Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 13:36:34 EST From: bwstories8@aol.com Subject: Castaway Hotel: Grand Reopening - Book 9, chapters 7 - 8 Castaway Hotel -- Grand Reopening -- Book 4 by BW Copyright 2009 by billwstories Chapter 7 -- Many Changes. **Author's Note:** Please read the disclaimer in Chapter 00 before you read this. My contractor arrived the next morning and we discussed what I wanted to do. He immediately went up to survey the area thoroughly, checked the roof supports and took the appropriate measurements, before informing me he would work up a proposal and a few rough sketches, and then bring them by for me to look over the next day. I told him that would be fine, but I was surprised he could do all of that so quickly, before he teased it was only because I was such a good customer. True to his word, he came back with the diagrams and prices the next day. He said we'd have to add a permanent stairway to the attic, but we should also leave the drop down ladder for emergency use. He concluded he would be able put three small bedrooms and a full bath in the attic, plus he'd include a storage area for the things we generally kept up there. He told me he'd make sure each bedroom had one window and he'd put a skylight in the bathroom, to make it a bit brighter. I quickly okayed the plans, so he said he'd pick up or order what he needed that afternoon and start work the next day. I met with all of the boys later that day and explained what would be going on. Brent was excited because he thought we were doing all of this just for him, which in a way we were, but it would also help out at other times. Frankie and Pat each said they'd like to move into one of the new bedrooms, once they were completed, so I told them that would be fine. I gave Brent the choice of Frankie or Pat's old rooms, or the third new bedroom in the attic, and he quickly decided he'd take the other new bedroom, so things were set on that front. It would take a couple of weeks to complete everything, so everyone would stay where they were for the time being. During that same week, Danny and Brandon broke up with their girlfriends. They both told me that they were doing this for several reasons. First, they didn't enjoy going out with them. Second, they thought they were being unfair to the girls by deceiving them and thought it was time to end the charade. Last, they felt they had to be who they were and didn't care any more who knew about them. They figured they only had about a year and a half left at the high school and then they'd be going off to college, where no one would know them. Even though they weren't planning to attend the same college, they couldn't see any reason why they shouldn't enjoy themselves now. They wouldn't go announcing any of this at school, but they would no longer put up a front just to deflect criticism or abuse. Somehow Mark had overheard our conversation and now realized, for the first time, that those two boys were gay. I guess he had never thought about it or considered the idea before. However, none of us were aware he knew about this fact, at least not until Mark stopped to talk to the boys one night. He went to their bedroom and knocked on the door. "Hi, guys. May I come in for a second?" he asked, and they told him 'sure,' The three of them spent a few awkward moments just looking at each other and wondering what was up, before Mark shut the door and went over and sat on the bed next to them. "I overheard you guys talking to Pop earlier," he explained. "I wasn't eavesdropping or anything, but I did hear what you told him. I didn't know you guys were gay." Danny and Brandon looked at each other, the shock of Mark's announcement registering on their faces, and then they looked back at him. "Does that bother you?" Danny asked him. "Heck, no," Mark told them. "I like you guys because of who you are, not because of who you like. Even though I'm not gay, it doesn't mean I can't have gay friends." You could hear a collective sigh from the two boys when Mark said this, and then Brandon spoke to him. "I'm glad you feel that way. We didn't want to lose you as a friend." "Don't worry, you won't," Mark assured them. "Heck, if it weren't for the two of you, I'd never have been invited to join you on that trip and Pop would never have offered me the summer job and done all this other stuff for me. I owe you both big-time and nothing could ever make me feel any differently about you." "Thanks. That means a lot to both of us," Danny told him. "You're a really cool guy and we both like having you as a friend. I'm glad you're not homophobic." Mark chuckled. "Nope, no way. I don't mind if you love another guy, it just leaves more girls for me to choose from." They had a quick chuckle over his comment, before Mark put them on the spot with his next comment. "You guys didn't happen to have a crush on me that first time, did you? Is that why you were so nice?" Mark was still grinning, but the boys weren't sure how to respond to him. "Well, you are really good looking," Brandon answered, "and we might have been hoping you were gay too, but we wouldn't have tried anything if you weren't." "I didn't mean that in a negative way," he announced, to ease their concerns. "I was just wondering. In fact, I guess I might even be flattered that you were interested." Mark let out a healthy guffaw after admitting that. "Whatever the reason you started talking to me and invited me to go with you, I'm still thankful and glad that you did. