EMPIRE

Chapter Twenty-four

Friday Afternoon, Ron and Matt’s palatial home

Matt entered the kitchen that was a beehive of activity. Parker was helping Mary with the last minute details of the “small” dinner planned for Tyler and Ron’s return, aided in their efforts by one of the household maids who was assembling the place settings for the participants.

“Mr. Matt sir,” Mary said upon seeing Matt enter, “Would you mind going over the place cards with Parker, then placing them where you want everyone seated?”

“Sure Mary. Where are they?”

“On the breakfast room table. I’m concerned that we might have forgotten someone.”

“That wouldn’t be hard to do. We keep changing the number who will be here,” Matt admitted.

Matt followed Parker to the table where the place cards were sitting. They sat down and Parker began to read from his list, while Matt looked at the cards as the names were called.

“Of course there are you and Mr. Ron,” Parker started at the top of the list. “Tyler and Dan,” he continued on. “Then Ronnie and Jerry, Douglas and his friend Eddie Burroughs, Nathan and Carl. That’s everyone in the house. From New York are Mr. Bryan and Mr. Alan, and their boys Rich and Brandt. Bryan’s parents, Richard and Ann Adams are coming too. From the office will be only Will and Janet Nuggent with Leonard Johnson and his wife as well as Eric Chalmers, the new Activities Director coming from the Thornton Center. The people added to the list last night include George Bowles, Jamie Cromwell, Theodore Repallo, and Michael Christopher. All of them are candidates for the Arts Trust Project.”

“Yes, they have all confirmed that they can come,” confirmed Matt. “I spoke to each of them from the office this morning.”

“Good. That makes 25,” Parker said after counting. “It’s a good thing that there are not more, or we’d have to plan the dinner somewhere other than the dining room. The table space there is maxed-out at 26,and we only have 30 sets of gold tableware too.”

“We may have to get a bigger table,” Matt laughed.

“Perhaps so,” Parker agreed, but was serious. “Before you came to live here Ron never entertained more than 10 people, and even that happened so infrequently, that the Dining Room was the least used room in the house. It’s nice to see this place being utilized the way it was intended.”

“Yes, Ron has developed a penchant for collecting strays,” Matt observed. “Of course he loves them all, including me.”

“I wish you could have known Ron before he met you,” said Parker. “Mary would agree with me, Ron was one lonely man. After losing his college lover he was estranged from his father, then after his father died, he rarely was in Las Vegas. He was trying to kill himself, drowning his sorrows. He finally got his senses back, and returned here, but became so engrossed in business, that he was hardly human. At least he loved the work and I’m sure that he put on a ‘happy face’ for the people he worked with. The only personal friends he had were Jack Smith and Ted Thornton. Then he met Bryan on the Internet and at first I think he was deeply infatuated with him.”

“I could see how that could happen,” Matt concluded. “Bryan is a very gregarious person. He’d be easy to love.”

“Of course that had no chance of going anywhere, but he couldn’t resist going to New York and meeting him. Then you came into his life. It was as if he’d suddenly found himself again. He opened up his heart and let the pain that he’d suffered in losing his college lover, really escape at last. Mary and I have often commented on how much he changed. Suddenly there was so much love coming from him that it surrounded not only you, but also everyone who knew him. She and I are both thankful that you’re Ron’s partner.”

“Why thank you Parker,” Matt said with true sincerity. “I love Ron with all my heart. I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

“He might disagree with you on that last point,” remarked Parker with a smile. “It’s a fine point, one that doesn’t really warrant a debate. Let’s just say that ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’

“I think we’d better change the subject. I’m almost embarrassed with such praise when it involves me,” Matt said beginning to fidget.

“Did Ron’s present arrive in one piece?” Parker asked, in response to Matt’s request.

“Yes. It had better. It was insured for it’s full value of $12 million! Not that it could be replaced for any amount of money.”

“I still don’t know how you were able to get it. I thought you didn’t know that much about art work.”

