Chapter 276 – A Great Open House With a Surprise Visit
I held my breath in anticipation of what Jordan was about to tell us about Buzz’s knowledge of our gayness. If he did know, he was super friendly today, so, obviously, he must not care. If he didn’t know, I was sure he was going to find out tonight and I might need to prepare for that some way. I couldn’t wait for Jordan to say something.
“We had a talk this morning. Let me just say he’s cool with it. He flat out asked me after we got the movers started moving in the furniture. I was kind of stuck as to what to say, and then just figured honesty was the best way to go. I like him, guys. I like him a lot. Don’t know why, but there seems to be some chemistry between us. He adores you and Jake, Josh. He thinks you guys are great,” Jordan explained.
“Jordan, what did you tell him? You have to tell us so we know what to expect from him tonight,” I urgently requested.
“Easy, Josh. I told him, yes, most of the guys in this organization, not all of them, but most of them were gay, but you were the greatest guys and most professional guys ever to do business with. He agreed with me wholeheartedly, saying he enjoyed the great working relationship we all had together,” Jordan informed me.
“Did he ask about you? If he did, did you tell him the truth?” I had to ask.
“No, he didn’t specifically ask me, and I didn’t volunteer anything. We’ll have to get to that conversation on our own sometime, if I think it’s reasonable to have it,” Jordan replied. I just smiled.
“So, he didn’t run screaming and yelling or anything crazy like that. That’s good news in itself. Did he ask anything about Todd and Chad, since he’s worked closely with them?” I asked.
“Nope. I think he was interested in you guys, mainly because the information on the bar was gay related.” That part was true. We realized at our opening, our sexual orientation would be known to the world, basically.
Greer kind of smiled. “A little different here than in the City, where everyone knew well in advance. Just a little awkward here in your own backyard, where you were someone else. Don’t let it get to you. I still get razed from time to time in the City, although, we’ve all earned the respect of the business community over there with all of Stoney’s wealth. The shock won’t last long, and then it’ll be over, once everyone gets used to the fact you haven’t changed from the time they didn’t know, and now they do know. Those that like you for the great guys you are, won’t care. Those that have a problem with it, well, they weren’t really your friends now were they?” Greer explained. “It’s okay, Josh to be who you are,” Greer said, giving me a quick hug. Jordan gave me one also.
People were starting to come in now. Sandy got the music going in the background. Sandy and Ethan were drawing beer and Devin was making mixed drinks. Doug and George were bringing out appetizers with the help of Edgar, Lance and Seth. We had the full crew going.
Drey and Jim were one of the first guys in. We got hugs from them. Jim had a smile on his face, like he couldn’t wait to tell Jake and I something. Drey went to get them beer, and Jim quickly said, “Drey actually fucked me last night when we slept together. It was the greatest, guys. I never thought he’d go that far, but he did,” Jim said excitedly. Jake and I couldn’t hardly believe it.
“Was he okay with it?” I asked curiously. Jim smiled.
“He said it was kind of nice. He was worried that he was hurting me, but I assured him it was nothing less than blissful, and wonderful, because it was him. He even kissed me passionately while we were together. Wow, I’m still excited over what happened. He did say, not to get used to it, as he wasn’t sure how he felt about it, but he was going to try it for my sake. I told him he was the best. You guys were actually better, but I had to tell him that to make him feel good,” Jim explained. Jake and I smiled, then told him he did exactly the right thing. Drey came back with the beer.
“Did Jim tell you that we tried fucking last night?” Drey asked out of the clear blue sky. We acted interested as if we hadn’t heard. “It wasn’t bad. A little tight, but felt pretty good, actually. He seemed to like it,” Drey said proudly.
“I loved it, Drey, not just liked it. It was wonderful. You were so passionate and caring. You sent me to another world and back. You can fuck me day and night, I don’t care. I’ll always love it,” Jim replied. Drey just smiled.
“Yeh, well let’s not broadcast the fact we fucked. I wouldn’t want that to get around to any of the ladies and anyone we work with. We have to keep that discreet, at least on my side anyway. You can tell the world you fuck guys, but I’d rather no one know about me,” Drey affirmed. Jim told him his secret was safe forever with him. Jake and I also agreed.
Buzz came in and came over to congratulate us, shaking our hands with a little bro hug, then saying how great the place looked. He never mentioned the ‘gay’ thing at all. I had Ethan get him a beer, then he went over to join his new friend, Jordan, who was talking to Greer. I figured the three of them would be good to keep each other entertained. Todd and Chad showed up and joined in their conversation also.
Jake and I were kind of greeting everyone at the door, so we got to see everyone as they came in and directed them different places. The swim team started arriving. Les brought Brandon with him. They both gave Jake and me hugs, telling us how much they’d love to get together again, and try out the shower they heard so much about. Andy introduced the two to Trevor, who was happy to meet them, having heard so much about Les’ big cock. I was sure he wanted to sniff that out sometime. Holly and Phil showed up along with Aiden. They sat at the bar and chatted with Ethan while he worked. Later I saw Seth and Lance flirt with them.
Bill, our realtor showed up with his trophy girlfriend, of all things, and shook Jake’s and my hand. He acted totally professional, which was to be expected. He headed for the bar and got themselves some drinks, then looked around. I introduced them to Jordan, Greer, Buzz, Todd and Chad, figuring they were all kind of in the same crowd.