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone your secret and I won't treat you any differently." "Thanks, Mark," Danny told him, sincerely, "I'm glad we did too. I'm also relieved you know about us now, because that makes it a whole lot easier. We wanted to tell you before, but we didn't know how you'd react." "That's okay. I understand where you're coming from," he confirmed. "So, are you two boyfriends?" "Yeah, we have been for a very long time." "Hey, that's great. You two do look good together and you do seem to like each other a lot." "We love each other," Brandon corrected him, "and we plan to be together always." "Good for you," Mark told them. "I hope you're always as happy or happier than you are now." The boys smiled at him and everything was cool. "Are any of your brothers gay too?" "Yeah," Danny responded. "Some are gay, some might be bi and some are straight. The thing is, none of us really cares who is which way." "That's cool. I guess I kind of suspected that Trey and Dion might be gay," Mark added. "They tend to stare at each other a lot and get these strange expressions on their face when they do. I actually think they're cute together, but they better be more careful around other people, if they don't want someone else to figure it out. If I noticed it, then it must be pretty obvious. I don't usually pick up on things like that, because I don't care one way or the other, but I'm sure there are others who do." "Yeah, and we do tend to worry about guys who think like that," Danny admitted. "Not because we're scared, but because they tend to be cowards and attack in packs, like wolves. You hardly ever see one of those guys go at it alone. They generally need three or more to attack one gay guy. Must be they're afraid we might kick their asses." He chuckled nervously after he said that, but everyone understood his point. "I guess I never thought about it like that before," Mark told him, "but you're right. Every case I've heard of, the attackers either outnumbered their victims or had weapons. And they claimed the fags are wimps..." he stopped after saying that, knowing he had misspoken and possibly used a term he shouldn't have. "That's okay, Mark," Danny assured him. "We even use that word, just not very often. I only wish there were more open-minded people like you in this world, and then we wouldn't have to worry about what we said or how we said it." They all agreed on this point and then sat around and chatted about other things until it was time to go to bed. They parted happy and feeling better now that things were out in the open. Not only that, but they had all learned a little more about each other in the process. By the second week after New Year's, Sally and her friend had talked Brent's parents into giving up legal custody of him. In order to accomplish this, they cut a deal with them and reduced the child abandonment and neglect charges to something less severe and agreed they would recommend they be sentenced to do community service, instead of jail time. At first they were going to fight it, but when they realized they were most likely going to lose anyway, they took the less severe option. Baltimore D.F.C.S. transferred the case to Sally's jurisdiction, so she could legally place Brent with us. He was jumping all around when she told him the news, and then he hugged us both, before telling us he never doubted we'd be able to do this for him. Once he began to settle down, he then asked me if this meant I had adopted him. I told him that would take some additional time, but for now I was his legal guardian. He seemed satisfied with that, although he had managed to leave me no doubt about what he wanted. While he never came out and said so, the impression was clear and both Sally and I had picked up on it. Mark spent most his time during the two weeks after the holidays working with his mentor and learning the intricacies of the accounts. He was also informed about the criteria for determining which investments were chosen and how the money was split up. A certain percentage was kept in a money-market account, so checks could be cut as needed, but the rest was split up and invested somewhat conservatively. Part of it was invested in bonds, preferred stocks and utilities, to generate income and be fairly negotiable, while the rest was invested in various stocks, which offered medium to long- term growth. Mark's name was listed on each of these accounts, as a legal financial representative of the charity, and he was given a couple of them to handle personally. The only stipulation was that he couldn't make any changes in the account without getting approval from his mentor first. He could just type him an email, stating his proposal, with a detailed explanation and justification for what he thought it would do to benefit the Foundation. His boss would then accept, modify or reject his proposal. If he rejected it, he would state his reasons and possibly give an alternative suggestion, so Mark could learn from it. Mark liked this arrangement and eagerly dove into his work. He could continue serving in this capacity while away at school, so I supplied him with a high-powered computer and fax/scanner/printer, as well as picking up the cost for him to have a phone line installed in his room. He would also get a monthly