Date: Mon, 4 Oct 2021 21:26:13 +0000 (UTC) From: JH Subject: A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 27 This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction. Please donate to Nifty.org at http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html. Your donation will allow stories such as this to be published. Other stories: Nifty/Beginnings/Cards in the Deck - Adam and Ben A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 27 Getting up at 5 am was no joy, especially on Christmas vacation but we needed to get on the road to get to Asheville by lunch. We had piled our luggage into the back of the wagon for the trip. Bill considered taking the Range Rover but the gas mileage would be so much worse. Besides, the backseat in the wagon was more comfortable, as Ty and I had discovered on a couple of occasions. We had three suitcases which fit in the back nicely. Ty had packed my things and his together since we were staying together and we just had pants and jeans and shirts and a sweater each. We did have our sportcoats for the Christmas Concert at Biltmore. He insisted we dress appropriately for the event. Other than some idle chit chat along the way, it was a quiet ride. Ty mostly listened to his music through his headphones. I was playing some games on my phone. Mom reminded Bill about their New Year's Eve plans and thought they should bring it up to us. "So boys," said Bill, Ty not hearing a word. I punched his leg and he yelled "Oww!" I laughed and pointed to his dad. He pulled the earphones out. "Oh what is it dad?" he asked. "Boys, your mother and I have an occasion to stay downtown for New Years Eve. The party is going to be a late one and we would enjoy staying over so we don't have to drive and we can relax. That is, if you two can agree to stick to a plan in our absence and not get into any trouble." He let that hang in the air for a bit. Ty and I already knew that answer to that. "I think we have proven ourselves trustworthy in the past, don't you Ty?" I asked. "Yep, you'll get no trouble out of us. We're just going to the Buxtehude's anyway and they live like six minutes away!" he said. "Oh that's right," said Mom. "I remember you telling me that." She turned and looked at us. "Guys, you have been trustworthy while Bill and I have been away. It's not just trustworthy that concerns us. It's safety as well. If anything happened to one of you while we were away it would be terrible," she said. "Well, safety is a risk but Josh and I don't take too many risks. I mean something could happen whether you were home or not, right? But we want you all to have a good time, well and it's safer for you to stay downtown than to drive back up. Go on and have your party," Ty said. "We'll be ok, as long as you leave me in charge and tell Josh he has to do what I say!" He barked comically. "Deal!" said mom. "Hey, why is he always in charge? He worked me like a mule in the field with those Christmas decorations in case you didn't notice!" I said, trying to punt the ball into Ty's lap. He was grinning like a devilish thing. "And didn't the decorations come up so nice?" asked mom. "You did a great job, Ty. Professional all the way. I was so busy I only wish I could have helped more," said mom, looking forward again. Ty was shaking his head at me with gratification. "Dad, don't you have two cents to add here? I mean, come on," I said. "Not dragging me into it, Josh. Not this time," Dad said, not taking his eyes from the interstate. I was beaten and there hadn't even been a contest. I would get Ty back. You watch... Later, after Ty had reclined his seat, which go back about three inches which is nice, I texted him. The vibration from his phone woke and he casually looked at his phone. His eyes got really wide and he chuckled quietly. He responded: I wrote. He gasped and mom turned around and said to Ty, "What is it honey?" I almost screamed with laughter. "Oh nothing, just a text from Tristan," he said. "Tell him I said merry christmas. I didn't get to see him this week," and she smiled and turned back around. I did, though, I thought. Oh, I saw him good haha! I tried to think of an angle to pull mom back into the conversation and make it painful for Ty but couldn't think of anything. Then he texted me: I wrote back. I replied. He looked at me, nodded and wrote: . I stretched my legs out just a bit and thumped my hard bulge so that he could see how hard I was. He giggled this time and looked away to stop from going hysterical. he wrote me back. and he looked at me with satisfaction. Well, the end result of this little game was a complete backfire. We had both gotten so turned on, the rest of the ride was excruciating! We pulled into Asheville just after lunch as planned. We checked into a