Jack came in with Marty. They both gave us a small hug, then headed for the bar. Then Coach showed up, shaking both our hands. I grabbed him a beer, then took him over to introduce him to Todd and Chad. Todd seemed to remember Coach from earlier years. I remembered they both had something going with Sonny, Mel, the owner of the bowling alley’s son, but didn’t know each other at the time. Sonny had a good thing going. I wasn’t sure if anyone would discover that tonight in conversation or not, or if they’d admit it if they did. We’d have to see.
Ken and James arrived and gave Jake and I hugs. I sent them to the bar and then to Todd and Chad, who they had become intimate friends with. Todd, Chad, Coach, Ken and James broke off from Greer, Jordan, Buzz and Bill and formed their own little conversation group. Ty showed up a few minutes later. He told us how impressed he was with the bar, telling us he was sure we had a winner here. I steered him over to Ken and James, since he knew Ken. I looked over later and they all seemed to be having a great conversation.
Tuck and Millie arrived, bringing Taylor with them. Tuck was looking rather hot tonight, I thought, but then he always did. Taylor looked great also. We got hugs from all of them. I sent them to the bar and introduced Ethan to Tuck and Taylor, telling Taylor I wanted him to join the frat. Taylor said that was great, as we needed to start the membership drive and rush week was in another week. The introduction seemed to excite Ethan for the possibility of membership in the frat. He had a big smile and thanked me profusely.
Drew and Stu arrived just before Chase and Steven. They kind of met each other and talked together. Lo and behold, Dawson came walking through the door. He looked terrible. I had not seen him since he returned to school. Even Jake thought he still looked bad.
“What the fuck happened to you, Dawson? I heard you were in an accident or something. Damn, boy, it’s a wonder you lived by the looks of you. You’re all black and blue,” I commented, staring at his battered body.
“Had kind of an accident, you might say. I don’t like talking about it, so let’s leave it at that. Nice place you have here, Josh. I’d say you guys outdid yourselves for a gay sanctuary,” he commented as he looked around.
“I wouldn’t call it a gay sanctuary, but it’s a great place for people of all preferences to hang out and have a great time. We have ladies’ night on Wednesday nights and couples nights on Friday nights, so it’s, more or less, a regular bar to have fun at. Saturday nights we have male dancers for our gay crowd and the same ones for ladies’ night. Dick is dick, I guess you could say.” He gave me a scowl look.
“I see our buddy Drew is here. Can’t say I have much use for that SOB anymore. He pretty much fucked up my whole life,” Dawson remarked. I gave him a concerned look. “He did, Josh. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be in the shape I’m in today. I blame him for a lot of this shit,” Dawson added. I continued with my concerned look. “But that discussion’s for another day. We need to talk about the team too. I can’t say I like some of the new stuff you’re laying on them. We have to get that back under control, but we’ll talk about it when I can come back,” Dawson said, somewhat trying to assert authority.
“I don’t know. Everything seems to be going fine so far, and we’re making a lot of progress, which you would know had you been there,” I said, giving his shit back to him. He gave me a frown.
“We’ll talk about it. Some things have to change,” he said.
“You’re right they do, Dawson, and I already know the biggest change needed,” I said smiling. For some reason, he didn’t like that response. He left us and headed to the bar. Not finding too many people that would even talk to him, he looked around a little and left after a short while. He steered clear of Drew and Stu the whole time he was there.
“He looks terrible, Josh,” Jake commented. “His injuries don’t look like they came from a car accident. Someone beat the shit out of him, it looks like to me.” I had to agree.
“Maybe he tried putting his cock where it didn’t belong, and someone didn’t like it,” I remarked. Jake smiled, but thought it might be true.
Terry and Peter showed up and gave us a big hug. Peter squeezed my junk through my khakis. I told him he was naughty. He told me he could really be naughty, if we could hang out in my bedroom for an hour or so. I told him we’d get there, but not tonight. He looked disappointed, squeezed my asscheeks, then he and Terry headed for the bar. Cliff, from the bank showed up next. His VP was with him, dressed in a suite, of course, like he was going to the opening of another bank or something. He was way overdressed, but made an excuse they had just come from the bank and wouldn’t be staying long. Cliff said he could stay longer.
“You know you guys have a rather impressive portfolio with us currently, and Cliff filled me on some of the plans you guys have going. Our bank would love to participate with your other banks in any of the financing you guys might need. If we could find a time to sit down and talk about what your needs might be, we’d be extremely interested in doing so,” the VP said. I took him over to introduce him to Greer, Jordan and Buzz. Cliff decided to hang out at the bar with some of our other guys that he got to meet, Thad for one. He and Thad were chatting up a storm. I liked that in a way.
No sooner than Cliff and his VP arrived, then Ashton and Chuck showed up. Ashton gave us a hug and a quick kiss. Chuck gave us fist bumps, which was fine with me. “This place is amazing, when you consider what it looked like when you first started off here. I remember those days. What a change. This is going to be great, Josh,” Ashton stated. “I’m so proud of you guys. Where’s Andy and Trevor? We want to say hi to them,” Ashton said, then headed over to where they were standing.
Next came Riley and Sarah, his twin sister. We got hugs from both of them. Riley looked like he just stepped out of GQ again. I told him he was way too pretty to be walking around like that in a gay bar. He chuckled, then quick kissed me on the cheek. Sarah said she could never change him. He always had to look perfect when he went out. I rolled my eyes.
“Josh, the camera crew is going to be here in two weeks. We have some preparations to do before they get here,” he informed me. In other words, he was anxious to lose his male virginity to me. One more thing on my list to do, but I was kind of looking forward to it, to finally eliminate this boy’s anxiety with male nudity and passion.
