Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2022 16:45:34 -0500
From: William Marshal <williammarshal5301@gmail.com>
Subject: Quarterback Keeper 34

Quarterback Keeper: 34

"I hate this," Tyler said, slamming his sandwich down on his plate.

"I'm sorry," Joe replied, "Next time you can make the lunches."

"Huh? No, not the sandwich. It's great. It's mom being all secretive. Then
she and Claudia meet with a realtor. Somethings wrong, I just know it."

The couple were eating lunch in Joe's classroom. Ever since Joe and Tyler
had gotten the invitation to have dinner with Mary and Claudia, Tyler had
been on edge.

"Why do you think there is something wrong?" Joe asked.

"Because Claudia is going to be there and not Ian. Why wouldn't she invite
Ian unless it's something that might upset him. She loves that boy. I just
bet she and Andrew are getting married. That's why everyone is invited to
Eric's and Melinda's wedding; they're turning it into a double wedding."

Joe laughed, "You wanted me to ask Mary about that possibility and she
laughed at the idea."

"It's worse than I thought if she lies to you," Tyler said, growing more
agitated. "She's moving to Scotland."

"Why are you so certain Mary and Andrew are getting married?"

"Because it is the lesser of the two evils. I don't know if I can take it
if she tells us her MS is getting worse," Tyler said, as he fought back
tears.

Joe reached across the table and took Tyler's hand. "Tyler, look at
me. Whatever Mary says tonight, I am there for you, and we are there for
Mary."

Tyler's voice cracked as he said, "Thank you."

For the rest of the day, Tyler tried to throw himself into teaching so he
wouldn't think about what he might hear at dinner.

When the last bell rang, Ian stopped by the room and gave Tyler a hug, then
said, "I expect you to tell me what's going on tonight." Kevin is taking me
into Enid for pizza and a movie. I feel like the kid being sent out to play
so the grownups can talk."

"I understand. I will if I can," Tyler said.

Kevin knocked on the open door to the classroom, "Hey Ian, are you ready to
go."

"Ian smiled and said, "The little kid's babysitter is here." Tyler and
Kevin both laughed.

As Ian and Kevin walked out to Kevin's truck, he said, "Hey, I don't know
anymore than you do. It's like she and Mary are secret agents. I actually
think they are getting a kick out of being all clandestine."

"So what do you think it is?" Ian asked.

"Think they have a recipe for making sand plum jelly that is also an
aphrodisiac, and they plan to market it as `Cupid's Delight: Made With
Love, For Love'."

"I see you've given this some thought."

"Have been so horny lately I think I am going to rub a blister on my
cock. It only makes sense that Aunt Claudia is using me for a test
subject."

"Oh, and it has nothing to do with you being seventeen, and your girlfriend
signed one of those chastity pledges, and made you sign one too. Geez Kev,
you are the only guy I know who is pussy whipped without getting any
pussy."

"Maybe, I noticed none of the gay guys signed the pledge."

"Well, the U.S.S. Virginity sailed for Avery, Zach, and me a while ago, and
I have no plans to buy a ticket for her sister ship, the U.S.S. Blue
Balls. So it looks like only straight boys are whipped or stupid enough to
sign up to work on the hand tugboat."

Family Meeting

When Joe and Tyler knocked on Mary's door, she greeted them and said to
have a seat in the living room, then she went off to the kitchen. When she
came back, she was carrying a tray of appetizers and Claudia was carrying a
bucket of ice and beer bottles.

"This doesn't look good," Tyler said.

"Tyler Simmons!" Mary said, "I'll have you know Claudia and I put in a lot
of work on dinner tonight."

Tyler turned red faced, "Oh, no mom...Claudia...I didn't mean it like
that...the food looks..."

Mary and Claudia both began to laugh. Then Claudia said, "We know what you
meant. That's why we are going to have this talk before we eat. Mary knows
you won't be able to enjoy dinner if you are all tense and worried."

Mary handed Joe and Tyler each a beer and a plate for the appetizers, and
told them to get something to eat. She then got a beer for herself and
Claudia.

Claudia started, "Before we go any farther, can you tell me something? What
are the chances that Mike Burris gets a job in Salt Fork?"

Tyler said, "I have talked to Bill about Mike. I would love to have him as
an assistant. We have very similar coaching philosophies, and he knows
defense. However, I don't make the decisions."

Mary looked at Joe, "What do you think?"

"Ok, I am going to assume you two have a legitimate reason for asking this
question, but what we talk about can't leave this room."

"That's why the boys are in Enid," Claudia said.

"Mike seems to be doing well. The kids seem to like him, and I've heard
several of the football players say they hope he is coaching next
year. He's basically taken over Jerry's classes much earlier than most
student teachers would. Jerry plans to write him a glowing
recommendation. I know Bill has talked to him about coaching not only
football, but also wrestling and track. I also know that Mayfield is
holding off on posting Jerry's P.E. position. So, my guess is, unless he
screws up or fails to get his teaching certificate, he has the job."

"Good," Claudia said, "That's what we wanted to hear. Okay Mary, I think
you can tell them."

"A couple of weeks ago, I visited my doctor...."

Tyler looked like he was about to lose it, and Joe put his arm around
Tyler."

"..., and he said my MS is in remission and things look good for the near
term."

Tyler jumped from his seat and gave Mary a hug. He was braced for bad news,
and couldn't restrain the emotions of good news. When he finally calmed a
bit, he said, "So, I guess you are moving to Scotland."

Mary looked at Joe in confusion, and Joe said, "He still thinks you and
Andrew are planning a secret wedding."

Mary pulled Tyler in for another hug and said, "Listen here Stinkpot, I am
not getting married. Andrew and I enjoy each other's company, but I am not
moving to Scotland, and he is not moving to Salt Fork. He and I are
just..... Hey, I'm your mother; I don't have to tell you what we are. Now,
sit down and let Claudia and me tell you our plans."

