Date: Sun, 14 Aug 2011 07:26:59 -0700 (PDT)
From: jim ford <sojourn1950@yahoo.com>
Subject: t.r.'s tale chapter eleven

There is no sex in this chapter. Sorry about the delay a slight hospital
stay for a week kept my muse at bay. Will post this today to make up for
it.  I offer that as a reason. I hate reading stories in which chapters are
posted too far apart to even remember I was reading it. Do not send emails
expressing sympathy and concern. Emails focused on the story are always
welcomed.

This paragraph is a reminder to me as well as encouragment to all of us.
Try to be more accepting of our fellow glbtpoz. If we are fractured we are
easier to minimalize. Let us remember the sooner we are a fully accepted
part of humanity the sooner all hatred may be obliterated. Remember war is
hate and hate, at all levels, is war. If we have hope, it is geometrically
magnified when we are united.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bill rushed to his phone even as he dripped across the floor.  Suddenly I
was possessed of a significant resentment toward law enforcement as a
concept. I could tell it was another accident that needed coverage. Damn!
Can no one in this town drive after dark?

Dejavue, all over again. I couldn't help but wonder how often this
happened? I was beginning to think LBJ and I would have to hit a ditch
after dark if this relationship is to advance. Then again maybe fate was
saving my ass from a serious invasion.

There was a vague promise to call if he finished up quickly enough. That
didn't happen and the last thing I remember was rolling over and almost
breaking my hardon.

Apparently morning had been scheduled to start hours earlier than ever
before and I didn't get the memo. My eyes burned, my head ached and my
mouth tasted like the southern exposure of a north bound nag. I wondered if
there was a party I attended and just didn't remember. I dragged myself out
of bed and thought perhaps this was Sunday and I drank so much at the cook
out that I backed out. I actually checked my cell phone before I dismissed
that idea. Today was Friday.

The fact that Bill hadn't called meant that he worked late and was probably
sleeping.

I grabbed aspirin and dressed for my run. I let routine carry me from the
bedroom through the first half-mile. The pain had diminished to the point
that I was sure it would be gone by the end of my run. Had I thought about
it, I would have run in the other direction. Now, I could see Bach again
awaiting Jed at the porch. I swear he tossed his head and whinnied as he
saw me pass the drive.

By the time Jed and Bach caught up, I was pain free and in an almost good
mood. When I heard the hoofbeats approach I half-hoped Bach had thrown Jed
and he and I could have a good run. The shifting gate settled them into my
pace.

"Morning, Tim." Jed said laconically. "Want to join me for breakfast, if I
promise not to use chains and whips?"

I would have liked to have pulled him from his horse and kicked his
ass. Then I realized he was being as cordial as one might expect Jedidiah
Compton to be. I ignored the invitation and asked, "So, what did you and
Doc discuss yesterday?"

"Tim, I think the thing I would like you to consider is that Gordon and I
have patched things up. We intend to renew our friendship. I expect us to
again be the best of friends. Since he told me what he told you about us,
you should know we will not be renewing our intimacy." He released a heavy
sigh and continued, "I want you to know I was not using you to get back
with Doc. He is a fine man, but what we had ended when he refused to see me
or even talk to me. I blame myself for that. I've moved on and so has
Gordon. As for you and me..." At this he grinned and said, "Tim, I am
attracted to you. That won't change. But..." This time the sigh seemed to
take the wind from his sales. "Tim, I would be pleased and proud if I could
consider you a friend. Can you put off the rest of your run this morning?"

I suppose I was spring-loaded to the bad position where Jed was
concerned. I stopped and almost as if in step Bach halted almost as I
did. "Jed, I don't know what you have in mind, but..." Before I could
finish, Jed extended his arm and slipped his boot from the stirrup.

Any horseman, hell, anyone who ever saw an "Oatie" could understand the
gesture. I was in a daze as I put my foot into the stirrup and he pulled me
up behind him. He turned Bach and smoothly they slide into a gate that
seemed at once to be effortless and rocking chair smooth.

"Jed, I don't know what you have in mind, but I am not sure it's a good
idea."