“I don’t,” Matt admitted. “It’s kind of a long story. Dan and I met a man about our age from California last summer. He’s a huge developer in the bay area. Construction Leasing has done a great deal of business with him. Eric, the man I met, and his partner, Dave Rush own vast holdings of land in the West and are unbelievably successful. We became friends, but by a quirk of fate, Ron hasn’t met them yet though he’s spoken with both of them on the phone. I had lunch with them a couple of months ago and mentioned to them about our Charitable and Arts Trusts and some of our business interests. Since then we have done several business things with them. For instance, Aztec-Turner Security is now providing their security services and we have bought a lot of their software products. It is by far Tyler’s largest account and we have completely revamped our computer operations with their products.”

“What does that have to do with Ron’s present?” Parker queried.

“At that lunch I asked them, thinking of Ron’s birthday, ‘What do you get for someone who has everything?’ They suggested artwork. I admitted my ignorance, so they introduced me to a lady by the name of Sarah in New York. She has one of the most extensive collections of art in the world in addition to being a great philanthropist. What a lovely lady! Alan and Bryan have had several lunches with her in New York. She is in love with both of them. Anyway, she agreed to sell me one of her prized paintings as the ‘starter’ for our museum. It will be Ron’s personally, but I’m sure he will loan it to the museum. Of course I ‘contributed’ a great deal of money to her favorite charity, which, I was dumbfounded to learn, was the Friendship Trust. ‘What goes around, comes around,’ as they say.”

“That’s an amazing story,” Parker said shaking his head.

“PARKER!” the voice of Mary pierced the air.

“Damn! I’d better get to work,” Parker said leaping from his chair.

“Okay, Parker. You go help Mary, and I’ll put the place cards around the table.”

“Thanks Matt,” Parker said as he headed in the direction of Mary’s voice.

Matt smiled and gathered up the place cards, then headed for the dining room.

                                     *                      *                      *

 Late Friday afternoon, McCarran Airport

The sleek executive jet’s engines wound down as the hangar doors began to close. The doorway hatch door swung open and the stairs slid out then down to the concrete floor.

Ron appeared in the doorway and waved to Matt before he began his descent. Matt and Dan crossed the hangar floor to meet their lovers and their guest, a dark handsome man who appeared to be in his mid-to-late twenties.

Matt rushed into Ron’s arms and exchanged something more than a casual kiss, then pulled away from his lover and turned to their guest. Tyler and Dan were slightly more circumspect, exchanging a warm hug and a quick peck on the lips before also turning with a smile to greet the Englishman.

“Matt, Dan, I’d like you to meet George Bowles about whom we spoke earlier. George, this is my partner Matt Davidson, and this handsome man,” he said indicating Dan, “is Dan Barnes, Tyler’s better half.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you George,” Matt said extending his hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Parker’s nephew replied.

“Nice to make your acquaintance,” Dan added.

“Likewise, I’m sure,” George said as he turned to Dan, shaking his hand.

Ron looked at the plane where the ground crew had unloaded their luggage onto a cart.

“Looks like we’re about ready,” Ron observed. “Let’s go.”

“Do you mind if we stop at the office on the way home?” Matt asked. “I rushed off today and forgot the personnel folders for our arts candidates. George might want to review the files, as all three of them will be at dinner tonight. I’ve kept them here two days longer than originally planned already, so we need to decide right away whether they are going to fit the bill.”

“Sure Babe,” Ron agreed. “Tyler and I can also drop off our briefcases and business stuff. I don’t plan on working this weekend, if I can avoid it.”

“Uhh…Mr. Davidson,” George interjected as they continued out the terminal’s entry doors, “I haven’t made a firm commitment yet to take the job you offer.”

“You will George,” Matt responded positively. “Wait ‘til you meet the major players I’m considering for your organization. They are very well qualified, but I’d like your opinion before I commit to them. By the way drop the ‘Mister’ stuff. I’m just plain Matt.”

“I’d hardly consider you plain anything,” George said with admiration. “The four of you could be models for GQ magazine. In answer to your request, I’d be very happy to offer my opinion,” George responded. “It’s the least I could do in exchange for the trip here to meet my Uncle George.”

