Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2023 03:11:03 +0000 (UTC) From: Thomas Gaige Subject: My Step-Brother Jacob - Chapter 107 Nifty: Please add this chapter to my story under your "Gay - Incest" section. Thank you. Copyright 2003, 2023 Thomas Gaige. All Rights Reserved. This story is protected under US copyright law. No part of it may be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of the author. The author grants www.nifty.org and its mirror sites permission to post the story on their websites. DISCLAIMER: The following story is FICTIONAL. It contains descriptions of homosexual activities. If you are not over 18 years of age, or if you find this type of story offensive, or viewing this material is illegal where you are, then please DO NOT READ IT! If you choose to read it, then - I hope you enjoy it! My Step-Brother Jacob Chapter 107 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- As we were headed down to Grandma's, I made a quick stop at the last rest area on the Thruway, before we got down to the City, on the pretext that I had to take a crap again. Quickly I dashed into a stall, and while Jacob peed in a urinal and I just peed sitting down, from the stall, I texted Harry and told him about when I expected we would arrive to pick him up, so he'd be ready. I got a text back that he'd be in the lobby watching for us. I returned a thumbs up. Not being from the US, and not really ever paying attention to routes I used to get places, Jacob hadn't realized that normally we didn't have to drive into the City to get to Asbury Park, when we were coming from upstate NY, so he didn't know any better when I drove through the Lincoln Tunnel and into Manhattan, on our way to Grandma's. As we navigated our way through Manhattan though, I saw that Jacob was beginning to look curiously at where we were going, and the closer I got to Harry's family's apartment building, the more notice he was taking. Finally, once we were just within blocks of Harry's, Jacob said, "John! What's going on? I thought we were going to Grandma's, but we're nearly to Harry's apartment!" I grinned and said, "Well, we can't spend the weekend at the shore without your boyfriend, now can we???" "REALLY???" he cried, grinning the biggest grin I'd seen on his face in the past few weeks! "Yup! Here - call him, and tell him we're 4 minutes away!" I said, handing Jacob my phone. "Oh My God!" Jacob cried, still grinning, as he quickly opened my phone and dialed Harry's number. "Wait! He knows already?" "Of course!" I said, grinning. Jacob was still grinning a second later when Harry answered the phone. "Hey John!" I heard Harry say, when he picked up. "No! It's me! I can't believe we're getting to spend the weekend together!" Jacob cried. "I know!" Harry cried exuberantly. "We'll be there to fetch you in 4 minutes John says!" Jacob cried. "Cool!" Harry said. The two continued talking then, until I finally pulled up in front of Harry's apartment building. Fortunately, there was an empty spot in the 20 minute loading zone, which I grabbed. When we got out of the car, Harry ran over to Jacob, and Laney was there as well, grinning and walking over toward me. "All go well then?" she asked, noticing that I looked happy and relaxed, and Jacob of course was in great spirits. "Yeah! Really well!" I said. "Thanks again Laney for all your help over the last few days!" "Oh, John! It was nothing really!" She said. "I just am glad it's all worked out the best it could!" "It wasn't just nothing! If it wasn't for you, Jacob would still be hiding in Harry's room, and we wouldn't have a clue where he was!" I said. "Well, I am glad to have been able to help out, and in a timely enough manner!" Laney said, smiling. "So... wanta come down to Grandma's?" I asked. "I can sleep on the couch, and you can have Lynn's room. I know Grandma wouldn't mind. It's going to be a great Indian Summer weekend. I'm sure we'll be hitting the beach!" "Thank you very much John. It's very kind of you to offer, and it sounds brilliant, but, I think not. At least not at this time," Laney said. I looked at her and she blushed slightly and averted her eyes. "Well, sorry to hear that," I said. "Boner wouldn't be the reason you don't want to join us would it?" "He will be there, right?" Laney asked. "Yes," I said. "And he's still with Cindy?" she asked. "Last I heard, yeah," I said. "Well, that settles it then. I know you're most likely aware of the situation John. I won't be the cause of any problems for Cindy," she said, and she looked sad. "I'm sorry Laney," I said. "I shouldn't have brought it up." "No, John!" she said. "It was very kind of you to think to invite me. And under other circumstances, it would've been brilliant! Until Steven can make up his mind about the direction his life is going in though, I'd best stay away from him." I opened my mouth to say something, but Laney looked at me and cut me off. "He's a big boy John! He should be able to make up his mind! He knows where I am, if he wants me!" she said. All I could do was nod in agreement. "So, now when you return to the UK," Laney said, purposely changing the subject. "I hope you'll start taking my friends' up on their offers to babysit, so you and Andy can try and have some kind of happy times together, without any children to think about!" "Oh, we already have a couple times, and it was great!" I said. "So I think we'll continue... as long as they really don't mind helping out!" "Oh they don't at all!" Laney said. "Those who have offered really love children, and... between you and I, at least a couple of them can use the extra cash they earn." "Cool!" I said. "We'll definitely keep them employed then!" "Splendid!" Laney said. "So, when are you coming home for a visit?" I asked. "For the holidays," she said. " I believe we're all coming home right before Christmas, and Father and Harry will remain until just after the New Year. Mum and I will be there a week or two longer." "Great!" I said, smiling. "We'll have to make sure to get together a few times while you're home then!" "Definitely!" Laney smiled. "I can't wait to come hear you at the Bell & Crown again!" "We'll get the whole gang together and make a party of it then!" I said, grinning. "Why are we having a party here in the street?" Mr. Philips, who'd just exited a taxi that had pulled up asked, looking around at us. "And splendid to see you John, and you too Jacob! I was unaware you were in town! Do you have time to join us for dinner?" "Pleased to see you too Mr. Philips!" I said, smiling at him, and extending my hand to him. "Unfortunately, no time for dinner this time. We're just in town for the weekend, rather unexpected business popped up, and now that that's taken care of, we're spending the weekend at Grandma's, and we're taking Harry along with us." "Well, it's too bad you're not here longer," he said, as we shook hands. "Next time then! And thank you so much for including Harrison in your weekend's activities. He does so miss Jacob!" "Yes, Jacob misses Harry too," I said. "We all do! So, we're happy to have him along with us!" "Well, sometime when both boys have vacation, you should put Jacob