Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2020 14:08:26 +0000 (UTC)
From: Fritz <fritz819@yahoo.com>
Subject: Raising Boys  57

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RAISING BOYS

57

As we made our way to Shaggy's I explained the dynamics between Derrick and
his dad and the difficulties they had in the past.  I was completely
honest, telling them about the unplanned pregnancy which had ended
Derrick's football career at Florida State and how rough the road had been
for both of them.

"Why can't dads just love their sons?" Ren asked.  "You stepped up when
Landry and I needed you most"

"I can't say why that happens, son," I said.  "It isn't just dads.  Look
what Stewart's going through right now with his mother."

I then explained everything that had happened with Stewart's parents and
the pregnancy of his girlfriend and the abortion and the lies his parents
had told about his sister being dead when she was not.  I then shared how
his mother had refused to even acknowledge our precious Flynnie during my
phone conversation.

"Our Stewart isn't headed for Denver because he wants to be there.  He's
headed there out of a sense of duty and he feels it's his job to set an
example for the members of his congregation.  It was breaking his heart to
leave all of us," I explained.

We had arrived at Shaggy's.  Derrick must have been waiting for us because
the front door of the cottage opened before I switched the ignition off.
He came running to help me out of the car and embraced me energetically.
Jack and Bradley were embracing Der and I saw them introduce my son to Der.
They looked at each other and immediately shared a warm hug.  Der brought
my son over to meet his father.  Derrick embraced my boy and we all walked
together into the house.  Shaggy was out back manning the grill but he came
in for a round of hugs.  Derrick was as animated as I had ever seen him and
he kept giving me hugs.  He felt as strong and warm as ever.  He would
occasionally nuzzle my neck or just bring my face close to his and give me
a kiss on the cheek.  I would never have imagined he could be so
affectionate but I loved it.  The younger guys went out to help Shaggy with
the grill and Derrick grabbed beers for the two of us.  We got comfortable
on the sofa.

"Rob," it's unbelievable what a day can do," he said.  "I've got so much to
tell you I don't even know where to begin.  We have to watch the news at
six but we've still got about fifteen minutes before it starts.  So much
has happened."

"Was Der one of the kids expelled from the high school for having drugs in
his locker?" I asked.

"Yes, but don't worry about that," he said.

"Don't worry about that?" I asked incredulously.  "If they were making
accusations like that against my kid I'd be topping trees,"

He pulled me in and kissed me on the mouth.

"Settle down, my handsome friend, it's okay," he said.  "I'm much more
worried about that wound and bandage on your head."

"This wound on my head is just a few fucking staples.  I'm fine, but your
wonderful son has been accused of stashing drugs in his locker."

He held me and kissed me again.  I felt myself responding but I was
beginning to think he might have lost his fucking mind.

"Rob," he said.  "I know you must think I've lost it.  I promise I haven't.
Der's going to be okay.  Do you think for one minute I wouldn't have burned
that goddamned school to the ground if I thought my son was in danger?"

"I was afraid you might be headed there with a can of gasoline when I heard
it," I said.  "I didn't even hear Der's name but I knew it had to be him.
The son of a very good friend of mine was injured by a flying bottle
earlier today.  He is okay, but only because a doctor was nearby.  Another
friend's son was pretty traumatized.  We happened to be driving by and were
able to get them out of there, but it was pretty bad."

"I'm so glad Der wasn't on that campus today," he said.  "I can't even
stand the thought of anything..."

I shushed him with a kiss.  He embraced me and we were sharing a deep, wet
kiss when we were interrupted.

"Son, I can't find the deodorant...,"

It was Mr. Derrick coming out of the master bedroom in only a towel around
his waist.  He had to have seen me kissing his son but he seemed unfazed by
the sight.

"I'm sorry Rob," he said.

The man walked over and gave me at tight hug.

"It's been a long day and I wanted to clean up a little before you guys got
here.  I guess my timing was a little off.  I watched him hug his handsome
son.  Mr. Derrick was about an inch shorter than his son.  I realized he
was a slightly older version of his son. With a tanned body and a chest
covered in dark hair.  His waist was still trim and he had a very hairy
tummy which I felt must lead to a beautiful crop of dark pubes.  I was
surprised as I had no idea the man had that kind of body.  I remembered
Derrick told me he went to the old Y most every day and he had obviously
kept himself in shape.  He had a pair of very dark, fat nipples, almost
concealed by his chest fur.

"I'm glad to see you again," Mr. Derrick," I said.  "Although I never
expected to see quite this much of you."

We shared a laugh.

"Dad," Derrick said, "the deodorant is in the closet in the bathroom.  If
there's none there, there is some in the space underneath the lavatory.
Shaggy bought plenty when he got us as unexpected visitors."

"Thank you, son," the handsome man said as he headed back to the bathroom
to finish dressing.

"Derrick, what the fuck has happened here?" I asked.  There's so much I
want to know," I said.  "Your father is a different man than I saw this
morning."

"Dad says he had a come to Jesus moment and I believe him," my friend said.
"He got on his knees in front of me and apologized for everything.  He
begged Der and me for one more opportunity to begin again.  Needless to say
I'm ready and so is Der.  It feels really good to have a dad for the first
time in almost seventeen years.  He plans to step down as President of the
Company as soon as Savvy and her dickhead are caught.  He says all the
day-to-day decisions regarding the company will be mine and he'll be there
only to advise me when I ask for it.  He called old Man Bush and I've never
heard an ass-reaming like dad gave that old bastard.  He made the old man
admit how he'd bragged about having dads balls in his pocket.  I doubt
they'll be chatting again any time soon.  Bush will also be resigning from
the school board as well. There's a lot more to tell but, hopefully we'll
have plenty of time."

