It has been a few weeks and living with Roger has gone smoothly. I picked up my clothes and personal items from my old apartment and my nephew Brandon has now taken over my former apartment completely. My physical therapy is on track. I go to the gym every day and I’m building up strength in my leg and arm. I also take long walks around the Seaport District every day, which really helped.
Other than going to the gym or for a walk, there wasn’t much to do at Roger’s place. He has a professional chef come in to prepare most of our meals, as well as a personal shopper who purchases whatever we need. Not to mention, Roger has a cleaning service. They’re here twice a week. Overall, it’s great, but there is nothing for me to do in this apartment.
Ultimately, it was time for me to go back to work, but I needed to figure out what to do. To be honest with myself, I knew my baseball playing days were over. I’m almost 32 years old and I’ve never gotten beyond double A ball. So maybe it’s back to construction for me. I certainly wasn’t looking forward to returning to construction. I have nothing against physical labor, but it might be time for me to find a new career. On top of that, after my accident, the thought of working high on a scaffold was giving me a bout of PTSD.
I talked to Roger about this. I figured he would be good at giving advice. Afterall, I hear him guiding and counseling his kids all the time. He’s good at it. The thing is, I’m not one of his kids. However, he did give me some sound advice. He told me to be patient and that I would be able to figure it out myself. He also told me that when I knew what I wanted to do, he would do anything he could to help me. I thought that was very sweet of him.
One benefit of living with Roger is that I got to know his kids better. They didn’t often visit while I was convalescing, but now that I’ve recovered, they are around more often. Of course, since the two oldest kids are away in college, they only come over during their breaks or special occasions, like a birthday. Henry is in his third year at Yale and Abby, who is 19, goes to Colby College in Waterville Maine. They call their father a lot. It’s his youngest that I see and spend the most time with. Carl recently turned 14 and was finishing up middle school. He planned to attend a fancy prep school in Concord, MA, called Concord Academy. As a product of the Quincy public schools, I know nothing about prep schools, but apparently this is a good one.
Carl was excited about attending Concord Academy because they have a great baseball program. Most years they win their division. Out of Roger’s three kids, Carl was the biggest jock, and he inherited his father’s love for baseball. He’s also been the star of whatever team he was part of. Once Roger introduced us and he learned I was a professional baseball player, he became my shadow. Whenever he was over, he would pepper me with baseball questions. He always wanted my opinion on how the Red Sox were doing.
Now that it was Spring and the baseball season had started, we would go to as many Red Sox games as possible. Most of the time, it would be the three of us going, but if Roger had a late meeting or was travelling it would be just Carl and me. I didn’t mind when it was only the two of us. Carl was very knowledgeable about baseball, and it was fun to discuss all aspects of the game with him.
Like all of Roger’s children, Carl was a good kid. He was respectful, intelligent and kind. When he stayed over in the guestroom, I would be the one who got him up in the morning, prepare his breakfast, made sure whatever homework was done, and drive him back home to his mom’s. I liked this new role for myself. I was starting to feel like a stepdad. Even Roger noticed.
“You know, you’re good with Carl. I really appreciate that. Especially when I’m working.”
“Well, with him it’s easy. It helps that we have baseball in common. By the way, he asked if I would help train him during the summer. He’s going to try out for the baseball team at his new school. He thinks it’s going to be competitive, and he wants all help I can give him.”
“That’s great. But only do it if you want to and don’t let it interfere with anything else you’re doing.”
“I don’t mind. It’s fun and I’m not doing much right now anyway.
Roger came over and gave me a kiss. “Don’t let him take advantage of you. Knowing Carl, he’ll have you out all day, every day. Oh, one more thing. Carl asked if you would go to his middle school graduation. I think he’s starting to think of you as family.”
I was honored that Carl wanted me to attend his graduation. I was happy to go, even if it meant spending time with Roger’s ex-wife. So far, I was able to avoid spending any time with Ellen. I was happy to focus on the fact that Carl thought of me as family.
