His Personal Shopper

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His Personal Shopper

Three Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Luke's mother kept him on the phone for what seemed forever. She was berating him for not coming home for Thanksgiving dinner.

"The entire family will be here," she lamented. "They'll want to see you. Don't you want to see them? It's only an hour's drive." She went on and on trying to fill him with guilt.

"Of course, I'd like to be there, Ma, but I'm just too busy." Luke whined. "I intend to catch up on all my paperwork backlog that day. You know that I'm a sole practitioner trying to build a law practice. I have nobody to help me."

"It's time you hired an assistant," his mother said

"I will, Ma, soon, but I can't afford it yet. I can hardly afford my receptionist. In fact, I'm too busy to talk to you right now, so I'll say goodbye."

"Wait?" his mother yelled. "I'll stop badgering you if you promise to come for Christmas dinner. The whole family will be together again. It's not right that you shouldn't be here."

"Okay, I promise," Luke said. He hung up before his mother could say another word, and went back to work. His desk was overloaded with clients' files.

As soon as he was off the phone, Luke slapped his forehead. "What have I done?" He screamed out loud. He was alone in his office so nobody could hear his wailing. "I won't have time to buy all those Christmas gifts."

Luke has three older brothers. They are all married, and between them they have seven children and one on the way. His mother has a divorced sister, and his father has a bachelor brother. In all, excluding himself, he figured that he'd have to buy seventeen Christmas gifts. When would he have the time?

"Noooooooo," he cried out louder. "I'll need a miracle."

He would have bet his next retainer that he heard a sweet, feminine voice say, "Wish for a miracle. Send your wish out to the universe."

He chalked it up to wishful thinking, and a vivid imagination, but he made the wish.

Early the Same Evening

Luke Bennett kept falling asleep at his desk, so he figured that he'd better call it a day. Besides, he was so upset about his formidable Christmas task that he couldn't think straight. He closed his office, and went downstairs. Adjacent to his office building there was a little coffee shop. He couldn't get a full meal there, but he hadn't eaten anything all day, so he stopped in, and ordered a slice of peach pie and a cup of coffee.

Luke finished his meager dinner, and went to pay his bill. At the cahier's station, he spotted a rack with the business cards of local vendors and professionals. He took several of his own cards out of his wallet, and added them to the rack. He had to move a few cards to make room, and then he spotted it.

The card was on a glossy, heavy paper and it read:

No time to shop?

Let me do it for you.

Ben Fields

212-555-3322

Luke grabbed the card, and stuffed it into his pocket.

"That's just what the lawyer ordered," he thought. He completely forgot about the wish he made.

The next morning, he had to appear in court, and when he got back to his office at three in the afternoon, he returned his incoming calls. That chore done, he pulled the shopper's card out of his wallet, and called him.

A robotic voice informed him that he had reached Ben Fields.

"I'm out shopping right now, and I'm not able to take your call, but if you leave your name, telephone number, and a short message, I'll return your call as soon as possible."

Luke was disappointed, but he left his name, telephone number and a short message, informing Ben that he wanted to retain his services. It was way past dinner time when Luke finally decided to call it a day, and go home. This evening, he intended on zapping a frozen dinner.

Just as he was about to set the answering machine, his phone rang. The caller identified himself as Ben Fields, Professional Shopper.

"Thanks for calling," Luke said. "I really need your services. I have to buy Christmas gifts, and I'm too busy to do it myself."

"That's what I'm here for. How soon can we meet?"

"How about lunch tomorrow?" Luke answered. "It's on me."

"That sounds great. Where would you like to meet?"

"There's a little coffee shop just downstairs from my office building. Could you meet me there at 12:30?"

"Could we make it 1 PM?" Ben asked. "I'll be out of school by then."

"Of course."

"I'm looking forward to it. Just leave your name with the cashier if you get there first, and I'll do the same."

It sounded to Luke that Ben was about to hang up, so he said quickly, "I should have asked sooner, but what are your fees?"

"I get $30 an hour," Ben said. "I hope that's okay with you."

Most attorneys, with small offices, bill out at an average of $250 an hour. To encourage business, Luke billed out at $200 an hour, so he gave Ben a fast yes. He'd be way ahead. He said he was looking forward to their meeting also. He gave Ben the address of the coffee shop, and reluctantly hung up. Luke hated to do that. He felt that Ben was his savior, and for some crazy reason, he wanted to talk to him all night.

Luke went home that evening feeling much less stressed out.

