Reece's Pieces
by
Jim Carter

Legal Stuff:

In the story that follows all the sexual parts are pure fiction and should read as such. It does not mean the author promotes or agrees with sexual relationships between teenage boys. Please understand that this story is pure fiction/fantasy, don't try to make it anything else.

If you are not of a legal age where you live to read stories of this nature or are offended by homosexual behavior, man/teenage boy, teenage boy/teenage boy, relationships etc. etc. then please do not read any further. If you do then it is not the responsibility of the writer or the posting authority of any consequences that arise.
The author retains all rights to this story. If you get a chance check out my other stories, I think I am still listed under Jim Carter on the author’s page.

Copyright 2006 Jim Carter
Part 1

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I woke up this Saturday morning to find six inches of new fallen snow. Now Saturday’s are not much different from any other day to me, but for some reason this snow put me in an awful mood. Actually, for the last nine or ten months almost anything could put me in a bad mood. I have trouble admitting it, but ever since I caught Larry in bed with another man, my mood has been anything but pleasant. One would think that after this long, time would have healed that wound, and I would have moved past that phase of my life.

I managed to pull my lazy ass out of bed and make a pot of wake-me-up. My first cup of coffee managed to put me in a little better mood, but I still didn’t relish the idea of shoveling snow. Hell if I could have gotten out of my driveway and the roads had been clear I might have gone and bought a snow blower. After all, I would need one at the house I am building. Oh well, such is life. I put on some warm clothes and went out to start the digging out process.

I had been outside for only a couple of minutes when Reece came up to where I had started shoveling. “Hi Jim, can I shovel your driveway and sidewalk for you? I really need the money.”

Reece had been taking care of my lawn since the early part of the summer. He always worked hard and always seemed thankful for the money. He lived down the street in a run-down old house that had been converted into three or four apartments. “Sure Reece, but you need to put on some warmer clothes.” He only had what looked to be a light jacket, jeans, and worn sneakers. The jeans looked like he had grown three or four inches since they fit.

“I’ll be fine. Once I get started I will be sweating.” He coughed. I gave him the shovel and went inside to get out of the cold.

I couldn’t help but watch the boy work from the window. I don’t know how old Reece is. He is taller than I am, but so skinny he looks unhealthy. In the summer when he was mowing the lawn, you could count his ribs easily, but I loved watching that bare-chested boy work. He is a very beautiful boy with long blond hair. His eyes are emerald green. Okay, I guess I have had a few erotic fantasies involving Reece, and that bothered me some. I didn’t want to admit that this boy turned me on, but the truth is just looking at him gave my cock a reason to dance.

I noticed that Reece was coughing more and more as he worked. I put on some milk and started making him some hot chocolate. I went out to where he was finishing up. “Reece come inside and warm up. I made you some hot chocolate.”

“Thanks Jim, that sounds wonderful.” I led him inside. “Wow, the inside of your house is more beautiful than the outside.”

“Thanks Reece. Here have a seat.” I gave him his drink and sat down to have another cup of coffee. I realized that I was hungry and asked. “I am a little hungry; would you like to join me for some breakfast?”

“Sure, that would be awesome. That is what I needed the money for; I don’t have anything to eat at home.” He looked down at the table a little embarrassed when he said that.

“Well, then I better make a big breakfast.” I couldn’t help but notice that his eyes lit up when I started to get our breakfast started. His cough also caught my attention. “Reece, that cough sounds bad, are you sure you shouldn’t be in bed?”

“Naw, I will be fine.” He coughed again. These coughs were so guttural that I worried about him having pneumonia or something.

After I had the sausage and bacon started and the bread buttered for toast, I went over to Reece and felt his forehead. “You feel like you have a little fever.”

“Jim. I don’t know how to ask this so I am just going to do it. Would you let me take a shower? I know I shouldn’t ask but our water has been turned off and I stink. You have been so good to me; I hope you don’t hate me for asking.”

I went over to him and hugged his head to my chest. “I could never hate you for needing something I can easily provide.” His arms went immediately around my waist and he hugged me tight. “I know it was hard for you to ask. My bedroom is the open door down the hall on the right. Everything you should need is already out in that bathroom, just make yourself at home.” He got up to go take a shower and I went to turn the breakfast meat.

“Jim?” I heard from the bedroom. I went to the door and there stood Reece completely naked. He is very skinny but other than that, his body is perfection. His beautiful cut cock about four or so inches hung over two very lovely low hanging balls. He was hairless except for his blond pubic bush. The beautiful sight before me had my cock on the rise immediately. I hope these jeans and long johns keep my erection from showing. “May I wear this robe after my shower so that I don’t have to put these dirty clothes back on until I have to go?”