One night while we were relaxing at home, Roger got a phone call from his buddy Tim. He is Roger’s co-worker who I met at the Celtic’s game during our first date. He’s the one who thought Roger and I made a cute couple. More importantly thought, he’s Roger’s ex and first serious gay relationship. They were both young family men at the time, but they developed feelings for each other, and they started an affair. Tim eventually returned to his wife and children while Roger left his, came out as bisexual and started a new life.
Apparently, Tim still gets urges to have sex with men on occasion and when he does, he calls Roger and they hookup. Roger says that it’s safer for Tim to be with him than to hookup with a random stranger. Also, Tim’s wife knows he hooks up with Roger on occasion and apparently, she’s okay with it. Last fall, when Roger first told me about his hookups with Tim, I really didn’t care. We barely knew each other then, but now we love each other, and we are living together. I’m not sure how I feel about this?
When Roger got off the phone, he said that Tim asked to come over. He is having one of his urges and was hoping I was available to have sex with him.
“What did you tell him?” I asked.
“Nothing really. I couldn’t commit to anything without running it by you. Besides, you’re right here. It would be kind of weird.”
“Roger, you have always encouraged me to explore, expand my horizons and experiment. You have a long-established relationship with Tim. If you want to have sex with him, maybe you should.”
“Really?” Roger asked, “You wouldn’t mind?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” I responded. Part of me didn’t feel that I had the right to tell Roger what to do. Regardless of what he says, this is his place, and I feel I can’t tell him what to do.
Just then the buzzer rang, indicating Tim’s arrival. Roger answered the door, and they hugged once he was inside.
“Oh, I thought you’d be alone.” Tim said.
“You remember Kyle, don’t you? The two of you met at the Celtics game last fall. I thought I had mentioned that he is living here now.”
“You did. It just slipped my mind. Sorry.” Now addressing me, Tim continued, “Roger told me about your accident. I’m glad to see you are doing better.”
Tim stepped toward me, sticking out his hand to shake it. After a few shakes, he pulled me into an awkward hug. He pressed his body against mine and held me there for a few seconds.
Tim then turned to Roger and asked, “Does this mean our play date for tonight is cancelled?”
“Well…” was all Roger was able to utter.
I jumped in and said, “No, not at all. If you’ve already made plans, you should go ahead and do it.”
“Kyle, are you sure?” Roger asked.
“Cool. Well Kyle, you can always join us. It’s been a while since I’ve had a threesome. It would be very hot, and I’m sure I can teach you a thing or two.”
Roger didn’t look happy, “Tim, why don’t you go into the bedroom and wait, I want to speak with Kyle for a moment.” Tim moved into the bedroom while Roger approached me and put his hands on my shoulders. “Kyle, what are you saying? Are you really okay with me and Tim having sex in our apartment?”
“Considering the history the two of you have. I know he’s important to you. He was your first love and as you said, it’s better that he has sex with someone safe, someone he knows instead of some random person on the street. Besides, I never want to be the person who tells you that you can’t do something. You encourage me to explore and experiment, shouldn’t the same apply to you?”
“First of all”, Roger began, “Tim was not my first love. He was my first serious relationship with a man. I’ve had several loves in my life, including you.”
“Second, I encourage you to explore and experience because you are new to having sex with men. I want to make sure this is what you really want. So, what are we going to do with Tim? He’s most likely completely naked, sitting on the bed right now” We both laughed a little at that image.
“Seriously, maybe you should go ahead and have sex with him. It’s not going to change anything between us. It’s just sex. I’ll just go for a walk and when I get back, you’ll be done.”
Roger ran his hands up and down my arms. I was not sure if he was trying to calm me down or calm himself. “If you’re 100% sure, then okay, I’ll go to Tim.” He kissed me on the lips then walked into the bedroom.
I sat on the couch for a while to think. Was I doing the right thing? Who knows? It’s just sex, right? I intended to go out for a walk, but I could hear mumbling coming from the bedroom. I couldn’t help imagining what Roger and Tim were doing. Part of me was feeling jealous and part of me was starting to feel horny.