"Fuck me," I said.  "This is unbelievable.  Obviously your dad has a lot of
juice in this town."

"That's the most unbelievable part," he said.  "He refuses to take any
credit in this whole thing.  He says everything would have happened in the
normal order of things.  He said it was just time for some things to change
and it was inevitable.  All three local stations are carrying a live
conference with the new principal at the high school on their six o'clock
broadcasts.  I'm not sure that's ever happened.  My cell's been ringing all
day but I only had a brief conversation with Liza Gurley.  She's the anchor
over at 48.  She's probably the best of a very bad lot but she has raised
some major funds to fight breast cancer.  She even started her own breast
cancer fund raising group after Komen got fucked by that crazy Handle bitch
from Georgia."

"The new principal?" I asked "Who is the..."

I was interrupted by Mr. Derrick's return o the room.  He looked amazingly
handsome in a pair of jeans which showed a beautiful bubble butt almost as
top-notch as his son's and his grandson's.  He had on a western shirt in a
very dark blue checked print which set off his beautiful dark blue eyes.
His stern face was replaced by a smiling face.  He looked years younger
than he had when he was sobbing in my library this very morning.

He came to me and just hugged me silently.  We held the embrace for a
couple of minutes.  When we broke our embrace, we looked into each other's
eyes.

"Thank you, Rob," he said with wet eyes.

"I couldn't be happier for you, Paul," I answered, also with wet eyes.

"And feel free to call me Poppy," he said.  "That's the nickname my
grandson and I settled on this afternoon.  Feel free to use it," he said.

"Poppy," I said.  "I really like that.

We hugged again.  This time our eyes were dry.

"The food's all done but I put everything in the warmer until after the
news," Shaggy said.  "Grab a fresh beer or soda and grab a seat.  If I'm
any judge at all, this next half hour should be kinda interesting."

We all took our seat around the television screen.  It was apparent all the
younger guys had enjoyed getting to know each other better.  Der invited
Ren to sit beside him and his handsome grandfather sat beside them.  I was
sitting beside Derrick and Shaggy sat in a big, overstuffed chair with Jack
and Bradley on cushions on the floor beside him, each with an arm draped
across his knee.  I noticed it was a happy looking group of men.  I
recalled the tension that had always been present during my previous
encounters with Paul Derrick.  It had dissipated completely.  Derrick had
one arm around me and my hand was resting on his thick thigh.  His father
looked over at us and gave me a wink and a beautiful smile.  I had no idea
what to expect as Liza Gurley's rather frazzled face appeared on the screen
of the largest television I had ever seen in my life.

Sitting beside Liza was Ms. Walden, the principal at the middle school I
admired so much.  Ren clapped his hands together at seeing her.  I knew she
was one of my son's heroes.  Liza introduced Principal Walden and stated
she had been named the new principal of the high school.  We were all
pleasantly surprised as Ms. Walden announced she would be serving as
principal for both the middle school and the high school, at least for the
time being.  She acknowledged what a big job it was and said she would
strive to do the best job ever.  She announced that by tomorrow, she would
be naming twovice principals for the middle school and two for the high
school who would be direct reports to her.  She acknowledged this was
essentially a restructuring of the school administration and she was very
positive in her assessment of how it would work.

Principal Walden acknowledged what a rough day it had been at the high
school and vowed that what had transpired would never happen again.

"I will never allow our children to be put in danger again," she said.  "If
anyone tries that ever again, they will answer to me and to the very
highest levels of law enforcement.  I will use all the tools at my disposal
to create a safe environment where our children can learn.  That does not
mean learning the dogma of a particular church or denomination or religion.
Those things have no place in our schools and it is simply unacceptable
that has been allowed to happen.  The principal and vice-principal of the
high school have been fired, after refusing to voluntarily resign four
hours ago. Neither is eligible for rehire in our city system.  They may
choose to fight this or to try legal maneuvers.  My message to them is to
bring it on.  I have in my possession troves of emails and video evidence
that could make both ineligible for rehire at any institution of learning.
The same is true for Coach Rich, the head football coach and his two
assistants, Coach Russell, the basketball coach and his assistant.  The
only head coaches who will be staying on our staff are the swim team coach
and the wrestling coach, both of whom were new hires this year.  I say to
the fired coaches the same thing I said to the principal - we have numerous
emails and plenty of video evidence to fight any challenge to your firings.
This information will be shared with any other educational facility in our
state who requests it.  I do not intend to play."

We were all applauding this woman.

"That is not all," the principal continued.  "I am aware we have barely
begun our football season.  I realize the importance of sports in our
community.  I understand many students would not be able to attend college
without scholarships.  I absolutely understand that.  But when we as a
school or a community begin to lose sight of our primary objective, which
is to educate our young people, it has gone too far.  We must reevaluate
our priorities.  There will be absolutely no repercussions for students who
elected to cut school today.  That is totally forgiven.  I applaud students
and adults who are willing to speak truth to power.  That kind of courage
is essential to our well-being and to our very liberty.  I realize our
entire athletic department could be thrown into turmoil and I will not
allow that.  I am appointing an Athletic Director for our high school and
middle school.  I realize this is an unusual step as most colleges have
this position but it is unheard of in high schools.  I think ours is a
unique problem which calls for unique solutions.  Therefore, I am
appointing Coach Ennis as the athletic director for the middle school and
high school.  He will oversee all sports and will have ultimate authority
as a direct report to me.  We are still working on the official job
description for the position but it should be completed very soon and
released to the media no later than noon tomorrow.  Coach Ennis was head
coach for our swim team but he recently left to coach the team at the U.
He will keep his position there and the U. has agreed to allow him to do so
for up to two years while also serving in our new position.  He will be
using student assistants at the U. under his direct supervision so that
there will be no drop off in the quality of the swim program at the U."

