Chapter 11 Preparing to Leave for Houston
Author's Note: This is a work of fiction, part of a multi-chapter, two part novella. Copyright, 2023. All characters portrayed in sexual situations are over 18. The chapters in Part I are told almost entirely from Geoff's POV and cover the period until the move to Houston and the commencement of the new school year. BD
I started my last full day at home before med school bright and early. I swam laps for over an hour; then spent a leisurely breakfast talking with Mom. She had accepted that Chet and I were already in a relationship and that we were going to try to make it work for a time. "Just be careful. Those Irish boys are loving and lovable, but they can be unpredictable, independent, and headstrong—just like your father. They also have addictive personalities—which goes both ways--you can easily become addicted to him and he can easily become addicted to you. Be sure it's attraction, not addiction."
"Don't I know it? Particularly with a guy as beautiful as Chet. But, I think I like someone who is independent. I really can't handle anyone who leans too hard on me for self-validation. I prefer someone able to stand alone—who can give and take. Perhaps I could even all for someone who is addicted if that means committed to something all-in. I can't believe how committed Chet is to cycling. He really expects to be the best in the country. And Chet is very intelligent. He's going to graduate near the top of his class in finance. He's not naïve—if he doesn't make it as a cyclist, he's got great credentials for a career in finance. We talk all the time about important things—and about feelings. I can actually have an intelligent conversation with him. I think he is down deep a really good guy. He's rejected, at least on the surface, most of the fundamentalist religious ideas that have been drilled into him—but he's idealistic and wants justice for everyone. And boy does he have a strong sense of Catholic guilt. Yeah, I know he's not Catholic, but his Dad was. I think it's genetic with them. Over and over, he has done the right thing by the team, even at personal cost. He could be the one for me. And I just vibrate when he is near; he's a magnificent specimen of alpha manhood."
"I'm pleased. Obviously, you have thought this through. We are all going to be pulling for you two. But, I've got to get ready. Today is my day with Matt. We'll send you off with a proper farewell tonight." I could tell she was already in gear. Momma hen was ready to preen her chicks—especially the youngest. She roused Matt, gave him only a few minutes to eat, and they were off to the barber and the mall by 10—just as they had since he was 5.
I did a little packing—I really didn't have much to take. Then, I was off to meet Becca and Chet. They were ready and we drove to Austin. Becca sat between us in the cab, resting her arms possessively on both our thighs. Interesting.
En route, he told Becca about the Amazon offer. She was impressed, and he glowed in her approval. She was obviously someone special to him—particularly given his difficult family situation. I was pretty sure he was going to take the deal—assuming no legal obstacles were raised. But, he had agreed to hold off acceptance until we received the foundation attorney's advice later. I could tell he was very anxious. "I know it'll work out. Just sorry that you had to be banged up to make it happen."
Becca added, "And it would have been nice to hear about before this."
We all went into Lone Star. The bike looked terrific, like almost new. He took it out for a quick ride which left Becca and me alone. I thought I was in for another warning lecture. But, no. "You may be the best thing that has happened to Chet in a long time. He does need someone even if he doesn't know it. He really hasn't had a supportive family for years. He's been struggling with who he is. We all like to think we're independent and self-sufficient. But, it's really nice to have a partner. I thought a lot last night about the two of you. And I'm really pleased. Count on me for whatever support you need in convincing him to lean on you a bit. Otherwise, I know he won't. He really is proud of his independence." Wow, I had her approval.
Chet returned from the ride, pronounced the bike perfect, and then looked around a bit, taking photos with his phone of some equipment that he wanted. I think he was creating a mental Christmas list or maybe an Amazon list. If we're still together then, as I hope, I presume he will share it with me. But, we didn't buy anything. We wrapped the bike in bubble. Chet had brought the travel case and we loaded it in the pickup bed and tied it down. I could tell how precious it was to him. He was back in business.
Becca suggested a cute little bistro, Café Monet en Provence, for lunch—and it worked since we could eat outdoors and park the pickup nearby. I hadn't yet planned for securing the bike in the bed. We walked in and the hostess greeted us: Becca, a beautiful blonde Texan between two tall hunks--one dark and mysterious, the other a blonde Adonis—all in reflective Hollywood style sunglasses, tight white tees that highlighted our pecs, and shorts that bulged provocatively in the front. You could almost see her reaction to our appearance. Her eyes lit up; her smile widened as she scoped out both Chet and me from crotch to forehead. "How're y'all? Three for lunch?"
"Yes mam." She seated us immediately—and prominently as eye candy--to the envious eyes of several attractive groups of ladies who were already dining. Obviously this was a spot for ladies' leisurely lunches. I wonder what was going through their minds. "Which one is hers? Or were they thinking perhaps a threesome?" "How does she rate two guys who look like that?" "I could handle a threesome with those two guys."
