Building Things

Derrick turned to the wine fridge under the back counter, opening the door, looking absently over some of the bottles that were there. He selected one and turned back to the large island as Greg and Aiden came to the counter side of it. Derrick briefly flashed his eyes in their direction as he opened a drawer to extract a corkscrew. Ty had opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water, looking over his shoulder and held it up toward the pair as if asking them if they wanted one.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Aiden said softly.

“Greg?” Ty asked.

“Uh…sure, thanks.” Greg said. He slowly moved to the tall stool and sat down on it as Ty handed them water bottles, “Are you guys…?” Greg softly started to ask and Ty firmed up a bit.

“Gay?” Ty asked for him and flashed his eyes. He nodded, “And…?” Ty asked and he was looking at Greg, who was a little pale, “We’re married too.” Ty said in an exaggerated whisper with big eyes. Greg’s eyes went wide hearing him. Ty looked at Aiden, “Huh, didn’t tell him, did ya?” Ty asked.

“No, I didn’t.” Aiden said.

“It’s alright, bud.” Derrick said, opening the bottle and looked toward Ty, “Babe, can you hand me…?”

“Sure.” Ty said, giving Greg another long look, then turned and went to the cabinet, pulling out a wine glass for Derrick, taking it the couple of steps to him, setting it down and giving Derrick a kiss on the cheek. Derrick smiled at the touch and turned to look at Ty, tilting his head and kissed his husband tenderly. Ty looked back at Greg and raised an eyebrow.

“Wow.” Greg said softly, “You guys have no problem with it at all.”

“You’re right, we don’t, but the question should be,” Derrick said with only lifted eyes toward Greg as he poured himself wine, “do you have a problem with it?” Derrick asked gently. He set the bottle down on the counter. Greg was going back and forth between Derrick and Ty.

“I guess I don’t, really.” Greg said but sounded uncertain of his own words. He looked to his left at Aiden, who, again, looked like he might faint.

“Well, you either you do or you don’t. Not to put any pressure on you, bud, but weren’t you guys…?” Ty started to ask and Aiden had a panicked look on his face.

“Uncle T.” Aiden said quickly. Derrick put a hand on Ty’s on the counter.

“I think I know what he was gonna say, Aiden, and it’s okay.” Greg said and slowly looked at Aiden, giving him a comforting look and a brief smile, then looked back at Derrick and Ty, “Yeah, I’ve kissed him before, I won’t lie about it.” Greg said quietly, “I liked it too. Aiden makes me feel good inside when we’re together. He makes me feel happy. We’ve never done anything other than kissing, I’ve done more with girls than with him. It just feels better with him than with them, I don’t know why. Does that make me gay?”

“Well there’s a big question.” Ty said and gave an exaggerated eye roll toward Derrick, “You wanna take that one?”

“Coward.” Derrick said with a side glance to Ty. Derrick looked at Greg and sighed heavily, “We may not be the one’s to ask, bud. Have you thought about talking to your parents about it for starters?” Derrick asked. Greg looked down a long moment and then back at Derrick.

“Uh oh.” Ty said quietly.

“They don’t like it. My dad has said it so many times before. My mom…she turns her nose up at it. I don’t know what to do. I can’t talk to them about it, they wouldn’t understand.” Greg said. He hung his head a bit again. Aiden turned and looked at him, putting a hand on Greg’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry about your parents, Greg, I really am.” Derrick said, “Sometimes parents just don’t want to hear about certain things. I know, I kind of went through it myself. I started to tell Aiden about it this morning when we were talking.”

“What did you tell your parents?” Greg asked.

“Well, it was a bit long winded and I’m not sure if it would be what you would want to tell your folks or not.” Derrick said.

“I just don’t know what to do sometimes.” Greg said, “I get these feelings, especially when I’m with Aiden, and I just don’t know what to do about it.”

“What kind of feelings?” Ty asked. Derrick squeezed his hand on the counter.

“Now may not be the right time, babe.” Derrick said to Ty, he looked at Greg, “These feeling that you have may be new, may be confusing to you, Greg, but you have to understand, only you can really sort them out. Aiden can help, I’m sure. He may have those kinds of feelings himself. Do you guys talk about it together?” Derrick asked carefully. Greg nodded and Aiden looked at Derrick and nodded as well, “Well that’s good. You guys seem like you’re close, so it’s always best to talk things through with one another. That’s what Ty and I do.”

“No, you don’t.” Ty said as he looked at Derrick, “You’re usually chewing my butt.”

“No…I…don’t.” Derrick said through clenched teeth in a soft tone. Ty looked at him with exaggerated bugged eyes.

“Yes…you…do…like…right…now.” Ty said slowly mimicking Derrick, who rolled his eyes. Derrick stepped on his foot hard, “Ow.”

“Are we gonna fight in front of the kids?” Derrick asked with equally bugged eyes. Greg and Aiden started laughing.

“I wish my parents argued like you guys do, it’s funny.” Greg said. Derrick looked back at Greg.

“Not knowing your parents at all, Greg, you have to understand, Ty and I really don’t argue, we do talk things out. We love each other very much. That’s not to say your parents don’t, but I have no doubt that they love you, and love you very much.” Derrick said.

“They say they do, but they really don’t show it.” Greg said.

“Looks like somebody needs a hug.” Ty said and flashed his eyes toward Aiden. Aiden smiled warmly at Greg, catching the look from Ty out of the corner of his eye.

“I think he needs more than that.” Aiden said quietly. He leaned forward and kissed Greg on the cheek. It made Greg smile and blush slightly.

“Thanks.” Greg whispered, his head still hanging a bit.

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Alec left the children and their parents on the flagstone of the terrace and went into the house, going to the kitchen and found Madame Julienne there starting to prepare dinner for all. She gave Alec a soft smile and a raised eyebrow as he came near her. He put an arm about her shoulders and looked out the window to the left seeing the four out there.

“You are wonderful, Mr. Alec.” She said and he looked at her.

“Why is that?” He asked. She stopped cutting her vegetables and looked at him.

“You are making them feel so welcome and you have such a way with the children. You would make a wonderful father.” She said.

“Please, don’t tell my mother that. She would want at least five grandchildren from me if she could.” Alec said.

“And why not. Children are a blessing.”

“I would agree, well, until they become teenagers. My youngest sister has just become a teenager and she is a handful for my parents.” Alec said.

“They should send her to a convent.” She said with a straight face and Alec laughed almost hysterically over it. He calmed after a minute and kissed her cheek.

“You should run it then. I have no doubt you would straighten her out really quick.” Alec said.

“Send her to me. All I need is two weeks.” She said as she went back to cutting, “Look at what I have done for you in just a few days.” Alec’s jaw went wide open, “Close your mouth, dear one, you might swallow something.” He shook his head and kissed her cheek again.

“I think I get it.” Alec said, “Let me help you with this.” He said and looked down at what she was doing.

“We are going to be doing a braised beef with sautéed vegetables in a wine sauce.”

“Ooooh, does it have a name?” Alec asked as he put his hands on the counter next to her.

“Well it’s certainly not Julienne.” She said and gave him a side glance. He chuckled again with a shake of his head.

“Poor Conner is missing so much with not being here. I know he would be enjoying this as much as I am, especially being with you.” Alec said.

“That is very sweet of you to say, but the master is who he is.” She said and gave him a look, “You and I have a special…bond.”

“You’re right.” Alec said and leaned into her, putting an arm around her shoulders and squeezed her a bit, “I don’t think I want to share you. I will keep you all to myself, even when he comes back.” Alec said and she gave him a grin as she looked up at him.

“I just might let you do that, Mr. Alec.” She said.

“Mama?” Chevelle asked as she came into the kitchen. Madame Julienne leaned back a bit past Alec and looked in her direction.

“Oui, Chevelle?” She asked. Chevelle came up next to Alec and looked at what they were doing at the counter.

“What are you making, Mama?”

“She said it was braised beef with sautéed vegetables in a wine sauce.” Alec said with a smile.

“Ah, Papa’s favorite.” Chevelle said, “What is the occasion, Mama?”

“I have been thinking of your father today, Chevelle, over and over. I thought this would be nice.” Madame Julienne said. Alec was excited in his look at her.

“This was your husband’s favorite?” Alec asked. He grabbed a towel and snapped it, tucking it into his waistband of his jeans as an apron, “Then I will do my best to help you make it as perfect as I can. What would you like me to do?”

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Conner took Victoria by the arm and led her back to all of the guests of the gathering from the private bench they had been sitting on, talking. Platt watched them as he smiled out of the corner of his mouth. He didn’t realize someone was beside him until she spoke to him.