on a plane to come stay with us for a while! We'll show the boys a good time, and most likely can send them down to visit Mrs. Jameson and her grandsons as well for a few days at the beach," Mr. Philips said. "That'd be great!" I said. "And, Harry can always come spend some time with us in London over vacation as well," I said. "That would be smashing!" Mr. Philips said, surprising me greatly. Jacob and Harry had overheard all this, and both looked delirious with joy! "Well!" Mr. Philips said. "I must be off - just came home to change clothes and collect Mrs. Philips. We're off to a business function. Have a splendid weekend! And Harrison, behave!" "Yes Father! Enjoy your party!" Harry said, rolling his eyes. "Thank you son! Good bye for now everyone!" Mr. Philips said, and he turned and hastily strode into the apartment building. "I'd best get going too," Laney said. "And so should you, before Stanley comes to remind us this is only a 20 minute loading zone! It was so wonderful to see you for a few minutes though John! And you too Jacob! You all have fun at the beach, but be careful of the under toe!" "Thanks Laney!" Harry said. "See you Sunday night." Laney gave both boys a hug, and bussed their cheeks. Then she hugged me, and of course planted her lips on mine, for a long and drawn out kiss, which left my pants bulging, and both of us gasping for air!. The boys both grimmaced at first, but then laughed when they saw my lips, that were red with Laney's lipstick. "Damn!" I muttered, loud enough for Laney, but not the boys, to hear. "After that, I have no idea what Steve sees in Cindy!" Laney burst out laughing, but then, as her laughter faded, she looked sad, and said, "My thoughts exactly!" "Bye Laney!" I said, smiling sadly at her. "Good bye John!" she said, returning my sad smile. "And, good bye to you too lads!" she called to the boys who'd gotten into the back seat of my car already. They both waved at her. Laney headed into the lobby of their apartment building then, and I hopped behind the wheel of my car, grabbed a Kleenex and looking in the rearview mirror wiped Laney's lipstick from my lips, as the guys chuckled. "Oh shut up!" I grumbled, glaring at them in the rearview. Of course this only caused them to break into full-blown guffaws. Sighing, I started the engine, and we were off to Asbury Park! "So...." I said, looking in the rear view mirror again a few minutes later. "Sounds like even though you can't see each other nearly as often as when you're living in the same city, that Harry's father is willing to help you guys get together more often during vacations! That's really good - right?" "Yeah!" They both said, grinning back at me. I grinned back, then turned on the stereo system and located my favorite NYC station, and Springsteen's "Thunder Road" was just starting. "Crank it up!" Jacob cried, so I did, and we rocked our way through Manhattan to the Holland Tunnel. Fortunately the song ended just as we were entering the tunnel, so I turned off the radio, as we lost all reception. "We'll be home soon fellas!" I said, grinning, and they grinned back at me, and I turned the radio back on, as we left the tunnel, and finding an open lane, punched the accelerator. * * * It wasn't too long before we pulled into Grandma's driveway, and the twins burst out the back door shrieking happily. Grandma bustled out the door as well, and we all stood around hugging and kissing each other. I was a little surprised when Grandma pulled Jacob away from the group then, and across the yard toward the vegetable garden. "Now you listen to me young man!" she said sternly, and loud enough for me to hear. The twins and Harry didn't hear her though as they were busy talking about something. I noticed Jacob actually looked a little frightened. "Don't you EVER run away from your brother again! Do you understand me?" "Yes Maam," Jacob said, looking at her with huge eyes, and gulping. "I mean it!" she said. "You promise me right now that you won't run away ever again!" "I-I won't! I promise Grandma!" Jacob said, and he looked ready to cry. "Well, OK then," Grandma said. "Now, if you and John ever have a problem again, and you can't work it out satisfactorily, you're to call me, and I'll take care of it! Do you understand?" "Umm... OK," Jacob said, looking surprised then. "And if I can't fix it, I will at least try my best to help the two of you resolve whatever the issue is, OK?" Grandma asked, starting to soften a bit. "OK," Jacob said. "And Thank you!" "We all love you very much Jacob! And I'm an old lady! When you went missing, it was awful! I was so very worried about you! My heart can't take such a thing Jacob! So you have to promise me that you won't ever run away ever again!" Grandma said. "I promise Grandma!" Jacob said, and he looked guilty then. "OK, OK, enough lecturing," I said, strolling over to the two. "Thank you!" I said softly to Grandma, and I gave her a hug and a kiss. As I did, I made eyes at Jacob, who caught my meaning. "I'm sorry I worried you Grandma," Jacob said, and he stepped up to her and gave her a hug and a kiss. "I love you! And I won't do anything so stupid again! I promise!" "Wonderful!" Grandma cried, finally smiling, although I could see her eyes were watery. I gave her another hug and kiss too. By then Harry and the twins had caught on that there was a serious conversation going on between us and they'd quieted down and were looking cautiously over at us. I grinned at them and winked, and they relaxed, and smiled again. "OK - everyone take your stuff into the house, and I've got lunch all ready for us!" Grandma said, smiling. We all grabbed our bags out of the car then, as well as the leftover groceries Jacob and I had, and trooped into the house. After running our bags upstairs, we dashed back downstairs to the kitchen, and found Grandma busily assembling BLT sandwiches, that would accompany cups of tomato soup that was simmering on the stove. "So, what do you have planned for while you're here?" Grandma asked. "Well... nothing for the rest of this afternoon, but this evening, I'd like to take you all over to the steakhouse for dinner, if that's OK with you!" I said. "I think that would be OK," Grandma said. "I was wondering what I was going to make for supper, so that answers that! I kind of figured you'd like to go there for a meal anyway!" "Bone says that tomorrow is supposed to be in the 80's so.... we kind of planned a beach day. Is that OK with you?" I asked. As the boys all cheered, but then cut off quickly, when I gave them a look, then looked back to see if Grandma was going to nix it, Grandma grinned and said, "I was hoping you'd be able to keep everyone busy tomorrow afternoon! There's a special show at the little theater I volunteer at, and I'm scheduled to work it. So, I'm glad you can all keep busy. And that'll give me time to cook us a nice supper too." As the boys all whooped and high-fived over the planned beach trip, I told Grandma not to make a fuss about dinner. I suggested that maybe she and I make some cold salads, and I barbeque some chicken after we were home from the beach. Everyone thought that sounded good. "You'll make