Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2010 18:08:44 -0600
From: Roy <roynm@mac.com>
Subject: Owen chapter 47, gay college section

Owen

Chapter forty-seven

By Roy Reinikainen


	Bea leaned against the kitchen counter and crossed her arms,
wearing a concerned look.  "Sweetheart . . . do you want to talk about
what's on your mind?  Because, something surely is.  I find I'm missing the
young man who's always smiling and telling a joke.  Where has he gone?"

	Corey shrugged, wearing a crooked smile, as he leaned against the
kitchen counter at Bea's side.  Jonah and Daniel were sitting on the porch,
visiting, while Corey assumed his self-assigned role as the person who
dried the dinner dishes.  "He's still in here, someplace."  Corey gestured
vaguely to his head.  "He's just got a lot on his mind, lately."

	His eyes widened, as he hastened to add.  "It's got nothing to do
with Jonah though, if that's what you're thinking."  There was another
shrug.  "I'm sorta bummed about not being able to find work.  Owen's
feeling the same way.  That's why he's considering going back to the city,
to finish his education."

	The moment he'd said it, Bea's sudden change of expression told him
he shouldn't have.  "He hasn't told you about that possibility, has he?"
Corey looked away, sorry he was the cause of the look of pain which flashed
across Bea's features.  "I'm sorry.  I thought . . . with as much as Owen
talks to you that he . . ."  Corey rested an arm across Bea's shoulders.
"I'm sorry.

	"I do have to say though, that I don't think he'll be going.  He's
like me, wanting to feel useful, and to pull his own weight.  Right now,
the two of us are depending on Lucas for everything."  Corey lowered his
voice.  "It's not a good feeling, depending on someone's generosity, like
that.

	"You've got to remember that Owen has a lot more reasons to stay in
Riverton now, than he did when he left for school.  He's not only got Sam,
he's got Lucas.  They're both telling him that he has to do what he thinks
is right, but it's easy to tell they're hoping he stays.  He's also got
you, and Daniel, and his sisters.  And . . . this time, there's no one
who's driving him away . . . like there was . . . before."  Corey's already
low voice dropped lower.  "I'm putting my foot in my mouth a lot tonight,
it seems.  First, Owen, then claiming that his father was one of he reasons
Owen wanted to leave."  Corey looked away, then back, when Bea began
speaking.

	She smiled crookedly.  "As much as I hate to say it, Lucas and Sam
are correct.  He has to be the one to make the decision about what's best
for him."  She turned to Corey, her voice soft.  "And, you're right,
thinking it was Owen's father who was one of the causes for him wanting to
leave.  All his life, Owen tried so hard to please that man.  I sometimes
feared he would break his heart, tryin' so hard.  Finally, he . . ."  Bea
shrugged . . . "gave up . . . stopped trying.  That's when I knew, for
sure, that he'd be leaving."  Her eyes focused on Corey's.  "Is the
possibility of Owen leaving the thing that's bothering you . . . maybe even
more than not being able to find employment?"

	"Some," Corey said, with a twisted smile.  When Bea's brows rose,
he relented.  "Yeah, it would bother me, not having him around.  He's such
a good guy.  We joke about being brothers, but he means . . . so much, to
me that's what it feels like we are.  He's helped me, more than I can say,
and probably more than he knows.  Jonah's the same."  He grinned.  So are
you."  He was pleased with the slight pink which colored the blond woman's
cheeks.

	"Ever since I met you, Bea, I've wished that my mother could have
been like you, but . . ."  He looked away, lost in thought, and didn't see
Bea motion to Jonah and Daniel, who were standing at the kitchen door, to
not interrupt.  The two men nodded their understanding and turned, silently
leaving Bea to finish her conversation.

	"Sweetheart," Bea murmured, as Corey rested his head on her
shoulder.  "I take it your relationship with your mother was
. . . painful."

	Corey softly snorted . . . a small puff of air against her neck.

	"Give her a chance, Sweetheart," Bea continued, in her melodic soft
alto.  "Being a parent is so much more difficult than I ever imagined.  I'm
fortunate, in that all of my children think I did a passable job."  She
held Corey at arm's distance and looked into his eyes.  "No one will ever
know what was happening in your mama's life that made her less than
perfect, in your eyes.  I don't know what your childhood was like, but
. . . give her a chance.  Try to imagine what she and your father were
going through, when you were a child."

