The Village

Seth’s Perspective

I went to the reception area to meet Rodney. Tara had already gotten him a bottle of water and he was leafing through a couple of our pamphlets on the coffee table. He stood when I entered the room and offered his hand, “Hi Seth. Rodney. It’s good to meet you in person” he said with a smile. Just like Robyn, we had already had a virtual interview and he met with two of the board members so all the education, experience, and general qualification discussions had already taken place. Today was a chemistry test. We walked down the street and had lunch at a little local haunt a few blocks away. Rodney was from the area originally, had moved to Charlotte for college and stayed there after graduation. Now he was looking to move closer to home.

“Tell me more about what you’re doing?” Rodney said just as the waiter put our plates down. “I understand the philosophy behind The Village, the basic programs, etc. But tell me the history? How did it all start?”

The Village had a very basic web presence, basically just an online brochure, most of our PR communication was old school. Mail, email, calls, connection through databases and networking. We did our best to reach agencies and people that could connect us with Clients who needed us while at the same time staying under the radar to keep them safe. It was a fine line. I told Rodney about Craig, Max’s grandfather, my father, Brad and Scotty… all separate stories that came together in the grand inspiration of The Village. His eyes were wide and his questions many as he listened and took it all in. He wanted to hear client stories, I told him several without using names or too many personal details so he could understand the depth of our work.

“It sounds like you go beyond the typical nonprofit” He said. “You seem to cross some lines between… I don’t know, charity and family maybe?” He asked. He wasn’t wrong. We absolutely took more of a personal approach that many organizations would scoff at.

“We’re dealing with young adults, kids really, who have for the most part been abandon. We try to give them the tools to live as successful, independent adults, and I guess in the process we tend to become family” I said. “We stay connected after they’re on their own. Once a villager, always a villager.” I told him the story of Craig donating his car to us once he was on his own two feet and able to buy his own.

“I’m impressed” Rodney said, then followed up with “I think I could bring a lot to the table, and I really want to be part of this.” He shifted the conversation back to his experience, networking skills, resourcefulness, and his relentless pursuit of solutions and how he could apply it for the good of The Village. I liked this guy. He was less experienced than Robyn, but more immersed in our mission. After lunch we headed back to The Village and continued our discussion in the therapy room. Yup. I liked this guy. I invited him to dinner with Zach and I just as I did with Robyn and he accepted, After our interview Rodney went to his parent’s house until dinner.

I called Max and invited him and Brody to join us. “So, you like this guy?” Max asked.

“Yup. He’s the one. I just need y’all there for a final gut-check before I make him an offer” I said confidently. “I’ll work the money out with Elliot and get him an offer in writing before he leaves unless somebody sees red flags at dinner.” Max was excited to meet him.

Tara left around 2:00. She had done a great job; it was so nice to finally have help. Between her, BA, and the possibility of Rodney joining The Village, I felt like things were all coming together. I had a new resident moving into the second floor so I got him all set up and we had our first session. He had been referred by and agency in Virginia and needed a safe place to stay. There were also a couple of other new placements with sponsors I had to check in on. I always seemed to have a hundred balls in the air at any given time but I was becoming a skilled juggler. I was looking forward to having someone to share the load.

Dinner with Rodney was great. The more he spoke, the more convinced I became that he was our guy, the others seemed to spark to him too. After he left, we all stayed behind and compared notes, no one saw any red flags and I decided to make him an offer. We all headed back to BroMax, the others had all come in Brody’s Gladiator so Zach rode home with me and updated me on the house during the ride. “The countertops go in tomorrow afternoon, then we just need to put the poly on the first floor hardwoods and we’re done” Zach said excitedly. “Eli added some outdoor outlets, he said that he wanted us to be ready for Christmas lights” he laughed. “Riley started scraping the exterior to prep it for painting. Mom was cleaning the construction dust off everything. I think we should take them out to dinner someplace nice tomorrow night as a thank you and to say goodbye.”

“I agree” I said. “We’ll have to charge it though, we’re a little tapped out on funds this week.”

