. He wants to know if we
are heading there or should he put away the leftovers?"

Jeff looked at Paul. Once their eyes met they nodded. Jeff turned back
toward the front, pulled out his phone and said. "Tell him we are going to
have lunch with Maria and Aunt Mellie" A quick phone call to Aunt Mellie
set them up for lunch. Joe had already told her about the Sheriff. She
insisted Jeff put the phone on speaker so she could hear both her boys tell
her they were alright. By the time she let them hang up they were almost in
the drive.

She and Maria meet them at the door. Maria's enthusiasm in greeting them
was bounded only by Jeff's and Paul's efforts to shield their
balls. Mellie's greeting seemed only slightly less enthusiastic and a great
deal less threatening to their manhood. Already the house was filled with
caterers and extra help getting ready for tonight's festivities. Paul
expressed regrets at their imposing upon Mellie by having to entertain them
for lunch when she had to prepare for a huge turnout in just a few
hours. He insisted they take Maria for lunch at the diner.

Mellie looked at Paul sternly, for the first time, "We'll have no more of
that nonsense. When Maria, Jeff and you eat here, I am not
`entertaining'. I am simply feeding my family." Glaring at Sam and Dave, as
if to prevent any argument, she stated, "Right now that includes you two."
Nodding emphatically! She ended the discussion.

"Y'all can take turns cleaning up in the hallway bathroom or Jeff can show
you to the guest rooms. Rosa is never far away from having something ready
to serve. She heard me talking to Jeff earlier and insisted she would have
a proper lunch ready by the time y'all arrived.She is a godsend and the
only person this side of heaven who can prepare coffee to your Uncle Joe's
liking. I never could stand the stuff, but Joe can't start his day until
he's had his second cup.

"Now go cleanup and come on in the kitchen and grab a seat. Maria's been
dying to tell her daddies what all we found in Abilene."

Neither Jeff nor Paul were especially hungry. They just filled up on being
with people that loved them unconditionally. And Maria, in all her youthful
innocence, fit the bill perfectly. Mellie's nurturing nature also went a
long way in easing their anxiety over the morning's events. Later they
would talk about how that lunch "recharged" their humanity. For once, Paul
felt he might understand a soldier's suffering as he tries to cope with
PTSD. Jeff just tried to downplay his joy that Paul had come away unscathed
from two life threatening situations, in as many days.

Maria overflowed with effervescent delight as she described many of the
outfits, each piece of furniture and the area rugs they had purchased the
day before. It reminded Jeff that he and Paul had to get some guys to help
clear out "Maria's" room. They might have to wait until after the holidays
to arrange for painters. Jeff finally admitted it was time to claim the
master suite for Paul and himself. He knew his parents would have
approved. Maybe if they bought a new mattress it wouldn't feel too creepy,
making love in his parents bed. The thought made him shudder, just a
little.

Raymond called Jeff to let them know the town was flooded with network as
well as cable news vans. He cautioned them that it wouldn't be long before
they tried to get onto the ranch. Ilya was already stepping up perimeter
security by manning all the gates. All news people were to be barred
automatically. His men at the gates were to get authorization from the
appropriate house before granting any vehicle access. No one without the
local zip code on their driver's license would even warrant a call to the
appropriate house. He relayed that Ilya insisted they travel in the heavily
tinted Suburbans as a precautionary measure.

After enjoying lunch they loaded up some of Maria's clothes and headed out
to Jeff's place. Maria recognized a couple of satellite vans and wanted to
know why television was at her Aunt Mellie and Uncle Joe's place?

Jeff took her hand and said,"Well Princess, remember that man, in the
stable, who said those bad things about your daddy?" Jeff paused. Once
Maria nodded, he continued, "That man tried to shoot your daddy, but he got
shot instead."

With a quizzical expression Maria asked, "But who shot him?"

A loud voice from the driver's seat interrupted, "I did, Princess." Dave
stated as he realigned his rear view mirror to catch Maria's
reflection. "He was going to shoot your daddy. I had to stop him. That's my
job as well as Sam's, to protect all three of you."

