by Jerry Cole
“How is the darling boy? I trust he’s over his cold.”
“Oh yes, but we still only manage to talk once a week or so. He’s now preparing for a world tour.”
“What an achievement. You must be very proud.” Loretta folded her napkin and stood to leave.
Darren lowered his head and said nothing. Loretta put her hand on his shoulder as she left.
“Are you going into the office today?” he asked before she disappeared.
“Not today, dear. Too much to do here.”
***
Thanksgiving breakfast was almost as much of a family tradition as was the Thanksgiving dinner. Loretta enjoyed being the matron of honor and sat at the head of the table, officiating over breakfast as though it was a high mass. And she had risen to the solemnity of the occasion by not being barefoot—but only just. She wore mules, which she shed as soon as her feet were hidden under the table.
Loretta addressed Brandy. “I understand your group of radical lesbians is going to be picketing at the opening of the Pennsylvania legislature.”
Brandy smiled broadly. “You bet. Want to join us?”
”Well, that would depend. What exactly is it you are picketing for?”
“Transgender rights. The old geezers who run our lives want to pass a bathroom bill, forcing trans people to use misgendered bathrooms.”
“A contemporary issue to be sure, but not one with which I personally identify.”
“At our school, any student can use any bathroom they want,” Tyler spoke up.
“Now see, that’s enlightened,” Brandy said, smiling at Tyler.
“But, of course, it’s an all-boys school, so I guess that’s not what you’re suggesting.”
Brandy considered that. “But if any of your boys are transgender, then it does apply.” Melissa leaned in to Brandy and whispered. Brandy listened, then spoke up. “It seems I’m being inappropriate for a Thanksgiving breakfast, so I apologize.”
“Absolutely no need. We welcome all viewpoints in this house,” Loretta insisted. She turned to Darren. “Have you spoken to Ness today?”
“He’s flying to Australia, I believe, and is not available.”
“For a concert?”
“Sort of. There’s a charity event, and he’s been invited as one of the many guests. So it’s in and out for him.”
As breakfast was finished, and they were getting up from the table, Mai asked Darren, “Could you and I have a quick discussion about Tyler?”
“Of course. When were you thinking?”
“How about now?”
“That’s fine. We could use the library?”
“Perfect.”
They excused themselves. Mai sat in a chair by the fireplace, where there was a cheery fire she used to warm her hands. The drafty old houses did not retain heat well. Darren joined her and stood with his back to the fire.
“How is your teaching going?” Mai asked.
“It’s fine, but I have to admit that I am less engaged that I have been. The water project is beginning to take precedence.”
“Are you thinking of giving up teaching?” Mai asked as she sat back in the comfortable chair.
“Don’t know. It’s crossed my mind, but I’ve got a great position and tenure.”
“And what about Ness, is he a factor in your decision?”
“He will be, but it’s all such confusion right now. There’s no way to know how it will all shake out. What about you and Ned? Is it serious?”
Mai was silent for a moment. “I believe so. But he wants us to have children together, and I’m not sure I’m up for that. I rather like my life as it is.”
Darren nodded. “You mentioned Tyler. Is there a problem at school?” He took the chair opposite from her.
“It appears so. I’ve not talked to Tyler about it yet; I wanted to speak with you first. But is seems that Tyler’s efforts and grades are suffering for some reason.”
Darren was surprised. “That doesn’t sound like our Tyler at all.”
“I know. But I got a call from Mr. Carrington, alerting me to the situation with the hope that we might address the situation over the holiday break.”
“Did he say what the problem might be?”
“He says it’s baffling, but thinks it might have something to do with the other children at the school?”
“Does he think Tyler’s being bullied?”
“He doesn’t believe so.”
“So then?”
“It appears that Tyler is slacking off. He doesn’t get his assignments in on time. He misses classes. And he is performing poorly on his tests.”
This sobered Darren, and he sat staring into the fire. “Then let’s talk to him now. Do you know where he is?”
“I told him to wait in his room. I’ll go get him.”
Mai got up and left the library.
Darren’s phone buzzed. He read the incoming text.
Happy Thanksgiving. Please give my love to your mother. I’ve just arrived in Sydney. Wanted you to know that I started writing a song for you on the plane. All my heartfelt love.
Darren rubbed his eyes. He was close to tears. He texted back, You are my number one and I hope your song will be a number one. A barrel of hugs.
“Hey, Dad,” Tyler greeted as he came into the library followed by Mai. He went to the fireplace and sat down on the hearth with his back to the fire. “What’s up?”
Mai sat back in her chair.
Darren took up the questioning. “Son, you mother tells me she got a call from your headmaster. He says your grades have been slipping, and you seem to be slacking your responsibilities.”
“Oh…”
“That’s not like you, Tyler. What’s the deal with that?”
“You haven’t been sick, have you?” Mai asked.
“No ma’am.”
“Are you anxious about something?” Darren inquired.
Tyler looked up at them each with a puzzling look.
“What? You can tell us. We’ve always been able to talk things out. No?”