"Be patient and try to trust me. I give you my word you will like what I
have in mind."

Nothing more was said until we were in front of Jed's porch. Once we both
dismounted he simply handed me the reins. I was flabbergasted. Trusting me
to drive a brand new, Bugati, Veyron could not have excited me more. I
started to protest. "Look, Tim, I figure I owe you for... well, sexual
harassment." Jed grinned, "I would almost like to serve as your attorney on
that one... still, I don't like to lose." Stroking Bach's neck, Bill
whispered something and Bach perked his ears.

"Look Tim, take it easy. You'll be the seventh man to ride with Bach. I can
tell you know about horseflesh, are you a rider?"

"I competed in dressage in high school and college. I did steeple chase for
three years. I would like to think I can ride." Jed almost stepped back in
awe. I had to laugh. Even Bach seemed to pick up on the humor. He nudged
Jed toward me.

I took the reins and mounted. I felt Bach shudder. I was not sure why. I
realized how well educated this animal was when I touched the rein with
temerity. He moved out with grace and power. The last thing I heard was Jed
calling, "No jumping". I hoped I could convince Bach not to.

Before we reached the road, Bach and I were communicating. Even as we
turned onto the road we began a half pass. The power, the beauty, the skill
level was almost overwhelming. I had never ridden a horse with such a grand
combination. The gates were achieved flawlessly. The road seemed to float
beneath us or were we floating above the road. Just as Jed had done I asked
Bach to gallop and he did. God, I never wanted to stop. Still when we
slowed I could tell Bach and I both wanted more. A second half pass was
beautiful I could tell it would have appeared perfectly straight. Out of
sight of the house I couldn't restrain myself. Suffice it to say that Bach
showed his training and the penultimate was a coplia, such power, such
grace. This horse may never have competed in the arena and mores the shame.

Before the joy ended my conscience began to nag me. We pirouetted and
headed back. We found Jed sitting at a small table loaded with a breakfast
buffet. When I dismounted, a man appeared almost from nowhere. Truth was I
was too busy to notice anything but this amazing creature. When his trainer
took the reins, Bach nudged me toward the porch and seemed to stroke my
back. I think he was pleased with our ride and I couldn't help but wonder
if the trainer or Jed were a match for Bach's obviously advanced dressage.

The ride had mellowed me to the point that I was expressing my thanks in a
heartfelt hug that Jed enthusiastically returned. "Tar, that hoss makes me
look good. I could tell you two look as if you were cut from a single mold.
It was a pleasure to watch. I just wish I had taken another mount and went
along with you. If you don't let me go, I'm gonna think that you have
changed your mind about us." An exaggerated wink and he stepped back.
"Let's have some breakfast and you can tell me where you learned to ride."

Still euphoric I began to tell Jed how an Olympic contender bought a ranch
next to ours and she began to train horses. I worked as a stable boy and
worked my way up to riding for her. I competed in dressage through high
school and in college rode steeple chase. I always knew I would work with
horses. I asked how he came to own Bach. He told about riding with a Prince
in the Middle East who rolled a suv in the desert. The idiot had not used a
seatbelt and had been ejected. Both legs were broken while Jed was
unharmed. (seat belts save lives) His father was grateful and thus Bach was
soon Jed's. The stables had other stallions, but Jed liked Bach best. The
staff that came for med checks and semen collection was a small price to
pay. When the Royal Family was through with Bach the agreement was he would
be castrated. We talked about vasectomy and agreed that that would be the
first choice. Still, that was more than a few years away.

The breakfast, I was busy eating, was impressive not only in quantity but
in quality. I noticed a man standing just inside the door surreptitiously
watching our progress. Both of us have hearty appetites. Jed regaled me
with tales of life in The Big Apple and London. He wasn't shy about
explaining how he came to get involved in BDSM. Seems his lover in London
introduced him slowly and he enjoyed it. He had always been a dominant
personality and it just seemed a natural fit. His lover had seen him in a
meeting, in which Jed had forcefully espoused his client's position. He
lost but won a lover, who was within the top twenty for ascension to the
throne. The partner began to beg Jed to mutilate his body to show that Jed
owned him. Castration fantasies turned to a demand for the real thing.