When everyone was settled back down, Mary took a couple of big swallows of
her beer before continuing. "Since I am doing well, Claudia and I plan to
do some traveling; and yes, we intend to become familiar with
Scotland. Claudia has rented an apartment in the same building that Andrew
manages, and we intend for that to be our home base for exploring the
U.K. and the rest of Europe. We will come back to Salt Fork every couple of
months, but while we have time, we are going to use it. Oh, and by the way
Tyler, I plan on spending your inheritance and sponging off of you and Joe
in my old age."

Tyler and Joe both laughed. Then Joe said, "Whatever you need or want. I
can never repay you enough for letting me marry Stinkpot." Then he gave
Tyler a kiss.

"So what about the realtor that was around last week?" asked Tyler. "Are
you selling the house?"

Mary looked at Claudia and said, "It's your turn."

"I'm selling my house. That's why we asked about Mike. I have known his
wife's family for years. Her father owns an auction and real estate company
in Edmond. Brenda, Mike's wife, works for her father and she heard through
the grapevine that I had talked with several possible agents earlier this
year. So, when Mike was given the opportunity to student teach at the high
school, she called me to find out if my house would be on the market. The
realtor that has been snooping around is giving us a fair market value on
the house."

"So, where will you and Kevin live," Tyler asked.

Mary said, "With me. Claudia is moving in with me, and Kevin will be away
at college most of the year. We haven't asked him yet, but we are hoping he
will live here during the Summers and holidays to take care of the
place. Otherwise, we will have to find a caretaker."

`Will I ever get to see you," Tyler asked a bit forlorn.

"Of course you will see your mother," Joe said, "She and Claudia said they
will be home regularly, and you can email, text, zoom, or call each
other. Moreover, anytime you need to, you can get on a plane and be
wherever she is overnight. This Summer, we will be in Scotland. I'll get
2Coop to take care of the houses and we'll grab Kevin and go visit Ian and
Michael, and the gypsy girls."

Finally, a genuine smile crossed Tyler's face. His mother was going to be
able to travel and do things that just a few months ago would have been
financially, even, physically impossible. Joe and Tyler got up and gave
both Mary and Claudia hugs. Then Mary said, "Let's eat."

Dinner was one of Tyler's favorites: fried chicken, mashed potatoes and
gravy, green bean, and biscuits. For dessert Claudia had made her blue
ribbon strawberry shortcake. Tyler definitely ate his fill and Mary knew he
was okay with her plans.

"When do you plan to tell Ian and Kevin?" Tyler asked. "Ian is going to
spend all day tomorrow pestering Joe and me about what we talked about."

"Tyler," Mary said, "he's going to spend all day pestering you. The boy
knows he can't get anything out of Joe."

"I sent Kevin a text to come over here when they get back from the movie. I
have more Strawberries and shortcake, and we can tell them everything,
except that the Burris' might be buying my house," Claudia said.

Spring Break

The Friday before the start of Spring Break was a teacher inservice and
workday. Joe and Tyler had packed and loaded their luggage in the pickup
the night before. They had submitted their grades the day before, so as
soon as the last meeting ended, they were back home to pick up Ian and
Mary, lock up the house and head for Tulsa.

After dropping Mary and Claudia off at Charles' and Mindy's, and picking up
Michael, they were headed to the apartment. On the way, Joe asked, "Where
do you want to eat? I don't want to make a mess that we have to clean up
before heading to the airport in the morning."

"How about Tally's," Michael suggested.

"That's a great idea," Joe said, "Everyone should be able to find something
they like, and I'm in the mood for a waffle."

Tally's was the Happy Day's incarnation of the classic American diner. It
was located at the intersection of historic Route 66 and Yale
Ave. Originally named Mark and Mary's, it was purchased in 1987 by the
current owner, and turned into a Hollywood-esque 1950s piece of
Americana. However, unlike most places that traded on nostalgia, Tally's
had good food.

Joe ordered a pecan waffle, home fries, and bacon, the boys went for double
burgers, and Tyler ordered the Chicken Fried Steak. In a state that takes
its Chicken Fried Steak seriously, Tally's was an award winner. There was
little doubt that Tyler was native son when he ordered his CFS the Okie
way: covered in gravy, with sides of mashed potatoes, okra, Texas toast and
sweet tea to drink.

Before leaving, Joe ordered four cinnamon rolls to go. When they got into
the pickup, Joe said, "Tally's makes great cinnamon rolls," he
said. "Granted they won't be as good when they're not fresh, but at four in
the morning they will taste awfully good with a strong cup of black
coffee."

"Four in the morning!" Tyler complained. "What time are we leaving!?"

"The driver will be at the apartment at 4:30 a.m. The plan is to lift off
around 5:30."

"Fuck! We might as well not go to sleep," Tyler moaned.

"That's just what I was thinking," Joe said, and the two boys in the
backseat started to laugh. At first Tyler didn't get what was so funny, but
then he ran back what he had said, and a smile crossed his lips. It was
dark and the boys didn't notice Joe slide his hand over and give Tyler's
cock a squeeze.

When Joe had parked at the apartment he said, "We should all have clothes
and toiletries in the apartment, so I am just planning to leave the luggage
locked up in the truck and we can load it right into the car in the
morning."

Once in the apartment, Joe grabbed four Lone Star's from the
fridge. "Tomorrow, we are leaving at 4:30 in the o'dark morning. I expect
to see everyone in the kitchen showered and ready to go by four. There will
be coffee and cinnamon rolls. Anyone not here, will get a rude
awakening. Is that clear?"

Everyone nodded. "Good," Joe continued. "I am not your daddies, well maybe
Tyler's sometimes..."

Tyler snorted beer through his nose, and Ian and Micheal burst into
laughter.

"Damn Tyler, don't you think a nasal douche is taking prep a bit far?" Joe
said, and Ian and Michael were rolling on the floor.