“I think that if we were in GQ, you’d be right there with us. By the way, I hope Ron told you that you have an Aunt Mary too,” said Matt.

“Yes, the three of us had time for a long talk on the plane. I must say, I feel like I already know you in particular well. Every second word out of Ron’s mouth was ‘Matt’.”

“That’s an exaggeration,” Ron countered with a wink to his partner as they took their seats in the Escalade, “It was every third word.”

“I feel I know Dan too. Tyler wasn’t silent about Dan’s charms,” George said as the large SUV began its trip toward the office with Matt driving.

Dan blushed as George continued, addressing Matt and Dan, “I must regretfully say that the good impression that your partners gave me about you both was met with pessimism. Now that I’ve met you I’m happy to say that you both are all they described and more.”

“Ron, we gotta keep this guy,” Matt said smiling. “My ego hasn’t had such a boost in eons.”

“I’ll take care of your ego later,” Ron said with a sly grin, “but I agree with you.”

“George,” Matt continued. “I’d like a quick answer on your decision about our job offer, and I hope we can talk later in the evening about the three candidates. I owe them a quick decision.”

“Sure Matt. I presume I’ll have an opportunity to talk with them individually tonight.”

“Of course. You may speak with them socially, and/or use the study to talk to them singly or as a group,” Matt offered.

“I’ll keep you informed as the evening progresses,” George promised.

An hour later, the Escalade drove up the ramp from the RET building’s underground parking garage.

“Thanks for the tour guys,” George offered. “That building is magnificent. I’ve never seen one quite like it.”

“It’s one of a kind,” Ron explained. “It was designed by the studio of the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s done in his ‘Prairie Style’ that was his trademark in the early decades of the century. Our home, which you’ll see soon, is done in a style reminiscent of “Falling Waters” his most famous house that was built in Pennsylvania in the ‘30’s. Tyler and Dan’s home, which is nearing completion, was designed by them in a style similar to their ‘camp’ in Arizona, called Taliesin West. You’ll find that each style is vastly different, yet wonderfully executed. I have hopes that we’ll use them again on our Opera House and Art Museum. Frank Lloyd Wright designed such a theater at Arizona State University, and of course designed the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.”

“Wow! You must keep those fellows busy,” remarked George.

“We try. They have a young architect on their staff who has been here for Tyler and Dan’s place and is very talented. I’d like to keep him as our personal designer. I doubt we can lure him away from the Taliesin group but at least we can give him some interesting projects to lead.”

“I like the sound of your ideas. It sounds like you are fully committed to the Arts Trust.”

“We all are,” Ron explained. “Our past emphasis has been on social programs to help the less fortunate, and that will remain the biggest chunk of our efforts. Nevertheless, we have sufficient funding already to begin our Arts Project in earnest. As part of that effort we intend to erect some outstanding buildings. Architecture is its own art form. One you can ‘wear’.”

Matt took over the conversation with their Director candidate as the drive continued, briefly describing each of the candidate finalists that he had interviewed. By the time the white Escalade had passed through the gates of the “Ratt’s Nest”, George was gaining confidence about the prospects of the people who might be responsible for the execution of the ‘Turner Arts Dream.’ The house was ablaze in lights as it came into view.

“Blimey!” George exclaimed. “Is that your home or a hotel? It’s gorgeous.”

“Thanks,” Ron said as the vehicle turned to wind its way up and behind the impressive structure to the garage. “It’s just home sweet home.”

“So’s Buckingham Palace,” George said under his breath.

                         *                      *                      *

Minutes Later

The five men entered the large home through the kitchen. As they passed through, Ron saw Mary, Parker and Rebecca, their maid, busy working to put the finishing touches on the meal.

“Hi Mary, Parker. Hi ‘Becca. Boy! It looks like you’re feeding an army.”

“Hello Mr. Ron. Glad you’re back.” Mary responded not wanting to give away the surprise. “Now get in there to your guests. We can chit-chat tomorrow.”

