Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2017 12:06:04 +0000
From: David Lee <dlee169@hotmail.com>
Subject: Cheddars, Chapter 8

Cheddar's, Chapter 8


After eating dinner, and cleaning up the kitchen, the guys sat down in
their little living room together on the loveseat.  This was the first time
they'd shared it, but it felt quite natural.

Adam turned on his phone to see if there were any messages.  What he found
were several texts from Darrin requesting that he should get in touch
immediately.

"Wow!  It looks like I must have missed something important by leaving my
phone off," he said, showing it to Parker.

"Well, you'd better call him to see what's going on."

"Sit close so you can hear too when I put it on speaker."

"Um, on this little piece of furniture, I don't really have a choice,"
Parker grinned, nudging Adam's shoulder with his in an exaggerated way.

---------

"Why didn't you answer my texts?" Darrin demanded, by way of greeting.

"What's up that's so urgent?"

"Wow, you really haven't heard the news then?"

"I have no idea what you're taking about."

"You know I'm your best friend, I mean other than Parker."

"We've always been besties, and now he's officially my boyfriend!"

"Congrats!  But I have to tell you something that may shock you, despite
how things have gone down for you this past fall.  You can find the details
on the Channel 9 website, but you need to hear it first from me; your
parents were both killed in an auto crash while you were away."

"Oh shit!  I suppose I'll have to see to their funeral and burial.  I don't
have a lot of feelings for them since they told me I was dead to them, but
I guess it wouldn't be right not to do something..."

"God, or fate, or somebody has taken care of it for you.  The funeral was
this morning, and your grandparents made all the arrangements.  You may
catch flak for not being there, but you really didn't have a choice in the
matter, I guess."

"Evidently my presence wasn't wanted.  Both sets of grandparents have my
cell number.  There were multiple messages from you, but nothing from any
of them.  I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that."

Parker put a protective arm around his boyfriend's shoulder, sensing that
he needed reassurance that he was loved.

"I can empathize.  I don't get along well with my parents either, and
sometimes I wish they were out of my life permanently, but I guess I'd feel
different if they were suddenly gone.  For whatever it's worth, I'm
thinking about you."

"I appreciate it.  Wow, I knew in my heart that I didn't have any family,
but I suppose I still hoped they'd come around in the future.  You know
people say while there's life, there's hope."

"Reverend Bob asked for your phone number, but I pretended that I'd deleted
it after you got thrown out.  I'm sure he'll want to `counsel' you.  He'll
probably try to convince you to come back to the church and confess your
sins so he can save you."

"Thanks for the warning!  I'll do my best of avoid him."

----------

"Do you want me to put you to bed, Babe?" Parker gently asked.

"Nah, I'm okay.  What really upsets me is that I don't feel much of
anything."

"It's probably the shock."

"No, I don't think so.  When they threw me out, I was shocked; devastated
would be a better word for it.  They said they didn't have a son anymore,
so I guess I didn't have parents then, either.  I didn't have a lot of time
to cry or wallow in self-pity.  I had to focus all of my energy on
surviving on my own.  As you know, I wouldn't have done well without you."

"You're more secure under my roof, and you're loved for sure, but you would
have made it either way.  You're a survivor.  If you don't feel a lot of
emotion over your parents' deaths, don't beat yourself up.  They're the
ones who caused the rift, not you."

"And my grandparents seem intent on doing that too.  They had my cell
number!  They've chosen to ostracize me; to treat me like a leper.  If I
feel any emotion right now, it's like anger!"

"It's okay for you to be angry.  You don't need to repress your feelings.
You can vent to me all you want!"

"You could practice your psychiatric skills on me and be my shrink," Adam
suggested.

"If you feel in need of help, it should come from a professional source.
We could call Smitty and you could talk to him.  I'll bet there's also a
free service at University Hospital for those who don't have insurance."

"You mean for the indigent!"

"You talk like a grownup." Parker teased.  "I'll bet you did well in
vocabulary on your ACTs."

"Yeah, I scored pretty high, oh older and wiser man.  Not to change the
subject, but are we gonna party tomorrow night?"

"We should probably just sit here and see the old year out by sipping a
little Champaign and noshing on a few nibblies.  We could invite your
friend Darrin over, if he could stay the night.  I don't want to have
anyone here drinking and then driving."

"His parents would never let him sleep here overnight for fear I'd turn him
gay.  They're as bad or worse than Ralph!  It had better be just the two of
us, unless you want someone else."

"I don't want anyone but you.  We could see the New Year in stark naked!"

"Now you're talking my language!"

