Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2015 00:26:54 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Green Grow the Rushes O- chapter 8 Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 8 By Eff Del If you want to make changes in your life, you first need to make those changes in your heart. They may be painful at first, but if they aren't painful, they probably won't change you. "Pull!" his young voice commanded and the clay disk swept to his right. He swung his shotgun and the flying target exploded. Doc Swaim pounded me on the back. "By God, the boy certainly can shoot Eric! Pretty soon it will be him alongside me and Andy." I smiled because I realized he was right. I was a more than good shotgunner, but Sean had already surpassed me. It was all about coordination and timing and he was an instinctive athlete. His eye to body communication was magnificent. By now, he rarely missed. We'd been shooting for about two hours and I reminded him that he had guests coming over and that a well-showered host might be more acceptable than his present persona. His smile dazzled my world. "Dad I love this so much." "Sean, there seems to be nothing that you don't love but right now, go clean your gun and then we need to get you into the shower before your friends get here." Andy always insisted upon cleaning my gun and I'd long since given up protesting that. He felt it was something he should do so I let him but I'd insisted from the very beginning that Sean and Jack must clean their own guns just as I'd had to do when I was young and Andy only cleaned my father's. Sean graced me with a grin and scampered off into the gun shed. I had no doubt that he would do a thorough job cleaning his gun because it was his and because he knew it once was Kyle's. Sean had an emotional attachment to Kyle that was beyond understanding since they'd never met...at least in this universe. I was chatting with Doc and Andy as Sean came out of the Gun Shed smiling. "You guys can't have a shoot off without any witnesses." "You are certainly correct Sean. Andy and I are actually discussing what we're going to have along with the steaks we're going to grille at Fish Camp tonight." "Fries." Sean interjected at once. "You gotta have fries." "Thank you Sean. We'd invite you but I understand that you are entertaining company this evening." He grinned. "Yeah Dad said I could have some of the guys over. I just wish you could come tell a story Professor. " "Sadly, not this night Sean, but there will be others." I looked at the big man and he and Andy exchanged glances. "On second thought Sean, Andy and I do have some business to discuss with your father so, perhaps a story might very well occur." The delight on the boy's face was a wonder to behold. Could there possibly be anything on this earth more beautiful than a happy Sean? ******* I suppose that I shouldn't have been surprised to learn that we were having salmon tonight and I privately couldn't wait to hear how he enthralled his guests with the tale of how the very fish they were eating had battled him so fiercely in the wild arctic waters. I wasn't so distant from boyhood that I didn't understand. I watched them all kicking a soccer ball around and they were a fine sight. Ricco and Sean seemed to be growing up in tandem though, as always Ricco seemed to be a bit meatier than Sean. He'd always been a good-looking boy but since his parents had allowed him to let his hair grow a bit longer, he was stunning with his dark Latin eyes under sweeping black bangs and a quick devilish grin. Little Charlie was finally growing. He wasn't as large as the others were yet but he no longer looked like a ten year old. I'd always liked this boy and admired his spunk. He never stopped and he never took any crap. I wondered to myself if he and Jack still had something going. Spider was still a bit of an enigma to me. He was a good deal taller than the other boys and I often thought he was very introspective but, just when I'd come to that conclusion he'd do something silly and outrageous and his laugh was quick and joyful. Sean and the other boys seemed to like him immensely. As I watched them, I realized I did too. I called them into dinner. As they ambled up the lawn I smiled and said; "Pool time after you eat if you want guys." "Oh geeze Mr. T...I forgot my swim suit." It was Charlie and I reached out and slapped his little ass. "Charlie, you were born in your swim suit." His grin was priceless. He giggled and the other boys smiled. There was still something a bit naughty about swimming naked and they were at the age that they liked that a lot. Martha had poached and then lightly baked the salmon and she served it with crisp salad thick cut fried potatoes and broiled asparagus. Her cooking was by now well known among