“Count on it,” said Ron, “but first I think there are introductions to make. George, I’d like you to meet your Uncle George, commonly known around here as ‘Parker’ and your Aunt Mary.”

George stepped forward and offered his hand to his father’s brother. Parker would have none of it and opened his arms, taking the younger man into his arms with a warm hug.

“I’m so pleased to find you Uncle,” George said with warmth and sincerity.

“No more than I you,” Parker countered. “I’ve always wondered if my brother, your father survived. Now it’s confirmed in your very likeness. You’re a handsome man, just like your grandfather and I’m sure like your father. Now I’d like you to meet your Aunt Mary.”

Releasing the younger man and stepping away, Mary took Parker’s place in delivering another warm hug.

“It’s wonderful to meet you Aunt Mary. I can see that Uncle George is a fortunate man.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere with me,” Mary confessed. “I’ve never seen my husband more animated than when he found that his brother had survived and that you were in this country. Welcome home.”

“Thanks Aunt Mary. I look forward to getting to know you both much better in the next few days.”

“Ron, I think you should take George into the family room. Your dinner guests are waiting for you there,” Parker announced. “We’ll have plenty of time to become better acquainted after you’ve all rested from your trip.

“I’ll do that,” Ron agreed. “Come on guys, lets go meet the ‘arts brigade. Follow me.”

With that Ron turned toward the family room door and pushed it open. The room was unusually dark, but the lights rose suddenly as Ron entered.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” came the shouts from the well-wishers.

“I’ll be damned!” Ron exclaimed, seeing not only their Las Vegas friends, but Alan and Bryan, as well as their kids and Bryan’s parents in the crowd.

“How?……”

His thoughts were cut short as he was engulfed by friends and family who surrounded him. The following few minutes were spent with introductions. Matt took charge of George Bowles introducing him to all the guests including lastly, the three candidates for the ‘arts’ jobs. Matt then left him to his own devices as he struck up an easy exchange with the three men.

Cocktail hour was already in full swing, when the five men arrived from the office. The latecomers were soon equipped with drinks of their own from the bar that was manned by a bartender who had been brought in for the occasion.

When Matt finished the rounds with George Bowles, and Ron had greeted all his guests, the two partners found each other at the bar.

“This is totally unexpected, Love,” Ron admitted. “I’d forgotten that my birthday was this weekend.”

“Happy Birthday Sweet Guy,” Matt responded. “Yep, you’re ready to join the ‘over-the-hill gang.’ You seem too cute and in too good of shape to really be 30.”

“Thanks Babe,” Ron responded. “As for the other, I’m far from being ‘over-the-hill’, as I’ll prove to you later.”

“I can’t wait,” Matt taunted.

“Keep that up and our guests are gonna have a ‘floor show’,” Ron said with a leer.

Matt opened his mouth for a retort but was cut short by Parker’s appearance, announcing in a loud voice ‘DINNER IS SERVED!” The din of voices dropped at the announcement, and the guests preceded the hosts into the large dining room. Seeing the place cards, each guest circled the table until they found their spot, then remained standing behind their chair until all the others had done likewise. Ron stepped to his place at the head of the table and Matt his at the foot. Tyler and Dan were at mid-spots down the length of the table, and the guests and family were arranged so that there was an intermixing of guests and family.

Matt spoke first, before Ron could begin.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming to Ron’s birthday dinner. The celebrations will continue tomorrow with an all-day party, beginning at 10 AM. It will be casual. This dinner tonight is for special friends, but the party tomorrow will be much larger and will include friends from all over the country. You are all invited back for all or any of it that you can attend. There will be entertainment, a buffet lunch and a huge barbeque at dinner. The pool is heated so bring your swimming suits if you’re so inclined. Now, before I turn the greeting over to Ron, I’d like to tell a joke.”

“I hope it’s better than Ron’s usuals,” Bryan piped up with a loud ‘stage whisper’, which was followed by laughs.

