I Said Yes

QUESTIONS…

 I didn’t get much sleep…well, actually, I didn’t get any…and not for the reasons you are thinking as you recall the end of the last chapter!

 I was up and down all night, tossing and turning as I just could not get my brain to turn off.  He, of course, lay there sound asleep.  Every once in a while he would move but he was out like a light.  I was a little irritated that he was able to sleep so soundly and he did not appear to have any worries that would keep him up. 

 Why couldn’t I figure this guy out?  Why couldn’t I figure out what was going on between us?  Why is it that I find myself so very comfortable with him?  Why wasn’t I having any issues with what was happening between us on a physical level?  I mean, I know it is perfectly normal, for a guy, to admire the looks of another guy…often times it is actually jealousy as you sit and think “Why can’t I be built like him….or Why can’t I be as handsome as he is…or Why are so many attracted to him and fewer to me?”  My problem wasn’t the notion of a guy asking himself those questions…my problem was the notion that I took it to a different level…actually, I allowed it to go to a different level…a level I had never experienced before.  The logic side of my brain was telling me that I was lonely…that I was missing the human contact…that I was missing the connection that I once had in my marriage…and it was telling me to clean it up and move on…this was not real and would not last…Clearly there was some motive for Michael…I mean, why on earth was he acting out this way and towards me?

 I came to the realization that I didn’t really know much about the man.  I knew most of his history in terms of his family but, in all the conversations we have had, I have never heard him speak of or talk about any relationships that he may have had…not even a hint.  No clues from his family, no clues from his pals…nothing so, for me, this all added to the mystery I suppose.  I guess he is gay and I guess, for some reason, he finds me attractive…and I guess he is in need of some form of physicality…But clearly, I am going to have to figure it out because…well I don’t know why…just cuz!

 Before I knew it, I heard that awful, familiar buzz of my phone alarm.  I realized with all those things bouncing around in my skull, the time had passed quickly.  We went from night to day in the blink of an eye and I had not slept…Shit!  It was going to be a long, busy day and, in more ways than one, this putz laying on the pull-out sleeper in my living room had kept me up all night…asshole! 

 I went and started the coffee, took the pups out and then jumped in the shower.  I needed to get my day going.  When I came out of the shower Mr. Perfect was still sound asleep.  He had kicked the sheet off and had left his right butt cheek exposed…so I did what any red-blooded American male would do…I took my towel…twisted it and “THWACK”…a direct hit right in the center of that cheek.  A great cheek mind you…but I nailed him with the towel…best shot ever.  He was up and off that sleeper in an instant.  The look on his face as he rubbed his ass was priceless…was it a dream…were we being invaded…was there an earthquake…I sat down in the side chair and laughed hard…I hadn’t laughed that hard in quite a while.  He was bouncing around the room holding his ass, cussing and swearing at me…the dogs were barking and trying to jump up on him…my one regret was that I had not set my phone to record a video of this whole thing…it would have been a classic and perfect for sharing at the next Staff Dinner or Fire Pit Party at the winery…

“You are a motherfucker you know”

“Dude…get over it…it’s just a little towel snap”

“Look at my ass…look at that welt already”

“Trust me…I AM looking at your ass…a mighty fine ass too…A mighty fine ass with a big old red mark on it…but a mighty fine ass!”

“What the hell was that or anyway”

“I couldn’t just let you sleep the day away…got shit to do and things to get done…and besides…you kept me up ALL friggin night…”

“Dude…we were done by like 2am…and I was getting the feeling you were enjoying being kept up”

“I don’t mean that…I mean after”

“What…do I snore or something…I don’t snore…I mean did I toss a lot…”

“No!  Now who is being clueless??  Get your happy, red ass in the shower…gotta get moving!”

