Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2014 04:15:15 -0800 (PST) From: John Michaels Subject: Discovering Jayson - chapter 4 DISCOVERING JAYSON BY JM Email: mmanlookin@yahoo.com Disclaimers and other info: See chapter one Sorry for the delay, but we've moved! We're now back in the US after a rather hectic few months wrapping things up in Manila. There simply wasn't time or energy for writing, but that's now changed. We're finally settled in and on a somewhat "normal" schedule, so it's time to get back to what I enjoy most. After my bf, of course! I hope I haven't lost too many of you in the interim, so please drop me a line to let me know you're still around. And most importantly, Nifty needs your help. Please send whatever amount you can by using the "donate" button on their home page. Please do your part to keep this free service up and running strong. Thanks! CHAPTER FOUR I said a silent and fervent "thank you" to Jesse, as I got everything out that he had sent along for our meal. While my food supplies were fully stocked, he realized that there would be enough confusion getting Mae and Jayson settled without having to pull together a meal from scratch. I followed Jesse's instructions and put the potatoes and meatloaf into a 350 degree oven and set the timer for an hour. Then, I got out a medium-sized heavy stock pot, half filled it with water, added a little salt and tossed in the collards. Once it started boiling, I knew it would take another 25-30 minutes until they were done before finishing them up with the bacon as per Jesse's instructions. This meant that everything should be ready at about the same time. As I was doing all this, my mind was working on what I needed to do for my two house guests, especially Jayson, since Jackie seemed to have a good handle on what needed to be done for Mae. I'd have to take Jayson to the next county to where there was the closest sizeable mall where we could get him properly outfitted. There was a good mix of the big chain box stores there, including a few high-end establishments, since I wanted to make sure he was properly clothed in the fashions most favored by teens his age without having to resort to an all-WalMart wardrobe. That's something that would be sure to get him some unwanted attention, especially once school started. This will be his senior year, and I want to make sure it's filled with good memories for him, especially being in a new school. I would also pick up some needed items for Mae, but I would leave the majority of her shopping to Jackie, since a woman knows best what another woman would like or need. I was so lost in my thoughts that I jumped slightly when I realized that I wasn't alone. Jayson had come into the kitchen and was looking slightly embarrassed. "Sorry," I said, smiling at him. "I've got to get used to the fact that I'm not alone in the house any more." "That's OK," he said, shyly. "I just came out to see if there's anything I can do to help." "Thanks! I appreciate that," I said, placing my hand on his shoulder, causing him to blush and duck his head. "Thanks to Jesse, all I had to do was put the food in the oven, but if you want to help, why don't you get out the plates, glasses and silverware. Plates and glasses are in that big cupboard over there by the table, and the silverware is in the drawer below it." "OK," he said, and although he seemed reluctant to move away from the hand on his shoulder, he went to take care of this simple task. While he was doing this, I got out the bacon to cut it up so it would be ready for when the greens were done. "Anything else I can do?" he asked, once he had everything out and on the counter. "Sure," I said, thinking quickly. "Why don't you grab two of those TV tray tables over by the sofa. Since your gramma already has a tray, you and I can use those so we can all eat together in her room. That's if it's OK with you two that I join you." "Yes!" he said, enthusiastically. "I....umm, I mean WE want you to eat with us." He was blushing furiously at this point, despite his dark complexion. "Thanks," I answered with a smile. "It's just that a lot has happened in your lives, and I know you've got a lot to talk about and work out. I didn't want to get in the way." "You could never get in the way!" he said, forcefully. "If it wasn't for you, we'd still be struggling in that old shack, and who knows what would have happened." Noticing there were tears in his eyes, I put my arm around him and pulled him into a hug, which was immediately and tightly returned. "Everything is going to be all right now," I said, softly. "You and your gramma are safe now." "This is the first time I can remember being relaxed enough to feel safe," he said, his head resting on my shoulder. "I always seemed to know just how much Gramma was struggling to take care of both of us. I was always worried that something bad would happen to her because she always worked so hard, then I'd be all alone. Then when the neighborhood started going to hell, I got really scared for both of us, especially when we could hear gun shots a couple of streets away. I was glad when we moved, even though the place here was a dump. At least there were no gun shots, so there was finally some hope. Then, when she broke her leg and had to use all the money we had, I kinda lost it. I figured we were screwed. The best