I thought about what might be happening in the bedroom. Thinking about Roger and Tim naked, sucking each other’s cock and fucking each other caused my own cock to grow and get hard. I grabbed my house keys and headed toward the door but stopped in front of the closed bedroom door.
I don’t know what came over me. My hand reached for the doorknob, turned it and opened the door. There they were, Roger and Tim, naked on the bed, face to face with their arms around each other and their hard cocks pressed together.
When the door opened Roger and Tim looked up with surprised looks on their faces.
“Kyle, is everything okay?” Roger asked.
“Yeah, just wondering if there’s any room on the bed for me?” I responded.
“Hell yes!”, Tim moved over a bit and patted the bed. “Come right here, between us. We’ll take good care of you.”
I pulled off my tee shirt, dropped my shorts and boxers and crawled into bed between Roger and Tim. My dick was already fully erect and leaking pre-cum.
Tim immediately wrapped his hand around my cock and said, “nice dick”.
Roger leaned down, close to my ear and whispered, “Kyle, are you sure about this?” I nodded my head, yes.
With Roger on my right and Tim on my left, their hands explored my body. Having four hands all over my naked body felt amazing. Tim kissed me hard on the lips while Roger nibbled my earlobe, which was turning me on even more.
Tim said, “You have such a beautiful body Kyle, and a perfect cock. I can’t wait to suck it. Maybe I can tap that ass too.”
Tim sucked and gnawed on my nipples while Roger kissed my stomach and ran his fingers through my chest hair. They were both moving south toward my crotch. Tim got there first and wrapped his lips around my mushroom shaped cockhead. Roger licked and sucked on my balls.
What a sensation. It was amazing having two hot guys working my cock at the same time. They were working on my cock and balls for a good five minutes when I got the sense I was about to blow my load into Tim’s mouth.
“Wait”, I warned, “I’m about to cum.”
Tim and Roger immediately stopped worshipping my cock. “We can’t have that.” Tim said, “I need this to last longer. Who knows when I’ll have such a hot stub again.”
“Let’s change positions,” Roger suggested.
Tim rolled over and laid on his back, pulling me on top of him. We enthusiastically made out. Tim was a good kisser. Roger moved down to my ass and started rimming my hole. His tongue started probing me. With his tongue, saliva, and fingers working my hole, Roger was preparing me for the fucking I knew will be coming.
“You like daddy taking care of you, don’t you Kyle?” Tim said. I didn’t respond.
Roger lined his cockhead against my hole and pushed its way inside me, forcing my own hard cock to get lodged between Tim’s legs. With Roger’s hands on my hips, he pulled me up onto my knees and started fucking me doggy style. He then started long stroking his cock in and out of my hole. It felt wonderful as it always does.
Tim moved back against the headboard. His cock was now directly below my head. “Come on, suck it. Make me feel good. I know you want it.” Tim guided my head down onto his cock until I took his hard member into my mouth. He kept pushing my head down lower and lower onto his cock. He wouldn’t release me, causing me to gag and my eyes to water. I was having trouble breathing.
“Tim, cut it out”, Roger said, “We’re here just to have fun. No need to be a jerk.”
“Sorry, sometimes I get carried away. It’s just that his mouth feels so good. I forgot how inexperienced he is.”
Tim let up and I was able to suck his dick more comfortably. Roger was fucking me pretty hard, with his balls slapping against my ass with each thrust. I was in heaven. Roger sure knows how to fuck me. I was starting to enjoy sucking and licking Tim’s cock as well. His was only the third cock I had ever sucked.
“Hey Roger,” Tim said, “This is fantastic, isn’t it? Just like old times. Your boy is so hot. Thank you for sharing him with me.” After some time, Tim continued, “What do you say we change position. I would love a crack at his ass. Hey, how about we DP him? What do you say? Kyle will love it.”
“No, absolutely not! We are not going to double penetrate Kyle.” Roger replied, “End of discussion.” At the time I didn’t know what DP meant. Roger was right, I don’t think I could have handled being double penetrated at that time.
Tim removed his cock from my mouth, hopped off the bed and moved behind Roger. Roger then withdrew his cock from my ass. He then went to the bathroom, and I heard water running. He was cleaning off his cock.