Satisfied, Maria smiled warmly at Dave's eyes reflected in the
mirror. "Thank you, Mister Dave for doing your job so my Daddy's didn't get
hurt."

Jeff and Paul shared a meaningful glance above Maria's head. Paul dropped
his hand Dave's shoulder, "Thanks Dave, for saving me, again."

Dave grinned and nodded in understanding, "Anytime."

There were no news vans at the cattle crossing leading to Jeff's... their
place. Two men were standing in front of a couple of saw horses. One was a
ranch hand that Jeff knew by name and Paul had met but didn't know well
enough to remember his name. The other was one of Ilya's men that knew Sam
and Dave. Dave couldn't let it pass. He had to ask, "Are those sawhorses
covered in Christmas gift wrapping paper?"

The soldat blushed a little, "It was Fred's girlfriend's idea. She insisted
it was bright and shiny and would make them more visible and..." That last
bit drifted off in a muted mumble.

Dave knew the man well enough, "Jim, I didn't catch that last part you
said. Can you repeat that a little louder." On the last phrase, he raised
his voice for emphasis.

Jim said, much louder, "I said she insisted. Said it was in keeping with
the season." Jim was in a full on blush. Paul burst out laughing not at the
sawhorses but at the thought of a professional bodyguard being embarrassed
at the idea having to shoot someone for breaking through a Christmas
barricade. No one else seemed to get the joke. That didn't stop his tears
of laughter. In futility he tried to explain the joke. He convinced himself
that they all thought it was funny, but simply refused to let on that they
got it. Though Maria's look was the one she wore when she seemed convinced
her father was from another planet.

In spite of having the day off, Rosarita met them at the door. She
exclaimed as she took the party dress that Maria was carrying like some
holy relic. It was white with crimson lace overlaying the bodice. The skirt
started out white at the waist then with lace overlayers it melded from
light pink into crimson at the knee length hem. Starting at the right side
of the neckline a single gold star seemed to spray an expanding trail of
smaller gold stars until fully half the front hem was star covered. The
back was adorned the same way, so that when she twirled, she appeared to be
amidst shooting stars. The finishing touches were a crimson star studded
tiara and star spangled, crimson slippers. She wanted to change to show the
full effect, but Paul insisted she wait until after she napped and then she
could show them after she bathed and dressed for the party. Rosarita
assured her she would be there to help her get dressed and do her hair.

Paul was impressed when she laid down without complaint. However, he was
not surprised when she began to bargain for a later bedtime because of the
get together. Paul insisted they would discuss it later.

By the time Paul rejoined the adults in the family room, the cable news was
all over the Sheriff's shooting. The State's Attorney General had arrived
by helicopter and had made a statement to the effect that he had been
briefed by local authorities and some eyewitnesses to the shooting. Pending
further investigation there would likely be no charges filed against those
lawmen involved. Jeff happily pointed out Joe, Raymond and Jubal Harshaw
standing just behind acting Sheriff Daniel Lovan. The Mayor was
conspicuously absent.

The Attorney General added, his office would be conducting an official
investigation into any court prosecuted cases under the deceased Sheriff's
purview. He expressed his gratitude to acting Sheriff Lovan for his promise
of complete support from both himself and his department during the
upcoming investigation.

Tink had texted a link to an Abilene tv station which featured an interview
with a much recovered Mayor. The Mayor read a statement that his presence
at the shooting of the Sheriff was a result of a happenstance invitation
from the Sheriff. He had no prior knowledge nor real interest in the
investigation of the shooting of a local resident. When pressed he
clarified, "Of course I am interested, I mean concerned when any citizen of
our town is involved in a shooting. Just not that kind of citizen." Pressed
harder, he continued, "You know those people involved were fags... I mean
homosexuals!"He spat it out, as though it physically pained him to say the
word. "The shooting was precipitated by jealousy." When he said that last
part, he physically shuddered. "Of course I had no idea beforehand that
those kind of people were involved. My being present at the Sheriff's
shooting was mere happenstance."

