This story may occasionally include explicit depictions of sexual acts between consenting adult males. If you are underage or it is illegal to view this for any reason, consider yourself warned. If you find this material offensive, please leave.
This story is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to people, living or dead, is entire a coincidence. As the author, I retain all rights to this story, and it cannot be reproduced or published without explicit consent from me. This work is copyright © 2016 by Steven Wells.
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Sam and Chris
"How is Frank, Daniel?" Sawyer asked as he grabbed our food from the pasta place.
"He's awesome," Daniel replied.
"Sounds like this might become serious," Glen added.
"I think they are beyond `might become serious,'" I said.
"He told me he loved me," Daniel said with a huge smile on his face. "In front of Chris and Sam nonetheless."
"Wedding?" Harrison asked. "When will the wedding happen? Where? This could be the wedding of the century!"
"Ignore Harrison, Daniel," Tom added. "He's certifiably nuts."
"The vodka I used to consume pickled my brain," Harrison replied.
"Among other things," Tom said as he kissed Harrison on the cheek. "Since he gave up the vodka, I've been very fond of his very, very, very hard and big pickle."
"Are you calling my dick a pickle, Tom?" Harrison asked.
"It is usually hard and big," Tom replied. "What more could I want?"
"I should be off to class," I said to the group. "I need to do some reading before the class begins."
"I can walk with you, Sam," Daniel suggested.
"Sure," I agreed as we both tossed our trash in the trash receptacle.
"What's on your mind, Daniel?" I asked as we began our walk to my next class.
"My younger brother called," Daniel began. "Landry his name is Landry - is in his senior year in high school. He wants to visit so we can talk. I'm fairly certain I know what he wants to talk about."
"The topic is?" I asked.
"I am almost certain he's gay," Daniel continued. "I see another storm brewing. Do you have any suggestions to help him until he is out of my parents' house?"
"Where does he want to go to college?" I asked.
"He has mentioned UIUC," Daniel replied. "He has thought about Northwestern and Harvard."
"If he decides to attend UIUC, we might find some financial aid if your parents cut him off as they did you," I replied.
"I told him to bring anything like his computer and legal information in case he is thrown out before he returns home," Daniel explained. "My parents told him not to contact me by any means. This could be sticky. My brother needs to pay for a ticket without my parents' knowledge."
"We can arrange his flight for him," I offered. "We need information such as his birthday, driver's license, and social security number. Does he have a car?"
"Yes," Daniel replied with a smile. "He won't have once the `rents figure out they have two gay sons."
"Tell him not to worry," I said. "Were your parents violent when they found out you were gay?"
"My dad slapped me several times, punched me in the gut, and kicked me when I fell to the floor," Daniel replied. "So, yea, he was violent. My mother just wailed."
"I know your brother is in Maryland, but talk to Jeffery Harris-LeBlanc," I suggested as I pulled his contact information off his phone and e-mailed it to Daniel. "He's had experience in situations such as your brother's."
"Thanks, Sam," Daniel replied. "I don't want my brother hurt like I was."
"I'll have Chris talk to his grandfather," I added. "His grandfather knows someone in almost any area you can think of."
"Thanks, Sam," Daniel said. "I really appreciate talking with you."
"Any time, Daniel," I said as I hugged him. "Don't worry. We will get your brother out of your parents' house when the time comes. I'll see you tomorrow."
My class sucked. I couldn't get Daniel's brother out of my mind. On the way out of the classroom, I called Chris, "Chris! I caught you. I didn't know if you were busy with meetings."
"I'm free," Chris replied. "Something up?"
"Daniel's brother, Landry, wants to talk to Daniel in person," I began. "Daniel suspects his brother is gay. His parents told him not to contact Daniel. So, you see the problem."
"Clear as a bell," Chris replied. "Will we be involved in another runaway situation?"
"Probably," I replied. "Could you call your grandfather and ask him if he knows an attorney in the DC area?"
"He definitely knows someone," Chris replied. "They have a DC office. It has about 200 attorneys in the office. "Let me give him a call. I'll I will let you know what he says. We should meet at Starbucks."
"I'll be there in fifteen minutes," I replied as I shut off the phone.
I arrived at Starbucks and selected a seat by the window. I retrieved a dark roast and pulled out my laptop.
I saw Chris walk through the door with his usual energy. "Hello, Chris." I stood and gave him a big kiss.
"How is the rescue business?" I asked with a smile.
"My grandfather has an attorney in the DC office who volunteers as an advocate for the gay community, especially teenagers," Chris explained. "His name is Dirk Edwards. My grandfather is sending Mr. Edward's contact information to me. We need to send him the contact information for Daniel's brother."
"Terrific!" I replied.
"Mr. Edwards can use one of the company planes to transport Landon if necessary," Chris added. "We should buy a plane."
"Chris," I began. I was calm. "We have gone over this before many times. We will NOT buy a plane anytime soon. Capisce?"
"Yes, I do understand," Chris said. "I don't like it, but I understand it. One day I will walk in the door and say, `Honey, I bought a plane!'"
"If you do, Chris," I added. "You will be sleeping in your plane alone."
"Got it, Sam," Chris said as he added a kiss.
~~~~~
"Have you heard from your brother, Daniel?" I asked as we sat in the pasta place after our workout.
