Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2023 14:31:47 -0600
From: William Marshal <williammarshal5301@gmail.com>
Subject: Exposed 19

Exposed: CHAPTER 19

Julia's and Sydney's flight from Zurich got in late Wednesday
afternoon. They had commandeered one of Pierce International's business
jets, a Bombardier Global 6500 capable of speeds of 956 KM/H.

After learning the results of James Sr.'s exploratory surgery and meeting
with his doctors, they needed to get back to New York and fill James in
about his father's condition. There was also concern that a news report
might air detailing the transition of power at Pierce International, and
how James Sr. was being treated in Zurich for an unknown medical condition.

While James was trying not to think about his father, and Brock was doing
everything possible to distract him; it wasn't completely successful. So,
when Julia and Sydney finally reached the apartment James was on edge. For
James it was ironic that a man he hated, and wished dead so many times, now
had him so worried.

James followed his mother and aunt into Julia's office, and Sydney closed
the door.

"First, your father came through the exploratory surgery reasonably well,
and he's in no immediate danger at this time," Julia said. "However, he has
a serious decision to make. He has a large brain tumor. If left untreated,
the doctors give him nine months to a year. If they attempt to operate, the
doctors give him a 60 percent chance of dying during the surgery or
sustaining serious mental impairment."

"What do they mean by serious mental impairment?" James asked.

"James could lose all cognitive brain function," Sydney said, emotionally.

"That's why he gave me medical power of attorney, isn't it?" James said.

Julia nodded.

"Is he still planning to have the surgery?" James asked.

"Yes. He wanted me to tell you he's, "putting it all on red. What does that
mean?" Julia asked.

James explained; "One of the few interests father and I have in common is
that we are both James Bond fans. In Skyfall, Daniel Craig played Bond and
after escaping death in a Komodo Dragon pit, he handed Moneypenny a metal
case full of cash, and told her to put it all on red in a single spin at
the Roulette table." James understood what that meant.  "Father isn't going
to settle for a few months of declining health. He's going to bet
everything on one spin and have the operation."

"One more thing that you should know," Julia said, "Our P.R. and legal team
want to meet with you."

"Why?"

"The recent changes at Pierce International coupled with your father's
illness could draw attention from the press. We're not worried about the
business press or the mainstream press, but there is concern about the
tabloids."

"And you think they will go after me?" James said, realizing where the
conversation was headed.

"Unfortunately, we do," Sydney said. "Your mother, father, and I aren't
really that interesting. Screwed up rich families aren't that big of a
deal. The Kardashian's have pretty much single handedly filled that news
niche. However, a hot boy billionaire with a muscle stud boyfriend, that is
tabloid red meat."

"I get it. Hell, if it wasn't about me, I would read that story," James
said remembering times he'd been sucked into reading or watching celebrity
`news.'

"P.R. and legal also want to talk to Brock," Julia said, uncertain as to
how James would react to that bit of information.

"Shit," James said realizing that it wasn't just his life that might become
the subject of public interest.

After a few more minutes of conversation, Julia and Sydney decided it was
time to go to bed. Even in a private jet with plenty of room and seating
much better than even first class on a commercial airliner, the trip was
tiring.

James found Brock and Betty in the kitchen. Brock was enjoying some
cookies, and Betty was prepping some of the Thanksgiving meal.

James kissed Brock, then asked Betty if she needed any help.

"No, I have everything finished that I can do ahead of time, and the table
is already set; however, I could use some company in the morning."

James smiled and said, "Of course."

Growing up, James and Betty would often be the only people up and about at
a normal time on the holidays. So, they kept each other company in the
kitchen.

Soon Betty was off to bed herself. Leaving only James and Brock still
awake. James asked, "So anything you want to do?"

"Last time you kicked my ass in pinball, so are you any good at pool?"
Brock asked.

"Not really."

"Good, let's play."

An hour later Brock was yelling, "Fucking asshole! You are such a liar,"
after James pocketed the eight ball to win another game. Brock had
foolishly suggested they play strip pool, and now he was removing his boxer
briefs to add to the rest of his clothes piled on the floor. Of course,
James took the opportunity to admire his boyfriend's athletic body without
the cover of clothes.

"Do you want to play another game?" James asked.

"Sure, but I have nothing left to bet."

James gave Brock's butt cheeks a nice little tap, and said, "You still have
plenty of assets. How about loser bottoms."