really nice hotel, like a really classy place. We headed to our room on the 7th floor. The parent's room was on the 6th. I pulled the suitcase in and took a look around. Ty went to the window and opened the curtain. We had a super cool view of downtown Asheville. The room was very modern with white comforters on the beds and a plush chair and loveseat. We were given fifteen minutes to unpack and straighten up. We pulled our things out of the case and laid them out to "dewrinkle" as Ty called it. I then pushed Ty onto the bed, his legs spread as I climbed on top of him. "Our room," I said, emphasizing the "our." He nodded as he pulled me in and started kissing me. "I'm so horny from that ride," he said. "I want to give you a different ride," I said. "We don't have time but tonight, babe, this is the "fuck room." Got it?" he asked. "You have to ask?" I said, laughing. "You don't think they gave the parents a key to our room do you?" I said with stark panic. "No, but I bet they could get one if they requested it. Can't give them any reasons to spy on us," he said, rotating the plan in his head. "Let's go so we're not late!" he said, sorting out his bulge and giving mine a grope. We met the parents in the lobby and headed back to the car to drive out to Ashemore Estates where Ty's grandmother resided. When we pulled into the main entrance, I could tell it was a place where the rich people went to live when they "paired down." It was beautiful, a combination of modern and antique. Large windows and big doors. Lots of brick and concrete. We entered the main lobby and Bill requested Georgia Anne Breck's room and they advised us she was in the dining hall. We walked down the corridor, passing old people, some of whom were healthy and strong and some looked right pitiful. It made me uncomfortable. As my Grandma was really healthy, I hadn't really encountered this before. As we came upon the large dining hall, Ty peeked into the door and saw who he was looking for. He asked us to hold back. He popped into the door and yelled, "Hey Gigi! I'm here!" and the room got a little quiet which was pretty hilarious. He probably scared a couple of them to death. I heard an instant reply, "Oh lawd everybody! It's my favorite boy Tyson!" and I peeked in and saw a very regal lady whom I recognized from pictures back home as "Gigi." Her white hair was pulled back, she wore a loose fitting dress, and had pearls around her neck. She had thrown her arms around him and they clutched each other for dear life. "Wow" I thought. He turned to me and using his finger, motioned for me to come in. I approached gently. "Look Gigi, this is Josh, my stepbother!" he said, laughing at his joke. I stood in place as she checked me out. You could tell by the look in her eye that she was taking in every detail of my appearance. "Joshua," she said putting out her hand, "I'm Gigi and I am thrilled to meet you! You are a very handsome boy. Heavens!" she exclaimed. "I'm pleased to meet you too, Gigi. Ty has told me everything about you!" I said. "Not everything," she said, smiling. She presented me to her friends at the table who were all smiling. "Ladies, don't even think about it! He's all mine!" she said with a giggle. The parents came in next and she gave Bill a big hug and put her arms on Mom's shoulders. "Mother, I present Karen. Karen, my mother," he said, formally. "Dear," Gigi said, "I can take one look at Tyson and one look at Bill and tell, you have made all the difference. I am so happy to finally meet you," she said and she gave my mother a big hug. "Y'all must be hungry," Gigi said in her elegant southern drawl. "Grab a plate and get some food from the buffet. There are some nice options today," she said, motioning for us to get food. Ty walked her to an empty table and helped her sit and came behind me to get a plate. I raised my eyebrows, indicating I didn't know what to say at this point. Bill reminded us to take it easy on the buffet because dinner was at 6:30 pm and that wasn't very far away. It was good to eat, though. I was hungry, especially having gotten up so early. We talked lightly and caught up and she guided us back to her suite. She had a nice living room and a small kitchenette where she could heat up simple things for herself. She had a bedroom and a bath. It didn't seem too bad. This is apparently where you can live when you're healthy. Things change when your health declines. At about 4, Ty asked he if he could take me on a short tour while the parents talked about grown up stuff with Gigi. We were told to be back in an hour so that we could go back to the hotel and freshen up and change for dinner. Gigi had selected a place she liked and I was sure it would be very posh. Ty led me out to the car and we drove back toward the