Andrew's Trust

Chapter 18 - Andrew in the Middle

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Andrews Trust 18 - Andrew in the Middle

Andrew in the Middle

Andrew

I watch the boys emerge from the pool, heading for lunch after Ryder informs them that it's time to eat. I've been engrossed in my new toys in the studio, neglecting lunch preparation. However, the boys take the initiative, gathering enough food for themselves and the Murphy boys.

There's an unspoken connection between Tran and Josh. I'm not sure what my son did, but I'm confident he used his intuitive knack to understand Tran. It's eerie how he can read people so accurately, even without familiarity. He always knows when someone's struggling and understands what they need to overcome it. Seeing Tran finally smile warms my heart, as I don't recall seeing one since the Murphys arrived.

Thankfully, none of the boys ask about Eric. I'm not sure what the circumstances are, but they seem serious, and I'm hesitant to burden the boys with worry, even though I'm mildly concerned, based on Peter's response.

Lunchtime chatter continues about their pool activities until Grayson speaks up. "Dad, what were those boxes?" A sudden hush falls over the boys. I'm puzzled by this reaction. Did they think it was a secret not to be questioned?

Joey adds, "Those look like stage boxes. Are you planning a show or something?"

"Well, boys, in a way. You see, I'm working on a major project, and I need this equipment to finalize everything. It's for a major hotel in Vegas, and I want to personally create and tune the technology, given its crucial role."

"That's awesome! When can we check it out?" Grayson asks.

"As soon as you finish lunch, but the setup isn't complete yet."

"We can help," Grayson volunteers. The other boys don't seem overly enthusiastic.

"Finish your lunch, and you guys can enjoy playtime until dinner. Tonight, we're having dinner with the Murphys. Grayson, you and anyone interested can explore the equipment after you've eaten."

The boys have made me a sandwich, which is great because I'm starving. I quickly grab some chips and a Fanta and head into my studio to finish eating and then get back to work.

While I'm wrapping up my lunch, Ethan gives me a call. "Hi honey, what's up?" I ask.

"I just received a call from Eric. Did he tell you about what happened?"

"No, he just left and was on the phone as they walked across the street. Why? What's the matter?"

"Well, he's still gathering details, but it seems there was a really severe storm back in his hometown. Something unprecedented in years. His house and store were completely destroyed by a tornado. He mentioned they are planning to go there tomorrow and asked if I could assist in recovering their belongings. Unfortunately, I can't take time off. We already have one staff member injured from a church basketball game and another on vacation, so our staffing is already thin."

"You can't change that situation, Ethan, but you could probably offer some guidance on safety measures. I'm sure Eric can find local help."

"I know, but I can't shake off this feeling. They've been amazing friends, and I want to lend a hand. You know me."

"Yes, my dear, I do recall you aiding some stupid young rent-boy and then refusing to let him out of your sight. And let's not forget the other 'lost souls' you've saved."

"You guys aren't lost souls; you've been the most significant part of my life. The others, well, they're a close second."

"Aw, you're making me blush. But on a serious note, don't worry too much about Eric. I'm certain you can assist him in finding someone to help. Speaking of Eric, we're scheduled for dinner at his place tonight. Will you be able to make it?"

"I can't leave my shift, but I'll see what arrangements I can make." I hang up with Ethan and get back to my work. I clean up my lunch scraps and start to unlatch the final boxes when Grayson comes in.

Despite the depressing conversation with Ethan, it's a great day. The sun's golden rays filter through the studio windows, casting a warm glow on the room. The equipment boxes, neatly arranged along one side of the room, hold the promise of untold creative possibilities. My studio, with its walls adorned with pictures of my previous projects, is a testament to my passion for my creative side and my love for technology.

Grayson's eyes sparkle with eagerness as he walks in ready to help. "Alright, Grayson, let's dive in!"

Grayson unlatches the box with careful excitement, revealing a bunch of sleeves with sleek LED panels. He retrieves one of the panels and its surface gleams with a polished finish, and its edges are extremely thin hinting at their ability to interlock and the wonders it can create. These flexible screens are very advanced.

"Wow, these are amazing!" Grayson exclaims, his fingers tracing the edges. "These snap together, right? They're going to add such a cool visual element to your productions."

"Absolutely, let's set them up. They magnetically attach into this stage frame that represents the side of the hotel. You can see they are flexible which will be great as we put them up to create our immersive show. Snap them in with the connector down so we can link them to the controllers at the bottom."