Early the Next Afternoon

"Seventeen people!" Ben said incredulously, when Luke gave him the count. "I usually shop for a wife or a girlfriend, even a couple of kids. My client tells me all about them, and I always get the perfect gift. From what you tell me, you don't have the time to sit with me, and tell me all about the likes and dislikes of all seventeen recipients. Do you even know their likes and dislikes? This is a major problem. I don't think I can help you out. I'm really sorry. I'll pick up the tab."

Ben got up to leave, but Luke grabbed his arm. Would it help if you met all of them in a couple of weeks?"

"Maybe. What are you thinking?"

"My entire family will be together at my parents' house on Thanksgiving. I told my mom that I was too busy to come. I could call and tell her I've changed my mind, but I have a friend who has no family, and I'd like to bring him. She won't say no."

"What makes you think that I'm available that day? I may have my own family plans."

"Charge me $40 an hour that day, and please free yourself up."

Ben laughed. "Thirty will be fine. As it happens, I have no family. My parents disowned me when I came out. I'd love to have dinner with your family."

"You're gay?" Luke asked in surprise. "My gaydar failed me completely."

"So did mine," Ben concurred.

For the next five minutes the two men didn't say a word. They just kept smiling at one another. Finally, they reached across the table and held hands. They were both hunks, and the attraction between them was very strong.

"I've got a great idea," Luke said. "Unlike your parents, my folks and my brothers are always trying to fix me up. If I introduce you as my boyfriend, they are more likely to speak freely to you. Besides, it will make them very happy, and they'll get off my back about settling down with my Prince Charming."

There was a pause as Ben considered if it would be wise to pretend to be Luke's boyfriend. He didn't like the idea, and he didn't know how to answer Luke.

The silence lasted too long, and it was becoming oppressive. Finally, it was broken when Luke asked, "I'll bet that you don't always want to be a personal shopper, Ben. What are your plans?"

"I have no parental help, so I shop to support myself," Ben answered. "I'm attending Fordham Law School. I'll be graduating next June."

Luke's heart stopped beating. He was mute, so Ben got back on topic.

"If I pretend to be your boyfriend at the Thanksgiving dinner, can I show you some affection?" Ben asked. Luke wasn't sure if he was serious or kidding around.

"Absolutely," Luke said. "Why don't you come home with me when I close the office, and we'll practice being affectionate."

"What will I do all afternoon until you're ready to go home?" Ben asked.

"You'll come upstairs, and clerk for me. I'm a lawyer, and I desperately need help. I'll pay you $35 an hour so you're way ahead. You can join my practice after you graduate and pass the bar. When you do my gift shopping for me, I'll only pay $30 an hour as we agreed upon, but be warned, I'm your last and only shopping client. You're a law clerk now."

"Wow," Ben said, and he squeezed Luke's hand. "I sure am glad I met you. I gotta tell you that I made a wish that I would get a clerking job soon. My dreams are coming true."

Suddenly, Luke was reminded of his wish. His wish was coming true also, with a bonus. He was very attracted to the shopper He might even get laid this evening.

"If I stay the night, Ben said, "I'll have to leave early in the morning. I need to go home to do my morning things, and dress for school."

"It'll be hard to let you go, but I can bear it, because I know I'll be seeing more of you."

Back in the office, Luke introduced Ben to his receptionist, and showed him how to access his on-line law library. Then he gave him two cases to research. At 6 PM, Luke declared that it was time to close shop. This was at least two to three hours earlier than usual. Not only was he anxious to get home, but Ben had done some of his work. His mother would be pleased.

His mother!! Finally, Luke remembered to call her. He told her that he was coming for Thanksgiving dinner with his BOYFRIEND. His mother shrieked so loud in joy, she never heard Luke say that Ben worked for him.

They took the subway to Luke's apartment. On the way, Luke said to Ben, "You worked five hours for me. Payday is Friday. I owe you $175, but I'm going to put you on my payroll. I'll have to take out taxes and social security, but ultimately, it's for your own good."

"I don't mind at all. I think our association will be a long one. You know what else is great?" Ben asked.

"What?"

"I'll have someone at my graduation."

"Don't celebrate just yet. If they think you're my boyfriend, my whole family might be there."

When they got home, they stripped rapidly and studied their bodies. Each one wanted to memorize every detail. They were both six feet tall. Ben was more muscular. Luke had no time to work out. Their cocks were more identical. They were both cut and well hung. They were about four and a half flaccid inches, but one look at each other and they both erected to seven inches.

Luke dragged Ben to his shower. They couldn't hold back. In the shower they went down on one another, they rimmed, they fucked, and gave themselves golden showers. By the time they turned off the spigots, they were exhausted, and fell into Luke's bed They wrapped their arms around each other, and slept until early morning, when Ben had to go home.