stipend for his efforts, so he could either give up or cut back his hours at the restaurant. Just before Mark was scheduled to leave, the contractor had also finished the job of upgrading the attic and had given everyone the grand tour of the new area. There were three bedrooms, each of which would soon be furnished with a bed, dresser and desk, besides having more than ample closet space. The bathroom had a fairly large shower stall, which could easily accommodate two boys at once, a toilet, sink and a couple of cabinets to store the essentials. There was also a separate door leading into the storage area and the whole renovation had turned out fantastic. I informed Frankie, Pat and Brent that I'd called the furniture store and their bedroom sets would be delivered the next afternoon, after we returned from dropping Mark off at the airport. I had previously been informed that it had arrived at the furniture store, since we had ordered it all when the contractor started work, so they had just been waiting to hear when they could bring it by. This meant those boys could sleep in their new rooms the next night, which made them happy, so they started planning how they were going to arrange everything. That evening, Brent slept with me for the final time. I thought he'd be all excited about moving into his new room, but he seemed a little sad. When I asked him what was wrong, he looked down before he answered. "I don't want you to think I'm being selfish or anything, but I really like sleeping with you. My dad never even told me he loved me and would never have let me sleep with him or hugged me like you do. I guess I don't want that to end." "It doesn't have to," I tried to reassure him. "You can join me anytime you're feeling lonely or need some special attention. The other boys do that from time to time as well." "But I also don't want you to think I don't appreciate what you've done for me," he continued, letting me know there was more. "You went and had all those bedrooms added because I didn't have a room to stay in, but I really don't want to be all alone again." "Don't worry, you won't," I responded. "Believe me, one thing that will never happen in this house is that you will be all alone... that is unless, you want to be." He smiled at that comment and came over and hugged me, so I kissed him on the forehead and hugged him back. He pulled back and looked at me, then spoke again. "It's just that when I'm with you, I know that you love me. I can feel it when you kiss my forehead or hold me in your arms. Nobody has done that to me, except my mother, but that was only when I was little. Even she hasn't done it for a few years now. I just feel so special at night when you hold me that way." "Well, I'm glad you feel that way," I assured him. "Like I told you, you can come to me anytime, but I can hold you and be affectionate at other times too, like when we're watching TV or a video, or when we're just sitting around relaxing. You can come to me whenever you want and I'll make sure to show you just how much you're loved." Brent blushed a little; possibly because he suspected I thought he was begging for attention, but I assured him I felt the same way about him. He smiled again and we got into bed. He snuggled up against me one more time, so I kissed him on the top of his head and said good night. He merely turned his head, so he could see my face, and then whispered, 'Night, Dad'. I guess I wasn't totally surprised by that, so I didn't make a big deal of it, before he situated himself in his favorite position, with his head just above my heart, and fell asleep. The next day, it was time for Mark to leave and return to college. He was a little sad about leaving us, but it wasn't totally bad. He was excited about his new job and the experience he'd be getting from it, but he also knew he'd be coming back to work here during the summer, so that tempered his disappointment about having to be separated from us once again. I was a little surprised that all of the boys indicated they wanted to go and see him off, but I gave in and agreed we'd take the van so they could all go too. I had to wake them all early, because of the drive and Mark's early departure time, but they all got up without too much grumbling. We stopped for a quick breakfast and then drove him to the airport in Baltimore. Everyone was a bit sad to see him leave, but understood he wouldn't be gone for long, so they all hugged him, before he went to board his flight. I think that having all the boys see him off, and each of them hugging him before he was on his way, definitely let him know he was truly considered part of our family. The rest of the month of January went by quickly and included two snow days. We all enjoyed an extra day off from school and the boys made the most of it, having snowball fights and building snowmen -- which included some anatomy others generally left off, but the snowMEN were behind the house where hardly anyone else could see them. Brent continued to adjust to being with us, but still managed to find me for some special attention, from time-to-time. During that same month, Kevin and Frankie took the written test for their permits. Both young men had studied really hard for this and passed it on their first try. They were both pretty proud when they came home and announced this fact to their brothers, knowing they were now on the way to getting their