“You been doing your exercises like I told you?” I asked. He smiled.
“Yes, and it feels amazing,” Riley replied.
“You haven’t felt anything yet, if you think that’s amazing,” I replied. I could tell he was getting hard, just thinking about it. I had to smile. He gave me a big ole smile. Sarah had no idea what we were talking about. Jake did, causing him to smile. “Don’t worry, we have plenty of time to get together to prepare for the photo shoot. We’ll get there,” I told him, knowing he was extremely anxious in more ways than one.
Riley and Sarah saw Trevor and headed over to talk to him. I was sure Andy and Trevor were looking forward to that strange couple.
Stan and Gentry were behaving themselves, mingling with the crowd, but mainly conversing with our group, no knowing hardly anyone of our invited guests, but wishing they could, I was sure.
I wondered where Conner and Neal were, not having seen them yet. I wondered if they were still working on the case and could even make it. They finally showed up, dressed in slacks and collared shirts. They looked professional. At least they weren’t in uniform. Jake and I got hugs from both of them.
“Anything on Trent yet?” I asked. Conner looked sad.
“Nothing yet. We did get a reply back from the Chicago PD saying they might have seen someone meeting that description, but couldn’t verify it. Then you have everyone from all over the country saying they saw them and knew them and they’d been living there for a year or so, so you know that’s all BS. That’s the problem with missing people, the leads are numerous, but erroneous. You waste a lot of time following up dead ends. We’re still looking. Everyone out there, including the FBI, knows how critical this is that we find Trent. Keep your hopes up,” Conner told me, then hugged me again. I told him I was, but we were all extremely concerned. He said we should be.
The place looked nice, full of people. We still had a lot of room left, for much larger crowds. Jake and I were just starting to go mingle, thinking most of the guests had arrived already. Just as we were about to move, Heinrich showed up. He gave us both hugs, and asked if we had any word yet on Trent. We told him we hadn’t, as we had just talked to Conner and Neal, who just arrived.
“I thought about something else, Josh. I remember X saying something about a safe place on the phone one time, when he didn’t think I was paying attention. He told the guy he’d meet him there in a couple of weeks, but that was a couple of years ago. I think he said Phoenix, Arizona. I need to tell Conner that, just in case it means something. I might help narrow down their search if it’s even relevant,” Heinie said. I urged him to find Conner and tell him. Later I saw Conner slip into the office and to make a phone call on his cell, looking for a quiet space.
Jake and I were just about to leave the front door area when a middle-aged couple showed up with a college aged hot looking guy and presumably, his girlfriend.
“Holy fuck, Josh,” Jake said, trembling. I was shocked by his reaction.
“Who is that?” I asked Jake, knowing he almost went into shock.
“It’s my parents, sister and her boyfriend. What the fuck am I going to do?” Jake said, nervous as hell, as they were almost on us. I was almost as shocked as he was.
“Hey son. You forget to send us an invitation?” his dad asked. Jake was almost having a panic attack. His dad hugged him, along with his mother and sister. Jake shook hands with his sister’s boyfriend, Mick. Jake introduced me to all of them. They said they had heard so much about me, and it was great to finally meet me. I didn’t have the balls to tell them I was to be their second son, like Jake was in my family.
“Uh, well, I guess I just got so busy with school starting and getting this place up and going, I completely forgot to tell you when the open house was. Sorry about that, but glad you came anyway. It all worked, out, I guess,” Jake said nervously.
“Your sister saw the open house plans on your website and told us about it. We had to come to help you celebrate,” his dad told us along with his mother.
“So glad you came, and forgive us for not sending you an invitation, but we certainly wanted to have you with us for this great occasion,” I told them, helping Jake out, who was searching for words.
“Yeh, Dad, Mom. Glad you could come. Grab a drink at the bar and have some food. We have a few more people to talk to that haven’t arrived yet, and then we’ll try to spend more time with you,” Jake managed to say.
“I hope so. We didn’t come all this way not to be able to visit with you some and catch up on what you’re doing. There were some disturbing things your sister told us about on your website we need to talk about also. Maybe we didn’t really understand what all you were into with these businesses,” Jake’s dad told him.
“Sure, we can talk about anything. I’m sure we can clear things up for you,” Jake told them. His mom and dad took off for the bar. Mick and Linda dragged behind.
“Oh, are you burned now, Jake. Nice going, brother. So, you’re gay and forgot to tell us?” she asked.
“What the fuck, sis?” Jake asked.
“Says right on the website, this is a gay bar. So who’s your little fuckbuddy? Josh here?” she asked. Jake gave her a mean look.
“It’s not what you think it is, Linda. You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jake replied, almost scowling at her. Go get a drink and get yourself together,” Jake ordered. Mick, her boyfriend, looked clueless, but she grabbed him, and pulled him towards the bar, looking over her shoulder and making a face at Jake.
‘Gawd, Josh. What am I going to do? This is coming out time if there ever was one. I was not prepared for this tonight. Never even gave it a remote thought. Shit, why did they have to come, or at least let me know they were coming. I’m so screwed,” Jake said, almost beside himself.
“Jake, calm down. Your parents love you. They might suspect something because of what your sister probably told them, but, hey, I’m here with you, and we’ll go through this together. Remember, we love each other, and we’re set financially, so what’s the worst that can happen?” I asked him. Jake shrugged his shoulders.
“I just wasn’t prepared for this, Josh. I thought maybe in a couple of weeks we could go home, and the two of us could sit down and tell them like we did with your parents. I was so looking forward to tonight being a great night, and now, it’s a disaster. We open the bar tomorrow to a gay crowd. Damn, I hope they’re going home tomorrow. This is crazy, just crazy,” Jake said, almost beside himself. I almost had to agree, sensing the pain he was feeling.