He went on to state that his relationship with the Sheriff was strictly
professional. He barely knew the man well enough to say hello when they
met. Apparently one of the reporters knew better. When cornered he admitted
that Sheriff Johnson had been his sister's nephew by marriage and that they
had attended the same church for most of their lives. And yes it was true
that he had officially endorsed Johnson in his only bid for county
Sheriff. Yes, they had shared a meal occasionally at the local diner. It
was true that the Sheriff had been a guest in the Mayor's home a few
times. But, he insisted, all that didn't mean theirs was anything but a
strictly professional relationship.

The consensus within the family room was that the Mayor should look for a
new line of work. Especially since, having reached a consensus amongst Joe,
Raymond, Jeff and Paul, Tink had anonymously emailed copies of "Bad Daddy
Sheriff" porn to each City Council member. With the subject line "Whose
Mayor held the camera?" Paul had insisted that Deputy Harris' face be
blurred. He wasn't convinced that the Deputy was completely innocent, but
he had appeared to be a victim in the videos. It was the only way Paul
could feel comfortable releasing the videos. The truth was, there was no
evidence a third person was present when the videos were recorded.

Jeff and Paul excused themselves and went down the hall to take a
nap. Inside Jeff's old room they stripped down and climbed into bed. Jeff
laid on his back and Paul rested his head on Jeff's shoulder. Toying with
his chest hair, he asked Jeff, "Are our lives together always going to
filled with such drama? I mean...  I feel like i've aged ten years in the
last two days. Don't get me wrong, I'd do it all over again just to have
you in our lives, it's just that I've always lived such a quiet life. Do
you have any objections to settling down, without guns strapped to our
sides, with just Maria and me?"

Jeff took a deep breath, "Babe, I don't know what our lives will be
like. My life, up to this point, has been mostly average too. Except for
the being rich part. I was never spoiled, I had to work on the ranch for
spending money since I was twelve. I didn't know we were rich until I was a
freshman in high school. I can't say it hasn't made a difference, I'm sure
it has. I never had to worry about money for college or anything. The only
expensive thing I have ever bought is the car I have in Chicago. I paid for
that with money I earned as an attorney.

"As for drama? Trust me, these last couple of days are as far from the norm
for me as they have been for you. Like I said before, when I came home this
time, I was ready for a change. After falling for you like a rock, I
figured I'd quietly settle into being a rancher with you by my side and
we'd raise our Princess together. Now it seems we are the poster boys for
gay Texas. Combine that with Uncle Joe getting involved in local politics
and I can't guarantee our lives will be quiet. But, I can guarantee you one
thing and that is that no matter what kind of life we lead, I will be by
your side."

Jeff wasn't sure how much Paul had heard, but by the time he paused for a
response he could barely hear Paul softly snoring. He yawned, relaxed and
drifted off to join his lover in dreamland.

Paul had heard what Jeff had to say even if the last few words were
somewhat muffled. Now, the sun had gone down and he was awake and feeling
refreshed. Checking the time he knew they should be getting up to shower
and dress for the get together. It would be unseemly not to arrive early
enough to at least offer to help.

He had awakened in the same position in which he had fallen asleep. Jeff's
massive erection was taking up most of Paul's field of vision. He grinned
at the thought of what he could with that thick stalk of flesh and how much
pleasure it would bring both of them. Instead of giving into temptation, he
scooted out of bed and loudly called Jeff's name. It took a lot of self
control not to crawl back into bed and awaken his mate with some oral
loving. Maybe they could compromise with a long, hot shower. Once he was
sure Jeff was awake he slipped on jeans and a shirt and went to awaken
Maria. Even at her tender age she took more time to simply get dressed than
did her father.

He was pleasantly surprised to find Rosarita had already gotten Maria to
bathe and was doing her hair. Paul came back into Jeff's old bedroom to
find Jeff laying in the middle of the bed stroking his cock. Stripping his
clothes off he offered, "It's getting late. We need to hurry. If you join
me in the shower we can help each other out. If you stay in bed, you're on
your own. Paul snickered as he watched Jeff scurrying off the bed and into
the bathroom, with his hardon proudly leading the way.