Liza then introduced Coach Ennis and asked him for any remarks he might
care to make.  The man was as devastatingly handsome on screen as he was in
person.  He turned to Principal Walden and they exchanged a very warm
handshake as he took a seat beside her.

"I am, needless to say, humbled by Principal Walden's confidence in me.  I
will not let her down nor will I ever let down the students entrusted to
our care of the parents who entrust them to our care.  I take that very
seriously.  I will also protect their freedoms and will never make any
attempt nor will I allow anyone to attempt to stifle their free speech or a
free exchange of ideas.  Principal Walden and I are setting up am advisory
council to advise us on matters we should be addressing and to prevent the
kind of abuse we have experienced from ever happening again in our schools.
This was unacceptable and I can promise you it will never happen on my
watch."

They broke away for a commercial.  We were all stunned.  Jack and Bradley
were so proud of coach Ennis.  I knew both boys adored their coach and were
so proud.

"I wonder who will be our football coach," Der said.

"Don't worry, Der," Ren said.  "Coach Ennis will take care of you guys.
He's a real man of honor and if he says he's got your back, your back is
covered."

Liza returned on screen with Principal Walden and we all became quiet.

"I want to take this opportunity to clear up a couple of things.  Rumors
tend to flourish in this environment.  First of all, no students received
life-threatening injuries today.  The injuries were serious as any injury
to one of our precious children is serious.  But they are safe and they are
fine.  We were very fortunate to have a neurosurgeon, Dr. Rhett Curry on
hand to attend to a head wound sustained by a student at the high school.
I have spoken with the student's father and he has assured me his son is
fine.  A lot of kids were shaken.  I think I have managed to reach all of
their parents personally and have been assured they are fine.  Counseling
or any other services will be available to students affected by the events
of this day.  Further, it was reported in the media that some students were
expelled after students were found to have drugs stashed in their lockers.
Please don't blame the media.  They were doing their jobs in reporting the
events of the day.  The truth is that some drugs were found in lockers.
The truth is also that those drugs were planted in those lockers by other
students, former students and, in one case, an assistant coach.  This will
be dealt with ad will be prosecuted.  I sadly report to you that one member
of the city's board of education has resigned, as has our superintendent of
education for the city schools.  This has happened in recent minutes.  I am
sorry, but emails have revealed his complicity in all that has happened.  I
am feeling so fortunate tonight and so proud of the behavior of our middle
school students throughout the day.  I was with them most of the day and I
heard several of them being interviewed.  I am convinced these kiddos are
the very best of us.  I am excited that they will be free of so many of the
bigoted attitudes, unfair prejudices and undisguised hatred in which so
many of us have marinated for so long.  Our school system was the envy of
most when we quietly and peacefully integrated our schools in the sixties.
I hope we can again have that pride in our system in our students and that
all students will be unafraid to speak truth.  I was going to quote one of
the kids interviewed today but I decided to let one of my precious students
have the last word."

The screen was filled with the beautiful face of my older son.

"I'm here with my friends today because we couldn't be silent, Ren said.
My dad tries every day to teach me what's right and what's wrong.  It's
just wrong to stay silent when we see or hear bad things or unfair things.
I was on a trip with our pastor last week.  We were talking and he said
that he believes silence is complicity.  I didn't really understand what
the word `complicity' meant.  He explained what it meant to me and told me
the story of a Lutheran minister who was killed by the Nazis because he
refused to stay silent in the face of evil.  We can never do that.  We just
can't."

The camera went back to Liza who was hugging the new principal.  Liza was
wiping tears from her eyes as she thanked Principal Walden for being with
her.  We were all silent for a couple of minutes.  There wasn't a man in
that room who didn't have his eyes full of tears and a lump in his throat.
Derrick squeezed me as he wiped my eyes with a tissue.  Der and Ren were
fine.

"God job," Der said to Ren.  "You were spilling some truth, buddy."

"I just said what I thought," Ren said.  "What could be easier?"

Mr. Derrick recovered his voice and stood with his arms around Ren and Der.

"My God!" he exclaimed.  "What lucky men we are!"

There were lots of hugs as we all began to freshen our beers and Shaggy,
Jack and Bradley started bringing food to the table.  My phone began to
ring.  I decided to call people back instead of interrupting our evening.
When I saw Principal Walden's number come up on my phone, I thought I
should answer so I excused myself and walked out on the back patio where it
was quiet.

Mr. Ross, thank you for taking my call," she said.  I felt I owed you an
apology."

"What could you possibly owe me an apology for?" I asked.  "You only made
me the proudest dad in the whole world.  I've barely managed to stop the
tears long enough to have dinner with some very good friends.  Do you have
any idea how proud I am?"

"I can only imagine," she said.  "I can tell you that if I had children, I
would want them to be as smart, beautiful, and well-spoken as your son.  I
just wanted to apologize for blindsiding you by allowing the use of that
video.  I was assured by Liza that you would be contacted before it was
broadcast.  I learned it was not and I assure you Ms. Gurley has been
properly dressed down.  To put that in terms I prefer to use, she's had a
Walden ass-chewing.  Nonetheless, I hope you will accept my apology.  I
would never allow that to happen and I assure you it will never happen
again.  Coach Ennis and I have been talking a bit in the middle of all this
drama.  Yours was the first name mentioned by either of us for the parents'
council.  I hope you will consider serving."

"Principal, I am so proud to have a child in your school.  I would walk
through glass to do anything you or coach asks me to do.  I am at your
service."

"I'm sure he will be calling you soon," she said.  "And thank you again for
understanding."

We said good night but before I could get back inside I saw Coach Ennis'
number on my ID.

"Hello Mr. Athletic Director," I said.  Congratulations!"