that special barbeque sauce yours' won't you?" Grandma asked. "Sure - right after we finish eating, if we have everything we need," I said. "If not, we can pick up what we need at the store when we get the chicken anyway," Grandma said. "Oh! Maybe we'll grab some ribs too, and I'll grill both!" I said. "Yummy!" Grandma said, grinning. By then, our sandwiches were all made, and the soup was served, so we all sat down and ate, and ironed out the rest of our schedule, since we had such little time for our visit. By the time we'd finished eating, Grandma and I had put our heads together and figured out what we needed for the next evening's meal, and I had a list. "If you guys want to go skate a while, I'll drop you at the park on my way to the store," I said, as we finished eating. The boys were all happy with that idea, so when we'd finished eating, and had picked up the dishes, we all took off, leaving Grandma starting to make some macaroni salad, that we had all the ingredients for. I dropped the boys at the skate park, and told them I'd pick them up in a couple hours, then I went to the store, and picked up what we needed, and headed home, and Grandma and I spent another hour finishing the salad she'd started, as well as making some potato salad, and getting a casserole of baked beans ready to cook, and my special barbeque sauce. While we worked, we had a chance to have a good visit. I picked up the boys afterward, and we went home and played a little hoop, then we all showered. That evening, as planned, we all went to my favorite steakhouse, and thankfully, it was prime rib night, so we all had that! By the time we got home, Grandma was tired and opted to turn in early, and maybe read a little in bed. I was surprised when the boys all wanted to turn in early. I figured that maybe they had plans with each other, and when I gave them a look, they all grinned stupidly and blushed. "Just keep the noise down! Don't want Grandma hearing you!" I said. "You could join us too," Scott said, with a heated and hopeful look on his face, which surprised me a little. I grinned and said, "Thanks, but, I think I'm too old for your little party. Besides, I actually have something else I need to do. I gotta go out a while. So be good, and really - keep the noise down. Grandma is in her room reading, and will hear what you're up to if you get too loud!" "Where are you going?" Jacob asked, curiously. "Gotta meet up with Bone for a while," I said. "Oh!" he said. "OK, we'll be OK, and yes, we'll be quiet!" "Cool!" I said. They all headed upstairs, so I pulled out my phone and called Boner. "Hey!" Boner said, when he picked up. "So... you free to go take a walk on the beach?" I asked. "Sure! Want me to pick you up?" he asked. "OK," I said. "I'll be on the front steps." "'K, see you in 5," he said. * * * A few minutes later, Boner pulled up. I was sitting on the front steps, waiting for him, with a cold six pack I'd picked up for our visit, when I'd been to the store earlier. "Cool!" Boner said, grinning when he saw the beer. "I was going to suggest we stop and get something to drink!" "No need!" I said. I grinned and pulled out a small bottle of bourbon as well, that I'd slipped into my hoodie's pocket!" "Sweet!" he drawled, his grin broadening. We drove off then, in the direction of the ocean. As we drove along, I filled him in on mine and Jacob's visit to the cabin. He was glad to hear that we'd resolved our differences. Within 10 minutes, we'd reached our usual beach access path, and parked near it. Taking our beer and bourbon, we left our shoes in the car and headed out onto the beach. "Let's climb up into that guard's chair over there," I suggested, pointing at a chair that stood in the spot that Mike and I used to be in charge of the summer we guarded together. Silently then, we walked over to the chair, and climbed up. I chuckled when I looked at the brace holding up the right arm rest - there were my initials that I'd carved in it when Mike and I were guarding one quiet day, and I was bored. Steve saw me tracing my initials, and chuckled and said seriously "I'm shocked that you'd deface public property Horse!" I laughed and he did too. "Boob's initials should be on the same brace on your side of the chair," I said, and I peered past Boner's thigh and sure enough, there were Mike's initials as well. Boner sighed, and I smiled sadly, as I recalled what a great summer that had been. "Well," I said a moment later, breaking out a couple beers, and handing him one. As I set the bottle of bourbon between us, I added, "We didn't come here to reminisce about mine and Mike's days of guarding.... so... what's going on with you?" He opened his beer, took a swig, then sighed and said, "Same old, same old." "I see," I said. "So you and Cindy are still together then?" "Yeah," he said. "I made up my mind to give it my best shot to make it work with her, and well... that's been my focus." "And how's that going?" I asked. "OK," he said, but he didn't look happy at all. "So that's why you look so happy I guess," I noted. Steve was silent a moment, then blew the air out of his nose and finally said, "it really is OK - but that's the point - it's JUST OK - same old, same old, no excitement." "I see," I said. "So... What about Laney then? I happen to know she's still available, and interested too I believe." "Really?" Steve blurted, looking at me with mixed emotions on his face. "Yeah," I said. "I invited here to join us for the weekend, and she would've come, but then she asked if you and Cindy were still together, and when I said I thought you were, she said she didn't want to cause any trouble for Cindy, and declined. She led me to believe thought that if you were single, she'd have come with us. I know she's interested, if you still are." "Damn!" Steve said, and he opened the bottle of bourbon and took a healthy swig, then passed it to me, and I did the same. "So???" I asked, when Steve hadn't said anything further. "I kinda wish she'd come with you," he said. "But I get why she didn't. And isn't it typical of Laney to be so fucking classy as to be worried about Cindy? Or maybe that's a just British thing... is she was an American girl and wanted me, she'd barge in and take me from Cindy!" "I don't think it's a British thing, I think it's just Laney being classy!" I said. "So...tell me - do you want her to come down here and 'take you' from Cindy?" Boner thought a minute, then said, "While I might like the outcome, no, I wouldn't want Laney to stoop to being so ... 