When everyone regained control, Joe pointed to Ian and Michael and
continued, "You can sleep, play video games, watch a movie, whatever, but
Tyler and I have something to do, so we don't want to see either of you
until morning."

"What do we have to do?" Michael asked.

"Whatever." At first Tyler looked confused, but when Joe squeezed Tyler's
ass, the kid couldn't decide to smile or blush.

Joe, chugged the rest of his beer, grabbed Tyler's hand, and said, "Let's
go. I'd like to get at least an hour of sleep tonight."

Ian looked at his watch and yelled after them, " Tyler, It's just 9
o'clock. You're going to be walking funny tomorrow." Then he and Michael
fell into another fit of laughter.

Once in the master, Joe walked into the bathroom and started filling the
tub. Then he returned to the bedroom and pulled Tyler in for a long,
sensual kiss. As they continued to kiss. Joe unbuckled Tyler's belt, popped
the button on his pants, and slowly unzipped them. It didn't take much for
Tyler's pant to drop to his ankles, and soon they were joined by his boxer
briefs. Joe placed one hand behind his lover's head, and with the other, he
began to lightly tease his cock. Tyler groaned, and when his lips parted,
Joe slipped in his tongue. Joe grabbed the hem of Tyler's polo shirt and
began to lift it over his head. But he stopped removing the shirt before
Tyler's arms cleared. Instead, Joe twisted the shirt until Tyler was
restrained by improvised handcuffs.

Joe continued to hold Tyler's bound hands above his head, and Joe went to
work in the exposed armpits. First, he inhaled the heady scent of musk and
cologne; then, Joe slowly licked the pits from torso to bicep. Although
very ticklish, this did not have Tyler squirming and begging Joe to stop,
instead is cock stiffened and a steady flow of precum poured into Joe's
hand.

Tyler finally freed his hands and soon began to strip Joe. Eventually, both
men were standing naked, facing each other, and admiring each other's
Olympian forms. Joe led Tyler to the modern, freestanding, white porcelain
tub that stood in stark contrast to the gray of the granite shower
walls. The water was already topping the rim of the tub and running to the
drain. Joe turned off the water, then entered a code in a wall panel. The
lights dimmed and turned a shade of blue. The frost on the electronic
window behind the tub disappeared to reveal the lights of Tulsa's
downtown. Then John Legend's `All of Me' began to play.

Joe stepped into the tub and extended his hand to Tyler to join him. When
they sat down in the tub, water flowed over the edge of the tub like a
fountain. Joe leaned back in the tub, and Tyler slid between his legs to
rest his back on Joe's chest. As Joe began to gently massage Tyler's
shoulders and kiss the back of his neck, Tyler said, "You are so
romantic. I can't believe you planned all of this."

"It's not hard to be romantic when you are utterly in love with a
prince. What's hard is maintaining restraint in public when all you want to
do is make love to the sexiest man alive."

Joe and Tyler continued to soak and quietly listen to the playlist until
Jennifer Hudson's `I Still Love You' began to play. Then Tyler moved to the
front of the tub, grabbed hold of the rim and pointed his sweet pucker
seductively in Joe's direction. No words were needed to communicate Tyler's
desire, and it wasn't long before Joe's tongue was buried in his sexy
stud's ass. Tyler moaned. After a while, Tyler said, "That's fantastic
babe, but what I really need is your cock in there."

Joe got onto his knees and slowly slipped inside. "Oh yes, that's what I
need, that's what I am addicted to." Joe found himself fucking Tyler to the
beat and tone of each song. One track would be fast and driving, the next
slow and tender. They were into the fifth song, Melissa Ethridge's `I Am
the Only One', when Tyler could hold out not longer, and he shot six loads
into the warm bath. Hearing Tyler's cum hit the water almost sent Joe over
the edge, but he summoned all his will to hold off. Not until Ethridge
crescendo "I am the only one" did Joe cum so hard he felt like he was
standing in the middle of a panhandle whirlwind.

His cock still buried deep on Tyler's ass, Joe bent down and kissed Tyler's
neck, then said, "They could take everything I have: my money, my athletic
and coaching achievements, my teaching career, but as long as they left me
you, I would be the luckiest man in the world."

Around midnight, Joe and Tyler curled up in bed. As he drifted off to sleep
holding Tyler in his arms, Joe smiled. No matter what his doctor said, Joe
was certain that three hours of sleep after fucking Tyler was far better
for his mind, body, and soul than eight hours of sleep alone in bed.

While Joe and Tyler had gone for quality love making, the boys had chose
quantity fucking. Just after midnight Ian dumped his second load in
Michael's ass. That was the end of round three, and the third orgasm for
each of the boys. "I'm done," Ian said, flopping on the bed, "I know I
still owe you one, but can we wait until morning."

"Ian, there isn't some sexual ledger where we keep track of who tops and
who bottoms, who get the most blowjobs, and who has the most
orgasms. Besides, you're not the only one who can't go again. All that's
left in my balls is cum dust. I'm going to grab some water. Do you want a
bottle?"

"That would be great."

When Michael walked back into the room, he said, "Damn, until just now, I
didn't realize how much this room reeks of sweat and cum right now. It's
too bad this room doesn't have a balcony like the master, so we could open
the door and let the room air out."

"There is a scented candle in the kitchen," Ian said. "We could light it."

"No, then the room will just smell like sweat, cum, and pumpkin
spice. Let's just go to sleep."

As Joe anticipated, the next morning, four o'clock rolled around and Ian
and Michael were not in the kitchen. "Go see whether they are even up," Joe
said to Tyler. Tyler smiled and got a wooden spoon out of a drawer and a
pot from in a cabinet.

Joe said, "Tyler, that's mean."

"Just payback for all the jokes they made yesterday as my expense."

"Don't come crying to me when they retaliate," Joe said, and shook his
head.

