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23

 

Before heading to Lance's apartment, we decided to grab a quick breakfast at a corner diner near Mike's place. Simple but nice. Our server remembered Mike. He looked at me and had a quizzical look on his face. Mike realized that he and Ethan had come here several times before and that he hadn't been back since the breakup.

"Mario, this is my new boyfriend, Trent."

"Nice to meet you," Mario said. I felt a bit scrutinized by his gaze.

"Same here."

"You probably remember Ethan. We split up about a year ago. Trent is the new love in my life. We're extremely happy to be together."

Mario nodded. Having had a glimpse of Ethan in past months, I'm sure I looked like some sort of consolation prize. I felt both proud to be Mike's new love and diminutive at being some childish replacement to Ethan. The western omelet was killer though.

When we arrived at Lance's apartment, he had several boxes packed, but most of his stuff would be coming on a truck from his parents' house. It was due to arrive within the hour.

Lance was excited to see us. He gave us huge hugs when we arrived. Mike rubbed Lance's belly.

"I know. I need to be careful. I'm putting on the pounds."

Since the truck wasn't there, we asked Lance about his new job.

"It's fine. I'm still getting a handle on my responsibilities. Most of the people there seem to be nice. I am trying to get my `boss vibe' going. It is going to be weird to tell people what to do, but most of them know what they are doing. I think I will like scheduling. So ... pros and cons, but I can't say I have a real feel for it yet."

"At least you have something," I said. "When do you get your first paycheck?"

"June 15. We get paid twice a month. This week will just be added to the first part of June."

"Nice."

"Ah, that first paycheck. I kind of remember mine all those years ago," Mike said.

"ALL those years ago," Lance joked. "Like all seven?"

"Almost nine," Mike said firmly.

The three of us chuckled.

"So, what's your cousin like?" Mike asked.

"Evan? He's fine. We were close when we were younger. But he's a good guy. He's a year older than me. He's set up with a good job starting right after July 4."

"Where?" Mike and I both asked.

"Uhhh ... some investment firm, I think?"

"You don't know the name?" I asked.

"I should, but ... I can't remember. It's just a larger branch here in the city, so it's a move up. He's done well with his company. Fate brought him here, so it sure helps with a first apartment to share it with someone you know."

That made me feel worse. I had zero desire to live with my parents. I didn't have a job yet, so finding a place before that seemed ridiculous. Not to mention ... no money. I so wanted to be on my own but just didn't have he ability to actually do that. It sucked. And it was scary. And depressing.

Mike looked around the room.

"All this furniture stays here, right?"

"Yes, the campus apartments are furnished," I said.

"I'll have all my stuff on the truck," Lance answered.

The truck arrived 20 minutes later. We carried the boxes Lance had packed and wedged them into the remaining space on the truck.

I introduced Mike to Lance's dad. I couldn't escape the feeling that Mr. Wheeling was looking at me again.

One of Lance's uncles drove over on the truck with Mr. Wheeling. The five of us arrived at Lance's new apartment and the unloading process began. We placed all the boxes in the living room so that we could take the bedroom furniture in first. Lance got the master bedroom, of course.

The apartment came with a refrigerator, dishwasher and a small washer and dryer. Lance felt this would be helpful as he was just starting out. The rest of the furnishings were up to the renters. Luckily for Lance, Evan had living room furniture.

"What will Evan do the next month without all this?" I asked.

"Well, he knew this was his one chance to have free transportation. He was willing to live with just a chair and a futon for one month," said Mr. Wheeling.

"Wow," I said. "That sounds doable, but not much fun for a whole month."

"I know," said Lance. "But it saved him a lot. I think he stays at his girlfriend's place a lot too."

"So, what happens there? They just split up?"

"That was already happening. She is pursuing a career in the U.K. They agreed to focus on careers and see where that goes. If after some time they want to re-evaluate, they can. For now, they are just enjoying the last of the time together."

"Man!! That's harsh." I glazed over in disbelief. I looked at Mike. "I'd hate to go through that."

"They've only been dating for five months, Trent," said Lance's uncle. "I'm sure they'll stay in touch, but they are young. It wasn't like they were engaged or anything."

I walked over to Mike.

"Remember when we first started out, I said I might be finding a career who knows where?"

He nodded.