"Oh my God, Rob," he said.  "What a swirling shitstorm of a day!  I still
can't believe it.  Are you by any chance with Jack?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm having dinner with Jack and Bradley," I said.

"Perfect," he replied.  "I need to speak with both about taking on
positions as my assistants at the U.  Would you mind telling them what I
have in mind and that I will call them later tonight, although God only
knows what time that will be."

"I don't mind at all," I said.  "Those two will be thrilled that you have
such confidence in them."

"They'll also be very well-compensated," he said.  "The U. has been
incredibly cooperative."

"They know they were lucky to get you," I said.

"Thanks, buddy," he said, "but you don't have to bullshit me."

"I assure you I am not bullshitting you, Coach," I said.  "I think you know
what I think of you.  I'll never forget what you did for Ren when the other
swim team parents gave him hell.  I never forget people who protect my
kids."

"I'll always look after your boys, Rob," he said.  "You can count on that.
I know you were at the football game with Derrick last week.  Do you, by
any chance have a cell phone number for him?"

"Yes, I do, but I can do better if you need to talk to him," I said.
"We're having dinner together."

"Sounds like a party I'd love to be at," he said.  "Are you hosting some
kind of hot boy orgy that I wasn't invited to?"

"Coach, I'd never hold an orgy without inviting the handsomest coach in the
State of Alabama," I said.  "Hold on, I'll grab him."

"I called Derrick out to the patio and left to give the men some privacy.

"Is everything all right with my dad?" Der asked anxiously.

"Kiddo, your dad is fine," I said.  "He's on the phone with the new
athletic director at your school.  And he's just given me permission to
share that these two young men, Jack and Bradley, will be announced
tomorrow as his student assistant coaches for the team at the U. for which
they'll be very nicely compensated."

Dinner was interrupted by an outbreak of hugs and congratulations.

I went into the kitchen to get another beer and was joined by Mr. Derrick,
who was there for the same reason.  We clinked our bottles and he hugged
me.

"Is every day like this around here?" he asked.  "This is just the happiest
group of people I've ever seen."

"No, sir," I said.  "We have our share of rough days too but these days are
the times that get us through the rough ones.  We know that whatever
experiences we have, good or bad, we share them and we support and love
each other.  It's pretty simple."

"I've been such a goddamned fool," he said.  "I should have my ass kicked
for wasting so much time and so much love,"

"That's water under the bridge, Poppy," I said.

He smiled broadly when I used his chosen nickname.

"You're actually a young man and obviously you're in really remarkable
shape.  How the hell do you stay in that kind of condition?"

"You really think so?" he asked.  "I go to the Y pretty much every day and
do a good workout and I try to hit my pool every night for laps.  I've
always been an active man and I know muscle can turn to fat all too
easily."

"You're one of the finest looking men in this town," I said.  "I had heard
that from the Vanderburgh sisters but I didn't believe it until I've had a
closeup look for myself today and tonight."

You find me handsome?" he asked.  "I try to avoid mirrors.  Afraid I might
not like what I see.  That's easy enough being alone, Rob.  I'll be honest
with you, the way I'm trying to be honest with my boys.  When my wife died,
I gave up on any more relationships.  I had always been faithful to her
although she wasn't a warm woman.  We rarely had sex.  It became
unimportant.  When I felt randy, she was very disapproving.  I learned to
just take care of myself, if you know what I mean."

"I think I do understand," I said.  "I think you're telling me you have
only had sex with your wife in your entire life."

"There was one other before we were married, but once I married, I was
faithful to her.  A man can get used to a lot, especially once he has a
son.  That boy was my life, Rob.  I know you find that hard to believe, but
when he was young, I had moved out of my wife's bedroom.  I used to get him
in bed with me and just watch him sleep.  I doted on him.  I was afraid of
my own feelings for him because they were so strong.  Then I was so proud
of him when he got the scholarship.  I ended up allowing my wife's pride to
poison our relationship.  You were right that I sent him off to college
without preparing him for life.  I was too afraid of my own feelings for
him to ever even allow myself to discuss anything sexual."

"You're a very sexy man," I said.  "It's a shame that sexiness has gone to
waste."

Our faces were very close at that point.  I wanted to kiss him.  I felt he
wanted the same thing.  I leaned in and his lips met mine.  It was a fast,
chaste kiss.  We both heard Derrick coming back into the dining room so we
immediately broke and headed back in with the group.

Derrick was excited when we all got back to the table.  I had brought him a
fresh beer.

"Man, this is going to be great!" he said.  "I can't wait to get to know
this guy and I can't believe our paths haven't crossed.  You said Coach
Ennis was terrific, Rob, and I think you're right.  This won't be announced
until tomorrow afternoon, but Coach Ennis asked me if I would take over as
coach for the football team.  I told him I just didn't think I could do
that with my own son on the team.  I know I could be fair, but there could
be all kinds of appearances of conflicting interests.  I think he knew that
I would turn him down on that so he proposed that I come in as an assistant
to the new coach with the coach being the final authority.  I told him I
would love to do that.  I wanted to coach and my degree is in business with
a sports education minor.  I ultimately decided it was more important to
prove myself to dad in business.  I think we're good in that now.  I will
only work with the team after school hours.  Do you think that'll work,
dad?"

"I think that's a perfect plan, son," he said.  "I've been watching you for
years as you did everything well.  You're more than able to walk and chew
gum at the same time.  I never gave you the credit you deserved.  Those
days are over and gone.  If you want me to, I'll keep an office at the
company but I promise to defer to you in all decisions with the business.
I'll be there when you need or want me to be and I couldn't be prouder of
my son."

At t hat moment, Mr. Derrick's phone rang.