Tyler hung his head. He spoke in a very soft voice. “It’s just I don’t like being different.”
“How do you mean?” Mai asked. She chuckled. “You’ve always been different, and it’s never bothered you before.”
“Well, this isn’t the same,” Tyler insisted. “When I was at public school, I knew I stood out because I was smarter and more inquisitive than the others. It just was. They didn’t aspire like I did. They were more interested in playing and goofing off, and did everything they could to avoid responsibility.”
“But that is certainly not the case at Linwood, is it?” Darren asked.
“No. And that’s the problem. Everyone’s so smart and so motivated.”
“So what’s the problem, then?” Mai asked.
“It’s that even there, I still stand out. It makes me feel isolated. And if I feel isolated there, what kind of life am I going to have? Will I never find equals? I don’t want to always be the bright guy. The one everybody else envies and wants to shun. Can you understand that?”
Darren smiled. “That is very perceptive for a ten-year-old, Tyler. And that’s what you really feel?”
“Sometimes.”
“And that’s why your grades are suffering?” Mai asked. “You’re trying to make yourself fit in more?”
Tyler nodded.
“But son, are you being bullied?” Tyler shook his head. “Do the other kids say bad things to you?” Again Tyler indicated no. “Do they actively shun you?”
“Not really.”
“Then might I suggest that they are not envious of you, but you actually inspire them? You are an example they can live up to and follow. They need you to be a guide and show them the way.”
Tyler smiled. “You really think so?”
“And there’s nothing else that’s causing your grades to suffer?” Mai asked.
Shaking his head, Tyler replied, “No, I’ve been doing it on purpose.�
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“And how are the tutors that the school is providing?” Darren inquired.
“Oh, great. There’s one, Mr. Levin—I really like him. He’s from MIT and says he’s certain I can get in there by fourteen. And he says he’ll sponsor me with the admissions committee.”
“There you go. And I can almost one hundred percent assure you that you will find others of your caliber—even at your school now. Maybe you’ll need to make a little more effort to seek them out. You know, isolation is a two-way street. You need to make an effort to reach out to them as much as they need to make the effort to reach out to you.”
“Are there any science or math clubs at Linwood?” Mai asked.
“Yes, but I never thought they were worth my time. And I do have the fencing. I like that.”
“That’s good. But you need to interact with kids who are focused on the same disciplines you are, too.”
“I could try. There are a couple of the brighter kids in the science club.”
“Well, that’s a good place to start,” Darren said. “Think you can do that?”
“You bet.”
“Good, now let’s enjoy our Thanksgiving.”
***
Ness had been put in another one of those expensive, but universally bland, chain hotels by the Sydney concert promoters. It was just like all the other hotels from the past year, regardless of location. The elevator music was the same. The expensive restaurants were the same. The smiling, but empty-eyed, service people were the same.
There had been a scheduling slipup, and he’d arrived a day early. And while it was nice to have a short break, he also didn’t know what to do with himself. He considered hiring a guide to give him a tour of Sydney, but it was high summer and he didn’t feel like baking in the heat.
Instead, he made an appointment for a massage. He slept in, had breakfast in his room, and at eleven o’clock wandered down to the spa. His massage was for twelve so he relaxed in a private hot tub.
A male attendant came for Ness just before noon.
“Sir, if you’ll come this way, please.” They started walking down the hallway. “Your massage will be with Jason this afternoon.” They went to the massage room. “If you’ll lie face down and get comfortable, Jason will be with you shortly.”
New Age music played quietly in the background. The room smelled of coconut oil, sage, and frangipani. Ness was about to fall asleep when the door opened softly and Ness could sense, but not see, Jason enter the room. Janson removed the sheet that had been placed over him by the attendant and replaced it with a small towel over his butt to expose his body for the massage.
Jason placed a warm hand on the middle of Ness’ back.
“How are we today?” Jason asked in a modulated voice.
Ness turned slightly to look at his masseur. Bad news. The man was stunningly handsome—erection-causing handsome. Surfer blond hair fell over his face and his sharp blue eyes. And the look he gave Ness made it perfectly clear that he found him attractive, too.
“We’ll start with your back and shoulders and work our way down to your legs. Please let me know about the pressure. I can ease up or work more deeply. Whatever you desire.”
Ness could sense this might end up making him more tense rather than less.
Jason poured lotion onto his hands, rubbing them together, and applied it to Ness’ back and shoulders. He began working. Ness had to admit it did feel marvelous.
“Is the pressure all right?”
Ness mumbled a yes, and tried to relax. The problem was he was getting a triumphant hard-on. Luckily, he was face down so it wasn’t visible yet, but when he had to turn over…
Jason worked his way to Ness’ lower back, giving it a deep relaxing workout. When he reached the towel, he began to massage the glutes through the towel. The towel only covered as far as the end of his butt. But soon Jason’s hands slipped from the towel and began working the back of Ness’ thighs. His hands came right up to the butt cheeks and Ness realized that Jason’s thumbs were reaching between his legs and were brushing lightly against his balls.
