Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2006 18:25:56 EDT From: RitchChristopher@cs.com Subject: briarwood:new-heaven-and-new-earth-98 All rights reserved. Copyright held by the author. If you are underage or are offended by gay fiction, containing graphic sex and explicit language, please exit now. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> "BRIARWOOD" Copyright Ritchris, 2006 A dramatic saga by Ritch Christopher <><><><><> BOOK NINE "A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH" * * * * * * * * * * * * Chapter Ninety-eight "...maybe in September things won't be the same. We'll meet and we'll end this silly childish game... and the moment will be right for you to say, 'I love you'... and you'll love me as I've loved you...maybe." excerpted from "Maybe In September" music and lyrics by Ritch C. Snyder copyright 1964 NYC. <><><><><><><><><><><><> The Statue of Liberty! The Empire State Building! Radio City! Rockefeller Center! Times Square! Columbus Circle! Chinatown! The Bowery! The Brooklyn Bridge! Herald Square! St. Patrick's and St. John's Cathedrals! The United Nations! The Guggenheim Museum! A hack ride in Central Park! Was it possible to see ALL these wondrous sites in one full day? It was if Roger Cole was your tour guide! Billy, Marc, Lee, and Hunter had gaped and awed all day to the point their necks were stiff. The journey began at 7:00am and ended at 7:00pm. No one had a bigger time than Roger...and Cliff, as he kept up with Roger's pace the entire day. They stopped for lunch...where at? A corner hot dog stand at 49th and Broadway...hot steaming franks with Gulden's mustard and loaded with onions, relish, and watery sauerkraut! Only Roger had to take time out for an Alka-Seltzer. Then it was a rush back to Hunter's townhouse and to the Waldorf to get dressed for dinner. Roger had made an eight-thirty reservation at the Frank Stella Room at the Four Seasons Restaurant. Hunter and Lee jumped out of Roger's limo and scurried up the stairs to shower, shave, and change clothes. Hunter was hoping against all hope that Tim and Rob would be joining them for dinner as he wanted to hear how the Equity auditions went, earlier in the afternoon. He kept wishing all day that he had made an impression on the musical duo and that they would remember him when he went to audition tomorrow. Hunter was not at all religious, but he had prayed all day that HE would be the one chosen to play Sammy. "Hey, Lee!" Hunter called to the third floor. "Do you want to shower first or wait until I finish. I'm afraid the hot water heater only works for one shower at a time!" Then, quiet enough for Lee NOT to hear, Hunter added, "of course, we could shower together..." Hunter didn't realize that Lee had come down to the main floor and was able to hear that last remark. "Why did you suggest that in such a low tone of voice?" Lee asked. "What? Oh! I didn't know that you heard me...you WEREN'T supposed to hear that! I...I apologize." "I used to shower with Jake all the time back home. Our water heater was so small, it barely heated enough water for ONE shower." "Uh, why don't you go ahead and shower. I'll run enough hot water in the basin so that I can shave while you shower." "HA! You don't want to take a shower with me?" Lee asked. Hunter didn't know if Lee was kidding or really meant it. "Lee, you KNOW I'd love to take a shower with you...but, well, after the things you said last night..." "When I went to bed, Hunter, I lay in bed a long time thinking about what a jerk I was to you. What I said was totally uncalled for. I...I don't know what got into me. After all you've done for me, I was so rude and ungrateful and I DO appreciate everything you've done." "Do you want to share the shower on my floor or share the one in your bathroom?" "You're serious, aren't you?" "Like they say on the TV ad, serious as erectile dysfunction..." "I...I don't know what to say..." "Don't say anything! We've hardly got the time to get ready before Roger will be back on his magic carpet!" "Did you have a good time, today?" "It was tiring, but I had a great time!" "So did I!" "Look, Moneybags! Are you going to take off your clothes or are you going to shower in them?" "I...I'll go in my bathroom, undress, and turn on the water." "I'll meet you in there in a couple of minutes! I want to go upstairs and get my robe!" "Aye, aye, sir!" Even though the two were in a hurry to get ready before Roger picked them up to go to dinner, Hunter remained in a state of confusion and disbelief. Was this a trick or some kind of a joke that Lee was about to play on him? Last evening, before they retired to their bedrooms, Lee acted as if nothing physical would EVER happen between them. Now all of a sudden, they were about to shower together? Hunter was reluctant about getting undressed. However, he would 'play along' and be the brunt of Lee's joke since he had prepared himself for it. Hunter turned on the water and removed his clothes. He stepped into the shower to regulate the temperature and got it just right. Then he heard Lee enter the bathroom. "Scoot over!" Lee said, "Your bathroom is kinda chilly." Hunter moved