----------

They went to bed before long.  Parker didn't initiate any sex play, and
that was okay with Adam.  What Adam really wanted was exactly what he was
getting, a feeling of being loved and secure.  Nestled in Parker's arms, he
ceased worrying about anything else.  The extent of his family was measured
in quality, not quantity.

----------

New Year's Eve day started out as a very laid-back one for the guys.  They
hauled their dirty clothes to the laundry room in the basement, and didn't
have to share the facility with anyone because they were the only pair in
the whole building.

Later, Parker got the key from the rental agent who handled things for his
grandparents, and the two of them checked out the larger apartment on the
left side of the second floor in case they wanted a bigger bedroom.  It was
more spacious, but felt kind of cold and institutional.  Parker had made
their current space into a more intimate nest with personal touches which
gave it a homey atmosphere.  Adam wasn't eager to move, and said so.

"Unless your heart is set on it, I'd like to stay put.  You've done so much
to the garret that it seems like home."

"Thanks, I was kinda hoping you'd feel that way.  Let's go out and buy a
queen sized bed and all the bedding to go with it.  There are a lot of
sales right now, and I'll bet we could talk someone into delivering it
immediately."

"Okay, but I doubt we'll get it until after New Year's."

----------

Parker proved to be a smooth talker.  He got the rental agency to okay
putting the trundle bed in the empty apartment to replace the double which
was in one of the bedrooms.  It would make the place more marketable
because four people could conceivably share the space, and the rent,
without sharing a bed.  It had previously been occupied by three guys.

The old double would be hauled away by the furniture company when they
brought the queen one.  Parker told the sales lady that he would purchase a
top-of-the-line bed and mattress if she would have it delivered that very
day.  She checked with her delivery people who were willing to do it if
they could be finished by 3:00.  Parker said he'd go home immediately to
open up for them.

Carrying it to the third floor up the final narrow flight of stairs proved
to be a lot of work.  The men had to jockey it just right to clear the
doorways without damaging anything.  When it was all in the room, and the
other beds seen to, Parker tipped the deliverymen $20 each.  They were very
happy to be rewarded for their extra effort.

----------

After supper, the guys made up their bed with the new linens they'd washed,
and then proceeded to take a hot shower.  Not bothering to dress, they
climbed in and Parker pressed the control to raise the upper part of the
mattress. That put them into a good position to watch the TV that they'd
brought in from the living room.

Snuggling in their comfortable shared bed was an awesome experience for
both of them.  It beat their old arrangement by a country mile.  Parker was
still hesitant to initiate anything with Adam so soon after the news of his
parent's demise.  However, Adam wasn't.  After he turned on his side,
facing his boyfriend, and running his wet tongue across Parker's left
nipple, the proverbial "ice" was definitely broken.

Parker grabbed the control to make the bed level again so they could
eventually get into the 69 position more comfortably.

----------

The guys spent New Year's Day taking it easy.  They baked a small
spiral-cut ham which they ate with yams, and a green bean casserole.
Parker had asked his grandmother for her recipes so he could make some of
the things he was used to having.

It all turned out quite well, and they decided they wouldn't starve when
they were responsible for all of their own meals.  Till then, there would
be a few years of eating quite a bit of cafeteria and restaurant food.

In the afternoon, they went to Coral Ridge Mall to check out the sales.
Neither bought much of anything, but they did spend an hour at the ice
skating rink until it got too crowded with little kids.

Then, they went back to their comfy garret to relax in their new bed.  One
thing led to another, and eventually, they shared their bodies.

----------

Going back to school the day after New Year's was a rude awakening.  Adam
had swimming practice before classes started, and Parker's first class was
fairly early too.  Both would probably be too tired to make dinner.  It
might be a good night for Mexican.

Adam's day went well, once he caught his second wind after practice.  Much
of what happened was reviewing for the finals which students would take
next week.  He felt well-prepared because he knew the answers to most of
the sample questions without having to look them up.

It felt good to be back with his usual buds at lunch.  Darrin was there,
along with Cody, Jim, and Paul from the swim team.  The only fly in the
ointment was the presence of Dave, but he seemed to be checking out the new
guy who had joined them.  Adam remembered being in classes with him in the
past, and when the kid introduced himself, and it all fell in place.

"Hi, you might not remember me, but we were in 9th grade language arts
together a few years ago."

"Oh yeah, it's Rob isn't' it?"

"Yup, Rob Utley.  Miss Helmsley seated us strictly in alphabetical order,
so you and I were never near each other, though I was by Darrin."

"True.  And you went out for wrestling while I was in swimming."