city. "Wow, she's something else," I told him. "That's my Gigi. She has been good to me all my life," he said and I remembered him telling me that several times before. As we passed downtown, we passed some very old and cool houses. Some were needing some repair and others were really nice, very similar to our neighborhood. He parked the car on the side of the street and he took my hand and led me down a sidewalk. We stopped in front of a grand house that looked like an English house. It was really nice with big wooden beams and big windows. "It's a Tudor house," said Ty. It was built in the early 1900's. My dad's family were the second owners and he lived here until he went away to school." I studied it, very fascinated that people really lived in places like this. Quite suddenly, a really hot guy came from around back and waved at us. I straightened my shoulders as he approached. Ty released my hand gently as it appeared we were about to meet him. "Hey, can I help you all?" he asked. I recognized the clip as prep school talk. "Hi, my name is Tyson and this was my dad's house," Ty told him. "You must be one of the Breck's," he said. "My name is Finn Mallard and I think we moved in after your gramma moved out," and he opened the wrought iron gate for us. Ty introduced me and we all shook hands. "Why don't y'all come in for a minute," he said, leading us to the front door. "Uh, you don't have to go to any trouble," said Ty. "We just drove into town and I wanted to show Josh where my dad's family used to live," Ty said, as we rushed to keep up with Finn. We entered the front door and walked into a big foyer with a curved staircase. The whole room had wooden walls and black and white checked floors. Ok, this was rich! "Hey mom," yelled Finn, out into the house. "Come see!" "A lady came to the top of the stairs. "What is it, Finn?" she asked "It's one of the Breck's. They stopped by to see the place," he told her. "Oh!" and she came down the stairs. "This is Ty and Josh," he said. "Ty's dad used to live here." "Oh how wonderful," she exclaimed. "How is your grandmother?" she asked. "She's good. We just came down to visit. I didn't mean to interrupt. I was just showing my stepbrother our family home," he told her. "No bother, Ty. I'm glad you stopped by. Stepbrother?" she asked. "Well, mom passed away a few years ago and my dad remarried. I got Josh in the deal," he said, being witty. "I"m sure he is just fine. You are both really handsome boys! I didn't know your mother but I knew your father. I grew up a few streets away. I never dreamt I would live in this place but when it came on the market, we snatched it up. It's so nice living close to where I was raised!" she told us. "Finn, show the boys around. They might enjoy looking around. Just don't take them upstairs. Its a mess," she said laughing. "I'm not sure Ms. Breck would appreciate our modern style," she said. "Oh she wouldn't judge," Ty said. "I remember her being quite the judge back in the day," she said, giving Ty a wink. Rick people, they think they are so witty. I had to laugh to myself. "You're right," said Ty. "Gigi has an opinion about everything!" Ty said. "Must be how all grandmother's are," said Finn, giving his mom a sly look. She nodded and excused herself. Told us to enjoy ourselves and stop in anytime. Finn gave us a little tour of the place and asked what we were doing the next day. The next day was a day at Biltmore but he said he would love to meet for lunch on Friday if we had time. He was bored at home and didn't have many friends here since he went to school in Charlotte. Ty told him we might be able to work that out. He was really cool for a prep school boy. He was really handsome with his bushy hair and a perfect smile. We got back to Ashemore just in time to pick up the parents. Gigi came with us, as she had slipped into an elegant outfit. We headed back to the hotel. When Ty and I got into the room, our clothes came off fast. We kissed in front of the big window. We had full hardons. Ty said we needed to take a shower, together! It was a great idea. In the shower, we soaped and kissed. We gripped each other. He went to his knees and sucked me in. I loved the feel of the warm water and my soapy skin as he gave me a spit laden blowjob. I leaned back against the wall and he went "full on" on my cock. I felt it coming...the moment. It didn't take long either. I blew it making some rather loud grunts and moans. His cock was standing at attention and deserved some lovin' as well. I dropped to my knees and gave him the same. I swallowed his load which he released quietly, just short of a few whimpers. We were so used to being quiet that it was hard to think of making loud sounds. We promised each other that when we got back from dinner, we