	"Owen has told me I need to do my best to forgive.  But . . . it's
so hard."  He glanced at he woman who was focusing her entire attention on
him.  "I'm sorry, Bea, for whining."

	She shook her head, dismissing his claim.  "Things worth
accomplishing are often like that, Corey . . . difficult, I mean, and no,
you're not whining.  You're disturbed.  Y'know . . . most often, difficult
things cannot be accomplished with one act . . . even an act of supreme
will."  She smiled.  "I had a professor, back in college, who liked to say
that tackling a big problem is like eating a whale.  There is no way one
can do it in one bite.  But, with determination, and the . . . will
. . . one can, with enough bites . . . and enough time . . . finish off
that whale."

	Bea tilted Corey's head up, and looked him in the eyes.  "Do you
have the will, Corey?"  After a moment, she smiled.  "I think you do.  Both
Owen and Jonah are smart young men.  I would bet that they think you do
too."

	Corey shrugged agreement, then tried to change the subject.  "I
didn't know you went to college."

	"Yes, just like you, I wanted to be a teacher.  But, instead of
pursuing my dream, I got married, so . . ." she said after a lengthy pause,
"My only students have been my children."

	"You should be very proud, both as their mother . . . and their
teacher."

	Bea quickly kissed Corey on the forehead.  "Thank you.  I am proud
. . . more than I can say."


----------


	Jonah and Daniel eased themselves onto adjoining rocking chairs.
"I'm glad he's talking to Mama," Jonah said, glancing over his shoulder,
toward the home's screen door.  "He's carrying around so much hurt.  It's
like a festering wound.  It's poisoning him."

	"Are the two of you . . . doing okay?" Daniel asked, turning toward
the slender young man who'd thrown one leg over the arm of the chair and
half-turned toward him as he spoke.  "I mean . . . Corey's not feeling bad
'cause of your relationship, is he?"

	Jonah laughed.  "No, we're fine.  I'll have to let Corey choose the
time and place to discuss details with you, but I think I can say, without
betraying any confidences, that his childhood was pretty miserable.  Not
like Owen's and mine," he quickly added.  "There was no shouting or
beatings.  There was . . . nothing.  Corey's been hurting, since as long as
he can remember.  Until he met Owen, he'd never spoken with anyone about
it.  Now . . . it's as if the floodgates have been opened."

	Jonah glanced toward the kitchen, obviously wishing he could be
standing at his partner's side.  "Like I said.  I'm glad he's talking with
Mama.  I've always thought she's easy to talk to."  He smiled.  "Plus, I
think she's kinda partial to Corey, and he thinks of her as something like
a substitute mother."

	Jonah's mood changed.  He smiled and his eyes sparkled as he
twisted to face Daniel.  "So . . . speaking of mothers.  D'ya think I'm
gonna have a baby brother or sister . . . anytime soon?  You need a couple
of children running around, calling you Daddy, and Corey, Sam, Lucas, Owen,
and I need someone to spoil with affection."  He shook his head.  "These
kids are never gonna be left alone, surrounded by big brothers, all wanting
to take 'em places, and show 'em a good time.  Besides, I think you'll be
an awesome father."

	He reached out and playfully punched Daniel's shoulder.  "So
. . . get down to business, guy.  Us brothers and uncles are waiting!"


----------


	With each footstep, the two men stirred up small puffs of fine dust
which hung on the still early evening air.  Jonah inhaled deeply, and
smiled as he took Corey's hand.  'What a wonderful place to live,' he
thought.  To his right, a patchwork of greens stretched to the hazy
horizon, where the green of the earth merged with the soft golden sunlight
of early evening.  Here and there, clumps of trees stood out, like islands
on a peaceful green sea.  To his left was an uninterrupted wall of trees,
and brush, while above, massive limbs arched over the road, their leaves
draping the two men with dappled shadows.

	The undulating song of cicadas, was a sure sign high summer was
approaching.  In a few weeks their frenetic call would be gone and the
peaceful sound of crickets would take their place.  He inhaled deeply, the
smell of damp soil and growing things calming him.  A single dog barked,
momentarily silencing the insect drone.  Then, by fits and starts, the
buzzing returned.

	"May I ask you something?"  Corey turned to him with an attentive
smile.