"You had a really good record in swimming this year.  I've been to a few of
your meets."

"As I recall, you're having a good year on the mats.  I hope to take in a
match or two when swimming is over."

"I'll bet you look good in a singlet," Dave leered.

His tablemates were embarrassed, but Rob seemed to take it in stride.

"I'm not ashamed to be seen in it," he smiled.

----------

Adam was looking forward to his new term schedule which would be one class
shorter because he was ahead in credits.  It would be good to have the
extra time to keep up on his homework, especially since he'd be devoting at
least an hour a week in the new-member class at church for a while at
least.

Mulling over the changes, he stopped in the restroom to pee before hitting
the cold January air.  He was on his way to the front door when Darrin
joined him.

"So, why do they want you at the main office?  Are you in trouble on the
first day back?"

"Um, what do you mean?"

"Didn't you hear the message on the PA?"

"Nope, I guess I was taking a piss.  What was it about?"

"I have no clue; it only asked you to report to the office."

"I guess I'd better go see."

---------

When Adam got to the office, the receptionist nodded toward a middle-aged
man in a business suit who was seated in one of the visitors' chairs.  She
stood and addressed him.

"Mr. Novotny, you and Adam may use the conference room if you wish to have
a private conversation."

"Thank you.  I think that would be best," he said as the two of them
entered the small room the secretary had indicated.

"Hello, Adam.  I'm Carl Novotny, your parents' lawyer.  First, let me
extend my condolences.  According to your grandparents, you were estranged
from the family, but that's not any of my business.  I just want to clear
the air so we can talk freely."

"Thanks.  I wasn't sure how to bring that up.  I'm curious as to why you're
here."

"I'm here about your parents' estate.  You're not an easy person to find.
Your grandparents weren't helpful, but I knew you were in high school, so
by process of elimination, because of your home address, I figured City
High was my best bet.  The district is very protective of any personal
information and wouldn't give out your cell phone number.  So, I popped in
and had a conversation with your principal before he allowed me to meet
with you.

I have very good news for you in the realm of your inheritance.  You'll be
a millionaire when all is settled."

"That can't be true!  My family kicked me out.  No doubt they changed their
wills and left everything to the church."

"Your grandparents insisted that there was no valid will, and are making a
claim on most of it, but I have the original copies from when they were
updated less than a year ago.  You were listed as their sole heir, with a
trust set up to keep you from having access to a lot of it until you're 25.
However, the fund gives you a good income in the meantime.  Also, each of
them had a $250,000 life insurance policy that is payable immediately.  By
most people's standards, you're a wealthy young man already.

I don't know the full value of the house or the business, but you'll be
worth a great deal more when it's all settled.  I firmly believe that your
grandparents destroyed the copy of the will that should have been in the
house safe, but there will be another in the safe deposit box which they
can't get to, and it's a duplicate of the one I have on file.  Don't worry;
I'll see that you get everything you have coming.  I'll threaten them with
legal action if they try to interfere."

"Wow!  I've been on free lunch and food stamps for the past few months.  I
can't believe all my money worries are over.  I can't wait to tell Parker!"

"And he would be?"

"My boyfriend!  He's the one who gave me a place to live after I got
pitched."

"You are indeed lucky," Mr. Novotny said.

"So, you don't agree with my parents' point of view about gays?"

"Not at all.  I have a daughter who's married to another woman and they've
blessed us with two adorable grandchildren.  That's one of the reasons I
left no stone unturned in contacting you after I was told about your
orientation."

"There is a God!" Adam exclaimed.

"Yes, and he's alive and well at Grace Episcopal, if I may proselytize."

"I know; I'll be taking instruction there starting next week."

"May I be among the first to welcome you then?"

"Hmm, I wonder why my parents chose you as their lawyer instead of someone
from their church."

"Possibly because of my reputation, and the fact that Mr. Pruitt, who was
one of their elders, was disbarred because of his shady dealings."

"Cool!"

----------

Going beyond the call of duty, Mr. Novotny drove Adam to Wells Fargo Bank
to help him set up a checking and a savings account.  They deposited the
insurance checks into savings, and put a grand into checking for his
current expenses.  Of course, Adam could make electronic transfers as he
needed to.  Along with setting up a safe deposit box, applying for a credit
card, and a debit card, Adam felt like an adult, controlling his own life.

In spite of that, he admitted that he was out of his element in dealing
with money, and asked Mr. Novotny for the name of a financial planner to
help him preserve and grow his new-found fortune.

"Chad Abernathy is my advisor, and I highly recommend him.  I could do it
myself, I suppose, but he has knowledge that I don't possess when it comes
to mutual funds and the like.  He's young, smart, and personable.  I know
you'll like working with him."