Brock smiled and said, "Why not. What have I got to lose?"

"I'll let you break." James said.

Like in the previous five games, Brock took an early lead, then James began
running the table.

"How in the hell do you do that?" Brock asked.

"It's just basic physics; you know, force vectors. Also, My Aunt Sydney
taught me how to play. Let's just say, she rarely was the one buying the
beer."

James was playing stripes, and his last ball was across the table, and a
relatively easy shot. However, when he took the shot the cue ball was off
line and instead of sinking his last ball, James sank the eight ball.

"Fuck!" James yelled.

Brock laughed and said, "Asshole I know you intentionally lost the game,
...but I'll take it."

It didn't take long for James to shed his clothes and now it was Brock's
turn to admire his boyfriend's male form. James had a presence when
standing naked that was a mixture of innocence and mischief. It was as if
he was Shakespeare's Puck come to playfully tease and tempt mortal men.

James closed the distance between himself and Brock, and when he was close
reached out and took hold of the Brock's stiffening penis. Brock moaned and
then passionately kissed James.

"Let's take this to the other room," James said and led Brock by his cock
to the bedroom.

James was always amazed that an athlete, who played with such aggression
and sometime violent contact, could be such a tender and caring lover.

Brock's touch was electric, and James was soon in a heightened state of
arousal, and his cock was stiff and leaking. Brock had also become an
amazing kisser. While they kissed, James fondled Brock's chest. Brock's
body was amazing, but his chest was the star. It was firm with perfect
definition creating a deep canyon between his huge pecs. His nipples sat
proudly on his chest, and James could not keep from licking them. To say
they were sensitive would be an understatement. James was sure that, given
time, he could actually make Brock cum just from teasing them.

The foreplay was incredible, but when Brock entered James, there were no
words to describe the act. Whenever Brock fucked James, it was always
amazing, but when he made love to James, it was mind-blowing. James felt
like he had become an intimate part of Brock's mind, body, and soul.

As Brock slowly pushed himself into James, there was no resistance. James
completely trusted him and surrendered his body willingly. For thirty
minutes, a long time for teenage boys, Brock and James shared themselves
with each other. It wasn't the most intense orgasm James had ever had, but
it was one of the most satisfying. After Brock filled him with cum, he
continued to hold James in his arms and gently kissed him.

James looked at Brock and said, "Never forget that you are my Alpha."

Brock smiled and said, "And you are mine."

The next morning James got up early, threw on some sweats and went down to
the kitchen. Betty was already getting the turkey into the oven.

"You're up early," Betty said.

"You know I've never been able to sleep in."

"Just because you can't sleep doesn't mean you have to get out of bed."

James blushed a bit, and Betty smiled.

Betty had known James was gay since that Summer he spent with Rex when he
as only 15.  Betty's sister lived in California, and she had taken a month
off to go visit her sister, nephews and nieces. She got back a couple of
days earlier than expected and caught James and Rex naked in the pool. Both
James and Rex were afraid that she would tell James' parents, or worse yet
call the cops. Instead, she listened to them and decided James was happy
and in no danger, and it was none of her business. She never told anyone
about Rex and James, and James found in Betty someone he could talk to when
he needed someone who knew his truth.

"Well, Brock needs to sleep, and I need to ask you something?"

"Sure, what do you need?"

"I have to talk with the lawyers and P.R. people on Friday, and they also
want to speak with Brock. I feel like I'm dragging him deeper and deeper
into my shit pile every day."

"So, have you talked to your mother or aunt about how you feel?"

"No, not really."

"Is that because they have added to your shit pile?"

"Yeah, although I don't blame them. I know something had to be done. Even
if the fight over the company hadn't happened, my father's cancer might
have created the same turmoil. So, I'm turning to my wise Grandma Betty for
answers."

Betty laughed, then said, "Don't be silly Jimmy, you know exactly what to
do. If your's and Brock's situations were reversed, what would you want?"

"The truth."

"There you go. Just tell Brock the truth. I love your mother and aunt, so I
hold my tongue, but let me ask you, does it make it any easier for you when
they try to shelter you by not telling you everything that's going on?"

"Maybe when I was a kid, but now, no. When I was a little kid, I worried
because I just took things adults said as the complete truth. However, now
I'm always looking for the hidden truth, for what they are not telling
me. That means I often imagine something worse than what is really going
on. Plus, I end up worrying about things I didn't need to worry about. I
end up wasting a lot of energy and time on imaginary worry, and in the end
still have the real shit to worry about."