"That's the eighth time that bastard Bush has called me tonight.  I think
it's time I spoke to him," he said.  "I apologize to all present,
especially our young ones, for the language they're about to hear.  This
won't be pretty."

"What the fuck do you want, you dirty bastard?" he asked.

Derrick took my hand under the table and held it tightly.

"It was high time for you to resign from the school board, you ugly
asshole," he said.  "You've been holding on to that seat for years for the
sole reason of enriching yourself.  You think I didn't know you would get
information from the planning commission and buy up any properties the
school was looking to acquire so you could then resell them to the city at
scalper prices?  Your gig is up.  Done.  Over.  And those spec homes you're
handling for our company, I'm pulling your listing.  I'll be listing them
elsewhere or they can sit on the market and fucking rot.  You'll never make
another penny off me, my son, or our company."

He was silent for a moment.  We could hear old man Bush speaking loudly but
couldn't make out his words.  Apparently Mr. Derrick wasn't liking what he
was hearing.

"Kindly shut the fuck up, you asshole," Mr. Derrick said.  "You come at me
or my son as hard as you like.  I've saved all those racist, misogynistic
emails you've been sending out for all these years.  I don't think our new
principal would be at all amused at these pictures of `big-titted nigger
girls' as you so crudely labeled them.  I think most of the city would find
them abominable except your little circle of redneck racist friends.  I
saved all of them because I knew in my gut this day would come eventually.
I'll release them to all three local stations, every single newspaper in
town, the New York Times and the Washington Post if you fuck with me.  And,
as for you bragging about having my balls in your pocket, I just reclaimed
`em, motherfucker!"

With that, he pressed the `end' button on his phone.

"Again, I do heartily apologize to the young men here for my language," he
said calmly.  "We all know that is not acceptable language but, by God, I
won't lie.  It felt amazing."

Der and Ren were all over the man, hugging him.  He seemed to delight in
their touch.

"There is one more thing," Derrick said.  "The coach asked me to meet in
the morning with his choice for the new football coach.  I explained my
situation and he understood completely.  He agrees that protecting my son
is the most important job I will ever have, which makes me just admire him
more.  Dad, he plans to invite you and Rob to serve on the advisory council
so he asked if, since I am not available you two might meet with the new
coach.

Mr. Derrick and I immediately agreed.

"Who is the new coach?" I asked.

"He's a new young guy, around our age, Derrick said.  "He has a background
coaching football but he was hired here as a wrestling coach.  His name's
Brett Jordan."

"I met him a couple of times, Der said.  "He seems kind of shy and quiet
but I liked him."

"I know Brett well," I said.  "Or maybe I should say I knew Brett well.  I
haven't seen him since he was a groomsman in my wedding.  We played junior
high and high school football together.  I considered him a good friend."

I then shared with the group my relationship with his father, my junior
high coach.  I left nothing out and told them I had loved the man as my
mentor.  I explained the whole lack of a relationship with my own father
and how Coach Jordan had been my father substitute and mentor.

"Did Brett ever know about your relationship with his dad?" Mr. Derrick
asked.

"I didn't think he did, but I learned recently from a very good friend
about a remark he had made after my wedding rehearsal indicating he may
have known something or at least he suspected it.  Although I loved his
father, I recognize that he was a fool.  To put that kind of distance
between himself and his son over a missing foreskin is nothing but
ridiculous.  There are two gorgeous boys at this table with two of the most
beautiful and tasty cut cocks I've ever seen."

"Brett sounds like another damaged boy," Mr. Derrick said.  "Maybe we can
help his healing begin, the way someone at this table has helped the
healing begin for my son, my grandson and myself.  Is the meeting set up
yet?" he asked.

"No," Derrick said.  "Brett has agreed to be available all morning.  Coach
told me Brett had submitted his resignation first thing this morning before
the shit hit the fan.  He has since rescinded the resignation and will
accept pending further discussions.  He gave me the cell number and asked
me to arrange something.  Coach would like to attend if he possibly can."

"The only thing I have in the morning is a physical therapist coming to the
house at ten," I said.  "We could even meet during the appointment I
guess."

"That might be a bit much for you," Mr. Derrick said.  "What if we set it
up for eleven at your place?  Would that work?"

"Works for me," I said.  "Coach said he'd be expecting a call early in the
morning.  Either of us can give him a buzz."

"I think I better be heading out," Mr. Derrick said.  I probably need to do
a quick check in at the office in the morning, then it sounds as if Rob and
I have our work cut out for us.  I hope I get to meet Coach Ennis to let
him know that he has our full support and resources at his disposal."

"Thank you for doing this, dad," Derrick said.  "It means a lot to me.

"You mean a lot to me, son," the father said.  The father aimed a kiss at
his son's cheek, but the son met his dad's lips with his own.  It was a
quick kiss but a beautiful one and I knew both would want more.  Der walked
over to his grandfather and embraced him.  The young boy kissed the man on
the lips.  The older man looked as if Saint Peter had just opened the
golden gates for him.  We all exchanged hugs and I got a warm kiss from
Derrick.  They saw us out to our car and walked back to the steps.  They
waved us good night as Jack drove us toward home.

"Thank you for being our chauffeur, Jack," I said.  "I'm really glad to
have you guys around."

"You are one of the luckiest guys I ever met," Mr. Derrick said.

He started to give Jack directions to his home to drop him off but his cell
phone rang.

I couldn't hear clearly but the voice on the other end sounded excited.

"When did this happen?" he asked.

More unintelligible conversation.

"Are the police there?" he asked.

I felt a shiver run up my spine as the man listened.

"I'll be there in a few minutes," Mr. Derrick said.

"Damn bunch of fools," he said.  "Some idiots tried to break into my house.
Broke a window in the back but the emergency lights went off and the silent
alarm notified the police station.  When they got there the hoodlums were
gone."

