Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:10:23 -0400 From: preecherdave@gmail.com Subject: Unexpected Five Years On 1 Unexpected: Five Years On 1 If you like this story or any that you have read on Nifty, a reminder from Nifty that it needs your donations to keep these stories being published. All donations will help. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html This document contains homosexual themes and acts. If you are underage or don't like the subject, then don't read it. The story is not autobiographical and is a product of the writer's fertile imagination. Author's Comments preecherdave@gmail.com Jeremy, Jamie and Philipo are back in a slightly new format. Many of you were correct in your emails that the story line in Unexpected by Chapters 26 and 27 was obviously featuring Jeremy more and more. You can read this part of the story without reading Unexpected 1 - 27 but you will miss the background of the people in Jeremy's life. Apparently, Unexpected was a good story; I had a fair number of positive comments for it. This story will take a couple of chapters to develop so please stay with me. Jeremy has graduated from university and he is working towards his CPA certification while working at the accounting firm of Michael Burtchell, not the Accountants owned by his dad, Jamie or more correctly James Milner. Email comments to preecherdave@gmail.com Writers always enjoy comment especially helpful, positive ones but most of us have broad shoulders and can manage all comments. I try to reply to all emails. Present It was late in the day, time to leave for the day and Jeremy was sitting in his office. It was a very small office but it was his. He had a small table beside his desk and he could spread documents out when he was working on something. The floor was also known to be a secondary spot for the spreading and organizing of documents. It was a running joke in the office. Right now it was in full blown, Jeremy chaos but as he had told his boss, there was method in the chaos which only he understood. He had joked that he had better not be hit and killed in an accident as no one would know where to start with his documents. Dad, Jamie, and he had decided between them that he should not start out in Jamie's firm. Jamie had managed to get him a placement with Michael Burtchell's firm and Michael took a special interest in him. He had worked there since his graduation. He had started off doing simple work for others and had quickly worked his way up to more complex tasks. He was bright and had a really good work ethic. The file that he was working on now was a smaller firm that needed assistance in getting their accounts in order. He met regularly with his boss who had to approve all his work. That was an area where there was no chaos. Jeremy kept a daily computer diary of what he was doing. That turned out to be one of his strengths; he was persistent and very detailed in his documentation of what he was doing and how he was doing it. It cleared his mind and clarified his progress for him. He had been working here for almost a year since graduation as he finished all the requirements for his CPA accreditation. He liked working with Michael but he wanted to go home, to work that is. He stayed with his dads sometimes but he had come to enjoy his small but cozy, two bedroom condo that his dads had bought for him as a graduation present; they had actually bought it for him as place to live in his last year of University. As they said, he could sell it in the future and use that money to buy something bigger. In addition, Jamie had formally turned over a small percentage of shares in the firm to him as both an investment and incentive to return some time. He would like to be working back with Jamie and with David. His mind wandered, David. His thoughts went back to the day when he arrived back from his trip to Europe with Jamie and Philipo who had stayed by themselves for a week longer. It had been a whole culture shift for him to see those beautiful European cities and their different cultures. He had enjoyed France where he found that all his time in French Immersion had paid off. Yes he spoke with a Canadian accent but he was close to fluent. His French certainly hadn't stopped him at that gay dance club with Marcel. What a stud and what an experience. The time in Italy with Philipo's relatives had been wonderful when you forget those first days as some members of the family could not accept that their relative was gay; they had not been subtle. However, the young family members, his age and generation, could not have cared less. They had taken him everywhere to their hangouts, to gay venues and he had had some amazing encounters with very virile young guys who wanted to do more than practice their English. Their English was good and their other talents, spectacular. He had arrived back home to be