Betty laughed and gave James a hug, then said, "Jimmy my boy, go tell Brock
what you know and be honest with what you don't know. The one thing he
should never have to worry about is that you are keeping something that
affects him a secret."

"Thanks," James said and headed back up to the bedroom.

When James walked into the room, Brock was still in bed, so James stripped
off his clothes and spooned in behind Brock.

"Hmm," Brock said, "I think someone is in the mood to fuck."

"Every minute of every day, but now I need to tell you something."

James explained what was going on with his father, and the concern James
would become the interest of the tabloids, and it might affect the
company. He also explained to Brock that their relationship might become a
subject of public interest and comment. Finally, James told him about his
meeting with the company lawyers and PR people on Friday, and that they
would like to talk to him as well.

"So," James said, "I would understand if you want to jump off of this train
before the big wreck."

Brock gave James a kiss and said, "I'm sure it would have been less
complicated if I had fallen for a regular guy, but I didn't. I just hope I
don't do something to embarrass or disappoint you."

"Well of course you will, and I will do things that embarrass or disappoint
you. Couples, lovers, friends, business partners, colleagues, all embarrass
and disappoint each other at some time in the relationship. That's just
part of life. The difference between us and a regular couple, is that our
shortcomings might be a headline in the Post or a viral video on the
internet."

"I just hope there isn't still a video copy of me tied to the library fence
floating around," Brock said with a nervous chuckle. "What would you say if
a reporter asks you what you think of your boyfriend being publicly exposed
like that?"

"I would look the bastard right in the eye and say, `Hell yes, I am dating
one of the hottest guys in New York City, and he rails my bussy every
night. Any other none-of-your-fucking-business questions you want to ask
before I kick your ass?"

Brock laughed, "No, you would not say that."

"Oh, why not?"

"Because, I would have to correct the record and say the truth is that it's
you who is wrecking my ass with your eight inch monster."

"No one is going to believe I have an eight inch cock."

"Really? When someone sends them a picture from a swim meet of you in a
speedo, they sure will."

"Fuck," James said, "I hadn't even thought about that. Do you think they
will send photographers to the swim meets?"

"Seriously, have you not Googled `celebrity cocks'?"

James blushed and said, "I guess everyone has at least once or twice. That
reminds me, we'd better delete our search histories and clear off any
embarrassing shit on our computers."

Brock gave James a kiss and said, "In all seriousness, there are two things
I am not embarrassed about, and I will not allow anyone to shame me for:
that I am gay, and that we are boyfriends. Now let's fuck."

James replied, "Gobble, Gobble."

James and Brock barely got down to the main floor before Nelson and
Florence, Brock's parents, arrived.  Dinner was fantastic. Betty's meals
were always good, but this one was over the top. The star of the show was a
beautiful bourbon-glazed turkey. Betty had also incorporated some of the
vegetables James and Brock had brought back from the mansion gardens.

James really enjoyed being around Nelson and Florence, they were funny,
interesting, and treated him like one of the family. In fact, James
couldn't remember any holiday meal ever being as relaxed and informal. It
just felt comfortable.

The meal ended with pumpkin cheesecake and coffee. Betty loved her new
kitchen and saw it more like an art studio than a food factory. So, when
James and Brock said they would clean up the table and kitchen Betty
agreed, only if she could supervise. Plus, it gave her more time to hang
out with the boys.

After everything was cleaned and put back in order, James, Brock, and
Nelson went up to the media room to watch football.  The first game was the
Bears and the Lions and the second was the Cowboys and the Bills.

James wasn't really a football fan, but he did enjoy watching Brock and his
father interact. They had a bet on almost every aspect of the game: who got
the most yards rushing or passing, who would have the longest kick return,
who would get the most sacks.

Between games James called Shane, and after apologizing for interrupting
his holiday, James told him about the meeting with the company lawyers and
P.R. department.

Shane suggested he should attend the meeting, which was exactly what James
had hoped he would say.

"What time is the meeting, and where is it?" Shane asked.

It's at one o'clock at the corporate offices, James said.

"What are you doing in the morning?"

"Mom and Sydney are leaving for London in the morning, so we will say
goodbye. After that, we had planned to go to the mansion for a workout, but
that will have to wait now."

Shane thought for a bit, then said, "How about I come over around 10:30 and
pick up you and Brock. We can grab something to eat and talk."

