Date: Thu, 23 Dec 2021 10:32:06 -0500 From: JJ Rockwood Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 87 Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 87 By JJ [ jjrockwood000@gmail.com ] I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Everyone please stay safe and healthy!!! PLEASE GIVE A GIFT TO NIFTY SO ALL THIS FREE ENTERTAINMENT CAN CONTINUE!!! Chapter 87 The alarm is going off and it seems like we just closed our eyes. Zachary has to work today and Saturday and I am going with him to work out before he starts his shift. Stanley, Hector, Sebastian are working the three days, Zachary only wanted today and Saturday he wanted to spend some time with his dad. Today is triple time, tomorrow only time and a half, and Sunday double time. You can make some serious money if you work this week and Christmas shutdown if it is available. Stephen wanted to sleep over but there was no way he could stay alone for the 90 minutes or so I was gone. I packed Zachary's breakfast and we were out the door and at the gym by 4:00. I was surprised by the time we were finishing up the gym was getting crowded even Sebastian showed up. I think most felt they had overindulged the day before. I was on my way home at 5:45 and it was still dark out. I put coffee on and had my oatmeal Zachary texted to say he missed me. After I ate I made the bed and straightened up and went down to haul up the tubs for outside. I also carried and set up Zachary's tree for our bedroom. I was a little leery but it did light with no burnouts. I also brought the ornaments up for that tree. I got to thinking maybe I should get Stephen a tree for his room. I went on line and started looking and found a 4ft flocked unlit tree and ordered it on the spot it should be here for December 1. That gave me a few days to get some lights together and ornaments. I have enough old C7 sets to do ten big trees from my grandparents, parents and what I bought when I got married. I went on Ebay to see what the old ceramic bulbs were going for and found a few dozen that were reasonable and bought those. It was a little before 9 and I went out and started putting up my lights. I had it pretty much under control everything was marked and I haven't deviated from what I normally did for years other than replace bulbs. I was finished in two hours it is a breeze when you keep everything marked and together. I returned the tubs downstairs. Then I brought up the living room tree and the stuff for the mantle. I brought up the candles for the windows and the lights for the tree. I set up the tree brought that box back down then brought up the ornaments. Dan was picking up Zachary and they were going to put Mario's outside decorations up. I was ahead of the game and decided to go over Andrea's and see how they were doing. Eric and Stuart were putting garland on the porch and Sr. and Stephen were adding the lights well Sr. was Stephen was holding them so they didn't hit the ground. They had already finished the garage and it came out good. Sr. says 'I may never use miniature lights again.' Stuart says 'Dad you have to put them on these four shrubs those lights are too big for them.' Sr. says 'I can live with using them only there go get the ones out of the tub there should be enough.' I helped with doing the front door and the back porch and they were done. Andrea was doing the windows there were twenty-six windows and the candles were all marked for what rooms and even had the extension cords with them where they were needed. She says 'It was just following a recipe it didn't take long at all.' Stephen asked 'Where is Zachary?' I say 'His dad picked him up from work and then were going to help Mario with his Christmas things.' I ask 'Do you want to see if they need help?' Stephen nodded and grabbed my hand. They were all out front the nativity was all set up and ready to go and they were working on the porch. Zachary smiled when he saw us and Dan shook Stephen's hand. Maria came out and asked Stephen if he was hungry. Stephen says 'Yes.' Maria asked 'What would you like?' Stephen answered 'Noni anything you make is okay.' I beamed with pride and Dan and Mario were amazed at what he answered. Zachary mumbled 'Suck up.' Maria tells him to come in and as he is going in he turns around and looks at Zachary and sticks his tongue out at him. Dan and Mario laugh hard. I gave him a dirty look and Zachary laughed. Mario says 'Jared I love him he is a typical boy but he is a good boy. Maria really loves him.' I say 'He is a good boy but he is getting too smart for his own good.' Mario asks 'Do you know when you are going to tell him about you two?' Dan spoke up 'It really isn't any of my business but I would wait till he can handle being discreet about it. I know you two aren't 'out' not that I believe in that. My attitude has always been that is your business and not the world's but growing up today is hard enough and even though I know he would have no problem with it. In today's world he might be ostracized by his peers or their small minded parents.' I answer 'You know a few months back when I discussed this with your Mom she basically