As we unbox the LED panels and position them on the frame, the room gradually transforms into our own stage. We connect the controllers and power on the panels. The subdued lighting gives way to a futuristic glow, casting a bright blue hue onto the studio's walls. Grayson's face lights up with a mixture of satisfaction and determination. I think he can sense the magic that is about to unfold.

Next on our list are the special light controllers. The boxes contain a labyrinth of buttons, knobs, and displays that speak to the complexity of the art we are about to master. As we take each piece out, I explain the functions of the component, and Grayson soaks up the knowledge like a sponge. We then spend a bunch of time connecting stage lighting up and running the cables. We place them around the room along with several cold fire boxes that are like fireworks without the fire or heat.

"Okay, Grayson, now comes the fun part," I grin at him and hand him a controller. "Go ahead, give it a try."

Grayson's fingers dance over the buttons, navigating through the menus and experimenting with the different lighting effects. The studio's atmosphere shifts dynamically, from a serene blue to an electrifying red, and then morphing into a mesmerizing color gradient. The joy and satisfaction on Grayson's face are palpable as he realizes the power he holds in his hands. Once he finds the pyro button, he's hooked. The room fills with sparks and I'm afraid someone is going to come running in thinking we set the place on fire.

We continue to set up a number of other components. My bond with Grayson seems to grow with each piece I let him handle and configure. He gets more confident with each item and is handling this new technology like a pro.

I hand him a fiber optic cable to plug into the video controller. He looks at it and inspects the end. I explain what it is and he quickly figures out how to connect it to the controller on the new LED panels we set up.

"Are you ready for this?" I ask. He just grins. What he doesn't know is that I've created a slideshow of all of the boys to display on our new huge screen. It has to be forty feet wide and eight feet tall since it runs almost the entire length of the room.

"He just smiles and nods."

"Well, first, help me slide my desk to the center facing the screens so it can be our control center. Be careful of the fiber cable." We quickly get that set up and I pull up two chairs as the system boots up.

The software is quick to boot, and in seconds I have it ready to go.

"Press the `PLAY' icon." I say as I push the wireless mouse over to him. He hits the button and just like that, pictures of the boys are filling the wall. Grayson's jaw drops and he sits there, mesmerized by the images that are bigger than life on the wall.

I can see the gears turning in his head and can tell that he has a million and one ideas for this project. He starts playing with the lighting controllers, making the lighting effects match the images on the screen. The colors are perfect. He quickly figures out the laser lights and the fog machine. Thank goodness we didn't fill them up or we would be smoked out of the room. I do think that he's having too much fun with the cold fire machines though. I see the biggest grin the boy has had since I met him. That smile is worth every penny this tech cost and would be worth the price if that's all that came of it, but, there's so much more to come from this tech.

Grayson turns to me and asks, "How can I learn this software, I want to create a show."

"A slideshow? That's kids' work, I have something even more exciting for you to do. Let's look at my proposal for this project right here on the computer, or would you rather see it on the wall?"

"On the wall, of course!"

I switch to my designer software and project it on the screens. "You can see the drawings of the resort and the areas that I have to theme and where the panels will be in real life. Remember, our wall is tiny compared to what we will have in Vegas. We have to create an immersive experience for the guests. This is just one of the five venues we have to create." I look at Grayson as he closely inspects the diagrams. I switch to perspective views and he seems to understand the concept and jumps up from his seat.

"So, let's say over here is the bar, that one," he says pointing to the screen, "the screen is over there behind the plants, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"So you need something to be on that screen that works with the plants, right?"

"Yes, exactly, the scene needs to be part of the landscaping. You can also see that the landscaping is themed with the event space. Some of the spaces will be stages and others will be outdoor nightclub areas," I say realizing he's probably never set foot in a nightclub. I hope he's seen one in a movie.

"I get it. So, I could create a scene with the bar and the plants, and then I could add some special effects, like making the plants move or the bar light up. That would be so cool!"

"That's exactly what I'm thinking. I can teach you how to use the software and you can start creating your own shows. I think you have a real talent for this."

"Thanks, Dad! I can't wait to get started."

I smile at him and give him a hug. I'm so proud of him for taking an interest in this and I know he's going to be great at it.