“Sure bud, you can wear that robe or better yet I will get you some sweatpants and shirt. They will be very big on your but you can draw the waist up with that string thing. I don’t want that cold of yours getting any worse.” He caught me checking him out and I think he was checking me out too. I saw his cock start to rise and he quickly turned away and headed for the bathroom.

I got the sweatpants and shirt and put them on the bed. I knew my underwear would not stay up on him at all so he would have to go commando. “I have put some slippers there too so your feet stay warm. They are on the bed when you are ready.” Then I saw something that shocked me. Reece had taken my dirty underwear out of the hamper and had it up to his nose. He had no idea I could see him in the mirror.

“Thanks Jim, I really appreciate this.” I noticed that he was stroking himself and sniffing my shorts. I was hard as a rock, but managed to tear myself away from this beautiful show. Not that I was noble and doing the right thing. I smelled the bacon starting to burn. I manage to salvage the bacon without it being burnt to a crisp, but it was well done to say the least. I made another batch of meat and started the eggs when Reece came back into the kitchen wearing the clothes I laid out for him. “Man, I feel so much better. I really appreciate you letting me take a shower and feeding me.” He came over and gave me a hug.

I hugged him back. “You are welcome, and I have not done anything.” I saw tears in his eyes.

“Yes you have. I think you may have saved my life.” He bent down and kissed me quickly on the lips. “Thank you so much.” I notice he was hard and those loose sweatpants let it poke straight out. He blushed deeply. “I am so sorry.” He sat down quickly and pulled his chair so the table hid his erection.

“You have nothing to be sorry about. That happens to all of us. Don’t think a thing about it.”

“Thanks. I am so embarrassed.”

“Don’t be. Here eat up.” I dished out the food. I gave two thirds of it to Reece and I sat down to the rest. I noticed that he was forcing himself to make an effort to keep from shoveling it in with both hands, but he did manage to slow down and enjoy the food after the first couple of bites. I could tell he was really hungry. When we were finished he helped me load the dishwasher. His coughing had again gotten me concerned.

I felt his forehead and he was very warm. “Your temperature has me a little worried Reece. Mind if I get the thermometer and take your temperature?”

“No I don’t mind.” When I took his temperature it was 102.6.

“Reece your temperature is high. Would you like for me to help you home? I am sure your mom will want to give you something to get that down.”

“I have not seen my mother in a couple of weeks and I have no heat or anything else there. I don’t have a right to ask but can I stay with you for a day or two? If you let me stay for a couple of days I promise to leave when I get better.” He was starting to cry.

I hugged him. “Don’t cry bud. I won’t make you go home. I didn’t know you didn’t have heat. Lay here on the couch and I will put sheets on the bed in the guest room.”

“Don’t go to the trouble to do that. You have a big bed and I can sleep with you.”

“It’s no trouble. Here you lay down here on the couch and I will bring you a quilt to keep you warm while I fix the bed.” I took a quilt and covered him with the quilt. I turned on the TV and gave him the remote. “I am going to take a shower myself and get out of these long johns. They felt good outside but I am burning up in here.” I gave a little chuckle. “I will be out in a minute.”

I notice Reece’s clothes neatly stacked in the corner of the bathroom. I couldn’t help myself; I brought his dirty underwear up to my nose and inhaled his scent. My cock was immediately hard as a rock. Just as I had seen him do earlier, I began to jack off smelling his briefs. I stuffed some of his underwear that had held his beautiful cock into to my mouth to get some of his taste. This assault on my senses was too much and in no time I was ready to shoot. I brought his underwear down to my cock and used them to bring me over the edge. I filled his underwear with my cum. When my breathing was back to normal, I realized what I had done and felt guilty. I will have to wash his clothes before he knows what I did.

I shaved and took a nice long shower. I changed into comfortable sweatpants and a tee shirt. I grabbed Reece’s dirty clothes and put them in the washer. I went to see what he wanted for lunch and notice he was asleep. I let him sleep for awhile. I had his clothes washed and dried by the time I decided to wake him for lunch. When I went to wake him he was burning up. I woke him and took his temperature again. It was 103.4 but he seemed much hotter than before. I decided to call my friend for help.

“Blake, I need your help.” I saw Reece watching intently but didn’t say anything.

“What can I do for you bud?”

“I have a sick boy on my couch and I need your help. He is coughing and his temperature is 103.4.”

“How old is he?”

“I don’t know, just a second. Reece, how old are you?”

“I turned sixteen yesterday.”

“Happy birthday bud. Oh, Blake, he is sixteen as of yesterday.”

“Have you given him anything?”

“No, I didn’t know what to give him.”

“Give him a couple of Tylenol and I will be over to check on him for you.”

“Who was that?” Reece asked as I hung up the phone.