said the same thing.' We finished a little while later and Stephen was still inside with Maria and I announced 'I was going home to nap and asked Zachary if he would bring Stephen later. They were going in to set up the tree that Dan and his parents would decorate later that night. I closed my eyes maybe twenty minutes when I heard the two of them on the back deck. Stephen came in and says 'Papa I can't stay long I have to go home and help with the trees and we are having pizza for supper and Mom wants to know if you and Zachary want to come you are invited.' I answer 'No thanks I have to start my trees here so you and Zachary can decorate them tomorrow plus Zachary has to go to work again.' Stephen says 'I can sleep here tomorrow right?' I say 'Yes of course you can unless your parents say no and you can come for breakfast tomorrow if you want. Stephen says 'Okay I don't want to go too many times without being with you.' He hugged and kissed me and Zachary took him home. While they were gone I went upstairs to Zachary's room and got the Palmer's and everything ready for when he came back. I heard him enter and called down to him and he ran up the stairs. I lay on the bed naked except for my white socks. Zachary got naked in a flash and was in my arms. We kissed and he looked at me and says 'Hi.' I answer 'Hi yourself.' He got up and lubed himself and pushed me back down on the bed and squatted down on my boner. Zachary stayed in this position for only a short time which didn't surprise me. He rolled onto his back and whispered 'Get on top of me, Jared.' I knew once I did I would be enveloped in arms and legs. I came faster than I wanted and he still hadn't cum yet and I got off him and began to suck him while I gently fingered him. It didn't take him long to erupt. I got back up and lie next to him kissing and holding him. After a few minutes he got up to empty himself and came back with a warm towel to clean me. I asked him if he wanted to eat and he said 'Let's put the candles in the windows then we can eat.' It didn't take that long to get that done. Neither one of us wanted any of the leftovers from yesterday I made a big salad with hard boiled eggs and tuna. While I did that he got our gym stuff ready for the morning and I got his oatmeal ready. We sat and watched TV for a while and then went and showered then bed. While we were in bed Zachary says 'You know Stephen told me he was glad my Dad had come to visit that Noni is happy he is there and that he has candles in his windows home too and that they have red bulbs like his Papa has.' I reply 'You know he is so grownup at times I hope we have a few more years of Santa with him.' Zachary says 'Well so far this year he still believes I asked him if he made his list and he told me he is doing it with Noni like he did last year.' I just answered 'Good.' I say 'I love you, do you realize that we are leaving for New York in eleven days. I think we should get as much as we can done before we go. When we come back it will be all about the food prep and hunting.' Zachary says 'We should get the fish before we leave so that is out of the way.' I reply 'I was planning on us doing that Monday or Tuesday after work.' We got up our normal time and got to the gym worked out and I left with the gym bags and Zachary to work. I did our gym clothes, made the bed and coffee. I sat to start my shopping list for Sunday but also for Christmas. The house phone rang and it was Stephen he asks 'Papa is it too late to come for breakfast I just got up.' I answer 'Stephen it is just 7:30 what are you doing up so early. He goes 'Papa I went to bed early last night. I was tired I didn't care about the tree I hung my few things I made and DJ helped me shower and I went to bed.' I say 'Are you the only one up so far?' He giggles 'Yep they are all sleeping.' I then say 'Are you washed and dressed? He answers 'Yep.' I say 'I will be there at the back door in a few minutes.' I throw on shoes and a jacket and hat and run across the street. I get there and knock on the door and Stephen says 'Who is it?' I say 'Papa.' He opens the door a crack and smiles then unlocks the storm door. I tell him get a paper and pen so we can leave a note and make him sign it and we leave locking the door behind us. I say 'How about oatmeal for breakfast it is cold enough.' He agrees and he grabs my hand as we cross the street. I say 'You are growing up to be like me go to bed early to get up early.' We sit and eat a halo each as we wait for the oatmeal to cook. The house phone rings and it is Andrea I tell him to answer it. Stephen says 'Hi Mom, yes I called Papa to see if it was too late for breakfast and he came and got me. I didn't want to wake you up and I was hungry. That's okay I told you that you can put them on the tree. Okay love you too. Bye.' I ask 'Everything okay?' He says 'Yeah Andrea gets worried that I didn't hang all my stuff on the tree.' He rolls his eyes. I laugh 'Are you and DJ still doing the Andrea thing?' Stephen smiles 'Yeah and sometimes we do it in front of her.' I say 'Be careful don't go too far.' Stephen says with an air of smugness 'DJ knows