'common' I guess." I couldn't help chuckling a little, but stopped when Steve gave me an annoyed look. "No, really, I get it, and I fully agree. Just sounded funny when you actually said it." Boner just snorted, then sipped at his beer. "You could break it off with Cindy, and go after Laney," I suggested. Boner thought a minute, sipped his beer again, and said, "Yeah, but... it's complicated with her. She's ... I don't know - out of my league I think. And then there's the whole thing with her being British and all." "Steve!" I said, a little surprised. "You and I both know she's not out of your league! And her being British - so what? Ever hear of visas or dual citizenship?" "I hear it's not that easy to get visas to live overseas and forget dual citizenship - no way I could get that!" he said. I thought a moment and said, "Well.... I could probably help you get either without any problems if you wanted to." He looked at me and raised his eyebrows a little. I took a swig of bourbon, and rather uncomfortably said, "Let's just say I kind of have a connection who could help if need be. He's getting me dual citizenship." Boner's eyebrows raised even further. "Care to elaborate?" he asked, clearly surprised. "Can't. Sorry." I said. "But, if you wanted help getting visas or dual citizenship, I think he'd help you too... but you'd have to go through me, and it would be anonymous on his part." "What the Hell Horse?" he cried. "Are you mixed up with the British Mob or something?" I laughed and said, "No, it's all on the up and up... but I can't divulge who my contact is, nor tell you why. It's really not important, so let's drop it, but if you did need that kind of help, I might be able to get it for you." "You are a deep and mysterious guy sometimes Wilder!" Steve said, looking curiously at me. I laughed and said, "Let's get back on the subject... so if her being British is no longer a problem, then..." Steve sighed, took another swig of bourbon and said, "I don't know." "OK," I said. "Then what about Julian?" "What about him?" Steve asked. "Well, is he still a part of the equation you're trying to figure out?" I asked, sipping my beer. Steve sighed and said, "I don't know. I haven't seen or heard from him in a long time now. I have no idea what he's up to. Nor do I know if he's even still interested." "Well," I said. "Considering you mentioned not knowing if he's still interested, means to me that if he was around and interested in you yet, that he would still be an option for you! Yes?" "I suppose so," Steve sighed, and he drained the last of his beer. "So... I see why you said 'same old, same old' then. Basically nothing's changed. You're still conflicted, and all three of your love interests are still in play.... although it seems, that Cindy's flame is dimming a bit." I said. Boner took another swallow of bourbon, and then picked up another can of beer and opened it. "Guess that about sums it up!" he said, taking a long swig of beer, then staring out at the incoming waves. I finished my beer and picked up another and opened it. "OK," I said, after we'd been silent a minute or so. "I have two questions. First question! And this doesn't mean it's the most important part of it... but who is the sex best with?" Bone looked slightly surprised, but then he furrowed his brow and looked out to sea. After a moment, he said, "Well, I can tell you that the person who it's worst with is Cindy. I mean - don't get me wrong, it's good sex, but ... it's not great sex!" "OK," I said. "From past conversations with you about this, I would've guessed that. So... can you choose between Laney and Jewels?" "Not really," he said. "Hmmm...." I said. " Well all I can say is, you know I was with Laney once. And, while I've never been with Julian, if you say you can't decide between the two of them, then he has to be incredible in bed! Because I know Laney is! She knocks your fuckin' socks off!" "I KNOW! RIGHT????" Boner burst out, looking at me incredulously. I couldn't help snorting over his response, but covered up as quickly as I could and asked, "So.... is Jewels that good too?" "Yeah man! He is!" Steve said, and he looked a little embarrassed almost. "Damn!" I said. We each took a swallow of bourbon, then Steve finally said, "So, it's obvious as far as sex goes, it would be between Laney and Jewels. But that's too hard to decide. So what's your second question?" "OK - we know sex isn't the most important thing in a relationship - " I started. "Speak for yourself!" Steve cut me off. I looked at him and he snickered and I couldn't help chuckling myself. "OK - seriously - which of the three are you happiest with - just spending time with - doing nothing in particular - and not including sex!" I asked. Steve let his breath out, took a swig of beer and stared out at the lights of a ship that was progressing slowly in a south easterly direction far out at sea. "Well... that's just it," he said. "I have good times with all of them." "OK," I said. "But can you rank them from who you have the most fun with, to the one you have the least fun with?" "I don't know... maybe...or not," he sighed. "I'm hopeless!" I snickered and said, "I don't think you're hopeless, I think you just have a really tough decision to make, and you want to make sure it's the right one for yourself!" "Well ... yeah!" Steve said. "There are only two other things I can come up with that may be hindering your being able to make the decision," I said. "And they would be?" Steve asked, looking curiously at me. "Well, I think that the long history you have with Cindy may be causing you to feel you should stay with her," I said. "Loyalty is a big thing to you... forgetting the fact you have fooled around on the side... you do keep returning to Cindy, who you have had a long and happy relationship with... at least until recently." Boner focused back on the ship that was about ready to disappear over the horizon, and thought a moment. Finally, he allowed, "Well, I suppose that could be part of it. What's the second thing?" "Well... " and I hesitated, because this was a bit more of a sensitive subject. He looked me in the eye and raised an eyebrow. I took a swig of bourbon, and looked out to sea, then said finally, "I'm not being critical, but - I think you may have an issue with coming out of the closet, and that that's what would be holding you back from going after Julian!" Steve didn't respond, so I looked over at him and saw he was frowning and staring up at the stars. Then I thought he sniffed. I picked up the bottle of bourbon and nudged his hand with it. He took it from me, and chugged a long swallow. "There's nothing wrong with that being a problem for you," I said. "Virtually every person who discovers they are gay or bi goes through this. I did. Andy did. Craig and Jeremy. Everyone! It's a completely normal reaction to have. And it's not that you, me, or any other gay or bi person is anything bad - it's just our culture, and how we were raised, and how historically people have thought of anyone who isn't just plain straight!" "I know," Steve said, a few seconds after I had stopped speaking. "And you're probably right that that's part of it with Jewels." "OK," I said. "Well, that's one you'll have to decide how to handle on your own, should you eventually decide to embrace your feelings for Julian. But you know I'm always here for you, and will help you in any way I can to get past that." "I know," Steve said. He picked up the bourbon and took another swig. For a minute or sat then, neither of us saying anything, as we sat staring out to sea, at another ship that had come into view. It took was traveling southeast past us far out from shore. "So?" I asked finally. "Anything else about this that you want to talk about?" "Not really," Steve said. "But, this has been