Family Matters, Chapter 9
Downstairs, Rory had pulled a light throw over him and was nearly asleep in the recliner; half watching football. It didn't particularly hold his interest because he didn't have a favorite team in the game. His mind began to wander over everything that had happened recently.
Although he'd gone to church some, and even taken his little brother, he'd never been particularly religious. However, he almost wondered if God or a guardian angel was watching over him. Perhaps it was his father's spirit. Whatever it was, something or someone had kept him safe on the streets when he was thrown out by his mother and stepfather. Something providential had put him in his current situation which was nothing short of miraculous. He'd grown up without a lot of extras, but he'd never gone hungry or been physically abused until recently.
It had come as a shock when Ralph had attacked him and his mother hadn't done a thing to stop it. He shuddered at the remembrance, and felt tears forming. His stepfather had never shown any affection toward him, but up to that point hadn't been abusive either. Hopefully the man was out of his life for good!
Silently, he sent up a little prayer to whatever spirit might be watching over him. On this Thanksgiving Day, he was truly thankful.
Rory's musings were interrupted when Landon called down the stairs for him to pick up the phone. Could it be that his mother had had second thoughts and wanted him back? He sincerely hoped that was not the case.
"Hello."
"Hey dude, this is Austin, you know, from school."
"Hey Austin! How did you get my number?"
"I played detective and found a Landon Brooks on White Pages who had an address nearby and who sounded like he might be the right age to have Corbin. By the way, who is Michael Day that it says he's associated with?"
"Michael's his boyfriend or partner or whatever."
"So, um, they're gay?"
"Yes, is that a problem for you?" Rory asked a bit defensively.
"No, no, I'm cool with that; I'm not a hater. There's nothing wrong with two guys being in love. Besides, Landon didn't seem gay to me."
"How are gay people supposed to act? Are they supposed to prance around and wave their limp wrists?"
"No; look, I'm sorry I got off on the wrong foot here. I'm so used to seeing stereotypes in the media that I guess I assumed a lot of gay men act a certain way. Honest, I didn't mean anything. I don't think George Michael, Ricky Martin, Lance Bass, or Michael Sam fit the stereotype either. Now, Adam Lambert kinda looks like he's out there."
"He doesn't seem to hide his orientation; that's for sure!" Rory laughed. "Sorry about jumping on you. I think I got a little too defensive, but Landon and Michael have been wonderful to me and I don't want to hear anything derogatory about them or how they live."
"That's fair enough. Um, I was calling to see if you would like to come for a sleepover tomorrow night. I know we don't know one another really well yet, but I'd like to get better acquainted."
"I'd like that too," Rory agreed. "Since Grandma and Landon have met you already and the counselor said you were a nice guy, I don't think they'd object."
"Cool! I'll give you my cell number so you can call me back. Um, may I have your number?"
"I don't have my own phone, so you already have my contact information."
"Oh, I was hoping we could text and stuff. Well, I can call you on the land line and we'll see each other in most of our classes anyway."
"Landon gave me one of his laptops and I have an email account. I can give you that and maybe we can IM. He also gave me a bike, so maybe we could go riding on the trail sometime when the weather's decent. I think it had belonged to his wife, but it's unisex, so it doesn't look weird."
"Cool! That'll be fun on days when it's warm enough out. There's a trail nearby."
The adults in the household had no qualms about the sleepover, but Landon did kid Rory a little.
"Hmm... Austin evidently doesn't waste any time going after what he wants."
"Uh, what do you mean?"
"He just met you recently and he's taking you home already."
"This isn't a date!" Rory blushed.
"But it could be called a `play date' couldn't it? I saw how both of you lit up when you met."
Rory grinned and remained silent, but continued to blush profusely.
"Be careful with your heart," Landon counseled.
"I will. I'm not sure if he's even gay or just wants to be nice to the new kid. I'm getting kind of mixed signals and I'm not experienced enough to know what's a sign and what isn't.
I knew a kid in my other school who used to flirt with guys in order to gain their trust and then he'd out them. I didn't fall for it, but I think some kids figured me out anyway. I was never part of the `in' crowd."