when we can do it in front of her.' I ask 'Does DJ know when his playoff game will be?' He says 'He got a call yesterday it is in December.' I say 'When in December?' Stephen shrugs 'I don't remember. Why?' I say 'Remember I am going on vacation for a week.' Stephen says 'Oh yeah I know that it is going to be soon.' We finished eating and cleaned up and finished off the laundry. Then Stephen helped me test the lights and put them on the tree in the living room. Stephen says 'Papa you use these old lights even outside they are neat but they get hot.' I then remember 'I bought you a little tree for your room at home unless you want to keep it here.' Stephen says 'No I want it in my room at home.' I say 'You can use these lights on it I got a lot of extra.' Stephen says 'Okay.' I say 'Ornaments you are on your own.' Stephen just nods. We finish up and I bring the tubs downstairs. Stephen is in the bathroom when I come back up and it is almost time to get Zachary. I ask knowing the answer 'Do you want to go home and see your family or come with me to get Zachary?' Stephen answers 'With you Papa.' I get to the shop with a few minutes to spare and Stephen yells from the backseat 'Here he comes. Look at him run. He is fast.' Zachary jumps in and we are the first at the light. The parking lot was filled for a Saturday. Stephen says 'Woo-hoo Zachary you can run fast.' I ask 'What do you guys want for lunch?' Zachary says 'I got a text from Noni she asked us to come for lunch.' I say 'You go, spend time with your Dad I can knock a few more things off at home but I will come for coffee to talk about the fish.' Stephen says 'What about me can I go?' Zachary says 'You are included Noni saw Jared getting you early this morning.' They go across the street and I go into the house and get on the couch I need a short nap. Zachary texts me about a half hour later and I wash up and head over there. I tell them how between Monday and Tuesday we are going to get the fish for Christmas Eve. I say 'I am only getting the shrimp and lobster tails. I am including you two into the number whether you come or not it will not go to waste. I look at Dan and say you are also welcome in case oyu can get away.' Maria says 'I am going to find out from Roseanna Monday if she is coming.' Stephen says 'Noni please come eat with us.' Maria smiles 'We will see. I need you after school on Monday, to help with my village and nativity.' Stephen says 'Just like last year.' Maria says 'Yes just like last year.' Mario asks 'Do you want to go hunting before or after you come back from New York?' I answer 'It depends on what is going on at the slaughter house. Can you find out when they would prefer it? After all we don't get charged that much by him.' Mario laughs 'I was going to suggest that.' Zachary didn't comment and grandfather says 'Get over it, you like eating it and after all you will have help with DJ coming. He just told me again this morning when I saw him out back.' Stephen says 'Yeah Papa he can't wait to go. He tried on his hunting clothes in front of the mirror and put me on his shoulders and had me pretend I was an animal.' Zachary just rolled his eyes and I rubbed his neck. I say 'We have two trees to decorate before you go home tomorrow afternoon.' Stephen says 'Noni thank you for lunch I will see you later.' Maria says 'You are more than welcome and don't forget Monday after school.' Stephen nods and we leave. I had already told Zachary to spend as much time as he wanted with his dad.' We went home and I put the tubs away from the lights and brought up the rest of the ornaments. We started hanging some and Stephen wanted to wait for Zachary. Instead we decorated the mantle, set up the nativity and then put those tubs away. It was getting close to supper and we had the Thanksgiving leftovers. Zachary came in with cake for Stephen and after having a slice we started in the tree. We got most of it done when I suggested a shower for Stephen. Showered and dressed in his pj's he sat on the couch watching TV and Zachary and I finish the tree. I brought the tubs down as Zachary went up to shower. I was able to sneak up for few kisses and to lick his cock and balls. Before I knew it I heard Stephen calling me and I went down and he says 'Papa we forgot his warm towel.' I laughed and say 'That is okay he is probably dressed by now.' Zachary came down and the two of them decided what they were going to watch and I went to shower. As I was finishing up Stephen knocked on the door with a warm towel. I thanked him and he flew back downstairs. When I went down I told them I was going to bed everything was locked up and to make sure everything was off. I must have dozed off and never heard anything till Stephen got into bed. He whispered 'Papa are you sleeping?' I say 'A little why?' Stephen still whispering 'I just wanted to say goodnight and I love you.' I answer 'Goodnight I love you too.' We both fall asleep. The next morning Anthony and I do are usual two shopping trips. Anthony says 'I did more lights this year than ever. But the boys helped like we use to help Dad. My Christmas shopping is all done too.' I ask 