back away from the shower nozzle so that Lee could get warmer under the shower spray. "That feel good?" Hunter asked. "Yeah! Great!" Lee replied. "Want me to soap you up?" "Sure, use that bottle of Olay liquid..." Lee reached for the shower canister and got the bottle of soap; squirted a sizeable amount of the white liquid into his hand and with his other hand, turned Hunter around so that Lee could apply the soap to his back. "How does THIS feel?" Lee asked. "I'll give you about two hours to stop that!" Hunter joked. "We've only got about fifteen minutes..." "Then, I'll settle for fourteen and a half!" "Ah no! You have to do MY back next!" Lee said. "Can I ask WHY you're doing this?" "Because you've been up one side of Manhattan Island and down the other all day. We're both probably filled with every germ that's alive in six counties." Lee continued to soap Hunter as Lee had so often soaped his brother, Jake, in the shower. Lee ran his sudsy hand through Hunter's ass cheeks as if it was the natural thing to do. "Now turn around and let me do your front!" "Better not," Hunter replied. "Why? Didn't your front side get dirty as your back?" "Yes, but, you've given me a raging hard on." "SO? Turn around. I know what a hard on looks like." "Maybe, but you've never seen mine..." "Oh? Is yours different? Does if have lights, streamers, and whistles?" "Oh, all right!" Hunter said, doing a one-eighty turnaround. "Good! I'll wash your chest first!" Lee scrubbed like an Irish washer woman, totally ignoring Hunter's erection. He continued down Hunter's abs, waist, lower abdomen, grabbing Hunter's penis and washing it from tip to base, then Lee got on his knees to soap Hunter's scrotum, thighs, knees, lower legs and feet. Hunter thought he would scream out loud when Lee had hold of his erection. "THERE! I'm finished! Now step under the shower head and rinse off!" Hunter obeyed Lee as if he had suddenly become a robot...LEE'S robot! When the water sprayed on his cock, it was all Hunter could do to keep from having an orgasm. Hunter turned around to face Lee. "You...you want me to do the same to you?" "Only if you'll hurry! I don't want Roger to get here and find us naked together, taking a shower. Hunter was so nervous that when he tried to get a handful of the shower lotion, he missed his hand and a big gob of Olay hit the bottom of the shower and went through the drain. "Sorry..." Hunter apologized. "I...I'm just kinda nervous. I've never done this with anyone." "And YOU'RE the one with all the gay stud experience!" "Well, I never had a brother to practice with..." "Would you shut up and wash my back?" "Aye, aye, captain." Hunter didn't want to seem fidgety, so he tried to copy every move Lee had done to him. He asked Lee to turn around. He washed Lee's chest and upper torso, but when he took Lee's penis in his hand, an automatic response took over Hunter's psyche and he began to masturbate Lee. "Hunter, we don't have time for that! Do what I did to you so that we'll be ready for Roger!" "Lee, I want you SO much. It's like you're punishing me or something. I...I don't know WHY you suggested our showering together..." "It was YOUR idea...remember?" "Yes, but..." "Yes, but what?" "Lee, please don't get angry with me, but honest to God, I think I'm falling in love with you!" "That doesn't make me angry, Hunter. I...I felt I need to be touched...the same as you." "You realize that it's I, and not Jake, don't you?" "I've had nothing to drink and no pills...of course, I know it's you!" "Is there even a small chance that we might sleep together tonight when we get back?" "Don't get your hopes up too much, but, yes, there IS a small chance..." "Let me finish soaping your legs and feet so that we won't be late." "Thanks!" Lee rinsed off under the shower. They got out of the stall and took turns drying each other off. Then, Lee donned his robe and ran upstairs to get dressed. He turned on the staircase and asked, "Are you sure you trust me to pick out the 'right' clothes to wear?" "Lee, I don't care if you dress yourself in Saran Wrap! I'll never criticize what you wear EVER again." Lee walked back down the stairs and kissed Hunter quickly on the lips and said, "Thanks!". He ran up the stairs to the third floor while Hunter stood looking perplexed at himself in the bathroom mirror as he shaved. "What the fuck just happened?" Hunter asked himself. <><><><><><><><><><><><> Roger and Cliff shared the bathroom at the Waldorf while one shaved, the other showered. "Cliff?" "Yes, babe?" "Did you know that Billy and Marc are showering together?" "No, but I don't see anything wrong with it!" "Do you think that the two of them did 'things' when they went to bed last night?" "I certainly hope so!" "What?" "You didn't hear the two of them?" "Hear what?" "There was so much moaning, groaning, and the sound of a bed wobbling, I was ready to call a paramedic to see if either or both of them were having seizures." "You HEARD them?" "Yes?" "Why the HELL didn't you wake me?" "Roger, aren't you just a bit old to become an audio-voyeur?" "Did you just make that word up?" "Probably, but I didn't know the correct terminology for