"Well, you're cute enough to attract other guys, but you don't stand out as being gay. If you play it cool, probably no one will figure you out. Of course, if you play it too cool, you might miss out on having a boyfriend, if that's what you want. Austin doesn't come off as overtly gay either, but something about him did register on my gaydar."
"Is gaydar for real, then?"
"Yes it is for any number of people. Michael and I figured each other out even though we were both married when we met. I'm still not sure if he and I are gay or bi. As you and I have noted, Corbin is living proof that I can function in bed with a woman."
"Did you and Michael fall in love immediately?"
"We bonded immediately; kinda like you and Austin seem to be doing. We thought originally that it was simply a `bromance,' but we gradually came to realize we were kindred spirits. We were friends before we became lovers. I'd advised guys like Austin and you to do the same, but I also remember having raging hormones at your age. I messed around some with a couple of guys at 16 and it didn't screw me up for life."
"Evidently those didn't turn into relationships," Rory observed.
"For sure, or I wouldn't have married Sarah."
"Um, I asked Austin about hair stylists when I called him back." Rory said, changing the subject. "He offered to take me to the place in the mall where he goes. I don't have quite enough money to do that and buy him lunch and I wondered if I could borrow a little. I'd like to get rid of my long hair and go for a new look that would help me fit in. You know, kinda medium, not military like Ralph wanted me to have."
"I'm not going to loan you haircut money. I'm going to give it to you!" Landon exclaimed."
"You don't have to. It's not like I can't keep my hair like it is."
"Perhaps you're right, but I want you to feel like you fit in from the very start. First impressions are important. Michael and I have decided to give you an allowance anyway."
"I'll try to find a job so you don't have to support me. I mean, you're giving me a home!"
"We are very happy to do that. You're a welcome addition to our family."
"But you have Corbin to raise and you'll have even more bills if you buy a bigger house, which you wouldn't need if I didn't live with you. I need to earn my way. I saw a used gym bag at Goodwill and we can take that new one back. I left the tags on it. I'll ask Austin if we can go there after I get my hair cut. It would probably be better if I didn't show up at school with lots of new stuff anyway. I want to be as invisible as possible."
Landon pulled three twenty dollar bills from his billfold and laid them on Rory's hand.
"There should be enough here for your haircut, a decent tip, and lunch for the two of you in the mall. If you don't think it will cover the used gym bag, I'll give you more
I know what you mean about not wanting to stand out in school. However, I insist that you keep the new bag we bought for when we go to the health club and for packing your things for the sleepover. Michael and I are both making more money than we did last year and we can afford it. You'll hurt our feelings if you don't let us do things for you."
"Thanks!" Rory exclaimed. "Take back one of these for sure because I still have the money you gave me for lunch on Wednesday. I'll bring you the change."
"No, I want you to keep it. Let me know if you need more.
Landon didn't miss the tears in the boy's eyes and felt a couple in his own. He couldn't resist pulling Rory into a warm embrace.
Early on Friday morning Landon, Michael, and Rory dressed to go to the gym. Michael said he would add both Rory and Marian to their "friends and family" plan. Rory might not use the facility all that much because of having access to the weight room at school, but it would be there if he wanted to. Marian could benefit from the social aspect of some of the senior classes so that she wouldn't feel confined to the house all of the time. Both grandmother and grandson were pleased.
Marian made them all a light breakfast, knowing that the men didn't like to work out with much in their stomachs. She wasn't sure about Rory, but was certain that he'd want to do everything they did. It was good for him to have great role-models, especially as a gay adolescent. She felt like she was doubly blessed in having taken on the job of being nanny and housekeeper. Mildred had done her a great act of kindness in finding her the job.
As they got ready, Landon realized Rory didn't have warm-up pants like Michael and he had. He found an extra pair for Rory to use until they could buy him his own. They were a little roomy, but not so much as to be obvious.
Rory packed his sporty new gym bag with a towel, underwear, toiletries, jeans and a shirt to wear on the way home. He was excited to be included with the older guys.
When they arrived at the club, Michael invited Rory to exercise with them or do his own thing. He chose the former option because he didn't feel like he knew much about working out correctly. The swim coach at his former school worked only with his "pets" and left the rest to muddle through on their own.