“Blake is a friend of mine. Be still, I am going to get you something for your fever. Are you allergic to anything that you know of?”

“No, nothing.”

I came back with the Tylenol and a glass of juice. “Here take this.” He sat up and took the pills and drank the juice.

“Wow, that juice is awesome. I have never tasted anything like it before.”

“It is a combination of orange, pineapple and white grape juice. It is my own concoction and I make it all the time. Would you like some more?”

“Yes, please, that is the best tasting drink I have ever had.”

“I think part of it just might be because you are a little dehydrated, but I think it‘s good. I’ll be right back with some more.”

He was finishing his third glass when the doorbell rang. It was Blake. He checked Reece over and when he was finished he said. “Jim, can I talk to you in the kitchen?”

I was getting up to go into the kitchen when Reece said. “Please don’t go away to talk about me. Please let me hear what you have to say.”

“Okay but I still need to talk to Jim privately after I talk about your condition. First you should know, I don’t like the sound of your lungs, but I don’t think it is that serious. I want you to come into the office Monday and let me take some pictures of your lungs and check you again. I want to draw some blood and run a few more tests. You look a little malnourished and I want to make sure your immune system is okay and fighting this bug. I don’t really know much more than that right now. Do you have any questions?”

“Will those pills you gave to Jim make me well?”

“Well, to be honest, I don’t know for sure. They are best described as general purpose since I don’t know enough to give you something more specific in nature. If you don’t feel better by Monday, I am sure we can find something stronger and more targeted to what is making you ill.”

“Wow, a doctor that explains things even I can understand. I might have to start going to you myself, you quack.” I teased.

“Actually Reece is pushing the age limit. We usually suggest our patients his age go to a family practice doctor, but for you, I will take him on. Now, I still need to talk to you in the kitchen.”

“Want some coffee I offered as we sat at the kitchen table?”

“Sure.” I knew he would so made a fresh pot when I was getting Reece’s third glass of juice. I sat a cup of coffee in front of him and sat down across the table from him nursing mine.

“Jim, I have to ask. What is this sick boy doing on your couch and where are his parents?”

“He lives down the street in that old Robinson house that has been converted to apartments. He helped me shovel the drive this morning and I noticed he was sick and hungry. He said he has not seen his mother for a couple of weeks and from what I gather his utilities have been cut off. He asked if he could stay a couple of days. I can’t, and won’t turn him out on the street.”

“You know I can’t legally treat him without a parent or guardians permission. I love you like a brother, but you need to get in touch with his parents or I am bound by law to call social services.”

“I don’t want to get you in trouble or anything but he doesn’t know how to get in touch with his mother and he hasn’t said anything about his father. I don’t know what to do, what do you think I should do?”

“First of all, are you and Reece sexually involved?”

“No, why do you ask such a thing?”

“Well he is awfully cute and unless my gaydar is way out of whack, he has a thing for you.”

“Really? Well no, we just know each other from him doing chores and lawn work for me and nothing more until this morning when I realized that he was sick and needed some help.”

“You know that social services won’t let him stay here. Since you have been openly gay since I have known you, and with just a cursory background check they will find out. They are still very bigoted about gay men and letting them take care of boys.”

“You’re gay too! Awesome! I knew I loved being around you.” Reece came bounding into the room and hugged me tight.

“You were snooping. That is not nice young man.”

“I couldn’t help it. I knew you were talking about me. Please don’t make me go to social services. I have been there before and I was beaten and it is worse than just crawling under a bridge or something and dying. Please don’t make me go back there.”

“Reece, I can tell Jim doesn’t want to let social services take you so I am going to do something I hope doesn’t come back to bite me in the butt. When you come to the office Monday, come at 6:00PM and I will let you in. Everyone will be gone so it will officially not have happened. I have to warn you though if you need to be hospitalized there is nothing I can do but get social services involved. But until then, Peter and I will do all the tests and lab work so that nothing is on the record. Jim, if you want to be Reece’s guardian and be responsible for him, I suggest you call Bill and see if he has any ideas. If you can do something before social services gets involved you might have a chance but if you have to go through their bureaucracy there is no way in Hell.”

That was a shocker. I wasn’t sure I could take on raising a kid. Well, he is old enough that I guess the raising part is over, but still was I ready to be responsible for someone, especially someone I didn’t really know? All this was going thorough my head when I realized that two people were intently waiting for me to say something.

“Wow Blake, you have hit me with both barrels. I have not thought past making sure he is well, and you throwing all that at me at once is very scary. “

“I’m sorry Jim; I didn’t mean to cause you all this trouble.” I could see tears running down Reece’s cheek.

“Don’t worry about that Reece. The more I think about it, the more I want to make sure you are taken care of and that you have every chance to grow into a fine man. I am starting to like the idea of taking care of you. Let’s see what Bill has to say and maybe we can make sure the state and social services don’t have to be involved.”