someone who listens at the keyhole while others are having sex!" "There MUST be some word for it..." "It's a phrase...something like, don't awaken Daddy-Roger when his son is having sex in the next room!" "My God! What's gonna happen when we take Billy to Jeff's and Marc stays here?" "Roger, I don't think Billy and Marc have fallen in love and are ready for a commitment ceremony. They're just two teenagers having some safe fun in the bedroom. Remember what WE used to do when we were their ages?" "I DO remember and I also remember that I was in love with you and I'm ALSO aware of the many years we've been together after having teenage sex!" "I suppose I could have stopped them by going into Billy's bedroom to tell him about Chuck Brindley's suicide..." "Oh, God! I'd almost forgotten about that. NO, sweetheart! You did the right thing, as usual, by letting the kids play." "Did you call Tim and Rob to tell them what time to meet us at the Four Seasons?" "Yes, but I'm not sure if they can make it. Both of them were pretty worn out from the long audition session today." "Did they have a big turnout?" "Rob said, actors were lined up all the way around the theatre and up the next block. NOW, if those who don't get cast will come and buy tickets, the show would run for years." "You know damned well, that the show will be a hit with Rob and Timmy's track record. The straight play was a huge hit with Pat Hingle. Shirley Knight got an Oscar nomination when it was turned into a movie. You heard Tim's score last night and you also heard how great Rob sounded singing Rubin's songs. You should have no worries at all about your investment!" "Cliff, when have I EVER worried about money or my investments?" "Never, because you always consult Walter first." "Well, from what I heard last night, I won't have to talk to Walt about this venture!" "You're right. Come on! Hop in the shower while 'I' shave..." Roger and Cliff exchanged places from the shower to the lavatory. "You know, the more I was around young Hunter, today, the more I liked him." "He's a good kid. A bit rich for Lee's liking, I'm afraid." "What IS it with Lee and money? He doesn't have any and he seems to not WANT any!" "If he moves out of Hunter's townhouse and has to come up with rent for his own apartment, I think Lee's going to experience the importance of money." "Why should he move out of Hunter's townhouse? Do you know that I've heard of Hunter's father. He's a big tycoon with computers and office supplies. Hunter is his only child and the kid must be rolling in dough!" "Oh? I'll bet he would give his last dollar to play the role of Sammy in Tim's musical." "Do you think it's THAT important to him?" "Didn't you see how his eyes lit up when he was singing Sammy's soliloquy with Tim last night?" "Yes, and I wanted to ask Tim to sign him for the part, immediately." "That's why I asked you to stay OUT of Tim's casting." "Yes, but Cliff? How many times have I said to you that investing in a human being is worth more than all the money investments in the world?" Cliff was tempted to agree with Roger, but decided NOT to pursue the conversation. Roger would indeed put Hunter in the role with or without Tim's or the director's approval. So Cliff changed the subject immediately. "I've finished shaving, so I'm going to get dressed. Hurry with your shower while I go see what the naughty teens are doing in Billy's shower. Their skin is probably wrinkled by now." "Wait! Why not let ME go check on them?" "Dear God! I've never seen you so nosey! It must be some cycle you're going through!" "I want to be aware when our son falls in love. I want to be a part of it." "When that time comes, I'll get you a front row seat! Now hurry or we'll lose our reservation!" "Oh, all right, killjoy!" <><><><><><><><><><><><> Cliff knocked before entering Billy's bedroom. He expected to see Billy and Marc just getting out of the shower. Instead, the two boys were already dressed and sitting on the couch watching TV. "Good heavens!" Cliff exclaimed. "Did you boys shower?" "Yes, Daddy Cliff. We knew that you and Daddy Roger were in a hurry and neither of us really needed to shave since we shaved last night." "You certainly got ready in record time, Billy!" "Are you and Daddy Roger ready yet?" "Not quite, but we WILL be soon!" Cliff said, going back into his and Roger's bedroom. Marc lowered his voice to almost a whisper, "Do you think your dads heard us last night?" "I don't think so, Marc, but I've waited all day to talk to you about last night." "I thought I would bust all day out of sheer excitement!" Marc replied. "You did have fun, didn't you?" "Billy, considering what we did last night in the bedroom, followed by an all day sight-seeing trip today, I can honestly say that this was the best night and day of my life." "I'm glad to hear you say that! I didn't know if I had showed you too much. I tried to be gentle and not hurt you." "NOTHING you did would've hurt me even if it actually did." "Well, at least you're not a virgin any more!" "In more ways than one, Billy. Several times today while we were visiting the various New York sites, I could hardly concentrate by