The next thing Joe heard was the banging of the pot, and Tyler yelling,
"Get up sleepy heads." Followed by "Holy crap, it stinks in here! Did the
NOSU football team sneak in for a late night orgy!?"

Twenty-minutes later, the boys were showered and Joe was serving them
coffee and a roll. Tyler walked up behind them and sniffed. Then said,
"Well, Charles won't notice, but Mindy's going to know the minute she is
within three feet of either of you."

Ian sniffed Michael and said, "I don't smell anything."

"Of course not," Tyler said, "I'm also sure a skunk doesn't think he stinks
either. We learned about it in biology. It's called olfactory fatigue. It's
when you get so used to a smell, you no longer notice it. It's actually
pretty beneficial if you're a hog farmer or a skunk."

It was all Joe could do not to laugh and ruin Tyler's fun. Finally, he
said, "Grab some coffee if you want it. We need to be on our way."

All the way down on the elevator, Ian and Michael were sniffing each other.

They grabbed their bags from the pickup and went to wait in the lobby for
the car to arrive. Their car was actually the first to arrive at the
airport. A few minutes later, the other car pulled up and when she got out,
Mindy, "Someone whose name we won't mention, couldn't haul HIS ass out of
bed this morning, and.... Hey, what is that smell?" Ian and Michael turned
beet red. Tyler started to laugh uncontrollably.

Mindy looked at him and said, "I think I'm missing a punch line."

Tyler said, "I'll explain when we get inside." Now a look of panic came
over Ian's and Michael's faces.

Joe grabbed Michael by the arm, and said, "No, you won't," and the boys
breathed a sigh of relief.

Mindy smiled and said, "Must be some crude guy joke. What I was about to
ask was whether that was coffee I smelled?"

"It is," Joe said and handed Mindy his spare cup of coffee. "Here, I'm sure
once we are in the air the steward will be making coffee."

While they were talking, a jet was taxiing in their direction. When it
stopped, the door hatch opened and a steward stepped out to load the
bagages. Once on board, everyone found a comfortable seat and most slept,
read, or listened to music on the first leg of the flight. They landed in
Nova Scotia to refuel before flying on to Edinburgh.

When the jet took off again, Charles directed Joe to a secluded spot at the
back of the plane for a private conversation. "Three days ago," Charles
said, "one of our operators was running a routine random check on the
pipeline control system. One of the valves didn't respond correctly, so he
turned in a work order. It turns out we've been hacked and the entire
system can be shut down. Not just our system, but also the system of three
other distributors were also hacked. We are currently running the system
with human eyes on every critical control. The National Weather Service is
predicting a major late season winter storm to hit the Great Lakes and
Northeast early next week. Homeland Security believes the hackers intended
to disrupt the supply of natural gas during the storm."

"Should you be telling me this?" Joe asked.

"Yes, as a major stockholder, a member of the Board of Directors, a senior
Sinclair family member, there is probably no way you wouldn't eventually
find out. More importantly, remember the corporate continuity plan you
signed off on at the last Executive Board meeting."

"Sure. I vaguely remember that. It allows either you or David to assume
total executive power if something happens to the other."

"Yes, and if something happens to both of us, that power falls to you."

"Charles, I don't remember that part. Did you pull something over on me?"

"Sort of. That clause was buried pretty deeply. We knew you would resist
signing it, but if something happened, you wouldn't think twice about
stepping up and protecting the company and the family."

Joe nodded and said, "I guess I'd better start bringing my own attorney to
these meetings. So why are you telling me this now?"

"For the next couple of weeks, you may notice some of Mindy's security guys
lurking around. We haven't detected any threats to the family or employees,
but we are playing it safe."

"Well, as long as they aren't hiding cameras in our bedroom."

Charles laughed, then said, "I need to raise another issue with you, Kent
Walters."

"What about Kent?" Joe asked suspiciously.

"Do you know he is looking to start a cybersecurity company?"

"Yes, he and I have talked about it. I've even told him that I would
provide him with startup capital. How do you know about Kent?"

"That guy you and Tyler ran into on your honeymoon, Jason McPherson, it
turns out Walters has also been talking to him. During a preliminary
interview, it came up that Walters was recruiting him for a security
startup."

"I hope you don't think that Kent and I are trying to plant a mole in
Sinclair Energy," Joe said.

"Hell no," Charles said with a chuckle. "From what I've been told, if Kent
Walters wants to know anything about Sinclair Energy, including the size of
David's and my cock, he can find it on his own." Now it was Joe's turn to
laugh. Charles continued, "Our previous cybersecurity company it turns out
was a joke, and I fired them. According to the preliminary independent
audit I got yesterday, we are very vulnerable. I'm hoping you can persuade
Walters to take Sinclair Energy on as his first client."

"Well let's see," Joe said and pulled out his phone. After connecting to
the jet's cabin connectivity, Joe called Kent back in Salt Fork. After ten
minutes of conversation, Joe hung up and said, "He'll take Sinclair on
provisionally, with the following conditions: One, he gets immediate access
to the audit and the system so he can do his own assessment. Two, I
financially back him for a stake in the company, to which I have already
agreed. Three, an acceptable financial arrangement can be reached. Four,
you let him have Jason McPherson."

"Agreed," Charles said. They then wrote the conditions on paper, both
signed it, and sent a photo of the document to Kent, David, and Sinclair's
legal department. Charles then called David and told him to personally see
that Kent had access to the computer system and access to whatever
personnel he needed to get started.

"Thanks," Charles said.

The steward came to ask whether Charles and Joe were ready for
lunch. "Absolutely," Charles said. At Halifax Airport, meals had been
loaded while the plane was being refueled. Rather than arranging for
airline food, Mindy and the steward took orders and for pick up from the
A&W located in the terminal. Joe ordered a chicken wrap with sweet potato
fries; Charles ordered a Papa Burger with a side of poutine. When she
handed Charles his order, Mindy said to Joe, "I wish I could get him to eat
sensibly."