“Hiram, they seem to be the perfect couple, don’t they?” Cynthia Stewart said, there was almost a purr to her voice, “They would probably produce the most beautiful children, wouldn’t you think?” Platt smirked a bit at watching the two of them, letting her words sink into him.

“I never really gave thought to grandchildren, Cynthia, but I think I know what you might be really looking at.” Platt said.

“I told Victoria earlier that he was certainly easy on the eyes and I meant it.” Cynthia said as she continued to stare at Conner, taking Platt’s arm with hers.

“That can stay between the two of us, Cynthia, as long as your husband doesn’t hear it.” Platt said.

“He knows of my tastes, Hiram, and you also know he has looked the other way about us in the past.” Cynthia said.

“That hasn’t happened in quite a while, Cynthia. I also know of your penchant of the younger ones, like Ernst over there for instance.” Platt said not taking his eyes off the couple.

“Ernst is far too immature, Hiram. He was fun but only once. But, I have no doubt that that young man would fit quite nicely.” Cynthia said and was more than purring now, she was positively dripping Platt thought and he raised an eyebrow.

“You might destroy Victoria along the way if you were to somehow convince him to partake of your…charms, Cynthia.” Platt said, trying very hard to hide his disgust that he was feeling at this moment.

“Tell me the truth, Hiram. Is it really like he said earlier, is he only here on business or is he here to cement something more between them?” She asked.

“I have no doubt that he is here on business. My little talk with him proved that, made it all too clear actually. I got the distinct impressive that he is involved with someone, but he never came right out and said it.” Platt said.

“Hmmm, then perhaps I can help you in regards to that, only for Victoria’s sake, of course, Hiram.” She said as she almost licked her lips watching Conner, the way he moved. She was about to melt as she held onto Platt’s arm, “Convince him to stay the night, along with the rest of us that already are, and I can find out for you. I will have him eating out of the palm of my hand and can then find out anything that you want to know. I can inform you in the morning.”

“You certainly can be a devious harlot, can’t you, Cynthia?” Platt asked, “What do you want in exchange for this information?”

“I will have what I want…from him. And I know it will be good, very good.” She said and let go of Platt’s arm, walking away from him. Platt narrowed his eyes, not looking at her, but still had his gaze on them as they mingled with his other guests. He watched Conner carefully with his daughter looking for any sign of possible affection from him toward her. Conner would shake hands with someone now and then that Victoria was introducing to him obviously as she held onto his arm, but there were no visible signs from Conner at all. Platt pursed his lips a bit and started toward them.

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“Why don’t you stay for dinner, Greg?” Derrick asked, “It would give you and Aiden a chance to talk more, and maybe even us a chance as well. Might help you out a bit.”

“He always makes enough to feed any army that walks through the door.” Ty said. Derrick elbowed him making him grunt a bit, “It’s true.” Ty said as he looked at him.

“He’s a really good cook.” Aiden said to Greg’s ear.

“I have to call my folks and tell them.” Greg said softly.

“I won’t poison you, I promise.” Derrick said and winked. Greg smiled, “Great. While he calls his parents, Ty give me a hand with everything, will you?”

“You want me to help you cook?” Ty asked.

“Yes, you. If you don’t mind.” Derrick said and gave a look. Ty nodded slowly but big.

“Oh. No, I don’t mind helping.” Ty said. Derrick went to the fridge. Greg got up off the stool and pulled out his phone, opening it. He hesitated for a moment, looking at Aiden once and received a smile from him. Greg found what he needed and pushed the button and put the phone to his ear.

“Hey, Mom…yeah, I’m okay. I was calling to let you know I’m staying for dinner here. Yeah, they invited me. Okay, I’ll see you later then.” Greg said. Everyone was listening to what Greg said as he closed the call and put the phone back in his pocket. Derrick gave Ty a look that showed concern. He hadn’t heard anything about caring or affection from either side of the call and it worried him a bit for this young man.

Derrick took control of preparations, as was his usual. He didn’t really need Ty’s help but wanted him with him to give the teenagers a chance to maybe talk with each other. Ty saw what Derrick was trying to do and went him on it, giving up his own desire to want to talk with the boys. They watched with side glances as Aiden went to Greg and took him by the hand and led him into the living room. Derrick and Ty heard the front door open and then close.

“What do you think they’re doing out front?” Ty asked.

“Hopefully talking.” Derrick said as he placed the chicken breasts on a baking sheet.

“Should we…?”

“Give them a little bit. We can all talk when we eat.” Derrick said.

“What do think is really going on with him?” Ty asked.

“I think he’s confused, like he said. He’s trying to fit in with what his parents want, just like the rest of us might or have done.” Derrick said, “Can’t be easy for him.”

“It really wasn’t easy for you, was it?” Ty asked and Derrick stopped, thinking back on it and shook his head. He looked at his husband and smiled softly.

“It might have been if I had you with me then. But I didn’t.” Derrick said softly, “Was it easy for you?”

“Well, I really didn’t have a chance to really think about it, to tell my mom. She kinda walked in on it.” Ty said as he leaned against the counter.

“Really? Ouch.” Derrick asked and Ty nodded as he looked down at the chicken.

“You never talk about your folks, how come?” Ty asked.

“Well, they have their own lives. They travel a lot. My dad was a success in business, made a ton of money and when he retired, they wanted to see the world.” Derrick said as he seasoned the chicken.

“What about when you came out to them?” Ty asked.

“I was with Paul then.” Derrick said, “I thought it was going to be forever at that point. I had already asked Candace to marry me when it happened between Paul and I and well, that didn’t go well with her.”

“Not knowing her very well, but the way she seems, I can imagine that she was probably pretty pissed.” Ty said.

“That’s an understatement.” Derrick said and chuckled, “I thought she was going to castrate me when I told her.” Ty laughed at what Derrick said.

“I can see that about her for sure.” Ty said.

“The problem wasn’t so much my mother as it was my father.” Derrick said.

“Was he pissed?” Ty asked.

“Not so much that as he was just disappointed I guess. He had the idea that I was going to give him grandchildren and carry on the family name and all that crap.” Derrick said and put the chicken in the oven, closing the door, “What hurt the most though was the look on his face, that look of disappointment in me. He told me I should marry Candace anyway and do whatever I thought was necessary to satisfy my ‘cravings’ as he put it.”

“Holy shit, really?” Ty asked. Derrick picked up his wine glass, took a sip and nodded, “What did your mom say?”

“As far as she was concerned at that time, she told me it was just a phase I was going through and I would come to my senses eventually. It took a while, but finally my father realized that I was who I was and I wasn’t going to change my preference. He told me that he loved me, which meant a lot, but he also said to me that life only gives you a certain amount of opportunities. And in those opportunities, you need to make certain that you do what is the right thing for you.” Derrick said and took another sip of his wine.

“Wow, that’s deep.” Ty said.

“My father is a very ‘deep’ man, very intelligent, very driven. It was difficult to live up to him and what he silently expected. He always wanted me to do well and it drove me to where I am now with the firm and everything.”

“I had no idea.” Ty said. Derrick smiled at him, “You think one day they would want to meet me?”

“I have no doubt that my mother would absolutely adore you and my father might be a bit intimidated by your size. He was always saying to me as I started to bulk up doing sports and get more defined that I was focusing on it too much.” Derrick said.

“He’s not muscular then?” Ty asked.

“Not really, no. And I have him by about half a head in height.”

“Where do you get your size from?” Ty asked.

“My mother’s side of the family. The men were big I guess. I only met my grandfather once, her dad. I remember him being big but I was little then.” Derrick said. Ty looked past Derrick.

“Hey guys.” Ty said.

“Didn’t mean to overhear you. Sorry.” Aiden said as Derrick turned around to look at them both. He set his wine glass down.

“No, that’s alright.” Derrick said.

“Was that what you were trying to tell me this morning, what you said about your dad with the advice?” Aiden asked.

“For the most part yeah.” Derrick said. His eyes were on Greg though, watching him for a moment, “How much of that did you actually hear?” Derrick asked.

“Pretty much from about the part of getting castrated.” Aiden said.

“Oh. Well…” Derrick didn’t know what to say for a moment. He could see the wheels turning in Greg’s head though, “Greg, you alright?” Derrick asked and Greg only nodded slowly.

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“Are you certain you wouldn’t want something to eat?” Victoria asked as she looked up at Conner.