Ness couldn’t help but give a low moan.
“Is the pressure still good for you, sir?”
“Just fine.”
His legs were firmly worked and then down to his feet. Jason started with his right leg, bending so his foot was in the air, and he carefully worked the foot and then each toe. He did the same with the left.
The time was coming, and it was now.
“Sir, if you’ll just turn over I’ll work your head, face, and chest.
Ness carefully turned, holding the towel to make sure he was still covered, but there was no mistaking what was going on with him. Jason, however, seemed to ignore his condition. Instead, he worked Ness’ face with his fingers and massaged his scalp, which did feel really good. Then he began working his chest and down to his abdomen, And after finishing there, he worked the top of Ness’ legs.
When he was finished he came up and stood at the side of the table and, putting his hand on the front of Ness’ pelvis right up against his cock, said, “We’re done sir.” Then he leaned down and whispered, “Unless you’d like me to release the rest of your tension.”
Oh, Ness was tempted. But thought of Darren, and reached up and removed Jason’s hand. “Thank you, Jason, but I’m fine.”
“As you wish. Then just relax and take your time. Stay as long as you like, and get up when you feel ready.” Then he slipped out the door.
Ness, took several deep breaths, swung his legs over the side of the table and sat up. He grabbed his terrycloth robe, put it on, and went to the locker room.
***
Darren knocked on Loretta’s bedroom door.
“Are you receiving?” Darren asked.
“One moment.” He waited. “You can come in now.”
Loretta was wearing a silk robe and had her hair pulled back from her face by a cloth band. She was sitting at her dressing table working on her eyes.
“I’d like to have a word before dinner, if I may.”
“Of course. What’s up, kiddo?”
He hesitated and then asked. “How are you doing with all this change in your life? I bet you never expected to be launching a major non-profit organization at this time in your time in life. This is when most widows retire to Florida and take on the skin of rhinos as they bake in the sun, sipping mimosas.”
“Well, as you know, my darling, I am not like other widows. I intend to kick up my barefoot heels for quite a while longer.”
“And so you shall.”
“Was there something in particular that you wished to discuss, or is this purely a social call?”
“No. I’ve been struggling and I wanted to run something by you.”
“Shoot,” she said and began applying eye shadow.
Darren sat on the edge of her bed. “I am seriously thinking of leaving the college and giving up the house in Sanderson.”
Loretta swiveled on her bench and faced him. “Really? That’s quite drastic. What’s brought this about?”
“Many things really.”
“But you’ve seemed so ensconced up there. Practically a fixture.”
“Exactly. And I’m about to turn thirty-three, and what have I got to show for it all?”
“Well, you have a fine and brilliant son, who adores you. You’ve got a prestigious university appointment, and you have an adorable young Greek who thinks the world of you.”
“Ah… but I do, and I don’t.”
“Please explain,” she said as she turned back to her table to complete her makeup.
“Well, my brilliant son has been having trouble at school, and I’m wondering if I shouldn’t be giving him more of my attention.”
“He’s having trouble?” Loretta queried.
“We may have worked it out, but it requires monitoring. And as far as the teaching… well, I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to the water project. It’s something I feel strongly about, and I wan
t to get more involved. And as for Ness… well, I don’t… we don’t know where we are with that. It’s a nearly impossible situation for both of us. We can never be together, except for a few days at a time—a few times a year.”
“So what would you like to do?” she asked.
“I was thinking of resigning from the university, buying a condo in Manhattan, and relocating there. I would be a lot closer to Tyler’s school and I could keep a better eye on him. I would also be closer to you and the Water Unlimited headquarters and could be more involved with that. And, of course, I would be conveniently located so I could quickly go to visit Ness or he could come to me. It would make quick visits much easier.”
“Hmm. Interesting. That certainly is a lot to consider. And have you reached any conclusions, my darling?”
“Not totally for sure. But getting there. I just wondered if you had any thoughts about this.”
“Oh, my precious, that is so totally up to you. All your mama can do is kiss you, rub your head, and slap you on the behind when you go astray.”
Chapter Fifteen
Ness had decided not to take his phone to the spa, so when he got back to his room he checked for messages. There was a text from Kori. Please call as soon as you can. Most urgent.
This was troubling and he immediately phoned her.
“Kori, it’s Ness,” he said, sounding concerned.
“Oh, baby brother. I’m so glad you called. I’m afraid I have bad news.”
“Tell me straight.”
“Our Papa has died.”
Ness was stricken. He couldn’t speak for a moment. “What happened?” he finally asked.
“Massive stroke. It was quick and painless, Doctor Kaliki says.”
“Was he at home?”
“No, at the new office.”
“You must be devastated,” Ness said, as he stood at the window and stared out over the Sydney skyline.
“It’s hit us all deeply. Of course, we knew he was not well, and there was always the possibility of something like this happening. But when it actually happens, you realize how unprepared you really are.”
“Is there anything I can do to help right now?” Ness asked.
“I don’t know what you could do from there, except come home.”