a good talk - one of our best probably... even though the subject matter sucks! You've given me a lot more to think about. And a lot of different ways to look at it all, and maybe I'll be able to decide finally, just what the Hell I want to do with my life!" "Well, I'm glad if it helped! You can always call me anytime if you want to talk anymore," I said. "Thanks!" Steve said. "And of course the same goes for you too!" "I know!" I said, smiling. Steve smiled then too. We each drained the last of our beer then, and capped the bourbon. Then after a few minutes of small talk, and making plans for our beach party, which at that point was to begin only about 9 hours later, we picked up our stuff, and headed back to the car.. We dumped our trash in a trash can, and I pocketed what was left of the bourbon, but set the 2 unopened beers in Steve's cup holders for him to take home. He drove me back to Grandma's then, and headed home himself. I let myself into the house and quietly crept upstairs. I paused at the door to the twins' room, and heard snoring from within, and when I stepped across to the guest room, I also heard soft snoring through the door. Smiling, I went to Lynn's room and stripped down, went across the hall and used the toilet and brushed my teeth, then went back and crawled into Lynn's bed, and was out like a light. * * * It seemed like only minutes had gone by when I suddenly felt myself being shaken awake by the twins, who were both boisterously carrying on that it was time to go to the beach, and to "GET UP NOW!!!!" "I'M UP ALREADY!" I finally hollered back, and they both started laughing. "Well, Hurry up and get dressed!" Scott cried. "We're supposed to be at the beach in a half hour!" "Then give me some space, and I'll get moving!" I said. Grinning, the twins dashed out of the room, and down the stairs. I got up and closed the door and scratched my head and looked around, and recalled that my beach swim suit was in the dresser. I pulled it out and pulled it on, then pulled on a tank top to go with it, stepped into my moccasins, stuffed my wallet, keys, and a towel into my duffel bag that I always took to the beach, put on my sunglasses, then stepped out into the hallway and smiled when I saw that the bathroom was vacant. Quickly I dashed in, peed and took a crap, combed my hair, brushed my teeth, then headed downstairs. "Finally!" John burst out. Everyone laughed, and Grandma who was stirring our pot of Boston Baked Beans for later, and oddly was staring into the pot with a strange look on her face, said "The boys were all sure you'e sleep the day away, and nd they'd miss their beach day!" I laughed, and said, "No chance of that with the twins around!" Everyone laughed. "What's up with the beans?" I asked. "They don't taste like your usual beans," she said. "Something's missing, but I don't know what!" "Glad you reminded me!" I said, and I dashed back upstairs, and retrieved the remnants of the bottle of bourbon Boner and I had shared, that I'd stuffed in my hoodie pocket, and quickly dashed back to the kitchen. As I opened the bottle and emptied what was left in it, in to the crock, Grandma raised her eyebrows and asked, "Do I even want to know where that came from?" I chuckled and said, "Me and Boner had to go to the beach last night for a talk." "Must've been a serious talk given how little bourbon was left in the bottle," she noted, as she quickly stirred the beans a little, and took another taste. "Perfect!" she said, smiling. "Glad you had some leftover! Everything OK with Steve?" "Same as before, but he thought after our talk he had a lot of new directions to look at things from, and was hopeful it would help the situation!" I said. "Well, maybe it was good you talked then!" she said. "What're you guys talking about?" Scott asked, and I saw all four boys looking curiously at us. "Nothing that concerns you guys!" I said. "So are you all ready to head to the beach???" "What about your breakfast John?" Grandma cried. "They've all eaten, but you haven't." "No time!" I said, but I grabbed a couple strips of bacon and a piece of toast that was already buttered off the table, and finished a glass of orange juice one of the boys had left half full. "This'll be fine! The beach awaits us!" "YAY!!!" The twins chorused, and Jacob and Harry grinned. "Well, you'll see!" Grandma warned, quickly pouring some coffee and half and half into a travel mug. "You'll be starving after a little boogie boarding! At least take this cup of coffee! I know you can't survive without your morning coffee anymore than I can!"" "Ah! Life giving Elixir!" I grinned. "Thanks! See you by 6:00 at the latest. OK Guys - to the beach!!!" "YAY!!!!" the twins cried again, and they dashed out the door, quickly followed by Jacob and Harry. "Have fun! But be careful!" Grandma said. "We will," I said. "You have a nice day too, and enjoy your show. We'll see you later." I headed out and joined the boys who were all belted into their seats in my car and ready to go, and we headed to the beach. * * * We certainly lucked out! Our day at the beach was probably better than any we'd ever had! It was sunny and reached 85 degrees at 3:00. Fortunately we'd brought sunblock! I think we all got a little bit of a sunburn though - not that any of us minded! The boys had an absolute blast! They were in the ocean on their boogie boards for hours, and they built a huge sand castle, and they flew their kites, and by the end of our day they were exhausted. Boner and Cindy had spread the word to as many of our friends from school as possible, and they all came to the beach for the day as well. It was like a mini-reunion! We all spent a lot of time in the water, and playing volleyball. I had given Boner some money the night before, as he and Cindy were picking up food, and there was plenty, including hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks, cookies, a lot of soda, water, and of course beer! I was happy to see Boner looked a bit happier than when we'd talked the night before. As we paddled out on our boogie boards to join the boys, I asked him how he felt after last night's talk, and he said he was glad we had it, because he thought he was seeing things a bit more clearly now, and he thought maybe he'd be able to finally figure things out! He even grinned when he told me that. "That's Great man!" I said, grinning. "I think I've already made some progress on making a decision," he said. "Really?" I asked, surprised. "Let's just say I think I've whittled my choices down to two!" he said, still smiling. "REALLY?" I asked, more surprised. "I don't think Cindy's gonna be so happy soon," he said, looking sincerely sad. "But I don't want to ruin this great day for her, or anyone else, so..." "That was very thoughtful, " I said "And any closer to deciding between your other two choices?" "Not entirely, but.... I'm making progress," He said. "I'll tell you about it, when we have more time!" "OK! Glad thing's are looking up!" I said, smiling. Boner grinned back at me, and actually finally looked his old happy self again! "What's looking up?" Mitchell asked as we reached the boys, and our friends. "Hopefully