“Tomorrow’s payday, we’ll be fine” Zach said. We were just getting our finances together and getting used to paying our mortgage and student loans. We were making decent money between the two of us, but we both wanted that fucking debt gone so we were watching every penny. We talked finances until The Green Dragon crunched up gravel driveway to BroMax, we parked and got out only to be attacked and smothered with Petunia kisses. The three of us went up to our room and me and Zach got naked and slipped under the covers. It didn’t take but a second before Zach rolled on top of me smashing his flaccid cock into mine and making out with me like a teenager in heat. My balls were still blue from the night before and my erection immediate. Damn, there was no way in hell I could hold back for over a week! Ever since we moved here, I have been in a constant state of horniness. At first, I attributed it to the country air, but lately I see it as escapism from the stress of finally starting the life we had been preparing ourselves for. All the education and hard work had brought us to this point and there was enormous pressure to succeed, sex took me away from that stress and I loved it.

Zach worked his way down my body starting at the nape of my neck as he kissed and nibbled throwing a bite to my earlobe now and then. Next, he attacked my nipples with fervor; licking and biting as guttural moans escaped my mouth. He licked down my taut abs as my body writhed with pleasure and convulsed in sensual impatience.  Finally his tongue met my engorged manhood and he licked from tip to stem eventually covering my balls with his warm mouth. He looked up and our eyes locked, goddammit he was so sexy as he licked up and down my torrid shaft with that hedonic grin on his face and his eyes burning into me. My hot blonde jock of a husband was licking and sucking my cock, pushing me into oblivion. I pushed his head down as far as I could, he choked and gasped as his throat contracted around my cockhead taking me to the edge. “Fuck, I’m cumming” I said in a huffing breath.

Again, Zach stopped suddenly, grabbed my balls to divert my impending bliss and said, “No. not until we’re in our own home.” Then he moved up and kissed me passionately as he squeezed my aching virile sex vessel. ‘That bastard! He’s going to tease me for the next week.’ I thought to myself. Well, two could play that game.

I rolled us over in the old bed so that he was laying on his back with my groin pushed against him stimulating his manhood and smashing his balls in retaliation. “OW” Zach said with a chortle, “that hurt.”

“Payback’s a bitch” I said with a little laugh as I kissed him hard and grinded against him even harder. I snaked my way under the covers and down his perfect, muscular body. Damn his body was just… just so… I dunno, ‘perfect’ is the only word I can come up with. I licked my way down him smelling, taking in his scent… that friggin intoxicating, addictive scent that reeled me in all those years ago. I got to his groin, snuggled my nose in the crevice between his scrotum and his thigh and inhaled… then extended my tongue, licking his dank testicular habitat. My inspiriting tongue slathered his balls with my saliva, stimulating him with its warmth. He moaned his appreciation and his hand pushed down on my head as he wriggled and maneuvered trying to slip his growing cock into my mouth.

I swallowed him whole and my throat clamped down on his orbed cockhead, I could feel it pulsating as his excitement elevated and he slowly fucked my mouth. My hand glided up and down his veiny shaft as my mouth engulfed him, and my tongue twirled around it stimulating every exposed nerve. His slow strokes in and out turned into to harder and bolder thrusts. His breaths were coming in little puffs and his hands clamped harder onto my head as he pummeled my face and grunted “I’m cumming.” It was the moment I had been working towards.

It took all my strength to break the tight grip of his hands, but I did it. I broke free, gave his balls a little slap before grabbing them tight and snarling the words “Not today.” My face broke into an evil grin as I exacted my revenge on my loving husband.

“You bastard” He said with a disappointed exhale and devilish grin. Then added “touché.” After that we cuddled and fell asleep with raging hardons and balls as blue as the rare Obrina Olivewing Butterfly. Needless to say, it was a restless night on Bromax Farm.

I woke the next day tired and sluggish; I ran into Max in the kitchen when I went to let Petunia out. He was there in just his boxers making coffee… fucking Zach and his “no cumming” rule had me so horny that even my best friend was turning me on, dammit. I couldn’t even look at him while we talked, I was afraid that my own boxers would give away my neglected state… it’s not that I wanted him or anything, I was just horny as hell thanks to my husband; it was going to be a long week. “So, are you excited about hiring Rodney?” Max asked.