thinking that you'll be leaving tomorrow or the day after. I...I don't want 'us' to end." "It doesn't have to, Marc." "But it DOES! You'll be going off to New Hampshire to visit your 'uncles' and back home to Briarwood. Either I will be appearing on Broadway or if I DON'T get the part of Sonny, I'll be flying back to California." "If Uncle Tim gives you the part, I can fly up to New York on the weekends from Briarwood and I can see the show twice on Saturday and we'll have ALL day Sunday to be together." "You think your dads will let you fly up here every weekend?" "I don't mean this in a bad way, but either of my dads or both of them would lie down and die to make me happy!" "God! To feel that way just once in my life..." "Marc, you've said that your parents don't love you. Do you love them?" "Do you love the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Coliseum in Rome?" "No, because I've never seen them." "My mother might as well be the Eiffel Tower and my dad the Coliseum! That's how often I've seen them!" "It's so strange, Marc. You and I are so much alike but my parents wouldn't let me out of their sight and yours, just the opposite." "I've had this funny feeling inside me all day." "What kind of funny feeling?" "Like I couldn't take my eyes off you. I wanted to hug you all day!" "Why didn't you?" "HA! And embarrass you in front of your two dads?" "My two dads wouldn't have said anything if you had kissed me on top of the Empire State Building!" "They're OK with your being gay at fifteen?" "Heck yes! When I had my first sleepover date, my Uncle Jay all but choreographed the whole night for me WITH my dads' permission!" "They KNEW you were going to have sex in your bedroom at home?" "Sure. Both of them coached me about safe sex and when they thought they could trust me, that was the end of the discussion." "Did you and your date do what we did?" "Yeah, and lots more..." "Like what?" "If I thought there was a fruit stand nearby that sold watermelons, I'd show you!" "Watermelons?" "I'll tell you about it later." "Do you think that Rob and Tim will let me spend tonight with you?" "They will if Daddy Roger asks them." "You mean they listen to what he says?" "Marc, EVERYONE listens to what Daddy Roger says!" "Even your Daddy Cliff?" "Well, no. Daddy Roger listens to what Daddy Cliff says!" "God! How I wish I were you!" "Tell me more about your funny feeling." "I felt as if I had swallowed a humongous jar of fireflies. I kept feeling like I was glowing inside." "Me, too." "You're kidding!" "You wanna know why?" "Yes. If you know, please tell me!" "Marc, we only met last night, but I think you and I are falling in love with one another!" "Do you think you're in love with me?" "I've never felt this way before, Marc! It MUST be love!" "Then that means I'm in love with you, too. That means we're BOTH in trouble!" "Why do you say that?" "How can we be in love and be hundreds of miles apart?" "Being in love doesn't matter HOW far apart you are. If you can settle for a weekend romance!" "IF I get the part of Sammy, I won't be in the show but about a year...IF it's a hit!" "With Daddy Roger producing the show, it'll be a hit...even if he has to buy every ticket in the theater for a year and hand them out for free to people passing the theater!" "Your Daddy Roger is THAT rich?" "MORE!" "That means that YOU'RE rich!" "No, I get a weekly allowance AFTER I do the chores with Uncle Jay! BUT, anything I want...if I can prove that I need it, I get it!" "Like a round-trip airline ticket to New York every weekend for a year?" "Exactly!" Billy thought for a moment and said, "SAY! IF you get the part, when do your rehearsals start?" "In a few weeks..." "Then, why don't you come to New Hampshire with me to see my 'uncles' up there?" "Do you think Rob and Tim would let me?" "Sure, if..." "I KNOW! IF your Daddy Roger asks them!" "You're catching on fast!" "Oh, God! Things are just getting more wonderful by the minute!" "Marc, that's the way my life has been ever since Daddy Roger and Daddy Cliff adopted me." "Am 'I' too old to be adopted?" "You're not eighteen yet! Want me to ask Daddy Roger?" "NO! I'd be too embarrassed. I heard Rob and Tim talking about adopting me when they thought I couldn't hear their conversation." "EITHER WAY! You'll be part of the family...OUR family!" "Hell, I'm so excited, I think I'm going to get diarrhea." "Well, run to the bathroom, but hurry. I don't want my dads to have to wait on us!" Marc left Billy and ran toward the bathroom. <><><><><><><><><><><> Chris unlocked the front door of his house, letting Will enter first. The click of the heels of Will's shoes echoed on the cold marble floors, reverberating all through the stolid mansion. The outside lights were casting shadows from the heavy wooden furniture with an eerie effect. Chris had left the furnace on before he left and the temperature was set on seventy-eight degrees, the house seemed chilly, giving Will an eerie sensation. "My God, Chris, no wonder you don't like staying here alone. It...it's like a mausoleum in here." "With Ed here, I never seemed to notice. To us, it was always home. Let me turn on a few lights." Chris