Later, two satiated lovers met the rest of their group in the family
room. Paul thought the other two couples looked smugly satisfied. He
shrugged off his suspicions and focused on his beautiful daughter. Her
blonde curls seemed to set off her sparkling brown eyes. He was awed by how
pretty she really was. The tiara, dress and slippers combined to make look
like a real live Princess.

Jeff said out loud what Paul was thinking. "Darling you look like a for
real live Princess. I am truly sorry that we don't have a red carpet for
you to walk on or a real carriage for you to go to the ball in. Stand by
the fireplace and let me take your picture."

Maria was delighted by the attention she received from her daddies as well
as the rest of the group. She was less than thrilled when both her daddies
insisted she wear a coat on the ride to the party. She insisted a coat
would "spoil the look" she was going for.

Somehow Fred had the night free to attend the festivities with
Rosarita. Jeff and Paul both suspected Rosarita had a hand in arranging
Fred's schedule. Wisely they kept those opinions between the two of
them. Jeff gave Fred the keys to the Tahoe so he could properly escort
Rosarita. Maria insisted she ride with Rosarita. She wound up riding with
her daddies after Rosarita promised to provide any last minute touch ups to
Maria's hair and makeup once they arrived. Paul was livid at the thought of
his child wearing makeup until Rosarita privately assured him it was only
some lightly applied foundation. He asked Jeff to remind him later to
Google "foundation makeup". Jeff was pretty blasé about the makeup
until he began to think in terms of Maria as his not quite six year old
daughter. Suddenly he knew damn well that soon they both would both be
googling "foundation makeup".

Joe and Mellie greeted everyone at the door already dressed in their
finery. Mellie was dressed in an elegant A-line crimson and lace cocktail
dress that had obviously been chosen with Maria's dress in mind. They were
wearing the same knee length style with some similar coloring, Mellie's was
sans stars and tiara. Joe, like Jeff and Paul, wore a button down shirt
with a bolo tie and a leather blazer.

Everyone was ushered into the family room. Although Paul had been in this
room numbers of times, he had never seen it expanded to it's current
size. He had begged off the other two times he had been invited to the get
together. Tonight, walls on either end, made up of bookcases, had been
folded back to open up two other rooms. Now, Paul thought it looked like
some gigantic hotel ballroom, complete with chandeliers. Bars were set up
at either end. Ample seating lined the perimeter, while the center was
cleared for dancing. A four piece combo was tuning up around the baby grand
piano that was placed against the wall near the center of the dance
area. Jeff knew tonight's music would range from light jazz and pop to the
classics... of country music.

Mellie, Rosarita and Maria went off to do girly things while Joe asked Jeff
and Paul to join him in his office.

Joe came right to the point. "We need to select our candidate for Mayor as
soon as possible. This clod isn't going to last through the investigation
even if, by some miracle, he avoids indictment. We need to take a serious
look at the City Council members. I think one of them will most likely be
the next Mayor. I need you two to try and sound each of them out
tonight. We need to get the ball rolling tonight if we're going to find the
right candidate. Our next Mayor has to be a good man who wants what's best
for the citizens and his community."

No one had noticed they had company until, "Why can't you be Mayor? You're
a good man, Uncle Joe." Then turning to Paul she asked, "what's a moon
tea?"

While Paul pulled Maria into his lap to define `moon tea', Jeff engaged his
Uncle, "She's right you know. You've been looking for the right man, when
every credential you credit him with is one you already possess. You have
integrity, you're honest, open and caring. Plus you could return the
Mayor's salary to the city coffers. You already have ongoing projects that
will bring in more jobs. Who better to coordinate with city government than
the head of the Adams Family, who just happens to be the Mayor. It makes
perfect sense. Why didn't we think of it before?"

Leaving his Uncle to get used to the idea, Jeff moved closer to Paul, still
holding Maria. "Princess, not only are you beautiful, but you must surely
be a genius. That means you are very intelligent." This last he emphasized
with a loud and sloppy kiss to her cheek.