Jed's face took on a forlorn look and his eyes moistened. His lover found
someone who did in fact castrate him and he almost bled to death. The
family locked him away, explaining he was on "extended vacation".

Jed explained that he enjoyed what he did and subs seemed to appreciate his
efforts. While not all of his sex play was dom/sub, most was and certainly
the most enjoyable aspects were played out in the dungeon.

At first, I thought I was talking to some freak. I began to see the smug
attitude was a test to see if we were sexually compatible. I guess no one
introduces themselves by saying, "Oh, by the way, I'm a top, and you"?

Jed had obviously explored the psychology of BDSM. Not that there was a lot
of studies done on the subject. It was for the most part simply labeled
"Taboo". Breakfast turned out to be the best meal I had enjoyed in a long
time. Sometimes good conversation is better than sex... ok, maybe when
you're not horny. But relaxing with Jed was actually fun. I found I could
ease my guard and he didn't rush in to make advances. Jed was intelligent
with a good sense of humor. He seemed the antithesis of the brute I had
known and at times hated. We talked about Doc and then about Bill.

"Tim, do you believe in gaydar?"

I sensed he was taking a dominant tack with that more formal approach. I
stiffened.

"Relax, I'm no idiot. I know where I stand with you and with Gordon. Would
you please answer the question?"

"Jedidiah, I believe gaydar is just a heightened state of awareness. I
believe gay men are trying to find other gay men, if not for sex, then for
a diminished sense of isolation. So, yes, in that sense I believe in
gaydar."

"Good, then you can understand that the Dom/sub aspect exists on the same
level as gaydar. When Gordon and I last got together I was not in tune with
that concept. I talked him into something that he did out of love for me. I
used and abused him, thinking he was having a good time." Seeing the
doubtful look on my face Jed shrugged.

"Is that shrug a courtroom tactic?"

This brought a laugh and Jed explained, "Tim, you may find it hard to
accept that some men process pain as pleasure. You obviously know that
orgasm is french for "little death". It's not much of a stretch to
understand that that which creates life being equated to death that in some
men can feel pain as pleasure.

Just like sometimes you see a man and know he is gay. I can sometimes see a
man and am convinced that he is a sub or a Dom. Obviously, it is not
infallible."

"What did I do or say that gave you that impression?"

"Now, I think it was more that I wanted you to be. I was horny; you are
handsome and have a cute ass."

I arched an eyebrow and interjected, "Flattery will get you nowhere
Mr. Compton."

A theatrical sigh and "I know, I know."

"Tim, you haven't asked about Bill. I think I know why. He has asked you to
do things to him that are a little kinky, hasn't he? Things that now seem
to have a greater significance than before. Maybe he wants his balls or
nipples roughed up. Maybe he likes his ass slapped when he is getting
fucked." Jed looked down at the coffee he was stirring to mix the sugar. "I
may have been wrong about you but I am sure about Bill. He may not know
himself. I don't think it would take much to convince him, he is a natural
sub just like he is a natural bottom. He has a strong desire to please his
man. Are you that man?"

I knew that was a rhetorical question. It was to make me think and,
son-of-a-bitch, it did. I thought about everything we had done sexually,
how even last night he had agreed to stay, though he was dead on his
feet. Perhaps Bill and I needed to talk.

I finished breakfast and expressed my gratitude with words this time. Jed
insisted on driving back to the house. I noticed that his Land Rover looked
good as new. We talked about the cookout and admitted we were both looking
forward to the chance for us all to get together.

I hit the shower and thought about what Jed had said about Bill. If Bill
was a "natural sub" how would I, hell, how could I deal with that? I've
seen the porn, but it never got me off. I liked what Bill and I have
done. I liked it a lot. Do subs ride Harley's? I felt a little
sick. Suddenly I was seeing Bill in all the positions that Doc had
described. I knew I had to help David and Doc, otherwise I would confront
Bill. Instead I got dressed and grabbed a beach towel and trunks and headed
out.