greeted as he had expected by David. On the plane home, he had remembered in detail that night and next morning they had spent after Jamie and Philipo's wedding. He had to put a magazine over his lap as the memory was so real. It had been a warm welcome but he recognized almost intuitively that there was something on David's mind. It had all come out over supper and an invitation which Jeremy had given David to attend the first dance with him at the university. He still remembered it vividly. "Jeremy, I think that we have to talk about that. I have given this a lot of thought." Jeremy interrupted. "Not a good omen, that phrase from you. You sound a bit like Dad." David smiled at that reference to James, his boss. "I might as well be blunt. I don't want to go with you to any of the events at the university. You have to strike out on your own and experience your time there to the full without any outside entanglements. You have to meet people and I think that you should lay low for a bit on taking a guy with you to a dance and just get to know people." "Shit, that is the same advice that dad gave me. What were his words? Get to know people slowly so that they get to know you for who you are, not your orientation. Did you and Dad talk?" "No Jeremy! They don't even know about our wonderful night after the wedding. I don't think you know how much I feel for you. But Jeremy, I don't want you to hold back, not do things because of me. To be honest, I am protecting myself a bit. You change a lot at university. I was really burned in my second year. I fell for a guy and after a few months, he just dropped me with almost no explanation. He had met someone else as it turned out. " "So you don't trust me?" "Please, Jeremy don't do that." He said it with regret. "It is not a question of trust. I want you to go there with nothing to hold you back. I want you to develop without any outside restrictions. You don't even realize how crazy busy you are going to be. You have already told me that you are going to try out for the football team. Do you know what that will mean with your studies? You won't even think that you have time to sleep and eat on some days. I know that it sounds strange but I am pretty sure that I am right for you ... and for me." With a little, reluctant smile, "And you don't want to be wondering what I am up to when I can't see you or do things together." He paused and looked at David. He really meant what he was saying. It was clearly hard for him to do this. "I guess I understand. You really are a special person David." There were tears in his eyes when he realized what David was doing for him and to himself. Both Dad and David had been right. He went to dances and danced with some girls. Drank with the guys. He went through orientation and then started training with the football/soccer team. It was easy and he became one of the guys. For the first months, he stayed away from the LGBT group. He would join when he felt that the time was right. He was definitely one of those who felt that his orientation was his business and no one else's. That clashed with what many of the LGBT community thought but they weren't working out with macho athletes every day. His decision did trouble him some when he really thought about it. His first couple of months went really well. He loved his courses and he excelled. He loved the football, his team mates and he was a good addition to the team. He was in the starting line up, unusual for a freshman. He had slipped off by himself to the club quite a few times and had a great time there. A couple of times he met up with Tom and Eric and the guys. He was razed a bit but he knew that they all cared for him and he had quite a few hot hook ups. It was the one in October that changed his life on campus. He had gone to the club on Friday night and met a young guy. They were going back to Jeremy's condo which was a 15 minute walk from the club so Jeremy let himself have few drinks. With the drinks, he had let his guard down and as they left the club he had spontaneously given Anthony a quick hug and kiss outside. Mistake, lucky accident? They had had a tough workout and a good scrimmage between themselves on Tuesday. Jeremy was feeling invigorated. He was finishing drying off after his shower on Tuesday when Brent, one of their backs, and a loud mouth, looked over at him. "So Jeremy did you have a good time with that guy?" With that tone of voice, it was not a simple, nice question but a negative statement phrased as a question. Jeremy knew that he was in trouble. The room had gone quiet. Jeremy had just stopped and looked at Brent. "I saw you outside the club on Friday night hugging and kissing a guy. Are you one of those fucking faggots?" "Brent, that is none of your fucking business. Shut the fuck up!" "Oh so you are ashamed of yourself, hugging and kissing a guy. Almost made me sick." There