flipped the light switches on in the foyer, living room, and dining room, which gave the rooms a warmer essence and he decor rivaled pictures from 'House and Garden' magazine. "Chris, it's absolutely beautiful." "Ed was not only one of the foremost medical experts in the country, interior decorating was his hobby. He was a master of good taste, knowing what color would go with each fabric and piece of furniture." "I apologize for the 'mausoleum' remark. That was rather inappropriate." "No need to apologize, Will, the first night I spent here alone, after returning from Europe, the place without Ed, sorta crept me out, as well." "Do you mind if I just wander around and get a closer look at some of the artifacts?" "Not at all! I'll even give you a tour, myself, if you want..." "Everything looks just perfect in the light." "Don't forget that you promised to call your mother to tell her where you are..." "Yes, FATHER," Will replied, using a double-entendre on the word, 'father'. "Where's your phone?" "The nearest is in the kitchen. Go through the dining room while I turn on the lights in there." The kitchen was decorated in mahogany cabinets and an island in the middle of the floor. All the counters were covered in two-inch marble. On one side of the room was a large double refrigerator and on the opposite side was a huge stove with two ovens. Overhead was a built-in convection oven. Will saw the wall phone, walked to it and called his mother. "Mom?" "Yes, dear?" "I...I wanted to call to tell you that I saw the doctor and he prescribed new medication for me. I had it filled at the pharmacy. Father Chris was at the Institute and offered me a ride home. On the way, he invited me to his house for dinner. I...I'll probably stay late...well, actually, I'll probably spend the night here with him." "That was very nice of Father Chris," his mother replied. "He seems to have a special interest in your rehabilitation. I'm very grateful to him for how he's helping you." "Yes, Mom. He has helped me in MORE than just my rehab. He's become a rather close friend." "That makes me happy, hearing that. I, also, appreciate your calling me to tell me that you're safe and where you are." "It was really at Father Chris' insistence that I called you." "If that's so, give him a special hug for me." "Don't worry, Mom, I will." "Have a good time and PLEASE start your new medication!" "I will, Mom. Good night." "Good night, son." They hung up. "My mother said to give you a big hug!" Will said, putting the phone in its cradle. "So, do you want it now or later?" "Now, would be fine...and LATER would be fine, too," Chris replied. Will walked over to the kitchen sink where Chris was washing two baking potatoes. He turned and Will embraced him, heartily, which led to another passionate kiss. Chris responded as any healthy gay priest might and returned the kiss with one of his own. "I feel more relaxed kissing you here than in the front seat of my car like two teenage lovers." "You're a good kisser," Will said. "Of course, I only have one other male to compare you to." "Thanks. You kiss pretty well, yourself, for someone so inexperienced," Chris joked. "Chris, do you feel that Ed is watching us?" "I...I hope he is. Not because it's you, but, Ed, before he lost his memory completely, wanted me to date, have relations, and carry on a normal life." "In that case, I'll relax, as well." "Do you know how to cook?" "Before a marine goes overseas to a place like Iraq, he learns to cook. K.P. is mandatory. I could peel about a bushel of potatoes in about ten minutes. Of course, over in Iraq, our meals were all pre-packaged by adding water. We didn't HAVE to cook over there." "How about making a salad? Is THAT in your culinary repertoire?" "I make a MEAN salad!" "Then, soldier, march yourself over to that refrigerator and get what you need! In the crisper, you'll find all kinds of fresh vegetables...lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, cucumbers, squash...There are some pine nuts in that cupboard on the right. In the second cabinet, you'll find everything you need for a dressing...balsamic vinegar, rice wine vinegar, with all kinds of spices..." "YES SIR!" Will said, saluting Chris. "I'll fire up the grill for the steaks. How do you like yours cooked." "Wave it two times over the grill and slap the life out of it...the rarer the better!" "That's the way Ed liked his..." Chris said, then added, "Will, I'm sorry to keep talking about Ed, so much..." "Don't bother to explain. I only wish I had been able to be in a kitchen with Rick to cook dinner together. That was ONE opportunity never afforded us." "I won't serve wine as I'm not sure what counteraction it might have on your new prescriptions." "I haven't taken one of those pills, yet. I TOLD you that as long as I'm near you, I don't need them." "You sound like dozens of patients I visit in the mental ward at the Institute. NONE of them think they need their meds." "Maybe, but none of them have you with them in YOUR kitchen...and just how many of them have you kissed?" "Touché! You know I've never kissed ANY of them." "Maybe you should. You might be the cure for