thing I ever did was to get the courage to show up at the Center where I met you and the others. It feels like I'm learning to breathe again." This poor kid! No - young man! He was almost 18, after all, but it sounds like most of his childhood was filled with the worries of an adult nature. He and Mae were definitely survivors, in the best sense of the word. Despite all of their trials and tribulations, they managed to maintain their gentle and loving natures without turning bitter, which I attribute to Mae's strong faith and loving heart. In the short time I've known her, I can already see these qualities, as well as an iron backbone that will never bend to adversity. I tightened my hug and kissed him on the top of his head, causing him to practically melt into me. "Everything is going to be OK from now on for both you and your Gramma Mae," I said, softly. "Your both safe now, and you've got a good group of people to help you get on your feet again." "You're the best thing to happen to us in a long time," he said, giving me an extra squeeze. "Thank you for caring." Just then, the timer went off, signaling that the greens were done. Returning the tight hug, I stepped back. "You're more than welcome," I replied. "Now, let me finish up dinner, and you grab those trays. We have a dinner date with a lady, and we sure don't want to keep her waiting any longer than necessary." He smiled, while wiping the moisture from his eyes with the back of his hand, and went into the living room to get the trays while I turned my attention back to the food prep. Placing a colander in the sink, I drained the collards and placed the pot back on the stove to get hot, after giving it a quick swipe with a dish towel to remove the excess moisture. I then went back to chopping up the bacon. "How do you want me to set these up?" Jayson asked, indicating the two trays. "Put them both on this side of the bed by the door," I replied. "That way, I'll be closer to the kitchen in case anyone needs something, and your gramma won't get whiplash trying to talk to us if we're on either side." He giggled. "Then grab two of the kitchen chairs and we'll be all set. You can stay and keep her company, and I'll call you when it's time to help carry the food in." "OK," he grinned, then headed off with the trays toward the bedroom. I couldn't help but stare at the twin muscular globes of his ass as he walked away. Damn, Eric!! Get a fucking grip! He's your house guest, for God's sake! Behave yourself! It's been quite a while since I'd gone into Savannah for a hook-up, and I guess my hormones are working overtime. I'd been planning to make the trip this next weekend, but now, with Mae and Jayson here, I'll have to hold off for a while. The way things are looking, I may have to put it off until I go out on my next book tour. That should be coming up before too long, so I'll have to continue to make due with my trusty right hand until then. Actually, I should check my email after dinner. Maybe my publisher has the dates for the tour. Turning my attention back to dinner, I quickly chopped up the rest of the bacon and threw it in the pot, stirring it until it was all pretty well spread out. There was almost immediately a deep, hickory aroma that had my mouth watering. Jesse was right. This may not be the healthiest way to eat your greens, but it was sure going to taste good! Once that was under way, I went back to the sink and pressed most of the moisture out of the collards before taking them and placed the colander on the dish towel to catch any further drips. By now, the bacon was just about perfect, so I carefully added the greens, tossing them to get all the bacon and renderings mixed thoroughly. Just then, the oven timer went off, announcing that the potatoes and meatloaf were done. I turned off the stove and oven and removed the meat, placing it on a trivet on the counter to rest for a few minutes, and leaving the potatoes in the still-warm oven while I got everything else ready. Jayson must have heard the timer, as we was suddenly by my side, asking what he could do. I had him get the butter and sour cream out of the refrigerator then showed him where to find a serving bowl for the sour cream. Once he had that taken care of, I had him grab the ketchup from the fridge. This was one of my guilty pleasures: Ketchup on my meatloaf. Jesse would most likely have a coronary if he knew someone would "defile" his meatloaf in such a manner, but the way I look at it, I like ketchup on my hamburgers, and what is meatloaf but hamburg on steroids. Right? Of course, right! I plated up the meals, giving Mae just a small portion of each, since she'd had lunch just a short while ago. While I was doing this, Jayson grabbed the condiments and took them in. When he returned, I had everything ready. I handed him the plate for his grandmother, and taking the other two, we went into the bedroom to join her. Dinner was a very pleasant affair, and we all got to know one another better, as we enjoyed the meal Jesse had put together. Jayson shed some his shyness and surprised me with a wry sense of humor that had Mae and me laughing, as he described some of the antics he and some of his friends and schoolmates had gotten up to over the years - some of them causing his grandmother to give him a surprised and telling look as she tried to suppress her