“As most of you know,” Matt began, “Ron and I became formally committed partners last spring. I’ve been having second thoughts. I was reminded of the guy who thought his wife had been great. In just three years of marriage, she’d gotten him to stop drinking, stop smoking, taught him to dress well, how to enjoy music, painting and fine literature, how to cook gourmet meals, and how to have confidence in himself. But, he filed for a divorce. Frankly, he decided that she was not good enough for him!”

The hoots and hollers mixed with the laughter from the guests.

“Thanks Matt,” Ron said when the laughter died down. “Thanks to you too, my good friends and great family. I’m glad that you’re all here, even if it’s only for my birthday. I guess my surprise was evident when we came in. You see, I’ve always believed in the adage, ‘There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a fuss about your birthday…around age 11’.”

Laughter rippled around the table.

“And now for the real joke,” Ron quipped.

“A group of Friars opened up a florist shop to help with the belfry payments. Everyone liked to buy flowers from the Men of God, so their business flourished. A rival florist became upset that his business was suffering because people felt compelled to buy from the Friars, so he asked the Friars to cut back hours or close down. The Friars refused.”

“The florist again went to them and begged that they shut down. Again they refused, so the florist then hired Hugh McTaggert, the meanest thug in town. Hugh went to the Friars’ shop, beat them up, destroyed their flowers, and said that if they didn’t close, he’d be back. Well, totally terrified, the Friars closed up shop and hid in their rooms. This proved that Hugh and only Hugh can prevent florist Friars.”

The groans almost exceeded the laughter at the joke.

“I knew you’d like it,” Ron commented ignoring the jeers as he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “For an encore, knowing that we are about to return thanks, I’d like to read you a few children’s interpretations of Biblical writings.” He began to read:

“Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree.”

“Noah’s wife was called Joan of Ark”

“Lot’s wife was a pillar of salt by day, and a ball of fire by night.”

“The Egyptians were drowned in the desert.”

“The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.”

“Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol.”

“The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.”

“The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with unsympathetic genitals.”

“Solomon, one of David’s sons, had 300 wives and 300 porcupines.”

“It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance.”

“The people who followed the Lord were called the twelve decibels.”

Ripples of laughter rolled from around the table as the interpretations went on.

“The epistles were the wives of the apostles.”

“St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage.”

“A Christian should only have one spouse. This is called monotony.”

Ron paused and smiled, as the titters faded.

Matt then stood and motioned for Ron to be seated before saying, “Now that you’ve had your Bible study for the evening, let us pray.”

“Dear Lord, we gather here to celebrate the birthday of Your servant Ron. We hold him up to You a just and compassionate man, one whose giving heart is an example to us all. We ask that You bless those of us here in this celebration and those who will join us tomorrow. Keep each person safe in their journeys to celebrate with us and on their return trip home.  Now we ask for Your continued guidance of Ron in his search for advanced age….” A snicker broke out among the guests and Matt quickly tried to recover. “… uh I mean, of Ron in his search for wisdom that can only come with age….. uh….” Now giggles could be heard. “….Oh heck, bless Ron and the food we’re about to eat. Amen.”

Matt quickly sat down with a blush on his face.

Tyler quickly stood up and raised his glass, diverting the guests’ attention and laughter away from the embarrassed Matt.

“I’d like to offer a toast to Ron Turner. A man we all love and admire.”

“Hear, hear,” came the voices of the guests as they stood and raised their glasses.

“And to Matt his only love, whose face is the color of the beverage we’re about to consume.”

Laughs broke out and Matt delivered an evil grin that read, ‘I’ll get even buster.”

Glasses tipped and the party was seated.

Ron again stood. “Before we’re served our appetizers, I’d like to just take a moment to thank you all again for coming. The gatherings of friends and family are happy times, a true highlight of the year. Know that I appreciate your sentiments and your support of our work.”