licenses. Although I told them I'd take them out to practice occasionally, their serious driving lessons wouldn't begin until I took the others for their road test. They were mildly disappointed when I explained that wouldn't be until late March or early April, depending on the weather, but accepted the inevitability and knew I'd keep my promise. Those practicing for their road test were getting better all the time. I would even take them out to practice in snowy and icy conditions too, although only in the various parking lots, so they could learn how to handle the car in bad weather. I taught them about braking on slippery roads; how to handle it when your car started to fishtail and then I advised them on the little secrets for starting up on slippery surfaces. They got a real good lesson one day, totally by accident. We were driving along in the van when I rounded a curve in the road and hit an icy patch. It was on a part of the road covered by shadows, which allowed the treacherous spot to remain on an otherwise dry surface. The back of the van started sliding one way and then the other, and I kept turning the steering wheel into the slide. Eventually I got the vehicle back under control and the kids started breathing again. After we had all regained our composure, we talked about what had happened, how I had done the things the way I had been trying to teach them and how it had corrected the problem. I think that was a lesson they wouldn't soon forget. As February began, three of the boys approached me with a problem. It was Danny, Dion and Nick. It seemed like a strange combination to me, but I sat down with them and listened to what they had to say. It seemed that Danny, being the oldest, had been selected spokesman for the trio. "Dad, we have something we'd like to do, but we don't know how to pull it off," he told me. "Well, why don't you tell me what it is you want to accomplish," I replied, "and I'll see if I can come up with some options for you." "It's about Valentine's Day, Dad," Dion interrupted. "We want to plan a special date with our boyfriends, but we don't know how to do it or where to go." "Well what kind of ideas do you have?" I asked, in order to flesh their idea out. "Was there something specific you wanted to do on this date?" The boys looked at each other. "Well," Danny began, "we thought a nice romantic dinner would be nice." "With dancing," Dion added. "And we'd give them cards and candy, or something like that," Nick added. I was really surprised that Nick had become a romantic and got involved in something like this. "Okay. I think I've got a good idea about what you want now, but would you give me a couple of days to consider your request?" "Yeah, but don't take too long," Danny warned, before offering me a reminder. "Valentine's Day is only a couple of weeks away and we haven't got very much time to pull this off." "I know, and I promise not to take any longer than necessary," I told him. "It's just that I tend to come up with better ideas when I've been able to sleep on it." "Okay, fair enough," Nick told me, replying for all of them. "Just let us know if you think of anything." I assured them I would and they left, satisfied that I'd figure something out for them. I thought about it the rest of the night, but only came up with a few vague ideas. I went to bed and was nearly asleep when everything came together in my mind. I got up and wrote down several notes, so I wouldn't forget anything by morning, and then I'd discuss these ideas with the boys the following evening. I can't be positive, but I think they'll like what I came up with. Castaway Hotel -- Grand Reopening -- Book 4 by BW Copyright 2009 by billwstories Chapter 8 -- A Very Special Valentine's Day. It took a great deal of planning, but we did come up with a very special Valentines' surprise for the other half of our gay couples. They all knew the guys with girlfriends were taking their dates out to dinner and then to the 'Sweethearts Dance' at school, but they also knew it was also something they couldn't do, at least without a few problems along the way. Therefore, they were just planning to spend their time at home with their boyfriends, but I could tell none of them was overly enthused by the prospect. Trey was really sulking about this, being extremely disappointed that he couldn't be among the group that was dining and dancing with the one they cared about. In order to make that up to him, I wanted this to be as nice or nicer than what the other boys would be sharing with their dates. To help set up this little surprise, I talked Trey, Kevin and Brandon into helping me set up the gym for the Sweethearts Dance at the high school, to assist a teacher friend of mine who was in charge of the event. Although the boys complained that it wasn't fair that they'd have to do the work if they couldn't go, I convinced them that this was more about helping my friend and me than anything else. Reluctantly, they set their feelings aside and agreed to participate. When the big day arrived, I made them come home first and change into slacks and a dress shirt, before I took them back to the high school to work. They didn't understand why I had them dress up just to work, since they never dressed like this for school and wouldn't be staying to attend the festivities, but I told them it was so they would look nice for their boyfriends when they returned. After a mild