"We talk almost every day," Daniel said. "Landry spilled his dirty little secret to me yesterday. He's gay. He's scared the `rents will find out before he is ready for them to find out. Landry has collected the legal papers and is working on putting some stuff in a duffle bag. He's talked to Mr. Edwards several times. Mr. Edwards wants him out of my parents' house as quickly as possible, and he is prepared to fly here with Landry whenever it's time."
"I'm glad Landry has Mr. Edwards to rely on with this," I said. "Otherwise, Landry would probably be scared shitless."
"I want this to be over as soon as possible," Daniel explained. "Frank and I have turned the guest room into a bedroom for Landry."
"You're lucky, Daniel," Sawyer replied. "Frank is a good man."
"Yea," Daniel added. "I pinch myself every so often in case this is a dream. So far, I haven't woken up."
"Has Landry applied to any colleges yet?" Glen asked.
"He's been accepted at UIUC, Harvard, and Northwestern," Daniel explained. "He thinks he wants to go here. He could get into any college he chooses. He's the top of his class. Six hundred kids and he's on top."
"Good for him," Tom added. "He's living in a hellish situation yet he's Magna Cum Laude. Remarkable!"
"How could his parents not be so proud of him? The gay issue shouldn't be an issue," Harrison continued. "I know people have the right to their religion, but to throw away a kid just because he's gay is... is... outrageous!"
"You've explained my parents perfectly: outrageous!" Daniel said. "Not to change the subject, but are you doing any more talks, Sam?"
"Not until summer," I replied. "I am scheduled to present one week of presentations every month. Then, it is over. We do plan to help with our friend Jeffery Harris-LeBlanc's House campaign."
"I have a question which is not relevant to anything in particular," Glen began. "Is anyone planning on grad school?"
"Anything could happen, but I am not planning on grad school at the moment," I replied.
"I just want to get a job and make some money," Harrison added. "I'm not cut out for grad school. The thought of grad school terrifies me."
"We're burnt out from studying, testing, studying, testing," Tom continued.
"Just think," Sawyer added to the mix. "You will be software moguls and own half of the nation's wealth."
"I don't need to own half the nation's wealth," Tom countered. "We want to make a decent living, buy a house, have a couple of kids, and lead a boring life in the city somewhere."
"Trust me, Tom, Harrison," I added. "If you have a couple of kids, nothing, and I mean nothing, about your life will be boring. You will be sleep deprived and involved with the kids. You won't know you are living a boring life until they graduate from college. The last part is some of my father's wisdom."
"What will you do with the house when you finish school?" Daniel asked.
"Probably sell it," I replied. "Would you and Frank be interested in buying it?"
"I couldn't even afford to buy the garage door opener never mind the whole house," Daniel said. "You won't have a problem selling it."
"Will you and Chris settle in Chicago?" Sawyer asked.
"We haven't talked about where we will land," I replied. "We need to be flexible until Chris decides on his career path. I can hang out my shingle as a consultant anywhere."
"By the way, where is Rupert?" Glen asked. "I haven't seen him around much."
"Rupert is pursuing a boyfriend," I replied. "You remember Trevor Harris-LeBlanc? Trevor is pursuing Rupert, too. Rupert wants to help with Jeffery's campaign."
"Buttering up the `rents?" Sawyer asked.
"Rupert and Trevor do not need to butter up the `rents," I replied. "The `rents have already approved of the first man in Trevor's life."
"Have you ever thought of moving back to your home town, Sam?" Sawyer asked.
"No," I replied. "It's nice, but it is way too quiet. Chris's only option for employment would be to teach. I don't believe he is cut out for teaching."
"Who's not cut out for teaching?" Chris asked as he sauntered to our table.
"You," I replied. "We were talking about where we might land after school is over. Sawyer asked if we might go back to my hometown. Hence the comment about you and teaching."
"You never know what lies ahead, Sam," Chris said with a smile. "A little birdie sent an e-mail to me and attached a job posting for a music teacher at your old high school."
I looked at Chris with squinty eyes. "You are not serious, are you?"
"Why not?" Chris asked. "Life is less complicated there. Besides, the music teacher directs the band, chorus, and performance activities. It might be fun."
"You've got to be kidding?" I asked still not knowing whether he was serious or not.
"No," Chris replied. "Wouldn't you like to move back to your hometown?"
"No," I replied. "What would I do? I can't exactly run a software company from the middle of nowhere."
"You could develop real estate," Chris added. "I know someone who is looking for a partner."
"You know someone from my hometown who wants to develop real estate?" I asked. "How do you know this person? And what real estate needs developing in Olney?"
"Carter Milford," Chris replied. "You remember him. He and his husband were at our wedding."
"Of course, I know Carter and Remi," I replied. "When and how did they land in Olney?"
"Remi took a job teaching physics at the college," Chris replied. "Carter had only a few options to choose from. So, he and a partner are developing Organic Farms corporate office complex as well as satellite office parks, a hotel property, and an apartment complex."
"When did this happen?" I asked.
"Right after Wayfair announced it planned to open a call center there," Chris replied. "Wayfair is also considering adding a distribution center nearby."
"Why didn't someone tell me?" I asked.
"You didn't ask," Chris replied. "The little birdie told me Organic Farms will bring about 400 corporate jobs to their offices. Wayfair is adding about 500 people to the call center."
"Who, pray tell, is the little birdie?" I asked.
