Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:22:20 +0000 From: David Lee <dlee169@hotmail.com> Subject: Someone to Watch over Me, Chapter 8 Someone to Watch over Me, Chapter 8 Warning: This story contains scenes of love and sexual interaction between males of consenting age. If the reading or possessing this material is illegal in your country, state, province, county, municipality, etc., please leave this site immediately and do not proceed further. If you are under the legal age to read this, please do not do so. It is not my intention to offend anyone or to get you in trouble. The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original story. You may not publish it or any part of it without explicit authorization from me. This is not my first attempt at writing fiction. My longer stories on Nifty include: "Always and Forever" (March 25, 2004), "Jacob and Jacques" (May 30, 2004), "Zeke" (August 29, 2005), "Tales from Bentonville" (November 16, 2008), and "Second Chance" (September 24, 2010) under "High School" in the gay male section. There are a few short stories also: "Brad and Alan's Canoe Trip" (April 22, 2004 under "Camping", "Of Angels and Dragons" (November 8, 2008) under "Camping", "A Christmas Tale" (December 22, 2009) under "High School", "Brazil Affair (October 1, 2010) under "Beginnings", and "Seth's Gift" (October 10, 2010) under the Science Fiction/Fantasy category. I am now listed on Nifty under the category of "Prolific Net Authors" which will make it easier for you to access earlier stories. Some of these stories are also posted at: www.storylover.us along with those of other writers that may interest you. My only reward for contributing to Nifty is your emails. Please write if you like the story. Please include the name of the story in the title of your email because my email service sometimes puts them in the "spam" file. Finally, thanks and hugs to Tom and David who edit for me so that there are fewer mistakes! They not only proof-read, but make other valuable suggestions. David (dlee169@hotmail.com) Someone to Watch over Me, chapter 8 Mike came over to visit in the late afternoon of New Year's Eve. His mother had given permission for him to stay overnight for a couple of reasons. She assumed that he might want to have a drink or two. Even though she'd always been dead set against alcohol, she was a realist and she didn't want him out on the street unless he was cold sober – especially in the city on a night when the police would be looking for reasons to haul boys in for drinking. Secondly, she wanted some time alone so she could invite someone come over who had promised to comfort her in her time of bereavement. Actually, the man in question knew that her marriage had been a living hell and had been waiting in the wings hoping to be able to date her when she was free. It was far too soon to be seen together in public, but they could enjoy an evening together at home in front of the fireplace. If he showed an interest in spending the night, perhaps she'd invite him. Her church preached against divorce – for any reason at all and she'd allowed them to influence her too much. She should have dumped Frank years ago. Now that she was free of him, she was going to make up for lost time. Of course the church didn't believe in sex outside of marriage either, and she was definitely considering going against that teaching. She ached to be in the arms of someone who cared. Perhaps the New Year would be a new beginning for her in many ways. ---------- The three of them had a simple dinner together and played games afterwards. They kept the TV on low in the background in order to watch the displays of fireworks from around the world as various countries ushered in the New Year. Doug never stopped grinning all evening watching his lover's brother. Mike was almost Paul's twin in looks and actions, but a bit less mature. He was the life of the party. It was like seeing how Paul must have been as a high school senior. If Mike had assumed this would be a night of college-type boozing, he was way off the mark. The games were so competitive that they only took an occasional sip from their glass of wine. Neither Doug nor Paul overindulged; an example that was not lost on Mike. Around 11:00, Doug called for a break so he could make a big batch of popcorn. They munched on it while drinking sodas and watching the tube. When it got close to midnight, Doug uncorked a bottle of champagne and they toasted each other's health and happiness. On the stroke of twelve, Doug and Paul stood up and kissed deeply. Mike felt awkward, like a fifth wheel. Seeing his expression, Doug pulled him up from the sofa and gave him a kiss too. Paul did likewise. Mike grinned from ear to ear. "Next year we've gotta do this again and I'm gonna have a boyfriend to kiss the way you two did!" he exclaimed. "Hey, don't make that your main goal," Paul said. "You have to let things happen as they will. Perhaps you'll be pushing 21 or even 31 before you find that special guy. I don't think hunting for someone just to have a boyfriend to make out with is the first priority." "I agree," Doug chimed in. "I know I didn't find anyone at 18 or 19. I'm happy now that I didn't. Even though my parents wouldn't have disowned me if I had, I'm still glad I didn't suffer the heartbreak of going through a bunch of relationships before I was ready to settle down. I'm mature enough now to know what I want and that, of course, is your