Luke wouldn't let him leave. "Shower," he said, "I'll give you a tooth brush, a razor, and something of mine to wear. Do you think you could move in this weekend?"

"I'll make it happen."

Thanksgiving Dinner

By the time Thanksgiving Day rolled around, Luke and Ben were living together, and the whole family knew it. It took Luke more than a half hour to introduce Ben to every member of his family, including his nieces and nephews. Each one spoke a few minutes with him. They were sizing him up as a candidate for future family ties. He passed muster with flying colors. Better than that, he was a good listener. After all, he was studying to be a lawyer. In those few minutes, his professional shopper's eyes and ears told him the exact, perfect gift to get for every member of the family. He nodded at Luke, who sighed with relief.

Luke finally got a word in edgewise, and told everyone that Ben was a third-year law student, and had just started to work for him as his law clerk.

"He's so good, my work load has greatly diminished, and I'll have more time to see and be with you guys. Correction, Ben and I will have more time."

Everyone cheered, and Luke's eldest brother, Nicholas, put an arm around Ben's shoulder.

By the time they sat down to dinner, Luke's family had accepted him as Luke's husband, and a member of the family. More than that, Luke's parents adopted him when they heard that he had been disowned.

Ben had been without a family so long, that when he realized that he had been adopted by Luke's family, he cried off and on. Whenever he got a tear in his eye, Luke put his arm around him, and Mrs. Bennett smiled happily. She even took Luke aside and asked, "Are you two going to get married? I haven't made a wedding in a very long time."

"We haven't gotten that far yet, Ma, but we'll discuss it. I'd like to have children also. It's all so new, I don't know if Ben feels the same way"

"Of course, he does," Mrs. Bennett said. "He's got a good heart. I can tell. I'm so happy for both of you."

Luke and Ben were anxious to leave and get home, but they didn't want to be the first to go. Thankfully, one of Luke's nephews was acting up, and his parents took their leave. Then Luke and Ben left also. Twenty minutes went by, before all the kissing was done, and they could head for home.

When they got to their apartment that night, they made love with more passion than on their first night together. They loved each other more every day,

Christmas Eve

In the office, on Christmas Eve, Luke said to Ben, "Here are the plans for tomorrow. We meet the family at church at 10 o'clock. After the service, we all go to my parents' home. We exchange gifts, and then stuff our faces with mom's cooking. Believe me, you'll love it."

There was a look of great distress on Ben's face. It was so obvious that Luke was prompted to ask, "Are you okay, Honey? If you don't want to go, I can call and say that one of us is sick."

"Of course, I want to go," Ben said. "It's just that I haven't been inside a church since I got booted out of my house. I don't even know what religion you practice, and what kind of church we'll be going to."

"What does it matter, my darling. It'll be a Christmas Day service, and that's universal."

"Sure," Ben said, "of course." Then he started to laugh.

"What?" Luke asked.

"I don't have to lie about being your boyfriend. I would hate to have lied on Christmas Day."

"Amen," Luke said. "and I love saying that you're my boyfriend."

"Me too."

Christmas Day

During the church service, Ben and Luke held each other's hands tightly. So did every other couple in The Bennett family.

When they got to The Bennett's, it took each of Ben's brothers, Mr. Bennett's brother, and Mrs. Bennett's sister, twenty minutes to unload the presents from their cars. There were that many. In addition to the seventeen gifts that Ben and Luke bought together, Luke had a gift for Ben, and Ben had a gift for Luke. The others had an extra gift for Ben. It was going to take hours to open all the gifts. Ben and Luke feared that it would be a very long day.

During the meal, Ben felt the vibrator on his cell phone. There was so much noise in the dining room, he never heard the ring. He wasn't going to answer anyway, but he glanced at the name to see who was calling. The caller ID said, "Unknown Caller." It was too noisy to speak to anyone, so he figured if a message went to voice mail, he could listen later.

When the festivities came to an end, and Luke and Ben went home, they jumped right into bed for their nightly ritual of making love. Ben forgot all about the telephone call. His passion for Luke blocked out every other thought.

The Next Morning

Early the next morning, he remembered about the call. The caller had indeed left a message. Ben listened, and turned pale.

"What's the matter?" Luke asked in alarm.

"I'll replay the message." Ben said, and he handed Luke his phone. Luke listened and he turned white also.

"Benjamin, Ben" Luke heard, "it's your father. You probably hate me, and don't want to talk to me, but I'd like to tell you how sorry I am, how much I miss you, and how much I love you. I was an utter asshole. My heartfelt prayer is that I didn't lose you forever. If you can forgive me, please call, and we'll make a date to get together and catch up. Merry Christmas, my dear son."