"I can't imagine ever leaving you. Let's talk about this tonight."

We gave each other a quick hug and then returned to unloading.

Lance's uncle bought us all pizza delivery for lunch. By 2:30, we had everything off the truck. After Lance's bed was set up, we did the same for Evan's room. We hoped he would be fine with the arrangement. Our setup seemed logical for the room.

Because of the drive back, the other men left us at 4:00. We all shook hands. Mr. Wheeling gave Lance a huge hug. I noticed the intensity of the embrace. I couldn't hear the conversation, but I heard words such as "miss you" and "proud" mixed in there. Mr. Wheeling's eyes were welling up, so he wished to head out before tears started. There were some nods among other words, but that was all private between them. They hugged again for a long time. I admitted to myself that I was envious of that relationship. Dad and I did so little together.

Mike and I helped Lance put things away, particularly in the kitchen so it would be more usable than just living out of boxes. He had been given some things. Evan had most of what a kitchen needed. Lance was fortunate in that respect. We were going to let Lance put things away in the bathroom and his bedroom as he saw fit.

"Lance, while it is kind of put away, you have no food yet in your kitchen. Would you like to have dinner with Trent and me at my place?" Mike inquired.

Lance lit up like a pinball machine. "I'd love that! I cannot thank you two enough for today. You're such good friends. You guys are the best."

"Don't get too excited," Mike said. "I was just thinking of grilling some burgers out back."

"Sounds awesome," he returned.

"How about you give us 30 minutes head start so we can pick up things at the grocery store?"

Mike scribbled the address on a piece of paper. We agreed on 6:30 just to give all of us a rest.

 

—

 

As we unpacked the groceries, Mike turned to me.

"Did you want to talk?" he asked.

"Later. Maybe in bed. What do you think of Mr. Wheeling?"

"I dunno." Mike paused and squinted his eyes. "He seems fine. Why? Anything in particular?"

"It's weird. In the two times I've met him, I just feel like he is looking at me curiously at times."

"Really? Like how?"

"I don't know. Like being under a microscope."

"Babe, he seemed really nice. Maybe you are just misreading something."

"I suppose. It wasn't threatening or anything. I just felt ... observed."

"Should we offer Lance anything to drink when he gets here?" Mike asked.

"Oooo. Why don't we have a pitcher of iced tea. If that's what we are having, he might be inclined to be fine with that. Are you okay with that?"

"Well, sure."

Lance arrived at 6:30. Precisely.

"I like your place, Mike," Lance said as he entered. He roamed the living room and kitchen.

"Thanks! I've had it for about two years. When Ethan and I moved in, we fixed up a few things. There are still projects I'd like to do. I guess there always are. But I like it."

Lance looked at me puzzled.

"Ethan was Mike's last boyfriend."

"Oh."

"He was more decorator. I was more handyman," Mike said.

"You're so butch," Lance said humorously.

"Don't you know it," I said.

Mike started the grill. I cut up veggies to go on the burgers. Lance had grabbed some chips on the way to contribute something. We set the table in a simple way.

"Cheese or no cheese?" Mike asked, sticking his head in the side door.

"Cheese!" we both screamed.

We sat down to dinner 15 minutes later.

"This is SO nice. Thank you, guys. I love you. You have been top tier today. I really, really appreciate you both."

"You're welcome," both of us said in return. Lance seemed "at home" with us. He was comfortable in the presence of two gay men, but he still hadn't sorted out his own sexuality. How long could that dichotomy go on? I went through my junior year and half my senior year as a total basket case. How was he dealing with it?

Halfway through dinner, I thought again of Lance's father.

"You and your dad are very close. I could tell," I said.

"Yes. I'm actually closer to him than Mom. I love them both, of course."

"I wish I felt that way about my dad," I said. "The way your dad hugged you. I've never had that from Dad," I said, staring at my cheeseburger.

"You also haven't moved out yet," Lance said.

"Eh. My father doesn't have that emotional depth. I envy you. At least it's not like Zach."

"What do you mean?" asked Lance.

"Your roommate never told you?"

Lance shook his head. I informed both Mike and Lance of how Zach felt his mother didn't love him. How he felt like an obligation for most of his life. We discussed how awful it must be to feel like an unloved child. It might have been the deepest conversation the three of us had. I felt we bared our souls a little bit more than any of us had in the past. Perhaps it was easier when the subject matter wasn't about any of us.