"Your grandmother," Chris replied. "She also suggested we might be interested in building a house on the lot beside her home."
"We have some significant talking to do when we get home tonight," I replied. "Would you really consider moving to Olney?"
"Sure," Chris replied. "We could have the runway at the local airport extended to handle landing our new jet."
"We will need a new jet if we are to live in never-never-land," I added.
"Of course!" Chris replied.
"If you will excuse us, guys," I began. "Chris and I need to share some information with each other."
"Go for it," Sawyer replied. "Will the new hotel complex be larger than the Motel 6 where we stayed?"
"Yes," Chris replied. "Marriott Springhill Suites. It will have a ball room as well."
"You seem awfully knowledgeable about the inner workings of my hometown, Chris," I said to him in my best `don't fuck with me' voice. "Your sources seem to be extremely willing to give you information not yet ready for public consumption. Why?"
"I have suggested we might be willing to consider investing in some of the development through our venture capital fund," Chris replied. "It would be a small investment, Sam. It won't bankrupt us."
"Christopher Williamson," I said. I tried to keep my voice calm sounding. "We need to talk. Meet me at Starbucks at 3:15 pm after our last class of the day. Come prepared for a comprehensive discussion about what you have gotten us into. Do you understand, Mr. Williamson?"
"Yes, Mr. Williamson," Chris replied with a smile. "Starbucks at 3:15 pm. I will be ready to fight... I mean talk. I need to be getting to my next class. If I am still alive after Sam and I talk, I will see you soon. If not, I won't see you soon."
Chris promptly gathered his backpack and left the group to finish our discussion.
"It this the end of marital bliss as we know it, Sam?" Sawyer asked.
"No," I replied. "He might be missing a sex organ or a limb, but marital bliss will continue unfazed," I replied. "Now, I believe I need to be heading to my next class."
~~~~~
"So, Chris," I began after we settled ourselves into a booth at Starbuck's. "Tell me more about this possible investment. Then, please tell me you have lost your mind, and we are not relocating to my hometown. Also, please tell me why we have a venture capital firm and when it started."
"Do you want the short version or the long version?" Chris asked.
"Long," I replied. "I need details. Lots of details."
"Okay," Chris replied as he settled back in the booth. "The last time we were visiting your parents, your dad told me about some possibly exciting events happening in your hometown. It seems your father is knee deep in promoting the development of Organic Farms corporate headquarters as well as the periphery projects. He is also chairman of the Richland County Economic Development Authority. Philip Harris-LeBlanc played an instrumental role in forming the Economic Development Authority based on some inside information he had from his corporate executives. His corporate executive team at Organic Farms formed their idea and choose Philip to be their onsite messenger."
"Why did my father choose to bestow this insider information on you instead of me?" I asked.
"He asked me to attempt to convince you this would be a good opportunity for me and you after we graduate," Chris replied. "Did it work?"
"What's in it for me?" I asked.
"You could be the official computer guru for the area," Chris replied. "Or, you could start your own website development business. It's also cheaper to live in your hometown than in Chicago."
"And you would be happy teaching high school music?" I asked.
"Yes," Chris replied. "Your father assured me the position would afford me time to write or perform from time-to-time."
"How much does this teaching position pay?" I asked.
"Seventy-five thousand dollars plus additional remuneration for the band, chorus, and theater responsibilities," Chris replied. "So, it would wind up being over one-hundred thousand dollars."
"I am certain you could also convince the UCC church you would make a terrific music director," I added.
"I never thought of being the music director at UCC," Chris replied. "Great idea, Sam."
"What else are you not telling me, Chris?" I asked.
"You remember the plans we had for our dream house?" Chris asked.
"Yes, of course," I replied. "Why?"
"In Chicago, we would spend about three million dollars on building it—mostly because of the cost of the land," Chris explained. "If we put it on the five-acre lot beside your grandmother's house, it would cost less than half of that figure."
"You've been plotting, Chris," I said.
"I've been planning," Chris replied.
"Plotting or planning," I began. "It really doesn't matter... I actually like the idea. I saw a Chicago based website development firm for sale. I could move the entire operation down south. We may need two jets, Chris. We could use them as charter planes for business people coming down for meetings. And I would hope we could convince the hotel portion of the operation to upgrade the Springhill Suites to a full-service Marriot. Also, where would we live while the house is being built?"
"Do you think we are over-planning this?" Chris asked.
"Yes," I replied. "But over-planning is what we do. We don't like surprises. Although, Donny was a surprise. And the first two dogs were sort of a surprise. Simon definitely surprised us. Then we have the twins. So, maybe we don't over-plan."
"How big is this website design business you want to buy?" Chris asked.
"Only ten people," I replied. "They do a lot of websites for high-profile musicians, actors, dancers, theaters, producers, directors, and so forth."
"Does this translate to expensive websites?" Chris asked.
"Yup," I replied. "I'm in this for the money, honey. Can we keep the condo in Chicago?"
"Sure," Chris replied. "You are asking because you already feel overwhelmed with moving back to your hometown?"
"Yes," I admitted. "We would feel more comfortable knowing we can dash off to the city whenever we feel the need."
"Is this a done deal?" Chris asked.
"Get the job and it's a done deal," I replied.
"I have an interview next Friday," Chris said.
"Sneaky little bastard," I added.
"You like me being a sneaky little bastard, don't you?" Chris asked as he kissed me.