	"You've not been yourself since you told me about your childhood,"
he said, absently brushing away a persistent fly.

	Corey turned to his partner, with a twisted smile.  "I've been
thinking about about what things were like while I was growing up.  That
has been one of the reasons I've been a little more quiet than usual.  In
fact, your mother gave me a bit of a pep talk, this evening.  She's
wonderful."

	"But . . ." Jonah prompted, after a nod of agreement.

	"Mostly though, I've been wondering if I'm going to find a teaching
job.  With all the cuts in education, some school districts are letting
teachers go.  It doesn't seem as if any town nearby is gonna want to hire a
newly minted teacher."  He reached out and rubbed Jonah's back.  "I
understand how Owen's feeling.  It's no fun not knowing if you're going to
be making a living at what you've been trained to do."

	"You said you've been re-thinking your relationship with your
folks?" Jonah gently probed, refusing to be waylaid by lack of teaching
positions.  "Have you reached any conclusions?"  Corey had taken Owen's
advice and had told Jonah of his past, and had received silent support from
the man who sat by his side and held his hand.  Whenever Corey's narrative
would falter, Jonah's gentle questioning would start him talking.  He laid
it all out; his fears, his anxiety . . . all the bad things which had
happened to him . . . and the few good things.  He held nothing back, and,
in the end, had fallen into a restless slumber at Jonah's side.

	'What a family!' Corey thought, the next day.  'Owen, Bea, Jonah,
they're all freakin' wonderful listeners.  What I would have given to have
had the sort of conversation with Mama, I can so easily have with Bea.'

	The casual thought had made him stop.  "I don't think I've ever
called her that," he said, aloud.  "Mama."  There was a long pause as he
stared, unseeing, into the distance.  'What does me thinking that
. . . now, mean?'

	"Corey," Jonah prompted, as the silence stretched.  "Have you been
doin' a lot of thinking about your folks, too?"

	"Sure, I've been thinking about them.  I just don't know what all
this thinking means, is all."  He turned to the man who was walking at his
side, and retook his hand.  "I've also been thinking not only about what a
wonderful person you are, but how unique your whole family is.  You
. . . your mother, little Opie, Abigail, Owen . . . all of you just . . . I
don't know . . .  You make me feel . . . safe.  You all make me feel as if
what I think and say means something."  He squeezed Jonah's hand.  "I feel
as if I've stumbled into the perfect family."  He pulled Jonah close and
turned to him, as they stopped walking.  "I can't even begin to describe to
you how good I'm feeling, right now."

	"Do you see yourself reconciling with your folks?" Jonah asked.
The question was met with a stone-faced response.  Corey's smile faded.  He
loosened his embrace and stepped back.

	"Don't push, Jonah," he said, in a low voice.  "Not about that, at
least.  Don't push."  He turned away and crossed his arms, closing in on
himself.

	"I won't . . . push," Jonah gently said, but you, yourself, have
started something, by thinking about your folks, for the first time in
years.  You've broken the ice by telling first Owen, then me, about what
happened to you, and you've gone even further by showing some of your
treasured possessions to all of us.  You are the one who is pushing
yourself, Corey.  You, whether you admit it or not, are wanting something
to happen.  I don't know what it is.  Maybe even you don't know.  But, you
want something.  So . . . I won't push, but I will not let you go back into
the shell you've been working so hard to get out of.  Your folks need
dealing with.  I know it.  Owen knows it, and, most importantly, you know
it."

	He reached across the small distance and rested a hand on Corey's
shoulder, causing the man to flinch.  "There's one thing you have to
remember, while you're doing all your thinking."

	"What's that?" Corey asked, not turning around.

	"You have to remember that you are loved.  I love you, Owen loves
you, Mama loves you.  Same with Opie, Lucas, Sam . . . everyone . . ."
Jonah's voice held amusement.  "Even Millie loves you, and not because you
are constantly baking her cookies, either!"

	Corey snorted amusement.  "That woman needs a man!"  He looked over
his shoulder.  "Preferably one who can bake!"

	He turned to Jonah and took his hand.  "I'm sorry for closing down
on you, there, for a minute."  Jonah nodded acceptance of the apology.  "I
know that you and your family care for me, and . . . I promise . . . I will
not retreat back into my 'shell' as you call it.  But . . ."  He held up a
finger.  "Let me do things in my own time, in my own way.  I may be taking
small steps, but you have to remember that I am moving forward."