Rory was impressed in several ways. He had no idea that ordinary guys, probably twelve years older than he was, could outdo him when it came to the amount of weight they could press. Had they been body-builders, that would have been one thing, but men who had desk jobs weren't supposed to be that strong. Through their whole routine, he was hard-pressed to keep up with them.
When they all stripped to go into the steam room to stretch and relax before showering, he was again amazed at their muscle definition, as well as how impressive the bits were between their legs.
He was thankful that the room was dimly lit and that the atmosphere was thick. Otherwise, he would have been embarrassed by his growing dick.
In the private shower cubical a few minutes later, Rory took care of his rising problem so that he wouldn't be out-of-control horny when he stayed over with Austin.
Like a trio of Hobbits, they ate a second breakfast at Panera Bread Company. Rory really liked the food and the atmosphere. He realized he'd led a pretty dull life in terms of trendy places to eat.
When they'd finished, they drove to Aunt Mildred's house to look it over in detail. Rory was delighted to be included because it made him feel like his opinion mattered. The men were continuing to treat him as if he were an adult and part of the family. Again, he felt very fortunate.
Mildred's home was a commodious two-story with an attached four-car garage set on a good-sized lot. The yard was rife with trees, including an oak, an ash, several lindens, and a few pines of various types. It sat among other houses of similar scale in a very nice neighborhood.
"Come right in," Mildred invited them, "Don't mind Charlie; he'll settle down in a minute after he gets acquainted."
Rory immediately squatted down to pay attention to the black and white Shih Tzu who jumped around like a hyperactive kid off of his meds. In a couple of moments, the little dog had been tamed by his charms and was nestled in his arms.
"You must be a dog whisperer," Mildred laughed. "He usually carries on longer than that when guests arrive. Hmm..., if you guys decide to buy the house, I may have to include Charlie in the deal.
Let's start with the upper floor. You boys go ahead because it will take me longer to climb the stairs. Go into the large bedroom to the left and look around. It's the master bedroom suite and it's separated from the others by the stairs and bathroom for more privacy."
The guys did as she asked, and soon found themselves in a large room which had a sitting area in addition to the normal bedroom furniture. Attached to it were an ample walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom with a two-person shower, double sink vanity, and a whirlpool tub.
"Wow, with a microwave, a dorm fridge, and a few packages of Raman noodles, a person could live in this room and not need the rest of the house," Michael joked.
"I think it's one of the nicest features of the house, and that's why I wanted to start here so you'd be impressed," Mildred said, slightly out of breath from her climb.
"It is a selling point indeed," Landon agreed.
From there, they preceded to check out the other three bedrooms on that floor. All were of a commodious size with plenty of closet space. One had an en suite bathroom which was in addition to the main bathroom that served the other two bedrooms.
When they went back to the ground floor, they explored the formal living room, dining room, and kitchen. The kitchen flowed into a spacious eating area and a large family room complete with a gas fireplace.
Sliding doors from the kitchen led into a three-season porch which in turn opened onto a deck and patio. The fenced backyard was beautifully landscaped, but had plenty of lawn space for a little boy to explore and play in when he was older.
"I'm sure you men will want to go down to the basement to check out the mechanicals. Forgive me if I don't tackle another set of stairs. I had the new, high efficiency furnace installed three years ago, and I replaced the AC at the same time. Take your time and look everything over.
Rory's eyes lit up when he saw that a large part of the basement was finished off as a family room/rec room, complete with a big-screen TV and sound system. It looked like a home theater.
There were two good-sized bedrooms and a three-quarter bathroom with a shower stall as big as the one in the master bedroom. He hoped that if they bought it, he could have his own nest down there.
All of the rooms, other than the furnace room, had large enough windows to let in plenty of light and provide an escape in case of fire. It didn't feel like being in a basement.
When they came back up, Landon and Michael expressed their desire to buy the place, subject to the appraisers' evaluations of both houses and the loan approval. Mildred was ready to trade even up, but the men would not hear of it. They knew her house had to be worth at least $150,000 more than theirs and they had no intention of cheating her.