were going to experience our hotel room and all the privacy and glory it held and I couldn't wait. That little blowjob was just the appetizer. I wanted him on his back with those legs spread so that I could eat him then fuck him. I would probably be hard all the way through dinner! Dinner was good fun. Gigi kept us all entertained but was very keen to hear stories we had to tell. Bill and Ty shared a platter of oysters on the halfshell. I guess people like that. I told mom I wouldn't eat "snot on a shell!" She laughed. She, Gigi, and myself had shrimp cocktails. After that I had a baked sea bass that was so good. Gigi was determined to have good seafood. When we finished dinner, we were a bit tired. I drove us back to Ashemore since the parents drank several glasses of wine. After dropping Gigi off, we returned to the hotel. My leg was literally shaking. I was so excited to have a room alone with Ty. We undressed slowly, putting our clothes on hangers. It was nice because we didn't feel the need to rush. It was our space with no interruptions. I stretched out on the bed and turned the tv to something quiet. I turned the lights off while Ty was in the bathroom. He came out in his little sexy underwear and crawled into the bed with me. I wasted no time taking him into my arms. I kissed those lips I had been thinking about all evening. He crawled on top of me and did a little grind causing my hardon to throb. Oh I was so ready. He stopped suddenly and gave me a surprised look. "Hold on," he said. He jumped off me and went back to the bathroom. It didn't take long for me to realize he was having a difficult time in there. It also became evident to me that whatever fantasy I was holding onto was about to come to a crashing end. . He came out some time later and he looked weathered. "You ok babe? Sounded a little rough in there," I said. "Get in the other bed, Josh. I don't want to be touched right now," he said, slipping under the covers. I crawled out and into the other bed. I couldn't find fault with him. I understood there are instances where, well, you know. So the rest of the night went like that. There was an instance where I woke up and he had been in the bathroom like three times and I suggested I was going to call mom. He told me not to, it would pass. He snarled and looked ferocious. I felt so bad for him. I wanted to comfort him but it seemed there wasn't anything I could do. I offered to go find him a ginger ale and he refused that too. By 4 am, he had calmed down and fallen asleep. I hadn't slept too much either with his jumping in and out of the toilet. Mom texted me around 8 am and asked if I wanted to come down and have some breakfast with her. I put on some sweats and combed my hair and started for the restaurant. Ty's leg was kicked out of the cover and his little sweet ass was sticking out of the comforter. I couldn't help but think how this scene would usually turn me on but today, you knew it was just a hot mess. Fuck! A whole night wasted. I went down and met mom. They seated us. The place was all decorated nicely for Christmas. "Where's dad?" I asked. "Well, he had a bit of a rough night. He didn't get much sleep so he's going to sleep in a while, I think," she said, giving me a wide eyed look. "Oh well Ty had a problem too," I replied, picking up the menu. "What kind of problem?" "Bubble guts!" I said. "Bubble what?" she asked, cracking a smile. "Bubble guts. First come the bubbles then comes the guts. You know what I mean?" She started to laugh. I started to laugh with her. "Well Bill had a terrible case of bubble guts last night too!. It was terrible!" she said and started to laugh harder. I was finding the whole thing hilarious and was now laughing so hard I could barely make a sound. "Ty," I said, trying to speak clearly, "finally went to sleep around 4. He was in a dreadful mood," I said, my shoulders and body bouncing and mom was pinching the bridge of her nose to keep from laughing out loud. The waitress came to see if we wanted coffee and my mom waved her away because neither of us could speak. I had tried to sip water and practically spit that out when the waitress looked at us like we had lost our minds. I don't know what was so funny but mom had to almost drop her head in her lap, her long hair dropping over her shoulders. "I told you I would never eat that snot!" I uttered. That was it. She screamed out and we had to contain ourselves. It took a few minutes for us to calm down. It was pretty awesome because mom and I hadn't had a laugh like that in a long time. Shew, I just know that feeling Ty was having and it's pretty sad when it happens to you. Mom and I ordered some eggs and bacon and I had a coke with my breakfast. I needed some caffeine! Before I went up to the