Kismet

Kismet, Chapter 3

The drive to Anamosa on Tuesday took only about 25 minutes. It was a pleasant trip. The sun was shining, and spring had begun to paint the trees with a fresh, tender shade of green. The rolling hills reminded Derrick of the Grant Wood paintings they'd inspired.

The guys stopped for lunch at McOtto's. It was a small café near the motorcycle museum. Craig recommended the sandwich special which featured their homemade chicken salad on a croissant, served with a bowl of homemade soup. Derrick ordered that and found it to be as delicious as he had said it would be.

Craig insisted on picking up the check. He left a generous tip as well. Derrick had been on the verge of saying he would pay the tab, but he could sense that Craig really needed to do it for his self-esteem.

Continuing to the business district, they soon parked in front of "Styles by Ashley." Ashley had kept her schedule free between 1:00 and 2:00 PM so there wouldn't be anyone around to overhear their conversation and spread gossip. The town was small enough that news traveled quickly.

The moment the men entered the shop, Oakley ran toward his father with his arms reaching upward.

"Daddy, daddy, daddy!"

"How's my big boy?" Craig responded, scooping up his son into his arms. "I have something for you."

Craig produced a sock monkey from a bag he was carrying. Oakley immediately hugged it to his chest.

"What does this say?" he asked, pointing to the tag.

"It says, Jocko.' See the o' like in your name?"

"And `k' too," Oakley noted.

"Oh, you're so smart! Where did you learn that?"

"At pweschool. Is his name Jocko?"

"It was, but he's yours now and you can name him anything you like."

"Cool! His name is Acorn. Acorn needs a nap; I'll get him a blanket."

"Acorn?" Craig asked, as Oakley scampered into the back room to find a cover to wrap the monkey in."

"Oh, I call him that sometimes as a play on his name. You know, like the nut that falls from the oak. He can be a little nut," Ashley smiled.

"Ashley, this is my housemate, Derrick. He's been a life-saver."

"Hello, Derrick. I guess you've been taking good care of him."

"I try."

"That's nice. He needs a good man. I hope you'll treat him well. If I can't have him, I want him to find someone who can make him happy."

"I plan to," Derrick blushed at the implication.

"I have some money to help with my son's preschool, or should I say pweschool?"

"Wow! It's just in time to make a difference in our lives. I kind of overextended with buying the second chair, but it's already paying for itself. Marian Hartley's son, Tommy, works three days a week. Business is picking up and should really be big for prom, and then there'll be June weddings. It's going to be a good investment. Are you sure you can spare $200?"

"Yeah, I'm making $17 an hour. And Derrick said he'll front me if I run short. Oops, I shouldn't use druggie language. I'll celebrate my 6-month `re-birthday' this week."

"I'm proud of you," Ashley hugged him. "Derrick must be a good influence."

"He's the best!"

Derrick wasn't quite sure whether Ashley was being serious or sarcastic. He supposed that he might be operating from a biased point of view. Perhaps he was being defensive, sort of feeling like "the other woman."

Oakley bounced back into the room, changing their focus immediately. He was very pleased to have "Acorn" as his new friend. He told his dad that Kitty-Cat had died. He worried that Acorn might suffer a similar fate, but Craig managed to convince him that Acorn was immune to the ills that beset living pets.

Ashley explained to the men that the cat had become entangled in a venetian blind cord and had strangled. While it was sad, at least it had served as a warning to prevent a similar thing from happening to her child. She had altered the cords immediately.

Oakley wanted his dad to go out in back to see Kitty-Cat's grave. That left Ashley and Derrick alone for a few minutes.

"I'm sorry if I came off sounding a little jealous earlier. Seriously, I think you're good for Craig. He needs a guy who loves and understands him. It was painful for him growing up in a small town with a super-macho father and having to hide his orientation so many years. You seem like a caring person."

"I'm optimistic that I can be that for him. I hope you'll let us take Oakley for a visit when you're comfortable with our living arrangement. I have a decent place with a fenced back yard where he could run. I know it would mean a lot to Craig. You'd be welcome too. There are enough bedrooms, so Oakley could have his own bed. Here, let me show you some pictures of my home on my phone."

Ashley found the idea intriguing. There were instances when she'd like to spend time in a city, and this would be a way to do it without incurring a lot of extra expense. She wasn't sure how she'd feel about staying in a place where her ex-boyfriend was, no doubt, sharing a bed with her host. It sounded a bit like a soap opera plot. Yet, the invitation seemed genuine enough, and it was impossible not to like the man extending it.

When Craig and Oakley came in from their visit to the pet's grave, Ashley offered to cut Craig's hair. She brought out a book of current male styles and agreed that the one both guys liked would look great on him. So, for the remainder of their visit, they carried on a conversation while she was working.

The result was stunning. If Derrick had appreciated the look of his lover before, he was enthralled with the hot stud who grinned as he looked in the mirror. Derrick quickly did a mini-photoshoot, both of Craig alone, and with his son on his lap.