"Thanks, I would like that."

"Then I'll see you in the morning," Shane said, "and don't worry; these
guys work for you."

"Don't you mean they work for Pierce International."

"You are Pierce International. You are far and away the largest
stockholder, and I am 100 percent sure your mother and aunt, and even your
father will back you on whatever you decide to do."

When James returned to the media room and the game, Brock asked, "Where
have you been?"

"I made a call to Shane to see if he could be at the meeting tomorrow."

Brock got concerned and asked, "Is there something going on that I don't
know?"

"I just want someone there whose concern is for us and not the company."

"I get it. Hey, do you want to put a wager on the game."

James laughed, "Your daddy took all your money in the first game, and so
now you want to win it back from me."

"I wasn't thinking about betting money on the game."

"Yeah, I know what you were thinking. I know what you are always
thinking. Besides that's pretty much a sure bet anyway," James said with a
chuckle.

"I was thinking loser gives the winner a massage."

"Okay, what's the spread?"

"Dallas is a six and a half point favorite."

James thought for a minute and said, "I take the Bills."

Brock laughed and said, "Good, I really need a good massage." Then he
leaned in a whispered, "And, I expect a very happy ending."

When the Cowboys took the early lead with a first quarter TD pass from Dak
Prescott to CeeDee Lamb, Brock got cocky and asked James if he wanted to
raise the stakes.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Saturday, the loser is the winner's houseboy for the day."

"Interesting, I'm curious what you would have me do," James said. "I'll
take that bet."

However, as it turned out, James would not find out what Brock would want
from a houseboy. Not only did Dallas fail to cover the spread, they lost
28-13.

When the game ended Brock nervously looked at James and said, "I am such a
fucking idiot."

James smiled and replied, "You are my fucking idiot."

"How about double or nothing," Brock said.

"I'm fine with that; but just don't make a bet your ass can't cover."

Brock laughed and said, "Maybe you're right. You do have a wickedly
imaginative mind, and I'm still just a baby gay."

"And I am your gay au pair."

"So, what do you have planned for tonight."

"Sleep."

"Just sleep?"

Yes, just sleep," James said. "I know we are horny teenagers, and we let
our hormones do all the thinking, but there has to be more to our
relationship than just fucking. Because if it is just about sex, we have
about six months left and then we're burned out. We can't keep trying to
top the last time, to come up with something increasing exotic to keep the
sex fresh enough to keep the relationship going. Right?"

Brock smiled and said, "Babe, I'm sure you have more than just six months
of hot sexy ideas in that cute head of yours, but I get what you're
saying. So, what are we going to do?"

"We're going to get into bed, cuddle up and talk."

"Talk? We talk all the time. What are we going to talk about?"

"Come on, I'll show you."

Brock and James stripped out of their clothes and cuddled up naked.

Brock said, "You know, I will get a hard on."

James kissed Brock and said, "I'm sure we both will, but the boys will just
have to learn they're not in charge."

"So what's the topic?" Brock asked.

"Since this is Thanksgiving, we're going to say what we're thankful
for. I'll start... I am thankful I have an amazing boyfriend who is,
handsome, athletic, funny, smart, and most importantly caring."

Brock decided to be a wise ass and asked, "Are you seeing someone on the
side?"

James grabbed Brock's balls and said, "If you want to keep these, you'd
better think of something nice to say."

"Okay, okay! I am thankful that it was a cute, insufferable, snobbish,
brainiac, nerd that was the one to find and rescue me that horrible
Saturday morning. I almost feel like I should put the Minutemen soccer team
on my Christmas card list."

James said, "Ditto," and gave Brock a kiss. Then he said, "I am thankful
for Mr. Gregg. Without his kindness and support, I would have never made it
to my Senior year at Mill Brook."

"My nuts are still holding a grudge against that old man, but I am also
thankful he took care of you until I came to my senses and saw what was
right before my eyes every day."

"I am thankful," James said, "that my mother was able to finally stand up
for herself, and for me."

"I am thankful that Florence and Nelson Champlain are so loving and
accepting of a gay son," Brock said with emotion quaking in his
voice. James tightened his embrace of Brock and gave him another kiss.

"I think pride can be a form of thankfulness, and I am proud that my
boyfriend led Mill Brook to the state soccer championship."

"I am thankful that my boyfriend was so supportive of the Mill Brook soccer
team...even if it was only to ogle the players in their shorts and drink
cocoa and schnapps with his buddies."