	Jonah thought for a moment then shrugged.

	"You didn't agree to anything, just now, did you?" Corey gave Jonah
a raised-brow look.  The only answer he received was a slight smile and
another shrug.


----------


	Owen rushed across the living room and grabbed the telephone, made
a face when it was upside down, then hurriedly pressed the button and
answered, as he righted the phone.  "Bailey!  This is wonderful!  How's my
brother who lives in the big city, doing?" Owen laughed, referring to his,
Lucas', Corey's, and Bailey's bonding evening.  "Corey and Sam have told me
that you've met a great guy.  Lucas, says he's drop-dead sexy, with the
most penetrating eyes he's ever seen.  Corey just smiles and asks, 'Who's
looking at his eyes?  He's hardly ever dressed!'"

	Bailey laughed at Owen's boyish enthusiasm.  He could almost
envision his friend, pacing as he spoke.  He was probably naked, his short
blond hair, a mess, and his smile and enthusiasm lighting up the room.

	"Riley . . . Yeah, he's a looker, all right!" Bailey continued.
"And, Lucas is right, about the eyes.  I swear!  Sometimes, I feel as if
he's looking right through me.  They're the palest green I've ever seen.
He's got the most wonderful . . .  Well, let it suffice to say he's
wonderful to look at, and has a great personality.  His family runs a big
construction company in Atlanta.  He and Corey were friends all through
school, and hung around together a lot.  Corey introduced me to him, once,
but I didn't get to know him until after Corey left.  Did I tell you that
they're both Southern boys, so they have much in common?

	"Man . . . listen to me!" Bailey said, amazed, at himself.  "I
called to talk to you, and here I am waxing eloquent about Riley!

	"Oh, one other thing, before I let you talk!  I'm calling to let
you know that you'd better break out the welcome mat.  Lucas' parents, my
parents, and Riley and I, are going to descend on you, and Riverton, for
Independence Day festivities.  The parents have heard Lucas and me talk
about what a wonderful place Riverton is, so they're anxious to come out,
both to see Riverton, but also to see Lucas and you, and the guys.  Riley
and I had already planned to come out so I could introduce him to you all,
and he could experience a little of small town America.  When the parents
heard what we'd planned, they all decided to join us.  Lucas will probably
freak."  Bailey laughed, anticipating his friend's reaction.

	"Sam tells me the remodeling of the bed and breakfast has been
completed, so none of us will have to impose on anyone.

	"I also want to check on my building," Bailey continued.  "Sam's
told me it's finished, and I'm anxious to see how it turned out.  Now
. . . all I need to do is figure out what I want to do with it!"

	"You mean you've remodeled that big ol' building and don' know what
you're gonna do with it?"

	Bailey laughed at Owen's incredulous tone of voice.  "Well . . . I
have a couple ideas.  Maybe, when I come out for a visit, inspiration will
strike.  You're always full of great ideas.  Maybe you can think of
something I can use the building for."

	"Uh . . . I guess."  Owen chuckled.  "You've got everyone guessin'
what it's gonna be, I can tell you that much."

	"I guess I'd better come up with a purpose soon then, hadn't I?"
Bailey took a deep breath, grinning in anticipation.  "Okay, it's your turn
to tell me what's going on.  I promise I won't interrupt.  It's just
. . . geez, Owen, I'm so happy to be talking to you!"

	While Bailey was rambling, Owen shook his head in amazement at the
changes in his friend.  Gone was the pompous man he'd met on the first day
in the city, and in his place was a new person.  He laughed, when Bailey
finally paused long enough for him to say something.  "Wow!" Owen
exclaimed.  "Where'd you stuff the old Bailey?  You're not by some chance,
a guy who just sounds like my friend, are you?

	"Oh!  Wait!  Don't answer!  I shouldn't have asked a question.
With the way you're talking, I might not be able to say anything, and we
both know I have trouble keeping my mouth shut!"  He heard Bailey snort.

	"Actually, things are okay."

	"Only okay?  I thought you'd say they were outstanding."

	Owen took a deep breath.  "Yeah, okay.  Did Sam tell you that I may
be coming back to the city, to go to school?  I have to let the folks there
know, after the Independence Day holiday."  When Bailey failed to respond,
Owen wondered if he was still on the line.  "Bailey?  Are you there?"