“Thanks Jim.” He leaned down and hugged me again.

“You go back to the couch or get in bed and let’s get that fever down first. I will bring you some lunch shortly.”

“Can I get in your bed?”

“No, you know I made up the guest room for you. I washed your clothes and they are already in there.”

“You can’t blame a guy for trying.” He said running off.

“I think you are going to have your hands full with that one, but to be honest I think you are exactly what each other needs right now. You need to get out of your self pity moods, and he needs someone to provide the basic needs for him. You are more alive today than you have been for over a year. You and Larry were making each other miserable long before you guys split up. The concern for another human being, or whatever it is, has put the sparkle back into your eyes. Be careful, he is only sixteen and he could end up breaking your heart, but I for one, am glad to have my old buddy Jim back. To be honest I didn’t like that old gloomy sour puss that had taken over his body.”

“Thanks Blake, I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. You will owe Peter and me big time and we plan to extract a few dinners out of this one.”

“You got it bro. Give Peter a big sloppy kiss for me.”

“Don’t worry about that I plan on it. I know he will be happy to have our old Jim back too.”

I let Blake out the door and started making some soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. I let my mind wonder as I was working on lunch. Everything seemed so confusing. I didn’t even know this boy and here I was considering being responsible for him until he was old enough to be responsible for himself. I didn’t know anything at all about him except that yesterday was his birthday, and his mother had apparently abandoned him. Well I also knew that he was damn good looking and maybe that was the reason, but something about this kid that I really liked. I liked taking care of him. Something about him made me feel good, just being around him. Once I had lunch ready, I went looking for Reece to see if he felt like coming to the table for lunch. He wasn’t in the guest room, so I looked in my bed and he wasn’t there either. I found him on the couch and he looked up at me when I came over and sat on the edge of the couch. “Hey bud, do you feel like coming to the table for some lunch?”

“I feel a lot better. I think just having a reason to live helped a lot.” I felt his head and his temperature was close to normal if not normal.

“I think your fever is gone or almost so. Come on let’s eat lunch.”

“Okay but first.” He put his arm around my neck and pulled me into a kiss. His tongue was insistent and I gave in and our tongues began their dance. Our kiss was the most passionate kiss I can ever remember. I was hard as a rock. He soon had his hand on my hard cock.

It was the hardest thing in the world for me to do but I pushed his hand away. “No we can’t. We can’t be sexual if we ever have a chance for me to be your guardian, and take care of you until you are able to take care of yourself. You can tell that I want to more than anything, but I really think we need each other on a non sexual level. As Blake said being able to take care of you has made me alive again. I was a grumpy old man at thirty-one until this morning. You needing me as made me want to enjoy life and hopefully that includes providing for and caring for your sweet self.”

He put my hand on his hard cock. “See what you do to me. I have wanted to make love with you since the first day I saw you. I can’t count all the times I have jerked off thinking about you and being with you. Why can’t you still take care of me, and also do what we both want.”

“We just can’t. You heard Blake this morning. That will be the first thing we are asked when we try to get some legal help so you can stay here.”

“I know you’re right, but I want you so badly.”

“Come on let’s go eat lunch before it gets cold.”

After two sandwiches and two bowls of soup, Reece was finally full. “Man, that is the first time in a long time I can say I am full. I was so hungry this morning if you had not been outside, I had already decided to knock on doors asking for food. I would have come here first, so I guess it all worked out.”

“I wish I had known, you would not have had to get that hungry. I know I can’t feed everyone but I can easily feed and take care of those I know and care about.”

“Hey, I just thought of something. Remember when that president got caught with his cock in that intern’s mouth and he said a blow job is not sex. Well, I think we should join him and declare oral sex, oops I mean oral gratification, as not having sex.”

“I can see you’re a devious one, you little devil. I don’t think anyone bought that line from the president. Let’s try and see if we can make this work without sex.”

“Okay I’ll try. When can we talk to your friend Bill?”

We went into my office and called Bill so that we could be on the speaker phone. Bill asked a lot of questions and one of them was if we were sexually involved. He also asked a lot of questions about Reece’s mother. Reece said he didn’t know who his father was, and his mother said she didn’t know either. He also told Bill that he thought his mother was in some legal trouble too, and not just for not paying her bills. Bill told me that Blake had already called him so he had done some preliminary work. He said he knew that money wouldn’t be an issue and he had already hired a private investigator and with the information from Reece he should be able to track down his mother in a day or two. Then came the bad news.