For dessert we dipped some ice cream. Although we had beer and wine in the house, we didn't even bring that up. We took our iced teas and sat out in the backyard, enjoying the summer evening.

The sun sat on the other side of the house. Our light was slowly fading. Mike went to the garage and came back with a couple of tiki torches and lit them. It was nice. There was a peace and calm to simply enjoy the nightfall with friends.

"Trent, does it feel weird to you ... you know, everybody being gone?" Lance asked.

"A little. Matt and Ali are still around. You're here. All that helps. A couple of our teammates are only an hour away. We really should try to get together every now and then."

"Agreed," Lance said. "If you weren't here, I'd kind of be freaked."

"You're just starting out, Lance," Mike said. "As you fit into your job, you'll make new friends."

"Maybe. But my coworkers are either seniors in high school or way older than me. In their 30s."

"Oh, dear Lord! Not in their 30s!" Mike mocked.

Setting down his drink, Lance walked over and hugged Mike in his chair. He gave him a big smooch on the cheek. Mike giggled.

"You know what I mean." Lance walked back to his seat. "You guys are my stability right now. I'm sure I will adjust; it's all so new at the moment. I feel very lucky the two of you are here."

I was pleased that Lance actually saw Mike and me as a couple — and him as a friend.

"What about Jason?" Mike asked.

"Oh. Him. I see him a couple times a week. He oversees three gyms."

"You guys don't go out anymore?"

"I was a fling," Lance said dryly.

"Oh, sorry."

"Nah, don't be. I mean, Jason is fine. There aren't hard feelings. We're ... friends, I guess." Lance paused. "Well ... you guys are my friends. He's someone I know. Casually. I'm not sure if we'd ever do anything together — as friends — but I guess I could ask. We just started out weird."

"Well. Look at us. The three of us met in a shower," Mike said in a moaning voice sounding like he was being killed. "Now we all enjoy being with each other as friends."

"Well, not you two!" Lance said. "You are the most amazing couple. I am so envious."

We both smiled.

"So, Lance," Mike started. "Are you hoping to meet ... a guy someday?"

Lance was quiet. He stared into the middle space of the backyard.

"Mike, I can't honestly say. My mind says `no,' my heart says `yes,' my mouth says, `why do I have to know right now?'"

"Fair enough."

"I had so much fun dancing with you guys the other night. I thought the bar was fine. It was fun. Heaven knows I like having sex with men more than women, but I still can't fight off the feeling that I want people to see me with a woman."

"Why?" I asked.

"I have no idea, Trent," Lance answered. "It's like, I feel like they expect me to. Like it is expected of me."

"To thine own self be true," Mike answered.

"Who said that again?" Lance asked.

"Judge Judy," Mike said.

 

—

 

At 10 o'clock, we walked Lance to his car. I could see he had picked up a case of beer and a few other groceries when he picked up the chips. At least it wouldn't be chilled for tonight. We made it through an evening with no drinks.

"You really have no idea what you two mean to me," Lance said. He hugged us both and gave each of us a kiss on the mouth. We were both okay with it.

"Love you, buddy," I said as he got into his car. He gave a thumbs up.

Lance drove off, and Mike and I started winding down our evening after a tiring day.

 

May 30

I can honestly say that today was all about Lance. His new apartment, his family, finding out about his job, and spending really good quality time with him. I am so glad he and Mike are becoming good friends too.

Or is Mike just doing it because of me?

For some reason, I wish I had a piano near me tonight.

 

In bed, I held Mike and slowly rubbed the hair on his chest. Having now stayed overnight numerous times, I was familiar with the sounds of the road outside his window. The glimmer of the streetlight down the street made just the slightest of illumination in the bedroom to where I could navigate around the furniture in the dark after my eyes adjusted. Whether a candle, soap or bubble bath, there always seemed to be the slightest hint of a vanilla fragrance that lingered. I had become accustomed to the feel of his chest moving up and down as he breathed in and out. I could tell he was about to drift off to sleep. I enjoyed listening to him slip away while we were in each other's arms.

An itch on my ankle caused my foot to move, and the nail on my big toe scraped against Mike's leg. He jolted a bit.

"Sorry."

"s'kay."

I knew I had awakened him. I rubbed his chest and then cupped his balls.