room, I ordered a ginger ale for Ty and took it up to him. He was sitting on the bed. I entered carefully. "Hey Ty," I whispered. "You better?" I asked. "I think so. It was awful, Josh. I'm so sorry I ruined the evening," he said regretfully, looking down at his nails. "Hey, you didn't ruin anything except I might have to break up with you," I told him,. "Why is that?" he asked, looking ill tempered. "I may never be able to touch that booty again," I said, and laughed trying to take the edge off. "Get off my bed," he snapped. "You think that was funny?" "Actually, no. You didn't know you were going to get the bubble guts," I said, handing him the ginger ale. "Oh thank you. I'm parched," he said and took some small sips from the glass. I told him to get up and take a shower. He would feel better after cleaning up. He finished half of the ginger ale and went into the bathroom. He started the shower. I pulled what I was going to wear that day out. The Christmas concert was later that afternoon at Biltmore and our tour time started at noon. We were going to do some street shopping this morning while Bill slept in. Ty wasn't going to let us go without him. I slipped into the bathroom and peaked through the curtain, not trying to scare Ty. "Hey babe, can I help? I mean hand me a washcloth," I told him. "You are crazy," he said. "I can clean myself up but you are fucking fab for offering," he said, looking so sexy and adorable, with the water running over him. I nodded and closed the curtain. After he finished, I jumped into the shower and soon we were out with mom walking around downtown. It was cold and a little windy but it was super relaxed. Asheville had a really cool downtown. You couldn't help but notice how many pot shops there were but Ty said that's a sign of a hippie town. He was exactly right. Ty requested a couple of shops and there was a sportswear place that was cool. We dragged our bags back to the car and went back to pick up Bill. We headed back to Ashemore and picked up Gigi who really dressed for the occasion. We drove out to the Biltmore House, and well, it was amazing. I'm not going to get into the whole tour, you can go visit yourself. It was incredible how they built houses that big. Just getting the light fixtures installed would have taken teams of people. Ty was completely absorbed by the antiques, paintings, candles, furniture and musical instruments. Gigi told us that back in the day, the place had fallen into disrepair and that they used to go out and sit on the lawn and have fried chicken and bottles of wine. She thought it would eventually cave in on itself. And one of the family members came forward and wanted to restore it but the family wouldn't give him much money for it so he started fundraising and she was on that committee. They drummed up a bunch of corporate sponsors and got the money rolling in. You could tell her charm and sophistication would lure the right people in. Later, she was on the city council and approved many of the contracts required for the renovations. Now, it's a major tourist attraction and makes its own money and has put Asheville on the tourist map bringing in a lot of revenue. Her ability to remember so many details was impressive. And I never felt like she was showing off. I think she wanted to tell some of her story. Ty said that we can't make fun of old people. Many of them have done amazing things and most of them just want people to know before they die. I think he's right. As for the concert, well it was pretty cool. It wasn't unlike Ty's chorus concerts but you could tell these were really good singers. There were two choirs at one point, one surrounding us singing The Little Drummer Boy while the other sang another song and they did it together. Gigi told us she was watching the original airing of that song back in the 70's when Bing Cosby and Sting sang it on television. Ty couldn't take his eyes off the performance. I guess he takes in those details like I take in a game. It's what stimulates your brain. Bill had been quiet but I prodded him after the concert. Ty and Gigi were talking to the musicians. "So, rough night?" I asked jokingly. "To say the least," he said. "Ty said he was quite miserable." "It was rough on him. Not much sleep. I don't guess you're eating oysters tonight?" I said with a laugh. "Well, probably not," was all that he said. Again, we dropped Gigi off after dinner, which was less formal than the preceding night. She got tickled too when I told her about the night before. When Ty and I got to our room, I stopped him and added some flair he would like. I put my hand on the door and tried to remember what I had planned. "Before I invite you into my rooms," I said formally, "let me tell you that the suite was designed in 1910 