bro! I'm not trying to tell you how to live your life, but do be cautious so you don't get hurt. I know we were." ---------- Doug awakened around 8:30 on New Year's Day and began preparations for dinner. It was too early to put the small ham in the oven, but there were other things he wanted to fix before the others got up. He was joined shortly by Paul who immediately took on the role of sous chef. They had most of the side dishes prepared and in the fridge and were starting breakfast when Mike came out of his room. Like them, he was clad only in boxers. Unlike them, his underwear had a gaping fly that allowed a tantalizing glimpse of his plump, nicely formed cock. "Mike! You're not exactly dressed for breakfast," Paul exclaimed. "I'm dressed like you two." "Uh, we aren't showing off our junk," Paul responded. "I'll get you a pair of boxers that don't have a `wardrobe malfunction' in the crotch." Mike looked down at his boxers and blushed. "I guess I am showing some private skin. Sorry about that." Doug could hear the two of them conversing as Paul went to get something less revealing. Actually, the sight of Mike's jiggling dick hadn't been hard on the eyes. After all they were all guys and it didn't offend Doug. However, if it made Paul uncomfortable for his brother to be that exposed, Doug wasn't going to interfere. He hoped the exposure hadn't been an intentional attempt to entice him. Mike came back looking less over-exposed and rather contrite. "I apologize, Doug. I wasn't trying to show off. I'm not going to compete with my brother for your attention, although I do think you're a stud and he's damned lucky to have you." "Uh, thanks for the compliment, I think." Doug smiled. ----------- Mike thought maybe he'd better check in with his mother to see if it was okay for him to stay for dinner. He wasn't sure if he should be gone too long when she was so recently widowed. Despite knowing that his parents' marriage was far from perfect, Mike was amazed at how upbeat his mother seemed when he called. He thought he heard a male voice in the background – possibly coming from another room, but he assumed it was the TV. His mother had always been very religious and surely wouldn't have a man in the house unless it was someone who had come over with his wife to pay respects. His mother gave permission, and seemed in a hurry to get off the phone. Perhaps she did have company. ---------- Though their New Year's Day meal was on a small scale, it was none-the-less elegant. Doug had set the table with pieces of superb china and sterling silver flatware made in the timeless Bauhaus style. There were real linen napkins that matched the tablecloth, and fine crystal for water and wine. Both of the Cage brothers were duly impressed. "I've never eaten this fancy," Mike said with a hint of awe in his voice. "That's how we eat most of the time," Paul lied, grinning. "Don't believe a word of it!" Doug countered. "Half the time we eat from paper plates on the run. Your brother is such a liar." "That's not true! We don't believe in wasting paper. Doug doesn't mind dirty dishes when he has a houseboy to wash up after him." Mike grinned at their joking around. This was a happy household – as a home should be. He'd always hoped his parents' house would be like that again, as he'd remembered it as a small child. Ah, but the past was past and he'd be out of there as soon as possible even though his father wasn't around anymore. Next year he'd be in a dorm or frat house - free to be himself and explore his sexuality without having to make up excuses for being out. In the afternoon, Mike said his thanks and goodbyes and headed home. Doug invited him to come again when he got the chance. "We have plenty of bedrooms and we'd love to have you visit often." "Thanks! I'd like that. Maybe you could invite another guy over to make it a foursome," Mike grinned. "You want us to play match-maker?" Paul kidded. "Yup! Does Doug have any younger brothers?" "One, but he's happily married and has two kids," Paul laughed. ---------- The next day, it was back to work for Doug and off to the start of a new semester for Paul. Paul's classes all began with a bang. He felt like he'd hit the ground running. It seemed as if each professor thought he or she was teaching the only class at the university that term. Paul was in for a busy time. How could he do justice to everything? He'd have to concentrate most on his major classes. His practicum in psychology was his first priority. He hoped to be able to graduate with high enough grades to help him land a counseling job and get accepted into grad school to earn an advanced degree in psychology. Doug had offered to pay the tuition for his master's, but Paul felt like he should at least try to do most of it on his own. They would work that out later. Paul's schedule at Vicenza's was still as full as ever. Travis had been sacked after not showing up during the New Year's Eve rush when he was slated to work. So, there was one less person to fill the roster. Of course, business slowed down a bit too because of people making resolutions to lose pounds as well as to save money. ---------- Doug came home one evening a couple of weeks later with a bouquet of flowers in his hand and a huge smile on his face. He put the flowers on the counter and grabbed Paul is a big hug, swinging him around in circles. "What's gotten into you?" Paul giggled. "The Pentagon has purchased my bugging device and we are going to be rolling