'Are you going to have Christmas Eve with us?' He answered 'Becky isn't sure she thinks it may be too much for Andrea but if not we will definitely be there for dessert.' I say 'You shouldn't feel like that she has plenty of room in the basement and you can help me clean fish and she wouldn't have invited you if she thought it would be too much. I know she really isn't a fish eater but there will be manicotti for those who aren't.' Anthony says 'We will see it is up to her.' Anthony didn't stay for breakfast they were going to cut a tree. The house was quiet and put my groceries away. I put on coffee and decided it would be poached eggs and Canadian bacon on English muffins. I couldn't really do anything until they got up. I grabbed my coffee and went into the living room. The only that had to be done was the tree in our bedroom. While I sat there I figured out how much fish I needed to buy. I just about finished my coffee when I heard little footsteps upstairs. I heard the toilet flush and then heard a commotion in Zachary's room. I heard laughing and hiccups and then whispering. After about ten minutes Stephen came down and sat next to me on the couch. Stephen asks 'Where is Uncle Anthony?' I answer 'He couldn't stay they are going to cut a Christmas tree.' Stephen asks 'How come you don't cut your tree?' I answer 'If I did then we would have to take it down in two or so weeks and that is kind of fast for me.' Stephen says 'I think so too Papa I like looking at them. When are we eating I'm getting kind of hungry?' I ask 'Is Zachary getting up?' Stephen says 'No Papa his eyes were closed before I left the room.' I say 'Go up and ask while I start breakfast.' Stephen is upstairs in a flash and I can hear giggling and whispering. I finish off the Canadian bacon and have the water boiling for the eggs and English muffins are under the broiler. Stephen comes down and has his juice while I give one egg. He gobbles it down and I give him another one as I sit with two for myself. He says 'Zachary says he wants to sleep twenty-five more minutes than he will be down. He wants us to finish the tree in your bedroom. Oh and he says the sweater is a good idea for DJ that they are still cool to wear and he will help me order it later.' I say 'Geez it is like you have two older brothers.' Stephen smiles and says 'Yeah and Papa you have to help me get something cool for Zachary too.' As we are eating we discuss his Christmas list. I ask 'Are you going to see Santa with Maria like you did last year?' Stephen answered 'I have to ask Noni if we can go, with me in school now.' I answer 'Well if not you can always give her or me your list to mail.' My heart is happy I have hopefully one more year with him believing. Stephen nods and asks for another egg and some bacon on an English muffin. Zachary comes down and rubs both our heads as he goes by us. Zachary says 'After we eat we will order the letterman sweater for DJ and then we can do the tree. Before you know, it will be time for you to go home.' Stephen beams and nods his head. I tell them I will make the beds and straighten up, we are caught up with laundry. I will cook for the week and get our lunches and gym stuff ready for tomorrow. The day actually flew by and before I knew it the time had come for Stephen to go home and Zachary to go across the street for dinner. Dan was flying out at 10am tomorrow. Zachary and Stephen decorated the tree and brought all the tubs down to the basement. DJ's sweater was ordered and our lunches and gym bags were all set for tomorrow. The three of us left the house at the same time and Stephen wanted to go the long way to look at all the lights. At Mario and Maria's Stephen hugged Zachary and Zachary hugged me and left us. Stephen commented that he thought my house and the grandparents were the best houses on the street. As we rounded the corner towards his we both stopped and looked and said 'Wow!' Andrea's house came out real good with the old lights and candles in the windows it looked like it came out of the fifties. Sr. and the boys did a good job. I went in with Stephen who was getting grumpy for a couple of reasons first he had to go home early and second school tomorrow. Their trees were perfect and Andrea did a good job with the mantles again with things left by the Barrios. I told them the outside looked great reminded me of my youth. Stephen went to see what DJ was doing and I had chance to talk to my daughter and son-in-law. I say 'Between tomorrow and Tuesday I am getting the shrimp and lobster tails for Christmas Eve. This is my contribution and that is the end of it. Anthony will let me know about coming this week and so will Maria.' Andrea says 'Why isn't Uncle Anthony sure? Maria told me this morning she is talking to her sister this week.' I say 'Anthony and Becky feel it is too much to put on us and how Becky and one of the boys don't really eat fish. I told him there is manicotti and angel hair with alici (anchovy) and olive oil. Even if they don't come they will be here for dessert.' Andrea can be kind of brusque like me and says 'Hey they know they are welcome but I'm not going to