mental illness!" It dawned on Will, what he just said. "Chris, I wasn't referring to Alzheimer's. I'm sorry for saying that." "Alzheimer's is NOT a mental illness. It might appear that way, but it is a physical condition where different parts of the brain deteriorate." "Thanks for telling me that. You mean it acts more like a cancer?" "In many ways, yes. Rarely are TWO cases of Alzheimer's alike. One never knows which part of the brain it will attack first or where it will go next. It doesn't 'eat away' as cancer does, it just sort of shuts down various sections. It might affect the optic nerve and cause blindness or shut down ANY organ in the body...to the point that it eventually stops the heart from pumping or the lungs from intaking air. Usually, no one recognizes the early symptoms until it affects the mind and memory. That's not always the case, either. One can lose their short-term recognizance, but have complete recall of long-term memory. Ed didn't know me, but he would talk about his professors at medical school. He mentioned neighbors in his childhood home and I had no idea whom he was talking about." "Before Ed got really sick and was attending patients, what was his take on stem-cell research?" "Ed had a private lab at the Institute where he and a staff of experts ran experiments day and night with stem cell embryos." "Were they successful?" "With MANY of his Alzheimer's patients, they were completely successful! Many patients memories returned to normal." "Then WHY all this 'to-do' with the conservatives and their being against stem cell research." "They claim it's mini-abortions. If a woman is having her period and drop her eggs and her husband or boyfriend has sex with her and fertilizes them. That's all a scientist needs to begin a study." "Shit! Those aren't embryos! They're not babies! That happens nearly every night. When a woman takes the new 'morning after' pill, how does that differ?" "Call the White House and ask the people up there. Ed cursed them day and night. The same stem cell research is doing wonders with forms of cancer, Parkinson's Disease, diabetes. If the government could finance stem cell research with one month's budget, we're using to fight the war you came from, it might be enough to find MANY cures of MANY diseases and conditions!" "Christ! Too bad the fox is ruling the hen house, so to speak!" "Ed said that and MORE!" "Can I tell you something?" Will said. "You know you can tell me ANYTHING! Do you keep anything from me when you say your confession?" "You know I don't!" "What would you like to tell me?" "I want you to know how much I love being here with you and talking man-to-man about things...world events, health issues, et cetera. It feels like we've been living together for a long time...and it feels so damned good!" "Will, were you serious about wanting to move in here with me?" "I'd donate BOTH of my testicles to Cole Institute if I had a chance to live here with you." "I...I think I'd better see how well you make a salad before we pursue this matter any farther." "HA! If I'm gonna be judged on how well I cook, you're gonna LOVE this salad. It'll be the best salad you've ever eaten!" "We'll see AFTER dinner!" "Chris...?" "Yes?" "You know I'm falling in love with you, don't you?" Chris was silent and didn't offer a response. <><><><><><><><><><><><><> Only two minutes passed since Will's mother had talked to him over the phone, that Valerie Danforth received a different call. She answered cheerfully, as she was almost certain, it was Will calling back again for something he had forgotten...after all, neither of them had said, 'I love you' at the end of the first call, which was always standard procedure via habit over the years. "Hello, dear," Valerie chirped, "and what did you forget to say to me?" "Mother Danforth?" "Oh? Yes..." "It's me, Kathy." "Why, hello dear. It's so nice that you called." "But didn't you think that I was Will?" "Yes, Kathy, I was just talking to him and thought that it was he calling me again." "Well, I'm glad to see he's getting out of the house, at long last." "Yes, dear, Will is over at Father Chris' house for dinner." "That makes me feel so good, Mother Danforth. Perhaps, Father Chris can help to straighten out Will's thoughts and get him to concentrate on our wedding." "Will saw the psychiatrist at Cole Institute and the doctor gave him some new meds. Will almost sounded like his old self on the phone just now." "Oh, that just gets me more and more excited. When he came home from Iraq, he didn't give me the sort of greeting I was expecting...especially since I'm his bride-to-be." "Well, dear, if his telephone conversation is any indication of his recovery, you can start addressing those wedding invitations any day now." "Mother Danforth, I hope this won't embarrass you or think that I'm rushing things, but NOTHING could please me more than to present you with Will, Jr., this time next year!" "That doesn't embarrass me at all, Kathy. I've even made intercessory prayers at St. Genesius that I would live to see my grandchildren. After all, it's up to Will, and you, of course, to continue on with the Danforth legacy