using state of the art techniques. The room has since been "updated" with modern "appointments." I have given Rupert the night off, so we have the entire place to ourselves," and I finished with a "big teeth" grin. Ty laughed and said, "I am so thrilled to visit your opulent suite, Mr. Warner. Truly honored," he said with a feminine drawl like Gigi's. I opened the door and we entered. `Hey, I'm assuming you're feeling better," I said, trying to muster confidence. He grinned and kissed me. As I pulled off my sportcoat, he started unbuttoning my shirt. Acting relaxed as we were last night, we undressed and I dropped him on the bed. I climbed onto the cushiony comforter and gave my man a tongue bath. I licked and bit from one nipple to the other. I dragged my tongue down his body, sucking in his cock with suddenness. Ty gasped. He lifted his legs and I felt a huge resistance to go there. He promised it was ok and I soon found everything was as it should be. Clean and salty and wonderful. He pushed me onto my back and gave me a similar treatment. He gently cradled my balls when he sucked me which just added to my hardness. He climbed on top of me, and having applied some lube, slipped down onto my cock. Ok, so the timidness went out the door. If there was anyone in the room next door, they would be familiar with what was going on. "Fuck me baby! I want you to open my ass!" Ty yelled. And I did my best to not disappoint. Then he was on his knees and I was taking him from behind until he couldn't hold himself up and fell on his tummy. I shoved a pillow under him to raise his gorgeous ass into the air. I could have been fucking him from across the room. He moaned and uttered obscenities. I got very close and I pushed deep into him. I felt the cum ooze through my cock and it blasted when it left my tip. I felt my cock flexing inside of him and he flipped me to my side, and stroked himself to a load that shot out onto my underwear laying on the comforter as well as the inside of his leg. After we cleaned up, we chatted lightly with the muffled tv in the background. Ok, so we needed that event and it was worth the wait and it was as good as we wanted, having our own room. And while that was amazing, there was a second event that happened around 3 am. I woke in the dark and I couldn't hear him breathing. That told me he was at least partially awake. I kissed him and his lips grabbed me with force. Without as much flair as earlier, he had me on my back and his cock was inside of me, his hips rocking it in and out. I could see his hard gaze on me, with some light filtering into our room from the city lights. This was quiet but I could feel his force, his energy. Maybe it was because we had slept and he was rested. "Oh Josh, this feels amazing. I love doing this with you. I love you," he hissed as he jammed it into me causing me to see flashes. This was truly just him and me, being completely connected. I told him, "Plant your seed in me, Ty, I want it running through all my cells. Do it baby," I whispered. I'm pretty sure he did because he made special little grunts with each shot and I could feel the warm fluid as it touched my insides. He touched my cheek and kissed me. I loved being his bottom. He was awesome. The next morning, we rehashed the tour from the day before. While everyone was focused on the house and the music, I thought about Gigi, Ty's grandmother and what they said about her love of her brother, who had been gay and who had contracted HIV and died during the height of the illness. We drove out to Ashemore and it was a pretty cold day again. We went to Gigi's suite where she was drinking tea on her couch. Mom went and sat down beside her, as I think my mom was missing her mother as well. Gigi didn't engage in much small talk. "Bill, isn't there somewhere you and Karen might want to go today? Why don't you take Karen to that dress shop I like so much down on Culver. She might find a little something for her "corporate" attire," she said, raising her eyebrows to Bill and giving mom a wink. "Great idea, Bill. I like the way Gigi thinks," and she jumped off the couch and put her jacket back on. "Let's go," she said. "I think so, it seems Gigi has eyes only for the boys this morning," and they left. "Boys, Gigi is interested in a short walk. Help me up, Tyson," she said. "It's cold out there Gigi. We can walk down to the lounge," he offered. "Nonsense. A little cold is good for the circulation. Stirs the sinews!" she said as if notifying us of important facts. "Besides, I have a coat, you know?" she said laughing. We helped her get it on and using her wheely thing, we meandered down the hall and out of the front yard. She looked out across the place, and said, "There!" pointing to a gazebo. "Let's go over