Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 12:04:46 -0400
From: Lee Mariner <mariner23502@hotmail.com>
Subject: Shawn, Chapter #7

SHAWN
By
Lee Mariner

May 2002

DISCLAIMER: This story depicts young gay
men involved in homosexual acts. IF YOU
ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO BE READING THIS
STORY OR YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF THIS TYPE
MATERIAL, PLEASE LEAVE.

All characters are fictional and in no
way related to any person or persons
living or deceased.

ENGAGING IN INPROTECTED SEX CAN LEAD TO LIFE
THREATENING CONSEQUENCES AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

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

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

Mariner23502@hotmail.com

* * * * * * * * *

Chapter #7

It didn't seem that Shawn and I had hardly
fallen asleep when I woke up my bladder about
to burst. He was laying snuggled up close with
his arm over my chest breathing into the hair
on the back of my neck, his head on the same
pillow with me. Lifting his arm gently so I
wouldn't wake him, I slid out of the bed.

The room was dark except for the glow of the
illuminated dial of the digital clock. It read
4:00AM.  I closed the bathroom door quietly
before turning on the light so it wouldn't wake
Shawn. Urinating in the toilet, it must have
sounded like a waterfall hitting the water but
I sighed in relief. I splashed some water on my
face before going back to bed, feeling a lot
better.

Shawn groggily pulled me close as I got back
into bed, putting his arm back over my chest,
mumbling, "where'd you go?"

"Shhhhhhh, go back to sleep. I had to use the
bathroom"

I snuggled a little closer to him & I felt his
chest rising and falling in a regular rhythm as
I drifted back into sleep.

* * * * * * * *

Shawn woke me shaking my shoulder. He was
standing over me dripping wet drying his hair
shaking water on me.

"Wake up sleepy head, it's almost 10o'clock. We
got a boat to catch and I've finished my
shower."

He was standing next to the bed, his wet body
gleaming in the sunshine streaming through the
windows his muscles rippling as he dried his
hair. Throwing the sheets off of me, I swung my
legs over the side stretching. "Why didn't you
wake me silly?"

"You were sleeping so soundly I didn't want to
wake you. I haven't been up that long Kev;
there is plenty of time. Want me to call down
for some coffee and juice to be sent up?"

"Sure but I've gotta brush my teeth first. My
mouth tastes like shit." I said standing, my
half hard cock very visible.

"How about I help you with that taste?" Shawn
said pulling me tight against him his lips
covering mine, tongue probing.

His mouth tasted sweet but I knew mine must
have tasted horrible as he kissed me. My cock
surged hard against his and I could feel the
passions rising in us as he pressed his groin
into mine. We fell back on the bed with him on
top of me his weight pressing me down into the
bed as he ground our cocks together his mouth
sucking the air from my lungs as our
tongues fought probing each others mouths
again.

I lifted his mouth from mine with my hands on
either side of his face and looked into the
deep lustrous brown of his eyes and he looked
back at me his eyes drilling into mine.

"I love you Kev."

"I know Shawn and I love you."

We lay together breathing heavily feeling the
mutual beat of our hearts. He had his hands
under my shoulders holding me tight and laid
his head next to mine not saying anything just
breathing quietly. Our passions subsided, cocks
softening even pressed together like they were.

"Think you better get your shower Kev. We don't
want to miss another boat do we?"

"We don't have to go you know. We could spend
the day together alone."

"Remember what you said about making dates and
then not keeping them? Erik and Mark will be
waiting for us."

"Touché baby. We have the rest of our lives to
be alone. Call for the coffee and juice while I
shower but I'm not letting you off the hook,
just for a little while." I said, softy kissing
him.

Shawn called in-room service while I brushed my
teeth and took my shower. I heard him whistling
to himself and that was a first, he had never
whistled before or even hummed.

"Kev, what time are we supposed to meet them?"

"Mark said about 11:30. The boat leaves at
noon. I read the brochure and it is a pretty
good brunch and a full lake tour. Takes about 3
hours. Should be fun."

There was a knock at the door as I was drying
off and Shawn grabbed a robe off of one of the
hooks in the bathroom. I was drying my hair
when he flicked my limp hanging cock.

"Ouch, that hurt."

"You love it." He said as he draped the robe
over his broad shoulders tying it off at the
waist. I grinned watching him gyrate his ass as
he went too let the waiter in with the cart.

