Date: Mon, 1 May 2017 01:52:59 +0000 (UTC)
From: jim ford <sojourn1950@yahoo.com>
Subject: Change of Heart chapter nineteen

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.


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Author's Note:I feel like a kid... "Christmas is never gonna get here and
Santa is never gonna come". If you are feeling this story is moving too
slow or if you just aren't feeling it... let me know.sojourn1950@yahoo.com

Chapter nineteen

Raymond and Joe had spent the morning fielding calls that typically started
with a wife calling to express her thanks for the good time they shared
last night. That would soon meld into their husband, who just happened to
be standing there, wanting to talk with Joe. Mellie would switch the call
into Joe's office and Joe and Raymond would then listen to several reasons
why Joe should consider running for Mayor. Raymond simply grinned and
winked and occasionally nodded each time someone expressed another sound
reason. Most of the reasons first given had to do with the fact that Joe
was not that "expletive deleted" the current Mayor. After they shared their
disgust with their current elected representative, they would go on to
express relief that a decent man was willing to consider the job.

By the time Raymond texted Daniel and left for their lunch date, he was
convinced that Joe would be their candidate. While not enthusiastic, Joe
seemed resigned to being a mayoral candidate. Raymond had no doubt that his
Uncle and Aunt would do well for the town. Aunt Mellie was already
enumerating several topics for discussion with the various women's groups
around town.

Raymond knew it fell to him to bring in some new employment
opportunities. That shouldn't be too hard since they held controlling
interest in a couple of high tech companies that needed desperately to
expand. The construction jobs alone would make a major dent in the local
number of unemployed.

The town was situated on an expressway and it's municipal airport could
easily be expanded if necessary. It's landing strip could already
accommodate smaller corporate jets. Relocating the operations sector from
Dallas would be accomplished within a matter of weeks. There was an entire
downtown area that begged to be occupied and restored. The Adams family was
about to make some local real estate broker very happy.

Raymond drove to the Firehouse to make his cash donation. He first asked
for the Assistant Fire Chief, Bill Jordan. Taking him aside Raymond asked
how cash donations were accepted and what precautions were in place to
prevent theft. Bill explained that recipients were designated by schools,
churches and local charities such as food banks and the like. By this time,
most other donations of food, toys, etc. would have already been
delivered. The cash donations required two signatures on every
receipt. This receipted cash was logged in and then locked inside the safe
to which only he and Chief Bumpkis held the combination. At five o'clock on
Christmas Eve, each year, he and the Chief would total the cash and divide
it by the number of intended recipients. They tried to balance it so a
family of four would receive a little more cash than what a family of two
would get and so on. Bill had tried to get the cash delivery date moved
back so families could actually have cash to spend for Christmas. That idea
was squashed by the Chief who rightfully claimed that a lot of the cash
donations came in on Christmas Eve. Once the amount was determined,
envelopes would be sealed with the appropriate amount inside. The properly
addressed envelope would be signed across the sealed lip by both Bill and
the Chief. Once that was completed the envelopes would be divided so that
the Chief and another fireman, usually the Chief's cousin by marriage,
would deliver half and Bill, accompanied by another available fireman,
would deliver the other half. When asked about the split, Bill said the
Chief was usually determined who would deliver to what addresses. Bill
never questioned the number of envelopes he was given to deliver, though he
was sure the Chief delivered a lot more than half.

With a clearer understanding of the procedures in place. Raymond recorded
himself donating the cash to Chief Bumpkis and Bill Jordan. He made sure to
record the serial numbers alongside the receipt. He assured both Bill and
the Chief it was for tax purposes. He also told them other members of his
family would soon show up with like amounts to donate and would also record
the donation. Bill was most appreciative, he assured Raymond the money
would go to some really needy families. Bumpkis was busy calculating and
salivating when he realized how much cash was actually promised.