“How old is your sister, anyway?” I asked.
“She’s 18 now. She and Mick go to a community college. Linda’s still living at home, and I’m pretty sure Mick is also. I wonder where they go to fuck. I’m sure he’s probably fucking her. Lord knows she likes dick, about as much as I do, I’d guess,” Jake said, making me crack a smile.
“I wouldn’t mind fucking that cute ass of Mick’s,” I commented. Jake looked at me a little funny.
“Go ahead. Make him cum hard so he doesn’t have anything to fuck my sister with, would you. Let her live without one night,” Jake told me.
“You ever see him naked?” I asked, making conversation, trying to get his nerves back in check.
“No, I haven’t seen him naked. Not that I wouldn’t want to. Why are the straight guys always the hottest?” Jake asked.
“Are you saying I’m not hot?” I chided.
No, no. You know what I mean. He is hot. Let’s face it, we both would love to see him naked, but he’s straight. Shit, what the hell do I mean?” he asked himself, then went back into his funk. I put my arm around him.
“Jake, it’ll be okay. I’m right here with you, and I won’t let them get the best of you. They can’t eat you, so we will survive. Don’t forget, we have a lot of exciting things to tell them about the business. Your dad’s gonna shit when he finds out what all we’ve achieved in the first year of college and where we are now. He’s going to be so proud of you,” I reminded him.
“Yeh, he’ll be so proud when he asks why I prefer to take a cock up my ass than put mine in a pussy. That’s what he’ll be concerned about. I thought Mom looked nervous when they first got here. No telling what kind of lies my sister’s telling them. She’d love to get the best of me,” Jake exclaimed. I just shook my head. “Don’t we need to leave town for something tonight?” Jake asked. I laughed.
“Jake, we can do this. We needed this to happen sooner or later, and I guess it’s now. We can do this together. It’ll be fine,” I assured him, only inside I was almost as nervous as he was, not ever having met his parents before to gage how best to talk to them. I remembered what Jake had said after we came out to my parents, about his dad understanding things better from a financial standpoint.
We made our way over to Jordan, Greer and Buzz. I kept my eye on Jake’s mom, dad, sister and sister’s boyfriend, Mick. They were enjoying the food and talking to Ethan, of all people. Great, they were interacting with a straight guy. That was helpful.
“Jake, can I borrow your father for a few minutes and show him what all we’re into, the corporate structure, our holdings, our planned project? I think maybe if we approach him from that standpoint, the gay thing might not be as significant an obstacle. What do you think?” I asked.
“I don’t think anything will overcome the discussion on being gay, Josh, but if you think it’ll work, more power to you.” I told him, I’d give it a try.
I went by the bar to have Ethan give me an IPA. Jake’s family was there close by and talking off and on to Ethan. They saw me and smiled. “Hey, did you meet Ethan, a freshman this year on the swim team? He’s going to be joining the athletic frat Jake and I are in. The president of the frat is here with us tonight. Did you guys meet Tuck the captain of the basketball team last year that won the national championship? I’ll get him over here for you to meet,” I said, motioning for Tuck, Millie and Taylor to come meet Jake’s folks, although they didn’t know who they were about to meet. They came over and I introduced everyone, being sure to introduce Millie as Tuck’s beautiful girlfriend.
“So, you’re the guy that was on the phone with someone from your frat last year right before you won the championship game?” Jake’s father asked.
“I was talking to Josh on the phone, that guy right there. He concocted a secret play that won us the game,” Tuck said proudly, patting me on the back.
“That’s right. That was so fantastic. I got so excited when you guys won,” Mick said excitedly. “Wow, what a game that was. Wow, it’s like having two celebrities right here beside me. Could I get a picture with the two of you to show my basketball team at our community college?” Mick asked. Tuck and I lined up beside Mick. I was the shortest of the three. Jake’s dad took the picture. Mick was smiling from ear to ear, all excited to have a picture of him with the two of us, thus making him somewhat of a celebrity in his small hometown. I was only too happy to oblige.
Greer, Jordan and Buzz were close by. I introduced them to Jake’s family also. I told them Buzz here was the architect for our newest project, a dormitory facility that was state of the art. Jake’s dad did a double take.
“Where do you guys come up with your working capital?” Jake’s dad asked. I motioned for Cliff and his VP to join us. I introduced them to Jake’s family. “Cliff, is it fair to say we have some money invested in your bank?” I asked.
“Josh, you are our largest depositor and then with all the participating banks you have in your network, you’re by far the largest depositor in the state in our system anyway, one of the largest in the country, I would surmise. That net worth runs deep,” Cliff assured us. The VP backed him up, saying they’d never had such wealth associated with their bank before doing business with us. Jake’s father was almost overwhelmed.
“Sorry to have to run, but I am due at another function my wife arranged before I knew about this affair. Cliff here, can represent us proudly, if you have any more questions for us, Josh. Oh, and we would really love to participate in your new big project you have on the books. Seriously consider us, would you?” the VP stated, before excusing himself.
“What have you guys got going here?” Jake’s dad asked. I told him to come with me, and I’d show him a few of the things we had going. We excused ourselves, as the rest of them were partaking of some of Fritz’s new appetizers that were just now hitting the floor that everyone was going bananas over. I took Jake’s dad into the office and sat him down. I showed him our state of the art security system first, dazzling him with our technology.