"Yup," I replied. "I need to take my sneaky little bastard home, punish him, and take a nap."
"Lead the way," Chris replied.
~~~~~
"They offered you the job?" I asked incredulously a week after our Chris's interview. "Just like a snap of the fingers. They offered you the job?"
"Yes," Chris replied. "I dazzled them with my wit and charm. Besides, my grad school advisor, Dr. Bingham, is a friend of the principal. They already interviewed ten other people."
"So, do we need to hire an architect?" I asked.
"I was hoping the architect and contractor would be the two who worked on our house in Champaign," Chris explained. "They are a known entity."
"Do you think they would be interested in doing a house in Olney?" I asked.
"Yes," Chris replied. "Our remodel cost about two-hundred thousand dollars. They each made a tidy profit. So, I suspect they would both want to be considered for a building project which will more than likely top one-million."
"I see your point," I replied. "Are we over building for the town?"
"Probably," Chris replied. "But this is what we want."
"Do you think people will think we are being pompous?" I asked.
"Why would they think we are being pompous?" Chris asked.
"Rich white kid comes home with his black husband and builds a million-dollar house," I explained.
"How would they know it is a million-dollar house?" Chris asked.
"Rumor mill," I replied.
"Out-of-town architect and contractor," Chris added.
"Definite advantage," I said. "Do you think we should be speaking with my parents, your mother, and your grandparents before we make a decision?"
"Probably," Chris replied. "We could just surprise them at our graduation."
"You are mean, Chris," I said with a smile.
"You were going to punish me two weeks ago," Chris whispered as he kissed me. "You didn't. Now we are sitting here in our kitchen. Should we try for now?"
"I'm not certain of this, Chris, but I believe we are about to be attacked by a four-year-old and five dogs," I began. "On the count of three. One... Two... Three..."
A thunderous roar at the top of the stairs brought the thought of nap time to reality.
"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" Donny yelled as he zoomed downstairs. "I did it. I did it!"
As Donny and the dogs slid to a stop in front of us, I asked, "Did what?"
"It," Donny replied.
"What is `it'?" Chris asked.
"I found my mojo," Donny said.
"Your what?" I asked again.
"My mojo," Donny replied. "Ms. Whitmore said we would all find our mojo. I found mine."
"What is a mojo, Donny?" Chris asked.
"Magical power," Donny replied. "You know... how you make things happen you want to happen."
"What did you make happen?" I asked. I was almost afraid to hear what he had found.
"I talked to Mathew and Joshua," Donny replied.
"What did Mathew and Joshua tell you?" Chris asked.
"They wanted you to come upstairs," Donny replied. "They need something."
"What do they need?" I asked.
"I don't know," Donny replied. "You'll need to ask them."
"Do you want to ask Mathew and Joshua what they need, Sam?" Chris asked with a smile.
"Why don't we ask together?" I added. "It could be a bonding experience for all of us."
As Chris, Donny, the dogs, and I entered Mathew and Joshua's room, it was obvious they needed changing.
~~~~~
Chris and I just finished cleaning the kitchen after our Saturday breakfast when Chris's phone rang. "This is Chris," he said as he answered the phone of a number I didn't recognize.
"Chris, this is Dirk Edwards," a voice said through the speaker phone. "I've been trying to reach Daniel, Landry' brother. I need to speak with him."
"We can try to find him, Mr. Edwards," Chris said into the phone. "In the meantime, is there something we can do to help?"
"I have Landry with me now," Mr. Edwards explained. "We are headed to George Washington University Hospital. My husband Richard is a doctor in the ER. He has a team waiting on us to arrive. Landry is pretty badly beaten, but Richard is optimistic he will recover quickly. The Chicago office sent one of the small jets to the U of I airport to take Daniel and Frank here to DC. A car will meet them at Reagan Airport and bring them to GWU Hospital."
"We'll find him," Chris said. "Where do you want him to meet you?"
"George Washington University Hospital Emergency Room," Mr. Edwards replied.
"They'll be there," Chris replied. "We'll call you if we need extra time."
"Thanks Chris," Mr. Edwards replied as he and Chris ended the call.
"Where do you think Daniel could be?" Chris asked.
"I'll ask Frank," I replied as I found Frank's phone number and hit send.
"This is Frank," Frank said as he answered the phone.
"Frank! Mr. Edwards called Chris and me. He was trying to locate Daniel," I said. "Do you know where he might be?"
"He's getting out of the shower now. His phone had died and it's recharging" Frank replied. "Is this about Landry?"
"Yes," I replied. "He found his way to Mr. Edwards' apartment early this morning. They are on their way to the ER at George Washington University Hospital. His husband Richard is a physician there. Apparently, Landry's Dad went off on him, and he wants to see Daniel."
"Hang on," Frank replied. I heard him explaining the situation to Daniel.
"Fucking bastard!" Daniel screamed.
"Tell us what we need to do," Frank said.
"Chris will pick you up and take you to the airport," I said. "When can you be ready?"
"About 15 minutes," Frank said after he asked Daniel.
"Good, the plane should be landing about now at the airport," I explained. "Chris will help you get settled on the plane."
"Thanks, guys," Frank said. "We'll be ready."
Chris hurried off to pick up Daniel and Frank. I stayed behind to run the fort.
"Where is Daddy going?" Donny asked.