protest, during which they argued that they'd have time to do that when they got back, they eventually did as I requested. It took us a couple of hours to finish the preparations and my friend came over and thanked us all for our efforts before we left. As I suspected, the boys were very quiet on the way home. When I pulled into the driveway, I hustled to make sure I was the first one out of the van and at our front door. It wasn't very difficult to do this time, because the boys were all sulking now and just slithered out of their seat and slunk along behind me, especially Trey. When I got to the door I peeked in, to make sure the others were ready. When I saw they were, I went in and left the door open, so the other three could follow me. Danny, Dion and Nick waited just inside, dressed in slacks, dress shirt, tie and sport coat, each holding a heart-shaped box of candy and a card for their boyfriend. The jaws on the other three nearly hit the floor when they saw their lovers. They truly hadn't expected anything like this. They opened their cards, read them and then apologized for not having their things with them. That's when they each raced to their rooms, after setting their boxes of candy down first, and came back with cards and some sort of gift of their own. Once each of them presented these items to his boyfriend, each couple exchanged hugs and kisses. That's when the rest of the plan was set into motion. First, Danny, Dion and Nick escorted their partners into the dining room, which had been completely cleared of everything, and I raced through the kitchen, so I would be at the other end of the dining room and in my assigned place. I was standing next to our stereo system, which had been set up on the counter between the kitchen and dining areas, and began my little address. "As you have figured out by now, your boyfriends have gone to a great deal of effort to plan a special night for you. They asked me to help them with this and to provide the music for the evening. Before we serve you a very special dinner, we'll begin the evening with a little dancing. I have selected the music, based on a very special theme, and I hope you listen carefully to the words of each song. This will not be your typical Valentines Day dance music or songs you will be familiar with. Instead, I selected songs that spanned many years, included a variety of styles and are sung by many different artists or groups. However, all of the lyrics are appropriate to what your partners are trying to express. It is primarily slow music, so you can cuddle all you want on the dance floor. Just relax and have fun." Since Brent did not have a partner to bring to this affair, I agreed to let him take charge of playing the music, after I'd made my announcement. This would make him feel part of the event and hopefully keep him from feeling sorry about his own situation. The surprised partners were still trying to grill their boyfriends on when they had decided to do all of this for them, how they had done this without them finding out and why they hadn't told them beforehand, so they could have been prepared. The conspirators deflected these questions, telling their lovers to not think about such things and simply enjoy the evening, so I had Brent start the music. As the initial notes of the first tune wafted from the speakers, the three instigators asked their partners if they would like to dance. As they held each other close and began to sway in time to the music, they also listened as Anne Murray's voice sang out the words to "Could I Have This Dance?" (1980) I'll always remember the song they were playing The first time we danced and I knew As we swayed to the music and held to each other I fell in love with you Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? Would you be my partner then every night? When we're together it feels so right Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? I'll always remember that magic moment When I held you close to me Cause we move together I know forever You're all I'll ever need I had thought that was the perfect song to start off this evening with, as it tied their love for each other and dancing together, while signifying what this evening was all about. My fellow conspirators listened to these words intently, as I had suggested, primarily because they didn't know the songs I'd be playing. As the lyrics began to sink in, they coyly glanced at me, smiled and winked, as they held their partners close. I think they were beginning to see what I was up to, as I gave it my best to make this a memorable evening for each of them, while allowing them the opportunity to explore their love for each other. Brent quickly started the next song and Nat King Cole tenderly crooned the lyrics of "Too Young" (1951). They try to tell us we're too young Too young to really be in love They say that love's a word A word we've only heard But can't begin to know the meaning of And yet we're not too young to know This love will last though years may go And then some day they may recall We were not too young at all By this point, the boys were so close together that they almost looked as if they had one body with two heads, and they didn't separate when the song ended. For that reason, I quickly had Brent start the next tune, a Paul Anka number. Soon they were able to hear him belt out "Put your head on my shoulder" (1959). Put your head on my