"What did you think of the place, Rory?" Michael asked on the way home.
"It's like a mansion! My old house would fit in there three times, I'll bet. Do you think it's going to cost too much?"
"Nope," Landon replied. "The market is still soft and I know it will be a bargain. Two-story houses with formal dining rooms aren't a hot item these days. To top it off, Aunt Mildred has offered to let us buy it on contract so we won't have to wait for loan approval."
"Wow, this will be awesome. Is it in the same school district?"
"Yes, and it's actually about the same distance from Wash as our present place. Plus, I think there may be a city bus that runs close, if not a school bus."
"That sounds like a good deal," Rory smiled. "I didn't like the idea of changing schools twice in a row."
"And you don't want to go to a school where you'd be separated from Austin," Landon teased.
As the guys drove into the garage, a bright red Camry pulled into the driveway behind them.
"Are you ready to go to the mall?" Austin asked as he got out of the car.
"In a minute," Rory answered. "Wow, when we went to lunch, I didn't know that was your car."
"It's not; it's Mom's, but she lets me borrow it for special occasions. I'm saving up for one of my own, but that will be awhile and it won't be new."
Rory and Austin ran down to Rory's bedroom where Rory dumped out his workout clothes and put the things he'd laid out for the sleepover into the gym bag to take with them. There was no reason for them to come back here after going to the mall since Jennifer was expecting Rory for dinner. In his excitement, he almost forgot to put his dirty things into the hamper.
Austin's hair stylist, Patti, asked Rory what he had in mind, and he sheepishly told her he'd like something similar to Austin's haircut. She smiled and said she would try. However, she thought with his facial structure, he might look better with a slightly different cut. She pulled out several books with pictures of cute models who looked a little like Rory and had similar hair color and face shapes, and asked him to choose his favorite.
When Rory and Austin chose the same one at the same time, that was the clincher.
About half an hour later, Rory stood grinning back at the good-looking guy in the mirror. Until that moment, he'd never thought of himself as desirable in the least. He really liked what he saw.
He paid the bill, carefully figuring out the tip to a little over 20% as Landon had suggested. He also remembered to thank Patti for the excellent job. Then, he announced that he was buying Austin's lunch in the food court.
After trying the free samples that various venders were offering, the boys chose a chicken teriyaki meal from the stall which served an American version of Japanese cuisine. It was a kind of yakisoba, and quite tasty as well as filling.
"Jeez, I just can't stop staring at you, Rory. I'm sorry, but do you know how good you look?"
"I do look pretty hot, I think!"
"Oh boy, I've created a narcissistic monster, I fear," Austin said in mock anguish. "We used to have a parakeet like that who drooled all over the mirror when he saw his reflection. You're gonna be doing the same."
"I promise I won't," Rory said contemplatively. "It's just that I've been so down on myself for so long that I feel good for a change. It'll probably wear off when school starts up."
"I hope it doesn't. You look good enough to eat."
"Hmm... I'll have to stay awake all night to keep you from eating me!" Rory exclaimed, before he realized the implication of his words.
Both boys blushed at the innuendos they had made unintentionally.
Author's notes: I heard from a number of you this week. Some are new, and some have been with me for a long time. A couple of you have gone missing in action, and I hope you're okay! The list of current responders includes: Dick M, Wayne, Dave B, Jim W, Thomas U, Tony W, Dave F, Bill K, Tom A, Johan D, Nate A, Owe H, Jim B, Jim L, Tony F, Lance C, Sam C, Denise B, John D (Metamorphosis), Chris M, Peter M, Johnny N, Ott H, Brian P, Barry J, and Walt S.
For a couple of weeks, I missed listing Bill K. Sorry Bill! If I've done that to anyone else, please let me know.
Here are a few links you might be interested in:
http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/navys-first-openly-gay-seal-rebuilding-his-life-in-bible-belt/
http://www.details.com/blogs/daily-details/2015/05/tennessee-gay-marriage-commercial-banned-by-local-tv-station.html
https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/gay-student-finally-allowed-to-deliver-120460316932.html
I leave you with this bit of wisdom that I picked up somewhere on the `net today:
"Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand."
David