"This might be the last good meal I get before we return," Charles
said. "For all we know even the wedding cake will be made of haggis."

"Charles!" Mindy scolded.

"It's true!" he retorted "The Scots make two good things: whiskey and
tape."

Joe laughed, and said, "Well, they don't even make the tape."

From the front of the jet, Ian said, "I heard those wisecracks about
whiskey, haggis wedding cake, and Scotch Tape."

Charles laughed, and said, "Sorry about that Ian, but if you can name one
Scottish food served in a fine restaurant, I'll eat a bowl of haggis."

"Black Angus Ribeye Steak," Ian said with a smile. "In fact, I hear that
some of the best restaurants in America have built their reputations on
Black Angus beef and Scotch Whiskey."

"Oh shit!" Charles said, and the cabin of the jet filled with laughter.

"That's okay." Ian said. "You don't have to eat the haggis. I know plenty
of Scots who would agree with you about that dish."

"No way!" Michael said. "He doesn't get off that easy."

"So, what would you have your dear old dad do?"

Michael and Ian started whispering, and finally Charles said, "Come on, my
poutine is getting cold."

Michael said, "Since we all agree that Angus beef and Scotch, and I'm going
to add seafood, Scotland's contribution to fine dining, your substitute for
not eating a bowl of haggis, is to take the Sinclair and Ramsay clans to
the Hawkmoor in Edinburgh."

Charles smiled and said, "That's a deal. You can call and make the
reservations," and Charles handed Michael his personal credit card.

"You know that Michael is going to make that an expensive meal."

"Yeah, and worth every penny," Charles said with a smile.

As they ate Charles and Joe continued to talk. "I have a question," Charles
said, "and I hope it's not too personal and you don't take it the wrong
way."

"Okay," Joe said a bit hesitantly.

"How long are you going to continue to teach? Don't get me wrong, I
absolutely admire that you have followed your calling and done so much for
so many kids, but I thought you were going to retire."

"That was the plan, but things changed. Watching Tyler grow as a teacher
and a coach has been one of the most rewarding things in my life, but as
much as I don't want to admit it, I can't keep splitting myself between
Salt Fork and Sinclair Energy. Also, I want to travel."

"So, what are you going to do?"

"A couple of weeks ago, I had a talk with the principal and the athletic
director...You have to promise me you won't say anything about what I am
going to tell you. I haven't told Tyler yet."

"Of course," Charles said.

Joe looked around the cabin to make sure no one would overhear their
conversation.

"I told them that next year will be my last year teaching. I also told them
I want to continue to coach baseball until 2Coop graduates, since I kind of
promised that I would be his coach. They agreed to that plan."

"That will mean a lot to 2Coop and Cooper. 2Coop can't wait to get to Salt
Fork. I think things have gotten worse for him when it got out they were
moving."

"Really? If things get intolerable, I have an extra bedroom and he can stay
with me until their house is ready to move in. We could get him enrolled at
Salt Fork and he can start making friends."

"I think that's a great offer," Charles said. "Let me run it by Mindy. If
she thinks it is a good idea, we'll call Cooper and Sally to let them know
they have an option for the rest of the year. So, what are your plans when
you are finished with teaching and coaching?"

"I hope that by then Tyler has had success as a teacher and coach and feels
like he can move on. I want to travel, and I want to..."

Charles put his fingers in his ears and began to sing. Joe burst into
laughter.

Glenarch House

It was midnight when the Sinclair clan descended on The Caledonian
Hotel. When Mindy booked the rooms, the suite she booked for Joe, Tyler,
Ian, and Michael had two bedrooms separated by a living room. One of the
rooms had a queen size bed and the other had two twin beds. The boys tried
to claim the queen bed, but Joe just laughed. "You might as well get used
to twin beds because that's what the NOSU dorms have."

"Are there plans for tomorrow?" Michael asked.

"Not really," Joe said, "I think the plan is to get over the jet lag, and
adjust to the new time. Why?"

"Our narrow canal boat is almost done, and we'd like to go see it.  I'm
sure mom and dad want to see it too, but we'd really like it if the two of
you could be there also. If dad starts picking it apart or saying it's a
waste of money...I don't know what I'll do, but I'm sure it will be
dramatic."

Without giving Joe a choice Tyler said, "Of course, we'll be there. If need
be, I distract Charles with my patented goofy act, and Joe will charm Mindy
into supporting you. There is no way that your father can resist you and
your mother. Then you throw in the Scottish lad's leprechaun magic, and
before you know it, Charles will be asking where he can get a narrow boat
of his own."

Joe chuckled, "I'm sure Charles won't dare piss on your boat, but Tyler's
right he will be out number and know when he can't win, of course if it
were your Uncle David, that would be a different story. Oh, and Tyler,
before Ian has to correct you for the hundredth time--leprechauns are
Irish, not Scottish."

"Irish, Scottish, it doesn't matter," Michael said, "All I know is this one
is magically delicious." Then he kissed Ian.

"Get a room," Tyler said, "oh wait, you have a room. Why are you two still
here?"

When the boys were gone, Tyler closed the door and said, "So, so tiger,
what do you want to do?"

"Cuddle up and go to sleep."

"Thank you! You don't know how much I was hoping that's what you were going
to say."

The two stripped off their clothes and climbed between the sheets. Almost
from the first time they'd spent the night together, Joe had been the big
spoon and Tyler had been the little spoon. Perhaps it had been Tyler's need
for reassurance and security, or Joe's age and authority, but this was the
pattern they developed and it what felt most natural. A few time they had
reversed roles, but in those instances Tyler could not drift into the
carefree sleep of that refreshes both the body and the mind.

As he slept, Tyler's dreams were vivid and seemed so real. When he
discovered he could fly, it was the most exhilarating and empowering
experience his subconscious could conjure. It wasn't the first time he's
had this dream and past adventures had left him with a knowledge of how to
control his flight and soon he was another creature of the sky.