in bucks! Our retirement will be secure." "Uh, I haven't even started to work and you're talking retirement?" "Yup! We can pursue any direction our careers take us without being afraid of failure. I don't mean we'll stop working, only that we'll have the freedom of following our dreams." "That's awesome!" Paul agreed. "Should I thaw out some steaks to celebrate?" "Nah, let's go to my favorite Italian restaurant. Unfortunately, I can't guarantee the quality of the service because my favorite waiter isn't working tonight." Paul really felt like he should stay home and work on his paper for his contemporary lit class, but didn't want to put a damper on Doug's celebration. He'd dash off something that would keep him afloat until he could find more time. Their meal was perfect, of course, except for the fact that Paul couldn't have any wine. He wasn't going to be 21 until summer. ----------- For the sake of his younger brother, Paul did attend the memorial service for their father. If Doug had not accompanied him, he didn't think he could have survived the experience. His mother was reserved but cordial to Doug, and introduced him to friends as Paul's "roommate" even though she assumed their relationship was something deeper. Paul was amazed at her tacit acceptance of his living situation. He hoped she wasn't simply trying to be civil in a public setting. Perhaps she was truly having a change of heart. He was very relieved when the service and the luncheon were over and they could get away from the church. It all brought back unpleasant memories that he wanted to forget. It was made worse when the pastor took his hand, saying he'd pray for his wayward soul. Mike went into the city to spend the rest of the weekend with Paul and Doug. He needed a breath of fresh air as badly as his brother did. Their mother didn't quibble with his decision. Paul and Doug were planning to celebrate Mike's birthday while he was there. ---------- A week later, Paul got back the essay he'd hurriedly written. He frowned as he looked at the grade. He figured on getting a middling "B" on it, but there was an "A"- written at the top. Something seemed amiss. He made an appointment to see Dr. Moeller the next day. His literature professor seemed rather nervous when Paul came into his office - actually quite uncomfortable. "How may I help you, Paul?" "It's about the grade on my paper." Paul began. "Look, young man, I stretched the grade as high as I could without feeling entirely unethical. What do you expect from me? Please don't mess up my life!" Paul didn't answer right away because he couldn't figure out what the conversation was about or where it was going. His silence seemed to make Dr. Moeller even more agitated. "I know I've been a bad person. But please don't do this to me. I don't have spare money to buy your silence." Suddenly the penny dropped. Paul realized that his professor had once paid for his services. It had been dark and Paul wouldn't have recognized him as the man in the back seat of his car giving him oral sex. It looked as if the professor's conscience was getting the better of him. Paul wasn't sure how he could let the man know he was off the hook. "Sir, I have no idea what you're talking about. I was concerned that you had given me someone else's grade because I felt my paper wasn't worth more than a "B" at best. I wanted to let you know that I'll do better next time. I was simply overwhelmed with my workload at the time." "So, you're not here to blackmail me?" "Of course not! I'm not sure what you have to hide, but it has nothing to do with me and I'm sorry if I said something to upset you." "Paul, I think you know what why I was worried. I saw a brief look of recognition in your eyes that revealed your realization of what I was talking about. Let me just say that you're a great guy and I wish you a lot of luck in life. I hope other people treat you with the same kindness that you're showing me. Thanks." "You're welcome. Would you be more comfortable if I transferred to another section? I think Dr. Houser is offering the class at a time that would fit my schedule. I'm sure she'd let me in." "No. As long as you don't want special treatment, I'll adjust. I've been trying to give up my double life. It's not easy. Having you around will remind me to stick to my resolve." "In case you're wondering, I'm no longer, uh, moonlighting to help pay my bills. I have a boyfriend who's helping me so I don't have to." "I'm pleased for you! Does he know?" "That I used to moonlight?" "Yes." "He does and he's okay with it, since it's in the past. He loves me a lot." "That's great! You don't know how much better you've made me feel." "Well, I'll see you in class tomorrow and I promise to do my best to earn my grade." "Good day, Lad." "Good day, Sir." Paul vowed he would work hard on that class to prove he was worth a good grade. ----------- With all the work Paul and Doug had to do, the next couple of months passed quickly. Doug had to fly to Washington, DC several times and that left Paul on his own. Although Paul missed his lover a lot, being alone did give him time to study without interruption. During one of those times, Mike came over to spend the weekend. He talked incessantly about a boy he thought might be interested in him. Paul warned him to be careful lest he be forced out of the closet before he was ready. "I've thought about that a lot," Mike said. "I'm not sure there would be as much of a problem with our father