Raymond had texted Daniel and they agreed to meet at the diner. He saw
Daniel waiting in his patrol car, talking on his radio, when he pulled into
the parking lot. Daniel cut short his chat and got out to greet Raymond as
he approached. The warm smiles and enthusiastic handshake the big men
shared were only small outward manifestations of the gushing warmth that
charged through their bodies. Raymond knew he was not the only one to feel
an actual jolt of energy when he grasped Daniel's hand. The glint in the
Sheriff's eyes said so many good things.

It seemed like forever that they simply stared into each other's eyes, but
it was only moments before they interrupted by a man clearing his
throat. "Sorry to interrupt. Raymond, it's been a few years but I remember
you quite clearly. My name is J. L.  Livingston, we played football
together, back in high school. You were a year ahead of me. I own the local
real estate company." Raymond remembered Jerry Lee as having been some
twenty pounds lighter, but with the same contagious grin. Back then he
insisted on being called J.L. Instead of Jerry Lee. Kids insisted on
calling him Jerry Lee and unfailingly inquired if his "great balls" were on
fire? "Julie told me to meet y'all here for lunch, along with Bill
Slidesdale. She insisted we all had business to discuss. I understand,
you're looking to move back here and settle down. You know, Bill has just
put your Daddy's old ranch on the market. He built a house near y'all's old
ranch house for his son and daughter-in-law. It would make a fine rental,
if you don't mind having neighbors that close. Bill junior got killed in
Afghanistan, a while back and now the wife wants to take the two boys and
live near her folks in Houston. They're the only family Bill and Sarah have
left and they want to retire and move to be close to the grandkids. But, if
you're looking to live in town, well I got a good range of available
homes. If you need office space, I can show you plenty of office spaces
right down on Courthouse Square. Just need to figure out what best suits
your needs, both personal and professional."

Raymond wasn't sure if he should thank Julie or choke the living shit out
of her for messing up his time with Daniel. Before he could decide on a
plan of action, they were joined by an older cowboy. Bill Slidesdale looked
exactly like a mature rancher should, from his stirrups and faded jeans up
to his worn Stetson. It was obvious the man had interrupted his workday to
be here. Raymond thought he looked like an older Marlboro man. Raymond had
only known the man by name. He had never revisited the ranch after his
mother had it sold. He'd only found out about the sale two days before they
were to move. One more thing he never forgave her for.

He thought he had schooled his expression, until he saw a look of concern
flash across Daniel's face. The other two hadn't noticed. Bill exchanged
greetings, saving Raymond for last. The man's grip was strong. "Welcome
home son, I knew your Daddy real well. He was a fine man. I always half
expected you to come around and maybe collect up some of his gear that your
ma saw fit to leave behind. I let her know you would always be welcomed out
there. I held onto your's and his horses for the first five years, thinking
you might come out to ride `em again. Left that old Willys Jeep of his in
the tractor shed. Used to drive it around a bit. Junior got a kick out of
riding in it. After he, uh, well I just left it there. You might want to
come on out soon and collect it along with the rest of his stuff. Jerry Lee
might have told you I'm moving to Houston as soon as I can get a buyer. I
promised Julie, I'd give you first refusal. She was a godsend when we lost
Junior. Truth is, we already bought a small place outside of Houston, close
to the grandkids. We're pretty much all moved out of the ranch house. We
were back here just to make sure the boys had things well in hand. It's a
miracle Julie caught us while we were here. I was working with the boys on
some fencing. It took a bit of jawing to get me to break away, but like I
said, we owe her."

Raymond focused in on what Bill said about his Father's stuff. He was never
told anything belonging to his father had been left at the ranch. She had
discarded, sold or destroyed everything that had been a reminder of his
Father. He had, for years, thought it was a sign of her profound, but
hidden grief. Once he learned the undeniable truth, he saw it more as her
purging forced choices and unpleasant memories from her past. He had tried
to be understanding and never confronted her with what he knew. Bill's
revelations today showed how she systematically tried to destroy and deny
his memories of the only real Father Raymond had ever known. For the first
time ever, a totally disrespectful adjective describing his mother came to
mind, "Bitch". "Fucking Bitch"!