"To take Daniel and Frank to the airport," I replied.
"Why are they going to the airport?" Donny asked
"So they can fly to Washington, DC, to be with Daniel's brother," I replied.
"Why?" Donny asked.
"Someone hurt Daniel's brother Landry," I explained. I could see it in Donny's eyes. This quickly developed into a barrage of a hundred questions.
"Who hurt Daniel's brother?" Donny asked.
"His father," I continued.
"Why did Daniel's father hurt Daniel's brother?" Donny asked.
"Daniel's father hurt Daniel's brother because the father found out Daniel's brother was gay," I replied. "Daniel's father doesn't like gay people."
"But, Daniel is gay," Donny replied. "Does Daniel's father want to hurt Daniel, too?"
"People in Washington who are helping Daniel's brother will protect both of them," I added.
"Good," Donny replied. "Did you know Mathew and Joshua want to be doctors when they grow up?"
"No," I replied. "Did Mathew and Joshua tell you they wanted to become doctors?"
"Of course not, Daddy," Donny replied. "Mathew and Joshua told Winthrop and Wallaby. Winthrop and Wallaby told Simon. Simon told me."
"Silly me," I replied. "I should have known the chain of command. Do Lincoln and Roosevelt report to Simon, too?"
"Only if they want to talk to me," Donny replied. "Otherwise, they talk to Winthrop and Wallaby."
"I see," I replied. "Fascinating. Just fascinating."
My phone rang and interrupted my discussion about the dogs talking to one another. "How did the drop-off at the airport workout?"
"Fine," Chris replied. "Daniel is obviously angry at this father. I hope the two don't meet. Daniel seemed ready to rip someone's head off. Frank is trying to restrain him, but it's not working well."
"Maybe Mr. Edwards' husband can give Daniel a Valium or something," I added. "Hopefully the two sides of this argument will not be put in the same room together. It could be deadly."
"Do we need anything before I land at home?" Chris asked.
"Nope," I replied. "I promised Donny a pizza, and we have one in the freezer. We're good."
"I'll be home shortly," Chris replied.
~~~~~
"Have you heard from Daniel and Frank?" Sawyer asked as we sat in the pasta joint after our Tuesday workout.
"Yes," I replied. "Landry suffered severe wounds where his father hit him. Daniel broke down trying to explain the situation, but Landry's condition worsened on Sunday. They almost lost him a couple of times. Internal bleeding from what I understand. They're trying to get him back to Illinois so Daniel and Frank can better take care of him. Landry's father has filed suit for custody of Landry. Mr. Edwards is fighting it. The bastard essentially believes he should be given custody even after he nearly killed his son. One would think it would be an open and shut case, but it doesn't seem to be going well. They are in court today. We might know more this evening. In the meantime, Landry is moving around and getting physical therapy. He's still in pain. This whole issue makes me want to beat the shit out of parents like Daniel and Landry's father. Their mother doesn't fight back. Daniel believes she gets knocked around too."
"Hearing about all of this torment makes me feel extremely lucky our families aren't nuts," Glen replied.
"Tom is my nutcase," Harrison said as he kissed Tom.
"Thanks, sweetie," Tom replied. "Guess who is joining us this morning."
I turned to see Chris stride through the door.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Chris said as he pulled a chair up beside me. "How did the workout go?"
"Sweaty," Sawyer replied. "You need to speak with your husband. He's been gawking at the naked men again. Do you think it might be a character flaw, Chris?"
"Nope," Chris replied. "He's just looking. He always looks at naked men. Especially muscled, good looking, naked men. Have you told the guys about our plans after graduation?"
"Nope," I replied. "I thought I would leave those details to you, Chris. You're the one who hatched this grand plan."
"We've decided to move to Sam's hometown after graduation and begin our lives anew," Chris explained.
Chris's statement caught Sawyer, Glen, Tom, Harrison, and Rupert with forks in front of their mouths.
"You're shitting me," Sawyer finally said as he put his fork on his plate.
"Nope," Chris replied. "I'm taking a job at the high school as a music teacher, band director, chorus director, and drama coach. We're planning on building our dream house on the lot next to Sam's grandmother's home."
"Why in God's name are you moving to Southern Illinois?" Sawyer asked.
"I'm buying a website development business which does websites for musicians, actors, and other show biz types," I explained. "Believe it or not, my hometown is in growth mode. The people who bought my parents' farm are moving their corporate offices into town. Wayfair is opening a call center. So, we decided it will be a little livelier than when I lived there with my parents. Besides, we can build our house for about half of what it would cost to build in Chicago."
"We're keeping the condo in Chicago for a getaway from our country life," Chris added. "Plus, Sam has agreed to finally buy a jet. Of course, we will need to wait until the runways at the local airport are extended."
"A jet?" Sawyer asked. "Doesn't buying a jet take away from the affordability of building a house in your hometown, Sam?"
"We will charter it when we aren't using it," Chris explained.
"Do you need website developers for your website business, Sam?" Harrison asked.
"Yup," I replied. "Looking for a job?"
"Yes," Tom replied. "We're looking for a job, Sir."
"Send me your résumé," I said with a smile. "I could use a few good managers. The four people who come with the business need to stay behind the scenes. They are typical computer geeks."
"The way I see it, Sam," Glen began. "You've found your first three managers. Where do we sign?"