 We did our business and jumped in the car for the drive out to the restaurant.  I chuckled all the way out because Michael was having difficulty sitting for the 20-mile ride and it did me well to know he was a little bit uncomfortable.  Kind of mean I suppose…but not really.  We chit-chatted a bit.  I asked him what he had planned for the day and he said he was going to call on some restaurants and retailers about some of his new juice and he would probably go check out Nolan’s operation for a little while.  He asked what time I wanted him to pick me up and I said I would probably be done around 7…once the guests for the banquet got served.  We got to the restaurant, both got out and, as he was moving over to the driver’s side he acted like he was going to give me a hug…instead I got the monster of all “titty-twisters”…ya know…like the ones we used to give each other in junior high school.  Yep…he got me…and it hurt like a mo-fo…but I guess I did kind of deserve it.

“See ya about 7” and he was in the car and gone…

Corey walked out to put something in his car and saw me rubbing my chest where Michael got me…

“Rough night last night huh?”Great…that was all I needed…now Corey wasn’t going to let me alone on this one too…we both chuckled and in we went to start the day’s madness…

 The afternoon rolled into the evening and I had finished all my paperwork and restaurant chores…the private dining event was going well and Corey had control of the dining room so I decided to change clothes, order some appetizers (new stuff to try) and sit with a glass of wine to wait for Michael.  Just as I was sitting down at the bar my cell phone rang and it was him…

"Are you done?  What time do you think you will be out of there?”

"Relax Mr. Cavanaugh....I'm just now sitting with a little bit of food and a glass of wine”

“Ok…I got a little held up, but I will be there in about 20”  

I said cool and then caught a look from Corey....

"What…what are you looking at?" 

"Well Mr. Matt, it seems as though you are becoming a little into Mr. Cavanaugh, aren't you?" 

I said "Whatever” …” It really is a business relationship…you know that”  

"Uh huh.... yep...business…ok...if you say so"

“You should really be careful junior…or I might start digging into your private…uh…affairs…we all have secrets you know!”

 Corey flipped me off and topped off my wine glass and was gone…leaving me to chat with a few of the regulars in the lounge.  I couldn’t help but grin remembering, to myself of course, Corey and Chris the other night in the pub…but I chose to be good…or save the opportunity for another time…About 15 minutes later Michael blew in the front door said

"Come on.... get your happy ass in the car...we're going to hit traffic"

 I was totally caught off guard and tried to ask him what was up, but he and Corey started yapping to each other and I saw Corey hand him an envelope and a boxed-up pizza, paper plates and napkins and the bill.

"What the fuck is up with you two? What is going on" I said almost in protest....my best friend and my new "buddy" were in cahoots about something and I wasn't getting it.

Corey looked at me almost shouting…"Just shut the fuck up and get out of here...go with it" and then Michael gently grabbed my arm, threw a bunch of cash at Nolan, and we were out the door and getting into a beautiful convertible Silver RX8…the next thing I knew we were pulling out on the road.

"Michael, what the hell"

"Listen, when I realized you had a couple of days off, I talked with Corey and told him I'd really like to get you away for some uninterrupted time.  Ironically he said he had 2 free nights at a small inn on the coast - the passes were from one of the winery sales reps and he gets them all the time - it will be a while before he can use them so he suggested we take them"

"Fuckin-A.....now Corey’s comments make sense....

“I don't know what's crazier.... you and me going away for a weekend or you and Corey in collusion.... Fuck me man"…Michael replied by saying

"Mr. Lawrence that is certainly an option" 

And with that we both laughed as he pulled the car onto the freeway heading south west towards the coast and the setting sun. 

The Surprise…

 We pulled into the large circular driveway at the Inn and were immediately met by a valet attendant. He introduced himself as Dylan McCalley, asked our names and then welcomed us by name. He pointed the way inside and said he would take care of the car and luggage - there was a complimentary glass of wine and cheese tasting waiting for us inside - Nice!  Once inside, Michael went to check in at the desk and I wandered around the grand lobby for a few minutes checking out the incredible view of the ocean and beach. I was quickly approached by a gentleman in a captain's jacket who already knew my name –

"Mr. Lawrence - would you care for a glass of our award winning 2002 Zinfandel?" 