was almost no movement and certainly no noise in the locker room. In fact, the guys beside him had stood back and away as if he were infectious. He felt as if a spotlight was shining directly on him. He looked at Jake, his best friend on the team, who had a shocked look on his face but he too was quiet. Now was not the time to be a shrinking violet. He could probably concoct a story but not now, he would be watched and assessed at every dance and pub night. He had been outed. He was who he was so for better or for worse .... "Brent, your feelings are your problem not mine. I am still the guy who works his ass off on the pitch to win games for the team. I am still the guy who has fun out at the pub with everyone here. I don't have to apologize or explain my actions to anyone. To blunt, who I kiss or hug is no one's fucking business." "It reflects on the team." That set him off. Now he was getting angry. "My ... play ... reflects ... on ... the team ... end of issue." Suddenly, it dawned on him that no one had opened their mouths to help or support him. They either agreed with Brent or were afraid. They were being brow beaten by a bully and they didn't have the guts to take Jeremy's side. Maybe they all agreed with Brent. He was close to tears and he was not going to let that happen. He quickly stashed all his equipment into his sports bag and piled on the bench anything that didn't fit. His locker was empty. He threw on his clothes. He looked around the locker room and his gaze stopped at Jake. He was bursting with anger. "Brent is a fucking homophobic bully. Not one of you have said a word to support me. I guess that says a lot about my position here and even more about you." Jake finally yelled out. "Jeremy what are you doing?" "I am fucking leaving. All of you have made me make one decision. I am gay, have been for years. I haven't said anything because I really believe that it is no one's business and certainly doesn't affect how I play. You guys have really shown me where you stand and where I stand. I'm fucking leaving the room ... and the team." What a mixture of anger and heartbreak ran through him. His voice was raised and it must have alerted the coach to a problem in the locker room. Jeremy loaded up his stuff and turned. The coach was standing in the doorway. "It was a great practice and scrimmage. What the hell is going on?" Jeremy walked with determination to the door. "Jeremy what is going on?" "Coach, not now. Ask those losers and that fucking big mouth, Brent. Fucking prick." "Jeremy, my office now." "Coach, I am no longer on this team. I said not now and I am not yours to order around any more." Oh shit, coach was a fine man. He didn't deserve that. "Sorry coach. You have been great to me. Please ... not now." He looked directly at the coach with a beseeching look and there were tears in his eyes. He stepped past coach. The last things that he heard was, "OK, Jake, Brent what is going on." Jake was one of the leaders of the team and known to be on best terms with Jeremy. Brent, "He is a fucking queer, coach." Coach, "You idiot, my office now. Jake, the rest of you have some thinking to do. You are standing around like mutes. No wonder the poor bugger is so upset." Escape was all he could think of. He dumped everything in his car and headed for home, Jamie and Philipo's was his place of refuge. He turned off his phone. He didn't want to have to make any decisions. The tears had stopped by the time he arrived home, his refuge. Shit, he felt like a little kid who was running home to mommy and daddy. He almost smiled, to daddy and daddy. He actually grimaced a bit. That was exactly what he was doing. He knew that they couldn't do anything but they would surround him with love and comfort and say all the right things and that was what he needed. Tears again. That was exactly what happened. By the time supper was over, he knew that he could face the world, tomorrow. His phone messages and emails went unchecked. The next day, he went to all his classes, just seconds late so that no one could approach him and he left in a hurry after one class that he had with one of his team members. Tim had looked at him as he came in and made a movement to join him at the back but the professor had come in. Jeremy escaped the minute the lecture ended. Of course, he missed the practice and the game that day. He realized just how important that damn team was to him. He would miss them. Fucking Brent! He had finally read his emails and phone messages that night. He was touched by Jake's apology and explanation of his actions and was encouraged. Jake said that he would be in the coffee shop at 10 after first class and he hoped that Jeremy would meet him. Jeremy decided that he wanted to start to mend fences. Most of his really close friends were from the team. All had apologized for their lack of action. Jake's face had lit up when