my finances!" Steve quipped, not missing a beat. "Me and Horse were discussing an idea I had for putting cup holders for our beer in our boogie boards! I'm sure someone will buy the idea and start manufacturing them!" "Seriously?" Mitchell asked, gaping at us, as I raised my eyebrows. "Of course not dip shit! The cans would fall out, or dump, or get in the way, besides I'd never waste good beer that way!" Boner laughed. "Get Bent VanWagoner!" Mitchell barked. "I think we're gonna!" Steve cried. "Here comes a big one!" "BANZAI !!!" Mitch cried, grinning, as we all quickly got into position to ride the wave that was about to pick us up! It was a great ride in! We all made it almost to shore on that one. Of course, right away, we all swam back out to wait for another good wave! Later, when I was getting a sandwich and beer, I happened to overhear Cindy talking with a couple of her friends. She seemed really happy, and then I heard why. "I don't know what happened, but suddenly today Steve seems so much more relaxed, and happy again," she said. "He's been rather depressed for a while now. Actually, ever since he and the guys came back from the UK. But now, today, voila - the old Steve is back again! Whatever happened, I'll take it!" As her friends were telling her that was great, I suddenly felt sorry for Cindy. She was a nice girl, and there was nothing wrong with her. She just happened to love a guy who loved others more. I knew she was going to be hurt. At the same time though, I knew that the sooner Boner broke up with her, the better, not only for him, but for her as well, as she could get on with her life too, and find a guy whose feelings for her were 100% love for her. * * * At some point during the day, when I'd sat down to take a break, I checked my phone for messages, and found that Andy had called. So, I took my towel and a beer, and headed off a ways down the beach, and sat down and called him. "John!" Andy cried happily when he picked up the phone. "I've missed you!" "I've missed you too Andy!" I said, smiling. "Is everything OK over there?" "Everything and everyone is just splendid!" Andy said. "We just miss you, that's all. Now I know you're incredibly busy, and thank you for all the texts you've sent with the important news, but tell me all the details - that is if you have a minute!" "Actually, I do," I said. "Now try not to be too jealous, but we're at the beach - it's sunny and 85 degrees! I so wish you were here too, and everyone else says they miss you too." "Bollocks!" Andy crabbed. "I so wish was there with you right now. It's dismally damp and dreary here at the moment!" "Um... what happened to loving that kind of weather, and putting on your wellies, and taking a bolly and going for a walk in the rain?" I asked. "You can be such an Arse sometimes John Wilder!" Andy gasped, then he added "Really, there's just so much of this shite we Bris enjoy! And I've had my fill of it for the moment!" I laughed heartily, then told him I was sorry the weather was so bad. "Well, we'll survive - thank God for this fireplace though! It does keep things nice and cozy!" Andy said, "Although the wood pile is looking a little skimpy though!" "I'll order a load when we get back," I said. "And when will that be?" Andy asked. "We're flying out tomorrow night. Should be home early Monday morning. I hope Jacob sleeps on the plane, as I intend to get him back to school right away," I said. "He's doing fine now, We worked through all our problems," I said. "Brilliant!" Andy cried, happily. As I began to tell him in detail about our trip up to my grandfather's cabin, Andy stopped me, and said, "JOHN!" "Yes?" I asked. "I so very much want to hear all about it, and everything thing else - every last detail - but... you only have a few hours to spend with your American friends, so I don't want you to waste your time telling me everything now. You can tell me the day after tomorrow, after you're back, and once Jacob goes to school. You and I are both free all day, other than taking care of Austin, until Jacob is back from school. You can tell me everything, in between our lovemaking sessions!" "Oh God! I love you so much Andy! I so wish you were here right now, so we could go find a dune to hide behind and - " "STOP! I'm horny enough at the moment!" Andy gasped. "Please don't cause me to soil my pants!" I burst out laughing then and said, "Well, I'll be happy to help you out with your problem, once I get home... if you can wait that long!" "Not to worry, Richard will assist me later!" Andy said, primly, causing me to laugh again. Andy joined in as well. "OK I'm going to take off anyway, the twins are headed my way," I said. "OK Tell everyone Hello from me!" he said. :"I will, and I expect they all return your greeting!" I said. "Kiss Austin for me, and give Jack a pat on the head. " "I will. I love you John!" Andy said. "I love you too man!" I said, and then we hung up. "What's up?" I asked, as the twins jogged up, huffing and puffing a little. "Everyone's in from the ocean right now, and Jenny is organizing a whole group photo, and she sent us to get you," John said, "Great idea!" I said, getting up. "By the way, Andy says Hello!" "Oh!" John said. "I'm sorry you hung up, I would've liked to say Hello to him." "He'd have liked that!" I said. "We'll make another call soon. Meanwhile, let's not miss out on the photo op!" * * * "Great! You're back!" Jenny cried when she saw me. "Did the twins tell you about the picture?" "Yup! That's why I'm here!" I said. "Great!" Jenny grinned, and then she pulled out a whistle and gave three short sharp blasts, and suddenly all our friends were heading toward us. "I pre-arranged with them to come when I whistled," she said. "Effective!" I said to her, noting the response of our friends. "I just hope that everyone else on the beach doesn't think you're a guard warning them to get out of the water!" "Crap!" Jenny gasped, blushing. "I never thought of that!" I laughed and as I surveyed the beach area, realized, nobody was paying attention, so I said, "Doesn't seem to be a problem." "Phew!" Jenny said. and we laughed again. A few minutes later, Jenny had everyone arranged perfectly around the boys' sand castle, that many of our friends had pitched in and helped to build, "You ready?" a woman sitting nearby asked. "Yes please," Jenny said. Apparently, Jenny had arranged earlier for the woman to take our picture. She stepped over and took Jenny's cameral, and as we posed, took a few shots, which Jenny said she'd send to all of us. When she finished, I cried, "Wait please! Nobody move!" Then I asked the woman if she would take one very short 15 second video on my camera of all of us saying Hello to our friend Andy who was stuck in the UK and couldn't be with us." "Oh! Great idea!" and similar thoughts I heard some of our friends voicing. The woman was most happy to oblige, so I stepped over with my phone, and set it up and told her how to just push the record button when I told her to, and stop when I indicated she should. Then for 10-15 seconds we all goofed around and hollered Hello to Andy, while she video-taped our antics. Afterward, we all peered