	When Bailey did answer, his whole manner had changed.  "Sam's told
me you're not happy with the life you're living," he said, his voice
subdued.  "I can understand your feelings, though, speaking as one of the
folks you've helped, I truly believe you underestimate the impact you have
on everyone with whom you come in contact."  He snorted.  "Hell, I'm
wondering how meeting you is going to change Riley!"

	"I think you're overstating things!" Owen protested.  "I only give
people . . . permission, I guess . . . to speak.  They want to talk.  All I
do is listen."

	"I disagree.  You give people strength!  That's what you gave me,
and, from what I gather when I've spoken with Corey; that's what you've
given him.  He's not told me what's bothering him, but I know
. . . something is . . .  And, you've helped him come to grips with his
problem.  You spread good humor wherever you go, with your smile, and your
good deeds.  Look at how much the doctor depended on you, or your mother,
or Jonah, or Lucas, or Sam, or me . . . Corey . . . everyone!

	"As far as returning to school . . . that is a decision only you
can make.  You need to do what is right for you, not what is right for
Lucas or Sam, or anyone else.  You are the person you need to take care of,
first!  If living in the city and going to the university will make you
happy, that's what you should do.  If staying in Riverton, and getting an
online education, there, will make you happy, then that's what you should
do.

	"What I'm trying to say, Owen, is that there are alternatives to
getting an education here . . . in the city.  If you avail yourself of
those opportunities, you can have your education, your relationship, and
your family and friends.  You need not give up anything."

	Owen sighed, sinking into the embrace of one the apartment's
overstuffed leather chairs.  "Yeah, I guess you're right.  I haven't really
investigated an online education because I've never thought that sort of
degree would be as good as one from a real school, with buildings n'all.

	"When I said that to Lucas he just rolled his eyes and shook his
head.

	"Geez, Bailey, I am so proud of him!  He's turning the entire town
around, singlehandedly.  Going out onto the street, I can feel it.  It's
wonderful.  His folks are going to be as proud of him as I am.

	"And, Sam!  You and Sam need to get to know one another better.
You've spoken a lot on the phone, I'm sure, but being around him
face-to-face is way better.  He's thrown himself into Lucas' projects, just
like he threw himself into yours."  Owen snorted.  "Sam doesn't do anything
half-way.  He's taking some summer classes at the junior college in
Evanston.  He's helping out with his father, he's been working on your
building, and keeping all of your secrets, even when we threaten to hold
him down and tickle him."

	"Have you listened to what you've been telling me?" Bailey asked.
"You know what the best decision is, regarding school.  If you haven't
already . . . sit down and think about what you would be missing if you
were living here.  Consider all the plusses and minuses of Riverton and the
city.  Then, when I'm out there, you and I will discuss things.  Don't make
any decision until then though, okay?

	"I want a chance to visit with you.  I also want a chance to hug
you."  He spoke with a grin in his voice.  "No one can hug like you can.
Absolutely, no one!"

	"Aww, thanks, but Riley won't appreciate hearing you say things
like that."

	"Riley knows precisely how much you mean to me, Owen.  I've not
kept my feelings for you a secret, either from him or from Corey.  So, to
respond to your comment.  No, he wouldn't complain.  He'll love you as much
as I do . . . as much as everyone does.  And, once he sees you, and you hug
him, you're going to have another admirer.  In fact, I'm wondering what
sort of things the two of you will end up discussing, and how he'll go away
from those conversations, changed.

	"I'm looking forward to seeing you again, Owen.  It'll be great to
see Lucas and Corey again, and get to know both Sam and Jonah better."
Bailey chuckled.  "Hell, I've found that I even miss Riverton!  I still
don't think I could live there, but a long visit from time-to-time, would
be welcomed."

	" So . . . bottom line . . . Things are good with you?" Owen asked.

	"Oh, Owen, you have no idea how good."


----------


	"What?!" Lucas almost shouted, turning from the kitchen counter.
"Everyone's coming here?  Next WEEK?!"

	Owen flinched from the strength of Lucas' response.  "No, not
everyone.  Just your folks, Bailey's folks, Bailey and Riley.  That's all."