he saw Jeremy approach. It warmed Jeremy immediately. Jake had stood up and given a hug with an 'I am so sorry for being such a fucking loser that I was.' The coach wanted him back as did almost all the team. He wanted to go back so he did but it would be on his terms now. He had made a decision the previous day and had gone to office of the LGBT group and signed up as a member. What had happened had made him decide to be in the shadows no longer. He was out and he would not be invisible any more. Turned out to be one of the best decisions of the fall term. At the next practice, he was given a warm welcome by most of the team except for Brent and couple of his close buddies. The team gelled and went on to win first place in their league. Jeremy was elected captain the next and succeeding years. What had prompted all those memories? Perhaps it was that he was meeting Jake and his girlfriend who he suspected would be his fiance fairly soon. What a great couple! He, himself, had had some relationships but none turned out as he hoped. He suspected that it was Yves who had really fixed things that way for him He had met Yves at a university function that the LGBT had sponsored in his third year. They had enjoyed each other immediately. Yves was french speaking so after some comment or other that was made, they had switched to French. Jeremy's French was a bit rusty but he spoke it as well as Yves spoke English. Yves was very good looking and had a body to lose yourself in. It wasn't long before they were at Jeremy's losing themselves in each other's bodies. Yves was a swimmer with a swimmer's build and Jeremy could get lost in it. Their relationship had gone from being together a few times a week to Jeremy moving into Yves' large and fancy condo. They had promised each other honesty and a monogamous relationship. Eventually they were tested and stopped using condoms. It had been wonderful and exciting. A cancelled class killed all that. After the fact, Jeremy realized that the relationship had changed a bit in the previous weeks. Yves seemed a bit self absorbed but not too badly. Jeremy put it down to pressure and studies. Sex had been a little less intense and he put that down to the same thing. He arrived home early after the cancelled class. He hadn't expected anyone to be home so he had entered with no fuss or noise but as he hung up his jacket, he heard a noise down the hall. The door to their bedroom was open and he almost walked in but the noises were very familiar and he stopped and looked in. Yves was naked on top of young guy and was fucking him hard telling the guy how great he was, saying a lot of things that he said to Jeremy in similar situations. Jeremy felt as if he were outside his body. He remembered his conversation with Jamie. He didn't want to get angry although he did feel as if his life had come crashing down. Yves had made a decision and he was not part of it. The act, the language made Jeremy feel as if nothing that Yves had ever said to him was true and honest. He had broken their agreement in the worst way. The young man must have caught a movement because his eyes got wide as he saw Jeremy. That caused Yves to turn his head and mutter oh shit. Jeremy turned and walked out to the hall, took his coat, his laptop, iPod and to the frantic calls from Yves, he walked out. Like his dad, the tears came in the car. Escape. It was becoming a pattern. Back to the dads. He had gone early the next morning to the coffee shop near Yves' condo. He could see the entrance to the building and knowing his schedule, he waited. He saw him come out at the usual time with the guy that he had seen yesterday. His analytical brain told him that Yves might as well have had a good night with the guy because that was what he had chosen. When he saw Yves get on the bus, he took his two suitcases to the condo and took everything that was his and left with a lot of mixed emotions. He ignored all calls from Yves and early that day he put him on his no call list. Then he had marked his emails as spam. Like magic, Yves disappeared from his electronic life. He was not totally surprised a couple of days later when Yves came to face to face with him as Jeremy left a lecture. Jeremy looked at him with a totally neutral face, devoid of any emotion. "We really don't have a lot to say to each other. My rent is paid to the end of this month. I could give you two weeks notice if necessary." He shrugged and turned to go. Yves grabbed his arm to stop him. Jeremy stopped and looked down at the hand on him. "Don't! The image of you fucking that guy and breaking all our agreements is engraved on my brain. You even said the same to things to him as you did to me as you FUCKED me. Then seeing you leave the next day with him just added to fuel to the fire. Might as well enjoy yourself, eh Yves? There is literally nothing more that I want to say or