“I have too much on my mind to think of eating right now, but thanks.” Conner said. There had been a break in her introducing various people that were also guests here. Conner knew of some of them, the older business men she had led him to, but he was thinking more along the lines of what her father had said to him earlier rather than trying to make pleasant conversation with all of these people.

“Well I for one need to get something, I’m simply starved.” Victoria said.

“I’m sorry, I should have thought.”

“That’s alright, I can see there is something that is really bothering you. I would like to think it’s me, but I know that’s not the case.” Victoria said, giving him almost a smirk. He shook his head a bit and caught the sight of her father coming their way. Conner turned his attention in his direction fully.

“Enjoying yourselves?” Platt asked as he came to them. She looked at her father and smiled that smile of hers.

“Of course, Daddy. I was just trying to talk our handsome guest into getting something to eat.”

“If you’re hungry, Vicky, I can look after Conner for a minute.” Platt said and gave her that look she knew all too well.

“I said before, and I’ll say it again, be nice, Daddy.” Victoria said, looking at her father and then at Conner, who smiled out of the corner of his mouth. She let go of his arm and walked toward the buffet table, joined by a few girls her age that were looking at pointing toward Conner while talking to Victoria.

“You a bit on the warm side, Conner? Is the South African sun a little too much for you?” Platt asked. Conner had beads of sweat on his forehead.

“It is a bit warmer than what I’m used to.”

“I was about to go over to the pool house and change. The pool seems to be empty finally of guests. Perhaps you would care to have a swim with me.” Platt said and Conner looked a bit uneasy.

“I had told Victoria that I didn’t bring anything to swim in.” Conner said.

“Nothing to worry about. We keep extra suits in a storage locker, just to keep the guests from skinny-dipping. It shocks the housemaids a bit, you know when guests do that.” Platt said as leaned forward a bit. Conner smiled at him.

“Thanks, but I think I’ll pass.” Conner said.

“Victoria has always told me that you were a competitive swimmer in school, is that true?” Platt asked.

“Yes, even through college. There was even once talk of the Olympics, but I missed out.” Conner said.

“Well, I was competitive swimmer myself in my younger days.” Platt said.

“I didn’t know that.”

“Yes, national champion in the freestyle.” Platt said.

“Impressive.”

“You mean for an older man.” Platt said, Conner blushed, “Let’s make it interesting, shall we?”

“What do you mean?” Conner asked.

“Let’s have a wager in a race between us. I’ll make it worth your while.”

“I mean no disrespect but…”

“I have no doubt that I could give you a run for your money, Conner. I swim almost everyday and am in excellent shape, even if I do say so myself.” Platt said.

“You do look in excellent shape, Mr. Platt, I was not…”

“Don’t worry, I take no offense, especially from you, Conner. So, are you up for a little wager?” Platt asked, “It’s the least you can do after pinning me down in hiring some of your employees, especially in front of the Minister.”

“I suppose you have me by the short hairs now, Mr. Platt.” Conner said and swallowed hard.

“Excellent, let’s go to the pool house, shall we?” Platt led the way, Conner walked beside him toward the end of the Olympic size pool. The structure there was a scaled down version of the massive house beyond. Platt led Conner into the pool house. Inside there were marble floors throughout, frescos adorned the walls and the ceiling along with columns that looked like marble as well. Benches were strewn about to sit and change on, as well as several smaller changing rooms for those that practiced their modesty. Platt went to a cabinet and opened the door. He rummaged through a few things and held a suit in his hand, closing the door and handed the suit toward Conner.

“A speedo?” Conner asked as he looked at the small amount of light blue fabric, “With all these people milling about?”

“You seem like a healthy young man, Conner, surely you have nothing to hide.” Platt said, “I insist.” Platt said and held it out further. Conner raised an eyebrow and slowly took it from his hand.

“What the hell.” Conner said with a sigh. Platt pointed to one of the changing rooms.

“There should be an empty storage locker in that last one for your things. I will join you in a moment.” Platt said walking away and going to the far end of the structure, pushing buttons on a keypad, he pushed open the door and went inside. Conner stood there a minute and saw the light come on through the frosted glass of the door, the shadow of Platt starting to disrobe. Conner pursed his lips and went to the last changing room. He stripped and put his clothes and shoes in an empty locker there, then stepped into the tight speedo, adjusting himself in the very revealing fabric. There was no place to hide himself in it as it was very low cut. He bulged almost obscenely in it. He threw up his hands and rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. The fresco above him was of a woman spread over a bed and was more than revealing on its own. It seemed almost pornographic to Conner and not artistic at all. He looked ahead and opened the door and stepped out as Platt came out of the room, closing the door behind him. He looked Conner up and down as he came toward him.

“A bit revealing, don’t you think?” Conner asked as he pointed down at himself with both index fingers, “Is there something else that I could try maybe?”

“As I said before, you’re a healthy young man, Conner. No harm in giving them an eyeful for a few minutes. We’ll make it quick.” Platt said. His own speedo was a brilliant red and was not quite as revealing as Conner’s but a close second. Platt certainly wasn’t as well-endowed as Conner, but he seemed to be proud of it nonetheless, “Shall we?” Platt asked and led the way, stepping out onto the broad deck that led to the end of the pool. The buffet tables and tables for the guests were off to the left of where Platt and Conner stood.

“Victoria.” Cynthia Stewart said, catching her attention as she was close to her. Victoria looked at her in mid-bite as Cynthia was pointing with a finger. Victoria turned and looked in the direction and dropped her fork with a clatter. The girls she was with at the table all looked as well and there were several audible gasps, “Yes, he is more than easy on the eyes.” Cynthia Stewart said.

“Oh…my...God.” Victoria said as she rose up from the table, staring at Conner in all of his magnificence and her father beside him.

“You do look incredibly fit, Conner, I must say you have me a bit worried about being able to beat you.” Platt said.

“We can call this off right now, no harm, no foul.” Conner said.

“Nonsense, I’ll make it interesting for you. The wager,” Platt said, “if I win, you will have to do something for me.” Platt said, “If you win, I will hire each and every one of your employees, including the dock workers.”

“What is it you want me to do for you?” Conner asked. Platt smirked at him.

“I’ll think of something, don’t worry.”

“That’s what has me worried.” Conner said with wide eyes.

“Is it a wager?” Platt asked. He held out his hand.

“Oh lord, they’re going to race.” Victoria said as she stepped away from the table. Everyone had gone quiet now that they saw the pair at the pool. Ernst came to Victoria and stood directly behind her.

“I hope your father shows that American where his place is.” Ernst said with a disgusted voice. Victoria spun on him.

“You’re such a fucking baby, Ernst, he could beat Daddy with only dog paddling.” Victoria said and spun back around to watch as a stunned Ernst swallowed hard and shifted his eyes around to see if anyone had heard her remarks to him.

“He has a body cut from stone.” One of the girls whispered to Victoria.

“It’s more than that.” Victoria said.

“All of the employees?” Conner asked, “This must be really big with what you want from me.”

“Is it a wager?” Platt asked again. Conner narrowed his eyes and put his hand into Platt’s.

“Done.” Conner said.

“To the far edge and back again.” Platt said. Conner nodded his agreement and started stretching a bit, rocking side to side, putting his muscled arms up in the air, making circles with them, and then rocked his shoulders back and forth a little. He stretched his legs a bit as Platt watched him out of the corner of his eye, “When was the last time you swam?” Platt asked.

“It’s been a while.” Conner said doing his last stretch.

“Then this might be a good match.” Platt said and Conner gave him a side glance, “Ready?” Platt asked. Conner got down into position, Platt did the same. All the guests were moving toward the pool now, “Set?” Platt asked, Conner crouched a bit more, “Go!” Platt said and Conner pushed off as hard as he could, hands and arms ahead as he sliced into the water further and faster than Platt. Conner broke surface first and started stroking, long, deep, and fast. Platt was behind by a full length but was stroking deep and hard to try and catch up. Conner took a breath with a turn of his head. All the guests and Victoria were now at the side of the pool, cheering, calling out as the swimmers were both in perfect form, Conner still ahead by a full length. He could see through his head lifts where the far edge was as they were more than halfway now to the edge, Platt was starting to catch up and Conner was slowing in his strokes, knowing where Platt was. Five more strokes and Conner reached the edge, flipping and pushing off it underwater, passing back by Platt. Conner glided to the surface and started stroking, evenly, not cutting in as deep, and he heard Victoria clearly as he had heard her ten years ago at one of his meets.