	"Owen," Lucas said, slowly, choosing his words carefully, and
setting the knife he'd been using, on the counter.  He wiped his hands on a
towel, wearing a frown, ignoring the quick glance exchanged between Owen
and Sam.  "As much as I love you, sometimes . . . and this is one of them
. . . I would dearly like to wring your neck!"  Sam's soft snort of
amusement was quickly quelled.  "When did you find out about this
. . . visitation?  And, please don't tell me, last week!

	"And don't you defend him, smarty pants!" Lucas rounded on Sam,
catching him giving Owen a raised-brow look.  "Or," Lucas continued, "You
just may not get any dinner."

	"He considers that a threat?" Sam couldn't help but ask, then
raised his hands, as if to fend off a blow, when Lucas looked in his
direction, wearing a scowl.  "Dont'cha just love it when he gets riled up?"
Sam asked, Owen.  "Makes him, sorta . . ."  Sam shimmied . . . "macho!"

	"Makes a guy just want to strip-off, and invite him to climb on
board," Owen agreed.

	"Guys!"  Lucas shouted, in exasperation.  "Stop it!"

	"Awww, and I was just getting hard," Sam playfully groaned.  "That
happens, when I hear all this talk about getting nekkid.  Besides, I
haven't gotten to be a bottom in days!"

	"You're always hard, so be quiet for a couple minutes while I ream
Owen's ass."

	"Then, can you do mine?" Sam asked, his eyes wide.

	"Sam!  Stop it!"

	"Now . . ."  Lucas turned back to Owen, hands on hips, wearing a
determined scowl.  "When did you learn of everyone's visit?"

	"A couple hours ago.  You were downstairs in the office when Bailey
called.  We talked 'bout a bunch of stuff, and he told me they were all
coming for a visit, 'cause your and his parents want to see the town, and
Bailey wants us all to meet Riley, whom he's very fond of.  Those are my
words, not his.'

	Owen's brows drew down, in thought.  "Whom he's very fond of," he
repeated, then glanced at Lucas.  "Isn't that a dangling participle, or
something?"

	"Mine isn't . . ." Sam began, but was interrupted.

	"Dangling," Lucas finished the thought.  "Yes, we know.  Besides, I
don't think participles can dangle."  He thrust out a warning hand in Sam's
direction, discouraging any response.

	"Dammit, guys!  Don't you see?  I'm going to be judged by what's
been accomplished, here in Riverton.  I'm not ready to be judged!  When Dad
invested in all this . . ."  He waved an arm to the changes going on,
beyond the apartment.  "He expected results.  I haven't been able to show
any.  There won't be any.  Not until after the greenhouses are done and
we've been able to grow and distribute our produce.  Then, is when he
should come out to visit.  Not now!"

	"Lucas, don't get all anxious about stuff.  Everything will be
okay.  Sure, your dad wants to see results.  But, he realizes, I'm sure,
that, you've gotta lay the groundwork before you can have any profits.
After all, you've started with a clean slate . . . with nothing.  The stuff
you, Jonah, and Sam have accomplished is amazing.  I'm proud of you guys.
Your folks will be, too.  And, best of all, your bed and breakfast is ready
to go, so we won't have to give up our bed, unless, of course, we invite
someone to join us."  He grinned brightly, turning to Sam.

	"Bailey says his friend, Riley, hates clothes, so we should be
prepared to have him hangin' around all nekkid n'stuff."  Owen wiggled his
eyebrows, in Sam's direction.

	"My parents?" Lucas groaned.  "Here . . ."

	"And, Bailey's folks, plus Bailey and Riley, the guy who loves to
be nekkid," Owen added, choosing to ignore Lucas' frown.

	Lucas turned to Sam.  "Did you know of this visit?"

	"Nope.  This is news to me.  Owen's right, though.  Don't get all
nervous, worrying.  Things are fine.  You have so much to be proud of.  If
you have any doubts, just ask anyone in town.  They'll tell you!  Your
parents, and Bailey's, are going to be amazed at what you've accomplished."

	"Ask anyone in town, he says," Lucas said, looking in Owen's
direction.  "What about Maxine?  She'll probably be the first person they
meet!"