the boys and there was no hesitation as they dug into the meal with youthful gusto. "Wow Sean. You truly caught this?" It was Charlie asking. "Yeah man it was wicked excitin' stuff!" I smiled and decided to not say a word because if the truth were told, it WAS wicked exciting stuff. I'd had an exciting time so I could hardly imagine what it had been like for a twelve-year-old boy. However, I did wonder where Sean had picked up that slang from. Kids seemed to have this underground communication system. I also wondered privately how many boys in this country nonchalantly gobbled up asparagus like these four at my table. Kudos to Martha or just youthful exuberance? Daniel had already prepared the solarium into the `campground' and there were snacks and drinks in abundance. After the apple pie and ice cream, the boys looked at me intently. I knew they were waiting for permission to get to the pool. I smiled and said; "OK but no one gets into the water until I'm there." Just as I said that Daniel came into the room. "Sir, there's a telephone call from Sir Lionel Richards that I suspect you should take." It was a business deal we'd been working on and it required my personal attention. "How well can you swim Daniel?" He was startled but replied very quickly; "Very competently sir in fact in college I earned summer money as a life guard." "Perfect! You will always surprise me Daniel. I'll take the phone call and you go down to the pool and lifeguard. If you truly like watching naked little boys, you're in for a treat. Boys, Daniel will be your lifeguard while I do some business. I'll see you all shortly." They were up in a shot and racing down to the pool. "Go Daniel, they won't wait for you." I grinned and the big man headed after the thundering herd of boys. ******* The telephone conversation ended in a most satisfactory manner and I walked down to the pool in a great mood; a twenty-minute conversation had ended in a three billion dollar deal...not a bad hourly wage. The whoops and hollers of boy glee echoed from the door as I entered. Daniel was in the pool and energetically tossing the boys one by one over his shoulders in into the water. Their howls of glee reverberated against the walls of the mostly tiled room. As he saw me enter, he froze. "I-I'm sorry Eric. I got carried away. They were having so much fun and they begged me to...look, I kept my shorts on and I didn't do anything..." "Daniel stop. You didn't do anything improper and the boys love you. They've got half an hour more and then it's out of the pool, into the showers and down to the solarium. Can you handle that?" He grinned. "Yes Eric, I can handle them all...a lot in a half an hour." I smiled and left so that I could meet Doc Swaim and Andy in the library. ******* They were actually waiting for me and Doc had made them each a drink. I walked to the bar, made one for myself, and sat down with them. "So, what did you want to talk to me about guys?" "Eric, Andy wants to discuss something with you but he's a bit hesitant and so I agreed I'd be here." I arched an eyebrow. "Sure Andy what's up?" "Well Meester Sean. I think that mabee I'm getting' too long in the tooth t' be your groundskeeper. I been grooming young Kevin fer a long time and he's certainly the man f' the job if y' don't mind my sayin' so. I'll sure miss the gun range though but, I think it might be for the best if I stepped down." Doc Swaim gave me a sharp look and it was like a telegraph. I understood at once. "Well Andy, I can understand you wanting to slow down, but I can't lose you entirely. Would you be willing to stay on and still be in total charge of the gun shed while giving support to Kevin? He'll need your knowledge for a long while. He can do the heavy lifting while you guide him into his new position. We'll give him the title of `Groundskeeper' and your new title will be...(I thought quickly)...'Shooting Master and Grounds Consultan'. That will require some shifting around of things though... Kevin will need to move into your cottage to be near the equipment so you'll need to move into one of the new condos I'm building at the north end of the property. It will have three bedrooms so your wonderful daughter can come and stay with you whenever she'd like. Your salary won't change Andy, you're too much of a treasure to me but I do agree that it's time you slowed down and enjoyed everything you've built here. Why don't you bring Kevin here tomorrow and we'll talk this whole thing over?" Doc was smiling at me and so, I knew that I'd done well. "Thank y' Eric. Yer a very kind man." "No, thank you Andy, you have no idea how precious you are to me and, I will NEVER be able to repay you for what you did up on the hill." I leaned in and we three clinked glasses. I was misty eyed. Things were changing. I'd