I turned down the winding drive and met Jed's Land Rover leaving. He seemed
in a hurry. I wondered who might have pissed him off. Once I could see his
face, he was smiling and waved.

At David's "Boathouse", I saw David's, Doc's and two vehicles I didn't
recognize. As I stepped out of LBJ a wonderful aroma assailed my senses and
even after an award winning breakfast at Jed's, my mouth was watering. A
bar b gue grill trailer had smoke wafting its way toward me. I actually
thought about getting close enough to get a bite of that delicious smoke. I
headed around back where reggae music was playing.

I found Doc and Harry arranging tables and chairs. Long tables were to hold
the food. An old fashioned galvanized bathtub held beer and alongside the
beer was a wine chiller filled with white and red wine. Another bathtub
held a variety of 'cokes" Pepsi, orange cokes and grape cokes and Coca-Cola
[not according to the dictionary} :) soft drinks as well as iced sweet tea
and Gatorade. There were chips and snacks but the pig would not be
presented for another couple of hours.

Julie had apparently taken charge. There were lifeguards at the pool as
well as a crew for David's ski-boat. Clown balloons and face painting for
the kids.

In the kitchen every inch of counter top and table were supporting food for
the multitudes. David was busy tearing lettuce into a large aluminum pan
while Julie was stirring something looked disgusting and smelled like
TexMex heaven... Chili! Some Texans think it is never a real celebration or
gathering unless chili is served. When chili is served it always gets a
discussion going about its merits or the lack there of.

Juanita came in behind me with a note pad and asked if any one of us three
was a Designated Driver. Julie spoke up and said she was for me and David,
in case David wanted to go home with me. I gave her a look that shot
daggers while David looked at me hopefully and blushed. His black hair and
silver blue eyes gave him a handsome yet ethereal look.

By way of an apology Julie turned to me and said, "Hey, hon com'ere and
taste this. I've been tasting it for three days. Harry sneaks in more
peppers when my back is turned, so be careful." She was suspending a spoon
over a dishrag. I tasted as directed. My mouth felt the heat. It was more
than warm but not unbearable. The flavor was earthy, spicy, and almost
sweet. Chili is subjective. Mine never comes out the same twice in a
row. Julie and Harry's was competition quality. As I turned to say hello to
David I felt the heat at the top of my head. I knew if I ran my hand
through my hair it would come out wet. That is a sign that the spices are
just right.

"Julie, it's prize winning good. Leave Harry alone, the spiciness is
perfect and the flavor is real chili. You didn't use some spell on it, did
you?' I was only half teasing.

"Tar, I am not a witch. You stop saying that or they will be building a
bonfire with my name on it, in town square."

David had been watching, "I'm impressed, she had to give me water. Come to
think of it, most of mine was mostly some kind of pepper." Julie ignored
his comment and turned quickly to wash the spoon.

I gave Julie a questioning look. To which she responded with, "He asked for
water. If he asked for milk, I would have given him milk. Besides habanero
will put lead in his pencil. You do want lead in his pencil, don't you Tar?
Otherwise..." She left that hanging with a pregnant pause.

David glanced from Julie to me and back to Julie. Just as he was about to
say something, she cut him off by handing him a spoon and said, "Go for
it."

What man can resist a challenge, especially from a bossy redhead? David
approached the pot and stared a moment, and turned away. He took a plastic
cup and filled it half full of milk. Again he stepped to the stove and eyed
the chili as if sizing up an opponent. I took the time to really look at
him. He knew he was putting on a show to entertain us. He didn't mind
playing the fool but being made a fool was not something he would
tolerate. How did I know that? Because he sat the milk down and gathered a
soup bowl and a ladle and stirred the chili. Ladling a good serving he
began to eat with gusto. It was obvious he had been pulling Julie's
leg. She had not warned him how spicy it was with his earlier taste.

Watching for a reaction from David was a waste of time. He really enjoyed
the chili. Julie just hmmphed and turned to the refrigerator where she
retrieved more salad vegetables, "Here David, quit stuffing your face and
finish making the salad. Folks will be here shortly and there is still lots
to do." Turning to me she said, "Tar come give me a hand."