“Yup. He’ll be a great asset” I said as Max poured me a cup of joe. “Oh, and BA… Fucking amazing!” I said.

“Really?” Max asked with a surprised tone and a wry smile. “I love her, but I figured she might be a little much to take in the office” he let out a little laugh at the end of his statement and added, “that’s my nice way of saying I figured she’d bug the shit out of you.”

I let out a laugh as I responded, “Seriously, she’s updating the database, handling calls, setting up automated reminders…” I was gushing, “She’s incredible. I had help from another volunteer who’s good, but BA is just owning it. I’m excited to have her back today.” Max laughed. He loved his mother in-law but knew she could come on strong. We talked some more before we both went back upstairs to get ready for work.

Zach and I left the house at the same time and kissed goodbye before we got in our cars “I made reservations for the five of us at that seafood place Gina recommended on the water.”

“Perfect. What time?”

“8:00. That should give us time to go to the house, then come back here and take a shower before dinner. Mom wants to take us through everything before she leaves to make sure nothing gets dropped.” We kissed goodbye then headed to our respected offices.

When I got to Harrington House it was more of the same, pamphlets on cars and on the floor… this time it was several pamphlets in each spot. I collected them and dropped them in the box before I walked over to Marilee’s to pick up coffee for me and BA again. Marilee greeted me and we talked for a while, I let her know about Gerald coming around and Zach having him arrested. The last we heard he was out on bail, Marilee said she hadn’t seen him around. After we caught up, I headed back to the office; Zach called while I was walking down the street.

“Hey, the partners want to meet with me” Zach said when I answered.

“About what?”

“I have no idea, but they never called me in before… I’m a little paranoid” Zach said. “Shit, Seth. I can’t lose my job now. We got a damn mortgage and student loans to pay, and…” Zach was getting lost in his head.

“Zach!” I yelled over the phone trying to snap him out of it. “They’re not gonna fire you, you’re doing great and they love you there.”

Zach took a deep breath, “I hope you’re right, I’m just nervous. Hey… they’re ready for me, I gotta go.”

“Call me when you get out. It’ll all be fine” I said. Then I wished him luck and we both said, ‘I love you’ before we hung up, and I finished my walk to the office. I don’t know, I wasn’t worried about it. Zach had only been there a short time but he worked his ass off and they kept giving him opportunities to prove himself; he never let them down. Not to mention the fact that they were all impressed when he partnered with David to help The Village and the boys.

When I got back to the office BA was already there and working on the database, I handed her a cup of coffee and we talked about the plan for the day. After that, I called Rodney. He was staying in town over the weekend visiting with his parents and gladly accepted my invite for a follow-up interview. Zach texted just as Rodney arrived around 11AM, ‘everything is cool, I’ll fill you in tonight. In meetings the rest of the day’ He was obviously relieved. I responded with a thumbs up and a heart, then gave Rodney my full attention. I summed up our proposal as I put the written offer in front of him. We discussed some details like starting dates, specific duties, etc. He accepted on the spot signing the offer and his NDA. It was a big day for The Village! We finally had someone who was trained in social work and could expand and manage our resources while I focused on the emotional and mental wellbeing or our client’s, as well as their futures. Things were falling into place and shaping up nicely.

Colton came in over his lunch break that day for his session and was in the reception area talking with BA when Rodney and I exited my office. He was holding his lunch in one hand and a bag from BA in the other. When Colton was living at BroMax, BA discovered the he loved to cook so she was always bringing him stuff from her garden. She treated all the boys in our program (and us) like her own.

I introduced Rodney and Colton, “Hey Colton, this is Rodney, he’s going to join The Village as our Case Worker” I said.

“What does that mean?” Colton asked.

“That means he’ll be your go-to guy for resources and I’ll be your therapist and counsellor” I said. Colton nodded in response.

Rodney was charming and focused his attention on Colton, reaching out his hand, “Great to meet you! I’d really like to sit down with you and get to know you once I’m officially onboard” he said.