Ron sat down to the applause of the diners. Before the clapping could diminish to silence the doors leading from the kitchen opened and Parker and Mary began serving the first course, while Rebecca made the rounds refilling any beverage glasses that were low of contents. As the initial course was being served, sliding doors retracted into one side wall of the room revealing an alcove with a string quartet that began softly playing Baroque musical pieces that added a warm atmosphere to the room. Conversations began in earnest around the huge table and continued during the next hour as each of the first six courses was served and consumed. When it was time for dessert, a large ceremonial cake was brought in on a rolling cart with 30-lighted candles on top. The cart was wheeled to the head of the table, and after Ronnie reminded Ron to ‘make a wish’, Ron blew out the candles to the applause of the guests. As the candles smoldered, the cake again was wheeled into the kitchen. Within seconds the dessert to be served, which had already been dished-up, was delivered and set in front of each of the diners. The elegance of the repast had been a culinary success and each of the participants was full, just short of being uncomfortable.

Seeing that everyone was finished, Matt announced that after-dinner drinks, or coffee, would be served in the family room for those choosing that option. Soon chairs were pushed back and the adults moved to the family room to continue with socializing, while the younger set headed for the game room.

In the large family room music could be heard through open doors coming from the pool/entertainment deck. A five-piece ensemble that was playing contemporary as well as older dance music had replaced the string quartet. Ron and Matt circulated among the guests, then headed for Alan and the Adamses who were with Tyler and Dan. After a few moments Tyler and Dan left the group and began to visit with various other guests. When a lively rock piece that had strong rhythms was featured, Bryan grabbed Alan’s arm, indicating his wish to dance. Alan excused himself and Bryan, then asked Ron and Matt to join them. The elder Adamses encouraged them to go along, so Ron quickly relented and taking Matt by the arm led him outside to a dance floor that had been set up near a podium where the band played. Seeing their host taking the lead, several couples, both gay and straight joined the four men who were already within the influence of the music, gyrating to the beat of the drums in the background.

 10:00 PM

The party had slowed and guests, after thanking Ron and Matt for their hospitality, began to leave. George Bowles searched out Matt and Ron asking them for a few moments alone in Ron’s study. Following the handsome man, the trio was soon seated on a sofa and chair in the beautifully paneled room.

“I’ve met all the candidates,” George began. “I can understand Matt’s problems in choosing one over the others.  They are each excellent at their own area of expertise, but not diverse in other forms of art. I see no other choice but to hire them all if you are really serious about a truly broad-based approach. I had lengthy discussions with all of them together about your thoughts after meeting with them individually. Considering their diversity, they are like-minded in their desire to make the Arts Trust a success. While I have a concern it might not last, they all seemed to be accommodating of the others’ interests. If we’re able to keep them as a team, there should be no limit to what can be accomplished, given that the funding is available.”

“I’m pleased that you got a favorable impression,” Matt responded. “Have you made your decision as to whether to head up the effort?”

“I’d be a fool to pass up this opportunity,” George responded. “And I’m no fool.”

Matt and Ron both smiled as they congratulated their new Director.

“Since the three men will be under your direction and guidance,” Matt declared, “I think it would be appropriate for you to hire them. That way, there would never be a conflict where they tried to pull rank with me, if you decide they don’t work out. They are your people, and will only stay under the conditions you dictate. We all hope that your guidance will be considerate of them personally, but there can be no question as to who is the leader. We are here to support you. You may use this study if you’d like, as I think it should be done tonight.”

“Where will our offices be?” George asked.

“For the time being,” Ron interjected, “they will be in the RET building in the area used by the Turner Trusts of which Matt is the President. Later, when we get our directions established, we’d consider constructing a new building for the Arts Trust. That may be a year or two or perhaps even longer down the road though. In the meantime, you can start assembling your staff and begin planning. If it’s helpful and only if you wish, Matt or I can participate, but in the long run it’s your show.”

“You may wish to send the three men home to make preparations for moving here while you assemble some support staff,” Matt suggested. “At present there is $80 million invested which will provide dividends toward your organizational expenses. It appears that the figure I just quoted could increase by at least 50% in the next 30 days, as well.

We can meet on Monday at the Trust’s office. In the meantime, you’re welcome to stay as our guest here until you find suitable accommodations.”

“That is most kind gentlemen. I’m sure I’ll enjoy working for you.”

“With us,” Ron and Matt corrected.