Chet and I decided to play along and both of us had hands all over Becca as we chatted and ordered. She picked up on the game and touched our arms every time she spoke. "Just think of the bridge club conversation later. We've just launched a hundred stories—some of which are bound to be x-rated."
We ordered salads and iced teas, and began to eat. It was excellent, but Becca seemed melancholy. "
Pourquoi si triste? C'est seulement au revoir, pas le fin.
Even with virtual courses at Rice, I know you'll be on campus at least once a month. Be sure to let us know when you are. And you are going to be so busy playing the bride-to-be."
I offered the spare room in the condo even though I guessed her parents and fiancé might be scandalized with her staying with a single guy (or guys?).
Curiously the "we's and us's" started creeping into both of our vocabularies as we talked about the summer, our immediate plans, and Chet's first official meet in only three weeks in San Antonio. After dessert, Becca's spirits were improved, and I think it is safe to say that Chet and I were also on a high with anticipation.
We drove back to their place, and Chet and I started carrying a few boxes to the pickup. We wrapped and loaded the second bike. When the last suitcase was loaded, we vacuumed and washed down the bath and efficiency kitchen. I hadn't done so much domestic labor in years. By then, it was late afternoon. Chet went to say good bye and to thank the Pierces, dropping off the key and leaving a giant bowl of fresh cut hydrangeas (a favorite in French Provence) on the hall table. We both embraced Becca, promising to meet soon in Houston, wished her well with wedding plans, and drove back home. It was still quiet. Dad was expected home around 6; Mom had texted she would be home then as well. Even she was exhausted from shopping with and for Matt—so we are doing Chinese take out.
"Let's take our last skinny-dip before Mom and Matt get home." We stripped poolside and both dove in and floated for awhile in the sun. It was good to see that Chet had healed enough to dive. After a few laps, we approached the deep end and he climbed onto me, wrapping his legs around my waist. My penis hardened and lifted to rest in his crack as his arms surrounded my neck and we French kissed until we were both completely aroused. "There is a pool and a gym at the condo, you know, but I don't think there will be much opportunity for this level of casualness—or closeness."
Chet's face seemed to fall. I realized there was an elephant in the pool with us. "Ok. What's up now pardner?"
"Just thinking."
"I know I can smell the burning rubber."
"You do understand that I am not moving into the condo with you?"
"I sort of expected that, but we do have a few more nights before the jock dorm opens."
"Things are going to change a lot. We're going to be really busy. And, Geoff, I can't continue to rely on you for almost everything."
"That has become very clear. But, I'll take—or give—whatever you'll permit me. I think we should enjoy the next couple of days, and certainly the nights, and then see how things work out. And after that, even if I can't do everything, perhaps you'll let me do some things. I think I'm falling in love with you."
"I have so much on my plate right now that I really can't add more planning and decisions. But I agree--we'd be crazy not to give us a try—but 'us' is going to take second place to our individual primary responsibilities at school."
"Have you been talking with Dad?"
"I've been thinking. Assuming you don't move in with me, I'm hoping we can work out together in the condo gym several times a week. Surely we can spend some time together at the end of at least some of those days. Fortunately your senior curriculum is not all-consuming. Hours on the mock trading floor, but not much homework after. I realize that often when I have a day or two off—I guess mostly weekends—you'll be traveling to competitions. For some at least, I plan to be there. But, at least we're not going to be hundreds or thousands of miles apart. My invitation that you move into the condo stands. At least then we might have more casual time together. I don't think Mom and Dad would be at all surprised. Perhaps we could start with weekends—long weekends."
"I'm not going to move in Geoff. If I do that, I'm essentially sponging on you. Rice provides the dorm room and the jock table, but they won't reimburse me if I decide to live off campus. I can't afford off campus rent, let alone my share of what I assume is a Texas-sized luxury condo."
"We are definitely going to get over this dependence hang up you have. When you love some one, that is not an issue, babe. We've got money, actually quite a lot of it, and I'm willing to share."
"You just dropped the L-word and "babe" in the same sentence. A week ago that would have sent me screaming for the door. But, I think I feel the same way. I'm not sure you will ever be my "babe" however—you're too big--and dark. I guess my mother would call you my dark angel—or maybe something worse. You are temptation personified. Sex—no sin on a stick. I can't believe how much we've sinned this week. That monster pole of yours is resting right where I love it even now—so, so tempting. But, what do you think if I called you "Angel"? I'll find my way through this. I promise to try. The Amazon deal may be the foundation that gives me the kind of self-confidence that I need to have. So will a successful biking year. I'm learning to accept the benefits of your love. Just give me a bit of time. Meanwhile, I'm trying to show that I can love too."