“Pull! Pull! Pull!” She yelled cupping her hands to her mouth. She had done that Conner remembered when a competitor that was in that meet was right on top of him. Conner dug into the water now and started pulling and kicking, swimming faster than he had ever done before, looking back down his body to see where Platt was. Conner lifted his head and took a breath and pulled even harder, going faster now and found the far edge, touching it as he raised up and stood in the water. Cheers went up all around with the guests and Victoria was squealing with delight as Platt, her father, came up next to Conner, breathing hard as he and Conner looked at one another.

“I have never been beaten like that before.” Platt said.

“I had too much on the line to lose.” Conner said trying to get his breath back. His big defined chest was heaving.

“Very impressive. You should have been in the Olympics.” Platt said.

“Wasn’t meant to be.” Conner said and slowly got his breathing under control. Conner held out his hand toward Platt.

“You won fair and square, Conner. I will honor our wager.” Platt said.

“Thank you. I’ll sleep good tonight for sure after this.” Conner said and looked over his shoulder. Victoria was kneeling down and was smiling at him, “Kind of like old times?” Conner asked her and she smiled wider giving him soft eyes.

“You want something to drink?” She asked.

“I think I need something to eat now.” Conner said and grinned.

“Let me get you a towel.” She said, standing, turned and headed for the pool house.

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Alec was slicing the thick beef sirloin, Madame Julienne was leaning and watching him. He gave her a side glance and she nodded.

“Thin strips, just like that on the diagonal across the grain, perfect. They will be very tender after they cook for a bit in the wine sauce.” She said and gave him a soft smile.

“You like to cook, Alec?” Chevelle asked as she was on his other side. Alec nodded.

“Very much. I cook in a restaurant back home actually. I was supposed to attend the Cordon Bleu here shortly, but I don’t think I will.” Alec said.

“And why not?” Madame Julienne asked stopping her slicing and looking at him. Alec shrugged slightly.

“I think I want to go home instead, after Conner comes back, depending on…” Alec said and was still slicing.

“Depending on what?” Chevelle asked.

“Uh…it’s nothing.” Alec said and blushed a bit.

“You should reconsider your going to the Cordon Bleu, Mister Alec.” Madame Julienne said as she went back to her slicing.

“I pretty much have an open enrollment with them for now. I just think I would want to go back home first for a bit.” Alec said. Chevelle walked away after smiling softly at him. Robert came into the kitchen and came near Alec. Alec smiled at the incredibly handsome man. He got near Alec’s ear after Chevelle walked out of the kitchen.

“The children have said over and over that you showed them the magic of the water and everything that is out there at the edge of the villa.” Robert whispered as he put a hand on the small of Alec’s back and then slid it down just slightly, “Perhaps you could show me later, this magical place.” Alec froze with his touch and with his words in his ear, right next to her, his mother in law. She had to have heard him.

“M…m…maybe, I could.” Alec said softly as he stared down at the beef he was slicing with wide eyes, “Later.” Alec was holding his breath as the hand was still there. He felt only one finger moving, rubbing him through the fabric of his nylon shirt. Alec inhaled finally and smelled the soft cologne that Robert wore, mixed with his own manly scent, it was intoxicating to Alec, making his head spin a bit.

“Hope about I open some wine?” Robert asked louder as he took his hand back from Alec.

“There is a bottle of the Claremont you could open, over there in the cabinet, Robert.” Madame Julienne said and pointed with her knife. Robert went to it and opened it. He saw several bottles stacked in and on their sides, “The second shelf down, toward the left there.” She said looking at is back as he knelt, “Yes, that’s the one. Bring three of them. We can open one now.” She said and went back to what she was doing at the cutting board. She looked at Alec as he continued to slice the beef, “That should be about enough, Mister Alec. Now let’s take out a large pan and set it on the stove. We will brown the beef with a bit of olive oil and fresh Thyme. Can you strip off some leaves for me?” She asked and acted as though there was nothing wrong at all. Alec reached out toward the window sill and pulled a stalk of Thyme out a jar. He stripped the delicate leaves off the stalk as Robert opened the wine.

“Is that enough?” Alec asked. She looked over at the small pile of them and nodded.

“I forgot to bring the loaf of soda bread I baked this morning at my house.” She said, undoing her knot in her apron, “I will be back in a minute.” She said and set the apron down on the counter, “You can brown the beef after you heat the oil first.” She said and put a hand on Alec’s lower arm. He nodded as she walked away and he turned toward the stove, reaching for a stainless skillet above his head that hung. He was feeling very unsettled by Robert still being in the kitchen with him. He knew they were alone now. Alec heard the wine being poured but didn’t look. He set the skillet down on the stove and turned on the flame, reaching for the olive oil and drizzled several circles in the bottom of the skillet. He set the bottle back on the shelf and he could feel Robert beside him.

“This is excellent, you should try it.” Robert whispered to him, Alec was trying very hard not to pant with being so close to this gorgeous man next to him but losing the fight within. Robert held the glass in front of Alec, “You should try just a sip.” Robert said in a whisper and Alec sighed softly. He felt the hand had returned to his lower back and slowly traveled lower over his jeans.

“What are you doing?” Alec asked softly and swallowed hard.

“Showing my appreciation to your hospitality. What do you think I’m doing?” Robert whispered and touched Alec’s ear with his lips, giving him a soft nipping kiss. Alec whimpered once.

“You…you…don’t need to do that.” Alec said as the oil started to sizzle a bit.

“But I want to.” Robert whispered and kissed Alec’s ear again, but just a bit more.

“You can’t.” Alec said, panting just a bit, “I mean…you shouldn’t.”

“Why?” Robert whispered, “I want to.”

“I…uh…you’re…married…and…” Alec stammered as he looked at the skillet and swallowed hard.

“I find you desirable, and I know you find me desirable as well. I’ve seen how you look at me, Alec.” Robert whispered.

“Yes…you’re…you’re…gorgeous…but…” Alec stammered and felt a kiss to his neck below his ear now.

“You are worried about my wife?” Robert asked, “She knows.”

“She knows what?” Alec asked and was wide eyed. He slowly looked at Robert with an open mouth. Robert straightened and held the wine glass in front of him now.

“She knows that I…wander from her from time to time, especially when I find someone as desirable as you.” Robert said as he came closer to Alec. Alec leaned back away from him.

“Yeah…okay…I’m really glad you guys have that kind of relationship.” Alec said and Robert stopped his advance, eyeing Alec carefully.

“You’re involved.” Robert said. Alec nodded.

“Yeah, and we were kind of on rocky ground when he left and I don’t want to screw it up, no matter how hot you are. And believe me, you’re really, really hot.” Alec said.

“You must love him very much.” Robert said and leaned back away from Alec, letting him straighten. Alec let out a breath.

“Yeah, I do. I love him more than I can say.” Alec said as he stared into those beautiful eyes of this gorgeous man.

“Well, if you change your mind…” Robert said and moved close again. Alec could smell the scent again, “I will be ready and waiting.” Robert took a sip of wine, “As I said, you’re very desirable, Alec.”

“Thanks.” Alec whispered and heard the oil really splattering now. He turned away and went to the beef, scooping it up and brought it back to the stove, putting it in the skillet as it started to sizzle, going back for more. Robert watched him working the skillet as Alec pulled a wooden spoon out and started to stir the beef, browning it. He went back for the Thyme and scooped it, adding it to the sizzling beef, giving it a stir. Robert walked away, Alec followed with his eyes and then turned his head to watch the gorgeous man leave the kitchen. Alec shook his head and stared back down at the skillet.

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Greg and Aiden sat back down at the tall counter, just watching Derrick as he opened the oven door, checking the chicken. Derrick smiled and closed the door and looked at the two teenagers. He looked at Ty and flashed his eyes a bit and then looked back at them.

“So that was kind of a quick talk that you guys had out front.” Derrick said. Aiden nodded and Greg was silent, “Everything okay between you guys?” Derrick asked. Aiden looked at Greg out of the corner of his eye and Greg was still silent. Aiden looked at Derrick and seemed a bit worried, “Greg, can I ask you a question?” Derrick asked. Greg looked at him and nodded, “I want to word this right, so, give me a second.” Derrick said obviously thinking and Ty looked at him. He had never heard Derrick say anything like that before, Derrick was always so sure about everything, firm, convincing, wise, Ty was almost stunned, “You have these feelings that you’re not sure of, but you know that when you’re with Aiden, everything’s alright, right?” Greg nodded as he looked at Derrick, “Have you got a girlfriend? Someone you’re dating regularly?” Greg shook his head a little, “You have to understand, bud, I’m not trying to steer you in a certain direction or anything, I’m just trying to help you because it seems to me that you’re really struggling a bit.”