Maria was giggling as Jeff's wiggling fingers threatened to tickle her
mercilessly. Paul ignored their antics to address Joe. "He is right you
know. There is no one better suited to the job. You have a good heart and a
strong sense of what is right. You are a practical man with the foresight
needed to plan ahead. Once Raymond, Danny and Aunt Mellie get wind of this
you're all but elected... Congratulations Mr. Mayor!" Joe looked like he
had the most bitter taste ever in his mouth.

Once the party was well under way, Paul was a little overwhelmed by the
attention strangers paid him. Most expressed sympathy about the fire,
horror at the kidnapping, backslapping enthusiasm at the shooting, or utter
amazement at his having survived the crazed Sheriff's attempt to kill him.

He was somewhat relieved when his fellow veterinarians T.R and David, along
with their son DJ, arrived. They, unlike most folk, seemed to have complete
and actual facts regarding the events of his last few days.

It was a refreshing change to be able to discuss more important aspects of
life such as parenting, elementary school, getting kids to eat and most
embarrassing moments in the lives of young parents. T.R. was the clear
winner in that last topic. It seems on their last visit back home, his
father entertained the adults of the family by relating what his five year
old grandson had described to him as "naked daddies wrestling".

Laughter drew the attention of those around them, and soon they were in the
midst of a dozen young parents discussing the one thing all of them had in
common, children. Paul enjoyed hearing that most of them shared similar
fears and foibles. Jeff was a like new convert, feeling slightly
overwhelmed and yet eager to accept the challenges.

As soon as DJ had shown up Maria deserted her daddies for some more age
appropriate company. Besides, there was a supervised room for children
under twelve complete with games, snacks and videos. There was also a room
set aside and manned as a nursery. Maria was determined to visit the
nursery with the real live babies. DJ was not so enthusiastic saying his
Maria had been babysitting her relatives babies for as long as he could
remember. Babies were alright sometimes but mostly they just made noise and
stunk. Nonchalantly, he informed Maria that he was going to have a baby
brother soon enough and maybe she could come over to play with him and his
little brother. Maria agreed enthusiastically, but made a mental note to
ask her daddies how two men got pregnant and delivered a baby. By virtue of
her being an only child of a single parent veterinarian, she had seen
enough animal husbandry to understand breeding and birthing.

Paul relaxed when he realized no one would dare be openly hostile toward
him tonight, certainly not in Joe's house. Still there were a few who made
it clear they were not sympathetic to him or his kind. It wasn't hard to
single them out. They would turn their backs or cut an obviously wide
swathe in avoiding Paul or any group he might be chatting with.

Those same people didn't seem to realize that he and Jeff were a
couple. While they were trying to avoid Paul, they were trying to gain
Jeff's attention. When Paul pointed this out to Jeff, his lover had the
perfect solution. Jeff took Paul's drink and handed it to T.R. Then he led
Paul onto the dance floor and led them through a spritely Texas two
step. At first there seemed to be a collective gasp from the crowd. Then
Joe and Mellie, Fred and Rosarita, as well as Sam and Dave joined in the
dance. Soon the crowd seemed to relax and several "straight" same sex
couples joined them on the dance floor. T.R. and David smiled broadly as
they "boot scooted" by. After a couple of traditional two steps the quartet
played a soft, slow number which suited Jeff and Paul just fine. Paul was
surprised to see that most of the "straight" same sex couples simply
adjusted their steps and folded into each other's arms.

The food was good and plentiful, the booze was free, and the music was
tolerable. It was time for folks to let their hair down and have a good
time. Raymond had latched onto the idea of his Uncle Joe becoming Mayor
like a sprung bear trap. He, being a hometown boy made good, was well
received by everyone. Before the booze was even loosening up the crowd, he
had planted the seed with three City Council members. Less than an hour
later they had each approached Joe with what was presented as their own
idea, that he should run for Mayor. This of course was based on their very
likely suspicion that a special election would soon be called. No one
mentioned the "Whose Mayor is holding the camera?" videos.

Joe appeared to be humbled by the notion they thought he could be a
potentially successful candidate. Raymond was pretty sure Uncle Joe would
surprise more than a few folks with his managerial and leadership
skills. Wearing a broad smile he scanned the crowd of holiday
revelers. Everyone seemed in good spirits even those he knew to be
homophobic wore smiles, even if somewhat subdued. Raymond was surprised
their faces hadn't melted like candle wax at the sight of same sex couples
dancing.