“Guys, I am going to be up front with you. I don’t think we will be able to get any form of guardianship without social services involvement which means I don’t think we can do it. I spoke with Judge James and you know he likes you a lot for that software you did for the judges and especially how you made it so it fit how he thought on his desktop. He said the people at social services would balk and not even try to make guardianship work and he couldn’t do anything without their involvement. He suggested that we find the mother. He said even if she was willing to give up parental rights, he didn’t think guardianship would fly. He suggested, off the record, of course, that Reece pursue emancipation. It would mean giving up all rights of being a minor, but then he would have all the rights of an adult except voting, drinking, and smoking, of course. With that advice, I have been working since then on drawing up the papers and documents of emancipation. Is that something you want to do Reece?”

“What rights do minors have anyway? It looks like social services has me by the balls no matter what I do as a minor. Unless there is something I am not seeing. Hell yes I want it.”

“One thing you might not have considered is sex. As an emancipated adult, you could not have sex with anyone under age eighteen. Well, unless they were also emancipated.”

“I don’t consider that a problem. I am not involved with anyone and I am not really attracted to kids my own age anyway.”

“Okay, I was pretty sure you would want to. Hell, at sixteen you wouldn’t be considered a minor if you committed a crime so I agree with you I don’t really see many advantages. Our best chance to make this happen is to find your mother and get her sworn statement that the father is not known, and that she agrees with your desires to become emancipated. I will let you know what the investigator finds out, and if your mother does happen to contact you, let’s get her down here to make a statement and it can be witnessed and notarized just in case she doesn’t or won’t show up in court.”

“Thanks Bill. I am sure my bank account will groan at the cost of all this weekend work.” I laughed.

“Not this time buddy. Blake said our old Jim was back and this kid caused it, so I am working dirt cheap on this one. Good to have you back bro. Reece, I can’t wait to meet you. Blake said you were not feeling well but he was still impressed and thought you and Jim needed each other very much. I hope you are feeling better and will see you in a few days.”

“Thank you mister Bill. Thanks to Jim I am feeling much better and I am looking forward to meeting you too.”

“Drop the mister pal. I am just Bill and if you stay with Jim I am sure we will see a lot of each other.”

“Thanks Bill.”

“Thanks again Bill; will talk to you soon.”

“Oh, I forgot to ask. How is the new house coming?”

“Well they have had a few missed deadlines and had to send some of the custom stuff back and have it redone, but it looks like they will be finished with the house and pools at about the same time. They are still shooting for early summer, but I am not in a hurry and would rather it be later and no compromises than finishing on time with compromises.”

“Good to hear. I will talk to you later.” The line went dead.

“You are moving?” Reece ask a little sadness in his voice.

“Well I am hoping that WE are moving. You don’t think I would work to be able to take care of you and then leave you behind do you? Oh, are you worried about moving away from your friends?”

“Hell no, I don’t have many friends anyway. No one likes the poor kid. I just wanted to hear you say you wanted to take me with you I guess. I am still a little afraid this is all a dream and I will wake up starving and freezing in that apartment.

Just then the phone rang. I hit the talk button. “Hello.”

“Hey Jim, Pete and I were talking and since we will need to examine and do the test on Reece after hours anyway; we thought that this afternoon might work just as well and we could make sure Reece gets on the road to recovery sooner. Do you think he will feel like coming in say, now?”

“Sure I can if it’s okay with Jim.” Reece laughed into the phone.

“It sounds to me like he is feeling much better. What do you say Jim? Bring him down then you can take us all out to Dino’s for dinner.”

“Dino’s might me hard to get reservations this late for tonight.”

“Nope, I have already called and the snow caused a lot of cancellations. We have reservations at 6:30 in your name, of course.” Blake laughed into the phone.

“Okay you drive a hard bargain, but that does sound nice.”

“Are you really feeling better Reece?”

“Much better. I think my happy heart made the rest of me feel good too.”

“He’s a looker, and a romantic. I think you have yourself a keeper there Jimbo.” Peter chimed in.

“If you guys get ready now and get to the office we can do the examination, and then work on the tests while you are buying Reece a nice new outfit for dinner. I bet he will look awesome in a nice sports coat. We should be finished by the time of our reservations and you should too.” They were both snickering in the background.

“You guys sure like spending my money, but I was going to take Reece shopping as soon as he felt like it anyway. He has grown a couple of inches in the six months I have known him and his pants look like he is expecting high water. I want to buy everything for him but first things first I guess.”

“I don’t want a sport coat. I don’t need that at all.”

“Sure you do little bud. If you are going to hang with us, we want you dressed up some of the time. We are not snobs that think you have to dress in a coat and tie all the time, but there are times we want to look sharp.”

“In case you haven’t guessed my partner likes you and wants you around.” Peter chimed in.

“You should see his blush and tears. I think the boy is happy, but it is hard to tell.” Then he came and wrapped me in a big hug and started kissing me. I came up for air. “Yep, the boy is happy.”