Meanwhile, Tim inserted his cock into my ass. At that point I was fairly open, so he entered me very quickly. It was strange but my body could definitely feel the difference between Roger’s cock and Tim’s. Neither was better, just different.
After Roger cleaned off his dick, he came to the front of the bed, put his hand on my cheek and asked, “Are you okay? How are you doing?”
I confirmed that I was fine and he kissed me. Since he hadn’t cum yet, Roger was still fully erect. I reached out and took hold of it and tried to bring it to my mouth. I was so sexually charged with what was happening, all I wanted to do was suck Roger off. I wanted to make him cum, taste him in my mouth and satisfy him.
Roger adjusted so I had easier access to his cock and I began sucking. With a cock in my mouth and one in my ass, I immediately flashed back to Martha’s Vineyard and the threesome we had with Carolyn. I was being spit roasted by two men and I realized that I was the Carolyn in this scenario. The two men were using me for their pleasure.
The three of us were all breathing heavy and the moans from Tim and Roger let me know that they were close to cumming. Roger came first and filled my mouth with his creamy load. I tried to swallow it all, but some dripped down my chin.
Tim’s cock was hitting my prostate with every forward thrust sending me into a sexual frenzy. “Here it comes”, yelled Tim. Then one final push in my hole and Tim emptied the contents of his ball inside my hole. With that, Tim collapsed on top of me forcing the two of us to lay flat on the bed. At the same time, my own cock released, depositing my cum on the sheet beneath me.
The three of us stayed in bed recovering for a while. I was again in the middle, between these two men who just fucked me. Tim ran his hands all over my body, feeling my biceps, calves, pecs and cock. “That was fantastic.” Tim said, “The best fuck I’ve had in a long time.”
Roger didn’t say anything. He looked pensive, almost mad. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
Eventually Tim got up. “I’m going to jump in the shower and clean up. I have to get back home to the family.” Roger and I stayed in bed, not saying anything. When we heard the shower shut off, Roger got up and put on his boxer briefs and a tee shirt.
Soon Tim emerged from the bathroom and put his clothes back on. “I’ll see you out Tim.” Roger and Tim exited the bedroom and headed toward the front door. Tim spoke first. “You have yourself one hot boy Roger. You should make sure you do everything you can to keep him.”
“Actually, he’s a man, not a boy and I do intend to keep him for as long as he wants.” Roger said defending me, “One other thing Tim; you’re a friend and I honor our shared history. However, I think today will be the last time we hookup.”
“Really? But you’re my special friend, the person I rely on when my urges to be with a man becomes overwhelming.”
“I’m sorry I can’t be that person for you anymore. I have to think about Kyle. I love him and I want to build a life with him. I want us to be excusive.”
“Is that what Kyle wants too. To be excusive with you?”
“I don’t know. I can only speak for myself, but I want to only be with Kyle from now on.”
Tim took a deep breath, “Well, then I’m happy for you and only wish you the best. Honestly.” I heard the front door open with Tim saying, “See you in the office tomorrow.”
Roger closed the door and returned to the bedroom. I was still naked, lying in bed. He stood in the doorway looking serious and upset, just looking at me.
“Is everything okay, Roger?”
“I want to apologize to you Kyle.”
“To me, what for?”
“I don’t like how Tim spoke to you and treated you. He behaved like you were an object, a sex object, not a person. He didn’t seem to care about your feelings or your pleasure, just his own. It was not love making, it was just sex. I should have put a stop to it, but I didn’t. It was disrespectful to you and for that I am truly sorry. Please accept my apology.”
I reached out my arms, inviting Roger to join me in bed. While hugging, I said, “I heard what you said to Tim. You want to be exclusive?”
“I do. I think being with Tim tonight made me realize I don’t want anyone other than you.”
“That’s funny. I think the reason I joined you and Tim was because I thought it was something you might want. I was also jealous that Tim was with you, and I was not.”
Roger kissed me again, “You have no reason to ever be jealous. I love you.”