	Sam made a sour face, much like Maxine's, on a good day.  "Yeah,
well.  They should talk to anyone but Maxine, okay?"  Sam's expression
turned mischievous.  "Ol' Maxine."  Sam sadly shook his head.  "The problem
is, there's wasn't enough chlorine in her gene pool."  The comment was
outlandish enough to make Lucas snort amusement, which, in turn, inspired
Sam to continue. Y'know," he grinned.  "I heard that when Maxine dies,
she's decided to donate her body to science fiction."

	"No.  Truly?" Owen asked, his eyes wide.  "You're joking!"

	"You think things'll be okay?" Lucas asked, in a small voice, as
Sam shrugged, grinning at Owen's expression.  "Mother's such a
perfectionist . . ." Lucas mumbled, flopping onto the living room sofa,
with a soft whoosh of expelled breath.

	"And . . . she knows exactly how hard you've been working to make
everything perfect," Owen interrupted.  "All she can talk about, every time
I speak with her on the phone, is how proud she is of you, and what you're
doing.  'He always was one to take the bull by the horns, and wrestle it
until he gets what he wants,' she told me a couple days ago.  'He never
settles for second best,' she added, then laughed, and told me that's why
you chose Sammy and me to be your partners."

	"For real?" Sam asked, with a bright smile.  "I thought she was
pretty cool, too.  Same as your dad," he added, after a brief pause.

	Owen nodded.  "It made me feel so good, to hear her say that about
us, Sammy.  Y'know, she refers to us as, 'her boys.'  She never mentions
Lucas when she says that," Owen added, wearing a mischievous expression.
"I guess, since we're so outstanding, we sorta outshine him.  Don't you
think?"

	Sam playfully elbowed Owen in the side, then turned his attention
to Lucas.  "Relax, Lucas.  Things'll be fine.  There's no need to do
anything special.  Like Owen says, just sit back and enjoy everyone's
visit.  Be the tour guide for all your projects."

	Owen groaned.  "Does this mean, we have to make the bed?  I mean,
geez guys, we no sooner make it than we're messing it up again."


----------


	"You know, your mother is very unhappy with you, don't you?"
Franklin Pruitt asked his son.

	Riley sighed.  "Yes, I know.  She's using the fact that I'll be
meeting you all in Europe instead of going on the same plane with you, as
an excuse to berate me, when the actual reason is that she does not approve
of Bailey because, as she says, 'he's new money, AND a Northerner to boot.'
Those are her words, Father, along with the words she chose to emphasize.
When did Mother suddenly become so concerned with whom I choose to spend
time?"

	Franklin Pruitt laughed.  "When she finally realized she was not
going to choose a bride for you, as she did for your older brother.  I pity
your younger brother.  Elizabeth's already started parading eligible young
ladies, of good Southern blood, before him."  Franklin laughed.  "The boy's
even more irreverent than you!

	"When your mother asked him if any of the girls so far had
done-anything-for-him, he continued with his dinner and shook his head."

	"'You needn't ask, Mother,' he calmly told her.  "All you need do
is glance at my crotch.  If it's at attention, I'm interested.  If not, you
might as well parade someone else in front of me.  You really are wasting a
lot of energy, you know.  I wouldn't want to be in the same room with most
of the girls you approve of, much less share he same bed.'"

	"Good for him!" Riley laughed.  He could imagine his younger
brother saying something like that to his very proper mother.

	Franklin cleared his throat and tried to keep his own approval of
his youngest son's behavior to himself.  "Yes, well . . . Nathan's behavior
makes things difficult for everyone else around here.  If your mother found
out that I've begun the process of replacing the firm's lawyers with a new
firm, she would, as your brother is so fond of saying, go ballistic, and
. . . things would go from difficult to intolerable.

	"That's the real reason I'm calling you, this evening.  I want to
thank you for putting me in touch with George, your friend Bailey's father.
I liked the man, right off.  He's got a level head on his shoulders, and
knows what is appropriate and what isn't.  I like that in a businessman.  I
told him that I've been looking to replace these slime-bag attorneys of
mine with someone else . . . someone not from around here!  Someone who's
not part of the good ol' boy network of Atlanta attorneys.

	This past weekend, he flew down, along with a whole slew of his
corporate attorneys, and I've begun the process of divorcing myself, and my
firm, from the money-grabbing bunch of pure bloods your mother foisted on
me.  I don't trust those guys with the time of day, much less my firm's
money!  They've gotten so that they think they own the company.  If I gave
'em half a chance, they'd claim I was incompetent, or something, and snatch
the firm away, and where would that leave your mother?