He was a good-looking young boy and must have
seen me standing in the bedroom naked when he
glanced around the living room.

Placing the cart beside the small table, he
turned smiling and I could see him handing an
envelope to Shawn.

"Eric the pool attendant asked me to deliver
this when I brought the cart up sir."

Shawn took the envelope and signed the ticket
handing it back. "Tips on the ticket, thanks."

"Thank you sir. Just leave the cart in the
hallway if you would and we'll pick it up
later. Have a nice day."

Shawn closed the door and walked towards me
holding the envelope.

"Eric sent this up, it's addressed to both of
us. You want to open it?"

"Go ahead and open it, see what it is."

The envelope contained a comic card of a
swimmer diving off of a springboard on the
front page. Inside it showed the diver coming
up out of the water holding his swimsuit up red
faced. It was signed simply "enjoyed last
night, see you at the boat. Erik." Shawn handed
me the card after he read it out loud and I
took it tearing it in half dropping it in the
wastebasket.

I was naked with the towel on my shoulder when
Shawn put his arms around my waist pulling me
close kissing the back of my neck not saying
anything.

"That part of our lives is over Shawn." I said
as I twisted in his arms. "No more hurting each
other, not more experimenting. It's only you
and me from now on Shawn. Last night is behind
us and it taught me one thing. We can get sex
anytime we want it but not love. Erik was sex
and that's all. No, you are who I love and you
are all that I want, no one else."

Shawn held me breathing softly as his eyes
looked into mine. "We still don't have to go on
the boat if you don't want too Kev."

"That would be hiding Shawn and we don't need
to hide."

"Nothing else to be said then except I love
you." He said as he squeezed me tight his lips
on mine in a deep loving kiss.

That kiss locked the door on what had been and
there were no doubts between either of us.

* * * * * * * * *

We dressed quickly not realizing that we had
put on almost identical clothes except for the
style and our jackets. Shawn's jacket was
marine blue and mine was a light aqua-blue. WE
both were wearing blue Levi Strauss jeans with
white golf shirts and white Nike walking shoes.
I would have change in the past but not now.

The sun was shining in a clear blue sky. The
walk from the Holiday Inn to the steamboat
landing was about 4 blocks. The historical Fort
William Henry was on the north side of Canada
St. facing the lake nestled between a motel of
the same name with several restaurants. Even
thought it was Sunday, the street was full of
cars as tourists were doing what tourists do.
Shirt shops, candy stores, novelty and clothing
stores were all open. Many of them had racks of
their products sitting in front with big price
signs.  The steamboat landing was public
property and well landscaped with large parking
lots all coin meter controlled.

The Luc Du Saint Sacrement was the largest of
the four steamboats that were on the lake. None
of them were actually steamboats but diesel
powered. I guess calling them steamboats was
okay since the Minne Ha Ha and the Mohican had
paddlewheels that turned from the force of the
water as they moved.

The Sacrement had three decks and two decks
were partially enclosed. The dining room was on
two decks with an interior staircase leading
between them so you could go up or down out of
the weather. The front half of each deck was
open so people could be outside if they wanted.
The top deck was completely open except for a
small snack bar.

There was a large knot of people milling around
on the landing where the Sacrement was tied up.
We didn't see Erik and Mark at first until
someone called out, "Shawn, Kevin. Over here."

Mark and Erik were standing by a small building
that held fire hoses and extinguishers. We
worked our way around the crowd that was
pushing towards the gangway trying to get on
board.

"Hey guys, looking good." Erik said extending
his hand and we shook it. Mark was leaning
against the building and leaned forward
extending his hand but not saying much except
"Good morning Kevin, Shawn. Good seeing you
again."

Mark's grip was tight, not crushing but very
firm. His light brown hair glinted in the
sunlight and he looked right into your eyes as
he shook your hand. He was impeccably dressed
in a short sleeve white Alpaca pullover with a
snow white t-shirt peeking out from the top.
Soft black-brushed leather calfskin trousers
that fit like a glove and black tasseled
Italian loafers. He had another tight knit
black sweater over his shoulders with the arms
looped loosely in front of his chest. The
sleeves of his sweater were stretched over
magnificent biceps and a light covering of hair
on his muscled forearms glinted like gold in
the sun.

Shaking Shawn's hand he smiled, his pearl white
teeth flashing. "I enjoyed the workout last
night Shawn. Maybe we can do it again
sometime."