"Julie" David had wolfed down the chili and was about to drink the
milk. "Did you know it is the fat in milk that lifts the capsicum from your
mouth? Skim milk..." At this he drained the glass. "Skim milk does nothing
to quell the burning."

"David, just git the salad made before I figure out how to put a spell on
you. Tar let's check the deck. Harry and Doc should be through by now."

I followed her onto the deck where she grabbed a beer for each of us and
sat at a table and motioned me to take a seat.

"Tar, Jed has gone to talk to Bill. I don't expect to see either one of
them here again today. You need to realize the things Jed suspects about
Bill are true. Don't blame Bill he didn't know any better himself. He's
learning now. You'll be getting a call as soon as Jed convinces him. That
should be within the hour." I glanced at my watch and saw she was telling
me I was getting dumped within thirty-seven minutes. I didn't feel much of
a reaction. Either I didn't believe her or it wasn't much of a surprise.

"Tar, you and David are fated to be together. If you stop and think about
that first meeting and think about how you felt as your eyes rose to meet
his. Think and remember you blushed at the things you were thinking. He'd
already been smitten as soon as he first saw you. Tar, he wasn't free to
approach you. He was still married. David's divorce came through yesterday.

"There's another complication. David's wife will deliver a baby boy next
month. So, you two have to act fast. He'll need you to travel with him to
Nebraska to bring home your son. His wife will have him during her vacation
and David has agreed to give her unfettered access to their child. Oh, and
one more thing. He will be named David Gordon Jantzen; ya'll will call him
Didgy, then DG then Gordon."

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I jerked my head around and found
David's eyes glistening with... love. I jumped up and away.

"What the Fuck!"

David looked to Julie, "Will you excuse us. I need to talk to Tar." He was
different... stronger. He voice held strength and conviction. I gulped for
air. David was all man... not some mouse that seemed to shy away from
me. He was invading my space and all my senses. His eyes were trying to
read mine. His five o'clock shadow wrapped around a strong chin and framed
a perfect nose and those creamy dreamy blue gray eyes. He was drop dead
gorgeous. I realized he had been avoiding me since my arrival. If he had
asked I would have been seeing him instead of Bill.

I came to my senses and realized that David had let his chance slip
away. "NO! Julie, don't go. I'm leaving. This is like some twilight zone. I
figure Rod Serling is about to step out or maybe it's Candid Camera. This
is bullshit! You think I am a thing to be passed from man to man in this
town? I didn't come here for this shit. No offense David, but I like to
choose my own partners."

As I moved to step around David and head for the exit he cut off my escape
and pulled me into his arms and kissed me. Not bad for a first kiss. In
fact it was the best first kiss I'd ever experienced. I would say that it
was in the top ten kisses I ever had... except I can't remember any of the
other nine. There is something to be said for chemistry of the mouth. His
mouth tasted sweet and spicy or was that the subtle smell of his cologne?

I think time past... I'm just not sure. I know that... I wasn't sure of
what I was feeling or how long the kiss lasted. I don't know if I breathed
or held my breath. It seemed like the kiss had been going on forever as if
history began to be acknowledged when we kissed. It ended too soon with the
ringing of my phone.

"He... hel... hello. Yes Bill, it's me."

"I was... just... had to catch my breath."

I'm sure he said something but I happened to glance at David who looked
wide eyed as though I were his most ever wished for Christmas present. I'm
sure he had no clue I was on the phone. Apparently I wasn't alone in my
wonderment of that kiss.

"No Bill, I think I do understand. Look, go ahead and check it out. We can
still be friends. I know... me too. Bill, if you need my help anytime... I
mean if it gets too rough or you need a place, I feel free in saying Doc
would love to have you stay with us. It might be on the sofa, but just know
you have friends."

"Ok, you too. Yeah, me too. You take care."