James took a deep breath and began to softly cry, then he was finally able
to say, "I am thankful my father has a chance." He barely got the words out
when the crying turned to sobbing. Now it was Brock's turn to step up and
comfort his boyfriend. Brock instinctively knew James was upset about more
than just the prospect his father would die. It was the feeling that his
childhood and youth, his family, his legacy had all been lost somehow in
the dysfunction of the Pierce family.

Sleep finally came to the boys, and it was one of the few times James
didn't wake up before the alarm went off. He and Brock threw on some sweats
and went down to say goodbye to Julia and Sydney. Betty had coffee,
cinnamon rolls, and sausages ready for breakfast. James was amazed that no
matter what time the day started, Betty always had something hot and fresh
ready for anyone that wanted breakfast.

Just before she and Sydney left for the airport, Julia pulled James aside,
and said, "I feel like such a bad mother not spending the rest of your
holiday break with you. I keep thinking I should just tell Sydney we can't
go, and that I have to stay here with you."

"Absolutely not," James said. "More importantly than a couple of days of
hanging around together, is that I need you to figure out who you are, who
you and Sydney are. You can't be my mother until you are once again truly
and completely Julia Spangler. We have Christmas, but more over, we have
four years of my living here and going to Columbia to be mother and son,
pals, partners in crime, whatever you want it to be."

Julia kissed James and mused, "How did I get such a wonderful son?"

James kissed her on the cheek and said, "I love you, Mom."

`I love you too," Julia replied.

After seeing Julia and Sydney off, "James and Brock had to get ready for
their meeting.

"It was lonely in the big shower all by myself," Brock said as he dried his
hair. Watching Brock standing naked in front of the large bathroom mirror
was about more than James could take. He told himself, to stay strong, they
didn't have time for a good, or even an average fuck. Besides, James wanted
Brock desperately horny for later.

"Ouch!" Brock yelled as James walked by and slapped his ass, "What was that
for?"

"For being sinfully sexy and tempting."

Brock grabbed him and gave him a kiss, then said, "You're pretty sexy
yourself."

"Not to mention smart and rich," James said.

"I don't care about those. It's this that I want," Brock said and grabbed
James' cock.

"Stop," James laughed while trying not to get hard. "You're going to make
us late."

Just as James freed himself from Brock's hold, Brock slapped his ass, and
said, "I'll take a big helping of that as well."

"That restaurant doesn't open until seven," James said, and jumped into the
shower.

When James walked into the bedroom after finishing his shower, Brock was
still naked and sitting on the bed.

"What's the matter?" James asked.

"I don't know what to wear," Brock said.

"Well, I usually start with underwear."

Brock shot him a look that said not funny, then said, "I know that, but am
I supposed to dress up? All of my suits are at school or at home."

"I'm wearing a long-sleeve polo and chinos," James said. "I'm not sure
what's going on at this meeting, but I would rather they underestimate me."

Brock smiled, and said, "I recognize that ploy. I've been suckered by it
often enough."

"Someday, you'll know better."

"What would be the fun in that?" Brock said with a wink.

The boys were dressed and playing pinball when Shane called that he was in
the lobby. When they got to the lobby, Shane asked what they wanted to eat,
and in unison they said, "Burgers!"

"Okay, how about Smashburger? There's one only a couple of blocks away,
less than a five-minute walk."

The boys thought that was perfect.

When they got their orders, they found a quiet table, and James asked
Shane, "Do you know why legal, and PR want Brock at this meeting?"

"I'm betting the reason they want Brock at the meeting is to get him to
sign a non-disclosure agreement?" Shane said.

"If they want me to do that, should I sign it?" Brock asked.

"Brock, I am James' lawyer. I can't advise you what to do because what I
tell you might not be in his best interests."

James smiled and said, "Okay, if they ask me to sign an NDA, would you
advise me to do so?"

"First, I would tell you not to sign anything without me first looking at
it. I would then tell them I wanted an attorney at my firm who writes NDAs
to look at it before I advised you to sign or not sign. Second, I would
tell you that their job is to look out for you: the future of Pierce
International, not you: the kid trying to grow up and figure out what he
wants from life."

"So do you know anything else about why they want to talk to us?" James
asked.

"After you called me, I put out some feelers to some buddies that work on
Wall Street. The rumor on the Street is one of the deals your father
negotiated is in trouble. Beyond that, they didn't really know anything."