"Jack, pull over for a second, please."

The boy did as I asked.

"Mr. Derrick," I said, "you're probably right that it's a bunch of
hoodlums.  But you might be wrong.  If I let you go home and something
happened to you, I could never face your boys again.  I'd never forgive
myself.  You are not going home tonight.  We are taking you home with us.
We have plenty of space.  Stewart is out of town so the master bedroom is
free since I can't climb stairs.  It's a done deal.  Please don't argue.  I
can't let you risk yourself when you're on the verge of a whole new
relationship with your boys."

I expected a fight but the man relented.

"Thanks, Jack," I said.  "Let's go home."

"Thank you, Rob, the man said as he reached out and took my hand in his.  I
saw my son take his other hand in his and Ren laid his head on the man's
chest.  I saw him sniff my boy's soft hair and knew he was smelling my
son's wonderful, fresh scent.

When we got home it was only a few minutes after nine.  We went into the
main residence.  I was hoping my boys might still be awake so I could say
good night to them.  Ren checked upstairs but there was no one up there
either.  I saw Rick's and Kurt's vehicles were out front so I knew they
were home.  We found them out on the patio.  Actually they were all just
beyond the patio on the grassy area just beyond the patio.  The scene was
one of the funnies I had ever seen.  Rick and Kurt, and Rhett were all in
their underwear on their hands and knees, giving the three naked boys
horsie rides on their backs.  Actually, the little ones weren't completely
naked.  They all had on their cowboy boots and cowboy hats with each of
their names on them on their heads.  I knew Rick had been back at the
western wear store on the way to the Santa Fe Steakhouse.  I was amazing to
see these wonderful grown guys playing fools to make three little boys
happy as they could be.

"You guys are having way too much fun," I said.  "I think we missed the
best party in town!"

The boys came running up, all three giggling and babbling about their
evening and getting new cowboy hats and riding the bull at the restaurant.
Rick picked up a smiling Eli.

"We went to see my daddy," he said, smiling.  "He's still sick but he'll
get better soon."

Rick explained they had indeed gone by the western wear store where they
had been waited on by Jackie, the owner's cute son.  Rick said he had asked
Rick to please say hello to me and that he hoped I'd be in the store again
soon.  Then they had stopped by the hospital so Eli could see his dad
again.  Rhett had come by Elliott's room after finishing up with his
emergency and had joined all of them for dinner at the Santa Fe.

"Then we got home," Rhett said, "but the boys hadn't had quite enough
riding.  We decided we could give them rides as well as bulls and ponies
did."

"We were just about to take them up and get in the big bathtub when you
guys arrived," Kurt said.

"Why don't Jack and I take the boys down to the guest house tub and you
guys can have a little hot tub quiet time," Rick said.  "Is that good with
you, Jack?" he asked.

"That's perfect with me," Jack said.

They led the boys down to the guest house to get the sudsy tub started.
Ren, Rhett, Kurt, and Bradley were opening the hot tub and disrobing.  I
told Mr. Derrick I was in the mood for a shot of bourbon and he agreed that
sounded good.

"Makers Mark all right with you?" I asked.

"One of my favorites," he said.

We walked back into the house and went in the library where I poured us
bourbon on the rocks.

"I'm taking mine with a splash, I think," I said.

"Straight up is fine for me," he said.

I poured our drinks and handed his to him.  He held his up and we clicked
our glasses.

"I'm amazed," he said.  "Absolutely amazed."

"At what," I asked.

"How much I've missed," he said.  "I could've been enjoying my boys all
this time."

"It's true, Poppy," I said.  "But you kind of fucked up.  That's done.
Your boys are opening their hearts and their lives to you.  You guys have a
lot of good days and great years to look forward to.  I'm actually feeling
a little envious," I admitted.

"Envious of what?" he asked.  "You have everything."

"I have more than I ever dreamed of," I said.  "But I do have a little envy
because Derrick has a wonderful, handsome father he now has the opportunity
to love and to love him.  I've never had that and my sons don't have a
grandfather to love and to love them back."

"I know I can never replace your real dad, Rob, or their real grandfather,"
he said.  "But I'd be honored to try to do what I can to fill that void.  I
love being called `poppy.  I can't hear it without smiling.  I want to earn
that nickname.  If you'll allow me, I'd love to be poppy to you and any of
your boys who need a poppy."

I kissed him.  He smelled wonderful.  I knew the scent because it was the
same one Derrick wore.  His breath smelled of bourbon and mint.  His breath
felt warm on my lips after we kissed.

"Is this uncomfortable for you?" I asked.

"My jeans are feeling uncomfortably tight ," he said.  "My brain is saying
it's crazy, but my heart and other parts of my body are saying to get on
with things."

 "What do you want to get on with?" I asked.

"I don't have any idea," he said.  "I never expected this.  I thought I was
done with all of this after I pushed my son away.  I was so in love with
that boy and he always has been a handsome little devil.  I was so afraid
of my own feelings for him.  I told you his mother wasn't affectionate.
That's an understatement.  I don't think we had sex more than a dozen times
after our son was born.  We had separate bedrooms and separate lives.  I
was terrified of my own feelings for my son.  I remember the day he found
his first pubic hair.  He was in the seventh grade and was playing Pee Wee
football.  He came home from practice and ran in and hugged me.  He pulled
his football pants down and then moved the pouch of his little jock over.
He was so beautiful and so excited and I was so scared.  I was hard looking
at my own little boy.  I was terrified he might see that I had gotten
stiff.  I thought I must some kind of a sick monster.  From that day on I
was afraid to even take any chance of seeing my boy naked.  I would just
not allow myself to look at other boys and men naked.  I willed myself not
to do it.  Now I see Derrick with his son and you with Ren and all these
beautiful, handsome boys and you're all so open and so loving."