hear." He shook the hand off his arm and walked away. He willed the tears not to flow. Jeremy never lacked for partners in the next few years but none of them felt like the one. He became used to his single life with a stream of guys sharing a moment of tenderness and emotion with him. He had a busy life on camps with lots to do every day; he didn't need that kind of connection with someone that could hurt him. He basically gave up looking. As Jamie kept on saying, some time, some place, someone would turn up. He suddenly came out of his day dreams. He muttered to himself to get going and stop this foolishness. Why all of a sudden was he reviewing his university days, especially the challenges? He had to get home, change and meet up with Jake and Marie. It was interesting that Marie was French speaking and Jake could just follow a conversation. In fact, he was taking a French course to improve his ability to fit into her family. Jeremy and Marie often nattered away in French much to the disgust of Jake who was jealous not angry. He entered the restaurant and saw them sitting holding hands at a table near the back of the restaurant. Marie looked wonderful and he realized yet again that Jake was not only bright but was one handsome guy. Over his university career, Jake had filled out from the workouts and training that the team went through. There had been times when Jeremy had wished that Jake had been like him but it had always been clear that Jake was straight as an arrow. They in fact had roomed together on out of town games and there had never been a suggestion that they should help each other out. In French, "Marie you are looking absolutely radiant and beautiful. How can you put up with this guy?" "Hey watch it buddy. I understood every word that you spoke to my beautiful fiance." Jeremy was speechless for a couple seconds and then a torrent of congratulations with hugs to both. Jeremy was truly happy for his two best friends. It turned out that they wanted him to be best man at the wedding and Jeremy felt honoured by the request. The wedding was going to be in the late spring, probably May. He had no plans so he just asked to be kept up to speed. He returned home to his condo that night feeling a little bereft but genuinely happy for his friends. Jake, his buddy, best friend, was getting married. It was time to make some definite decisions. First, talk to Dad about going back to the firm. Secondly, he needed to get out more, dancing, not just meeting people but circulating, sharpening his skills. Luckily, he had never stopped his workouts. That always made in feel on top of things. He also wanted some experience with Michael in a least one forensic case. Michael was still one of the top people in the field but David had done an amazing job with the Accountants and was becoming known in the field as well. He had published some very interesting cases and studies. Jeremy went 'home' the very next evening. He arrived early and brought really good Thai food with him. So when the duo had arrived home, he announced that dinner was served. Philipo asked if it was special occasion and he had replied kind of. "I have made some decisions." Big smile and hug from Philipo. "About time!" Philipo could always make him feel so special and loved. After supper, they sat in the living room with a glass of wine. Jamie looked at him. "If you drink much more of that you will have to stay the night." "Exactly what I was planning on doing." He smiled at his dads. They were 5 years older, still looking great and were still hopelessly in love with each other. Looking at Jamie, "Dad, I want to come home." They looked shocked. He enjoyed that moment. "Well my work, home. I love it with Michael but I think that it is time that I settle where I really want to be." Jamie was on his feet and gave him a hug. That was the secret of his dads. They could make you feel so wanted. "You know that I have dreamed of you saying that." "Well there will be some conditions." "Oh, really. Think again young man." He said it in his best, boss voice. It was so definite and clear cut and so different for the previous exchanges that it broke them all up. The boss had spoken and Jeremy knew exactly how his wonderful Dad could be in a time of crisis. They were all laughing. "I know my place and I know that I can't just leave Michael. I shall have to finish my accreditation and some of the files I have now. I also want to work one forensic case with him if I can." "You never cease to amaze me. Let's work something out with Michael. We both owe him a lot." Friday night he went to the club. He had gone to his stylist and his hair looked fantastic. He chose his wardrobe carefully. Everything fitted him like a glove. Jeremy realized that he did look pretty good but what he really cared about was a guy's personality and conversation; the rest could come later in the evening. He