Eventually his dream of flight morphed into another dream and then
another. That night was a festival of Tyler's subconscious favorites. To
his amazement, Tyler even seemed to stand outside of himself and enjoy the
dreams in both first and second person simultaneously. As the dreams
progressed his observer self noticed that the dreams of his childhood were
giving way to adolescence and then early manhood. He dreamed of his friends
in Ames, winning the starting quarterback position, the State Championship,
his first time with Joe...

Even in his deep sleep, Tyler sensed that his subconscious was in control
of not just his mind, but also his body. He knew his cock was stiffening
and he knew the consequences of giving control to the dreamweaver. But, as
much as he wanted to wake up, as much as he wanted to regain control, sleep
rendered him helpless. A voice screamed, "You're going to cum. You're going
to debase your Superman PJs again. Your mom is going to find out."

Tyler's eyes snapped open and the sunlight streaming through the window
momentarily blinded him. The dream was gone, but not the urgent need to
cum. Instantly, Tyler became aware that it wasn't the dream controlling his
cock, but his lover. Joe's lips were wrapped around his cock and Joe's
fingers were teasing his hole.

Nothing could stop the express train bearing down on Tyler. He pushed his
head back and grabbed his pillow with both hands. He sucked in a deep
breath and held it as his cock filled Joe's mouth over and over. Joe lost
track of the number of times Tyler shot, and Tyler had lost even the
ability to count. It was as if in his dream flights, Tyler had pierced the
boundary between atmosphere and space and was now free to soar among the
stars.

Tyler reached down and grabbed a fist full of Joe's hair and gently pulled
him up until they were eye to eyes. As they stared into each other's souls,
Joe parted his lips and let a drop of Tyler's last burst fall onto his
lover's lips. Tyler's tongue collected the drop then pulled Joe down for a
deep and grateful kiss.

Joe looked down at Tyler, and said, "Come on stud, let's go get something
to eat."

"But you haven't..."

Joe again kissed Tyler, then said, "I like holding onto IOUs that only your
ass can collect."

Tyler smiled, and retorted, "I hope you are charging me a stiff interest
rate."

Joe laughed, "Your innuendos are almost as corny as Ian's. The two of you
could write for a game show host."

"Only if it's `You Bet Your Ass'."

"That's enough. Let's grab a shower."

As hard as he tried, Joe didn't let Tyler stroke his cock while they
showered. At one point Joe grabbed Tyler's balls, gave a little squeeze,
and whispered in his ear, "Down boy, I'm saving this load for tonight."
Then just to drive Tyler crazy, Joe stuck his tongue into his ear and gave
his balls another little squeeze.

The Narrow Boat

Since they missed the hotel breakfast, Joe found a cafe that looked like a
compromise between Scottish and American ideals of a good breakfast. He
sent Tyler off to check on the boys, while he called Mary and Claudia to
see if they were interested in joining them for breakfast. As it turned
out, they had gone out with Charles and Mindy to do some shopping.

As he hung up his phone, Tyler came back looking extremely
embarrassed. "What's the matter?" Joe asked.

"I should have knocked. I thought I would wake them up; they were still in
bed, but they weren't sleeping."

Joe burst into laughter.

"It's not funny," Tyler said. "I may have scarred them for life. I know
I'll never unsee that."

"I'm sure it's not that big of a deal."

"I don't know, the look on Ian's face... I mean, how would you feel if they
walked in on us?"

Joe smiled, "Well, you'd better make sure the door is locked tonight or you
might just find out."

"Fuck!" Tyler said.

When Ian and Michael joined Joe and Tyler in the suite's living room, Tyler
and the boys couldn't look at each other. "Well this should be fun," Joe
said. "Maybe some breakfast will help restore normality in our little
family."

When the taxi arrived to take them to the Blue Bear, Tyler climbed in the
front with the driver and Joe was in the back with the boys. Although it
was only a 5-minute drive, the silence made it seem like forever. When the
group was seated they started to look at the menus, then Tyler put his
down, and said, "Boys, I want to tell you how sorry I am for walking in on
you. I thought I would tease you a bit about still being asleep, but as it
turned, I was...well, you know what I was."

"Amazed?" Ian asked, the group broke into laughter and the tension was
broken.

"Of course, you know there will be some form of retribution," Michael said.

"Seriously!? Haven't I suffered enough," Tyler said with his best pouty
face.

"Not by half," Ian said.

"Before this get out of hand," Joe said, "Let's set some ground rules. I
don't want to spend the rest of the Spring Break wondering if Tyler
remembered to lock the door."

Ian whispered in Michael's ear, and he grinned and nodded.

"Okay, these are our terms," Ian said, "Tonight, after we've said goodnight
to the others, we play the drinking version of Never Have I Ever, but only
if Joe also plays."

"Hey," Joe said, "I'm an innocent in this whole fiasco. Besides, this
sounds like it could get dangerous for Tyler and me."

"Come on Uncle Joe," Michael said. "How about we add these rules to the
game. We'll download the questions from the internet, that way they won't
be targeted at any specific person. Any player can take the fifth, but they
have to do an alternate challenge like sing a song or do fifty
crunches. And, the Tulsa rule is extended the Edinburgh--what is said in
Edinburgh, stays in Edinburgh."

Ian added, "Last month both Michael and I turned 18, but we didn't get to
really celebrate because of Oklahoma's moronic alcohol laws."

"Alright," Joe said, "but I reserved the right to end the game anytime
things get out of control."

Ian Michael both grinned, and Ian said, "This is going to be fun."

"Are you sure this is a good idea," Tyler asked Joe.

"What's the matter?" Joe responded, "Are you hiding some dark secret you're
too ashamed to say out loud."

"No!...maybe."

"Don't be a wimp." Joe said. "I should be the one who is worried. I have a
lifetime of bad decisions, experimentation, and unfortunate circumstances
in my vault."