Guiltily he glanced over at Daniel. There it was again, that look of
sincere concern. He tried to offer a reassuring smile. For the first time
in many years, he wasn't sure it worked. For a moment, he thought Daniel
was about to hug him in front of God and everybody. Raymond knew he would
welcome the comfort such an act would bring.

He shook his head and addressed the group, "Well gentlemen, I think we best
get inside before all the meatloaf is gone and we're forced to eat one of
Miss Julie's delicious ribeyes."  They moved quickly toward the
entrance. Their companionable chatter had them agreeing that eating
anything Julie offered was never a hardship.

Julie greeted them just inside the door. Grabbing four menus she led the
way over to the left leg of the horseshoe that wrapped around the
kitchen. She didn't stop until she sat them at the table farthest from and
out of sight of the front door. She signaled for a server. Leaning down she
patted Raymond on the shoulder and quietly observed, "Personally, I've
always thought of her as a bitch. Listen carefully to Bill. Your Daddy
would be so pleased to know you were back living on the ranch."

Their server, Melissa, turned in their orders and quickly came back with
their drinks. Bill wasted no time in asking flat out if Raymond was
interested in buying the ranch. Raymond, for some unknown reason searched
Daniel's face for a reaction. Seeing only schooled indifference, he focused
on Bill and nodded. Bill, using pictures on Jerry Lee's tablet, carefully
enumerated the ranches dimensions and assets as well as pointing out
several shortcomings that would soon have to be addressed. The house and
outbuildings were pretty much as he remembered. It was clear that some
things were in need of repair. Bill admitted that he had not kept on top of
things since Junior died. He only had two full time hands and they lived
together in the foreman's cottage. He praised them as hardworking and very
competent cowboys. They had been with him since they graduated from high
school together. He had already let them know about the impending sale. He
had promised them three months wages as a bonus if they stayed through the
closing. Bill stated he would encourage the new owners to keep them on as
they knew the place very well and you weren't likely to find better workers
or more honest cowboys.

By the time the main course was finished, Raymond had made his decision. He
excused himself to the men's room and once there made a the necessary phone
calls. Once he rejoined the group he told Bill he had men on the way to
inspect the ranch. If things checked out, as he felt sure they would, those
men were authorized to discuss an equitable price.

Melissa soon appeared with pie and coffee. She gave apple to Bill, cheery
to Jerry Lee and mincemeat to both Raymond and Daniel. When Raymond asked
who ordered dessert for him, Melissa quickly volunteered, "Oh, Miss Julie
sent it out as a celebration for you moving back to town and getting your
ranch back."

"Fine, but who ordered mincemeat pie with whipped cream for me. I don't
even like mincemeat and I usually avoid whipped cream."

Melissa laughed softly, "She said you'd say that. She said I should tell
you "It won't choke you. You will like it and you owe her a hug."

Raymond blushed at his earlier thought of possibly choking Julie. He then
glared at one of the few foods he had refused to eat since early
childhood. He eyed Daniel suspiciously as the Sheriff heartily dug in with
obvious delight. If the umms and goofy smiles were any indication, both
Bill and Jerry Lee were lost in some gastronomic nirvana. With a heavy sigh
and great trepidation, Raymond brought a forkful of mostly whipped cream to
his mouth. He had done it just to be sociable. It wasn't until he caught
himself scrapping the last crumbs and smudges off his plate that he
realized how much he had truly enjoyed Julie's magnificent mincemeat pie.