"I'd like that Mark but I'm not sure when we
will be back this way. Kevin and I are on our
way to Boston. I'm in school there."

"Oh, what school? I'm attending Delaware State
University, second year."

"Boston U on scholarship, second year also. I
think we can go on board now without being
trampled."

The crowd had thinned considerably as we walked
to the gangway. A young man separated our
tickets reminding us not to lose the stub; it
was needed so we could get into the dining
rooms. Passengers on board for just the cruise
were restricted and wouldn't have dining room
stubs.

Taking Erik's ticket the attendant grinned
looking at him. "You should have waited until
you start work Erik, that way you ride and eat
for free. When do you start?"

"Next week Devon and I'll be sure and get your
station so you can serve me." The boy on the
gangway just laughed as we walked away.

The brunch was buffet style with a choice of
cooked to order eggs, waffles or pancakes and
the food was plentiful. If you didn't want to
wait in the lines you could serve yourself from
any one of three steam table setups providing a
wide assortment of breakfast/lunch dishes. Erik
opted for the fixed to order while the three of
us served ourselves. We had almost finished
when he finally sat down.

Champagne was served after the table had been
cleared but Mark declined, he drank water and
orange juice. Erik might have thought he was
going to hassle his friend but he was serving
on the opposite side of the boat.

Conversation revolved around traveling,
weightlifting and schools. Erik managed too
brush his leg against mine several times always
looking at me when he did grinning. Mark and
Shawn were talking about schools and I could
hear him use my name several times as he did
but Erik was more intent on trying to frustrate
me then the conversation when Mark asked.

"Erik, didn't you tell me you were going to be
going to Kansas State on a swimming
scholarship? When do you plan on going?"

"When I can save more money. That's why I'm
going to be working on the Saint until next
year. I can make more on here in one night than
a week at the motel. Mom and Dad can help out a
little but they aren't rich like some people."

You would have had to be blind if you didn't
see Mark stiffen and his eyes flash at that
remark but he retained his composure.

"Too bad you couldn't get in Syracuse, they
have a good swimming program there."

"Yeah, they do but their academic requirements
are pretty high and it costs more. I think I'll
do okay in Kansas."

"You're right about their standards Erik,
Syracuse does require better than a 2.6 grade
point average. Maybe you can work out a
transfer after a year or two if you want to be
closer to your home and it might not cost you
or your parents as much if you live with them."
Mark said very smoothly and you could see
little golden flecks glint in his eyes as he
looked at Erik.

"Let's talk about something besides school.
What about your Uncle, where is he?"

"He is in Albany right now. If we are finished
eating, lets go up on deck. I'd like to see
some of the highlights of the cruise."

"You guys go on ahead, I wanna find Devon and
talk with him about the job. I'll catch up with
you later." Erik said sharply pushing his chair
back walking away.

I found myself liking Mark more after listening
too him talking with Erik. He didn't know about
me and my family or Erik might have the same
attitude as he did about Mark's uncle. Shawn
and Mark were walking side by side as I caught
up with them after leaving a tip on the table
Erik had disappeared.

It was amazing how much they looked almost like
brothers. Both had light brown hair, very broad
shoulders and narrow hips and they walked with
an athletic grace on the balls of their feet.
They were two of the most magnificent men I had
ever seen and I'm damn sure a lot of others
felt the same way. I could feel my heart swell
as I watched Shawn talking easily with Mark.

It was sunny when we stepped out on deck but
the breeze created by the Saint made it just a
little chilly. The shoreline was passing by
maybe 2 or 300 yards away. Several restaurants
had decks built out over the water and there
were small boat marinas. On occasion we would
see a large old house sitting majestically
among the many business that were almost jammed
against each other trying to be on the water.

Mark led Shawn and I on up the ladders to a
small observation area behind the pilothouse.
There were only a few chairs there and it was
empty.  I noticed that most of the seating
on the outside decks was white plastic lawn
chairs with a single row of back-to-back
benches down the centerline of the boat. Where
Mark had taken us it was just the plastic
chairs.

Putting on his sweater and buttoning the bottom
two buttons he sat down putting his Ray-Ban
sunglasses on, the breeze ruffling his hair.
Shawn and I took chairs facing him. We sat
quietly for a few minutes not saying anything
just enjoying the scenery on the shore.