“Here’s what we have in our portfolio so far. Jake, Greer, Jordan and I, along with our Chairman of the Board, Stoney, make up our board of directors, and having just a few minority shareholders, now own four pubs, this being the newest we’ll be opening tomorrow. We have one in San Diego, one in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, one in the City and then this one here. In addition to that, we own a a thousand acre ranch near the City where we raise beef cattle. We’re just getting ready to expand that considerably to meet the needs of a national fast food chain for hamburgers. Then we own an aviation company. We have a Cessna Citation jet, two King Air turboprops, and a light twin, a Cessna 310 for tooling around the state. That business runs charter flights all over the country. Our next project is a multi-story private dormitory here at Uni,” I told him, then dug out Buzz’s artist’s rendition of the building. Jake’s dad was literally blown away. I showed him pictures of our aircraft fleet also, blowing him away again. “Oh, we only own 70% of the aircraft company, but Jake and I have a meeting with the minority principles of that company on Sunday and, by next week, we’ll own 100% of the company, but we’ll let the two pilots running it own a minority position in that company to keep them excited about furthering the growth of the business,” I explained to a mesmerized face.
“Who are you, another Bill Gates or Steve Jobs?” Jake’s dad asked. I smiled.
“We have a benefactor that has entrusted his entire fortune to our small board. You son is the COO of that corporation, I’ll have you know, just in case he hasn’t told you,” I explained.
“Wow, he really is? That’s unbelievable. What part do you play, Josh, as you seem to be the one with all the ideas?” he asked.
“I’m the CEO. I have the ideas, Jake gets them done. Greer and Jordan, the two lawyers you met, take care of the finances and legal work for us. There’s really four of us involved in the board, then there’s our benefactor, our chairman, Stoney of Stoney Enterprises, our company, but he wants less and less to do with the business all the time. He’s been absent for many weeks now, supposedly on some sort of much needed nostalgic vacation. We think he’s secretly putting together another venture for us to inherit, but we haven’t found out what that is just yet,” I explained.
“Are you guys going to finish school? Surely you need to finish school,” he urged.
“Yes, that was one of Stoney’s requirements when he put this together. Jake and I have to finish school, continue to participate in the sports we were originally in and the sports fraternity. Stoney insisted on that. It’s a lot of work on your son’s and my part to keep up with it all. Luckily, we had the summer to put this pub together, but that dormitory and ranch expansion is going to be a whole lotta work. Stoney insists we find qualified candidates for management of these entities and give them an equity position in the various ones they’re involved with to make them a part of what they’re producing. He wants us to bring others along with us as we build wealth,” I explained.
“Damn, this is unbelievable, Josh. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Jake said he was part of something that was really going to be big someday. Hell, it’s already there, and getting bigger. I’m so impressed. Something a father could only dream of for his son. This just blows me away,” he said excitedly.
“I just wanted you to know what all your son is involved with, what we’re working on and where we’re going. You can be very proud of him,” I assured him. He patted me on my shoulder and said he already was. Then he said he needed to go tell the others as there was some confusion about what our businesses were all about, something Jake’s sister was trying to make something of, that he didn’t believe was really the case.
“Oh, by the way, do you have an extra bed that Mick could sleep on tonight or a couch? We only got one double room at the motel, and I’m not letting the bum sleep with my daughter, if you know what I mean,” he said. I smiled.
“We’re kind of full up right now, but we do have a couch we can put him on tonight. Sure, I guess we can accommodate him,” I offered. Jake’s dad smiled at me and gave me a quick hug. He was warming up to me at least. We went to join the others.
Jake caught my attention and summoned me over to him. “How’d it go?” he asked.
“Great so far. He couldn’t wait to tell your mom and sister what all we were involved with. He’s proud of you, Jake. He really is. He doesn’t believe the gay stuff though. He thinks it’s just something your sister is making out of nothing. We still have to level with them about that, and we need to do it while they’re here,” I said to a disappointed face.
Conner made his way over to us. “Hey guys, I was checking out a lead that Heinie gave me tonight, about our boys possibly being in Phoenix. I contacted the FBI there and the Phoenix PD. They think they might have something, saying the word on the street is there’s some new competition in town for male escorting. They recognized the picture of X from sometime in the past, but said they’d put their ears to the ground and see if he wasn’t back in town. It’s a start, at least,” Conner said, somewhat optimistic. We both thanked him. Jake and I filled in Thad, who also got somewhat excited.
Sandy came to me and asked if we could do the sound and light show demo for the crowd before too many people started leaving. I told him sure, but to have Andy make the announcement.
Andy took to the stage and grabbed a mike. He thanked everyone for being here and helping to celebrate the opening of a great new entertainment facility here in Uni. I was relieved to hear him say ‘entertainment facility’. I thought it was an excellent choice of words. Then he introduced the shareholders, Trevor, Jake, Josh, Thad, Tony, Ollie, Allen and OBB, saying we had one more, Erin, but he was helping to manage our facility in Ft. Lauderdale and couldn’t be with us to help open up this facility. He then introduced Eric, our manager and later, Fritz, our chef who made all the great appetizers. Then he introduced the board of Stoney Enterprises, the holding company for many businesses, me, Jake, Greer and Jordan, saying that our Chairman was not able to be with us this evening as he was on a sabbatical somewhere, most likely figuring out our next venture. Everyone applauded. Andy introduced Todd and Chad, as our contractors that mercilessly worked us to death this summer to get the place opened. The group applauded Todd and Chad. He also introduced Devin and Sandy as our electricians who got a favorable applause also. Then he said we were about to demonstrate the sound and light system that was unequaled anywhere in this part of the country, and wasn’t even sure if Chicago had anything like it yet. With that, the house lights went off, putting us into darkness. The music started up, quick tempo then the lights on the dance floor came alive, coordinated with the music. It was quite a spectacle. This went on for several minutes, then ended with the house lights back up.