“I just don’t know. Aiden is so sure about it and I really like him and everything, but…” Greg said.

“You think I’m sure about this?” Aiden asked. Greg looked at him.

“Oh boy.” Ty said quietly.

“You are.” Greg said.

“No, I’m not.” Aiden said, “I mean, I am when I’m with you, but when you leave, it goes back to the way it was before.”

“What’s it like before?” Greg asked and Aiden looked down, letting out a deep breath.

“Alone…quiet…empty.” Aiden almost whispered.

“But you said…” Greg said and Aiden looked at him.

“I know what I said, but I didn’t tell you all of it.” Aiden said.

“What’s the rest of it?” Greg asked as he turned to look at Aiden fully.

“When we meet, when we’re together at my house, my stomach flips and does all kinds of weird things. When you kiss me, it makes…my toes curl in my shoes. When you touch me, on my face or when you touch my back, my chest…it pounds so hard.” Aiden said.

“Wow.” Ty whispered. Derrick put a hand over Ty’s and squeezed his fingers as they both stared at the two teens.

“You didn’t tell me that. How come?” Greg asked. Aiden dropped a tear from his eye.

“I was afraid.” Aiden said.

“You shouldn’t be afraid with me. I would never hurt you.” Greg said, taking one of Aiden’s trembling hands.

“But you have hurt me.” Aiden said and looked down, dropping another tear.

“How?” Greg asked, getting closer to Aiden.

“You haven’t told me how you really about feel me.” Aiden said quietly, “You’ve only told me that you like me and I make you feel good when we’re together. That’s kinda what hurts.” Greg saw Aiden hurting, needing, wanting more from him, the pain, the anxiety that he must be feeling right now, it was killing Greg all of a sudden. He leaned forward and put his forehead to Aiden’s, closing his eyes.

“I don’t know what I’m feeling, Aiden, because I’ve never felt anything like this before in my life. You tell me that I’ve hurt you and that hurts me, hurts me so bad.” Greg was speaking softly. Derrick and Ty looked at each other and Ty dropped a tear from his eye and pursed his lips tight. Derrick looked up so he wouldn’t start crying himself, “I never wanted to hurt you, Aiden, never. I don’t know if it’s love or what, but, when you tell me I hurt you, it makes my chest tight and I almost can’t breathe. Is that love?” Greg asked and Derrick took a deep breath and turned away from the counter, leaning against it, his back to the teens.

“I don’t know. I only know that I’m always thinking about you, all day, all night. Everywhere I look, I see you in my eyes. If I told you that I did love you, would you hate me?” Aiden asked.

“I could never hate you, Aiden, I care about you too much.” Greg said softly. His eyes were searching Aiden’s as they dropped another tear, “Can I ask…can I give a kiss?” Greg asked softly and Ty tensed.

“I probably look really pathetic right now.” Aiden said.

“As far as I’m concerned, you’re beautiful.” Greg said. He leaned closer and closed his eyes. Ty tensed even more and Derrick closed his eyes tighter, still facing away. Greg kissed Aiden tenderly. Ty could see there was no touching between them, just lips connecting. He wanted to take Derrick and kiss him so bad, just to show these two how to do it, but he refrained from his desire and looked down, giving them their moment, hoping it would come soon for them, a discovering of each other.

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Conner hauled himself out of the pool. All eyes were on him as he pulled one the waist of his speedo to bring it up a bit as it was riding low on his hips. Victoria was coming toward him with a towel in her hands and was looking Conner up and down, marveling at what she saw in front of her. She wanted to drop right there and wanted him to take her in the worst way, but she held herself together and came to him, handing him a towel as he was dripping all over the deck.

Conner dried himself thoroughly as Platt came out of the pool himself. His daughter handed him a towel as well but his eyes kept drifting toward Conner, watching the defined muscle of the arms, the chest, as well Conner’s legs as they were dried by the thick towel. Conner didn’t pay much attention to all of the eyes that were taking him in, several sets had various ideas about what they gazed upon.

“American trash.” Ernst whispered to himself thoroughly disgusted and turned away going back toward the tables.

“I am so going to enjoy you tonight.” Cynthia Stewart purred to herself as she watched Conner rub over his bulging crotch with the towel. She sighed and turned away herself, following Ernst.

“This guy is one lucky son of a bitch that you’re in love with.” Victoria thought to herself as she watched Conner dry himself with the towel. He bent an arm and dried his short hair, making his arm flex. Several of the girls were almost swooning as Conner had almost struck a pose doing what he was doing. Conner paid them all no mind. He smiled briefly at Victoria and went to head to the pool house, “Where are you going?” Victoria asked.

“To get dressed.” Conner said. She waved a hand in the air like dismissing a fly.

“You said you’re hungry. Wrap the towel around you, let’s get you something to eat. You can get dressed later.” She said and beckoned him with a hand to her. Platt watched and he slowly walked to the pool house on his own. Victoria took Conner’s arm and led him toward the buffet tables, “This is like old times, but with one difference.”

“And what’s the difference?” Conner asked.

“We’re a bit older, and I can show off a bit.”

“Are you using me?” Conner asked as he looked down.

“I am.” She said and raised an eyebrow, “And you’re going to allow it. See those girls over there?” She asked and nodded to the group that was gathered and staring. Conner saw them and nodded, “They’ll be talking about this for months and will be so jealous because I’m holding onto you.”

“Do you have an evil streak in you or something?” Conner asked as they reached the first table.

“Maybe a little one, but it’s the only fun I get, so work with me here.” She said, again, with that raised eyebrow.

“Yes, ma’am.” Conner said and picked up a plate. He grabbed a few things and put them on the plate. She led him to the table she had been at before and sat him down, she right beside him. Some of the girls came back and joined them. Conner made conversation, polite conversation with all of them as he ate. Victoria, being the ever-dutiful hostess got up and refilled the plate for him, coming back to the table and sat down, putting the plate before him. Platt came close between his daughter and Conner.

“I hate to interrupt, but I need to have a word with you.” Platt said to Conner’s ear. Conner looked at him.

“Sure.” Conner said and went to get up, but Platt held a hand on his shoulder to keep him seated.

“Brian, my driver, has had an emergency and had to leave. He will not be back until tomorrow morning and will not be able to take you back to town until then.”

“Hope it’s not serious.” Conner said, “He’s a great guy.”

“Yes, very competent. So, unfortunately, you are somewhat stranded I’m afraid. I was wondering if you would be interested in possibly taking one of the spare rooms for the night. Brian can take you into town when he returns in the morning so you may get to your offices. I can assure you it is no trouble as there are plenty of rooms in the house that are available, as many of our guests are staying over anyway.” Platt said.

“I…I…wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.” Conner said, his shifting between Platt and Victoria, then back to Platt.

“You’re absolutely not, it seems that I am inconveniencing you by not getting you back to town. I can also assure you that it is far more comfortable here than that hotel you’re staying in, sleeping on that cot they call a bed.”

“Well, I won’t argue with you there, it is a bit hard and lumpy.” Conner said.

“There you have it then, it’s settled. I’ll have Marie prepare a room for you.” Platt said and raised a couple of fingers to one of the servants in white coats. He walked away from the table.

“Well, let’s have another drink then.” Victoria said as she got up, “I’ll be right back.” She said and walked away toward the bar. Conner let out a breath. He knew he was being played, he just needed to find out how everything was going to come together. Conner looked about at some of the girls at the table with him, all giving him dreamy looks with eye flutters. He smiled at them as he picked at his plate.

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Madame Julienne came back into the kitchen carrying a large loaf of bread. Alec turned off the flame of the stove and was staring at the beef inside of the skillet. She came to him and looked down at it, then up to his eyes.

“You must forgive Robert. He can be a bit much at times.” She said softly, “Do not let it bother you so.”

“You know?” Alec asked and she nodded slowly.

“I’ve always known.” She said then turned toward the counter, Alec turned with her, his eyes wide, “Chevelle and I have no secrets from each other, we never have.”

“Why does she put up with that?” Alec asked as he came beside her.

“I suppose it is because she loves him, and I think deep down he loves her as well, but he always gives into those temptations that are around him.” She said and Alec was still a little shocked by it all.

“But he made that pass at me, right in front of you. I’m so sorry.” Alec said. She looked at him and put a hand to his cheek.

“It was not you at all, and you have nothing to be sorry about.” She said with a warmth in voice as she took her hand back, “Are you going to meet him later?”

“No, absolutely not.” Alec said, “I explained it to him too. I think he understands, and even if he doesn’t, it’s not going to happen.”