"Uncle Lee and I always come up here when we
are on board. Most of the time it is just he
and I. This is your first time on the Saint?"

"Not mine but it is for Shawn. I've visited
Lake George before when I'm going to see
friends in Vermont. I like the ferry ride
over to Burlington."

"What part of Vermont Kevin? Uncle Lee is
negotiating a deal too buy a B&B outside of
Stowe. That's why he is in Albany right now.
The owner's want to sell since it is part of a
family estate that is being liquidated. He'll
probably get it."

"I have friends in Montpelier and St.
Johnsbury. I visited the Von Trapp Lodge in
Stowe one summer & had lunch at the Austrian
Tea House. I put my name on the waiting list
for the Christmas season. I would love to spend
the holidays there with Shawn."

"We might make that together. Uncle Lee has
mentioned he and I spending some time there one
Christmas. We couldn't do it if I was still in
high school but being in college now makes it
easier."

"Mark, would you mind if I asked what your
uncle's business is?"

"He is in recreational real estate Kev you
don't mind if I call you Kev do you? He handles
mostly the recreational prospects and his
partners are in the general development real
estate. They buy old homes modernize them and
re-sell besides building new ones on tracts
they can develop."

"Not at all, Kev or Kevin is okay. The reason I
asked is that I think he might have sold my
grandfather a cottage in Nags Head, N.C. I
remember gramps mentioning someone named Lee
Michaels after he bought it. I haven't been
there but my parents have. When gramps died
they though it was going to be theirs but
gramps left it to me. Some agency called
Atlantic Shores Realty & Development handles
the rental."

"It could be Kev, Uncle Lee sold several
properties on the outer banks and that is
the name of his company. I like it down
there. Shawn said he was going to Boston U.
Kev, what about you? Are you in school?"

"No, I quit last year but I'm thinking about
going back. Might even go with Shawn if he
wants me too."

Shawn had been sitting listening as Mark and I
talked but when I said I might go back to
school, he looked at me wide eyed in surprise.

"You haven't said anything about that Kev. I'd
love it if you do. Jeez that would be great. Oh
Christ, I hope you do."

"Looks like you really caught Shawn off guard
Kevin."

"Did he ever, good Christ but that would make
me happy Mark. I've been worrying about it ever
since we met, I didn't dare think he might."

"Whoa, down boy. Don't flip your cookies just
yet. I'll have to call Harrison and then there
are records to be transferred from Old Dominion
Univ. in Norfolk before I can do it. I've been
sort of thinking about it off and on since you
said you were on your way to Boston and back to
school. I guess you can tell we haven't been
together long Mark."

"I sort of figured that out already. Especially
the way Shawn looks at you and you look at
him. Who is this Harrison if you don't mind
me asking?"

"He is the trustee of my grandfathers estate. I
don't come into it until I reach 25 and that's
two years yet. Harrison gives me a good
allowance but I can usually get what I want.
I've sort of been at loose ends until I met
Shawn."

"He picked me up hitch-hiking outside of D.C. I
was horny as hell and he looked sooooooo good
when I got in his truck."

"And you didn't waste any time letting me know
did you? Oh Christ Mark. I'm sorry, we
sort of got carried away talking in front of
you like that."

"Now you sound like Uncle Lee. He and I have
been together since I was 16. He'd like the
both of you and I know you would like him."

"It would be great if Shawn and I can meet him
someday."

"It might be sooner then you think. When are
you going to Vermont?"

"No particular time in mind. We have three
weeks before we need to be in Boston."

"I've got an idea. Uncle Lee wants me to call
him tomorrow so he can tell me what's going on.
We will either be going to Stowe if he gets the
B&B or back to Dover, Delaware. I'm already
registered for the next semester but he has
other things he wants to get done there. When
we get back, why don't you check out of the
motel and stay with me at our place?"

"Your not serious are you? Stay with you? Erik
told Kevin and I about your place."

"That does not surprise me, Erik hasn't been
there but he'd like too be. Everyone who works
in the motel were wondering about Uncle Lee and
I so rumors get around. They all know our house
is being re-modeled, Uncle Lee is a friend
of the motel owner and yes, I'm serious. If we
go to Vermont then you can meet us there either
at the B&B or one of the motels. I'd really
like for you to meet him. There is no reason we
can't spend a few days there, he needs a rest
from working so much.  I hardly see him."