The crowd was blown away by what they just witnessed. Tuck told me he and Millie would be here every Friday night for couples night, as this was just too fabulous to ignore. Sandy put the background music back on again and climbed down from the DJ booth to the applause of the crowd. He bowed to the crowd, enjoying the attention he just received. Thankfully, his recognition was for his technical talents and not for baring his dick to the crowd. He was behaving, to say the least. I was rather proud of him.
It was late, and some people were starting to say their goodbyes. Heinrich excused himself saying he had a late-night consulting gig to take care of. We knew what he was doing. He gave Jake and me a quick hug, then hurried out the door. Damn, if he didn’t look beautiful. Tuck and Mille left shortly afterwards, but said they’d be here for lunch often and then on Friday nights too. That was great to hear.
Finally getting a little privacy, I said to Jake, “Guess who’s spending the night with us tonight?” Jake looked at me a little funny and said Greer, of course. I asked him who else. He was clueless. “You dad asked if Mick could sleep on the couch as they only got a double room and he wasn’t letting Mick sleep with your sister,” I explained. Jake shook his head wildly.
“He stays with us and we fuck that little fucker. Oh, he is so fucked,” Jake said with a fervor. I had to laugh.
“I don’t think that’d be such a good idea. I’m sure your sister might not like it and probably Mick,” I replied. Jake was somewhat pissed.
“It’s not only having to put up with Linda’s shit, but now Mick. Good grief. Is this nightmare of them showing up ever going to end for me?”
“Calm down, Babe. We’ve got this. You are going to have to talk to them sometime tonight. They came to see their boy and find out about his business interests. I explained everything to your father, and as I told you earlier, he’s proud of you,” I reminded him. Jake calmed down a little.
“I suppose you’re right. They came to find out about my sexual preference more than to support my business interests. I can only imagine what kind of image Linda built up in their minds. Oh, and Mick isn’t such a bad guy, but he’s an idiot for putting up with the likes of Linda. She must be a good lay, that’s all I can say,” Jake remarked. I had to laugh.
“Well, if she’s anything like her brother, she’s a damned good lay,” I told him. Jake smiled and gave me a quick hug. I told him to take them on a tour of the apartment. They might as well see where we were living. Jake reminded me the beds were together. I told him that might make an interesting segue into the conversation we needed to have with them. Jake looked petrified.
“Oh, tell them we’re gay and here’s where we fuck each other? That’s what you want me to tell them?” he asked nervously.
“No, that part speaks for itself. Just show them Thad and Dustin’s bedroom. The beds are still apart in that room. Tell them ours is too messy to show. They need to see where you live. Come on, I’ll go with you. We might as well get this over with,” I said, dragging him across the dance floor to the bar where his parents were still talking to Jordan, Greer and Buzz. Linda and Mick were talking to Ethan.
“There you are. You’ve been busy tonight, Jake,” his dad said, happy he had some time to give them. “Josh explained all about the companies you guys own. It’s totally amazing. Greer and Jordan are extremely well versed in corporate matters, from what I can determine. You have quite an outstanding board and team assembled. This Stoney guy must be one hell of an entrepreneur. Wish we had the opportunity to meet him also. I guess, from what Greer said here, he’s been gone awhile. Makes you wonder what kind of business you guys will end up with next, as he seems extremely creative.” Jake’s father commented. Jake looked proud at the moment.
“Yes, Dad. He’s been extremely creative and very good to all of us. We’re very fortunate to have him as a friend, Greer, Jordan and Buzz here also. We all work very closely together. It’s a great group,” Jake replied. His mom and dad smiled.
“You guys want to see the apartment we live in? Kind of nice digs. Sure beats the dorm,” Jake added. Jake led the four of them to the stairs up to the apartment. I went with Jake for support.
“Wow, this is fantastic,” Linda commented as she saw the living room and kitchen area.
“Honestly, Jake, this is nicer than our house,” Jake’s mom added.
“What a rad TV, and you guys have all the coolest equipment also. Damn, it’s a QLED TV. Who can afford that?” Mick asked, marveling at all our technology. Jake just smiled.
Then Jake led them to Dustin’s and Thad’s bedroom and showed them what the bedrooms were like. They loved the built-in study desks and the separate TV’s. Then he showed them the bathroom and the shower. Mick was blown away by the shower, saying how cool it must be to take a shower in there.
“You guys shower together? All of you at one time?” Linda asked. Jake rolled his eyes.
“You have at least 8 guys all getting ready for school at the same time in the morning. Kind of hard to do it with one shower, Linda. Think about it,” Jake snapped.
“Personally, I think it’s rather gay, if you ask me,” Linda replied.
“Well no one asked you now did they,” Jake fired back.
“Told you, Dad. He’s holding back,” Linda said to Jake’s father.
“Uh, can we go in the living room and talk?” Jake’s father asked, somewhat concerned. His mother had the same concerned look. We slowly made our way back to the living room. I could tell my man was extremely nervous, anticipating what was about to take place. They all sat on the couch, and Jake and I sat on the kitchen bar stools facing them.