“Me too. I love you. I only want to be with you.“ I said, then continued, “Is it true, you want to build a life with me?”
“It is. I can no longer picture my life without you. You make me happy.” We spent the rest of the night in bed, holding each other before drifting off to sleep.
Summer finally arrived and I made some progress on the work front. I decided not to return to construction. I finalized everything with the construction company I worked for and with my union. I also decided to get certified as a professional umpire. I started working at some baseball leagues as a fill-in umpire and some freelance work (company events) to earn a little bit of money. It was good to be out on the ballfield again, even if I was no longer a player.
Now that school was out, I’ve been spending a lot of time with Carl. I attended his middle school graduation, and I had nothing to worry about. His mother, Roger’s ex-wife, Ellen was very nice and treated me like family. Ellen’s current boyfriend Tom and her parents, as well as Roger’s other kids, Henry and Abby also attended. It was nice spending time with everyone, particularly Roger’s kids. It was like I fit right in.
Carl was a pleasure to work with. He’s a natural athlete and a quick learner. It helps that he loves baseball so much. He was determined to make the varsity team as a freshman, even though I warned him not to get his hopes up.
I was impressed with how much progress Carl was making. Tryouts for the team were coming up at the end of August. Even though Baseball is a Spring sport, Coach Sullivan wanted his team selected now so they can work on team building and fundamentals during the winter months and be ready for when the season starts.
Parents weren’t allowed to attend the tryouts, but I ran Carl through all the basic hitting, catching, running drills he should anticipate. The night before tryouts we had our last training session. While driving back to his mom’s house we stopped by Kimball Farms for an ice cream. I wanted to reward him for all the hard work he put in this summer, and I also like spending time with him.
We sat on a bench eating our ice cream; Carl had mint chocolate chip, and mine was coffee cookie dough.
“Carl, are you nervous about tomorrow?”
“Not really. I just don’t know what my competition is.”
“Well, you’re a great ball player Carl. Much better than I was at your age.”
“Really? Thanks.” There was a pause before he continued. “It’s been fun playing with you this summer. You taught me a lot.”
“Thanks Buddy. I had fun too. You’ve a good student.”
We sat in silence for a while finishing our ice cream cones until Carl said, “Can I ask you something, Kyle.”
“Of course, anything. What’s up?” I figured he had a baseball question,
“Are you and my father going to get married?”
What the hell? I was stunned into silence. “Um, well. I don’t know.”
“Don’t you love him? Boys are allowed to get married you know.”
“Yes, I’m aware that boys can get married. Your dad and I care for each other very much. He means the world to me. We just haven’t discussed marriage is all. Not yet anyway. When we do and we make that decision, you’ll be the first we let know. Okay buddy?”
“Sure, it just would be nice. I would like you to be one of my dads.” I was so overcome with what Carl said, I started tearing up. “You know, my new school has a gay/straight alliance. I think I might join to support you and dad. I mean join as an ally. I like girls you know.”
“That would be wonderful Carl. Your dad and I would be very proud of you.”
I drove Carl to his mom’s and when Roger came home that night I didn’t tell him about the conversation Carl and I had that afternoon. I was still trying to process it myself.
The next day, Carl called all excited. He made the varsity team. The first freshman in over ten years to accomplish that. Roger was ecstatic and had to call everyone he knew to tell them the news.
“I believe much of the thanks goes to you Kyle. I know how much effort you put into training him.”
“Well, our kid’s a natural.” I didn’t immediately realize I said “our kid” instead of “your kid”
“Do you know, you said “our kid?”, Roger asked.
“Well, I’m starting to think of him as mine. I like the idea of being his dad.”
“It suits you”, said Roger.
A few days later I was asleep and having a wonderful dream. I was dreaming that Roger was slow fucking me from behind. It felt so good to be held in Roger’s arms while we make love to each other. Giving pleasure with his cock and my ass.
I slowly came to and as I woke up and gained full conscience, I realized that my dream was reality. Roger’s cock was embedded in my ass and he was slowing thrusting in and out of me.
“What a nice way to wake up”, I stated.