“And don’t forget Tyler and Dan. They are our partners in all of this.”

“That’s good to know,” George commented. “Well, I’d better get on my ‘hiring shoes’ if it’s going to happen tonight.”

“We’ll leave you then,” Ron said rising from the sofa. “Let us know if we can help you.”

“Thanks Ron. Thanks Matt. The first request will come immediately. Would you please ask Jamie Cromwell to join me in here?”

“Of course George.” Matt responded. “Good luck.”

 Midnight. Nathan and Carl’s room

“Wow! What a shindig!” Carl exclaimed as he entered the room, followed closely by Nathan. That dinner was unbelievable! I never knew that people actually ate like that. I mean, every dish was beautifully presented, and the tastes were like nothing I’d ever had. At first I thought each course was small because I’m used to few but large servings, but I will say that I was more than full by the time it was all over.”

“Me too,” Nathan agreed. “The whole thing was fun even though there were lots of people quite a bit older than us. They treated us as adults though, and were interested in our plans for the future. I found the people there very interesting.”

“Yeah, I noticed how you kept scoping-out Brandt and Rich.”

“Well, you have to admit that they’re cute as hell,” Nathan said defensively. “I saw that your eyes were wandering too.”

“They may have been,” Carl agreed, “but for me there was no one there who could hold a candle to you.”

“I feel the same way about you,” Nathan admitted, then scratched his head. “Hmmm…if tonight was a small party, I wonder what tomorrow will bring?”

“I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough,” Carl asserted. “For right now though I’d be more than satisfied to have our own little party, right here.”

Nathan consented with a wink and an offer, “I’m sure that could be arranged.”

A lustful smile turned up the corners of his mouth as he began unbuttoning his shirt.

                                    *                      *                      *

Meanwhile in Ron and Matt’s Master Suite.

“Nice party Babe,” Ron complemented his spouse.

"I told you last night that we could throw something together,” Matt kidded.

“Yeah, you and an army maybe, but I know for sure that the party wasn’t done in a day, Goofball.”

“Well, we did do a little advance planning,” Matt acceded.

“More than a little, I’d say. Anyway, it was very sweet of you to do it for me. I do appreciate it. It’s easy to stray away from seeing all the people that you love when you are busy. We have to make it a point not to let that happen. The party was a perfect way to do it.”

“You’ll get even more of an opportunity tomorrow,” Matt suggested.

“Why? How many people are coming tomorrow?”

“Only the same people that were here tonight, and about 220 more. We started smaller, but the list just grew and grew.”

“Holy shit!” Ron said in amazement. “I didn’t know that I knew that many people.”

“There are plenty more,” Matt admitted. “ 35 people R.S.V.P.’d that they couldn’t make it. In addition we didn’t invite around a 100 people that we easily could have. You have to draw the line somewhere though.”

“Hmmm. Well, the only line I’m interested in now is the beeline pointed to bed.”

“Feel up to a little hanky-panky?” Matt asked as he removed his trousers and hung them up.

“I’d like to feel-up a little Matty watty,” suggested Ron with a twinkle in his eyes.

“I’m at your command, Big Guy,” Matt conceded.

“C’mere then,” Ron commented with open arms.

                         *                      *                      *

At the same time, across town.

David Ben Sharif lay on his bed smoking a cigarette. He thought about his first few days at work. Even though he wanted to dislike Pete, he found an affinity that he never expected while working with the young man. In the past, since moving to the U.S., he had been a loner, never mingling with the other workers. With Pete it was different. He worked side-by-side with the handsome youth. Pete seemed to like him too. ‘Oh well,’ he tried to convince himself, ‘Pete will show his true colors soon enough. He sure seems like a nice guy though, and has a nice body.’

David’s thoughts turned to relaxing enough to fall asleep, but he couldn’t help noticing that one part of his body was not only not relaxed, but was at full attention. ‘I guess I’ll have to take care of this not so little need,” he thought as he grasped the large projecting organ. Unconsciously his mind returned to the vision of Pete as his hand began it’s up and down pumping.

                        *            *            *            *            *