"Okay, Mark, it's a deal. Forgive me and I'm
sorry but I've got to ask. It's none of my
business but what's wrong between you and Erik?
I couldn't help but notice a coolness between
you and then the way you got under his skin
downstairs after he made that remark about
being rich."

"I didn't realize it was that obvious Kev.
Erik, I have been told, is a male whore. He
sells himself. He tried it with me and Uncle
Lee but he figured him out real quick, Uncle
Lee is no fool. Since the owner of the Holiday
Inn is a friend of Uncle Lee's and while the
remodeling is being done at the house, he told
him we could use the equipment at the motel.
Erik shows off more when my uncle is there then
for me but it is obvious he would like to get
me in bed. I think there are reasons for it
other then sex."

"Shawn and I thought you were friends when we
met you last night."

"Oh no, acquaintances only. He works there and
you can't help but talk with him. He still
tries but that's as far is it goes. Erik is
nice looking, has a great body but no
character or integrity. He can be very nice
but, I've heard he is not above a little
blackmail if he gets someone in pictures and he
thinks there is money too be made. I don't know
that for a fact, only what I have heard from a
couple of the other boys working there that I
know. They sort of warned us about him."

"How many gay guys work there?"

Mark laughed throwing his head back, "Several
Shawn, several. You haven't noticed them
checking you out?"

"Well, I did notice one looking at Kevin this
morning when he was drying off and the bedroom
door was open. He brought us some coffee and
juice."

"Little black haired boy, looked a little
Hispanic?"

"Yeah, I think so. Shawn was closer then I
was."

"That's him Mark."

"Probably was Carlo, he is young. Nice kid but
only 15 or 16. He usually works in the
mornings. Whenever I workout or swim he is
around doing something. Too young."

"Here I go again putting my foot in my mouth.
Do you, well you know do you. .. . . . ?"

Mark laughed again a deep mellow laugh. "Play
around Kev? Some things I never discuss, my sex
life, politics, religion and Uncle Lee
beyond his business. Aggravates the hell out of
people like Erik that don't know if we are or
are not."

"But you know about Shawn and I Mark."

"No, I do not beyond what you told me and you
didn't tell me you had been to bed together.
Shawn said he was horny and you said he didn't
waste any time letting you know. That does not
tell me or anyone else for that matter what
your relationship is other then being a couple
of horny guys. If I tell you I'm horny does
that tell you I might be gay?"

"Not when you put it that way it don't Mark.
Kevin and I just assumed from way you have
talked."

"More then I usually do Shawn and only because
I like the both of you. My philosophy and Uncle
Lee's is that until you are in bed with someone
you have no way of knowing what they are
sexually. Besides that, assumptions can get you
in trouble."

"I should have kept my big mouth shut instead
of putting my foot in it. Sorry."

"Don't be Shawn, that's the way I learned. You
would be amazed at the times I spoke before
thinking. Uncle Lee and Uncle Bill never let me
get away with it."

"Uncle Bill, you have another uncle?"

"Long story Kev, I'll tell you all about him
someday. Look we're at the Sagamore Hotel,
here's where we turn around."

The Sagamore was built in the 1800's and had
been almost destroyed by fire twice. Recent
renovations had returned it to its former
glory. Heads of state, rich and powerful men
and women had stayed in its luxurious suites.
It had been built in one of New York State's
most pristine locations in the Adirondack State
Park as a summer get-a-way for the elite on a
private 72-acre island in Lake George.
Expansive well-kept lawns spread before it all
the way down to the Lake's edge where it's
private boat marina had been built.
Condominiums had been added with the original
building.

One of the crew members was announcing the
history of the Sagamore over the boats public
address system as we turned slowly so people
could take pictures.

The opposite side of the lake was mostly state
owned forestland with only a few cottages that
had been built on private land but it was
beautiful. There are a few privately owned
islands in the lake where summer homes had been
built and some that were state owned and
forested. The West side the lake had been
overdeveloped but with the state owning most of
the remaining land around the lake development
was restricted.  The three of us stood at the
rail listening as Mark pointed out a few of the
more interesting highlights when we spotted
Erik talking with someone but not his friend
Devon. From the distance the man looked to be
in his mid 40's, well groomed and dressed.
Erik's body language told us what was going on
between them.

"It looks like Devon had more information then
just about the job. I wonder if he is staying
at the motel?" I said.

"Not very likely Kev. The way he is dressed, he
might be staying at the Sagamore."