beg them to come. If he says no I will call Becky and ask once.' I also told her about Stephen and Santa and she and Sr. were pleased there would be another year of belief. Andrea wanted me to stay for supper but I told her I was beat and ready to crash. My grandsons came in right before I was leaving they are all growing up too fast. I asked 'DJ when is your playoff game?' DJ answers 'Papa it is December 10.' I reply 'I will be in New York that weekend so I won't be able to go.' DJ says 'Papa that is okay who knew all of this would happen enjoy New York.' Stephen says 'Mom I forgot to tell you Papa got me a tree for my room, he has the lights but the ornaments I have to get.' Andrea looks at me. I say 'He loves Christmas it is only like four feet and his room is big.' DJ says 'Hey maybe we can make ornaments or have Mom or Dad take us to Lowes.' Andrea says 'I will look tomorrow at what I have left and I was thinking of buying a tree for the basement after all we will be down there eating.' Sr. says 'I was thinking the same thing but let me check with my Mom she may have something we can use.' I said my goodnights and left. I went home made myself a salad then headed up to shower. There was nothing on TV and I left a note for Zachary and headed to bed. It was only eight but I fell fast asleep. I never heard Zachary come in or shower and woke up about 10:30 to piss and found him in bed with me. The alarm went off and we got up got dressed as were at the by 3:45. While we were working out Zachary told me how he got in about 8:30 and I was dead to the world and he made sure he didn't wake me. The guys got a lot of work done over the weekend and we were in great shape for the end of the month and quarter. After work we stopped at the fish market and I got 25lbs of shrimp and 36 lobster tails. I just about got everything in the freezer when the phone rang it was Stephen. He says 'Noni wants you to come over for supper she has a lot of leftovers to use up and she isn't taking 'no' for an answer.' I answer 'We will be there for 4:45.' Zachary did the laundry and I got our lunches and breakfast ready. We walked across the street and Stephen wanted us to look at all the decorating him and Maria did that day. Stephen says 'Noni tell Papa and Zachary the big news.' Maria says 'We are having Christmas Eve over at Andrea's.' I say 'I'm glad to hear to hear it I know someone who is happy.' Zachary asks 'What did Aunt Roseanna say?' Maria answers 'I called her this morning and told her how I needed to know what was up for Christmas Eve. She turned around and said how the grandchildren are getting older and need to get to bed early and how it would be more convenient for her to have her family there and wanted us to go there. I told her how I already promised Stephen that if you weren't coming here we would go to Andrea's.' Zachary says 'She was okay with that?' Maria laughs 'Yes she was, you figure there will ten adults and six kids plus a baby that will be quite a menagerie. You forget only two of your cousins came with their spouses last year and they were the ones without kids. We will have Christmas day dinner there.' I tell them I got the fish today we are all set. The rest of the meal was spent discussing hunting, our vacation, and what cookies did Stephen and Zachary want for the holiday. We cleaned up the dinner mess and there were leftovers for two days' worth of lunches. Zachary stayed to talk to his grandparents and I took Stephen home. I went inside and Andrea and Sr. are sitting there having coffee. Stephen was told to go take his shower and he in turned asked to DJ to go up with him. DJ says hell-o and hugs me and goes up with his brother and I can hear him telling DJ everything he did next door. I told them how we were all set with the fish that there was plenty even if Anthony and his family came. Andrea says 'Becky called me today and how they didn't know yet and I told her 'Listen you are more than welcome and there are other things besides fish to eat. I would like to know by this Sunday. Maria and I have things to start preparing. Becky says she will.' Sr. says 'I talked to my mom and she was more than happy to give us one of her trees including ornaments and lights. I will go get it one day this week.' I say 'Okay that is good we are starting out at a good pace but before you know Christmas will be here. What do the boys want do you have any clue? I am completely at a loss unless I just give them cash and clothes. I figure Eric and Stuart unless they ask for something specific I will get them a gift cards to the camera store. Stephen and DJ clothes unless you know of something. Andrea says 'I told the older three over the weekend I want lists by Friday I'm not going crazy running around. Stephen is supposed to make a list with Maria this week.' Stephen called down to see if I was still here and he wanted me to come up to say goodnight. I went up and he showed me where he and DJ were going to put his tree. I told the two of them goodnight and stuck my head in on Stuart and Eric and told them goodnight and left. The next eleven days flew by and we were leaving this