chuckles. But mostly, she looked at Jayson with such love that even he noticed it one time, and even as dark-complected as he was, the blush was still very evident on his cheeks as he gave her a small shy smile. The thing that struck me the most, however, were my own feelings about having them here. The conversation and laughter struck something deep within me that I only now became aware of. It felt so very good to hear the voices and laughter, and I realized for the first time just how lonely a life I had been living. Sure, I had the interactions with the folks at the Center and others, like Al, but at the end of the day, I came home to an empty house, except on the rare occasions my folks were visiting. Mine was a very solitary existence, and up until this moment, I realized that I had deluded myself by thinking that it was the lifestyle I needed for my writing. And I found myself already beginning to dread the day when Mae and Jayson would move back into their new home. Mae must have sensed the change in me, as she asked Jayson if he would please clear the dishes and give us a few minutes alone. Giving her a smile, he did just that, and once he had everything cleared and had left the room, Mae asked me to shut the door. "What's eating at you, Eric?" she asked. "You seemed fine 'til just a few minutes ago. You look like you just lost your best friend." Heaving a big sigh, I decided that I needed to be honest. "You're right, Mae," I admitted. "I was having a great time talking and eating with the two of you, when it just hit me. This is the first time I've had someone staying here with me, other than my parents, in, like, forever. It felt good. It felt so right. It hit me right between the eyes just how alone and lonely I've been. Then, I thought of you and Jayson moving back into your own place once you're healed, and I realized I'd be alone again. You've only been here one day, and it just feels so right. So natural. It feels like you and Jayson belong here. I...I don't want you to go. I don't want to be so lonely again." A silent tear coursed down my cheek. "Eric, honey, come here," she said softly, patting the bed beside her. Getting up, I went and sat beside her, and she took my hand in both of hers. "It may seem like an odd thing to ask at this time, but do you believe in God?" she asked, while looking deep into my eyes. I nodded. "I kind of thought so. There aren't too many people who would go out of their way as you have for Jayson and me. I believe in God, too, and I also believe that nothing happens without a reason. I believe that busting my leg up happened because you were supposed to come into our lives. It's a helluva way to get to meet people, but I can honestly say that I'm glad it happened. We got to know YOU. I thought about this when you two were getting dinner ready. There are two things that came to mind. One is that God, working through you and your friends, is going to give us a better start at a new life than we would have had. The other is that Jayson needs you, probably more than he needs me right now." My head shot up. "What do you mean, he needs me?" I asked, the shock evident in my tone of voice. "Jayson has never had an older man in his life to turn to for"guy" things," she said with a soft smile. "He's just never connected with anyone like that. That is, until you came along. In the short time he's been around you, it's almost as if there's a glow around him. He's more relaxed and has talked more around you in the past few hours than he ever has around anyone else new. It's like he can sense something about you that strikes a chord inside - like a kindred spirit. And he may not be fully aware of it yet, but I can see it in him already and have no doubt at all. That boy loves you." A shudder coursed through me, and I gasped. "What...how..." Come on, Eric! Get a grip!! "What do you mean, he "loves" me? We barely just met!" "Calm down, Eric. Don't go having a coronary," she said, chuckling and patting my hand. "We talked a bit while you were getting dinner, and he told me how y'all met. He said you talked to him as an equal and didn't talk down to him, and you quickly and freely offered your help without pity. That was very important to him. We've had a lot of offers of help over the years, but mostly it was from folks who took pity on our situation. I always got the sense they were doing it to make themselves feel good, more than actually wanting to help. Jayson has always been a sensitive boy who has a knack for seeing others for who they really are. That's one of the reasons he had so few friends. Most of the others were just taking pity on the " poor little half-breed", including the adults. When he met you, he could tell right away what a good man you are. You talked TO him, not AT him, and you showed genuine concern, not pity. There's a big difference between the two, as he knows all too well. As I said before, he sensed something in you that filled a void. And he also said that aside from talking to you, it's what the others had to say about you, too. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd like to see you walk across your swimming pool." We both laughed at this, although I was feeling more than a bit uncomfortable to be spoken of in such glowing terms. I've always kept a low profile with the work I do for the Center, and that's the way I like it. Just knowing that people are being helped by my efforts is reward enough. Just then, there was a knock on the door and Jayson stuck his head in. "Umm..Gramma, if it's OK with Eric, may I go swimming for a bit?" he asked. "Of course it is, Honey," she replied. "But you need to ask Eric first if it's OK." "If you want to go swimming, go right ahead," I said, preempting his question. "This is your home for as long as you stay here, so you can do whatever you want. Within reason, of course, like no keg parties unless I'm invited." I winked at him to let him know I was joking. Both he and Mae laughed. "OK. Thanks," he said with a big smile. "I haven't been able to swim for quite a while, and I miss it. Umm...may I use a towel from the linen closet?" "Of course," I replied, with a smile. "That's what they're there for. As a matter of fact, I may just join you after I check my emails." "REALLY!!!" he exclaimed, a huge smile plastered across his face. "That would be totally awesome!" "You've given me a lot to think about," I said turning back to Mae. "It's all good, though." "In the short time I've known you, Eric, I just know you'll always do the right thing," she replied, patting my hand again. "You two have a good time swimming. Wish I could join you, but I guess that will have to wait a while. I think I'll take one of those pain pills and watch a little TV 'til it kicks in. My leg is beginning to throb a bit, and I'm feeling a little tired. It's been quite a day." "That it has," I said, leaning forward and kissing her forehead. "That it has." "Good night, Gramma," said Jayson, as he came over, gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "I hope you start felling better soon so you can at least get around in the wheelchair." "Me, too, Honey," she replied, kissing his cheek and ruffling his hair. "Oh, would you stop by after your swim just in case that darn thunder jug needs emptying?" "Huh? Ohh!!" he chuckled, as he finally understood she was referring to the bed pan. "Sure thing. I love you, Gramma." "I love you, too, Jayson," she said while stroking his cheek. "I'm so very glad I have you in my life. And Eric, too." "Yeah," he said, quietly, looking at me with a small smile. "Me, too." My stomach fluttered and my heart raced. Maybe what Mae had said about his feelings for me weren't too far off the mark. "Well, let's let your gramma get settled down, and we'll go for that swim," I said, hoping to lighten the mood. "I need to grab a few towels myself, since I haven't done the laundry, and I'm fresh out in my bathroom. Let's help your Gramma lay down and get comfy before we head out." "Oh, don't you two go worrying about me," she admonished. "I've got to get used to using this trapeze thing. No time like the present." Saying that, she grabbed ahold of the bar, eased herself down so she was lying flat, then fluffed her pillow so she could raise her head a bit to be able to see the TV. "Piece of cake," she chuckled, grabbing the remote for the TV. "You're something else, Mrs. Brant," I said, smiling at her. "I hope that's a good thing," she retorted, her eyes twinkling. "A very good thing," I replied, patting her hand. "She's the best," said Jayson, kissing her cheek again. "Go on, you two. Get out of here. Scat!!" she huffed, in mock gruffness. "Let an old lady get her rest." Her eyes, though, were looking decidedly moist. "I'll check back on you later," said Jayson. "I'll try to be quiet in case you're asleep." "Do you remember how the intercom works if you need anything during the night?" I asked, just remembering as I got up to leave. "I don't think I'll need to use it, but Jackie gave me a pretty thorough demonstration," she replied. "And Jayson is right next door, so I'll be fine." "OK. Then, I guess I'll see you in the morning," I said. "Good night, Mae." "Good night, Eric. And, thank you...for everything." She cast her eyes toward Jayson. I got the message and winked at her where Jayson couldn't see me. "Good night, Gramma," he said, as we got up and headed out the door. Walking up to the linen closet, I grabbed several towels for my bathroom and handed one to Jayson. Just before shutting the door, I got a thought and reached in, grabbing a fresh box of tissues, which I handed to Jayson, along with his towel. He gave me a quizzical look. "You're not only a male, but you're a teenager. I think you'll be able to find a use for those," I said with a wink. The proverbial penny dropped, and he blushed furiously. "Oh...umm...uhh...yeah. Thanks," he stuttered, before turning and bolting for his bedroom. Chuckling to myself, I turned and headed across to the other wing, dropping off the towels in my en suite before heading into my office to check my emails. Sitting down at my desk, I fired up my computer and logged into my email account. After deleting all the junk (My personal plumbing works just fine as it is, thank you very much!), I found what I'd been expecting - my book tour schedule from my publisher. As per my demands, everything was consolidated into a little over two weeks. It was going to be a grueling and exhausting schedule, with quite a few multiple-city appearances in one day. I'd be criss-crossing the US, starting with a three-city stint, with two hours in Boston at 10AM, and hour-and-a-half in Hartford, CT at 3PM, ending in New York for two one-and-a