"Thank you for inviting Lance to dinner. You're incredibly sweet."

Mike rolled toward me, releasing his balls from my hand. "He seems to be in a ... slightly ... fragile state right now. I thought good company would be helpful."

"I can't believe that story about Evan. Just knowing you are going to split with your girlfriend — it's horrible."

"Maybe," Mike said. "Their careers seem to be the focus. I'm sure they don't love each other as much as we do."

"Clearly. I would feel devestated if you left. You have no aspirations to move to the U.K., do you?"

"If I do, it is because the money is so great that I can take you with me."

"Good answer," I said.

We curled closer to each other. Within a couple minutes, both of us were asleep.

 

—

 

I started coffee the next morning. I was not dressed. I had taken a leak and then walked to the kitchen to start a brew.

Mike came up behind me. He, too, was still undressed. His arms were wrapped around me. He pulled me close to his chest. He squeezed me hard as if to merge our bodies into one. I accepted it. It was reassuring. I could feel his cock sticking from his crotch up against my butt. It didn't feel hard, just present.

"I think I nodded off very quickly. If you were planning on sex last night, I'm sorry, babe."

I turned around.

"I'm probably not going to say this right, but ... as incredible as sex between us is, the most important thing to me is sharing your bed with you. If we have sex, it's usually amazing. But if I just fall asleep in your arms, I'm insanely happy just being with you. To me, that is the most important thing." I paused a second. "And I think I fell asleep a minute after you."

We looked at each other in the eyes. Mike kissed me and then did so a second time.

"I have never felt this kind of love before," he said. "You make me so happy."

As we kissed, standing in the kitchen, both of our penises started to stir, starting to get firm. We each reached down to feel the other's dick. As we continued to kiss, we let go and held each other tight.

"Babe, after all those weeks apart, I couldn't expect us to still be so perfect for each other," Mike said. "I ... I ..."

"I love you, too," I said, finishing his sentence.

Mike dropped to his knees. He took my cock into his mouth. As he serviced me orally, the sounds of the coffee dripping, the aroma of the fresh pot, the steam escaping the coffee maker — it all announced the morning, infused into this slow, pleasing blowjob. I said nothing. I let the morning be itself. I ran my fingers through his hair to let him know his attention was appreciated.

I had never received a blowjob standing before. I placed my elbows on the counter and just leaned back. I still said nothing, but Mike could tell by my breathing he was doing a gratifying job. Several minutes into it, my rod was throbbing. The nerves in my flesh were stimulated to a greater level.

Mike's hands had not left my legs. He held them firm. His mouth did all the work on my erection. Slowly, they inched their way up to grip my ass cheeks. My breathing got louder as he massaged them in his manly grip. He sucked me harder. My back was arched over the counter. This blowjob was less messy than most of ours. Quiet. But intense.

I was suddenly surprised to feel his hands leave my ass only to pick my whole body up and lay me on the kitchen counter. His mouth returned to my cock and vigorously worked toward finishing the job. My head rested near the coffee maker. I could smell it. I listened to the drips getting close to filling the pot.

Mike's tongue started working its magic on my shaft. It's playful touch on my flesh was with the skill and finesse of a violinist. My breathing was loud. Mike could tell he was bringing me to the edge.

The coffee maker gurgled as it was finishing its task. The final sounds of the process matched my libido. I was nearing the end. The vapor and steam wafted across my chest.

"I'm there," I whispered.

It was the only thing I had said in this quiet moment of intimacy. Stretched on the kitchen counter, my body squirmed as Mike brought me to climax. I breathed hard as my first stream of cum shot into his mouth. I gasped for air as I kept coming. His mouth didn't waver, it just accepted all my liquid being unleashed into his throat.

Mike's mouth stayed sealed around my cock. His hands roamed up my chest, up to my shoulders and down again to my groin. He released my erection from his mouth, making sure to leave no drop of cum unswallowed. His face leaned down to dabble his tongue across my balls.

He left me alone a few seconds; I was just lying there on the kitchen counter.

"We should definitely use a bottle of 409 on this counter before thinking about making any breakfast," I said, staring at the ceiling.

He chuckled and pulled me off the counter into his arms.

"Good morning," he whispered in my ear.

I grabbed his ass and pressed his crotch into me.