"You're not serious are you, Glen?" Sawyer asked. His vacant look which accompanied our announcement turned to fear.
"Of course," Glen replied.
"What in hell am I supposed to do for a job?" Sawyer asked.
"I'm certain you could find something, Sawyer," Glen added. "Maybe Chris can get you a job teaching business at the high school."
"Or you could get your MBA while the rest of us work," Tom suggested.
"Or you could work with us," I added. "You could be our point man. Make certain clients are happy with our work. Suggest ways to promote the client's brand."
"What about law school?" Rupert asked. "You mentioned getting your law degree as we were on the bench press."
"I might consider it," Sawyer replied. "UIUC law school has a new program. It's a combination of both online and in-class courses. Even the online courses have live discussion groups."
"Then you could be our corporate attorney," I added. "See! Discussion over."
"We need to run," Harrison suggested. "Tom and I need to visit the grocery store. Our cupboards are bare. I do have one question, Sam."
"Shoot," I replied.
"Is there a Whole Foods in your hometown?" Harrison asked.
"No," I replied. "Neither is there a Starbuck's. Things may change if all goes according to plans."
~~~~~
"I believe this means we are really doing this move to my hometown," I said as we sat at the kitchen island waiting for our architect and builder to arrive to discuss our house we want to build.
"Yes," Chris replied. "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"
"Nope," I replied. "I thought when I graduated from high school I would never want to move back there because the area isn't cosmopolitan or diverse enough. It's funny how four years, three kids, and five dogs can make a difference in our outlook on life. I'm looking forward to moving back and helping the community ease into the twenty-first century. Besides, I'm an old married fart by now. You?"
"I'm excited," Chris replied. "It will be a challenge, but the school's music and drama programs attracts a diverse group of students."
The doorbell rang. The roar of feet bounding down the stairs made the house shake.
Tom Donahue and Zach Morgan, our builder and architect for the Champaign house, stood side by side as we opened the door.
"Welcome," I said. "Good to see you both!"
"I understand you have some plans," Tom said as he and Zach followed us to the kitchen island.
"We want your opinion on something before we make a financial commitment," Chris explained. "Have a seat. What can we get the two of you to drink?"
"Water would be wonderful," Tim replied.
"Same," Zach agreed.
Once we were settled, I pulled out my tablet with photos of the lot next to my grandmother's house.
"We are contemplating buying this five acre plot of land to build, what we called, our dream house," I explained. "This is a square lot. The front half is fairly level. The back half slopes downward into a wooded area. We'd like to keep the woods intact."
"What kind of house do you want?" Zach asked.
"Like this one only on one floor with more contemporary touches on the outside and inside," Chris explained. "Sweeping lines. Sun filled rooms. Entertainment ready. Inside and outside cooking areas. Gathering spots. Other than those specific ideas, we would leave the design to you, Zach. We want it to blend into the surrounding lot. We don't want it to be too showy. It's a small town so we need to be careful. Some people in the town don't like different."
"My parents live in a house my great-grandparents built on the original homestead," I began to explain. "It's a three-story brick house. The entire third floor is a ballroom. It has four bedrooms and four bathrooms on the second floor. My parents added a fairly sizable addition some years ago. It includes the kitchen/family room/breakfast room and my parents' master suite. It is considered by some to be ostentatious."
"I get the picture," Zach said. "How many bedrooms?"
"Four," I replied. "One master suite and two bedrooms for the boys and an extra bedroom in case we have another addition to the family. Plus, we'd like to have three guest rooms in a separate area of the house. This is beginning to sound like a nightmare. Maybe we should leave the details to you, Zach."
"What's the budget?" Tom asked.
"We'd like to keep it under one million dollars," Chris explained. "Excluding the land, of course."
"Let me show you a few basic concepts," Zach said. "Tell me if you like any of the features or finishes."
Zach flicked on his tablet and started showing us potential design concept. We looked through several drawings.
"That one!" Chris and I both said in unison.
"Why?" Zach asked.
"Clean looking outside," I explained. "Walls of windows. The lines seem very fluid. It's inviting. It's contemporary without being boxy and harsh looking."
"I have an idea," Zach said. "It will take me a few days to give you preliminary plans. You'll like my idea."
~~~~~
"He doesn't want to meet anyone until his face looks better," Daniel explained to the group as we walked to the pasta place with the gym gang. "He's just as vain as I am. I told him no one in this group would give a shit what he looked like. So, he's meeting us. Just to warn you, he looks like hell, but he's better than he was."
I saw a kid standing at the door of the pasta place. "He looks just like you," I whispered to Daniel as we approached his brother Landry. "Fucking cute!"
"Landry," Daniel said to his brother as they hugged. "These dudes make up our regular gym group. Sam. Thomas. Harrison. Sawyer. Glen. Rupert. Guys this is my little brother Landry."
"Nice to finally meet you, Landry," I said as I extended a hand. "We were all rooting for you to get out of your situation with your parents unscathed."
"Thanks for sending Mr. Edwards to my rescue," Landry said. "Without him, I am certain I wouldn't be standing here now—if I were standing at all."
"Chris' grandfather is responsible for getting Mr. Edwards involved," I explained. "You'll be back to normal very, very soon."
"I hope you're hungry, Landry," Sawyer said. "Sam's paying so order whatever you want."
"I'll pay for lunch today, Sawyer, but you will pay a lot more over a very long timeframe," I agreed.