“Then get your asses down here now. We are already at the clinic.”

“Your clothes are in your bedroom. Let’s get a move on.” Of course it didn’t take him but a second to put his clothes on. I was tying my tie when he came in and came up behind me. I had my slacks on the bed but was just in my briefs. He but his arms around me and then groped me.

“How do you expect me to keep my hands to myself when you have such a lovely toy for me to play with.” I moved his hand away.

“Stop that or I won’t be able to get my pants on.”

“That works for me. I like this view, only better would be to loose the jockeys.”

Once my tie was tied and I managed to get my pants on. I tied my shoes and grabbed a blue blazer and an overcoat in case we had a walk.

“Man, these pants really do look high water don’t they? He looked at himself in the mirror.

“We will fix that soon, but first let’s get you to Blake.” I kissed him on the cheek. “Come on handsome; I can’t wait to see you all decked out and looking fine.”

He laughed. “I am so nervous.”

“Don’t be, just be yourself. Your natural charms have all my friends acting like nuts already. You have nothing to worry about.”

We only had a five minute drive to Blake’s clinic. When they let us in it dawned on me. “Hey how did you know Reece was feeling well enough for dinner? When you saw him, he was very sick this afternoon.”

“Well, to be honest, as soon as he got off the phone with you guys, Bill called and was just as excited as I am that the old Jim is back. Oh, I forgot to tell you Bill and Tom are coming to dinner too.”

Since I am not around for this part it is told to you by Reece himself:

Back to the story from my point of view again:

After the blood was drawn and Reece gave them a urine sample we went to my favorite gentlemen’s shop to get Reece some duds to wear to dinner. Shawn was the tailor that waited on us and he was one of my favorites although I could do with a little less of his flamboyant feminine persona. It was way over the top, but Reece got a kick out of it and of course he was a big hit with Shawn. I told Shawn we had to find something that we could wear to dinner and so we would have to find some standard length slacks. “Oh no, not for the fairest beauty in the land, Josh is in the backroom and we will be able to hem the nice slacks. Don’t think for an instant I am going to dress this beauty in just any slacks.” Once we had an outfit picked out and measured, Shawn took the shirt to the backroom to press it and make the jacket and slacks just right.

Shawn asked. “Boxers or briefs?”

“Briefs.” Reece answered.

“I thought all the kids your age wore boxers.” I added.

“I tried a pair once and I kept getting my balls pinched. I like briefs.”

I laughed. “Me too, nothing worse than sitting on a nut.”

Reece’s eyes got as big as saucers when he saw how much the designer underwear Shawn had put on the table cost. Then he looked at the belt. “A hundred dollars for a belt? You have to be kidding.?”

“You are right that belt just doesn’t do these slack justice. Here this one is better.” Shawn swapped out the belts.

Reece looked at the tag on that one and saw it was even higher. “Holy shit, a hundred and eighty dollars! I could go to school all year on less than that.”

I went up behind him and said. “Money is useless unless it is used to make someone happy or to make you happy. It will make me very happy to see you in these things. So make this old man happy and don’t look at the cost anymore. Just know that I can easily afford it, and be happy in looking sharp.” Then I gave him a hug.

“I will do anything for you. Since you put it that way, I won’t look because I don’t think I can ignore the cost if I do look.”

We waited to get the shoes until he went in back and came out dressed like the angel he truly is. “Wow, you are one handsome young man, but now you are out of this world handsome.”

“If only my hair was not so shaggy and long. I can’t believe it. I do look good.”

“Not to worry pretty one.” Shawn got on the phone and then said. “Kurt will do you himself and you will be out in thirty minutes. Now take off those clothes and go get those golden curls trimmed to perfection. I will have everything ready for you to change into when you get back.”

Kurt’s salon was always packed and he never takes appointments himself, so I know he and Shawn must be more than just friends. Kurt’s salon was only 3 doors down so we were there in no time. He met us at the door. “Wow Jim, this beauty is more beautiful than Shawn said. Come this way and let me get you washed and ready to go.” That just floored me when Kurt was washing Reece’s hair himself. I think all the regulars in the shop were holding their breath in disbelief. When he brought Reece back to the fist station, I heard him say. “Do you trust me to make you even more heavenly than you already are, or do you want something in particular?”

“I trust you but I want something that I can keep and don’t have to spend all day working on.”

“You sound just like Jim. He must be a bad influence on you.”

“Never, he is best person in the world and to be honest he saved my life when I didn’t think it was worth saving. He is my guardian angel and I love him very much.”

“Careful he will hear you and it will give him the big head.” Truth is I did hear him and I realized that he saved my life as well. I wasn’t thinking of ending my life or anything, but the way I had been living was a miserable excuse of a life. The truth is his happy heart healed my heart and gave me a happy heart. After a few hours with this young man, I am completely and totally in love with this gift from god.