"Pour me a cup," he said, and then headed toward the bedroom.

Mike returned in his robe. He took the cup I had poured.

"Thanks, babe."

"What's this? Do you not get any attention?" I asked, touching the robe.

"I'm fine. It was a treat to bring you pleasure. That gave me satisfaction."

"Well, that hardly seems fair."

Mike pulled out a chair and sat down. He motioned me over. He reached out to make me sit on his lap, my legs stretched out and my body facing him. As I straddled his body, he held mine in his arms. My naked body placed up against his robed one emanated romance. I gave him a kiss but worried my dick might ooze a drip on its own, so I went into the bedroom to grab my boxers.

I told him I could come back Tuesday night and asked if he would like to head to the lake house Thursday after his workday or on Friday. He felt safer with Friday in case wrapping up everything took longer than he hoped. I was fine with that.

We got dressed following breakfast. I started gathering my things to return home.

Lance texted. "Please tell Mike thank you again. It was really nice to be asked over for dinner. I don't have his number, so show this to him."

I showed Mike the message. He grabbed his phone and texted back.

"Here's my number. And you're welcome. Enjoy your new place."

We sat our phones down and just embraced for a moment.

"Wait, wasn't I supposed to help you with a project?" I asked.

"I had a few ideas that might make the classes look forward to the last days. Which of these would help you stay engaged more: reader's theater, improv theater or critiquing a performance?"

"Improv, for sure."

"Okay. As you drive home, think on it and text me a few ideas that would make kids enjoy coming up with an improv script."

As it came time for me to depart, I turned to him in the bedroom.

"Are you sure you don't want to continue the sex? I'd be happy to make you come before I go," I said with a smile.

He hugged me.

"Really. I'm fine. Friday night was awesome, and if I really need it later, picturing you stretched out naked on my kitchen counter will do the trick just fine."

I hated saying goodbye but told him I'd still cook Tuesday night. I texted Mom that I would be home for lunch.

That afternoon, I emailed Mike a few topics for his students to improv in class. He was appreciative. He seemed to be running with the idea for his final classes.

Although I talked about Lance's new apartment over dinner, I didn't really talk to Mom and Dad much today. I did manage to spend about an hour at the piano.

 

—

 

I called Mike as I was preparing for bed.

"How did your day go?"

"Great! I appreciated your ideas. I feel totally prepared for these last three days. Hopefully, the students will feel ready to participate to a certain degree."

"Good. You're so close to being finished for the year. I can't wait until this weekend."

"Me too, babe. Me too."

"Want me to talk dirty over the phone to bring you off before bed?" I joked.

"Too late. I jacked off about 20 minutes ago. I pictured you laying naked on my kitchen counter in my mind. It took me no time tonight."

"Aw. That's sweet." I paused. "I guess. I'd just absolutely cringe if my parents knew." I smiled, thinking about our morning intimacy. "I love you. See you for dinner Tuesday night."

"Love you, Trent."

 

May 31

Job interviews continue tomorrow. This weekend was a nice diversion. I didn't accomplish a whole lot, but being with Lance and Mike was good for me.

 

June 1

Today was boring. I spent a little time on the phone following up on a couple of my interviews. My last ones are tomorrow.

I spent about two hours working on my play for The Showcase. I think I have a good outline.

 

—

 

One interview was a total flop. From the first second, I could tell it was a wrong fit. I would hate the job, and they didn't think I was what they were looking for. Ugh.

The second one went much better. I have a follow up next week.

Neither of us felt like cooking tonight, so Mike and I went out to eat. I had previously said I would cook, but I hadn't had time to get ingredients. The lackluster job search also ruined the desire to do so. Mike understood. I finally made it to Thai Me Down in the gayborhood. It was delicious.

Mike told me all about the improv sketches today. The students drew a random topic to practice, then they drew something new to perform for the rest of the class. He said they were pretty engaged. At this point of the school year, he was grateful for any participation.

 

June 2

Mike has fallen asleep. He conked out before 10. I was still on a roll with my play, so I continued to scribble notes. I'm enjoying fleshing out the characters.

My last interviews were okay. Now it is up to one of them to actually offer me a job.

It's amazing how quickly I have become accustomed to NOT being in school. No classes, no tests. I am loving this. Now just to land a job.

 

* * * *

 

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