"Did you just threaten me, Sam?" Sawyer asked.
"Yup," I replied. "You'll change Joshua and Mathew's diapers for the next two weeks."
"You're shitting me, right, Sam?" Sawyer asked with a smile.
We grabbed our usual table after we had our food.
"Do you have any idea where you'll finish high school?" Sawyer asked Landry.
"We have a few alternatives," Landry replied. "One is Central High, another is Centennial High, and the last is the UIUC Lab School. So, I'm thinking UIUC Lab School. In theory, I could finish at my old school. It would be mostly online. I would rather have interaction with actual people."
"Are you a sports person?" Harrison asked.
"I was on the swim team and Lacrosse team, but I want to just go to school and not deal with the athletics," Landry replied. "I was more than a little stressed out before the shit with my father went down."
"He would be the top performer in his class if he had finished in his old school," Daniel added. "I'm the good looking one, and he's the smart one."
"My boyfriend would be insulted, Daniel," Landry teased.
"Boyfriend?" Sawyer asked.
"Yea," Daniel said. "Boyfriend?"
"He and I were on the swim team together," Landry replied. "I'm going to fucking miss him. I didn't even have time to say goodbye to him."
"Call him," Harrison suggested. "He's probably going out of his mind after not knowing where you've disappeared to."
"We need to get him a new phone before he calls anyone," Daniel replied. "My parents could find out where he is if they look at his phone records. We don't want to antagonize them. We just want them to disappear."
"My bastard father not only beat the shit out of me," Landry explained. "He threw my computer at the brick fireplace in the family room. It was in little pieces when I last saw it."
"Did you have a backup?" Tom asked.
"Fortunately, I backed it up to Carbonite," Landry replied. "Mr. Edwards set up the account for me. So, when I can afford a laptop, I'll restore all of my stuff."
"We need to wait a few weeks for the funds to accumulate," Daniel replied. "Same with the phone."
I pulled out my phone, located a number, and handed the phone to Daniel.
"Call Jimmy Heartland," I began to explain. "Tell him you know me. He can get the equipment and you can give him the money later. He does this a lot for people who need equipment but don't have the available cash at the time they need the equipment. He's a good guy."
Daniel looked me in the eye.
"I don't suppose this comes out of the Washington Family Trust's account," Daniel said.
"He needs the computer, Daniel," I replied. "He wants to communicate with his boyfriend. Make certain he can. He will heal faster."
"I love your non-answer answers, Sam," Sawyer added.
"Thanks, Sawyer," I replied.
"How are the plans for after graduations coming, Sam?" Harrison asked.
"We hired an architect and contractor for the house," I replied. "I made inroads with the purchase of the website business. We're looking for a temporary house while ours is being built. My parents are ecstatic. I haven't gotten cold feet yet, which worries me. It worries me even more that Chris hasn't gotten cold feet. He's really excited about his teaching job."
"I have a question, Sam," Landry said.
"Shoot," I replied.
"How does a college senior have three kids, a house, and five dogs before graduation?" Landry asked.
"I have no idea, Landry," I replied. "We didn't plan it when we first started dating. It happened along the way, and we adjusted as needed. I also have a four-year old Mustang with twelve thousand miles on it. A Mustang does not lend itself to transporting a family."
"Sam and Chris make everything look simple," Harrison added. "Watch and learn."
"Got it," Landry replied. "Watch and learn."
"I know this sounds strange, Sam," Daniel began. "Frank and I were talking about you and Chris moving to your hometown. Frank has become more than just a little jealous of you and Chris. He's even thought about starting a one-man law firm in a small town."
"If things go as planned, he might find a lucrative business in my hometown," I responded. "Organic Farms corporate office will bring about 400 executive jobs to town along with Wayfair.com, whose call center and possible distribution center could possibly bring a lot of legal business to town with them. He can talk to my father if he would like to learn more about the competition in town."
"I'll tell Frank to call your dad," Daniel responded. "Lan and I should go. We might even find time to go computer shopping."
"Really?" Landry asked.
"Make the time, Daniel," I added. "Your bother needs to talk to his boyfriend."
"Got it," Daniel replied as our group began to disperse.
~~~~~
"I'm beginning to think you like the idea of moving to my hometown more than you like moving with me to my hometown," I said to my husband in a rather caustic voice. Okay. So, I was mad.
"I wouldn't be moving to your hometown without you, Sam," Chris replied. "What's really bothering you?"
"I'm getting cold feet," I replied. "What if we hate it?"
"We'll move somewhere else," Chris said.
"What do we do with a custom-built house?" I asked.
"Keep it as a country retreat," Chris said.
"A million-dollar country retreat?" I asked.
"What makes you think we will hate it?" Chris asked.
"History," I replied. "I know diversity and tolerance in the community has improved, especially since Jeffery returned. But we are two gay men. Me white. You black. We have two-year-old mixed race twin boys. Are we taking a chance on our family's safety?"
"Sam," Chris further explained. "Your family members are well-liked and well-regarded. You are well-liked and well-regarded. We will make a difference. It's how you and I operate. We don't hide. It will be fine, Sam."
"What if people think we are uppity when we finish a one-million-dollar home?" I asked.
"We'll invite them to the open house," Chris replied. "Next question."
"I know this will sound outrageous, but I've always pictured myself working in some renovated loft building," I began. "My hometown has no loft buildings to renovate."