The Pierce International offices were in the Chrysler Building. That was
one thing about the company James had no intention of changing. James liked
the building's Art Deco design and its history. James also loved the view
of the United Nations and East River from his father's personal
office. Most of the company's offices were located on the tower's lower
levels: however, the executive offices were on the 67th and 68th floors in
the building's iconic crown.

The meeting was in the executive offices and James wanted to get there
early to show Brock the views. He figured it was better to do that before
the meeting since they might want to get out of there quickly if the
meeting didn't go well. When James, Brock, and Shane got off the elevator,
a sophisticated older woman immediately recognized James.

"Good morning Mr. Pierce."

"Good morning Mrs. Trent. I would like to introduce you to Brock Champlain,
my boyfriend, and Shane O'Claire, my attorney. Brock and Shane, this is
Mrs.Trent, her official title is Executive Concierge and Personal Assistant
to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors."

After Mrs. Trent greeted Brock and Shane. James asked, "What's going on?"

"What do you mean?" Mrs. Trent asked.

"This is not your desk," James replied. "I am getting a distinct feeling
you wanted to be the first person we saw when we walked in here."

"You are right about that. I need be the person showing you around the
office."

James looked at Brock and Shane and said with a smile, "This must be worse
than I thought. Mom knows I would never blow up on Mrs. Trent. She is my
office `Betty'. Whenever I had to be here for any reason, I would hide out
in her office."

Mrs. Trent laughed and said, "Yes, but I could never get you to call me by
my first name."

"You know why?"

Brock and Shane looked confused, and Mrs. Trent said, "My first name is
Axella; however, mastery of the letter X is difficult for children. So, the
first time we met, he started calling me Ass-ella. Everyone thought it was
cute, but around the time he started school someone told him what it
sounded like he was calling me. James was so embarrassed he would only call
me Mrs. Trent after that. However James, I am sure you can pronounce my
first name now, and I would very much like it if you called Axella."

James smiled and said, "Of course, Axella."

Axella then turned to Brock and Shane and said, "I'm sure I'll be seeing
the two of you again, so I would like you to call me Axella as well." Both
nodded.

Axella started the tour upstairs in her office. She introduced some of her
assistants and said, "At Christmas we will go over all of the services this
office provides to the company and the family. However, the basics are, we
take care of travel, including corporate jets, also hotel reservations,
access to the company boxes at sporting events and the symphony, and
corporate credit cards for the family and top executives. We also can
arrange for car service, theater and event tickets, and restaurant
reservations in the city. We plan company and family public gatherings and
banquets. Finally, we coordinate schedules and security. Up unto this time
we have put anything we have done on your behalf under your mother's
account. However, from now on they will go under your account."

"I have an account?" James said with surprise.

"Yes, now that you are an adult, we have to treat you as such for the
purposed of taxes and accountability. We will need to sit down with you to
go over everything, however today, I need you to sign this authorization
for me to send the legal documents to Mr. O'Clair for review."

James signed the authorization.

"Next," Axella said, "your mother said there are two events in your future
that you might want us to begin planning for you..."

James suddenly tensed up.

"... the first is a graduation party/reception, and the second is a trip to
Europe this coming Summer."

James let out a deep breath and then said, "Of course, let me think about
that."

"Finally, we need to go down stairs." Axella led them down a spiral
staircase that connected the two floors and then to an office with a piece
of paper covering the name on the door. When she removed the paper, the
name was James Spangler Pierce. James suddenly tensed up, and Brock slipped
an arm around James' waist and Shane put an arm around his shoulders.

Axella pushed a button on her phone and then handed it to James.

"James?"

"Yes Mom?" James said, trying to maintain control.

"I am sorry," Julia said, "this is not how Sydney and I wanted this to
happen. Our intent was to show you the office at Christmas. However, we
were talking just after takeoff and decided that you need to establish who
you are at this meeting. So, we called Axella and told her to do this. I
hope you are not upset with her."

James looked at Axella, and said, "I could never be mad at my office
Betty." Axella smiled. "However, I can be angry with you."

"So how angry are you."

"Three minutes ago, I was at 8 out of 10. Now, 2 out of 10, which you know
is my normal level of pissed at the world."

Julia laughed.

 "Seriously mom, I understand why you did it, and you are right, both the
company and I need to get used to the new reality."

"I know your world has turned upside down in just a few months, but I am so
proud of how you have handled it all."