at my phone and watched it, and thought it was great. I promptly sent a copy off to Andy, and in a couple minutes, we got a response from Andy - a video clip of him holding Austin, with Jack next to them barking occasionally, and Andy telling everyone, of course with tears of happiness in his eyes, how much he loved our greeting to him, Everyone loved seeing Andy of course, but Austin stole the show, smiling, gurgling and fidgeting. "Is that your son?" the woman who had taken our video asked me. Instantly, all my friends fell silent. "No," I said. "That's my half-brother." "Oh!" The woman said, and she looked uncertain what to say, but quickly smiled and said, "Well, he sure is a cutie, and I'm sure that if you have any children of your own someday, that they'll be just as cute!" I was just going to just thank her and let it go at that, but John piped up "John does have a son already! And he is cute! He's my nephew! Show her the picture you got last Christmas John!" "So... you're John's brother then?" the woman asked, trying to understand the dynamics. "Well, we're just like brothers, but my sister was Dylan's mother. She died though," John said sadly. "Oh my! I'm so sorry!" the woman said. She looked very confused though. Before I could try to explain to her in a nutshell, about our situation, Jenny interrupted, crying "Wait a minute! You got a picture of Dylan last Christmas??? You found him????" "He was lost?" the woman asked, looking horrified. I held up my hand toward Jenny, indicating to hang on a minute. Then I 'looked at the woman and said. "No. Back in high school, I dated the twins' here sister Lynn, and well we got pregnant. We had the baby and wanted to keep him, and get married, but we were too young yet, and her parents took charge of the situation and the baby was put up for adoption. Tragically, Lynn has passed away. I'm very close with her brothers here though yet. And... I tried to find Lynn's and my son Dylan, and managed to contact a social worker at the adoption agency the was placed through, and she nicely told me he was in a very loving home. and that's all she could tell me. Well..." I lowered my hand from in front of Jenny, and several of our friends who didn't hear yet about what had happened at Christmas, I glanced at them and said "Sorry I never mentioned this to all of you, but... with what happened to Boob and all, it fell by the wayside." I turned a bit, so I was facing all of them, and finished up with, So... right at Christmas, I got a call from the social worker. She was asked by Dylan's adoptive parents to find out if there was any family history of breathing problems, as he'd suddnely developed a small breathing problem. -" "Oh no!" Jenny gasped and a couple others looked worried too. "He's fine!" I said, smiling, and they all relaxed and smiled. "Lynn was allergic to cats!" I said. "And turns out Matthew was exposed regularly to a new cat at one of his friend's house." "Who's Matthew?" a couple of my friends asked, giving me questioning looks. "Oh, yeah, That's the name the adoptive parents gave Dylan," I said. "I'm trying to remember to call him that, but, most of the time just refer to him as Dylan yet. Anyway, long story short, the adoptive parents told the social worker to tell me that when and if Matthew ever wants to find his birth family, that they'll be happy to help him get together with me. But, until that time, they asked for their privacy yet.... guess I'd do the same in their shoes. Anyway, as a thank you for the information I gave them, they had the social worker send me a picture of him that they sent her. And... here he is!" Grinning, I held out my phone which I'd opened to the picture of Dylan. There were all kinds of gasps and cries about "Oh my God!" "He's adorable!", and "He looks just like you!" and the like. "I can't believe this is the first I'm hearing about this!" Jenny cried. "But, yeah, I understand what with Boob..." "Do I want to know who, or what Boob is?" the woman asked, looking curiously at me. I chuckled and said, "Boob was a good friend of ours' and a guitarist in our band - his name was Michael Weiss. He died at Christmastime." "Oh! I'm so sorry!" the woman said, at first looking distraught. Her expression changed though, and she peered more closely at me, then her eyes grew large and she cried "NO WAY!" It was my turn to look confused then. "You're the lead singer of that new band my daughter is always going on and on about!" she cried. She chortled then "She is going to be so pissed she didn't come to the beach with me afterall! Now, what the heck is the name of your group? The Six something!" "Uh... the Six Shooters?" Boner ventured leaning in. "That's it!" she cried, triumphantly. "That's us!" Boner and a couple of others and I replied grinning. "Oh my God!" The woman cried. "My daughter is going to be so jealous! And so mad she decided to go shopping with her friends instead of coming with me! She loves your music! I've actually only heard a couple of your songs, she plays them all the time. You are very talented young men! She can't wait until your next CD comes out. Any idea when it will be released?" We all looked at each other a moment, no exactly sure how to respond. Suddenly Boner piped up "it's in the works, but no release date yet!" "Might be a while yet though," I added. "I don't suppose you guys would make a quick video clip for me, that I could send to my daughter?" she asked hopefully. "Well, we're one member short today, but the rest of us wouldn't mind, right guys?" I asked, looking at them. Everyone was more than willing, so we had Jenny shoot a video clip with the five us and the girl's mother in the video. Before we started we found out the girl's name was Melanie, so of course, we were all jerks, calling her by name and picking on her for choosing to go shopping, instead of coming to the beach to spend the day with us. Her mother thought it was the best! She quickly sent it to Melanie, About two minutes later, while we were still talking with her mother, Melanie called her, and all we could hear as her mother held the phone away from her ear was shrieking! We all laughed, then the woman chuckled and handed me her phone. I waited a moment, until the shrieking had died down. "So, Melanie!" I said. "How's the shopping going? By this way, this is John Wilder." I was glad I'd thought to hold the phone away from my ear a little, because suddenly all that could be heard coming through the earpiece was a bloodcurdling scream! When it ended, I cautiously held the phone a little closer to my ear, and said, "Melanie?" "YES???" she cried. "Good Lord girl, you have one set of lungs! Seriously, calm down Darlin', and tell me how old you are." "14, but I'll be 15 soon!" she said. "Where do you go to school?" I asked. "Asbury Park High - just like you!" she cried. I laughed and told her to give Mr. Haggerty my best. She said she would. Then she said she couldn't wait to tell everyone how she'd actually talked with me on the phone! "Everyone talks about you guys all the time! You're celebs there!" she gushed. "Well, we're really just regular guys, just like everyone else," I said. "So you