Luke disconnected the message. Ben was crying like a baby. "What should I do?" he asked Luke, knowing full well that it was his decision, and Luke would back him up, no matter what he decided to do.

Luke answered anyway "Your father called on Christmas," he said. "Forgiveness is the order of the day. I think you should call him. Did you see yesterday, how important family is?"

"Okay, I'll call him tomorrow."

"No. By tomorrow you might chicken out. Call him now."

Ben went to "recent calls," and speed-dialed the number his father had called him from. Mr. Fields answered on the first ring. He must have read the caller ID. He was sobbing.

"Ben, Ben, son. Thank you for calling. When can I see you? There's too much to talk about on the phone."

"Dad, I'm going to Law School, and I'm clerking in a law office. I'm really busy. Can we make it Saturday? I'll meet you somewhere for lunch."

"Yes, Yes. Just tell me where and when to meet you."

Ben gave his father the name and address of the coffee shop next to Luke's office building.

"Meet me at noon," he said. "The shop is attached to the building where I work. All they have for lunch are sandwiches. After we have lunch, I'll take you to meet Luke."

"Who's Luke?"

"Luke is everything to me, Dad. He's my boss, my legal mentor, and my fiancé. We haven't set a date yet. Luke has a huge family, and they can't wait to go to our wedding. I would love it if you and mom came also."

There was a long silence until Ben said, "You don't have to feel obligated to come, if it will make you uncomfortable."

"No, no. It's not that, but everything you told me is a lot for me to absorb on the phone right now. I had always hoped to be your legal mentor. I'm sad that I've been replaced. On the other side of the coin, my greatest fear was that I scarred you for life. You're doing well, and I'm pleased."

"You didn't scar me, Dad, but you made life really hard for me. Luke saved me. He gave me a job that pays my expenses. I live with him, and he won't take rent money from me, so my living costs are way down."

"I don't know how I can tell you how sorry I am," John sobbed. "I'll meet you Saturday, and we can talk in person. Thank you, Ben, for agreeing to see me."

"Of course," Ben said. "I love you." He hung up.

He turned to Luke. "You better make love to me tonight," he ordered.

"Nah," Luke said, "I've got a headache." Then he started to laugh so hard, he almost choked.

Saturday

Ben agonized over how to greet his father. He wondered if his mother would be there. His father had not mentioned her at all. Ben would like to hug him, but he decided to just shake hands in a friendly manner. John Fields had other ideas. As soon as he spotted his son, he embraced him in a bear hug, and couldn't stop crying. Finally, they settled down, and got a table.

Ben asked the first question. "How's Mom? You haven't mentioned her once. I'm concerned."

"I didn't want to tell you on the phone. She passed away last year. She had breast cancer. She fought bravely for a couple of years, but it defeated her. She suffered so much at the end; her death was a blessing."

Ben wanted to cry, but no tears came. Instead, he said, "So you're alone and lonely. Is that why you called me?"

"Yes, that's part of it, but it's not the reason I called. I called to have you back in my life. I was such a jerk. There's no reason for you to believe me, but I'm truly sorry." John started to cry again. Ben stood up and wrapped his father in his arms. No help there. John cried harder.

They both sat down when the waiter came to take their order. They spoke for over an hour. Ben told his father how he met Luke, how he came to work for him, and how they fell in love at first sight. He described the huge family dinners Luke's parents made at every opportunity.

"They're having the whole family over on New Year's Eve, Dad. You're family. I'd be pleased if you would come with Luke and me."

"Let's check with Luke first."

"He'll say, "Yes."

"Just the same. Let's ask him."

John insisted on paying the bill, and then they went up to Luke's office.

"Just in time," Luke said. "I was about to wrap things up, and look for you guys in the coffee shop."

Ben introduced his father to Luke, and John stuck out his hand to shake Luke's. Luke would have none of that. He gave John a great big hug. He was surprised but he hugged right back.

"Are you two foolish men reconciled?" Luke asked.

Father and son looked at each other, smiled, and nodded.

"Good," Luke said. "Now you can come to the Bennett family New Year's Eve party at my parents' house. You'll love it, John. My mother is the best cook in the world. She could be a chef.

Ben and John broke out laughing.

"See," Ben said. "I told you so."

New Year's Eve

John was welcomed at the party with open arms, literally. Even though every member of the Bennett family was aware that he had disowned his own son years earlier, they embraced him, and told him how pleased they were to meet Ben's dad. He gave Mrs. Bennett a dozen red roses, and he gave Mr. Bennett a bottle of red wine. Everyone he met told him what a fine son he had, and what a fantastic work ethic he possessed. John's only regret was that all seven children were fast asleep on the king-sized bed in the master bedroom, which had been converted into a dormitory.