“Good, you’re awake. I couldn’t wait and I wanted to get one good last fuck in before my trip.” Roger was leaving for a five-day business trip to London and Berlin today. I was going to miss him. Roger kissed me a few times on the back of my neck and with his right hand grabbed hold of my hard, throbbing cock.
“Let’s come at the same time”, Roger suggested. He began stroking my 7-inch cock up and down while I closed my eyes and surrendered to the ecstasy of our love making. Roger kept his slow and steady pace of pumping his cock into my hole while stroking my cock.
“I’m close”, Roger announced. “Here it comes baby.” Roger’s body froze while his cock filled me with shot after shot of his creamy cum. At the same time, I emptied the contents of my balls into Roger’s hand.
Roger Kissed me on the shoulder then rolled his body on top of mine. His softening cock rested gently against my own cum covered cock, while his sperm slowly leaked out of my used hole soiling our bedsheets. He then kissed me on the lips and said, “Good morning.”
“I love waking up like this”, I added.
“Me too. I can’t believe how accustomed I am to having you in my bed every morning. It’s only been five months but feels a lot longer. I’m going to miss you while I’m away.”
“Me too.” I ran my hands over Roger’s back and ass while we talked.
“Oh, I wanted to mention; now that you are no longer working for the construction company I wanted to put you on my health Insurance.”
“You can do that?”, I asked. “I thought you had to be married to be on someone’s insurance.”
“Nope”, Roger explained. “As long as we have the same address, we’d be considered domestic partners.”
“That would be great. COBRA is so expensive and after my accident I never want to be without health insurance.”
“Okay, I will ask Kevin to work on it right away. When I get back, I’ll talk to my lawyer about adding you as a beneficiary on my life insurance and investments as well as adding you to my will.”
“Really, we have to go through all that?”
“Absolutely, it would be one thing if we were legally married. If something happened, the surviving spouse would automatically be named the “next of kin”. Since we’re not married, we have to make sure that our wishes are clearly spelled out in every document.”
“I had no idea.” I thought about it a bit, then said, “Have you ever thought about marriage.”
“You mean you and me, getting married?”
I chuckled, “Yeah, you and me. Have you ever thought about it?”
“To be honest, I have, but I assumed you are nowhere near ready to talk about it. I mean, you haven’t mentioned it in a while, but do you still consider yourself straight?”
Good question, I thought. “I don’t know. I can confidently say that I am no longer straight. I’m not sure if I’m fully gay yet either. Maybe I’m still a “work in progress”. Can I identify as a Roger-sexual?”
Roger kissed me again and said, “I don’t think that’s one of the official strips in the rainbow flag yet. However, in this house, you are allowed to identify any way you want to.”
“You know who has thought about us getting married? Carl. He asked me about it the other day.” It was very sweet.”
“Ha, Carl asked me the same thing last week. So has Henry. Sorry about my kids. Don’t let them put any pressure on you or make you feel weird.”
“No, it’s totally okay. I think they are just concerned about their dad and want to make sure he’s happy.”
“You make me happy. I hope you know that. Now I need to get moving. I have a plane to catch.”
I stayed in bed while Roger showered and thought about what it would mean to be married to Roger. Maybe it would be nice. I don’t know. Maybe I’m not there yet. I’ll think about it later.
Roger left for his business trip, and I went about my day. It was a light day for me. I had a baseball game to umpire at six. I also planned to touch base with Carl to make sure he’s all set for the start of school next week. Finally, I had to start planning for our Labor Day weekend trip to the Martha’s Vineyard house at the end of the week.
Around 5:30 pm, while preparing to work a ball game in Milton, my phone started blowing up. It kept buzzing and pinging. I had to power it off until the game ended around 8:00. When I turned my phone back on, I saw dozens of missed calls and texts from Carl, Roger’s ex-wife Ellen and even Roger’s assistant Kevin, all asking me to call right away.
My heart sank. Every possible tragedy ran through my mind. I was frantic as I called Ellen.
“Thanks for calling me back Kyle. We were trying to reach Roger before remembering he is somewhere across the Atlantic right now. I hope we didn’t alarm you too much, but something happened with Carl’s new school.”