I had been dumped just like the wit... Julie said I would be. What's worse
is after kissing David I am not sure how I felt. When you get dumped it's
supposed to hurt, right? I didn't feel hurt. I felt... I felt... I didn't
know what I felt yet. I was numb or in shock... I just didn't feel much. If
Bill had been in a wreck I would have felt. If he was hurt I would have
felt... but this... I just didn't know how to feel. I mean Jed told me and
Julie told me and I think even Doc might have told me.

David. He never said anything. Not a word. The whole town is talking and he
played hush mouth.

The phone was still in my hand when I looked up at those silver blue eyes
and said, 'What the fuck is wrong with you. Are you gutless? If you want me
to know something about how you feel about me, you need to 'speak for
yourself, John." I became a little angry with myself. I hate it when full
grown gay men gave me say shit like, 'you go girl' or 'bitch!' Now I had
just put myself in Priscilla Mullen's role. Yeah, I know, earlier it was
Scarlet O'Hara. I should have my ass kicked.

"Now, if you'll step aside I'm leaving."

David blinked like a man fighting for consciousness. Finally stumbling to
get out of my way, he mumbled, "Please, don't go yet." He didn't grab my
arm he just gently laid his hand upon my bicep. The electric tingle made my
body shiver. It was as if my skin was an erogenous zone... which of course
it is. How come I never thought about that before?

When I opened my eyes I realized that David had released me and stepped
back to allow me pass.

Julie had gone either to the kitchen or left on her broom... I made a note
to check the diner's janitor's closet. The phone rang again. It was
Bill. He wanted to be reassured that I was ok with this. I could relate the
blow by blow... Probably you have heard or used it before... "It's not you,
it's me." In this case he was right. He wanted to explore what Jed offered.
He knew it was sudden but Jed, well, Jed was a forceful man. He was not to
be denied. I could hear the anticipation in his voice. What could I do? I
wished them both well and hung up.

I dropped down into the nearest chair. My head was spinning trying to find
a point to start sorting out all the bullshit. I stared at the phone as if
it were an alien object. Julie, Jed and Bill, their faces seemed to be
riding a three horse carousel in my mind. I decided to dismiss Jed, then
Julie, and then at last Bill was gone. That left me and David.

At some point I realized a cold beer was suspended in front of my face. I
took it and chugged about half. David sat beside me and said, "Whoa,
cowboy. I need you to be sober when I tell you what I've got to say."

I didn't look at him. I just took a more normal swallow. He began, "Tar;
when you walked into the clinic I was dumbstruck. I saw you as you knelt to
pet Bruno. I had never seen a more perfect man. I knew it was more than
that you were handsome. I can honestly say that it was more than physical
attraction. I knew you."

He took a sip of his own beer while apparently collecting his thoughts, he
continued, "I can see your pain and confusion. It's in your eyes, there's
something else there too. Something that tells me you feel like I
do... like nothing you will tell me about growing up and the guy you loved
will be a surprise. Not cause I know, because I know you. Already I know
you the way I know my favorite fishing hole. The way I know how cold the
seat in my old Cherokee is going to be in mid-December. It's like the way I
know from looking at the sky, how far off the rain is. I just know. I don't
understand it. I want to know all about you, all your little quirks, every
little detail... but I already know you. I think... I think I might..."
Looking at the condensation and moving the moisture with his long index
finger, he said softly, "I think, I might be in love with you."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So... maybe David is in love with Tar... close don't' count 'cept in
horseshoes, hand grenades and nuclear weapons...

New readers ask about other stories. Click on heading "Authors" then
"prolific authors" and look for Jim Ford. "Unclaimed Hearts" is not listed
there. It is in "Relationships". I will be reposting chapters of "Gordy
comes Home". A great gay ficiton writer JW Smith is editing them for
possible publication.  So if you see Gordy pop to the head of the section
relax. You have already read it. The story will not change. This story is a
sequal of sorts to "Gordy".

If you are able contribute cash to Nifty. Nifty stories have given me and I
am sure many of you, happy endings. Nifty let me find a place where there
were at least fictionalized guys like me. So thank you Nifty for years of
acceptance, hope and happy endings.(double entendre intended)