I put my forehead to his and just held him.  He cried quietly for a while.
Then I sensed he had stopped.  I looked him in the eye and he kissed me.
This was a different kind of kiss.  I felt his large hand on the small of
my back, pulling my lower body closer to his.  I felt the hardness in his
pants.  I knew he was ready to open up and explore.  I was ready to help
him.

"Would you mind if went down and said good night to your little ones?" he
asked.

"I'd like nothing better, I said.  "Just know if they're still in that tub,
you won't have an inch of dry clothing by the time their bath is over."

"I think that's okay," he said.  "I think these blue jeans can be washed.
You're not going to believe this but this is the first pair of blue jeans
I've ever had on my body."

"You're kidding me," I said.

"Well, that may not be completely true," he said.  "I've worn denim pants
as a kid.  Let's say this is the first time I've had on jeans since I
started my business.  My late wife thought a man should dress a certain way
and I made myself fit into that mold.  It was, after all, her family's
money that we used to open our business.  I guess I just always deferred to
her wishes, even when I shouldn't have.  It's so much easier to just agree
instead of arguing.."

We were almost to the guest house but he stopped and turned me to face him.

"I heard what your son said on the news tonight," he said.  "He's one gutsy
kid.  It is so often easier to stay silent, but silence is complicity.
Believe it or not, I've read all the books by Bonhoefer.  If your wife
won't put out, you tend to get a lot of reading done," he chuckled.

I kissed him.  Each kiss was getting a little hotter and hungrier.

"You must be awfully proud of that boy," he said.

I kissed him again.  I was really wanting him now.  He took my hand and we
walked into a scene of pure joy.  We could hear the giggles and laughter
the minute we opened the door.  It was coming from the bathroom off the
master bedroom with the huge garden tub.  We walked in to see three little
naked boys, all covered in suds repeatedly dunking hairy bear Rick under
the water.  He would come up sputtering and spewing water from his mouth
and roaring.

"Look daddy," Landry cried, "there's a water monster in our tub!"

Jack was sitting in the suds holding little Eli as both our boys dunked him
repeatedly.  Poppy and I were laughing so hard our sides began to hurt as
the boys repeatedly dunked the roaring bear.

"Don't drown that water monster," I said.  "That water monster is my big,
hairy friend."

They both went into his arms.  He was the picture of a happy man.  I
thought Jack looked just as happy and content as he held Eli in his arms.
I guided Poppy to squat beside the tub as our two leaned over the tub for
hugs.  We ended up wet with suds on our heads like crowns but we didn't
mind.

"You guys remember Mr. Derrick," I said.  "He had breakfast with us this
morning.  His son met you guys last week but you may not remember him.
He's my friend I went to the football game."

Both boys claimed to remember him but I wasn't sure they weren't trying to
impress the older man.

"Well, that big, handsome man you met is his son.  We were with him and his
son tonight.  That would be Mr. Derrick's grandson.  His grandson calls him
Poppy and Mr. Derrick has said he would be good if any of us would like to
call him `Poppy' too.  I think `Poppy' is a pretty cool nickname.  What do
you guys think?"

Landry and Flynn immediately headed to the edge of the tub where we were,
extending their arms to Poppy, both their little bodies soaking wet and
covered with suds.  It didn't matter.  He was smiling as he lifted Landry
into one arm and I gave Flynn a boost into the other.  They were both
covering his head and his face with kisses.  Very wet, sudsy kisses.  Jack
stood and brought Eli over and he joined the kissing fest.

"You boys are bound to be clean by now, aren't you?" I asked.  "I know it's
been fun but it is a school night and I know a couple of boys who won't be
happy to wake up when it's time to get ready for school if they don't get
their little bottoms in bed pretty soon."

Jack and Rick led the boys into the shower to rinse the suds off them as
Poppy and I grabbed towels and dried each of the little ones.  Our little
ones loved the attention as Poppy dried Landry and I dried Flynn Rick was
drying Eli as Jack donned a fluffy robe.  Jack had loaded toothbrushes when
they were dry and all three of the babies stood dutifully and carefully
brushed their teeth.  There was a brief spitting contest between Landry and
Flynnie as they rinsed but nothing got out of control.  When they were dry
Rick called them into the bedroom he was sharing with Jack.  I pulled Jack
aside as Poppy helped Rick settle the boys in the big bed.

"I saw you were a little bit hard in the tub," I said.  "Are you and Rick
getting enough alone time?" I asked.  "

"The boys can sleep with me or they can sleep in Landry's room," I said.
I'm sure the other guys will be happy to take them for a night so that you
guys can have some private time."

"Look at that man," Jack said.  We looked into the bedroom where Rick was
in his robe with two naked boys lying on him and Landry was on top of
Poppy.  "If there was ever a guy made to be a dad, it's Rick.  I don't know
how he was in the past, but he's fallen in love with our little guys and
seeing him so happy makes me happy.  I am feeling a little horny, but that
just makes it better when I get to shoot.  You know that.  You taught me
that.  I don't want to miss a minute of this joy.  Rick is supposed to have
a meeting in Nashville Wednesday morning but I think he's reluctant to
leave us."

"I think he's reluctant to leave us but I think he can't bear the thought
of being away from you," I said.

"He's a really lovely guy," Jack said as he kissed me.

I slid one hand under his robe and felt his smooth butt.  He playfully
swatted my hand away.

"You've got your hands full with poppy," he said seductively as he smiled
at me.

I went in and kissed all three boys good night.  Flynn asked when his daddy
would be home.  I reminded him we weren't sure but I was sure it wouldn't
be too long and promised that he would call tomorrow.  That satisfied
him. And we all said good night.  I could tell Paul was reluctant to leave
the room with those boys, but he took my hand and we went back into the
bedroom.