The conversation ended when the waiter came to take their orders. Joe
ordered a ham and cheese omelet, Tyler and Michael each ordered French
toast and bacon, but Ian went for the full Scottish breakfast. Of course
everyone ordered coffee.

After the waiter brought the coffee, Tyler asked Ian, "Seriously, how do
you Scots call that a breakfast. I get the eggs and bacon, but who eats
haggis, blood sausage, beans, and roasted tomatoes for breakfast."

"People who work for a living," Ian shot back with a snark. Then he smiled
and said, "Actually, what we call the Full Scottish Breakfast, is really a
brunch menu. Most days we eat a much lighter breakfast. Throughout the
U.K. and Ireland you will find local variants of this brunch. The Welch
Breakfast has what they call laverbread, which is actually boiled seaweed,
and cockles."

"We never really asked you if there were foods you were missing," Joe
said. "Are there things you would like us to try making?" Joe asked.

"Not really," Ian said, "My palette has been pretty Americanized. It's not
hard to satisfy any teenage boy in the world when the essence of your
national cuisine is sugar and salt mixed with protein or starch and then
fried."

"Oooh," Michael said, "Culinary burn."

Joe said, "There are two American staples that, in my experience, exchange
students either love or hate: American Mac & Cheese and peanut butter."

"I like them both," Ian said, "but I do understand why some exchange
students don't like the Mac & Cheese. American Mac and Cheese has
standardized to all look and taste like it's made by Kraft: orange-yellow
and cheez-whizzee. As one of my friends said, `It tastes like it came from
a box'."

"Box Mac & Cheese is to the United States what Ramen is to Japan: cheap,
easy to make, and requires no refrigeration," Michael said. "My history
teacher told us about how ramen became a Japanese staple after WWII when
there was a failure of the rice crop and America flooded the nation with
cheap wheat to prevent famine. The other similarity is that you can either
eat either of them plain or mix in a variety of other ingredients."

"I ate a lot of Mac & Cheese growing up," Tyler said, "and it was one of
the first things I learned to make for myself. I thought Mac & Cheese and
peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches were the bomb. So why don't some
pexchange students like peanut butter?"

"I think for most Europeans, it's a new taste and some people have a hard
time enjoying new foods, just like you (Ian pointed to Tyler) and blood
sausage, or as it's properly called, black pudding," Ian said. "However,
the French are just snobs. If they didn't invent it, it can't be good. My
father says, `every French chef thinks his ass tastes like chocolate
eclairs'."

"Hmm, I thought that was a Scottish dessert," Michael said with a smile.

After lunch, they headed off to the boatyard to see Michael's and Ian's new
narrow boat. The yard foreman met them at the gate and led them to the
boat. On the way, he said, "You're here at a good time. We just put her in
the water last week and have finished the preliminary inspection. If you
want, I can have one of the lads take you for a little test jaunt. We can't
go too far until she's certified, but you can get a sense of what she's
like."

The boys' excitement was soon dampened when the neared the boat and saw
Charles talking to Ian's brother Jerod.

The foreman said, "Hop aboard and give it the once over. I'll go find a
boatmaster to take you out."

"Where's mom?" Michael asked.

"She still had some shopping to do and errands to run. So, she, said she'd
see it later in the week if that's okay."

"Sure, have you and Jerod had a look?" Michael asked.

"No," Charles said, "That honor belongs to you and Ian."

The boys smiled and stepped on board, and then kissed. Even Charles had to
smile.

While the boys checked out their boat. Charles said, "Jerod, it is my
understanding that you have been the boys' local representative on this
project."

"Yes," Jerod said.

"Is this what they call a narrow boat?"

"Not really. This is a 65-foot x 11-foot, Euro-cruiser, stern wide beam,"
Jerod said with some hesitation. "Is that a problem?"

"I don't know," Charles said, then turned to Joe and Tyler. "Did either of
you know this was the boat they are getting."

"No," Joe said, and Tyler shook his head.

"I hope I didn't do anything wrong," Jerod said, very concerned. "The day
before they were supposed to sign the deal on the narrow boat, this hull
became available at nearly the same price. When I told Michael that, he
switched to this boat. I thought he had the authority to do that. I am so
sorry."

Charles smiled and said, "You did nothing wrong. Michael's money is his,
and he has complete authority through the Trust his grandfather created to
spend it however he wants without mine or his mother's permission."

"I am betting, that's why he so much wanted Tyler and me to be here when he
showed you the boat," Joe said.

"Let me guess. Tyler was supposed to entertain me, while you worked on
Mindy."

"Something like that," Joe said.

"I don't know if I should be pissed or proud," Charles said. "The kid knows
what he wants, and he goes out to get it."

Tyler said, "This isn't really my place, but from everything I have seen of
Michael, you have every reason to be proud."

Charles said, "Damn Joe, I like this guy. Marrying him was the smartest
thing you have ever done."

"I won't disagree," Joe said with a smile.

"Of course, just because I'm proud of the boy, doesn't mean he gets a free
pass."

"Just be careful," Joe cautioned. "Michael may not want to join Sinclair
Energy, but it's important to him that you believe he has the same head for
business as his brothers."

"I see. So Jerod, can you act?"

"A bit."

Just then, Ian and Michael stepped back onto the stern deck, and Charles
raised his voice, "So, did you convince my son to buy this boat? How much
commission are you getting?"

Michael immediately ran over to Charles and said, "Daddy, stop. Jerod
didn't convince me to do anything. I did it because it makes sense."

"Why does it make sense?"

"Because..." Michael looked at Ian. Ian nodded and then took Michael's
hand.

"Because, after NOSU, I am thinking about doing graduate work at the
University of Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh is one of the top
universities in the world, and it would be a great place to pursue my
interests."

"What does this have to do with buying this boat?"