morning for New York. The weather is supposed to be gray with a chance of snow. We both finished our workouts and were showered and ready. Mario took us to the train station and we arrived at Grand Central sometime near two-thirty. We walked to the Plaza taking our time, check in was at three. We were early enough to walk around the Plaza's stores. I made a few notes of what I saw for presents. A little after three Jerome escorted us to our room the 'Fitzgerald Suite.' It is worth everything it costs the room was decorated perfectly for Christmas. It was exactly how I requested. Zachary was in awe and started taking photos with his phone. Jerome gave us a list of menus from the places we went to when we were here in the summer. Zachary and I unpacked and we headed out to sightsee. We did some shopping and went to see the Rockefeller tree. The ice skating rink was packed but were told the best times to go were early in the morning or after dinner. I figured we would do it some night Zachary would find it romantic. The two of us checked out all the holiday windows. By the time we got back to the Plaza it was dark and we decided on bringing back pizza to the room. The room was lit and cozy there wasn't an overabundance of decorations but almost every space was filled with these beautiful live deep red poinsettias and there were a few fresh balsam wreaths that filled the air. The tree was set in a corner by the window and was visible from the bedroom. It was an eight foot balsam decorated with reproduction C7 lights almost like the original I use and Zachary tells me the ornaments are all Christopher Radko and expensive. We undressed down to our thermals and sat in front of the tree and ate our pizza. After we ate and cleaned up the mess we went and showered and got off twice and got into bed. Zachary says 'Jared thank you for this but I am paying for half and I can't believe we still have six days.' I answer 'Okay Okay we will settle next month when the bill comes in. You know Stephen wants to get you as he puts it a real neat present like DJ. Can you give me a clue or do you want me fumble on my own?' Zachary says 'Seriously.' I say 'He thinks of you as a brother.' We fall asleep with the tree lights on. The next morning we get up and go workout at the fitness center. There is a lot of expensive fancy cardio equipment not that much with free weights but a lot of resistance machines. We didn't shower there we went back to our room and met Jerome on the way with a list of holiday things to do in the area. We showered had sex got dressed and went to a breakfast buffet. We were sitting there eating and laughing. Zachary found eggnog that was better than the store bought at home. I got a text and it was from an unknown number. It was 'I see you are enjoying your hunting trip!! Turn to your left.' Zachary got nervous by the look on my face and says 'Jared what is wrong you are white is everything okay at home.' I give Zachary the phone and turn to my left and there is Jim sitting there with a big grin on his face and raises his cup of coffee to me. I still shaken wave by this time Zachary read the text and is looking at Jim also and waves. The color has drained out of his face also. Without looking up Zachary whispers 'Are we fired?' I smile and nudge him under the table with my leg and say 'For what we haven't done anything wrong. There is no law that says you have to say where you or who your with while on vacation.' Jim walks over and introduces us to his wife and after they kiss and she leaves and he sits with us. I say 'Wow I didn't know you were off this week too.' Jim says 'Listen this isn't any of my or anyone else's business. I am shocked but happy for both of you.' I say 'I didn't like lying to you but I didn't know how you would feel about it.' Jim says 'I get that totally but my older brother is gay. I completely understand keeping it quiet at work. There is a 'no tolerance' policy at work but you and I both know there is still bullshit, harassment and bullying that still goes on.' I say 'Not only that I didn't know if you would have to separate us.' Zachary spoke up 'Jim I really don't want to work in a different department but will go if I have to.' Jim says 'Listen you two there is nothing that states you cannot work together. Jared I know you would never be unfair or show any kind of favoritism you are only a lead person not a salary supervisor. I know Stanley and Hector would have no problem with it. I don't know Sebastian well enough to comment if Jake was still here there would be a problem. If you want my advice and I know it may sound hypocritical but as your friend and boss keep this under wraps until one or both of you decide to work in another department. In fact in my opinion I would keep it quiet no matter where you go only because I know how rotten people can be and I think that much of you two. Now I'm off just enjoy the rest of your vacation and I will see you at work next week.' Jim got up and we both rose to shake his hand and Zachary hugged him. We both thanked him and he left. Zachary says 'Well at least we know now where we stand.' I say 'We can