“Linda said there were some gay overtones about this place when she looked it up on the internet. Your mom and I were kind of concerned that maybe you guys were involved in something that wasn’t quite right,” his dad started off saying. “I told your mom and Linda not to jump to conclusions about our son as he liked girls, having dated one in high school, and he was a straight as an arrow. Then Linda started showing me some of the promotional material for this bar. I have to admit, it does sound a little alarming,” his dad stated, sounding as nervous as we were at having to have this conversation. “The soap dispensers in the men’s bathroom downstairs, didn’t help much. At first I thought it was gross, then realized it was soap alright, with a strange way of dispensing it.” We kind of forgot about the soap dispensers. That had to be quite an awakening to Jake’s father.
“The bar caters to all lifestyles, Mom and Dad. We have a couples night on Friday night, a gay oriented theme on Saturday nights and ladies only night on Wednesday nights. All other nights are anyone that wants to come. We cater to all lifestyles. Had you bothered to go to a regular university, rather than that high school community college you and Mick are going to, Linda, you’d find out that a university setting is very diverse where you find people of different cultures, minds and lifestyles. We just happen to cater to all of them,” Jake offered in his defense.
“I understand, Son, but the same club you own in the City is strictly gay only from what we saw on the internet. How did that come about?” Jake’s dad asked.
“That was a business opportunity that we saw an opportunity to develop. We picked up a tired gay bar for a song, and turned it into a million dollar operation, where we made an outstanding profit that allowed us to build this bar here in Uni. Josh and I are not embarrassed at all for what we’ve been able to achieve. We think we’ve done rather well. I think Josh shared what we’ve been able to achieve overall with the start of these two entities, merged with others that our benefactor Stoney had, allowing Josh, Greer Jordan and I to manage a huge enterprise that continues to grow. You can read what you want to, but we’re proud of what we’ve been able to achieve and are continuing to build,” Jake replied.
“Tell us if you’re gay, Jake,” Linda told him. “Just admit it if you are. We deserve to know.”
“Linda, behave. I think Jake explained himself well enough,” Jake’s father said, shutting Linda down.
“You want to know? I’m not ashamed of who I am. Yes, I’m gay Linda. There, does that make you happy?” he asked sternly. Jake’s father sighed and his mother gasp, then cried in her hands. “Just so you know everything, Josh is my boyfriend and partner. I love him more than anyone on the face of the earth, and I’m not afraid to admit it to the world. Not anymore. You can hate me, shun me, disinherit me, whatever, but nothing will change the way I feel about the love of my life, and the business of my life. You’re right. You deserve to know. So, now you know. I have no regrets and will not apologize for who I am and what I’ve helped to achieve for all of us here,” Jake said, tearing up a little. I grabbed his hand and held it.
“Guys, you’re both good kids. Do you think you’re really making the right decisions here and that maybe you and Josh have been working so close together on all these businesses that maybe you haven’t really had time to lead a normal college life with dating young ladies to really get a chance to find out who you really are?” his dad asked, trying to determine if we were really serious.
“Dad, Mom, I am who I am. I have no doubts about who I am. I love Josh with all my heart, and he loves me. This isn’t a passing phase like some people would lead you to believe. It’s actually genetic. Believe it or not, somehow the gay gene got passed down to me from one of you, Mom or Dad, usually it’s from the mother’s side, Mom. Any gays in your family you forgot to tell me about whose genes you passed down to me?” Jake asked a very interesting question.
“What, now we’re responsible for you liking other guys? Jake, we love you, but we’d never intend for that to happen to you. I want you to live a normal life, get married to a sweet young lady and have grandchildren we can love and adore in our older ages. It just kills us to think that maybe you’ll miss the greatest opportunity of your lifetime, Jake. We’d love to see you lead a normal life. It hurts us to think that you’re giving up your life for something that just isn’t normal,” his mom said in tears.
“Mom, I love you and Dad, but I’m as normal as anyone else, and couldn’t be happier. Don’t you want me to be happy in life, or live a life that’s a lie and hate myself for it?” Jake asked.
“Jake, we want you to be happy. That’s not the case, sweetheart. We just don’t understand all of this and it shocks us like you wouldn’t believe. As parents, we all have dreams of our children growing up, being successful, having families of their own and expanding our greater family by having families of their own to enrich all our lives. You don’t realize how much you telling us your gay destroys all our dreams and hopes, Jake. Sorry, it just does, and it hurts. It hurts like hell, Jake,” his mom said.
“Well, you’re not getting grandchildren when your son, my gay brother sucks guys cocks and gawd knows what else they do to their assholes,” Linda said, bluntly. Jake scowled at her.
“Linda, stay out of this. We’re talking to Jake. There’s no need to get nasty about it all,” Jake’s dad snapped at her, putting her in her place. “I hate to think about what you and Mick are into at times. I think I worry more about that than I do what Jake might be doing.” Linda rolled her eyes. Mick just slunk down the couch more, trying to keep a low profile.
“Listen, I know what I told you might be disappointing to you, and it’ll take you some time to process it all, but I want you to know that nothing changes when it comes to the love and respect I have for you, Mom and Dad. I’m still your son and proud to be that. I just hope you can respect me for who I am and that my heart is full of love, Josh being a major part of that love, but my family always,” Jake said tearing up. His mom got up and ran to him and hugged him. His dad followed also. I let them have their moment with Jake, all three of them getting emotional at what just took place. Jake’s mom turned around and gave me a quick hug, then his father did also.