“You are a good man, Mister Alec.” She said. He closed his eyes a moment and then looked away from her.

“Just trying to do the right thing that’s all.” Alec said, “The right thing for Conner and me.”

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Derrick turned and gave Ty a bit of a look and then fully turned and looked at the two teens. He studied them a bit and looked at the oven, turning on the light and looked in the window of the door. He straightened and shut off the light. He picked up his wine glass and took a sip. He was watching the two on the other side of the counter and set his glass down.

“You know, and I’m sorry to say it, but, you guys say that you’re talking to each other, but it doesn’t seem you’re saying much. You know what I mean?” Derrick asked. Greg nodded a bit.

“Yeah, you’re right, I guess.” Greg said and looked at Aiden again, “Maybe we should talk a bit, you know, about…this.”

“I don’t want to push you.” Aiden said quietly, “I’m sorry I said what I said, you know, about hurting me.”

“No, don’t be sorry. You’re right, it’s how you feel. I guess I should have known or…asked.” Greg said.

“It’s alright. And Derrick’s right, we really don’t talk about…much, do we?” Aiden asked and Greg smiled and leaned toward him.

“But from now on, I think we will.” Greg said as they got close to one another and stopped, just staring at one another. Derrick was just watching with a slight smile and Ty was pursing his lips a bit.

“Oh for Christ’s sake, just kiss him, get it over with.” Ty blurted out. Derrick went wide eyed and looked at him. Aiden smiled wider and Greg leaned closer with a grin. Derrick backslapped Ty’s thick arm, “Ow.”

“Mind your own business.” Derrick said.

“What? They’re right here in front of us.” Ty said with wide eyes. Derrick just shook his head. Greg leaned in and kissed Aiden softly, just touching lips. He slowly pulled back with a smile.

“You make my stomach flip, you know that?” Aiden asked.

“I do?” Greg asked and Aiden nodded.

“Yeah, you do.” Aiden said quietly, “I like it.”

“Then maybe I should do it more often.”

“Now you’re talkin.” Ty said and jumped away before Derrick could hit him again.

“Clod.” Derrick said.

“Jerk.” Ty said with bugged eyes and grinned. Aiden and Greg laughed as they looked across the counter at the two.

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Victoria returned to the table with two drinks in her hands and sat down next to Conner. She set one in front of Conner and smiled at her friends that were around the table with them. Conner set his fork down and picked it up and took a sip. He coughed softly a couple of times.

“Too strong?” She asked.

“You could say that.” Conner said, “You’re not trying to get me drunk simply because I have to stay the night, are you?”

“Perish the thought.” She said and then took a sip herself, “The bartender does make them a bit heavy, doesn’t he?”

“You can say that again.” Conner said with a smile. She pat his arm that was near her and chuckled a bit. Conner didn’t look, but she did and all the girls seemed to be fuming a bit, “I think I’m going to go get dressed.”

“How come?” One of the girls asked to Conner’s left.

“I think I’d be a bit more comfortable in my own clothes rather than just sitting here in a towel.” Conner said and rose up from his chair, “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.” He said to Victoria, “Excuse me, ladies.” Conner said and walked away. All eyes at the table were watching him, all but one pair, Victoria’s. She saw something else at another table. Cynthia Stewart talking to Ernst as he was glaring in Conner’s direction. Cynthia pointed a finger toward Conner and Ernst moved and started walking after him, rather quickly. Victoria watched this play out and went to get up but Ernst started trotting and reached Conner before she could think of what to do. She watched as Ernst got in front of Conner, blocking his way.

“I think we need to talk, American.” Ernst said and put his hands on his hips. He was still wearing his black speedo.

“What about?” Conner asked.

“You know what it is about.” Ernst said. His accent was heavy German.

“I don’t have a clue, dude, why don’t you tell me?” Conner asked.

“Victoria.” Ernst said flatly and practically spit, “Everyone can see what you are doing with her. She is better than you, deserves better.”

“I won’t argue with you about that, dude.” Conner said, “Vick and I are old friends, we went to school together. If you’ve got a problem then…”

“The problem is with you, you American trash.” Ernst said as he leaned closer.

“Dude, I don’t know what’s up your ass, but if you don’t get out of my face…” Conner said.

“You will what?” Ernst asked, taking his hands off his hips, balling up his fists.

“I don’t want any trouble here, dude. Now why don’t you just back off.” Conner said.

“Typical American, never standing to fight for what you want.” Ernst said, “You just crawl away.” Conner just shook his head.

“I don’t know you at all, but I can say I really don’t like you.” Conner said, “If you’ve got a thing for Victoria, that’s between you and her. But from where I’m standing, I don’t think she knows it. Instead of spraying spit all over me, maybe you should go and talk to her.” Ernst’s eye flared and he put his lips together and spit on Conner’s defined chest, “You just fucked up, dude.” Conner said, shoving an arm into Ernst’s chest and pushing him back. Conner jerked the towel off as Ernst caught his balance and looked up as the right hook caught him across his left eye, spinning him to the grass. He was stunned and shook his head, “You want more, fuckwad?” Conner asked as both fists were raised and ready to go.

“What the hell’s going on?” Victoria asked as she came up between them. Ernst got to his feet.

“I have no idea. Ask your bratwurst boyfriend here. He’s the one that’s spitting on me.” Conner said.

“Fucking American trash.” Ernst said and took a wild swing, Conner moved and pushed Victoria out of the way as Ernst almost hit her, Conner’s back was to Ernst now, then Conner back swung with his left elbow into Ernst’s chin, spinning back and followed with a direct slam with his right fist into Ernst’s jaw, knocking him backward to the grass again. Conner was over the top of him now, straddling him and bending low, fists balled.

“Better stay down, fuckwad.” Conner growled, “About had enough of you.”

“Conner!” Victoria said, “I think he’s had enough.” She put her hands on Conner’s arm and pulled on him a bit. Conner stepped away and Victoria looked down at the stunned Ernst, “I don’t know what your problem is Ernst, but you get your ass up, get in your car, and go home. And I don’t want you to come back until you grow up.”

“Victoria…” Ernst said, holding his jaw.

“Get your ass up and get out of here…now!” She yelled at him. He got up and walked away, his head down a bit, still holding his jaw. She turned to Conner, “What the hell was that about?”

“I don’t have a clue.” Conner said.

“What started it?” She asked.

“He did.” Conner said, “He started getting in my face saying you were too good for me, called me American trash and then spit on me.”

“He spit on you?” She asked and Conner pointed at his chest. She looked and grimaced, “Eeeww, that’s gross.”

“Pissed me off. So I pushed him and then I punched him.”

“Yeah. Thanks for getting me out of the way too. If he’d have hit me, I’d have killed him.” She said.

“Hope there’s a shower in there.” Conner said looking at the pool house.

“There is.” She said. Conner looked back to her.

“Are you two…?”

“No, we’re not. He wants to but he’s such a fucking baby and needs to get away from his mommy.” She said, “But I think I know what really started this.”

“You want to tell me?” Conner asked.

“Not here. We’ll talk later…alone.” She said as she crossed her arms and stared at the crowd that was watching them. Conner rolled his eyes.

“I’ll be back in a bit.” Conner said. He picked up the towel off the grass and started toward the pool house.

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Alec was slowly stirring the wine into the base of the sauce that they had made together at the stove. He watched everything that she did with total attention to her. She looked over and nodded.

“That should be enough.” She said. Alec tipped the bottle back up and set it on the counter, “We let that reduce a bit. We need to stir it now and then.”

“Okay. Now what do we do?” Alec asked.

“Let us slice up some cheeses and prepare a tray along with some sliced fruit as well. I know the children will like that. I am not sure if they will eat very much of what we are cooking.” Madame Julienne said.

“You never know.” Alec said, “What do you serve this over?”

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“Do you put this over rice or pasta?” Alec asked.

“I never thought of either of those. Usually I serve it just on its own. It becomes a very thick stew I suppose one would say.”

“Oh, so we have to thicken it then.” Alec said. She nodded and put a hand to his cheek.

“You should reconsider going to the Cordon Bleu, my boy. You could probably teach them a thing or two.” She said and turned back to the stove, “Give that a stir if you would.”

“That’s kind of you to say, I appreciate that. Maybe I will someday, but not now.” Alec said.

“What is really troubling you, Mister Alec?” She asked as she put the vegetables in a sauté pan with melted butter already in it.

“I just want everything to be right with Conner after he gets back.” Alec said.

“You don’t think it will be?” She asked softly.