there," and we walked her out to the gazebo by the lake. It wasn't that cold, actually, especially with the wind not blowing. She sat between us and asked Ty to help her position her scarf on her head. "Don't mess up the Gigi's quaff!" she told him. "So, you know I don't like to pry," she started. "That's a lie, Gigi. You love to pry," said Ty, correcting her. "Well, that's true I do but it's not for you to call out, Tyson!" she said. "But I have some observations I want to dispel and I sincerely hope I'm not overstepping here. You may not realize it and if you don't, you're both quite dumb," she said emphasizing the "dumb." "Are you two aware that you are absolutely crazy about each other? I mean, truthfully, you could be in love with each other? Are you aware?" she asked. I didn't move, tried not to show panic. It was poker face time. I was letting Ty handle this. "Well, Gigi, there's a situation," and before he could finish, "honestly, Tyson, you can't take your eyes off him," and looking at me, she said, "and you, you rock on your feet when he talks. Did you know?" she asked, like she was making fantastic discoveries. "I have been told that but I'm not aware when I do it." "Ty?" she said. "Gigi, it happened quickly after we met. I am in love with Josh and he's in love with me. It's a lot for us to deal with." She looked at me, "I do love him, ma'am," I said. "Boys, the aurora that threads itself around you is so powerful...and probably only noticeable to those of us who know how to see it. You all should know, I relished Kelvin's loves and he had several. From my experience, a boy who loves another boy probably knows love more than anyone else because it doesn't come easily nor does it come cheap. But, I see the complexities you must be dealing with and it must take everything you have to manage. Am I right?" she asked. Ty and I nodded in agreement. "Well, you have done yourselves no harm in admitting your love to me. I have just about reached the age where I didn't think there was one more great story left for me to hear, and now I find out there is!" She laughed casually looking across the lake. "If Mary Louise Finch were here to hear me say that, I would have never lived it down" she said continuing to laugh. "Who?" I asked. "Gigi's hated rival," Ty said. "Ah, Ty, not my "hated" rival. My beloved rival," she corrected. "But I thought you two fought all your lives," he said defensively. "Well, we did but it was out of love and admiration. We were strong women who held considerable places in Asheville's society. We inspired each other, Ty. We tolerated no weakness, kept each other on our toes. When either of us needed a push, and we did, it was she or I who had the right to do it. I miss her in fact," Gigi said thoughtfully. "Tyson, when she passed last year, her family took up the first two rows at the church and I was firmly planted on the third. That was a lifetime's acknowledgement," she said proudly. "I'm sorry, Gigi. I didn't realize." "Oh no worry, Ty. Didn't want you holding on to the wrong end of things. Now, back to you boys. There is a story to tell and someone...is going...to tell it," and she stopped there. Ty started the story with where he and I met and then proceeded through the rest of events as has been described in these chapters. It was amazing to listen to and I only interjected where I had details he didn't know. He connected dots where I had not. It's funny how different things look when it's narrated versus when you're living it. She would smile, she would act shocked. She looked upset and disturbed when I went down the rabbit holes. She held my knee during that part of the story. She loved my conversation with Dr. Perrow. She thought he gave me the finest advice ever given by a doctor. I agreed with her. She almost choked when Mom caught us sleeping on the couch together and she yelled "scandalous!" when Bryce caught us making out in the butler's pantry. "The butler's pantry, Josh?" looking at me like only a country jock like myself would pick. "I guess you get it where you can, huh?" she said grinning wildly at me. Throughout the whole thing, we had fun. We weren't afraid or worried. Ty told the story as if he had been planning it for years. It was epic and it was also confessional. Not the bad kind of confessing, like you've been caught. It was the kind of confessing that unloads tons of memories and images that deserve witnessing. I honestly felt my body get lighter and Gigi knew it too. "You will sleep better having let that story come out, Joshua," and you could see a little tear in her eye. She kissed me on my cheek and told me I shouldn't spend a lot of time seeking anyone's approval or attempting to impress anyone. I had overshot the moon and it would be them who should