It turns out that the head baseball coach at Concord Academy resigned today. He got poached by Phillips Academy and left without notice. That leaves the school with just their Assistant Coach who is not really a baseball guy. His specialties are basketball and soccer. The school notified the parents of the team that if they can’t come up with a solution in a few days they might have to suspend the baseball program for the year. Needless to say, Carl was devastated. Ellen said they might have to scramble and find a new school for Carl but needed to discuss it with Roger. She asked if I spoke with him first to please have him call her as soon as possible..
The next day, after speaking with Roger and filling him in on the situation, I called the Superintendent of Concord Academy and asked for a meeting. In an attempt to salvage the baseball program, I offered my services as baseball coach. I interviewed with the Athletic Director and the Superintendent, and we reviewed my background, education and experience. I was there for hours until we came up with a creative solution that would save the baseball program.
I was named the “Interim Assistant Coach” for the baseball program. The assistant coach was named head coach, but that would be in name only. Basically, it would be my team, and I could run it as needed. This would be an unpaid position until I got my certification in physical education. Once I received my certification, I would be brought on as a permanent employee and expected to coach and run other sports teams as well.
I was so psyched about my new career opportunity and couldn’t wait to get started. Ellen and Roger were very happy when I broke the news to them and needless to say, I became a hero to Carl. I was also pleased that I obtained this position on my own, without Roger’s help. That was important to me.
As Fall approached, I was busy getting to know the school and my team. It was challenging, but I was loving it.
In September, it was once again time for the annual Children's Hospital fundraising event. Roger asked if I wanted to attend and of course I did. That’s where I first met Roger. I even got a new tuxedo for the event. The set up at the Boston Convention Center was exactly the same as last year.
We wandered around, checking out the various rooms and soon came upon the ballroom with the Bachelor Auction. So many memories came rushing back and as a lark we decided to check it out. Roger jokingly promised not to bid on any bachelors this year. Roger went to get us drinks while I looked around. They were doing the same thing they did last year where they had the bachelors mingle around the crowd to drum up interest. I turned around and came face to face with the swim instruction. He was the guy who sat next to me on the stage and who I called “Speedo Guy”.
“Oh hello”, I said “How are you? Do you remember me from last year?”
“I don’t know”, Speedo guy said, “Wait, were you the baseball player from last year? Look at you. You look great in that fancy tux.”
“That’s right. I’m Kyle Ehrhart.” We shook hands.
“I’m Seth. I remember, some guy bought you for some astronomic amount.”
“That would be Roger. He’s over there getting us some drinks. We live together now.”
“Wow, so you turned out to be gay after all.”
“I certainly wasn’t gay during the Bachelor Auction last year and I don’t know what to call myself now. All I know is that last year, I was at a crossroads, and I didn’t know what to do with my life. Meeting Roger changed my life. He’s an amazing person and encouraged me to explore, push boundaries and discover new parts of myself.”
“I’m sure he has,” Seth said with a smirk.
“Well, I love him, and he makes me very happy.”
Seth looked me in the eye and said, “In all seriousness, I am happy for you. That’s great.”
“Thank you for saying that. Good luck in the auction.”
“Thanks. I just can’t believe that at age 36 I am still single and still doing stuff like this. I need a change in my life too.”
Seth left to get ready for the auction and I looked for Roger. He was standing right behind me holding two drinks.
Handing me a drink, Roger asked, “How are you doing? You have a serious look on your face.”
“No, I’m fine. I was just talking to Speedo Guy from last year’s auction.”
“I can see that. Did he upset you.”
“No, not at all. He just got me thinking. So much has happened over this past year, my accident, my new career, getting to know Carl, It’s all so wonderful. Of course, meeting you has been the best thing that has happened.”
“And to think, it all started a year ago right here.”
“Roger, can I ask you a question?”
“Absolutely, anything.”
“Roger, will you marry me.”
Roger stared at me for a moment. “What? Did I hear you correctly? Are you asking me to marry me?”