As he continued to peruse the room, his eyes fell upon the newly appointed
Sheriff Lovan. Even out of uniform he presented a striking figure of a
man. He was reminded of an old Chuck Berry tune "Brown Eyed Handsome Man."
How stupid had he been trying to recapture one of his most erotic memories,
by treating Daniel like the teenager he had been, instead of the masculine
ideal he was today.

In a well fitted suit and tie, Sheriff Lovan caught the eye of most the
women in the room. Raymond was confident the man was gay and at least
somewhat attracted to him. Figures he would be closeted as a lawman in a
small town especially in Texas. That didn't bother Raymond; while he didn't
display rainbow flags, pins, tee shirts or stickers, he never denied being
gay. He was sure more than a few people here knew he was gay. He certainly
hoped Daniel wasn't leading on some woman with false hope. Even if he did,
it wasn't any of his business. He had fucked up royally the last time he
approached Daniel. In the few instances in which they had interacted since
the blow up, they had both been totally professional. No one could tell
there had ever been even a spark of lust between them. Raymond watched as
Daniel worked the room. He was attentive to anyone who approached him, but
never stayed too long with anyone or any group. He watched as Daniel
smoothly sought out and thanked the County Judge and the County
Commissioners who appointed him. Raymond was impressed as Daniel made
casual conversation and seemed to leave everyone he spoke with
smiling. Raymond clinically observed, `the man was a naturally gifted
politician'.

Raymond jumped, almost spilling his drink, as the voice behind him pulled
him from his reverie. "You know, he's going to catch you if you don't quit
following him with your eyes." Joe tugged on Raymond's shoulder so they
were facing each other. "Why don't you go over and try again. Just try not
to come across as such an asshole. Try apologizing before you step on your
dick again. You insulted the man as well as the uniform he proudly wears.

"He's been keeping tabs on you tonight as well over the years. He's just
better at not getting caught. Think about it Son, how would he know where
you live or what you drive if he wasn't interested, at least enough to find
out. Do like I do with Mellie when I mess up. Beg for forgiveness. You
don't have to buy jewelry or anything, but do something nice. Now, go on,
there's no time like the present." Joe slapped Raymond on the back and
shoved him lightly in Daniel's direction.

Raymond diverted to the nearest bar and ordered two drinks. Timing it so
Danny was just leaving the group he was speaking with, Raymond proffered
the drink, "Club soda over ice with a slice of lime? That's what you been
drinking, right? I owe you several apologies and at least one to the
uniform you wear. Can I bend your ear for a moment... privately?"

Daniel stared at the drink dubiously, as though it might be sending the
wrong message if he accepted. "I don't think that would be in our mutual
best interests. Anything you have to say you can say it here and now. I'd
rather we keep it strictly professional."

Raymond could tell he had a snowball's chance in hell of building a
relationship with Daniel. At least he could apologize. "I'm sorry. I'm
sorry I was so flippant with you the other day. I was... quite frankly,
scared. I knew I'd hurt you years ago. My attraction was so strong and you
were underage, I didn't trust myself to be around you, much less be alone
with you. When you stopped coming to the ranch, I knew it was to avoid
seeing me.

"Later, as the years passed, I figured you had moved on from that teenage
crush. When I saw you and felt a spark, I was thrilled. It was plain stupid
that I approached you as the teenager with a crush that I remembered,
instead of the strong, handsome, intelligent, professional that you have
become. Even if you forgive me, I will always regret having done that. I
won't bother you again." Having said his piece, Raymond turned to go.

As he started to walk away, a hand reached out and grabbed his arm, "Where
are you going? I thought you bought me a drink. The least you can do is
stay and talk a while."


Author's Note:If you are enjoying this or any other story on Nifty, think
about donating. Consider this... a donation is cheaper than a hooker.
There's no risk of disease, it is tax deductible and there's no messy
cleanup after the really, really good feeling you get from giving to a good
cause.

Let me know what you think.
Jim