Bill tried to get the check, but Raymond refused. Bill insisted on leaving
a tip and dropped a twenty dollar bill by his plate. Jerry Lee noticed
Raymond's curiosity at such a large tip. He explained, "Melissa, is saving
money for college. She works hard and is the first and likely the only
child in her family to even graduate high school. So most everybody leaves
a little extra when she is their server. It's a win, win. The money goes to
a great cause and it leaves us with a warm sense of giving back. Don't let
on, but some of us local merchants are trying to raise enough to fund a
scholarship for her. I remember college, every little bit helps." Jerry Lee
winked as he slipped a twenty under his own plate.

When Melissa presented the check, Raymond sent it back insisting that if
Julie wanted to eventually collect on her hug, she would add the pies and
coffee to the bill. The bill came back amended accordingly. Sheriff Lovan
thanked Raymond for lunch and headed back to his office. Raymond was miffed
that he didn't get so much as a parting handshake. Raymond smiled as Daniel
tried not to let anyone see him slip a twenty under his own plate. One more
reason to like the man. Raymond left a tip almost equal to the total bill,
on his card. Careful, so no one would notice he slipped a fifty underneath
his plate. It was the smallest he had and like the man said, "it was for a
good cause".

Raymond had Jerry Lee followed him to the motel where his partial staff was
holed up. Raymond turned him over to the appropriate individuals who would
select the best suited commercial properties in town. They would present
their options and recommendations for Raymond's final approval. Once his
decisions were made the final price would be negotiated and Raymond would
sign at the closing. In this case, time was short and the price would
reflect the urgency. Raymond smiled when he realized they could probably
buy the whole of Courthouse Square, several times over, for the price of
their cheapest high rise building in Dallas, Houston, L A or New York.

Now he had to get their construction company in Dallas onboard for a fast
turnaround on the ranch and any other properties they might acquire
here. Though he would buy the ranch as a private purchase, it just made
sense to use a construction team whom he knew and trusted. Without even
realizing it was Christmas Eve, he made the calls that connected the
construction company engineers and architects with the production
consultants from the first two of their companies needing to expand. In
turn, he connected them to the acquisition team here in town. By the time
he got all concerned parties talking, it was late in the day.

Instead of feeling tired he felt a sense of contentment in knowing that he
had accomplished a great deal in a short span of time. Once he realized
there were no more calls to be made, he thought of Daniel. Suddenly his
mild euphoria vanished as he realized he had hoped to have a quiet lunch
and set the stage for perhaps something more intimate. At the least, he'd
hoped to share dinner tonight. He had sure shot the hell out of that
plan. Thank you Miss Julie. He was definitely, this time, embracing the
idea of choking her.

Raymond, again, picked up his phone. Hoping the man wasn't pissed off over
lunch, he texted Daniel, "I should have texted sooner. Sorry, lunch didn't
go as I had hoped."

As he waited, Raymond chewed lightly on his lower lip.

He was staring at the phone in his hand, almost dropping it when it
rang. Even as he put it to his ear, he silently cursed whoever was
interfering with his texting conversation with Daniel. "Hello." He said
flatly.

"Oh, sorry. Am I interrupting something." Raymond could hear the hesitation
in Daniel's voice.

Suddenly cheered, he sputtered, "No, No, Not at all! I was disappointed
that someone was disrupting my texting with you. I was surprised by your
call. I really am sorry about having company for our first lunch together."

"Don't worry about that. If I was going to blame anyone it would be Miss
Julie. She blindsided us. I wasn't really too upset. I got to know a little
more about you and that made it worthwhile. Actually, I should have called
sooner to thank you again for a great lunch. I have to go to my Dad's for
dinner tonight and I hope I can eat enough to keep them from worrying about
me. Mom still treats me like I was still a teenager, living at home. She
refuses to accept that I am a grown man, living on my own. She is in total
denial that my metabolism has changed and I don't stuff my face 24/7 like I
used to. It's amazing Dad doesn't look like the Pilsbury Dough Boy.