Derrick took $40 out of his wallet and pressed it into Ashley's hands.

"Oh no," this is on me for the money Craig brought."

"This isn't payment for the haircut, it's a little something to help with Oakley's expenses. You can't turn that down."

"No, I guess I can't in that case. Thanks for all you're doing!"

The men left the shop a few minutes before Ashley's next appointment showed up. In fact, they were just pulling out of their parking place when she entered the door.

On the way back home, Craig was in a melancholy mood. Derrick figured it had to do with Oakley, but it turned out to be more than that.

"Wha'cha thinkin'?" he asked.

"Am I ever gonna be more than a worthless piece of dog shit?"

"What the hell, Dude?! Open the mirror on that visor and look at the hot stud staring back at you."

"Yeah, that's all Ashley's work."

"Even her talented hands couldn't make you the awesome guy you are. She had great material to work with!"

"I'm a former druggie with a low-paying job and little hope for the future. How is that awesome?"

"First, the operative word is `FORMER.' You've left that life behind. That's a huge step. Secondly, you have a son who thinks the world of you. You're his hero. Third, you have a boyfriend who loves you and who will be with you for the rest of your life if you let him."

"Damn, you're making me cry," Craig sniffled.

"Cry if it helps, but know that when you're done, I'll dry your tears. When we get home, I'm gonna cuddle in bed with you until this gloom passes."

"Thanks," Craig sighed.

True to his word, Derrick took good care of him as soon as they entered the kitchen. First, he prepared a light snack to boost Craig's energy level. After they'd eaten and gone upstairs, he undressed Craig and himself and settled into bed with him.

About an hour later, Craig awoke feeling much better about himself and the world in general. Derrick's arms were around him and he felt safe and loved.

"Did you mean all of what you said on the way home?"

"Yup."

"Even the part about being my boyfriend for the long-haul?"

"Absolutely."

"How did I get so lucky?"

"I'm the lucky one."

They turned toward each other and kissed. One thing led to another. Half an hour later, Craig felt loved indeed.

On Wednesday morning, Craig used Derrick's laptop to check out class offerings at Kirkwood Community College. He wasn't exactly sure what he wanted to pursue, but he knew he wanted to get at least an associate degree. People with some college got more respect and better jobs. He didn't want to be left behind. He also didn't want to be an embarrassment to his son or his boyfriend.

Derrick drove him to work, promising to pick him up at the end of his first shift, and kissed him before he got out of the car. That put him in an especially good mood again.

The place was busy, so Craig's shift passed rapidly. He was about to be relieved by a part-timer when Mr. Farley came over to speak with him.

"You know, Craig, I'm not sure this job is the best fit for you."

"Isn't my work up to your standards, Sir? I'll try to do better if you tell me how I'm falling short. I really need this job!"

"Oh, sorry, I didn't phrase that right. You're doing an excellent job. Let me help put the clean plates away so you won't be here past your quitting time while I make you a proposition. What I meant about the fit of the job is that you have more potential and it's being wasted on dishes. With your work ethic and personality, you could be making more as a waiter.

"We're going to be short-handed on wait-staff tonight, so I'd like you to give it a try. If you come back dressed in black slacks and a white shirt with a black bowtie you can see if you like it. By the way, that haircut is bound to get you good tips. You're quite attractive. And, no, I'm not like those Hollywood directors who're looking for, um, favors. I'm a happily married man, but I have an eye for what sells."

"Wow! I don't know what to say."

"Just say yes' or no.' No hard feelings either way. I know it will be a bit of a learning curve, but I also have confidence that you'll make it. I'll try to be nearby in the beginning in case you get into a bind."

"Thank you, Sir! I'd be pleased to try."

"I'll send home the guidebook of how we'd like you to address the customers and how to promote our specials without pressuring anyone. There are tips on how often to check on them to see if they need anything else.

"Thanks. I'll study up."

"Can we stop somewhere to buy a new white shirt and a black bowtie?" Craig asked after their kiss.

"What's this about? Is there going to be a documentary about the restaurant and they're making you dress up for washing dishes?"

"Nope, I get to try out as a waiter tonight. Mr. Farley thinks I can do it!"

"Great! Kohl's should have what you need. What about pants?"

"Um, I have the black ones I got from St. Vincent's."

"Those are a little out of fashion. Let's look for some straight-leg slim ones – not the skinny ones that show everything in a guy's pockets and make his butt look bulgy, but the ones that're trim and give a hint of what's in your pants. You'll knock `em dead!"

"I'm not sure I can afford them after giving Ashley most of what I'd saved."

"I have another coupon, and there may be a discount for using a credit card, so let me get them and we'll discuss the cost later. A perfectly dressed guy is more likely to score big tips."

Much as Craig was trying to be thrifty, he could see Derrick's point as he checked his image in the full-length mirrors near the dressing rooms.