We spend the rest of the afternoon working on the project and Grayson is picking up the software quickly. He's already started to come up with some amazing ideas for the shows. I can't wait to see what he creates.

Time has slipped by very quickly, and it's time for us to go to dinner at the Murphy's. I go out and call the boys in, telling them we need to head over. I get a unanimous "We're ready!" from the group of naked boys. I tell them they need to get dressed for dinner, and they all begrudgingly head to grab their clothes. I think the Murphy boys are enjoying the freedom of being naked here.

We head across the street, and as we cross the driveway, Ethan pulls in with lights and sirens blaring. The boys startle, and we don't know whether to panic or not. But then we realize he's just trying to be funny and scare us. It works. He has Eric and Robert from the explorer post with him.

We head inside, where Eric is waiting for us. He quickly informs us of the tragedy that took place back in Indiana. It sounds like quite a mess, and I'm glad they can head back to get some closure on what happened.

As part of the conversation, it's decided that the explorer boys, Robert and Eric, will go. Somehow, Max talks his way into going too. I'm a bit worried that he'll be in the way, but Eric tells me he wouldn't have agreed if he didn't think it would help his boys emotionally to have a friend there. I'm worried about Grayson, but when I look at him to see his reaction, he catches my eye and smiles, letting me know that he's okay with Max going to help.

As you can imagine, the conversation focuses on Indiana and the little information that Eric knows about the disaster. Dinner comes and goes, and we have to get back home to pack Max's suitcase while the Murphys get ready themselves. The transportation will be here at six in the morning to take them to the local private airstrip where the jet will be waiting to take them.

I don't know who's going to have a harder time with Max gone, Grayson or me. But it's not going to be easy having one of my boys gone. I made sure he had a handful of cash so he could take care of anything he needed. I don't want him to have to rely on Eric for everything.

Ethan has to go back to the station, so when bedtime comes, I'm pleasantly surprised by Max and Grayson joining me. They come in to show how happy they are and how much Max will miss us both. In a way, I think Max is worried more about Grayson, but the attention is nice, nonetheless.

Both boys are arguing over who is the better kisser, and as I suspect they want me to settle their dispute. Of course, I agree to be the judge and have each of them kiss me. After they both kiss me, I laugh, "boys, you'll have to do better than that." Which gets me even more kisses back and forth. I play along with comments like, "That was good, but I think the last one was better." At this point, there are three boners all flopping against each other in the bed. I feel a bit of wetness and reach down to find Grayson's cock leaking like crazy.

"Slide up so I can see that," I say. He does, and I lick the precum off the head of his cock. "Mmm, that's so sweet, here, try it Max." I offer Grayson's cock to his lover so I can turn my attention to Max's.

We all take turns pleasuring each other's cocks until one by one we each achieve our orgasm. The boys double team me and lick up every last drop of my cum. I'm such a lucky dad. I will miss Max for the next week, but I'm sure Grayson will make up for whatever I miss. Maybe now I can get Josh to spend more time with Ryder and not with Tran. I think Josh has a thing for older boys, but I also don't think Ryder is into boys, but he needs a friend. It will be good for Josh to learn that not all boys are sex toys.

The Next Morning

Grayson

We all get up early to wish Max and the Murphys a safe trip. I am a bit sad letting Max go, but honestly, I need a break to reset my brain. I quickly run back to bed to catch a bit more sleep. The bed is still warm from Max and Andrew.

I wake up and am excited to get the day started. The sun is shining, and I have this idea that I can't wait to try. I head downstairs to find Dad in the kitchen, making breakfast.

"Hey, Dad," I say.

"Morning, Grayson. Did you get back to sleep after Max left?" he asks.

"Yeah, I did. Hey, do we have a drone?" I ask, trying to contain my excitement.

Dad looks at me with a smile. "Yes, we do actually. Why?"

My heart races a bit. "Could I borrow it for a little while?"

Dad chuckles. "Of course, but what are you planning?"

I grin, trying to keep it a secret. "You'll see."

Dad hands me the drone and shows me how to use it. We go out to the yard, and he explains all the controls, how to make it take off and land, and how to control its movements.

"Alright, give it a try," Dad encourages.

I take a deep breath and slowly make the drone take off. It's a bit nerve-wracking at first, but I start to get the hang of it. I fly it around the yard, making sure not to crash it into anything.

Dad watches and smiles. "You're a natural at this."