"Thanks mom. I love you."

"I love you too, goodbye."

Axella opened the door and let James into his new office. It wasn't a
typical office. For one, there was no large imposing desk. Instead, in the
middle of the room was a large conference table and in one corner of the
room was a seating group, and on the wall was a television. In another
corner was a small table with a couple of office chairs.

"Your Aunt Sydney decorated this room," Axella said. `I asked her why there
isn't a desk.  She said, `You aren't a desk type of person." Axella, pushed
a button and a couple of doors on one of the walls opened and there were
shelves, files, drawers, and the storage for all the items that would
normally be in a desk. Axella said, "This closet has a retina door lock, so
you can secure the things you would normally have in a desk."

Axella walked over to the conference table pushed a button, and it raised
it to standing level. "I want to show you some of the things your aunt
decided you might like. One is the ability to create a large standing table
for working on a project." Axella then pressed another button and the table
moved to waist level. Axella walked to the closet and pulled out a ping
pong net with clips, paddles, and a ping pong ball. She put them on the
table and said, "This was what sold your aunt on this table."

"That is so cool," Brock said.

However, James was at the window looking out at the view. Axella walked
over to him, and James looked at her. Then said, "My father's office was
just above this office. It's the same view."

"Your father's office is still above this office," Axella said. "Your
mother and Sydney have decided that your father will stay there until you
are ready to take his place. They have chosen other offices."

After James showed Brock and Shane the view, and looked around his office a
bit more, he was ready to continue the tour. As they were walking around
the executive offices, James pulled Shane aside and said, "I want you to
contact Noah Walker, the Pierce estate manager."

"Okay," Shane said a bit puzzled. "Are you going to tell me why?"

"I want you to find out all of the `Walker' descendants working in Pierce
Industries. Neither he nor I can explain why at this point, but I want you
to find out what you can about them."

"Is there anything in particular you want me to find out?"

"Yeah, are there any of them that could be the person you are supposed to
be finding for me to help run this company."

Shane smiled and nodded. It was the first time he'd heard James even
vaguely acknowledge that he would someday be the head of Pierce
International.

Eventually Axella asked, "Are you ready for your meeting?"

James said, "No, but I guess I can't get out of it."

Axella smiled and asked, "Do you want to meet in the executive conference
room or your office?"

James thought for a moment then said, "Let's meet in my office."

"I'll tell them you will be ready to meet in ten minutes."

When she finally showed in the corporate people who the meeting was with,
Axella had to smile. James had raised the conference table to standing
height and moved the chairs away. Everyone was going to be standing for the
meeting. Before leaving, she asked if anyone needed something and without
giving anyone a chance to answer, James said, "No, we're fine. This meeting
won't last long."

In addition to James, Brock, and Shane, three other people were standing at
the table. Brad Rayburn was a Pierce International attorney, Kendra Taft
was Vice-President of Public Relations, and Raheem Jeffers was a personal
publicist and image consultant.

After the introductions, James said, "Ms. Taft, this is your
meeting. What's on the agenda."

"I am going to be blunt. You are the agenda. You are an unknown and that
scares investors, lenders, and employees. None of whom we can afford to
have jumping ship."

"Ms. Taft," James said. "I didn't ask to be put in this position. So let me
be blunt. I own the company; the company does not own me. I will make every
effort to fulfill my role as CEO-in-waiting; however, I will not be treated
like the British treat their royalty. I am not a symbol or a show pony. I
am a senior in high school. I want to have fun in college and discover who
I am. I am gay, and I have a boyfriend. So, whatever agenda you walked in
here with, you can rip it to pieces and flush it down the nearest toilet."

Kendra Taft closed a folder, then after a bit smiled and said, "Mr. Pierce,
my team can work with that. Please allow me to explain our strategy."

"Wait a minute," James said, "did you just test me?"

"I apologize. The truth is we don't know much about you. Your father and
mother have kept you very much out of the public eye. In one way that is
very good. The public doesn't have a preconceived idea about who you
are. While they don't love you, they also don't hate you. However, that
means we have to figure out how to introduce you to the company and the
public."

"So what does that mean for me, and for Brock?" James asked.

"Our plan is to choreograph and edit your public image through the rest of
your high school life. Raheem will manage your personal public relations,
create a press packet about you, and assist you with public appearances and
the press. Reporters and photographers who are `friendlies' will get
interviews and photo ops after you graduate from Mill Brook. Hostiles will
get nothing, unless they get truly obnoxious, then they will get a meet and
greet from your security team."