“I’m not sure, but I hope so.” Alec said.

“It will be, I just know it.” She said as she stirred the vegetables gently.

“I wish I was sure.” Alec said.

“I have seen how he looks at you. There was one morning you were asleep when I brought coffee into the suite. He put a finger to his lips to have me be quiet to not wake you. He spoke in a hushed voice to me, but his eyes were on you all of the time. There was a deep caring in those eyes, caring that comes from love and nothing else.” She said and looked at him, “He loves you dearly, Alec, you must know that.”

“We had trouble back home…together, before we came here. I wish I could go back and change all of that.” Alec said, “A lot of it actually.”

“Do you love him?” She asked and Alec looked at her, “Do you love him more than anything?”

“I think I do.” Alec said. She shook her head.

“You cannot think, Alec, you have to know, in here.” She said as she pointed at her heart, “Not here.” She said and pointed to her head, touching her temple, “Love, a true love, knows no bounds as they say. When you love someone, truly love someone, it is the most important thing in your life.”

“Is that it was with your husband?” Alec asked.

“After a time, yes.” She said.

“After a time?” Alec asked.

“Our marriage was arranged actually when we were very small children. It is an old custom, but it is still used today. The marriage was not for money or for property or anything like that, it was arranged as both our parents were from the same small village and were very close friends. I married him, thinking that I loved him, but over time it grew between us, that love, until it was the most important thing in my life, besides him.” She said as she stirred again.

“That sounds so sweet and romantic.” Alec said.

“I suppose it could be looked at as that, but it was difficult at first. We worked through it, together, and finally we were happy, and then we had our children, and they made us happier.”

“Thank you for telling me.” Alec said as he put an arm around her shoulders. He leaned down and kissed her temple and she smiled as she stirred again, “That helps.”

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Ty smiled as he stepped close to his husband. Derrick smiled as well and shook his head a bit, looking at the stove. Ty put a hand to Derrick’s back, rubbing it gently with just fingertips. They both looked at the boys across from them at the counter.

“Babe, why don’t you set the table for me and I can finish this up. Dinner should be in just a few minutes.” Derrick said, but didn’t look at Ty. He was focused on Greg, seeing the look that he had. It was as if he was coming to a realization of some kind Derrick thought. Ty moved over and opened a cabinet and started pulling out plates.

“Let me help you, Uncle T.” Aiden said and slipped off his stool, coming around the counter. Greg looked at Derrick and gave a brief smile at him, Derrick returned it.

“What?” Greg asked Derrick quietly.

“Do you know what an epiphany is?” Derrick asked and Greg seemed puzzled, “It’s like a moment, a second, when you realize something that is important to you.”

“Yeah.” Greg whispered and nodded, “I think you’re right.” Greg looked over at Aiden who had his back to Greg on the other side of the counter, helping Ty. Greg nodded again and Derrick smiled, opening the over door. He was paying attention to what was in the oven as Greg slipped off his stool and went around the counter the other way. Aiden had the plates in his hands and turned to come face to face with Greg, a bit wide eyed. Greg took the plates from him, setting them on the counter Aiden had just turned from, never breaking eye contact with Aiden. Greg put his hands on Aiden’s hips, gripping him tight and pulled him as he tilted his head, leaning forward into Aiden. The kiss was tender at first, then grew into more as Greg parted his lips, extending his tongue. Aiden, surprised, but loving what he was experiencing, closed his eyes and let it happen.

Ty was pulling out silverware for everyone, his back to Derrick as Derrick pulled out the trays from the oven. Derrick set them on the stove top and closed the door. He started to look up to where Greg had been.

“I certainly hope you…” Derrick started to say, but Greg was not there. Derrick slowly turned his head to his left and saw what was going on. Derrick slowly turned as he heard the drawer behind him close.

“Whoa.” Ty whispered with wide eyes as he looked over and saw the ‘make out’ session that was going on to his right. Greg slowly pulled back from Aiden, his eyes opened slowly.

“Wow.” Aiden whispered as his own eyes opened slowly as well. Derrick cleared his throat a bit.

“I…uh…as I was saying, I certainly hope you like what is for dinner, Greg.” Derrick let his voice trail off.

“It smells really good.” Greg said as he scanned Aiden’s eyes, never blinking.

“Yeah, let me just set the table.” Ty said quietly with a grimace on his face and reached for the plates on the counter, sliding them out of the way before he picked them up.

“Let me give you a hand.” Derrick whispered. Ty handed the silver to Derrick and took the plates, never looking at the boys, just backing off to let them alone.

“What made you do that?” Aiden asked.

“You did.” Greg whispered.

“I did?” Aiden asked and Greg nodded slowly.

“Was it alright?” Greg whispered.

“It was awesome.” Aiden said with a soft smile.

“Then I guess you’d maybe…like another one?” Greg asked. Aiden didn’t wait and fell into him, sliding his hands over Greg’s muscled sides, wrapping his arms around Greg, hands clenching the muscled back over the shirt.

“I hope dinner doesn’t get cold.” Ty whispered through clenched teeth. Derrick elbowed him in the ribs.

“Oh will you stop.” Derrick whispered as they set the table.

“What? I’m hungry.” Ty whispered. Derrick rolled his eyes.

“You are so unbelievable sometimes.” Derrick said. He set the last of the silverware down and glanced over at the two on the other side of the counter. They were pulling apart from each other, going forehead to forehead. Derrick went to the stove, but going around the counter the other way.

“I guess you really wanted that, huh?” Greg asked as he rubbed his fingers on Aiden’s slender hips. He felt the hands on his back, running up and down him slowly. Aiden nodded against Greg’s forehead and was taking in a deep breath.

“I really did.” Aiden said.

“What are we gonna do about this?” Greg asked. Derrick heard him and cleared his throat.

“Uh…dinner’s ready.” Derrick said without looking at them. Aiden smiled.

“Let’s eat and then we’re gonna talk, and I mean talk.” Aiden said with a tone to his voice, a firmness that Greg had never heard from him before. It sent a jolt through him and he liked it. Their eyes locked on each other’s and Greg saw something in those eyes making him swallow hard. Aiden drew back his hands and took one of Greg’s in his, turning and led him to the table.

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Conner emerged from the pool house, fully dressed. He walked toward the tables. The evening was settling around them all, the dusk was now about gone. Several of the guests were leaving, saying their goodbyes to their hosts, Platt and his daughter, Victoria. Conner made his way to the table he and Victoria had been at before and took a chair, sitting down. His drink was still there, thankfully, and he reached for it.

Several of the girls came to him, Victoria’s friends and said goodbye to him, some offered numbers but he politely declined saying it would be difficult with going home back to the States and so forth. They understood but were saddened by what he said to them. He finished his drink by the time most everyone was either gone or heading up to the house itself for the night. Victoria came to him at the table finally. Conner saw her and stood but did not notice the other set of eyes that were watching him, those of Cynthia Stewart.

“Guess the party is breaking up, huh?” Conner asked. Victoria nodded.

“Thankfully.” She said, “These things can be so…draining.” She let out a sigh.

“Yeah, I can understand that. But, you seem to handle it pretty well.” Conner said. Victoria took his arm and pat his upper arm as she snuggled into him.

“Thanks.” She said and her voice was soft and low, “Daddy told me which room you were going to be in. I’ll show you the way.”

“Okay.” Conner said. She guided him up across the expansive lawn toward the massive house. Conner had been used to such places, mansions as it were when he was younger. When he had been home on those rare occasions from boarding schools to be with his parents, they visited ‘friends’ or business associates that had homes like this, all being of money, but this house was unique. It was more than grand, very opulent. The incredibly high ceilings, all of which had those murals painted in them of various scenes of countryside, seashores, mountains, small villages. Victoria led him up the grand staircase at the center of the house.

“Daddy will be ‘entertaining’ most of the men in his study for the evening. I’m not sure if he will send for you or not as it will be mostly business.” Victoria said as they reached the upper floor.

“What are you going to do?” Conner asked.

“I will be ‘entertaining’ the wives or significant others. If my mother hadn’t passed away, it would up to her to do it.” Victoria said and there was a tone of resentment in it. Conner never knew her mother, she had died when Victoria was very young and Platt had never remarried.

“You sound like you’re kind of stuck with doing this.” Conner said.