impress me. I had to consider that for a few moments to fully understand what she was saying. It was noble. She said she loved me Whew, it was an amazing morning and I worked up an appetite as Ty told the story. The cold was worn on Gigi and we helped her back to the residence. She guided us to the dining hall and told us to get plates. They were making grilled cheese sandwiches on the griddle and we each had one and a side of chilli. We talked more at the table. Ty had already sent her videos of him on the tennis court and his "sit down." She had seen me on the football field. She looked at the other tables, and gave them all quiet confirmation, we were her boys and she was really proud. We had another night and an even lighter dinner. We met Finn that evening after dinner at a coffee shop. Finn was really cool, played sports casually, not very competitive and while I was in the restroom, he apparently propositioned Ty that they should find a chance to "get together, alone." Well, Ty told me about it later and I was a little ticked off that he did that but Ty reminded me that he didn't know about us! Until we can live in the open, there would always be someone who liked one of us, not knowing we were together. He was right of course. I guess it took me off guard that I wouldn't have known Finn was gay by looking at him. I guess it's getting harder to know for sure anymore. Perhaps I would have been flattered if he had liked me, but Ty is equally deserving of being noticed. He's super hot, in case I've never told you. That night, our last night, Ty called me "husband" when he told me to crawl under the warm covers with him. We had our love session, and it wasn't anything different than we were used to. We felt so close and attached, especially after giving the whole unbroken story to Gigi. I will admit, that at home, with the Tristan's and Bryce's, parent pressure, all the distractions we have going on, we have managed well because what I felt in that hotel room, where are privacy was assured, where there was only us, with no distractions or outside thoughts, was something unreal. We could be on the same page without saying a word. Ty said he felt it too. The following morning we drove out to say bye to Gigi. There was some rehash and her conversation with us the day before was like it never took place except that she was more affectionate toward me. It was something Bill picked up on. "Ty," she said, "you know what Gigi always tells you before you go." "I know Gigi. I'm ready," he said. "Boys," she said, pulling us close to her by our elbows, "If this be the last time we see each other, we can agree...our story is straight...our slate is clean...and Gigi loves you every single day!" as if she was reading from a plaque or a scroll and she smiled at us. I saw mom cover her eyes. I was like, "what the fuck?" Is this real? People really say shit like that? She hugged me and I hugged her back. She gave me a look, it was quiet, but specific. "Take care of him," was the message. She gave Ty a similar hug to the one she first greeted him with. I know she whispered something into his ear as well. She said goodbye to the parents and held mom's hand on the way to the entrance. She whispered something in mom's ear and mom said, "I know." We left, all wishing her a merry christmas. On the way home, Ty suggested Bill tell the story about when they almost lost Gigi. He told us that after Kelvin had died, they thought Gigi wouldn't survive it. She drank herself into oblivion for two months. She wasn't hostile or dangerous or anything, she just wandered around the house freshening her drinks until she passed out until the next day. Their father suggested they just stay out of the way and she would come back when she was ready. He told more about all that happened but one day, without any warning, they woke up to the smell of bacon. They came downstairs and entered the kitchen and found Gigi standing at the stove with a spatula and an apron. She asked if everyone wanted breakfast and they were all so happy. Bill said after breakfast, the first thing she did was pick up the phone in her den and called Mary Louise Finch and said, "I heard what you said about me..." and we all cracked up. Bill said she had always had an affinity for certain boys, and well, there was something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Ty looked at me and nodded toward me suggesting I was now one of those "certain boys." *Note...I think this chapter is compelling as there are many of us who have had a Gigi, or a mentor, or older influence - people who have supported us over the years and loved us despite our lifestyles or issues, and who deserve a special thought. Thanks again for your thoughts and feedback! More exciting things to come!!