lost Walter and had replaced him with three people. Now I realized that I couldn't ever actually replace Andy who seemed to be slipping away from me as well. I was slowly losing my father's team and replacing them with my own. I made us another round and silently thought that my new team wasn't that bad though. My father would probably approve. ******* Spider had not experienced Doc Swaim's story telling but the other boys had. They sat rapt on their sleeping bags as the big man gathered them into his verbal grasp and began the story of `Ashantigo and the twelve goblins'. I settled against the wall just as thrilled as if I were a twelve-year-old boy. Doc was so good he was mesmerizing. He slowly worked through the story drawing each of us into it and making it all seem so real. He wove the tale and I as an adult was completely hooked. I glanced at the four boys sitting with mouths open totally mesmerized. As he spread his arms abruptly indicating the story was done, I smiled as four little boys sucked in their breath and smiled as they sank down upon their sleeping bags. Slowly I heard little voices murmur; "Thanks Doctor Swaim." That was great Doctor Swaim". "It was sooo cool Doctor Swaim". Spider looked at him wide-eyed; "Doctor Swaim, that was astonishing. Thank you so much." I lowered the lights down to dim orange and Doc, Andy and I walked down the hall to the library. I made us each another drink and as we sat there, I smiled. "How do you do it Doc? You're the most fantastic story teller in the world I think." He smiled as he sipped his drink. "Actually, the secret is to let it happen in your head just a few seconds before you say the words. You've got to see it before you say it. Make sense?" I smiled. "No, not really but it obviously does for you." ******* I walked them to the back door and then decided not to barge into the solarium. I knew there was probably some dirty little boy stuff taking place in there but I decided to let that be private among them tonight. The boys were growing up and certainly deserved their privacy and their dignity. I walked back down to my study and on a whim; I picked up the phone and dialed his number. "Chris? Think you might like to make some trouble tonight?" I could hear his smile over the phone. "Be there in fifteen minutes Eric. Just gotta pack my toothbrush." I was waiting in the car park as his cart pulled in. I embraced him and pulled him into a very passionate kiss...Chris was the GREATEST kisser. I had my hand on his luscious athletic ass as we walked down to the elevator. I couldn't help but wonder if Sean was already doing the same thing we were about to do but then, as we entered the bedroom I forgot about that and concentrated on what was at hand. Chris was a great and exciting bottom a perfect match to my usually active top. We quickly collapsed into a sexual frenzy not like anything I ever did with the boys. *************** "Mmmmph. Is that coffee I smell?" He raised his very tousled head from the pillow and grinned at me through sleepy eyes. "Yes young man, but you've got to sit up to get it." "You're a godam slave driver Eric. You know that don't you?" "Yeah, but you love it Chris." I smiled back at him. He beamed at me as he took his first sip of morning coffee. "We have to shower quickly because I've got four little boys downstairs and we've got to get them organized because they've got baseball practice at eleven and since John's not here, you're elected to help." "Baseball? I LOVE baseball! I'll be happy to help Boss. Come on, I'll turn on the stuff in your fancy assed shower." His wonderful butt disappeared through the door to the bathroom before I even had time to appreciate looking at it. ********* Breakfast with four pre-teenaged boys was like a feeding frenzy. Martha joyfully filled their plates with eggs, bacon and pancakes, that seemed to be inhaled as soon as they were delivered. Chris and I kind of caught what we could between the eager little arms reaching out for food as it was delivered. Martha finally just waded in and made certain we had food on our plates. "It sure would be great if were all on the same team" Rico said through mouthfuls of food. "Yeah that would be really great. I guess we'll find out soon huh?" Sean added. "At least we're all four triple `A'. That's a good thing right?" Charlie piped in. Spider looked at them with the calm countenance of a Buddhist Monk. "We'll all be on the same team. It only makes sense that they'll keep us together. You'll see." He smiled serenely. "Get your stuff guys. Arlen is waiting out back with the van." I said. "Coming Chris?" ""Sure" he smiled and rose from the table. We headed out the back door and waited for the boys to grab their duffle bags. ******* Coach Lopez was quick to the chase and to the delight of