“I am. I love you Roger and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“I do too. I love you Kyle and it would be my honor to be your husband.”
Kyle and Roger kissed in the middle of the ballroom while the MC called for bids on the first bachelor.
The End
POSTSCRIPT
Brandon Foster (Kyle’s nephew) – Brandon graduated from Northeastern University with honors. He’s now in medical school. He was inspired to get into medicine after witnessing how the doctors cared for his uncle after his accident. He was also eternally grateful to his uncle Kyle for allowing him to stay in his apartment rent free while he was in college.
Kevin Cronin (Roger’s assistant) – Kevin is no longer Roger’s assistant. He’s a senior loan officer in the nonprofit division at the bank. He is also married to an artist who owns his own gallery in Provincetown.
Seth Benoit (A.K.A. Speedo Guy) – After his encounter with Kyle at the second Bachelor Auction, Seth realized he had to change his life and grow up. He couldn’t continue his carefree bachelor life and working as a swim instructor and lifeguard. Seth went back to college and is now a High School history teacher and he’s married to an English teacher. They have an 18 month old daughter and another child on the way.
Carolyn Ridini (Kyle and Roger’s hookup) – Carolyn often thought fondly of her night with Kyle and Roger. It really helped her get over her divorce. A few years later, she came across a profile of Roger in the Boston Globe magazine. On a whim, she reached out to his office. They met for lunch and continued to stay in touch. Carolyn now works at Roger’s bank as the Director of their charitable foundation.
Jack Ehrhart (Kyle’s father) – The project Jack did for Galvin Properties was a huge success. He soon officially joined forces with his brother Paul and started Ehrhart Brother’s Plumbing. It is now one of the largest plumbing companies on the South Shore.
Tim Gabel (Roger’s co-worker and ex) – Tim no longer works with Roger at the bank. He eventually left his wife for a young man in his early twenties who might, or might not, have been a hustler (depending on if you believe the rumors) but definitely has an OnlyFans account. Roger and Tim haven’t been in touch for a number of years.
Ellen Thatcher (Roger’s ex-wife) Once all the kids were out of the house, Ellen married her boyfriend, Tom. She sold the family home in Dover and the two of them spend most of their time traveling around the world.
Henry Thatcher (Roger’s son) – Henry graduated from Yale and got his law degree from Georgetown. He now lives in D.C. and works for Senate Elizabeth Warren. He plans to have a career in politics.
Abby Thatcher (Roger’s daughter) – Abby graduated from Colby College with a journalism degree. Roger tried to get her a job at the Boston Globe but she insisted on forging her own path without the help of her father. She got a job as a reporter at the Burlington Free Press in Burlington, VT and is dating an organic farmer. Everyone speculates that they will be engaged soon.
Carl Thatcher (Roger’s son) – Carl was a starting player on baseball team for all four years at Concord Academy and the team captain for the last two. They won the state championship in his senior year. He was recruited by Vanderbilt University. Now in his last year there, he is expected to be selected in the first round in the upcoming MLB draft. He hopes the Red Sox pick him but will go wherever he is chosen. Carl credits Kyle with nurturing and guiding him into the player he is now.
Roger Thatcher – Roger was named President of Boston Private Bank, the largest private bank in the state. He still serves on a few high powered Boards and supports many charitable organizations. Roger loves his family and friends and is always available to support them in any way they need.
Kyle Ehrhart – After his first year as “Interim Assistant Coach” Kyle was named permanent coach at Concord Academy. He was thrilled to be the coach while Carl was on the team. After the team won the state championship, a bunch of job offers came in. Kyle decided to work for his former team, the Salem Sea Dogs as a hitting coach. It was great to be back in semi-pro baseball. Currently, he is preparing to interview for the head coach position at Boston University.
Roger and Kyle recently celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary. They got married at their home in Martha’s Vineyard. The entire family from both sides attended, including Kyle’s proud parents and Roger’s ex-wife. Henry and Carl acted as best men for the ceremony. For Kyle’s upcoming 40th birthday, Roger is planning to surprise him with a vacation to Hawaii. They are both very happy with their lives.