“Do you want to join us for my session?” Colton asked surprising us both. “I mean, if you’re gonna be my “go-to” guy (he said using air quotes), you might as well get to know me. Right?”

Rodney looked over at me waiting for me to say something. I just asked Colton “Are you sure?” He nodded enthusiastically, then I asked Rodney if he had time. He smiled and nodded.

“Are you sure this is cool, Colton?” He asked.

“Yeah, if Seth’s good with it, I am”

“It’s your session” I said. Once again, he nodded then led us to the Therapy room.

“I’ll hold your calls, hon” BA said as we walked away.

The three of us got comfortable and Colton pulled a sandwich out of his bag. He was on his lunch break and ate while we talked. Before he took his first bite, he blurted out “I got an apartment!” There was excitement in his voice and a smile on his young face. “Brody called me this morning and said there’s a one bedroom on the third floor opening up. I haven’t seen it yet, but he said it’s just like Ricky and Timmy’s place with one less bedroom.” He was so excited and animated. “The rent is cheaper than the other place that fell through, and he only wants half as much for security deposit.” I congratulated him, Rodney gave him a smile but remained silent, he was just being a fly on the wall watching how we interacted. “You know I’ve been saving a lot since I started at the docks, I was gonna buy a car, but daddy told me he could help me get a few more years out of mine.” Rodney had a look of curiosity on his face as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and made a note while Colton continued, “and now that I know what my rent will be, I’ve made a decision” he paused then looked me in the eye. “I’m enrolling in the culinary program at Cape Fear Community College.”

“That’s awesome” I responded. “Are you going to quit the docks?”

“I can’t, I need the money. It’s a good job, I just don’t want to do it forever” he said with confidence. “I talked to the admissions office and I’m confident I can work classes and my work schedule around each other, I could move to second shift at the docks if I need to. I’m working on a budget to pay for it but I think I’m going to need to find some financial aid.” Rodney made more notes, then looked at me with raised eyebrows, almost raising his hand, it was clear he wanted to say something. I nodded.

“I can help you with that” he said looking at Colton who smiled wide at the information. “I have resources for LGBTQIA grants and scholarships and I can help you apply.”

“Man, that would be awesome” Colton said breathing a sigh of relief. “If I did the math right, It’s gonna cost between fifteen and twenty thousand a year plus lab time, knife set, a uniform, etc.” I was proud of the guy… he had done his research. He figured out what he wanted and was working on a way to get it. He had shifted from survival mode into planning for his future… this was a huge breakthrough! We talked a little more about next steps and what he wanted to do with his degree then Colton said, “I have to get back to work.” He crumpled up his lunch bag and threw it in the nearby trash can. We all said our goodbyes and he headed out, giving BA a hug as he made his way through the reception room.

“You got a few minutes to talk about that?” Rodney asked.

“Sure. What’s on your mind?” I asked.

“First off, Who’s “Daddy?” He asked.

I chuckled and said “You met Brody last night, his dad is a mechanic and helps us fix up cars that are donated and teaches the guys to take care of their own. They all call him Daddy” I replied then added “Oh, and BA in the reception area is his wife. They both treat us all like we’re their own family.”

“Wow, that’s so awesome. I got a feeling my mom will jump in too” He replied, then asked, “What’s Colton’s story? He seems to have his act together.

I told him the story of Colton being kicked out of his home and cut off from his family on his eighteenth birthday, dropping out and living in his car until his boss intervened and connected him with The Village. I also told him how he studied to get his GED, worked hard at the Candle Barn, and saved his money then landed a job on the docks. “He’s a model Villager. He took advantage of every opportunity, never caused any issues, is appreciative of everything, and is just a great guy” I said.

“Villager” he repeated. “I like that term. You know, I really can help him, Seth” Rodney said wide-eyed. “I can think of half a dozen grants and scholarships off the top of my head that he could qualify for.” His wheels were turning as he thought through options and asked me more questions about Colton’s living situation, income, etc. We spent almost a half hour discussing Colton, he finally left my office about two o’clock. Our quick meeting to discuss his offer had turned into a three hour working session, he jumped in headfirst before we even had him on the payroll. I felt damn good about this hire.