"That was great," he said.  "I don't know how you ever manage to leave
home," he chuckled.

"When the boys started school, it was really traumatic for me.  I was used
to having them with me all the time and I really went through a period of
withdrawal."

"Have you been around my grandson very much?" he asked.

"Very little," I said.  "He and Der were planning to come and stay with us
when the situation went to hell.  I was really looking forward to that.  I
find Derrick as sexy as I find his father and I knew he and Ren would hit
it off.  He's a beautiful boy."

"He sure is," I said.  "I can't believe I have such a beautiful grandson.
I can't wait to spend time with him and with my son.  You know, when we
were at Shaggy's before you guys came over, he went in to take a shower.
He invited me to join him.  I wanted to but I was afraid to do it.  Then
while he showered, I lay down and dozed off.  When I woke, he was lying
beside me.  He had taken my arm and put it around him.  He even had his
hand in my chest hair, but I was terrified.  I did nothing."

"The boy wants you.  He wants you emotionally and physically," I said.
"He's a patient boy.  He'll give you the time you need to process all of
this.  You realize your son had never even kissed a man until last Thursday
night, don't you?"

"I hadn't really thought about it," he said, "but I guess I assumed he'd
been around the block a few times."

"No," I said.  "He's let himself be serviced by men but he's never been
intimate with another man until last Thursday, the night of Der's football
game."

"So he really doesn't have much more experience than I do?" he asked.

"That's right," I said.  "And Der is the same.  He had jacked off with one
other classmate, but he had never done anything sexual until the last
couple of days.  You don't have much catching up to do."

"Oh," he said.  "You're wrong about that.  I have a lot of catching up to
do."

He kissed me again and I suggested we fix one more drink.  He liked that
idea.  We headed up to the main house and found the foursome still in the
hot tub.

"I know it's about bed time,"Ren said.  "I've been having fun with these
guys.

They were all in the hot tub.  Ren was sitting in Kurt's lap, the older
man's arms draped over his shoulders.  Bradley and Rhett were in the same
position.

"Poppy and I are having one last nightcap," I said.  "Anyone want to join
us.?"

No one did, so we headed in and fixed our drinks.  I could tell he was
still a little nervous.

"Poppy," I said, "the last thing I want is for you to feel pressure to do
something you're not sure you want to do.  I just can't live with that
idea.  If you aren't ready to do anything sexual with me or anyone else,
that's okay.  It may take a while or it may never happen.  Don't rush
yourself.  No one should do anything they think they may regret later.  We
have a master bedroom upstairs that is all yours if you want it.  Stewart
is out of town and I can't do stairs right now.  It is made up and ready."

He kissed me.

"Maybe I'm not ready for this.  You can tell I'm hard like I have been
since deciding to spend the night here.  But this has been sudden and maybe
I'm not as ready to explore as I thought I was.  Would you be offended if I
took you up on that offer?"

"Not at all, you handsome man," I said.  "I'll get Ren to show you upstairs
and show you where everything is.  Just make yourself at home and I'll see
you at breakfast."

We walked back out to the patio and Ren said he would be glad to show Poppy
up to the bedroom and show him around.

Poppy was saying good night to the other guys when Ren pulled me aside.

"Since he's sleeping upstairs, would it be all right if I sleep with you
tonight?" he asked shyly.

"Son," I said, "you're welcome in my bed anytime, no matter who else might
be there.  You know I think you're the most handsome and the sexiest boy in
the whole world.  There's no one I'd want in my bed more than you."

I kissed him and he took Poppy's hand to lead him upstairs.  The hot tub
crew was shutting things down.

"Kurt and I are thinking we may have a Bradley sandwich as a bedtime
snack," Rhett chuckled.

"I certainly want to hear about that at breakfast," I said.

I finished my drink and put my glass in the dishwasher just as Ren came
back downstairs.  We started out down the path to the guest house, his arm
around my waist.

"He sure would like to do some stuff," Ren said.

"Yes, buddy," I think you're right.  "He's having a tough time with it
though.  We'll be patient and if he wants it, we'll all be here for him.
We have to understand he's a little older.  All his life he's read about
men he knows, who had reputations and families, who were up at the overlook
on the mountain or up in the nature preserve, who got caught having sex
with other men.  Their names and pictures would appear in the paper after
they were arrested.  Society hasn't been very kind to people who did things
outside what was considered normal.  We got to the guest house and I told
him I was going to have a quick shower.  He decided to join me and the hot
water and being with my handsome naked son was great.

"If I haven't told you," I said, "I was really, really proud of you today
and when you appeared on the news tonight.  I get a lump in my throat
thinking about it. "

"I was just saying the truth.  You taught me that.  I wish we could all
just be honest."

"So do I, son."

We soaped each other, both of our cocks hardening slowly.

"You're feeling horny, son," I said.  "What do you want to do.?"

"I want to get in bed naked with my daddy.  I want him to hold me.
Anything else is just icing on the cake.  I sure wish Poppy would have
joined us.  It makes me sad that he's all alone.  And he's a very handsome
man."

"That he is and when he's ready, he'll take action," I said as we dried.
After brushing our teeth, we slipped under the fresh, clean sheet together.
He lay with his back to me.  My semi'hard cock was gently rubbing against
his smooth butt cheeks."

"I sure do love you, dad," he whispered as he guided my hand down to his
hard cock.

"I love you too, son," I said as I began to comb my fingers through his
thick pubes.

As I started to lightly stroke my son's hard cock, we heard a very soft tap
on the door.  Then Poppy's head appeared.

"Get in here," I said quietly.  "Ren and I were hoping you might change
your mind."

"I'm tired of being an old fool," he said as he took off his robe and
crawled into bed between us.