gone." "What about Mother? Surely she won't be able to handle having two gay sons. How would she face her church friends?" "Um, interestingly enough, she's been going to another church since the memorial service. Some of her old friends are really upset that she has, but that's not stopping her. Can you believe she's going to St. Paul's?" "No way!" "Yup. And it's the one Evangelical Lutheran congregation in our area that isn't breaking away over the gay pastor issues. They voted overwhelmingly to stay in the denomination. And there's more! She gets phone calls from this guy, Larry Brown, who looks like husband material to me." "Dad's been dead about three months and she's already looking?" "I'd say yes. I think that's part of the reason she left the church. All the old biddies are probably cackling over what a loose woman she's become!" "Well, I for one don't blame her. She should grab all the happiness she can. Being married to our sperm-donor can't have been very much fun." "I know. Isn't it awful of us to be happy he's dead?" ---------- For their presentation on the Sunday before Palm Sunday, the choir at St. Stephen's spent several weeks preparing to sing John Rutter's Requiem. Although the extra rehearsals cut into Paul's already busy schedule, he was thrilled to be singing it. He loved all of the music. He had invited Mike to come that Sunday to hear it, but wondered if he'd actually get out of bed early enough to make the drive. Paul hoped he would because then he could meet Doug's family who were all making the trip. Paul was bowled over when he saw not only his younger brother, but also his mother and a gentleman he'd not met, coming in to sit near the front just before the service started. In fact, they were seated across the aisle from Doug's family. This could prove to be interesting. He had to quickly put it all out of his mind to concentrate on the music. The choir's performance was nearly flawless. The minor glitches would not have been picked up by anyone not intimately acquainted with the music. All in all, it was quite professional. As was his custom, Rev. Stone ended the service with the benediction and then invited the congregation to express their appreciation to the singers. Everyone stood and applauded for several minutes. After they'd hung up their robes, the choir members headed for the fellowship hall to enjoy coffee or tea along with an array of cookies. Doug and Paul were immediately surrounded by Doug's family. Paul's brother and mother stood back a little, waiting to express their congratulations too. In a little while, Paul introduced his mother and brother to Doug's father, mother, siblings, and niece and nephew. Doug was a little surprised to see his father there with his mother. Paul nudged him in the ribs with his elbow to remind him of what he had foretold at Christmas. It looked as if Doug's parents might be in the process of getting back together after several years of being divorced. Marie Cage introduced Larry Brown to everyone as her dear friend. Mike rolled his eyes. He was certain that the man was more than a friend. Doug excused himself for a moment to call Vicenza's to see if the room they'd reserved could be set up for three more guests. Finding that it could, he came back to invite Mike, Marie, and Larry to join them for the dinner he was hosting. ---------- In the privacy of their car on the way to dinner, Doug asked Paul if he wanted to postpone their announcement in view of the fact that his mother and her "dear" friend were joining them. "No. I say we go ahead and let the chips fall where they may. It's my life and I'm not going to live it for anyone else but you!" Dinner was excellent, of course. Everyone seemed to love the food that Doug had arranged to be served family style. The salads were crisp, the lasagna was excellent, and the tiramisu was to die for. Toward the end of the meal, Doug stood and got everyone's attention by tapping on his water glass. "Thank you all for coming to hear us sing. We worked hard on that Mass and we appreciate your making the effort to be here. We also have a special announcement to make. This is a kind of engagement party. In one year, two months, and twelve days, more or less, Paul has consented to marry me. I'd marry him today, but he feels like we should wait until he graduates." Doug's family all began to applaud. Mike did too. After a moment's hesitation, Larry began to clap for them and Marie followed suit. Paul had tears of joy in his eyes as he embraced his intended. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Author's notes: One of the readers reminded me of an error in last week's posting. Other than the HIV test results, the rest would take a few days because of being sent to a lab. In our area, it takes about five or six. Perhaps I'll do a rewrite to amend that time problem. I have a story recommendation for those who are interested in reading about guys coming to terms with their orientation and who aren't hopping into bed at the first chance. It's called, "Bryce" and is in the "College" section. I've read the first 16 chapters and Bryce hasn't had a M2M experience yet. Walt S, sent me a link to it and so I'm blaming him that I can't seem to put it down! It's very well written. Thanks to all who emailed since last posting: Tony C, Gary McC, Rutabaga, Ott, Jim C, Bill T, Trish R, Bill K, Edward D, Daniel M, Paul R. Bert, Big B, Walt S, Paul F, Geoff, David deY, Dick W, Jim W, Lawrence N, and Paul L.