After getting the hang of flying it, I get an idea. "Dad, can I try something?"

He raises an eyebrow. "Sure, what do you have in mind?"

I grin mischievously. "I want to get some action footage. Can I fly it over the pool and the lazy river?"

Dad looks intrigued. "Action footage, huh? Alright, go for it, just be careful."

I carefully guide the drone over the pool and the lazy river, making sure to capture everything. The water looks so cool from up here, and I can't help but feel a rush of excitement. I'm getting exactly what I need for my secret plan.

Once I've captured enough footage, I bring the drone back and land it safely. Dad claps his hands. "Nice job, Grayson! That was some skilled flying."

"Thanks, Dad," I say, trying to play it cool.

"So, what's this action footage for?"

I grin. "It's a surprise, Dad. You'll find out soon enough. Just stay out of your studio for a while."

Dad chuckles. "Alright, I'll trust you on this one. Just let me know if you need any more help with the drone."

I nod and launch the drone again. This time I realize I can speed up the footage, so I head toward the waterfall and stop, just before going through it. I circle the drone around behind the waterfall and continue the journey. I hope it comes out as I planned. I head back inside, my heart racing with excitement. I can't wait to show Dad the surprise I have in store -- the footage I captured will be the perfect addition to his hotel project. It's going to be awesome!

Andrew

I'm sitting in the great room, going through some project details for the hotel on my laptop, when Grayson comes in with a mysterious smile on his face. He's been working on something, and I can tell he's excited about it.

"Dad, I've got something to show you, follow me into the studio," he says, his eyes shining with anticipation.

I close my laptop and turn my full attention to him. "Alright, Grayson, I'm all eyes and ears."

Grayson sits at the show computer and pulls up a project titled, "Top Secret". I watch as he clicks a few buttons, and suddenly, the room is filled with music. The rhythm is captivating, and I can feel the energy building up.

Then, the video wall comes to life with footage -- footage that I recognize. It's the drone footage he captured over the pool and the lazy river. But what surprises me is how he's synced it up with the stage lights and lasers in the studio. The lights dance and twirl in perfect harmony with the music, creating an entrancing display.

I'm in awe as I watch the show unfold before my eyes. The water of the pool sparkles, and the lasers cut through the air like beams of light. The music swells, rising and falling in sync with the visuals. It's breathtaking.

I see the scene that goes through the waterfall, and I wonder how he managed that. He's also used our laminar fog wall to project water on it so the waterfall looks like it's 3D. Words can't describe how amazing this is.

Grayson has created an entire show, just like what I envisioned for the hotel project. The precision, the timing -- it's all there. And he's done it all on his own.

I turn to Grayson, my eyes wide with amazement. "Grayson, this is incredible. How did you do this?"

He grins, clearly pleased with my reaction. "I wanted to surprise you, Dad. I remembered what you said about the hotel project, and I thought, why not give it a try?"

I'm almost at a loss for words. He's captured the essence of the project -- the magic, the ambiance -- and brought it to life right here in my studio. I can hardly believe it.

"Grayson, you've not only nailed it, but you've shown me that I need you on this project. This is exactly what I had in mind for the hotel. You've managed to create something extraordinary."

He blushes, looking a bit shy. "I'm glad you like it, Dad."

"Like it? I'm blown away by it! You've shown such creativity and talent. This is a game-changer, Grayson. You've given me a vision brought to life."

As the show on the screen comes to an end, I pull Grayson into a tight hug. I want him to understand just how proud I am of what he's accomplished. He's not just my son; he's become an integral part of this project.

"Thank you, Grayson. You've given me more than a show -- you've given me the realization of a dream."

He smiles, his eyes shining with happiness. "I'm so glad I could do this for you, Dad."

And as we stand there, embracing in the glow of the studio lights, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Grayson's show isn't just about the lights and the music; it's a testament to the strong bond we share, and the incredible journey we've taken together. I'm so proud to be his father.

I know his parents would be so proud of him too. We will have to find a way to pay tribute to them and hide it in the show.

I'm thinking of having a small plaque with their names on it placed somewhere in the hotel, where only people who know about it will be able to find it. It will be a way to honor their memory and let Grayson know how much they would have loved his show. Maybe we can hide something on one of the screens too.

I'm so excited to see what the future holds for Grayson. He's a talented young man with a bright future ahead of him. I know he's going to do great things.