My thoughts of love and happiness caused the time to fly by before I knew it we were finished; and true to his word Kurt had put the crowning touch on this beautiful boy. “Wow, you look fantastic Reece. I knew you hair was curly but this soft wavy look is beautiful.” I gave Kurt a generous tip and we went back to the store and everyone was gushing about how the new hair cut made Reece even more beautiful. Of course, he stayed crimson the whole time, but I think he is starting to realize just how handsome he looks all dressed up.

We were the last to arrive at the restaurant. When we entered, every head in the place turned to see this god like creature walk through the place. We were led to the private dining room where ten of my friends were waiting for us. First thing out of Blake’s mouth was. “Holy shit! Man I knew you were beautiful, but I was not prepared for this. Reece dump Jim and run away with me to anywhere you heart desires.” Reece turned every shade of red you could imagine. Everyone stood and introduced themselves to Reece and patted me on the back.

When Bill introduced himself and Tom, he told us he had some news about Reece’s mother and would talk to us early tomorrow about it, but didn’t want to talk about such matters right now. “Reece I was prepared for you to be very handsome, but I wasn’t prepared to meet the most handsome man on the planet. If you are not the most handsome man on the planet, I don’t think my eyes or brain could take the overload.”

Reece buried his head on my shoulder. “Please make them stop they are embarrassing me.” He whispered in my ear.

“Leave Reece alone he has had a very eventful day. Let him enjoy his dinner.”

When we were seated he leaned over to me and whispered. “I don’t know how to act in a place like this. There are so many plates and forks and spoons what do I do?”

I whispered back to him. “Just watch me and do what I do. I will make it easy for you to see what I am doing. Are you allergic to shellfish or anything?”

“No I don’t think so I have had fried shrimp at Captain Dee’s before.”

“We won’t be ordering fried shrimp but we will have steak and lobster. The waiter should ask me first what I am having tonight and then he will ask you next. Just say I will have the same please and it will be taken care of.”

“Cool thanks. I don’t want to embarrass you in front of your friends.”

“Just be yourself don’t try to impress anyone, just be the Reece that has captured my heart and I will always be proud of you no matter what happens.”

“Do you mean that? Have I really captured your heart?”

“Yes you have. I know it has only been a few hours but I cannot imagine my life without you being a part of it.” Reece grabbed me and kissed me long and hard. “Okay maybe I was a bit hasty in saying you couldn’t embarrass me.” I whispered when we finally parted lips.

“I just couldn’t help it. You have captured my heart too, and I don’t think I could live without you.”

Blake tapped his glass to get everyone’s attention. “Before we begin I would like to say a few words.”

“Horse shit, you want to make a speech as usual.” Toby chided and everyone laughed.

“Okay, I admit I can be a bit long winded.”

“Quit stating the obvious and get on with it.” Jeff added.

“Reece as you can see my fans don’t like my speeches much, but I want to be the first to welcome you into our little group of friends. We are a tight knit group, but you brought our very good friend Jim out of his funk. Something that we have failed at for several months. We all think you are a miracle worker, as well as, a very handsome young man. You are younger than the rest of us but as far as we are concerned you are officially one of the troop. As an official member you may call upon any or all of us at any time and we will be ready to help you with what ever you need us for. You are equally obligated to do the same for us. We truly are, all for one and one for all.”

I was totally floored when Reece stood up to speak. “Thank you Blake and all of you guys for welcoming me into this group. I have witnessed first hand how you guys come to one another’s aid. This morning when I went to ask Jim to let me shovel his driveway so that I could buy something to eat, I was almost ready to give up. Several times in the last couple of days with no heat or food, I have thought I would be better off dead. Somehow I survived and this morning all my prayers were answered when a wonderful man fed me, and took care of me while I was sick. He not only took care of me, but he also asked his friends to help him find a way so that he could continue to take care of me. I have never in my life felt loved until today. I didn’t know what it was like for someone to want to help me and asking nothing in return. I told Blake that I got better because my happy heart healed the rest of my body and I think it did. I am the luckiest human in the world. I love you Jim Carter for being you, and for loving me.” He turned his glass up in a toast.

He sat down and I rose. “You guys know me and know that I am not much on speeches, but I need to thank each and every one of you for your help and support. I can’t begin to express my thankfulness for your support and help to make sure Reece doesn’t end up in the social services red tape. With the difference in our ages, I didn’t want to fall in love with this young man. My initial reaction was that it couldn’t be. However, it was soon apparent that he was far too independent for me to daddy him. He was much too self assured to need much guidance. It boiled down to him being a young man that needed shelter and food and nothing more as far as worldly needs. What we found was a connection that, you my friends saw and recognized before I did. Being close to this amazing young man gave me a happy heart to steal his term. I can’t explain our connection, but I am so glad he came to me this morning cold and hungry; for he has filled my heart and life with warmth and nurtured my soul with his love. I know not what obstacles we are yet to face, but I have no doubt that we will overcome them. With friends like you guys, nothing is impossible. Thanks guys and thank you Reece for giving me your happy heart.”