"That's possible Shawn. What do you think
Mark?"

"From what I have heard of Erik, anything is
possible. We will be at the landing in a few
minutes. Do you want me to wait while you check
out of the motel and you can follow me or do
you think you can find our place?"

"If it's no problem, why don't we follow you?
All Erik told us was that your house was in
Cannon Point. What about Erik, wasn't he with
you?"

"Not really, he walked too the landing from
where he lives with his parents. We should go
on down so we won't get caught in the rush when
we dock."

Mark was right about the rush of people. When
we reached the main deck, people were already
gathering. I glanced down at Erik and his new
friend as we started down the ladders, they
seemed deep in conversation standing close to
each other.

As we left the boat there were several boards
on easels that were covered with photographs of
the passengers as they boarded. I remembered
seeing the photographer taking pictures and now
they were being sold with cardboard frames for
$10.00. Shawn and I found our pictures and
several others with Mark and Erik. We bought
one of each while Mark waited.

"We already have pictures of the first time we
were on the boat. Uncle Lee likes a pictorial
history of the places he and I have been." Mark
said. "You guys walked down from the motel
didn't you? My car is parked in the lot across
the street unless you want too walk back."

"It will be easier if we ride with you." I said
as we walked away from the picture vendors.

The parking lot was behind a restored train
station that had been turned into a gift shop
and small restaurant. The walls of the fort
loomed over us with old antique cannon pointed
out over the lake with British, French and
American flags flying over it. Shawn & I walked
into the gift shop while Mark went on to the
lot for his car. The gift shop was the typical
tourist attraction.

"Nothing here that I want Kev. How about you?"

"I can live without it, lets go."

Mark had disappeared but shortly a black '65
Mustang convertible with red leather interior
and in mint condition pulled up beside us with
him sitting behind the steering wheel.

"Don't tell us this is yours Mark?" Shawn said.
"Boy would I love one of these but there hard
to find now."

"Uncle Lee gave it to me for my 18th birthday,
come on get in.

"Whoa boy, your uncle must be something." Shawn
said admiringly as he got in the small rear
seat and I sat in front.

The car was a stick shift and the rumble of the
duel exhaust reminded me I had heard it before
when Mark left the Atrium of the motel. People
glanced our way as we pulled away from the
parking lot.

Mark parked in a visitor space and went with us
to our rooms. The maids had cleaned up while we
were gone and had sprayed the rooms with a
freshener.

"Nice rooms Kev. First time I have been in one.
We stayed at the William Henry across the
street until Uncle Lee bought the house."

"I usually make reservations either with
Marriott or Holiday Inn. I like their
reservation system and knowing where I'll be
staying."

"Makes sense, need some help?"

"Shawn and I'll get it, thanks anyway."

Shawn and I gathered our luggage and placed it
on the cart we had brought up from the lobby. I
double-checked to be sure we hadn't forgotten
anything.

The front desk clerk was a little surprised we
were checking out even though we didn't have to
since it was after 11AM and the day had rolled
over. Our truck was parked in one of the spaces
reserved for guests but not far from where Mark
had parked. We loaded up and drove around to
where he was waiting.

The drive from the motel on 9N to Mark's house
was not long and it was not difficult following
him even though the traffic had increased since
earlier in the morning. Mark's black Mustang
was easy to follow and he looked relaxed as he
went through the gears the exhaust rumbling
drawing people's attention. Kids and younger
men stood on the curb pointing as he passed.

"Draws a little attention doesn't it Kev?"

"Even more with him driving it. I'd look
myself, wouldn't you?"

"Yep. Did it surprise you when he asked us to
stay with him?"

"That's an understatement Shawn. He didn't
really ask us if you noticed, he sort of
steered us."

"He is an exciting guy and I don't mean
sexually although he is that also."

"If his uncle is anything like him it should be
even more exciting. Don't let me forget to call
Harrison tomorrow Shawn, it shouldn't take him
long to get the transcripts transferred up to
Boston. He can fax me a copy of the
applications and I can complete them here. Are
you really looking forward to us going to
school together?"

"You don't know how much Kev. Mark is taking
the right fork up ahead."

Glancing over at Shawn as I followed Mark,
thoughts of the future flashed through my head.
No "buts" any more, just him and me.

* * * * * * * * *

                 "Trust your gut."

                          Barbara Walters