"Build a new one which looks like an old, renovated one," Chris replied. "The empty block near the downtown area on Main Street would make a perfect piece of property to build your offices."
"It sounds like we're taking over the town," I added.
"We're just adding to it," Chris replied. "You can't be afraid of what people think about us, Sam. It's not like us. We stand for what we believe in. We believe in our living in a small town in Southern Illinois peacefully, happily, and proudly."
"Maybe you could run for Jeffery's House seat if he decides not to run again," I suggested. "You'd be quite the Congressman."
I looked up to see Donny standing in the middle of the room watching Chris and me talk. "Is something wrong, Donny?"
"Nope," Donny replied. "When we move to our new house, can we have Mabel come and stay with us?"
"Mabel isn't our cow," I replied. "So, no, I don't believe Mabel will be living with us. You can see her whenever you want, though. She's not far away from where we will be living."
"Okay," Donny replied and ran off to his next activity. Five dogs followed. Two toddlers toddled.
"I hope all of his questions in the future are as simple as the one about Mabel," Chris said.
"Don't count on it," I added. "As he grows older, the questions will become statements. Some statements could take the fun out of being a parent.
~~~~~
The rest of the semester flew by. I counted the days before graduation. I nearly collapsed when I realized the graduation ceremony was only five days away.
The core gym group met for the last time on the Thursday before graduation on Saturday. We had a lot to talk about. Chris joined me, Harrison, Tom, Sawyer, Glen, and Daniel.
"This is it, guys," Sawyer said as we sat down at our table at the pasta place. "I don't know about all of you, but I am amazed it's been four years since we started this journey. Some of my best memories are sitting in this restaurant with the gym group."
"It has been good," Harrison said. "I feel like all of you are part of my family. We've taken care of one another. We've listened. We've given advice. We've been through some good times together, and we've been through difficult times together. The word most important in my book is `together.'"
"What's even stranger is we're not going our separate ways," Tom began. "Four years ago when Harrison and I met this weird kid, Sam Williamson, we weren't the same people we are now. Harrison and I would be contemplating getting a job in metro-Chicago. Glen and Sawyer may not have met. We wouldn't have known about Daniel's part time job as a prostitute. But, you know what, Daniel, we love you for who you are. Hell, we might have even hired you."
"If I hadn't met Sam, I might still be turning tricks," Daniel replied. "Instead, I am contemplating getting married."
"Did Frank propose?" Glen asked.
"Last night," Daniel said with a smile. "Naturally, I told him I needed to talk to the gym group before I made a decision. He got all squinty eyed on me until I said `Yes.'"
"Congratulations!" I said to Daniel. The whole group congratulated him. "When?"
"We haven't set a date, but we did make a major decision," Daniel explained. "We're getting married in a UCC church, buying a house away from the hustle and bustle, and starting Frank's law firm. All of this after we move to Olney."
"You're shitting us," Chris said.
"Nope," Daniel replied. "We're doing it. Not right away. Frank wants to put closure on a couple of projects before he leaves. We thought we also should stick around until we know Landry is settled into a routine at UIUC."
"I suspect Landry will do quite well," Glen added. "When does his boyfriend arrive?"
"Not until August, but we have invited him to visit," Daniel explained.
~~~~~
As I sat quietly during the commencement address, I thought of how different my life would be right now if I hadn't met Chris. No marriage. No Donny, Joshua, or Mathew. No dogs. No moving back to my hometown.
I did meet Chris though. I'm married to the most wonderful, loving, caring, empathetic, interesting, and sometimes neurotic man in the world. I love our three sons—even our five dogs and two cats.
We also plan to do something I never thought I would do—move back to my hometown. It's exciting. It's scary. It's something WE want to do together.
My only dilemma becomes how do I stop Chris from buying a jet? Not just any jet. It's the fastest executive jet on the market. For this jet, we will need to pay the local airport to upgrade the runways and instrument landing equipment.
Oh well, life is good.
~~~~~
This is the last chapter I will post for Sam and Chris. However, do not despair. I am starting another story which will track Sam, Chris, Donny, Mathew, Joshua, and the zoo which follows them. I haven't settled on a title, but I will keep you posted with the progress.
I started this story in March 2014. I am ending this in May 2017. When I first started this story, I had no idea it would grow into an epic of this size. Thanks to all of you, I slogged on. But, it's time for the boys to go from college students to men living in real communities and meeting real people. I hope you continue reading when I begin the new series.
I will keep you posted about the progress of the new story.
To be continued...
I am starting a new e-mail list because the previous one contains several incorrect e-mail addresses. You do not need to respond if you have already asked to be place on the new mailing list. If you would like to be on the NEW announcement list for "Sam and Chris," please send an e-mail by clicking here.
I hope you liked the direction that `Sam and Chris' is taking. I've heard from many and would like to hear from even more. I would enjoy hearing your comments about this story. You can write to me at MaWriterBoy@yahoo.com.
This is my 66th posting of my first story on Nifty.org.
I also have three other stories on Nifty
John's Journey Forward in the `Beginnings' section
Jeffery Comes Home in the `Beginnings' section.
Life With Tim in the authoritarian section (Please note, this story is not for everyone because there are several scenes depicting Master/slave and BDSM relationships. So, if you are not interested in this activity, please, please do not read this story.)
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