Switching topics and dropping his voice to a more serious tone, Daniel
admitted, "Raymond, I agreed to have Christmas dinner at your Uncle
Joe's. I was hoping you were planning on being there. I know you most
likely already have plans with friends in Dallas or maybe you're gonna fly
off to some exotic place to celebrate the New Year."

Raymond gave half hearted chuckle. "I spend most of my holidays working. I
have a few friends both gay and straight. Most of them have families with
whom they spend the holidays. Any holidays, during which I am not working,
I spend with Uncle Joe and Aunt Mellie. This is the first Christmas in
almost four years when Jeff will be home. So come hell or high water, I
will be there."

"That's good to hear. Christmas always makes me think of family. Even when
I was in the middle of a dry, hot desert in hostile, foreign country, my
thoughts were with my family. It makes me appreciate actually being near
the ones I care about all the more special. I'm glad I'll get to see you
tomorrow.

Shifting into a more formal, somewhat distant tone, "Anyway, I was hoping
we could get some time alone to discuss your role as my campaign
manager. There is already talk about pressuring the mayor to step down. If
they do that, they my call for a joint election for Mayor and
Sheriff. Depends on if the County wants to share the cost of a special
election."

Trying to restrain his enthusiasm, Raymond replied, "That sounds
great. I'll be there all day. Why don't you come out early and we can spend
some time getting to know each other better. Brunch will be served starting
at ten. If you come before, it will be coffee and cold cereal, but I would
appreciate the company. Besides the campaign, we need to discuss some
issues relating to our Fire Chief Bumpkis. Nothing critical just some
things we think you'd want to know about." At Daniel's urging, Raymond took
a few minutes to inform the Sheriff of the cash donations. Sheriff Lovan
added fuel to the fire by suggesting they get a copy of the recipients,
especially those provided by the Chief's preacher. He suggested the Chief
and the preacher might be working together to divert funds from the poor
into their own pockets. Daniel described the slimy preacher as the kind of
man who, after you let him shake your hand, you felt like you ought to
count your fingers to be sure he didn't take one.

Raymond took notes and before long they changed the topic back to Christmas
morning. "Jeff, Paul and Maria are planning to arrive as soon as she wades
through all the gifts Jeff and Paul will drown her in. Of course, Uncle Joe
and Aunt Mellie refuse to be out done. They both act like little kids at
Christmas time and go all out. And uh, I may have bought a couple of gifts
for Maria, myself. You should know if you're invited to share Christmas,
there will be gifts with your name on them. Nothing fancy, just something
to show you were remembered. I, uh, I may have put something with your name
on it under the tree. I hope that's alright."

Daniel chuckled, "No that just means I can bring the gift I have for you in
with me instead of waiting until we could be alone."

The silence seemed to magnify the physical distance between them. After
several moments, Raymond was the first to speak, "Daniel, I can't begin to
express my gratitude to you for giving me another chance. I wanted to use
the time today to get to know you better. I know it seemed like I wasn't
paying attention to you today, but I was. I saw your concern a couple of
times when Bill and I were talking about my parents. It made me feel warm
inside to think you understood and cared about my feelings for my Daddy and
that heartless bitch of a mother. I know she married him without loving
him. He was a good man and deserved so much more than she ever
gave. Especially more than the casual disregard she displayed after his
death. I remember thinking I was the only one who loved him and missed
him. That's a pretty heavy load to lay on a little kid. It made me feel
closer to Uncle Joe when he used to talk about what a good and decent man
my father was. I needed to hear that from someone who knew and understood
how much I missed him. Even today, he helps keep my Dad's memory
alive. Together we funded a law school scholarship, in my Dad's name, at
Stanford."

The silence returned. Daniel had heard the edginess build in Raymond's
voice. Interrogations had taught him that Raymond was about to clam up and
withdraw. He didn't want Raymond to ever regret sharing even the most
intimate thoughts or memories with him. He sputtered out the most
embarrassing thing about himself he could remember, "Jeff's father once
caught us naked and daring each other to fuck a calf." The silence echoed
through his cell phone. Daniel looked to see if Raymond had hung up. It was
a good thing the phone was away from his ear because the sudden roar of
Raymond's laughter would have surely deafened him.