shoulder Hold me in your arms, ba—by Squeeze me oh so tight, ba—by Show me that you love me too. Put your lips close to mine, dear Won't you kiss me once, ba—by? Just a kiss goodnight, ba—by Maybe you and I will fall in love The boys were now kissing each other and following the suggestions of the song. I made sure we paused long enough to give them an opportunity to make out a little bit, while Brent and I watched as they kissed and expressed their love for each other. Once I felt they had sufficient time for this endeavor, I allowed Brent to begin the next song. A few seconds later, he played one of my favorite love songs, a little Bobby Vinton tune entitled "I Love How You Love Me" (1968). I love how your eyes close Whenever you kiss me And when I'm away from you I love how you miss me I love the way you always treat me tenderly But darling most of all I love how you love me I love how your heart beats Whenever I hold you I love how you think of me Without being told too I love the way your touch is always heavenly But darling most of all I love how you love me I love how you hug me I love how you squeeze me, tease me, please me Love how you love me I love how you love me... The mood had been adequately set and the boys were really getting into kissing each other, as well as doing some hugging and groping. Not only that, but I saw plenty of tears streaming down their cheeks, indicating how touched they were because of this special evening. As we watched the boys a little longer, I saw one of my 'assistants' trying to get my attention, so he could give me the high sign that the meal was ready. I immediately told our couples it was time to eat, and Cole and Graham escorted them all into the living room, which we had turned into an intimate dining room. I had Cole and Graham dress in tight-fitting khaki slacks, with pink dress-shirts opened in a 'V' and tied at the waist, which I thought looked sexy. They led the couples in and seated them at one of the three card tables we had set up in different corners of the room, to give them some privacy. Each table was covered with a red tablecloth and set for two, and the couples excitedly took their seats. Each table also had a large candle placed at its center, lit for atmosphere. Once everyone was comfortable, Cole and Graham asked for their drink orders, after telling them their choices. I had purchased a couple of different bottles of wine for this very special evening, both being a sweeter variety than I would usually purchase, because I felt they would be more to the boys' liking. Cole and Graham had been informed that each boy may have a glass or two of the wine, or they could have soda, juice, milk or water instead. Each boy decided to try a glass of wine, as it made them feel more grown-up and the night less childish, and I got a kick watching them sip their drinks like macho old pros. The couples chatted with each other at their tables and continued to sip their drinks, before I sent my next surprise into the room. At that moment, my two little waiters arrived to deliver the first course. Sammy and Andrew walked into the room clad only in tight black pleather shorts, black- cloth shoes and a red bow tie strapped around their necks, sans shirt. They looked absolutely adorable and this fact wasn't wasted on the other boys. They had already commented on how sexy Cole and Graham looked, but now they just stared at my two sexy waiters, as each carried in a platter with three bowls of salad on them. My waiters gave each boy their salad and then left, soon returning with a basket of rolls for each of the three tables. While my waiters were performing their duties, the other boys made sure to tell them how great they looked. All four of my helpers were pleased that the older boys had noticed them and thought they looked good. The rest of us then waited in the other room, giving the boys time to eat their salads, and then Cole and Graham removed the salad bowls from the table, before Sammy and Andrew delivered the main course. Each of our diners was served a small filet mignon, small lobster tail and a baked potato. Cole and Graham also delivered small bowls of melted butter and sour cream to each group, which they could use as desired. The boys then ate and talked, but mostly just stared at each other, making mental pictures for later, but still found a way to hold hands in between bites. I wasn't letting these intimate moments pass without making longer-lasting mementos of this night, as I had been snapping pictures since their first dance had begun. Now I took more photos of them sitting and eating, to ensure they would be able to remember their most precious moments from this very romantic evening. After they finished their meals and had a second glass of wine or something else to drink, the tables were cleared and then Sammy and Andrew brought out the desserts, a small slice of Black Forrest cake, topped with a couple of cherries. Soon I saw the boys feeding each other the cherries and then they ate the rest of their dessert. When they had finished everything and the tables were cleared, they had time to talk or kiss some more. During that time, the boys moved their chairs even closer together and their heads began to tilt and meet, as their tongues and lips began to explore each other. They were really into this celebration of their love now and I was starting to worry they might want to move on to