"Jerod can tell you, Edinburgh is not a cheap place to live. So, I thought,
since we are buying a boat, it would be where Ian and I can live. However,
the more I thought about it, the more cramped living on a narrow boat
seemed. So when Jerod said this boat was available, I decided to take
it. Jerod will live on the boat and take care of it while getting his law
degree. Ian and I can use it in the summers. Then if we decide to do
graduate work here, we already have a place. If our plans change, we can
sell the boat. A larger boat designed for year-round living I think will
have a better resale than a vacation boat."

Charles stood silent for a bit, then said, "That is damn smart business
thinking. Are you sure you want to study history? I bet Eduburgh has a
graduate degree program in Economics." Charles then grabbed both Michael
and Ian and pulled them in for a hug.

After a bit Charles said, "Normally, I would tell kids your age, to take it
easy. Things change. First loves don't always last. However, in my heart I
can't say that to the two of you. From your first meeting, to Joe and Tyler
inviting Ian to live with them, you two seem to have destiny."

Michael said, "Come on dad. Let us show you the boat."

At the front of the boat was the master bedroom. It had glazed double doors
that opened onto the bow and a king size bed. "Now I know why you wanted
this boat," Tyler said, Charles started to sing, and the boys blushed.

The bathroom had a large shower and very modern fixtures. "I really like
the interior design of this place," Joe said, "It's modern and simple. It
feels like a place for young professionals." Next to the bath was a utility
room and storage.

Further was the salon. It ran the width of the boat and was at least 12
feet long. On one wall was a free standing gas stove for taking the chill
off. "We're thinking of a sofa bed for when you and Mindy come to visit,"
Ian said. Charles laughed, and said, "That may be fine for Joe and Tyler,
but there are plenty of nice hotels in Edinburgh for us to stay at. I am
sure the thought of his mother just down the hall will throw Michael off of
his game, and you sure don't want to hear the OSU fight song every night."

"You are a wise man, sir," Ian said.

"We'll have to work on what you should call me, but sir is not going to fly
if you are my son's boyfriend."

The last room was the galley, it had all of the necessity, and a few of the
luxurious, of a kitchen on land. The galley had double doors that opened
onto the stern deck where a table or small grill could be set up when the
boat wasn't moving.

When they finished walking through the boat, a boatman was ready to take
them on a small cruise. He explained how the craft operated and even let
the boys take the tiller. He also said that he would be available to take
them on a shake down day cruise at the beginning of the summer to show them
how to operate the boat and navigate the canals. Before leaving he gave
them a copy of the operators manual to study.

Standing on the stern deck, Charles said, "Michael and Ian, this is a great
place and a smart investment. It would be hard to find a reasonably priced
apartment this nice in any major U.S. city, and I'm sure the same is true
for Edinburgh. And Jerod, thank you for helping them get this. Of course,
now comes the real test, you have to show your mother the boat tomorrow. I
am not going to tell her anything about it, so she will be chomping at the
bit in the morning."

"Are you going to be there?" Michael asked.

"Nope, neither is Joe or Tyler. I'm taking them, rather they're taking me
to that kilt shop. Your grandfather had the entire regalia, but for some
reason, neither of us were that interested in the family's Scottish
heritage. However, that has changed recently." Charles put an arm around
Michael, and he smiled from ear to ear.

Never Have I Ever

Michael and Ian downloaded the questions from the web, cut them into strips
and got one of the ice buckets to hold them.

"Okay," Joe said, "everyone remember the most important rule: I can stop
the game at any time. Are we clear?"

The three nodded, and grabbed a beer from the fridge. Ian chose the first
question: Never have I ever been in handcuffs, for any reason. Tyler took a
sip, and Ian said. "Kinky."

"Hey, don't look at me," Joe said. "But I definitely want to hear this
story."

"When I was a Junior in high school, we'd just won the conference
championship and went out to celebrate. I had too much beer and decided to
walk home rather than risk driving.  I was walking down Main St. in Ames
when the town cop saw me stumble and face-plant on the sidewalk. He picked
me up and took me home. Unfortunately, mom wasn't home because she had
picked up a second job working the late shift at the Cenex. So the asshole
cuffed me to the front porch and wrote his cell number on my forehead. Mom
was so pissed he did that, she forgot to punish me.

Tyler drew the next question: Never have I ever been invited to a
threesome.

Joe took a sip from his bottle.

"Okay, fess up," Tyler said.

"I was presenting at a coaches conference. One of the guys in my session
spent most of the session flirting with me. He was a cocky boy, and he sat
on the front row and spread his legs to show me the outline of his cock in
his coaching shorts. That night, he found me and after a bit of chat and a
few beers, he asked if I wanted to join him and his girlfriend up in their
room."

Joe reached for the next question.

"Wait! Wait! You haven't finished the story," Tyler said.

Joe smiled and said, "The question was whether I had been invited to the
threesome; not whether I accepted."

"You can't leave us hanging." Ian said.

Joe smiled, and read the next question: Never have I ever kissed an animal.

All four took a drink, and at once said, "my dog."

Tyler said, "Ian, are you sure it was a dog, and not a lamb?"

"I can't believe you just went for a sheep joke," Ian moaned.

What's the difference between Mick Jagger and a Scottish Highlander?

"What's the difference between Mick Jagger and a Scotsman," Tyler joked,
"Mick Jagger sings, "Hey you, get off of my cloud, but a Scottish
Highlander yells, "Hey McCloud, get off of my ewe!"

"Game on Okie wanker," Ian said and drew another question: Never have I
ever had a sugar daddy.

"Hell yeah, I'll own that," Tyler said, and took a drink.

"You know, so will I," Ian said and took a drink. "Although, I have a sugar
brother from another mother."

Michael drew: Never have I ever dated or hooked up with someone 5 years
younger.

Joe smiled and chugged his beer, and said, "Every night.Then he took
Tyler's hand and said "Time for a new game." Just before he closed the door
to the bedroom, Joe said, "Anyone, opens this door, gets his ass kicked."
Then he winked, and the boys smiled.

*********************

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