His dad finally got himself together. “I guess we’ll just have to get used to this. Don’t expect it all overnight. I don’t know any gay people personally, but I will try to listen to you and understand what goes on. You’ll need some patience and humor me at times, which I’m sure you can do. Your mom and I will try to understand. All we know is we love our children more than life itself, and always tried to put your needs ahead of ours. Hell, looking at your success already, I’d say, from a financial standpoint, we won’t need to worry about your success. Hell, I might like working for you guys someday. We just want you to be happy, Jake. If that’s with Josh, then we’ll just have to get used to it. Give us time, but we love you enough to try,” his dad urged, still holding onto Jake.
“I love you both, and you’ll learn to love Josh also, as I credit him with making me the loving, caring person I’ve become. He is my better half for sure, and I make no excuses for loving him like I do,” Jake said letting his dad go and hugging me, then giving me a quick kiss.
“Oh, gross, Jake. How could you?” Linda snarked.
“Shut up, Linda. Josh kisses me better than any girl ever did. Please, give me a break,” Jake yelled at her.
“Mom, we have a lot to get used to,” his dad said to Jake’s mom.
“Yes, dear, I’d say we do. But we can both see that the two of them love each other very much. For that, I’m grateful. We just want you to be happy, Jake. If you were ever a parent, you’d understand that,” his mom added.
“Mom, you and dad have instilled in me the basics for a successful life, that of being honest, having integrity and knowing how to love, respecting all others along the way, as they would respect me. I have a strong heritage of great family and strong fundamental beliefs. I’m solid in that resolve. If anything, Josh has strengthened that resolve. We are of like mind and like heart. We’re going to be fine and make you proud of both of us. Trust me on that,” Jake told them. His mom and dad teared up again, and hugged him once more.
We finally ended in a group hug with Jake’s mom and dad, saying they’d try to understand everything but to be patient with them. “Mom, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to head to the motel. I’m emotionally drained,” Jake’s dad told us. His mom said she was also, but grateful Jake had been so honest with them and shared his true feelings. “Mick, you’re staying here tonight with the guys,” Jake’s dad told a surprised Mick.
“You’re leaving me here with the gay guys?” Mick asked concerned.
“Hell, maybe you might learn something and like it, then leave my daughter alone,” Jake’s dad told him.
“Dad? That’s unfair,” Linda complained.
“Get over it Linda. He’ll be fine. You couldn’t find better guys to leave him with. It’s your brother, for Heaven’s sake,” Jake’s dad reminded her.
“It’s now my GAY brother, Dad. Think about that,” Linda complained. Jake’s dad laughed.
“Don’t worry, Linda. He doesn’t measure up to our standards anyway. He comes in a little short in that area. You of all people should know that,” Jake chided. He got a mean look from Linda.
“Hey, I measure up pretty good down there, if you really want to know,” Mick said, defending himself.
“Not interested, Mick, but that’s not what we’ve heard,” Jake teased again. Mick looked disappointed. “Go get your stuff. You’ve got the couch tonight, but no one will bother you, trust me on that. Sorry, Linda, you’ll have to do without tonight.”
“Jake, that’s terrible,” his mom told him, but I could tell that made her happy. We walked down to the car with the group. Mick got his overnight stuff while Jake’s mom kissed him and hugged him. His dad hugged him also.
“Give us some time, Jake. This is all so new and confusing to us right now. We’re proud of what you and Josh have been able to achieve. We’re glad you love each other, but we’re just don’t know what to think about the gay stuff right now. Just give us some time,” Jake’s mom asked again.
“Tell me you still love me. That’s all I need to know right now,” Jake asked seriously.
“Oh, honey, we do love you. We’ll always love you no matter what,” his mom told him, kissed him and hugged him again. Jake had tears in his eyes.
“Come on, Mick. We still have guests. Can’t spend the whole night on this conversation,” Jake remarked, then we headed back inside. They did tell us goodnight.
“Wow, not sure that went well,” Jake told me when we got back inside.
“Give it some time, babe. I think they’ll be fine. Just give it some time,” I told him and hugged him tightly.
“Well, they didn’t disown me. But they didn’t show the love and understanding your mom and dad showed us, Josh. I so wanted them to be like your mom and dad. I think I love your parents more now than I do my own. At least I know when we see them, they’re the loving parents that accept us anyway they can get us,” Jake remarked. I could tell he was still unsettled by his parent’s reaction. I gave him another hug, and reminded him he was with me now, the love of my life. That seemed to cheer him up a little. We got another beer at the bar. Mick was planted on a bar stool, seemingly getting hammered. Jake looked over at him and shook his head, wondering what his sister saw in him. Frankly, I thought he was kind of cute.
An hour later, everyone had departed. George, Doug, Seth, Lance, Edgar and Fritz had cleaned up the kitchen and put everything away. We took a tray of leftover appetizers up to the apartment with us. Trevor and Andy hugged us goodnight as they left. Ashton and Chuck were going over to their apartment to continue their conversation and drinking. Trevor took some beer with them as they left. Jake and I wondered what would result from that, but were glad everyone seemed on good terms with one another once more.
Allen and OBB were chiding Mick, as they helped him upstairs to the apartment. He was feeling no pain. Greer got his stuff out of his Land Rover and met us upstairs, putting his stuff in our bedroom.
Everyone was down to their underwear in a heartbeat. Greer thought that unusual, but quickly joined in. Mick looked at us all like we were crazy. “Mick, take your clothes off and get comfortable,” Allen told him. He looked at them like they were crazy.
“Strip in front of a room full of gay guys? Are you serious?” Mick asked, slurring his words. “Are you guys going to fuck me?” he asked extremely concerned. Allen gave me a devious smile.
and his life seems to be back on track 
)