other things, before they benefited from the rest of my planning. I waited about a minute or two longer, before I announced that the dance floor was reopening and the music would soon begin again. The boys smiled at each other, asked their partners if they would care to dance, and then they came strolling back out to the dining room, arm in arm or holding hands. "Will you dance with me this time," Brent asked. "I'd like to try it too." "Well, I suppose that can be arranged," I agreed, which caused Brent to flash me a smile. I had selected several more songs to finish off this romantic evening, each with a special message or just to get them in the mood. I started this second session off with Bobby Darin's "More" (1964) and the boys melted back into each other's arms. Slowly they began to dance again, as the music filled the room. As the first notes filled the room, I grasped Brent as my dance partner and we slowly began to sway to the music. As we did so, I also noticed Cole and Graham dancing with each other in the kitchen, along with Sammy and Andrew. I guess everyone was getting into the act now. More than the greatest love the world has known This is the love I'll give to you alone More than the simple words I try to say I only live to love you more each day More than you'll ever know My arms long to hold you so My life will be in your keeping, walking, sleeping, laughing, weeping Longer than always is a long, long time But far beyond forever you'll be mine I know that I never lived before And my heart is very sure No one else could love you more. I think the words to that song really set the mood for the rest of the evening. It not only expressed the depth of their love, but also indicated it could last forever. It is a very deep and moving song, and Brent followed it up by playing a very special duet, sung by Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie Cole. Although Nat had died when his daughter was still very young, she did this tribute to him by taking his 1951 recording and dubbing her voice in with his. This time the father/daughter team joined their talents to give us "Unforgettable" (1991). This recording displayed all the fine qualities of his satiny voice, while his daughter sang harmony and blended her soulful voice in with his. Unforgettable, that's what you are Unforgettable, though near and far Like a song of love that clings to me How the thought of you does things to me Never before has someone been more Unforgettable in every way And forever more, that's how you'll stay That's why darling, it's incredible That someone so unforgettable Thinks that I am unforgettable too The boys were really getting into this now, and I started to see hands move lower, rubbing their backs and sides, occasionally caressing their partner's buns, or nibbling on an ear or neck. Suddenly the house was beginning to feel warmer, as these couples began to heat things up. The night was progressing very nicely and my young lovers were getting a rare opportunity to experience a traditional date. Next, I had Brent put on the melodic harmony of the Everly Brothers to work, as they combined on "Let It Be Me" (1960). I bless the day I found you I want to stay around you And so I beg you Let it be me Don't take this heaven from one If you must cling to someone Now and forever Let it be me Each time we meet love I find complete love Without your sweet love What would life be So never leave me lonely Tell me you'll love me only And that you'll always Let it be me. The final chords of this song had barely died before Brent started the next song by the brothers, this one entitled "Devoted to You" (1958). Darling you can count on me Till the sun dries up the sea Until then I'll always be Devoted to you I'll be yours through endless time I'll adore your charms sublime Guess by now you'll know that I'm Devoted to you I'll never hurt you, I'll never lie I'll never be untrue I'll never give you a reason to cry I'll be unhappy if you were blue Through the years my love will grow Like a river it will flow It can't die because I'm so Devoted to you. I just loved how their voices intertwined in a way that most non-related singers could never hope to accomplish. At this point we took a little break, to let the boys relax, get a drink or use the toilet. My little waiters took orders and brought back drinks to those who had wanted one, while the other boys did whatever else they had to do. By that time Brent and I were ready to finish the last set before the evening ended, but first we had to get our audience back. The boys were busy hugging and kissing, while their hands roamed freely over each other's bodies and their lips tasted every exposed part of their lovers' flesh. I gave them a few minutes more to carry on like this, while sending the little ones off to bed, despite their protests. Even though they wanted to stay with us, I felt the remainder of the night belonged to the lovers. Now, it was time to bring out 'The King,' as I signaled Brent to start playing Elvis' version of "It's Impossible" (1973). It's impossible to tell the sun to leave the sky, It's just impossible. It's impossible to ask a baby not to cry, It's just impossible. Can I hold you closer to me, And not feel you going through me But the second that I never think of you? Oh, how impossible. Can the ocean keep from rush to the shore? It's just impossible. If I had you, could I ever ask