“In a way, I am, but it’s alright and expected. It only happens a couple of times a year thankfully.” Victoria said as they reached the end of the long wide corridor. There were doors on both sides of it that they had passed. Victoria took her arm back and opened the door, going in, Conner following her. The room was huge, probably like most of the others, ornately furnished. The bed was king size and seemed elegant. Conner smiled to himself and shook his head as he noticed there were bed clothes laid out on it. The room was twice over in size to his hotel room, the President’s Suite. Victoria walked over to another door and turned on the light inside the other room, “This is your bathroom.” She said and went over to next to the bed, pointing at a controller that was resting on its top, “If you need anything, press this and one of the house staff will come and knock.” She said and crossed the room to a bar area that was next to a large cabinet against the wall. She opened the upper doors. He saw in contained a large screen TV in it, “This will keep you entertained until I can come back so we can talk.”

“Okay.” Conner said as she came back to him. He could see there was a look on her face of almost worry, “You okay?”

“Yes. I’m just thinking about something that I saw earlier and we need to talk about it.” She said.

“Good, because I need to ask you about something your father said to me when we had our talk earlier.”

“Besides it being about me?” She asked. Conner nodded.

“Yeah.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” She said, “Get comfortable.”

“I will.” Conner said and she leaned up on her toes and kissed his cheek softly. She walked away from him, going to the door, opening it.

“I’ll knock.” She said as she looked at him and he smiled with a nod.

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Alec sat down at the table, opposite Robert, who kept giving eyes now and then. Alec would only smile seeing the look and knew what he wanted. The children were very well behaved as they all gathered and started into the supper that had been prepared. Chevelle and her mother carried on most of the conversation here in the dining room, which Alec had insisted that they use rather than the smaller table out on the patio of the villa. The flowers that Alec and the children had gathered were a centerpiece on the table and their fragrance only helped the gathering.

“Mama, this is wonderful.” Chevelle said as she ate, “It has been so long since you have made this.”

“You can thank Mister Alec as well, Chevelle. It was his suggestion that it be made this way. I had never given it much thought to serve it over a pasta like this.” Madame Julienne said as she picked up her wine glass. Chevelle smiled at Alec, who nodded slightly.

“It is excellent and brings back such memories for me.” Chevelle said.

“Good food is supposed to that.” Alec said.

“Have you always cooked?” Robert asked.

“Yes. I learned when I was very young.” Alec said and then chuckled, “My mother is actually a pretty bad cook. She tries, but can never seem to get it right, bless her heart.”

“Do you cook with her?” Chevelle asked.

“Sometimes when we gather all together. My sisters and I jump in and we try and take over for her. It kind of irritates Mom just a bit but it’s my dad that appreciates it more in the end.” Alec said.

“What kinds of foods do you prepare?” Robert asked as he gave Alec a slight smile before lifting his fork.

“We try and stay as traditional as we can as my dad is from Mexico originally. My mother always like to make sure he’s happy that way.” Alec said.

“That is very sweet of her to do that.” Chevelle said, “Where is your mother from?”

“She was originally from California. That’s where they met, then got married.” Alec said.

“What does your father do for a living?” Madame Julienne asked. Alec looked at her as she was at the head of the table, again, at Alec’s insistence. Eadric, the boy, was sitting to Alec’s right, Sophie was on the other side of him, on Alec’s left, their parents across the table from them.

“He was always a mechanic. Loves working on cars. When he was older, he had the chance to go into a partnership with one of my uncles. They owned a car lot together and did all the service work there. My uncle passed away and my dad kept the business. He still owns it. One of my brothers works there with him.” Alec said.

“Interesting.” Chevelle said, reaching for her wine, “Do you also work on cars?”

“Yes.” Alec said with a nod, “All of us boys were taught by my dad how to work on them, to take care of them. The car that I have I pretty much built on my own, well, me and my brother.”

“I’ve never worked on a car before.” Robert said, “I wouldn’t know the first thing about it.”

“My dad always thought that you should know that basics of it. He even taught my sisters how to change a tire in case they got a flat so they wouldn’t be stuck somewhere.” Alec said.

“Your father thought the same thing once, Chevelle.” Madame Julienne said.

“I didn’t know that, Mama.” Chevelle said.

“He was very handy as you recall. He knew quite a bit about several different things.” She said and was clearly thinking about him.

“He must have been quite a man.” Alec said softly as he looked at her.

“Indeed he was.” Chevelle said. She looked across the table and smiled as she saw the boy, her son, yawning. Alec looked at him and saw the sleepy look on the boy’s face. Chevelle rose up from the table and came around it. She took him gently out of his chair and picked him up, “I think this one is through for the day.” She said as he put his head to his mother’s shoulder, closing his eyes, “Come Sophie, I think it is time for bed.” She said softly. The girl did not hesitate or argue at all and got up from the table. Chevelle took her by the hand, leading them out of the room.

“Dinner was wonderful, thank you.” Robert said as he looked toward the head of the table. He received a slight bow of the head from her, his mother in law. Robert looked across the table at Alec and flashed his eyes toward him. Alec gave him a soft smile in return.

“I shall clear the table then.” Madame Julienne said as she rose to her feet. Alec did the same.

“I can do this.” Alec said, “It’s been a long day for you.”

“And for you as well.” She said as Alec came to her, putting a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

“I insist.” Alec said softly. She looked up at him and frowned slightly, “Let me do this. You have your family here.”

“I will see if Chevelle needs any help then. I’ll be back shortly.” She said and went out of the room. Alec started to clear the table, Robert rose to his feet when they were alone, putting a hand on Alec’s arm, stopping him.

“Are you going to show me the water?” Robert asked. Alec looked at him and narrowed his eyes slightly at him.

“I don’t think so.” Alec said softly.

“Why not? I have told you that I find you very desirable.” Robert said.

“Yeah, I think that’s great and all, but not gonna happen.” Alec said.

“Why not?” Robert asked and Alec backed up a step.

“Look…I’m flattered and all that, but…uh…you’re married and more importantly…I already have someone.”

“Who is not here.” Robert said.

“True.” Alec said, “But he will be. You and I hook up, I might not be able to look him in the eye.”

“You want to stay loyal.” Robert said.

“Yep.” Alec said firmly.

“I can appreciate that. But I’m sure you have needs as much as I do.” Robert said.

“Yeah…and I’m sure he’ll take care of them when he gets here.” Alec said backing up another step.

“If you change your mind…” Robert said but Alec shook his head.

“Like I said, not gonna happen.” Alec said.

“Too bad.” Robert said as he came close, putting a hand on Alec’s hip, “It would be wonderful with you.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Alec said. Robert took his hand away, turned and walked away. Alec blew out a puff of breath and rolled his eyes a bit. He picked up plates and cleared the table taking them into the kitchen.

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Derrick was finishing his cleaning of the kitchen. Ty was outside gathering his tools that he would need tomorrow to start his new job with Beckett, loading them in the truck. Aiden had taken Greg out to the studio, his room so they could ‘talk’. Derrick was beginning to wonder if it was going to more than just talking as Ty walked in the back door. Derrick looked up as Ty came around the counter.

“All loaded up?” Derrick asked. Ty came to him and put his arm around Derrick’s waist.

“Yeah.” Ty said.

“Not looking forward to it?” Derrick asked.

“I am in a way, just not sure about it yet, I guess.” Ty said as he watched Derrick wipe down the counter.

“Sam’s a good guy.” Derrick said.

“I’m sure he is. I’ve just never run a group of guys before like this.” Ty said.

“So you’re just nervous then.” Derrick said, “But if I know you, you’ll get it really quick.”

“How do you deal with so many people in your office?” Ty asked. Derrick stopped what he was doing and looked at his husband, the love of his life, giving him a soft smile.

“It was never easy to begin with.” Derrick said and turned fully to face Ty, “When we started out, it was just the three of us, me, Tom, and Calvin. It was after a while when we started adding people, answering phones, adding associates, but it was gradual. You’re stepping into something that’s already in place, that might be rougher, but if I know Sam, he has a certain way of doing things I’m sure. That’s what makes him successful. You’re just adding to it, to the mix of things.”

“You make it sound so easy.” Ty said and Derrick shrugged.

“Ever thought you might be overthinking it?”

“I might be, you’re right.”

“I’m just saying to give it chance. You never know, you might like it.”

“I know what I’d really like.” Ty said and flashed his eyes. Derrick smiled and leaned in, kissing him tenderly.

“I know I’d like it too.” Derrick said and wiggled his eyebrows.

“So, let’s go.” Ty said, tightening his grip.

“Hold on there, killer. We still have company.” Derrick said.

“Hopefully they’re out there doing the same thing that I want us to do.” Ty said, “I think they’re old enough to take care of themselves.”

“You might be right.” Derrick said. His urges were getting the better of him, “Okay, let’s go.”