waited to go until he thought that there would be guys there who might know. Sure enough Tom and Eric and the guys were lounging around the table with that thank God it is Friday look. He had a warm reception. He enjoyed the guys' conversation but as he talked, he scanned the room for some interesting prospects. At the bar, he saw a guy around his age, perhaps a bit older, sipping a beer and talking amiably to the bartender. He liked the guy's smile and his manner with the bartender. As the music started, he stood up and went over to the bar. "I don't want to intrude if you are waiting for someone to join you." He would leave it at that. It was an easy opener. If the guy was not interested or was waiting for someone, he would let him know. The guy looked at him from head to toes. "Yeah, I was waiting." He paused again giving Jeremy the once over. Jeremy shrugged and made a move to go. "But not anymore. I saw you come in. You are with a group over there. Good dancer." "You bugger." They both smiled. "I should walk away after that but I saw you sitting here and you looked as if you needed company." "No, I need to find a dance partner and someone who looks pretty damn good. I suspect that you are not just a pretty face." "I prefer ruggedly handsome and sharp as a tack." Jeremy laughed at himself. "Derek. You?" "Jeremy." "So Mr. Handsome Tack, sharp as, what do you do to pay for the very handsome haircut and form fitting clothes which I have to say highlight a good athletic body." "I am just about to finish my accreditation for my CPA and then join my Dad's firm in which I have a small number of shares." Derek's eyes just grew several sizes bigger. "Christ, wow. Sharp as tack is not too far wrong." "And what about you? Well spoken. Sharp also. Not afraid to use flattery. Observant, especially about my clothes. Professional?" "Yeah, I am in education ... a Vice Principal in a local elementary school." "Let's dance. That is why I came over." They were well matched both in physique and in their dancing abilities. They danced the next few dances. It was during the slow one that Derek asked if Jeremy wanted to leave and go some place quieter and more comfortable. Jeremy told him where he lived. He had walked to the club and it was handy. "Welcome to my humble abode. Small and cozy." "Now tell me how a guy your age can afford a place like this." "My dads gave it to me as a graduation present." "Whoa, there is a lot to take in there. Dads?" "Long story that. Maybe over breakfast? If you are still here." "Jeremy, you are subtle and enticing. OK, gave you a condo for a graduation present?" "They figured it was an investment and maybe help keep me in town." He still saw the look of wonder in Derek's eyes. "The dads have a fair portfolio. One runs and has a major share in a construction business and the other owns an accounting firm in town." Jeremy looked at Derek from head to toes. "Enough. I like what I see sir. You asked for some place more comfortable. We are there." Big sexy grin. Jeremy leaned over and kissed him. Jeremy had been told that he was a good kisser by several guys so he used all his talents on Derek. Derek's eyes got bigger as Jeremy forced his tongue into his mouth. Tongue on tongue. That made Derek's eyes even bigger and brighter. It was not very long until fingers were fumbling on shirt buttons. Derek looked so sexy with his shirt open with his chest lightly covered with light brown hair. Good enough to eat. So Jeremy did that using his tongue and mouth all over his chest and then onto his nipples. Derek was breathing hard with pleasure. Jeremy tore off his own shirt. It was Derek's turn. He ended licking not only his nipples but Jeremy's arm pits a well. Not many guys had done that to him. "OK, Let's go, some place more comfortable." Jeremy stood and held out his arms and pulled him up. "Come with me you stud." In the bedroom, Derek started to unbuckle his own belt. Jeremy put his hand on Derek's. "No, my job." He took his time taking off his pants and shorts making sure that he stroked and fingered that hard, straining cock." "You know how to take care of a man." "I know what I like so I assume ...." What he didn't say was that Derek's lovely hairy legs were a real turn on. He ran his fingers through the hair and licked his thighs. At least a couple of licks landed on Derek's balls. Shivers from Derek. He finally looked up a little impishly at Derek. "We didn't discuss how far we wanted to go. Or how or who." "Jeremy, I like that butt of yours. Could I?" "Derek, I would love to sample that lovely cock." He stroked it and then flicked it with his fingers. Fuck it grew in length and girth. He knelt on the bed exposing himself. It only made himself harder. Maybe, he was a bit of an exhibitionist. Derek caressed and used his tongue all over his butt. That got a few noises from Jeremy who finally reached over into the