----------

"Adam, did you rob a bank or win the lottery?" Parker laughed as his
slightly smaller lover literally picked him off of his feet and swung him
around exclaiming that he was rich.

"Neither, but I really fell into it.  No more free lunches, no more food
stamps, and I'm gonna make a donation to the emergency meal ticket fund
tomorrow!

"Okay, what's going on?"

"My heartless parents didn't change their wills because they never expected
to exit this earth so quickly.  Their lawyer traced me down at school, and
brought me some very impressive life insurance checks.  The rest of the
estate will follow in the months and years to come.  He thinks my
`wonderful Christian' grandparents destroyed the copy of the will they
found, but there are two other copies in existence which are valid and up
to date.  So, I'm suddenly a man of means, and no longer dependent on you."

"Um, does that mean you'll be moving out?"

"Not unless you drag me out kicking and screaming!  This doesn't change
much, except to make it better!  We can be more equal as partners, and no
one can claim I'm in it for your money.

"Oh, my beloved Adam.  I'm thrilled!  We need to celebrate."

"Yup, I'm taking you out to Cheddar's and I'm buying.  If the manager cans
me for hobnobbing with the clientele, she can stick it where the sun
`don't' shine!"

"Does that mean you're quitting?"

"I'm honestly not sure.  I will certainly give proper notice if I do.  I
might hang onto the job until I start college.  Once swimming season is
over this year, it wouldn't kill me to continue.  I may, however, cut back
my hours."

----------

"Hi, I'm Jason and I'll be your server this evening.  What would you like
to drink?"

"I'll have water with lemon," Parker said.

"Me too," Adam echoed.

"I'll get those immediately."

"Have you decided on your dinner, gentlemen, or would you like a few more
minutes?" Jason asked as he returned.

"I'll have the chicken pot pie with the salad and croissant – tomato
vinaigrette for dressing, and no honey butter on the roll." Parker
requested.

"Make that two," Adam echoed.

"Adam, is that really you?" Jason asked, as he took a closer look.

"Yup!  It's me, and we're celebrating tonight."

"Man, you have balls of brass!  I know it's dark in here, but if Gloria
catches you dining with a customer, she's gonna chew your ass."

"Hmm...  Brass, ass, I think I see the makings of a limerick," Adam
giggled.

"Seriously, you know the rule."

"I remember Gloria saying it, but I don't remember anything in the contract
that says I'm not as good as anyone else who eats here."

"I sure won't tell, but I don't envy you if she finds out."

"Bring her on!"

They had finished their salads and were about to dig into the entree when
the lady in question came to the table.

"How's the food tasting, gentlemen?" she asked.

"Fine, as always," Parker responded.

She looked at both of them and suddenly realized that one of them was her
employee.

"Adam, please step into the kitchen.  I'd like a word with you."

"I think it's against company policy to have a customer in the kitchen,"
Adam smiled, "especially when his meal is likely to get cold before he eats
it."

"You'll come right now if you know what's good for you!"

"Whatever you have to say to Adam, you may say it in my presence," Parker
asserted.

"You know good and well that we don't allow the common help to mingle with
paying customers," Gloria raised her voice.  "You're fired!  Now get out of
my restaurant, or I'll call security!"

"My boyfriend and I will finish our meals in peace, or I'll make such a
stink that you'll be out of a job," Parker told her quietly.  "I'll file a
discrimination suit against the restaurant if necessary."

Realizing her threats were futile, Gloria left in a huff, and the guys went
back to their meal.  They ate slowly, almost daring her to do anything
about them.

Jason came back with refills on their water, but they asked for the check
instead.

"Um, there's no check; your meals have been comped." He grinned.

"Well, here's the price of them plus a 20% tip.  If she tries to take the
cost of our meals out of your paycheck, you'll be covered.  If she doesn't,
consider it a generous gratuity," Adam laid the money down.  "I know who
the district manager is, and I'm going to complain about our treatment."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's notes: Thanks to all who emailed since last posting: Joe W, Shawn
W, John L, Walt Sz, Dan B, John D, Jude P, Barry J, Dick M, Randy McC, Skip
M, GC, Ott H, Wayne, Bill K, Hotrod, Tom A, Peter C, Jim E, Mike C, Mendy
D, Derrick M, Jim W, Bill T, Frank K, Bobby C, Zero M, Jim F, Bill DeW,
Charles G, Lawrence and Douglas, Tony F, and Vern.

Please donate to keep this free site available if you are able.

Sorry this posting is late!

David