get married and it won't affect our jobs we will have to keep it under wraps.' Zachary says 'I think we would do that anyway it is not like either one of us want to shout it from the rooftop.' I ask 'What do you want to do today?' Zachary says 'Let's go shopping I'm finished but you never know what might pop up here.' The two of shopped for a few hours at one point we went our own separate ways. I found a neat A&F sweatshirt for Zachary from Stephen that they didn't have back home and I got him a corduroy blazer with the elbow patches. I got Stephen some A&F white socks that were cheap and I bought the three of us footed Christmas pajamas then decided to get the other three boys them also. When we finally met up with each other we both looked like the cat who swallowed the canary. We stopped at a sidewalk vendor and bought some warm chestnuts and fresh fruit to eat for lunch. Zachary says 'Maybe we should buy another suitcase to put what we are buying in.' I say 'Let me see what Jerome recommends.' Jerome arrives a few minutes later with a list of tonight's events. He says 'Guys don't buy anymore fruit or water the hotel provides that free of charge. Let me see what we have in storage that would be suitable a lot of times guests leave backpacks and suitcases, the hotel has them cleaned and we store for situations like this. I will not be available from 7 to 9 or so tonight but I will give a name of the person covering for me.' I say 'That is fine enjoy your few hours off.' Going over the list I see there is a living nativity at St. Pat's cathedral and I suggest it to Zachary. Zachary says 'That is a good idea.' We were ready to take a nap and got on the couch looking at the tree. I woke up to Zachary talking to Stephen and I listened as Zachary says I was sleeping they talked a few minutes then hung up. I ask 'What did Stephen want?' Zachary laughed 'Just to say Hi and how he misses us and he is going to be a shepherd in the Christmas play at school and how he and Noni went shopping and they got a lot of eggnog for the freezer for him and me and he went and sat on Santa's lap even though he had already given his list to Noni a long time ago to mail.' I laughed and suggested a shower. We took a nice long shower with the both of us getting off. I have to smile Zachary doesn't want to have sex in the bed he doesn't want to get it all sticky. I tell him they change the sheets every day but I don't care whatever he is comfortable with. We go to Luke's Lobster for dinner their lobster rolls are amazing. Then we walk to St. Patrick's. There was a good size crowd for a Wednesday night. The church smelled of balsam, candles, and incense. We sat in the right front section by St. Joseph. Zachary nudged me across the aisle was Jerome he was kneeling praying. The choir was amazing and the nativity was spectacular. About half way through Jerome noticed us and smiled. On the way out I asked him to join us for a hot chocolate and he declined politely but would walk back with us. Jerome told us how he makes sure that he goes to see the nativity every year and if he doesn't get to go home for Christmas he goes to midnight mass at the cathedral. I asked 'Where are you from?' Jerome answers 'A small town in Pennsylvania. I came to New York to go to NYU I have a degree in journalism. I worked summers at the Plaza then when I graduated I took a job here full time. I love the old hotel, the guests, even the management isn't bad. I have gotten to meet so many interesting people that I'm writing the great American novel in my spare time. My parents aren't too happy but have grown to accept my decision. I look at him and say 'You are lucky how many people today can actually say they enjoy their job and doing it every day.' Jerome smiles and says 'Exactly.' We parted our ways in the lobby after Jerome told us where to go for the hot chocolate. We got our drinks and went back to the room and I sat on a chair with Zachary on my lap looking out over Central Park. The next day we woke up to snow and after our workout went and walked through the park. The snow put everyone in the Christmas mood. Again we walked around Fifth Ave. the snow wasn't accumulating more like mood snow. After lunch I surprised Zachary by taking him to Rockefeller Center rented skates and ice skated for solid hour or so. We held hands and skated together I think this had to be one of the most romantic things I have done for him. All the while it kept snowing. There was an elderly gay couple that asked us to join them for a coffee and Zachary kindly declined saying we had to get back to our hotel. On our way back to the Plaza I asked 'Why didn't you want to have coffee with those guys?' Zachary laughed and says 'When you and the taller guy were talking the younger one grabbed and rubbed my ass.' I roared 'That old pervert but I guess you made his day.' JJ I was hoping to get this chapter finished before Christmas and I will try to finish it off by New Year but no promises. But again I wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday. Feel free to comment. [jjrockwood000@gmail.com] PLEASE GIVE A PRESENT TO NIFTY!!! DONATE!!!