	"Um, sorry," Franklin apologized.  "I get all hot under the collar
whenever I even think of those weasels.  I'm sorry this trip has come up
when it has, because I'll be away from the action, but, if I'm away, so
Elizabeth will be.

	"I've already made arrangements with the firm's in-house
accountants, to do whatever they need to do to accomplish what I wish,
but," Franklin took a deep breath.  "I am going to ask if you would help."

	"Oh?" Riley asked, noncommittally.

	"Riley, I know you're not interested in the firm.  I don't like it,
but I have grown to accept your decision.  While learning to accept your
feelings, I realized that I trust you implicitly.  I value that trust more
than having a son who professes to be interested, as your older brother
does.  I know exactly where I stand with you.  As much as I hate to say it,
your younger brother is the only other member of the family whom I can say
the same thing about, but he's only seventeen.  I need someone older
. . . you."

	"Need, Father?  For what?"

	"I know that you'll be joining us for our vacation, but I need you
to know my thoughts, and my plans.  Before Bailey's father, and his
attorneys, flew down to meet with me, I investigated him and the firms of
his attorneys thoroughly.  I've decided to make some pretty wide sweeping
changes.

	"Oh?"

	"When I met with George's attorneys, I not only hired them to begin
procedures to replace our current lawyers, I also had then draw up a
document giving you sole authority to make decisions . . . should such a
time ever arise," Franklin quickly added.  "Otherwise, I changed my will,
and most of the documents under which the firm has operated.  I wanted you
to know these things, and that I just got back from meeting with all the
new attorneys and signing slews of papers . . . just in case."

	Riley's father cleared his throat.  "I don't expect you will ever
need the protections those papers provide, but . . . Riley . . . please
understand where I'm coming from.  As I said, you are the only person I
trust.  I wish you were staying in the States, just so you'd be closer to
whatever might be happening . . . if anything.  I . . ." Franklin
hesitated.  "I just have a bad feeling about . . . things.  I don't know
why, but that's why I did what I did, and gave all that authority to you,
should it ever be necessary to use."

	Riley swallowed, moved more than he would have imagined by his
father's actions, as well as his words.  "Father, I . . . I don't know what
to say.  I . . . of course, I'll do as you wish . . . if necessary.  I only
pray it never becomes so.  You . . ."  He swallowed again.  "You've always
made an effort to understand me, Father.  You've never seen me as a pawn to
manage.  I . . . I can't begin to tell you how much your trust has meant to
me.  Now this!  I'm honored, Father . . . by your trust.

	"I'm also pleased you've begun to divest yourself of the company
Mother chose to represent the firm.  They have made it clear, on any number
of occasions, precisely what they think of me and my aberrant ways.  Of
course, I don't know if they're doing anything wrong, but, whenever I've
been around them, I feel . . . sullied.  Like you said, those guys are
slimy.  I'm pleased you got along well with Bailey's father, and with his
men.  But, why bring me into this now, Father?  This isn't an attempt to
draw me into the firm, through the back door, so to speak . . . is it?"

	Franklin laughed.  "No.  I understand and accept your decision.  I
just want to cover my backside.  As my son, you are he first of two people
with whom I am entrusting things.  The other is Gene Lawson, my in-house
go-to guy."

	"I like Gene."

	"Yeah, he's been with me since the beginning.  Other than you, he
is the only non-family-member I'd trust with my life, or my business.
They're he same thing, actually," Franklin laughed.

	"Thank you, Riley," Franklin said.  "You have always been a
wonderful son.  I've watched you grow and silently cheered you on as you
established your independence of . . . um . . . everyone.  Continue on,
son.  Continue thinking for yourself.  Your muse will lead you to where you
need to be.  And, know that you have my blessing, whatever or wherever that
may end up being.  I love you, Riley," Franklin Pruitt said, in a voice,
husky with suppressed emotion.

	Riley gulped a breath of air.  "I . . . love you too . . . Dad."


~ to be continued ~

	Thank you for taking the time to read my work.  I always welcome
your email and enjoy hearing your thoughts.  If you would like me to send
you a pic of the character(s), please ask.

	If you have enjoyed this story, you might also like to read,
Phalen, also in the Gay College Section..