for more? It's just impossible. And tomorrow, should you ask me for the world Somehow I'd get it I would sell my very soul and not regret it Or to live without your love is just impossible. Once that song finished, I decided it was now time to bring a feminine lilt to the night, as I had stuck to mostly male artists up to this point. However, I was planning to finish the evening off with two female vocalists, putting the final touch on the emotions and sentiments I had tried to instill in my star-crossed lovers. First, Debby Boone belted out "You Light Up My Life" (1977). So many nights I'd sit by my window Waiting for someone to sing me his song So many dreams I keep deep inside me Alone in the dark, but now you've come along And you light up my life You give me hope to carry on You light u my days and fill my nights with song Rollin' at sea, adrift on the water Could it be finally I'm turnin' for home? Finally a chance to say "Hey, I love you" Never again to be all alone 'cause you, you light up my life You give me hope to carry on You light up my days and fill my nights with song It can't be wrong When it feels so right 'cause you...you light up my life. There was one final song to complete this evening, and then the boys would probably be heading to their rooms, to spend some time alone. When I announced that this would be the last dance, I heard a few groans, which led me to believe the boys had appreciated our efforts. For their final dance of the evening, I had selected one of the strongest female voices around. It was Celine Dion's chance to sing out her version of "When I Fall in Love" (1993). When I fall in love It will be forever Or I'll never fall in love In a restless world like this is Love is ended before it's begun And too many moonlight kisses Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun When I give my heart I give it completely Or I'll never give my heart And the moment I can feel that You feel that way too Is when I fall in love with you. As the music faded and the boys finished dancing, they walked over to me to thank me for what I had done. "Thanks, Dad," Dion said first. "That was even better than I'd hoped. Trey was really surprised and he's been crying most of the night. He told me it was what he'd always wanted for us, but couldn't have until tonight. We tried to do something like this on New Year's, but it wasn't quite the same. Now he's happier than I've ever seen him before." "Yeah, this was fantastic," Trey added. "I was really down earlier, because the other guys were doing all sorts of things with their girlfriends, but this was just as awesome. The words to the songs were just so perfect and they said all the right things." "The music was kind of old-fashioned and kind of gross, though," Nick chirped in. "No, it was nice," Brandon corrected him. "Different, but nice." "It was elevator music," Nick persisted. "That's only for really old people." I shot him an evil glare. "But I think those songs said the right things and set the mood for a really fantastic evening," Kevin told him. "I'm not sure playing the tunes we normally listen to would have had the same effect. Thinking about the words of the songs and how they talked about falling in love, what love really is and saying that love will last forever made it special and caused me to feel even closer to Nick." "I think Kevin's right," Danny added, in his support. "The songs played talked about love a little differently than I'm used to, so it made me think. I've never considered some of those things before, like what you do when you love someone so deeply or how strong and long-lasting love can be. I know I love Brandon, but now I think about us a little differently. Now I'm more concerned about how I can make him feel good and not so much about how he makes me feel good. That's still important, but now I'll notice more about how he's feeling and try harder to think about what his needs are too. If we had done this before, I don't think either of us would have chosen to date those girls. By doing that, we almost said our love wasn't real or worth as much as boy-girl love. I sure feel differently about it now." "I guess you're right," Nick conceded. "I never thought much about love before, just the sex and how it made me feel so good. I still like the sex, but I'll start thinking about the other stuff too. Kevin said he'd help me with that." Nick laughed after he said that, so Kevin gently elbowed him in the ribs. I said goodnight to the boys and started cleaning up the mess. They offered to help, but I told them this was their night, so they were not to lift a finger. I also told Brent it was time for him to turn in too. While they headed to their rooms for some unscripted time together, I finished putting things away and getting everything back in order, while I waited for the others to arrive home. However, after everyone else had left the room, Brent came back down to me to talk. "Thank you for dancing with me and making me part of the night," he told me, sincerely. "It was a lot of fun, made me feel special and I'll always remember it." I was so choked up by his sincerity that I wasn't sure how to respond, so I merely hugged him and whispered in his ear. "You're welcome and I enjoyed it too." After that, he went back upstairs, as I stood in the kitchen thinking about what had just taken place. 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