everyone; they were all four on the same team. It wasn't the seven samurai but it was the `blue curtain' plus the Spider. It felt special and I thought it was a wise choice by the coach. He laid down the rules quickly and made it clear that he wouldn't put up with any nonsense. "Although league rules only require them for infielders, I insist that all my boys wear cups." I glanced at Sean and he looked at me and rolled his eyes. I knew he hated them. I just tried to suppress a giggle. "I've got pizza over there on the table and I expect before you're done eating that you'll have met each of your teammates and begin to know each other." I nodded in appreciation because that was a good move on the coach's part even though it had cost him out of his pocket. I thought that somehow I'd figure out how to make that up to him. As I had anticipated, this was a `meet and greet' gathering and the first real practice would begin on Monday. There were high fives all around as we left and it occurred to me that Sean might like to invite the team for his birthday. I decided to ask him later as we drove Spider home. The kid was really clever and fun. I really was beginning to like him a lot. Truth be told though, I liked all of Sean's friends. "See ya Monday," Sean said as the tall lanky boy exited the limo. He smiled and said "Yeah Sean, we gotta team don't we?" Sean smiled back and said; "Yeah we do Spider." Sean turned to me as we drove back to the estate and suddenly he was grasping my hand. His eyes were wet and glassy and suddenly large tears pooled over and down his cheeks. "W-Walter sure loved baseball Dad. I bet he'd of loved this." He shook his head and sort of squeaked as he rubbed his eyes. "I sure miss him Dad. I really like Daniel but I sure miss Walter." I fought to hold back my own tears as I squeezed his little hand. "We all miss him Sean but I believe he'll be watching you play baseball and enjoying every second of it." He gave me a moist-eyed smile as I dried his cheeks with a tissue. He leaned against me and whispered; "Thanks Dad. I wanna email Jack an tell him we're all on the same team an then, after dinner, want to start a new game of chess?" "That works for me little man, then, if you want, you can cuddle with me in my bed. Cuddling only though." I tickled his ribs. He giggle and squirmed and the looked back up at me; "Kay." ******* Sunday morning after breakfast, I sent Sean off to work on some projects Doc Swaim had assigned to him while I moved down to the study to meet with Andy and Kevin. I was surprised as they walked in. Andy was just good old Andy but the youngish man with him was not at all what I'd been expecting. About six feet tall and built like an NFL Quarterback, Kevin moved with grace and confidence. His face was set in a determined fashion and I supposed that he knew something of importance was about to happen. If we'd ever met before, I didn't remember it though he most certainly would have I supposed. I was still terrible about all but my close-knit personal staff. He was wearing a tan blazer and a nicely knotted blue and green necktie. I motioned them to chairs and asked; "It's early but would you like a drink?" "Wouldn't mind a taste." Andy grinned. "Certainly Mr. Tucker. Bourbon if you have some." I grinned thinking of the game Doc and I played with each other. "Bourbon or Kentucky whiskey?" He grinned back. "Well, truth be told, a bit of `Jack and water' would be perfect." I smiled and after building them their drinks I settled into a chair across from them. "Kevin, I'm sorry that you felt like you needed to dress for this meeting, it's intended to be informal." He seemed startled by that and then realized what I was saying. "Oh, no Mr. Tucker. No offense Sir but after this meeting I'm picking up my fiancé and we're going to church." For some reason, that statement made me glance at the drink in his hand and he gave me a devilish grin. He raised his glass and said; "We're Lutherans so this is OK." I smiled back at him. "Well then Kevin, let's get down to the chase and get you off to church. I'm going to be needing Andy to be more and more available for me at the gun shed so I'm promoting him to a new position in order to take advantage of all of his special talents. That will leave a vacancy in the position of Head Groundskeeper and Andy assures me that you're the guy for the job. Andy's word is all I need so far as that goes so, we're meeting this morning so that he and I can offer this position to you. I know that you've sort of been training in this direction for a while so I expect you can hit the ground running. I'm used to excellence on this estate while at the same time keeping so much of the property in a rather natural state. That's why having someone like you who is used to the property is a very