wanta talk with any of the other guys?" "Oh my God! YES!" she gushed. The guys grinned, and I handed off the phone to Mitchell, and he started talking to her. While they all took turns talking with her, I got her contact info from her mother, and told her we'd send her some 'merch'.... not that we really had any 'merch' yet, but we'd send her something, I told her. She laughed and said, " I really can't thank you enough. You've made mine and my daughter's day!" After all the guys had spoken with Melanie, and the her mother had her phone back, we said , she headed back to her blanket. About then, my own phone, which everyone had been passing around, to look at Dylan's photo, came back to me. Jenny had been holding onto it. "I can't believe how things turned out, she said. Lynn's gone, Mike's gone, you moved away, and Dylan's with adopted parents. It's not how it was supposed to work out!" she said. Then she looked at me in all seriousness and said, "Mike and I were supposed to be Dylan's Godparents you know!" "Really?" I asked, looking seriously back at her. "Really!" she said, still in all seriousness, which made me wonder how she was the smartest student in our class. "You recall I'm Dylan's father, right?" I asked. "Yes," she said, blinking. "So... I was part of the conversation, when Dylan's parents made that decision!" I said, still looking art her, pointedly. It took a second, but suddenly she snorted and started to roar with laughter, and we all joined in. "Oh my God! Of course you knew," she said, still chuckling. "Sorry John!" "No problem!" I said, grinning at her. "So Horse!" Mitchell interjected. "You have any time yet while you're here for us to get together and talk about the band, and maybe jam a little?" "I was kinda hoping to," I said. "Are any of you guys free early tomorrow afternoon?" Everyone said they could be available, so we agreed to meet up at Mitchell's at 1:00. "Anyone hear anything from Jewels lately," Pete asked. "Must still be out on the coast with his rents," I said. "No, he should be back by now," Craig said. "Well," I said, since I had my phone in my hand yet, "I'll give him a call right now!" I tried, but it went to voice mail. "You Jewels! It's Horse! It's Saturday afternoon. I 'm unexpectedly State-side until late tomorrow. Me and the guys are getting together at 1:00 tomorrow, at Mitchells' to jam - be there or be square man! And if you can't come - give me a call, so we can catch up once!" I said. into the phone, then I hung up. "OK - little men!" I hollered over to the boys, who were patching up their sand fort a little. "We have about a half hour left before we have to head home! What's your pleasure? Working on your fort? flying kites, or riding waves?" "Forts and kites can happen when it's cold weather," Scott cried. "Let's ride some waves yet!" "The boy makes a point!" Boner noted. Everyone grinned and agreed, so the boys abandoned their fort, and we all grabbed our boards, and went our wave riding, one last time for the season! And we had a grand time! All too soon though, it was over. We had to come in, gather up our stuff, and head back to Grandma's. "This was the best beach day this year, I think!" John said, as we walked back to the car. "I just wish Andy had been here with us!" "I agree!" I said. "Do you think Austin will like riding waves?" Scott asked. I chuckled and said, "Well, it's a little too soon for him to start using a boogie board just yet, but I expect he'll love it! He's a Wilder, and it's inbred in our genes! We get it from our dad - like me he too was a Jersey Shore boy! You shoulda seen him riding the waves - he loved it, and was great at it!" "Well, I can't wait to get Austin out there with us!" Scott said, smiling. I grinned and told him I thought it would be awesome! By then we had reached the end of the path off the beach, showered, the sand off us, and reached the car. We stowed our stuff in the trunk, and spread our towels on the seats, then still wet, we rode back to Grandma's. * * * "Oh!" Grandma cried. "You're all sunburned!" "Being able to say that this late in October - feels good!" I said. "I understand the sentiment, but..." Grandma said. "Yeah!" Scott crabbed. "I shoulda used more sunscreen!" "Solarcaine is in the hall closet. Use it after you shower!" Grandma said. "OK - I got dibs on the shower," I said. "Cause I'm grilling! I'll be quick, and you can all come out on the deck after you shower, and I'll spray you with Solarcaine. That way we won't get a cloud of chemicals in the air in the house!" "By the way Grandma," I said. "Do you mind if I meet up with the guys for a couple hours tomorrow afternoon, so we can jam a little, before we have to leave?" "Not as long as you're home for supper, before you leave," she said. "Oh, and I don't suppose you could take me to the PX while in the morning though? You know how I love to stock up there whenever you're here." I grinned and said that'd be fine. "But I'm paying you back for what I spend!" she said. "Uh huh," I said, non-commitally. "JOHN!" she said, looking sharply at me. I just smiled sweetly at her, until she sighed. "So, what would you like for your last supper?" Grandma asked. "How about I pick up pizza and wings at TJ's?" I asked. "Unless I make my own, I just can get good wings in Britain! And I have a hankering for some!" "On the other hand, you do have delicious Ploughmans, and let us not forget your Doughed Bangers! However, Pizza and wings does sound good, but make sure and get some mild wings as well as those super hot ones you love," she said. "I love 'em hot, but hot wings don't love me so much anymore!" "Will do!" I said, chuckling. "Are you EVER going to go shower?" Scott crabbed, pointing at an imaginary watch on his wrist. "We could all have been finished showering by now!" "Not at the rate of speed you guys shower!" I laughed. Then as he glared at me, I also noticed he was squirming a little. "If your damp trunks are ridin' up on you, just take 'em off, and wrap your towels around you til it's your turn. And, I'll hurry!" With that I dashed upstairs, and took a quick shower. I felt much better afterward, especially since I took the opportunity to pound one out quickly as I lathered my body up! Once I was don, I dried and quickly donned a clean pair of cut-off jeans, and a tank top and headed back downstairs. When I went out to start grilling our chicken and ribs, Grandma followed me with a can of Solarcaine, and had me take my shirt prayed me liberally all over. Then, as I grilled, and the boys wandered down after showering, Grandma and I sprayed all of them as well. Once the meat was cooked, we all sat down together, and even though we'd eaten well at the beach, we were all famished, and we hungrily, and happily devoured the delicious feast, leaving few leftovers, which pleased Grandma!! Then we spent a pleasant evening together watching "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown", and then "Dracula" on TV. After that, we all went to bed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next chapter in this series will be published as soon as possible... 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