Oh, I thought, a man after my own heart - Zinfandel...the juice of the gods! I took the glass and then he offered a second for Michael who was on the approach to where we were standing. We thanked "Marcus" and then continued our tour of the lobby and courtyard just outside. It was close to 9pm and, though the restaurant would be closing, the front desk agent told Michael he would hold a table and the kitchen for us if we'd like.

"Michael, I think I'd like to just get a little something to snack on, maybe at that little café/market over there in the corner....a nice bottle of wine...and just chill here in the courtyard or in the room....if that's ok with you??" 

"That's perfect...I really didn't want to do the whole dinner thing.... I will wander over to the café and see what they've got...be right back".

For the next hour or so we sat in the courtyard with a nice bottle of the Zinfandel we tasted earlier, some wonderful cheese, fruit and crackers and it was perfect for the evening. You could smell the freshness of the ocean, hear the waves crash against the coast and feel the mist as the fog line started to roll in.  We talked about everything but what was going on between us…much to my chagrin…but we both enjoyed ourselves and I guessed I didn’t want to get into a heavy discussion at the moment.  I was still in awe that Michael had pulled this whole thing off.  At one-point Michael caught me stretching my neck and shoulder out and yawning a bit. I kind of chuckled and he said

"Dude, you've had a really stressful week...why don't we take the wine and head to the room.... you might be able to talk me into working out those kinks in your neck and shoulder"

"Sounds like a plan and an offer I can't refuse"

“I said you might be able to talk me into it…nothing is without a price or certain in this life” 

Chuckling, I stood up, grabbed the bottle and headed into the lobby where we ran into Dylan again...

"Gentlemen, would you like me to show you to your cottage?" 

 We both nodded and followed Dylan out to the driveway where he told us to join him in his handy little golf cart. I hadn't realized it was an actual cottage but when we got up the hill there it was...pretty much sitting by itself nestled among some new-growth grape vines, the small lot surrounded by a white picket fence and an amazing full-on view of the ocean and cliffs…just like something out of a movie... Dylan unlocked the door, handed the key to Michael and then ushered us inside. There was a small living area with a tiny kitchen attached and a fire going in the small gas fireplace. Dylan told us the night air gets a bit chilly here and then showed us how to turn it off.  He had seen to it that there was a new bottle of wine on the small table in the living area and a fresh plate of fruit and cheese. He had also brought our luggage in, hung up the shirts and pants and then put away the rest of the clothes in a small dresser next to the 4-post king sized bed. He showed us the hot tub in the bathroom along with the walk-in shower. It was at that point that I realized I hadn't even packed a bag because I hadn't expected to go anywhere, especially over-night. Michael assured me that he had taken care of everything...right down to the black Calvin Klein boxer-briefs he liked me in...I laughed and decided to just go with the flow......Dylan blushed a bit, said his goodbyes and excused himself making sure we promised to call him if we needed anything - we agreed and he said Good Nite.

"Mr. Cavanaugh, this is just kick-ass cool. Thank you for making this happen- I am still blown away that you and Corey pulled this together in a couple of days!" 

"It's all good....I think I need the get-away as much as you do and I thought it would be fun to get to know each other a little better....away from the home-front if you know what I mean!"

“I do know what you mean.  Does that include us getting to talk about what’s been going on between us?”

“Matt, if you want to have that discussion right now, I am down…might need a second bottle…but if you want it now…

Interrupting I said “I do want it now…but not the chat!”

 I leaned over and pulled him into a hug and kissed him on the cheek.  WAIT…WHAT…this was me now, initiating this stuff…what the hell…I told Michael I was going to jump in the shower real quick while he was playing with the remote that controlled the TV, built in stereo system and even the fire place and lighting...it was pretty cool. I went in and took my shower.... dried off and when I came out of the bathroom into the bedroom the lights had been dimmed, there were candles lit and some really nice jazz playing from speakers I couldn't even see. Wrapped in my fluffy terry cloth towel I lay down on my stomach in the middle of the bed and closed my eyes.  I heard the unmistakable sound of the corkscrew and the familiar pop of a cork. Michael had come into the room dressed only in his famous white CK boxer-briefs carrying two glasses of wine. I leaned up to take a glass and a sip and then set it down and he nudged me to lie back down on my stomach. He loosened the towel and just draped it over my ass and then moved up the bed close to me. I suddenly felt a warm sensation and realized he was drizzling warm massage oil on my back and I thought..."Damn...this is gonna be good".