advantageous thing because I suspect you can take right over. It will mean some changes in your life however. I'll expect you to move in and live on the property. Andy will be moving out of his cottage in about six months when his new condo is finished. Now that I know that you're engaged, I'll have his cottage completely renovated so that it's like a new building and I'll expect you to move in there. I need my Head Groundskeeper to be in the heart of things. The cottage has only two bedrooms now, but we can certainly put on an addition since I suspect you and your lady are thinking about a family. One of the advantages of this Kevin is that I don't charge my key employees any rent. As one of my full-time employees, you already benefit from our excellent health care coverage so that won't change but what will change is your compensation." I handed him the sheet that I'd prepared last night indicating his salary bonus and retirement package. He began reading it and his face turned white. "A-are you serious Mr. Tucker?" "Certainly I'm serious Kevin. I'm trusting you with my estate. Don't you think you should be properly compensated for that?" His eyes grew moist and I was afraid he might cry. I stood up and slapped his shoulder. "Kevin, face it you're up to this job and you've earned it. Andy believes in you and therefore so do I. Take that offer with you and discuss it with your lady after church let me know when the two of you make a decision. Bear in mind that Andy can't move for at least six months and then it will probably be another six months before the cottage is ready for you so you won't be moving onto the property for almost a year...that will be a lot of early commuting for you Kevin but in the end, I believe it will be worth it. However, I should tell you that if you do accept the job, I'll assume your current rent until we can bring you within the walls." He stood up obviously shaken to the bone. "Thank you Mr. Tucker. I'll talk to Grace and I'll get back to you tomorrow. I appreciate this offer Sir." I grasped his firm hand. "I forgot to tell you the other requirement of the Job Kevin. If you take it, you have to learn to call me Eric." I was so afraid he was going to cry that I slapped him on the back and said; "Go get your lady to Church Kevin." He smiled and stepped out the door and I realized that he was completely lost. "Better help him out of here Andy." I said to the dear old Welshman. "Aye. Love an success are a heady combination Meester Eric." I thought to myself that that was well done and based upon first impressions decided that Kevin was a good choice for the job. I drained the dregs of my drink and considered that next week was Memorial Day. I'd better get to work planning the party for my key staff and a few friends. The first thing I did was pick up the phone. "Ricky? Eric here. I need to have you and Mandy fly up here because I've got some things I want to discuss. I'll have a car pick you up on Thursday and we'll fly you up and plan on staying until Tuesday OK?" With that done, I called Daniel in and outlined what I wanted done. "Consider it accomplished Eric." His smile as always was infectious. I decided to go find my little boy. Both of us were finished working for today and we were going to have some fun. ******* I found him in his room busy over his computer. I walked up behind him and placed my hands on his slender shoulders. He turned his head and grinned up at me. "I knew you were there." I kissed the top of his head. "Are you close to finishing?" "Yeah, just a second actually." He frantically typed some stuff and I realized that I couldn't do that. Kids today were remarkable with electronic `stuff' and I felt like a doofus. He turned and smiled. "Ready!" He jumped up from his chair and hugged me and asked; "What do you want to do?" "Well, I remembered that there is a great running track around the pond in the park downtown. It's about a quarter of a mile each lap. I thought you and I could run at least a mile and then, take a drive to the strawberry fields. They let you pick your own and I suspect Mrs. Edwards could make good use of some fresh strawberries while you and I probably could at the same time. By then we'll probably be ready for the pool and then dinner and bed...cuddling only." He gave me an almost wicked little grin and said; "Dad..." "Nope, I'm not kidding. Cuddling or you're in your own bed." "Kay you meanie." He hip bumped me. "Let's get on our running shorts and hit the road." He actually slapped my butt and exclaimed; "Off we go Daddy-O" I just shook my head. Life was getting complicated. (To be continued) As always, thanks for your in-put and feedback. That's what keeps most of us writing and don't forget that nothing is free. NIFTY needs your contributions to keep this forum going.