Some retailers claim that clothes make the man. Craig was ready to agree with them. Derrick thought Craig made the clothes!

When they got home, Craig spent an hour studying the manual on being a good waiter. He hoped he'd be able to perform well enough to get the job. It was going to be a challenge since he wouldn't be shadowing someone else first. However, with a skeleton crew, that was a luxury he'd have to do without. He'd observed good waiters in the past, and decided his best option was to treat the customers as he'd like to be treated.

After Craig's study time was over, Derrick insisted on giving him a back-rub to relax him. They were naked for the session, and the physical contact was both relaxing and stimulating.

Craig fell asleep shortly after his orgasm. Their "afternoon delight" helped ease any anxiety he had about assuming a new job.

Upon waking up, Derrick helped him shower and dress for his big debut. He took a few photos to document the occasion, starting with Craig in a pair of bikini briefs he'd bought for him that day. They were definitely a "confidence" booster!

It was a beaming Craig who met Derrick behind Olive Garden when his shift ended. Waiters got off a few minutes ahead of dishwashers - as soon as they had tables set up for the next day's lunch.

"Well?"

"It was awesome! I have the job. Mr. Farley said I did everything right, and he wants me to continue. He complimented me on my attire, saying I looked very professional. I think I may have to invest in a couple more shirts and another pair of slacks if I'm gonna look crisp every day."

"That would be a good expenditure of funds. I think the Apartment 9 brand will need only a little touch-up when it comes out of the dryer. I have some of those shirts and I've had good luck with them. The trim-cut model fits you perfectly."

"I'm walking on air! I know I won't always feel this way about serving food to people, but I feel more like I'm worth something. I can hardly wait to count the tips! I'm still gonna get some college so my kid won't be ashamed of me someday."

"That boy worships you. He's never going to be ashamed of you."

From the pile of cash on the kitchen table, it appeared that everyone had left generous gratuities, and that didn't include the ones from people who added the tip on their credit cards. He would get those on payday. He was ready to reimburse Derrick for the clothes, but Derrick said he should keep it for bus fare and for the additional clothing he'd need.

"Consider them a gift in celebration of your six months of sobriety."

The rest of the week passed quickly. On Friday morning, Derrick drove Craig to the Kirkwood campus to take a series of placement tests to find out which courses he'd need for his associate of arts degree. If he scored well, he could get credit toward part of the requirements, and might have fewer courses to take.

Derrick browsed the bookstore, checked the art exhibit, and had coffee in the commons area while waiting. After a couple of hours, he got a text from Craig saying he was finished.

Although Craig complained about how the many tests had "sucked out his brains," it was easy to see that he was upbeat about how he'd performed. It would take a few days for him to get the official results, but he was confident that he'd done well.

He also came home with several brochures and a list of websites to help him in choosing a major. The hospitality curriculum looked interesting. It included things like hotel and restaurant management. The culinary arts program seemed like a possibility too. Perhaps he could become a chef.

The guys had a little time on the weekend around Craig's schedule to work in the yard. Derrick didn't have to ask, Craig simply put on old clothes and followed him out to the tool shed. The warm sunshine and fresh air helped them feel great.

On Sunday night, they dug into the chocolate cake Derrick had baked from scratch and covered with a rich buttery chocolate frosting, following recipes his grandmother had used.

On top was a candle in the shape of the number "6." Craig appreciated the formal recognition of his achievement.

Monday found Derrick back in his classroom. His focus was on his students, but Craig's image popped into his mind frequently. At lunchtime, he sneaked a quick peek at the photo of his lover clad in a pair of bikini briefs that he had on his cell phone. It was enough to create a stirring in his loins.

There was also a text from Craig. He'd found the bus stop with no problem and the route was fairly direct. He still wanted to renew his driver's license, but there was no rush.

Derrick had offered the use of his other car, but Craig had declined for several reasons. Obviously, he didn't dare chance being caught driving without a valid license, and he wasn't sure if Derrick's insurance policy would cover him. He couldn't do anything that would jeopardize their relationship.

Some of Derick's peers might feel that he was taking a risk in offering the use of his car and his home to someone he'd met so recently, but he didn't think so. Craig had been transparent about his life to the extent that Derrick felt like they'd grown up together. Seeing him interact with his former girlfriend and their son had reinforced Derrick's faith. Derrick was hopeful for the long haul.

Author's notes: Thanks to the following who emailed this week: Vern D, Jim H, Si R, Paul R, Adrian M, Jim W, Michael B, Bill K, Wayne, Max P, Robert L, Walter, Sz, Bill T, Charles G Jim (Voyager), Ott H, Tom A, Roy M, Allen, John L, Tim T, Mark F, Geoff S, Tony F, Marlin S, Dave F, Don Mac, Mendy D, Marty H, Scott M, Joe W, Jeremy R, Gordon, Greg W, Barry J, Tony C, and Paul F.

Thanks to David for editing.

Thanks to Nifty for the opportunity to post. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

David