and dynasty." "I hope you'll be around for many years and see ALL your grandchildren. Before Will went overseas, we talked about having five or six children." "Oh, that would be so grand. I'm so glad that the two of you decided to have several children. I used to think that it was hard on Will being an only child. He seemed lonely sometimes." "Do you think it would be all right if I popped in to see YOU this weekend...and IF Will is up and around, I'm simply dying to see him and hold him in my arms." "I'm looking forward to his speedy recovery almost more than you, Kathy." "In the meanwhile, is there something I can do for you...or for Will?" "Nothing I can think of at the minute, but I will call if there is..." "Thank you SO much, Mother Danforth!" "You're welcome, dear...and thanks for calling." "Please tell Will when he gets home that I love him and he's in my every prayer and thought!" "I will, dear. Good night, Kathy." "Good night, Mother Danforth." <><><><><><><><><> The Cole party of eight arrived on time for the eight-thirty reservation at the Four Seasons. Rob and Tim decided to come after all. After their talk about adopting, Marc both were eager to see him, especially in the light of their possible new-son-to-be. Roger and Cliff were looking at Marc with the same vision. The gay waiter's gaydar's meter ran off the dial as he looked at the way Marc and Billy were looking at one another. It was the same look Hunter was giving Lee, without the same response from Lee. It was obvious to anyone that Roger and Cliff were a couple as were Rob and Tim. "Well, gentlemen," Roger said, addressing Rob and Tim, "did you find the right people today to make me even richer?" "Roger, it was a wonderful turnout with a fantastic amount of talent, auditioning," Tim replied. "Wonderful!" Roger exclaimed. Rob butted in with, "Norma Prentice hadn't been seen on Broadway since she was involved in a hit and run, right on Broadway, back in the early eighties, but her agent tapped Tim on the shoulder while he was listening to some of the girls auditioning for the role of Reenie, and lo and behold, right behind her agent stood Norma Prentice. She looked amazing. Tim asked her if she was there to audition for the role of Cora and she told us that she had done the straight play in stock and knew Cora, inside-out. Tim and I held our breaths, literally PRAYING that she hadn't lost her vibrant singing voice. Tim called down to the stage manager and told him to put a hold on the auditions for about ten minutes while Norma sang for us. At the time of her accident, she was starring in a revival of Victor Young's 'Seventh Heaven'. She sounded a bit unsure of herself during the first eight bars of 'If It's A Dream'. Then on the second eight before the bridge, the voice we were longing to hear emerged and suddenly Norma was back. Tim had me go read a scene with her and she was simply marvelous! I looked at Tim and he looked at the director, Harvey Zeigler...and we all knew there was no reason to look further. We had found our 'Cora'!" "Would you believe that I have the one solo CD she made in our collection back home in Briarwood?" Roger said, excitedly. "She was wonderful!" Cliff chimed in. "Still IS!" Tim added. "So that's the mother and the father!" Roger said. "Once you find Reenie, the entire Flood household will be cast...that is, if you cast a certain young man whose captured the heart of my young son." Rob and Tim gave each other a look of surprise. Could Marc and Billy have fallen in love after spending one night and one day together? "You ARE going to cast Marc, aren't you?" With his forward remark, Cliff gave Roger a slight kick in his shin underneath the table and a warning look. "Oops! I promised my beloved that I would keep my nose out of the casting process." Marc gave a yearning glance at Tim and Rob. "Actually, Roger, we hadn't told Marc yet, but we didn't audition for the role of Sonny today as it was cast as soon as Marc got off the plane from L.A.". "I GOT IT!?" Marc shouted. "Of course you did!" Rob replied. "But there's another surprise in store for you after we get home tonight!" Marc seemed torn. He wanted nothing more than to spend the night with Billy tonight, but at the same time, what was the big surprise awaiting him at Rob and Tim's? "Uh, Rob...Tim...I...had planned on spending the night at the Waldorf with Billy again, but now I don't know what to do?" "Well, why don't you invite Billy to our house and he can spend the night with you there?" "What about it, Daddy Roger...Daddy Cliff?" Billy spoke up, immediately. "Do you think either of us could say 'no' to you?" Cliff replied. "Oh, WOW! Thanks!" "So, Tim, what about the role of Sammy, the cadet who commits suicide?" Roger asked. "Did you find anyone with special talent for that role?" Hunter waited anxiously to hear Tim and/or Rob's reply. "There were a couple of REALLY good boys who auditioned. We asked them both for a callback. Of course, we'll never know for sure until we finish the auditions tomorrow." Hunter got one glimmer of hope, at least. "Enough chit chat, the waiter is here and waiting on us to order, so why don't we eat and