drawer and handed a condom and lube to Derek. Very quickly, he felt the head at his entrance. "Go slowly big guy, you are not exactly small." It was a great ride for Jeremy and obviously for Derek too, if his sighs and vocal comments meant anything. He could feel Derek speed up and he had muttered that he was close. Jeremy asked him to stroke him hard and fast and that set Jeremy off and a minute later he felt Derek go rigid, push all the way in and start shuddering. When both came down from their high, they disengaged and turned to each other. "Thanks Derek, a very considerate top." "Jeremy thank you. I hope that I wasn't too demanding." "Believe me, I would have let you know. Intense is good." He gave him the trademark Jeremy smile. "Still want me to stay for breakfast?" "Just try to leave. I want that body wrapped around me until I fall asleep. I certainly want it there in the morning. I have plans." Jeremy put his plans into action the next morning to the delight of both of them. "So you said that the dads was a long story." "See my nose?" "A little crooked. I thought it made you ruggedly handsome." Jeremy smiled at the comment remembering the conversation last night. "My father started the work on it and the work crew boss from a construction site continued his work on my lovely nose." He explained it. "So you had met the dads before and then they took you in after your father assaulted you. Then you were beaten up by your crew chief at a soccer pitch because you helped prove that he was stealing from one of you dads." They both started to chuckle. "Yeah, that was a year, never a dull moment and lots of laughs." They talked a bit about Derek's job and his challenges. Derek finally looked at Jeremy. He looked as if he had made a decision. "Jeremy, the moment of truth, literally. It has been a wonderful evening and morning ...." "But ...." "You have taken me by surprise. I was just out to have some fun. That I have had and I would like to see more of you but I shouldn't." Jeremy had learned his dad's trick of silence and the use of looks. He wanted Derek to finish with no chance to change the subject. "You said last night that you were versatile and I sure proved to myself this morning that I am too. Some plan you had. But I am also ambivalent. I figure that I must be bisexual. I am trying to find myself. I have a girlfriend and she is out of town for the week. I love her and I think that I want to marry her and have kids." He paused. "Ah damn, I am so confused. Not your fault. I want to be honest and not lead you on." "Honesty. Well, I wanted the same as you last night. You surprised me. I haven't met anyone like you for a long time. Thanks so much for the honesty. You are a fine man." He paused. "If you ever decide differently, let me know." He handed him his business card. Derek looked at it. "Wow, Marchese, Marchese Construction?" Jeremy nodded yes. "Milner?" "The Accountants, James Milner, owner." Jeremy had taken the big step in the early fall of his first year at university. His mother had divorced his father and taken her maiden name and he had changed his name to Marchese-Milner. Hence he was often known by friends as M&M. "My dads changed my life. That's them over there." "What a handsome couple!" "I love them dearly. They are still madly in love with each other. It's what I want but maybe will never find." "Oh ... you will." They looked at each other and Jeremy did what he had been taught by Philipo so many times, the big hug and then Jamie's thing, the quick hug and kiss goodbye and Derek was gone. Unlike his recent feelings, Jeremy felt positive. He had made the decision to move back to the Accountants. He had gone out and met a really great guy. He just hoped that Dad was correct, some time, some place, someone. Comments preecherdave@gmail.com If you liked this story, you might want to read the others that I have published on Nifty. In particular, my first story, Unexpected Change which has had the most positive comments and one of my other favourites, What a Difference a Year Makes. I have recently reread Introspection and it is worth a read. Unexpected Change, Nifty, College, April 16, 2011 Friendship, Nifty, Adult Friends, May 20, 2011 Surprising Last Year at University, Nifty, College, June 9, 2011 Murder Changed My Life, Nifty, Beginnings, July 8, 2011 What is Love?, Nifty, Beginnings, August 31, 2011 Getting My Act Together, Nifty, Adult-Friends, November 10, 2011 Surprised, Nifty, Adult-Friends, January 14, 2012 Surprised Eric and Dave, Beginnings, February 10, 2012 Surprised Graham and Robert, Nifty, Adult-Friends, March 22, 2012 What a Difference a Year Makes, Nifty, Adult-Friends, September 13, 2012 Discoveries, Nifty, Beginnings, November 1, 2012 Introspection, Nifty, Relationships, August 1, 2013 Bad Boy Series, Nifty, Beginning, January 2, 2014 Unexpected, Nifty, Adult-Friends, August 20, 2015