Everyone clapped then Tom said. “Enough of the mushy stuff, let’s get this dinner started.”

Charley our waiter came over and whispered to Reece and me. “Since the table was busy with speeches, I took the liberty to make your appetizer the same as Mr. Carter’s. If that is not acceptable I will take care of it immediately.”

“No that is fine; in fact, you can do that for the whole meal.”

“Thank you sir, and may I say that you gave a very nice speech. You are very lucky indeed to be a part of this group.” Then he leaned in where only Reece could hear and said. “These men are the most powerful gay men in this city and they are also the nicest. We get a lot of powerful people in this place and I hate most of them, but these men, I respect and admire. In case you haven’t noticed they are also some of the best looking gay men in this town and I think you belong in this group.”

“Thank you Charley, I will do my best to live up to these high standards.”

When Reece told me later what Charley had said I told him that I felt confident that one day Charley would take his place among our ranks or maybe in some other group. He respects everyone and treats everyone fairly. Those are qualities that cause others to respect you. Our little group and a few others around the city don’t have memberships or rosters. We are just groups of friends attempting to make planet earth a better place to live. We are natural friendships not a club that one can join. Charley is a fine young man and will find his natural group.

When all the courses were finished and our desert was served, Reece asked. “How do you guys eat like this and stay so fit?”

“Lots of time in the gym after every one of these things. We are gay men first and foremost, we have a saying that we will never be old as long as we don’t let our stomachs get larger than our chests. Call it competition or vanity, but that is another part of our little group that we take seriously. We work together to stay looking fit which most of us believe keeps your mind fit as well.”

After dinner it was time for us all to go our separate ways. Reece was impressed with just how fully he had been accepted into our group. “I am amazed. Your friends made me feel like I was one of them, not some kid that was tagging along with you. They actually seemed to listen to me and care about what I said. Why can’t high school kids be so accepting?”

“First of all they are OUR friends not MY friends. They accept you as you, not as an extension of me. You mister Reece Jacobson earned the right to be a part of that group with every one of those guys you talked to. Believe me when I tell you, you are the one that earned the respect of those guys. Many people have attended our dinners and have not been welcomed into the group. Friends are invited to dinner all the time that are not part of the group.”

“I noticed that you, Blake, Bill and Tom seem to be the leaders of the group even if you don’t want to admit it.”

“We are not leaders, but I guess we are some of the most outspoken so people tend to listen to us. Believe me we don’t always agree on everything and some healthy and sometimes heated discussions are needed to find the best solution. One thing that we strive for and it has worked so far; is to never let anger control our discussions. Anger is a natural emotion so we have to help each other to not let it get out of hand. That is true respect when you can trust your friends to help you dissipate anger and frustration; to disagree with you, but fight for your right to the opinion they don’t agree with.”

“Oh one other thing I want to tell you. You were accepted into our group in record time. I have been a part of this group since collage and I have never seen anyone be accepted so quickly. I know you have heard the name Larry a couple of times, and he used to be my partner. Not in business but in life. We were together for seven years and he never became a part of the group. So that should tell you that you have earned being a part of this group; it has nothing to do with me.”

“Wow, I feel so honored. I hope talking about the past was not painful for you.”

“Not in the least. I thought I loved Larry, but I know now that love is not what we had. At least, he never touched my heart and soul like this very handsome young man to my right has. This is all new territory to me, I love the feeling but I have never been so touched by someone before. I don’t think I have ever been this alive before.”

As we drove past a mall I got an idea. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure, you can ask me anything.”

“I was going to suggest we go by your old apartment and get your clothes, but I have a feeling that they all fit you like those you were wearing this morning. Are they all too short for you like that?”

“I notice you didn’t say and worn and torn, but yes they are all like that.”

“Great, that way we get to buy you a whole new wardrobe. Let’s see if we can put a dent in this visa card.”

“Jim you don’t have to spend a lot of money on me. I don’t need fancy clothes. I am a Wal-Mart kind of guy.”

“Bullshit! You are a gay boy and inside every gay boy is a born lover of nice clothes. We just have to wake him up and let him come out and join the party. Besides, I don’t want to see my beautiful boyfriend in anything less than the best.”

“Okay, I like that your boyfriend part. I want to look good for you.” We bought a ton of clothes and shoes. He was amazed that we had to keep taking loads out to the car.