half hour appearances at two different locations, starting at 6:30PM and ending at 10PM. This was the most intense day of the tour, and I only had one in Philadelphia the next day that didn't start until 4PM, so I had time to get rested up. From there, I criss-crossed the northern part of the country, ending in Seattle, and from Los Angeles, I started the trek back across the southern section, ending in Savannah 16 days from the start. Even though I was the "hometown author" and should have, by rights, started everything from there, I always ended my tours there so I could spend a few days with my parents afterward to spend some time with them and recuperate. I was exhausted just looking at the schedule, but it was something I wanted in this way to get it over and done with. There'd still be the odd TV appearance, but those were pretty well spaced far enough apart and only required a single day out of my normal schedule. And for some of them, I could do it by live feed from the local station in Savannah, so those weren't too bad. All the hooplah generally died down within 3 months, and I only did this like every 18 months or so. And it definitely paid the bills, although I didn't really need it with my trust fund. My desk faced the open door to my office, and I had an unobstructed view from my seat across to the other wing separated by the broad apron that led to the steps into the pool. Just then, something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. Looking up, I gasped and groaned out loud, my cock beginning to twitch wildly in the confines of my shorts as it rapidly expanded. Jayson had just emerged from the other side and was walking toward me toward the end of the pool wearing a red speedo that left nothing to the imagination, his long dark hair unbound and falling longer than it appeared when I first met him, some cascading over his shoulders and falling as far as his large, dark nipples. When he turned to place his towel on one of the deck chairs, I saw that in the back, it fell below his shoulder blades. Turning back to the pool, he walked toward the steps and stopped at the top step, looking out over the expanse of water, his body now in full profile, the bulge of the crotch of his tightly pack speedos quite pronounced, the generous swell of his ass providing a perfect counterpoint to the bulge in the front. The setting sun highlighted his profile to perfection, and in the brief moment before descending the steps into the water, he looked every bit the proud Native American that resided in his genes. He was the most perfect and beautiful male I had ever seen. He had the long, lean muscles of a runner or swimmer rather than the more bulky musculature of someone who played football or lifted weights. The wasn't an ounce of fat on him, and his lean muscles rippled as he descended the steps into the pool and out my line of vision. I slumped back in my chair, taking a ragged breath and trying to clear my head. Never before in my life had someone's physical presence impacted me as much as he had. Gradually, rational though began to return as my big head took over from my little one, which had already begun oozing abundantly. My first thought was remembering what Mae had said to me: Jayson loves me. What exactly did she mean by that? Did she mean that he loves me like a friend, older brother or father figure, or was it more than that? I got the impression that she was being deliberately ambiguous, giving me a chance to work through it to my own logical conclusion, whatever in hell that might be! She DID, however, allude to Jayson's vulnerability, and that just further complicates things. I already know how fragile he is at the moment, and I sure as hell don't want to do anything that would hurt him in any way. There's a lot of esteem building that needs to be done, hopefully before he starts school in a few months. So I came to the decision that, at least for the foreseeable future, I'd continue in my role as friend and mentor. If there was to be anything further, then I'd let him make the advances. And if there WERE advances, I'd willingly go along. One of the things that my racing mind had concluded is that I could very easily see myself and Jayson as a couple, and not just a casual fling. From what I'd come to know of him in the short time we'd known each other, he had all the signs of potential for the Mr. Right I'd been hoping to find. Only time will tell. My musings were interrupted by a knocking at the window in the hallway opposite my office from where I'd seen him emerge a short while ago. Because of the heavy insulating factor of the glass, I couldn't hear what he was saying, but by his gestures, it was obvious that he was asking if I was ready to join him in the pool. Giving him a wave, nod and smile, I shut down my computer and headed to my bedroom to change into my swimming gear, my cock finally at rest. Normally, I'd wear a speedo like his, since I was usually alone when I swam, but because of my unruly cock, that just wasn't going to work. A nearly naked Jayson with his long hair flowing down his back caused a big enough stir below that a dripping wet Jayson in a water-logged speedo demanded that I wear a jock strap to hold and hide what I just knew would be a throbbing, dripping hardon underneath a pair of loose board shorts. It would be my only salvation.