It had been a long week, but it was Friday afternoon and didn’t have any more sessions so decided to take advantage of the rare opportunity to cut out early. BA and I locked up the office around four and I headed home to help.

I stopped at BroMax to change my clothes and check in on the boys in the barn. As always, the barn was buzzing with activity and camaraderie. Taylor was starting his new job on Monday and it was his last day and they were in a celebratory mood; I just loved the way that they all supported each other. While I was there, I let Max know that Rodney accepted and would start in a couple of weeks and suggested introducing him at the next virtual board meeting. Max was as excited as I was, everything was coming together for The Village despite the setbacks along the way.   

I drove The Green Dragon down the road to OUR house to check on progress. Bubba’s pick-up was parked in the drive along with a couple of other trucks I didn’t recognize. The Hall’s Range Rover and pick-up were parked in their usual spots, and Zach’s car was absent; I had beat him there for a change. I walked in the front door; the first floor was empty but I heard voices upstairs. I looked around and was amazed. The floors needed a coat of poly, but other than that the place looked and smelled clean and all the other construction chaos seemed to be gone. I walked into the kitchen and stopped dead in my tracks. It. Was. Done! I mean fucking done! All the cabinets in and shining, the counters were in… everything except appliances and the final coat on the floor. “HO-LEE-Shit!” I yelled out involuntarily.

“Seth?! Seth is that you?!” Kelly’s voice boomed from above, then I heard her making her way down the stairs.

“Darn it!” She said as she entered the kitchen. “I wanted to see your face when you walked in. Isn’t it gorgeous?!” She asked as she put an arm around me and admired her hard work. “The countertops and island just transformed this place.”

I was in awe, “seriously, Mom. Look at this!” I exclaimed as I inspected the custom counters and ran my hands across the cabinet fronts.

“C’mon see the bathrooms” she said grabbing me by the hand and pulling me up the stairs. We walked down the hall past the guest bath where everyone was gathered taking care of the final touches.

“The old Witch’s house is shapin’ pretty durn good aint she, Seth?” Bubba yelled from the bathroom when he saw me walk by. 

“Holy crap it’s amazing” I said as Kelly continued to tow me down the hall past the guest room where Eli and Riley were hard at work.

“It’s all ready for us to move in” Riley shrieked as she saw us pass by. I grabbed onto the door frame and made Kelly stop. I looked in the room to see it all set up with the bed, a new duvet, pillows, blinds and curtails on the windows and even a ‘this is our happy place’ sign painted on wood hanging on the wall (FYI, I hated signs like that, and “Eat Pray, Love.” All that crap. I preferred actual art, but Kelly loved that shit). Regardless of my taste, it looked stunning… it was DONE! Our home had a finished room.

The bedroom set was in the house when we bought it, but the duvet and the rest of it was brand new. “Where did all this come from?” I asked.

“I bought it so Riley and Eli had a place to stay, and when they get their own place they can leave it here so Dad and I will have a place to stay when we visit” Kelly said as she pulled me further down the hall. “Now come on and see the master bath.”

We got to the end of the hall and she opened the door to the master bath. “Holy crap!” I wailed again, “It’s beautiful!” The new tile shower with a sliding glass door, the new vanity, the cement countertops, it all just worked so perfectly together and the house just flowed. I fucking loved it! All I could do was hug my mother in-law and thank her for all her hard work.

 As we were hugging and admiring the bathroom, Zach’s voice shouted from downstairs. “Where is everyone?!”

“Up here honey” Kelly yelled back and Zach bounded up the steps to join us. The three of us admired the transformation for a few minutes, then Zach led me downstairs leaving Kelly behind.

He took me out to the patio, held my hands, looked in my eyes and said, “David Onan’s firm is partnering with mine for a huge discrimination case against the state and they want me to be the local lead.” He was grinning ear to ear, “I’m going to be in the middle of changing things, Seth. Just like you.”

“You’ve always been in the middle of it” I said as I give him a humongous hug. He was hellbent on making a difference in the world. I was so friggin’ proud of him.

To be continued…