A kaleidoscope of emotion washed over him as Raymond's laughter seemed to
never end. Embarrassment, anger, humiliation and finally humor as Daniel
relaxed and laughed along with Raymond. It was much funnier in hindsight
than it had been in real life.  The image of two naked and obviously
aroused twelve year old boys caught sprawled on a blanket in a barn loft,
struck him as God awfully funny. They had scrambled at supersonic speed to
get dressed while hiding their privates. Jeff's dad had ignored their
dissembling pleas and simply collapsed in peals of laughter. By the time he
retrieved his handkerchief, dried his eyes and blew his nose the boys were
again dressed. Looking back Daniel wasn't too sure why they had felt so
humiliated, angry and embarrassed. Once dressed, Jeff's Dad had pulled them
both into a three way hug and assured them that what they were doing was a
normal part of growing up. He and his friends had done some of the same
stuff. Only difference being, they were smart enough not to get caught with
their pants down or worse yet... with their boots off. His last words on
the subject had been, "Forget about those hard cocks for now. Your Mother
wants you two to go shopping for school clothes. Which means you both
should put on some underwear unless you want to flash the store clerk and
your Mamma. If you two have any questions about any of this stuff, don't
hesitate to ask me. Otherwise, this will be our secret, just between us
cowboys."

Raymond had calmed down and was surprised at how moved he was at hearing
Jeff's Father was such an understanding and caring parent. He had often
wondered. He had spent enough time in the man's presence to know he was a
good man, a great boss and a devoted family man. In the last years of the
man's life he had tried to get to know him better and it was almost like
losing a second father when he was killed.

"Well, I don't need to know if you committed an act against nature. I'm not
sure if the statute of limitations runs out after the victim is made into
hamburger or not. But, it does make it sound like the man was a very
understanding and accepting father."

"Yes, he was a good man. I think he was hurt that Jeff was gay mostly
because he wanted grandchildren. As it turned out, he probably wouldn't
have lived long enough to have seen them, even if Jeff had been
straight. It was his acceptance that inspired me to tell my parents. I
think he half expected Jeff and I would become seriously committed to each
other. I think we were just too much like brothers to ever be serious
lovers."

"Sounds like you two got up to more mischief than I ever heard about. But,
I'm glad I don't have to compete with him for your affection. Are you sure
you don't have someone lusting after you that I need to know about? Daniel,
you're a handsome man. Women and men must be falling at your feet. Surely
you know that."

Daniel chuckled, "Look who's talking. You could be Tom Selleck's
clone. Tall, dark, handsome and those sparkling green eyes. I bet ol' Tom
would give anything to have your eyes. I remember being surprised when I
found out you weren't really Jeff's Uncle. I mean you gotta admit your eyes
are exactly like his, his daddy's and his Uncle Joe's. He told me, you
couldn't be any better as an uncle if you were blood kin. It'd made no
difference to him. He couldn't love you more."

"If I didn't think it disrespectful to my Father's memory I would have
changed my name to Adams years ago. They have truly been my real family for
most of my life. I will be forever grateful for my Uncle Joe. He' the only
one who tried to make a difference after my real Father died.

"Daniel, I don't want to be too pushy... but you know you're welcome to
come by after you have dinner with your folks. I mean, you don't have to
spend the night, we could just talk and have a drink. If you wanted to stay
the night we have plenty of spare rooms. You wouldn't have to sl..."

Daniel cut him off. "I'm not so sure I would be able to sleep knowing you
were in the same house and not in my arms."

Daniel continued, "I'll most likely stay the night with my folks. Daddy'll
want me to have some of his homemade eggnog and after a couple, three of
those, well, I might not pass a breathalyzer test. If I drive, I'm gonna
have to arrest myself". The two men chuckled together at the joke.