"You must be very proud of him," Luke's father said, as he welcomed John to his home.

John nodded. "Yes, I'm very proud," he agreed.

John was just as handsome as Ben, in a mature sort of way. When he was introduced to Mrs. Bennett's divorced sister, Cindi, sparks almost ignited the room. The two of them spent most of the evening chatting together, and at one point, Ben saw Cindi giving his father her telephone number. He handed her his cell phone, and she entered her name and number on his contact list. Ben's heart was beating so fast, he feared he would have a stroke.

In minutes, John felt like a member of the family. He never once felt like an outsider, because he was never treated as one. He was happy about that, but as the evening of frivolity wore on, he grew sadder and sadder. He realized what a fool he had been, and he couldn't go back in time to undo the damage he had caused.

Somehow, a little before midnight, he realized that he was lamenting the past, instead of looking to the future. His mood brightened considerably, and he knew just what he was going to do to help make things right.

John had driven his two sons to the party in Queens, NY. On the drive home, he said to his two boys, "My office is closed tomorrow, of course, but would you two guys please meet me there about noon. I want to take you to lunch, but more importantly, I have a business proposition for both of you."

"Wow! Can you give us a little hint?" Ben asked.

"No. Be patient. We'll discuss it tomorrow."

New Year's Day

Ben and Luke arrived at John's deserted office at noon the next day. It was obvious to Luke that his future father-in-law was a very successful attorney. The reception area was tastefully furnished with very expensive furniture. John took them into his private office. There were two chairs facing his desk, and he bade them sit. They were facing him. Luke envied John's posh desk chair.

"I'm going to lay out my business proposition first, and we can discuss it further at lunch. That is, if further discussion is necessary," John said.

The boys looked at him with great anticipation.

"I'm a sole practitioner like you, Luke" he began. I'm under just as much pressure as you are, and frankly, I'm getting too old for it. The stress is killing me. What would you think of merging with me, Son? We'll all have more leisure time. I know you guys would like that." He winked at them. "We're family, after all. When Ben graduates, he can work for us full time, and when he passes the bar, we'll make him a full partner."

He paused to let his proposition sink in. Ben was weeping, and Luke was staring at him incredulously. John had called him, Son.

Finally, Luke spoke. "I think that it's a great idea," he said, "but given the animosity you and Ben have suffered, I'd have to let Ben make the decision."

Ben was still weeping, but he got himself together, and said, "I think it's a wonderful idea, but I have to warn you, Dad; you'll have to attend all Bennett Family dinners."

The three men laughed.

"It'll be my pleasure," John said. "Now, let's close the office and go to lunch. We can discuss the logistics of the merger starting tomorrow. Oh, by the way, we're going to the coffee shop near your office, and it will be a light lunch. I'm taking your Aunt Cindi to dinner tonight, Luke. Besides, after last night's feast, I don't think any of us are very hungry."

"Luke, honey," Ben asked, "aren't you happy that you had no time to do your Christmas shopping?"

Luke smiled and kissed Ben on his cheek. John grinned at his two sons. He wasn't grossed out at all to see two men kissing.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday saw another big luncheon at the Bennett's. Ben and John Fields were there, of course. Strangely they both felt like family, and rightly so. They belonged there.

During the festivities, John took Cindi aside, and proposed to her. The diamond ring measured almost three carats, and was in a white gold, solitaire setting. When they finished kissing, Cindi yelled for attention. She showed everyone the ring, and announced her engagement to John.

Bennett family gatherings were always loud and boisterous, but the decimal level at this one was so high, it's a wonder no ear drums were damaged.

The Following June

When Ben graduated from law school, he was only given two tickets to the ceremony. That didn't stop the Bennett family. The fathers, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Fields, made a big party that night in a neighborhood restaurant in Queens. The whole clan was there, including the children. There were now eight of them.

John and Ben had never had any family. During the evening's festivities, they both realized that by asking for forgiveness, and by granting it, they were now part of a large and loving family. In fact, John cemented his position when he became engaged to Luke's Aunt, Cindi. Ben was already there when he became engaged to Luke.

Labor Day

Labor Day saw another family gathering. It was a very special occasion. Cindi and John were getting married the following weekend. Luke and Ben were getting married two weeks after that. The two weddings were the noisiest, and most joyous, Bennett family get togethers ever held. It outranked all the previous ones.

Wishes can turn into miracles, and miracles do happen.