we'll have a longer discussion about the show after dinner?" Everyone agreed. Roger took the liberty of ordering the same appetizer, angel hair bottarga, tomatoes, and red hot chili flakes and the same entrée, roasted Colorado rack of lamb, Moroccan couscous and eggplant chutney for everyone. The food was scrumptions! Everyone ate heartily, and talked mostly about Briarwood during the meal. Either it was the excitement or his need for medication that caused Hunter to become light-headed. He became dizzy and the dining room began to spin. He reached for Lee's arm, just before he passed out on the floor. The remaining seven jumped to their feet instantly. Lee knelt beside Hunter and began to wipe the sweat off Hunter's brow with his table napkin. "Was Hunter sick when he got back from the sight-seeing?" Cliff asked Lee. "No, he was fine. We showered...well, not together," Lee lied. "But I guess today was just too much excitement for him." The waiter came rushing to the table and Roger said, "Could you call 911, this boy needs an ambulance!" The waiter rushed to the phone and hurried back by saying that the EMS was on its way. By the time the paramedics arrived, the color had come back to Hunter's face and he was alert, totally embarrassed, but alert. The EMS unit took Hunter's blood pressure and found it was rather high. Roger signaled to the head paramedic to get a stretcher and take Hunter to the nearest hospital for a check-up and for observation. Dinner, which had started out on a high note, suddenly ended on everyone's going to the hospital to wait on Hunter's diagnosis. <><><><><><><><><><> "I think I'm supposed to turn on you and get angry!" Will said, as he snuggled next to Chris in the big king-sized bed. "Why is that?" Chris inquired, rolling his head toward Will's. "Because I learned in the psych ward in Germany, that when someone reveals a dark secret to another person, that 'someone' is supposed to feel embarrassed and hates the person who knows his secret. 'I' told you all my deepest secrets tonight." "Will, even if we hadn't wound up in bed together, you would have told them to me, anyway in the confessional. You've been telling me your secrets for as long as I can remember..." "Ha! I guess that leaves out priests, doesn't it?" "Do you feel guilty about us having sex?" Chris asked. "Not ONE bit. It seemed so natural. How about you?" "I had a wonderful time," Chris replied. "Do you think you could get used to having me around and having sessions, such as this, on a regular basis?" "Only if we should fall in love..." "Do you think you could love me...I mean if I prove to you that I'm well?" "I might..." "I KNOW I could fall in love with you, Chris. I...I think I have, after tonight." "Well, you DID make a great salad." "And you know how to grill a marvelous steak. Our meal seemed to compliment each other." "Well, I WAS and still AM against the war in Iraq...and you DID go of your own free will." "Are you going to hold that against me?" "No, Will, I want to hold my body against you." "Did anyone ever tell you how handsome you are, Chris?" "Not in the last five minutes." "Well, you ARE...and on top of that, you are the most wonderful person I've ever known...including Rick. I don't expect you to say the same to me because I know how much you loved Ed." "Will, the one thing you've made me realize tonight is that I can't go through the rest of my life without a partner or someone to love. I was that way until I met Ed...and he changed my outlook on life. I was no longer independent after we met and fell in love." "I'm an ex-GI! I can look after you from bodily harm." "Oh, you think I'm going to be attacked at the church by some angry terrorist?" "No, but we DO have to face my mother eventually...and then, there's Kathy...". "Do you have any idea how to approach them if we should go into a relationship?" "That depends on whether or not you can fall in love with me..." "And if I can?" "I would kill Osama bin Laden for you...so why in hell couldn't I stand up to my mother and Kathy?" "Your mother is stronger than bin Laden!" "You're avoiding saying the words I want to hear, Chris." "You want me to say it after one night of sex?" "SEX and DINNER! Don't forget that!" "Yes, you idiotic, good-looking GI-rine. I...I DO love you." "God! At long last!" "Long last! It's only been one night!" "It's been a whole week for me...after you left my bedroom, the other day!" "You know what I would like more than anything?" "What's that?" "Would you fuck me, Chris?" "You really want me to?" "I...I never let Rick do it to me. I...I was the top the two times we did it. So I'm virgin back there and I ask you to be gentle..." "I'll be so gentle, you'll think a doctor's giving you an exam..." "Oh God! That hurts like shit!" "Well, gentler..." "Just go slow and easy...but kiss me first." Chris leaned down and slid his tongue into Will's mouth and rolled him over on his stomach. He was tender, quiet, and soothing as he entered Will's backside and Will knew that Chris was the 'one'! (So did Chris!) <><><><><><><><><><><><> (To be continued in Briarwood, Book Nine, 'A New Heaven and a New Earth', chapter 99).