Raymond's phone signaled a text. After reading it, he explained to Daniel,
"I just got a text. Looks like I just bought my Dad's ranch back. The keys
will be dropped off shortly by Bill and his wife on their way to Houston to
surprise their grandsons. Come out early and go with me to look over the
place. If you're not too hung over."

"After last night it should come as no surprise that I am not much of a
drinker. Two is usually my limit. Daddy's eggnog is a real knee knocker to
be sure. Even with that, I expect I can get up well before some city
slicker attorney type, with or without a hangover. How about I meet you
there at eight o'clock."

"If it's a challenge you're after, how about we make it seven? I'll be
bright eyed and bushy tailed."

"Why don't we split the difference and make it six even? Though at that
hour you will have to have coffee ready for me at the front door."

"Coffee and toast at six it is. Don't wimp out. I'd hate to think I'm
managing the campaign of a man who couldn't meet his obligations. This is
only the first of many early morning meetings at which you have too have to
appear bright eyed and bushy-tailed. Don't let me down."

"I'll be there. I'll even have a mag mounted flashing light. You can ride
me in your Tesla and show me if it's as fast as I've heard. Be warned, I
sometimes get a chubby at high speeds."

"If high speed gives you a chubby, you better bring a cum rag. My buddy
"Chiron" will make you shot your wad. He does zero to sixty in 2.9 seconds,
handles like the finest cutting horse and has top speed of 155 mph. And he
is as quiet as death."

Daniel laughed out loud, "You named your car? Are you serious? Right now,
you sound more like a high school prom queen than a skilled attorney and a
highly respected business man."

The chuckling continued even as Raymond offered, "Laugh it up fur
ball. Just get it all out of your system before you meet Chiron. He's
pretty tough, but I don't want you unintentionally hurting his feelings."

The silence was suddenly deafening. "Are you serious"?

"Of course...  I... Am... Not!... Gotcha!

"I had the opportunity to name the car and I always liked the idea of
Chiron, the Centaur, Zeus's half brother. The falcon wing doors make others
think of Pegasus, but I just always thought Chiron was more handsome and
definitely more intelligent. He was the mythological father of medicine.

"Ok, just don't ever let me be cross examined at your sanity hearing. What
I first thought when you talked like your car was alive, would not make you
look good.As much as I have enjoyed conversing with you, I need to get
home, shower and head out to my folks. I will see you at Joe's at six. Just
make sure you have coffee in hand when you open the door."

"I, uh, don't, uh, know..."

The hesitation made Daniel think he had pushed too far. "You don't
know... what?"

"I don't know how you like your coffee." Raymond couldn't help snickering,
knowing he gotten Daniel's goat once again.

"Ok smartass. I can see it now. If you greet me at the door with other than
medium brown coffee, no sugar, I may have to pull down your wranglers, no
underwear, lay you across your own frunk and spank your bare ass till it's
rosey red, in front of god and everybody."

Raymond wasn't sure how to respond to virtually the same words that had
almost ended any chance he had of building a lasting relationship with
Daniel.

Raymond let go every trace of humor, "I haven't been spanked since I was a
child, in public or private. But, if that is what it takes to earn a place
by your side, name the time and place and I will do my best to accommodate
your needs."

Daniel was overwhelmed by the severity of Raymond's words and tone.

"After that, I'd be a fool not to forgive you anything. Wow! Just, Wow!  I
hate to say, have a nice evening, or enjoy your dinner, or good
night. Everything seems so trite after that. The best I can do is... I'll
see you in the morning. I can't wait."

"I can't wait either. And Daniel?"

"Yes Raymond?"

"Merry Christmas".

"Merry Christmas to you too."

There were a couple of moments of silence before either hung up. Neither
was sure who did it first.



Author's Note:I like to hear from my readers. If you think emails aren't
important... maybe you should've run for President.

sojourn1950@yahoo.com