"So what do I have to do?" James said.

"Be normal," Raheem said. "Obviously, things like drug and alcohol abuse,
breaking the law, getting into fights, and stuff like that are real
problems for your image, especially anything with photos or videos."

James and Brock looked at each other with concern, and Raheem said, "Yes,
we do have a few things to talk about, but we can do that later."

"So, am I on the agenda?" Brock asked.

"Yes," Brad Rayburn, said. "I have a non-disclosure agreement for you to
sign. I don't want to be awkward about this; however, Mr. Champlain, you
will have very personal knowledge regarding Mr. Pierce, and we would like
your assurance that you will treat that information as private."

"I have every intention to do just that, not because I signed an NDA, but
because of the way I feel about James. However, I also realize that you
don't know me from Adam and need more assurance than just my word; so,
after I have and attorney look at this document, I will consider signing
it."

Rayburn looked at James, and immediately realized it would be stupid to say
anything else, smiled, and excused himself from the meeting."

Kendra then said, "The last item on `my agenda' is to clear a couple of PR
items and events. First, unless you object, we will have a photographer in
the booth at the game on Sunday." James nodded.

"Second, we want a photo of you with your mother and Aunt Sydney for the
annual report."

"What about my father?" James asked.

Kendra was caught off guard with the question and finally said, "That
really depends on his health. The annual report will be released a month
after his operation."

It suddenly hit James that the picture of his father in the annual report
might be in connection with James Sr.'s obituary. "I understand. However, I
am going to visit my father at Christmas, and I want a photo taken of him,
Courtney, and me. Please arrange for a photographer." Kendra made a note in
her iPad.

"Third, do you have any Spring Break plans?"

James looked at Brock, then said, "We haven't made any plans. I know I want
to spend it with Brock and with my friends."

"The reason I ask is that the closer we get to your graduation, the harder
it will be to protect your privacy; and let's just face it, people do
stupid things on Spring Break." James and Brock both smiled. "So," Kendra
continued trying not to smile herself, "Pierce International owns several
properties around the world that I would recommend you consider. It would
make our jobs much easier. Personally, I would recommend the Canary Island
property. Axella can tell you all your options."

James and Brock were both grinning just thinking about it.

Then Raheem said, "Brock, my researcher tells me your family usually
volunteers at your parish's Christmas party for children that are spending
the holidays in the hospital. Are you doing that again?"

"Yes, James and I are going to be helping my parents. Why?"

"I know it's crass to use a charity for PR purposes, but I have a
request. Can you take a selfie with your parents and James at the party,
then post it on your Instagram account with the caption `Mom, Dad, James
and I helping at the Children's Hospital's Christmas Party'."

"I can, but why?" Brock asked.

"I can answer that," James said. "My family is a mess, so Raheem is wanting
to use your family to showcase us as just your all-American gay
couple. Right?"

"Now I feel sleazy and manipulative for suggesting that," Raheem said.

"Yes, you do, but that's your job," James said, then smiled. "We'll ask
Nelson and Florence if they are cool with being our poster-parents."

Brock laughed, "Oh they will be fine as long as mom gets to choose the pic
and dad can hang a print up in his office."

Raheem smiled and said, "I think it is going to be fun working with the two
of you."

After James spent a little private time chatting with Axella, James, Brock,
and Shane got in the elevator.

In the lobby, James asked Shane, "Are you still planning to be at the game
tomorrow?"

"Absolutely! I'm not sure which will be more fun, the game or watching you
work the room. You are a natural when it comes to reading people and
figuring out what they really want."

"I agree," Brock said. "It's scary that James seems to know what people are
thinking."

Ian laughed and said, "Not everyone is as easy as you are stud. Most people
think about more than sex, food, and sports."

Shane laughed and Brock blushed. Then Shane said, "You two need to go and
have some fun, work off some energy, and chill. All the superheroes have a
Fortress of Solitude, you need to find yours."

James and Brock looked at each other and smiled. Never in his wildest
dreams would James have believed that he would find his place of
tranquility and security on the Pierce family estate within sight of the
mansion that represented all that he despised and in the arms of someone
that represented all that he despised. But now there was nothing he wanted,
no needed, more than an afternoon of physical exertion and sexual release
with his boyfriend.

"Let's go to the gym. You owe me a workout and a massage," James said.

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

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