 The next half hour or 45 minutes was pure bliss. Michael was very skilled at the massage thing, taking great care to provide a mix of soft, gentle strokes along with some deep tissue and stretching work on my neck, shoulders and lower back. One of the few secrets I have left is that a good, relaxing and sensual massage gets me every time and is the key to unlocking…well…let’s just say it gets me every time! He worked some magic and I felt the stress and worry all just start to melt away.  God this was amazing, and I knew that, as he moved to my lower back and legs I was going to be putty in his hands.  As he finished he leaned up and whispered in my ear that I should turn over, close my eyes and relax. I don't think there was a part of me that wasn't completely relaxed and I told him so…of course…that wasn’t all necessarily true!

 Sunday morning, we were up and showered early despite our late-night escapades and we wandered into the little café/market in search of a quick bite to eat on our way out. Dylan greeted us in the market with a basket of goodies including bagels, cheese, fresh fruit and wine...everything we would need. He smiled...said

"This is on the house and remember...just CALL me if you need ANYTHING"....

Was it my imagination or was this kid sending out the vibes...hmmmm...? not sure what that's all about but who knows. We took the basket.... thanked him over and over and got into our waiting car. The rest of the day was spent without a care in the world. We hit several of the local wineries....drove down the back roads through the wine country and the coastal roads,  and stopped on a lush green hillside overlooking the vineyards on one side and the ocean on the other, and nibbled on the goodies in the basket.  All in all...the perfect conclusion to a perfect day. 

 We were met by Dylan when we arrived back at the Inn.  Again we thanked him profusely for the generosity and for helping us to have a great day. He told us that he had taken the liberty of making a dinner reservation for us at 8pm which gave us an hour or so to get ready. We showered.... played a little grab-ass then dressed...both somewhat casual and then we headed out.  Michael and I were shown to our table and when we arrived there was a nice bottle of Zin that had been decanted and waiting for us. I was continually impressed with the level of customer service that had been offered at the Inn and I told Michael that this was the style in which I envisioned if I owned my own restaurant. He chuckled a bit and said…

"That's the first real time I've heard you describe having your own place…I like the sound of that!"

 It really was the first time I had said it out loud and I liked the sound of it too. Again, my brain began to wonder, quietly of course, what was going on, but I had made up my mind that I was going to just go with the flow and enjoy things in the moment. I apologized to Michael for bringing up work-related things and then told him how much I enjoyed the day and the whole weekend so far....

"Last night was pretty special...I'm not sure how to describe it other than HOT....and today, well, today was just what the doctor ordered so again, thank you!"

 Michael flashed one of his famous smiles, nodded his head and raised his wine glass...we toasted the day and then went about ordering our dinner and feasting on what was presented to us and, for dessert...2 shots of absinthe presented at the table along with the best piece of cheesecake I have ever tasted.

We left the restaurant and headed through the lobby where, once again, Dylan was waiting to take us to the cottage in his handy-dandy little golf cart.

"Dylan, don't you ever get any time off.... I mean you have been here every minute we have...." 

"Mr. Lawrence, my family owns the Inn and it’ just part of what we do - believe me, I get my down time....but seeing to it that our guests are taken care of...and in every possible way...is what has made this place a success!”

We told Dylan that we appreciated him and his attentiveness to all our needs and with that we hopped into the cart and he delivered us to our door.  He suggested he have a breakfast basket for us in the morning as

“Sunrise on the coast is amazing…you guys really can’t go until you experience that”

“What a great idea…thank you Dylan…we will see you in the morning…”

“When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, 

I go to the sea, 

And the sea drowns them out

 With its great wide sounds, 

 It cleanses me with its noise, 

And imposes a rhythm

 Upon everything in me 

That is bewildered and confused”. 

Rainer Maria Rilke