This is the third installment in the Reunited - 44 Years Later. For the reader to fully understand the tale, it is recommended you read the first two parts. The writer reserves all copyrights to this and the previous submissions.
Reunited - 44 Years Later: Power of attorney
Part 1
Robert and Patrick did make love that Sunday night. They had made decisions that would affect the rest of their lives, committed to each other and committed to Robert's mother. Robert showed Patrick remodeling in his home in progress, confessed that the remodel was with Patrick in mind. They learned that their minds were in sync with thoughts of starting a business in the near by next state. Now, waking on Monday morning, it was time to see Robert's lawyer. This is where we begin the new installment of "Reunited - 44 Years Later."
Robert and I awoke rested and refreshed, we had consummated our love, we had cemented our relationship with our love fluids in bodily exchange. "Morning Robert, I am still in love with you," I exclaimed.
"Patrick, we have the rest of our lives together, lets wake every morning in love, and as often as possible with love."
"I'd like to say I'm up for that except you drained me dry last night. My arms are free for your embrace." I reached to gather Robert to me, we embraced feeling our bodies contact. I explored his back with my arms wrapped around him. I felt Robert grope my butt cheeks and I pulled at him reaching his ass. I toyed between his cheeks and touched his sphincter. By instinct, Robert squeezed against my finger but quickly released. "Robert, I enjoy exploring your body, you excite my vision of how sex should be."
"Be careful, Patrick, we have a lawyer appointment and you're making me think about everything else but legal matters." We disengaged regretfully. I got coffee started as Robert took care of bathroom chores. As he came out, coffee was ready, I had a cup for myself and handed one to my lover. I did my daily constitutional, came out to warm toast, butter, and jam.
The lawyer's office was several miles away across the metro and across the state line. We headed out with plenty of time to spare. I knew the address well and drove right to it. Pulling into the parking, I broke into a laugh that Robert clearly did not understand. "Why are you laughing," he asked almost miffed.
"The lawyer's name, Louis E. Daniel. How long have you know him?"
"I was referred to him because he understands gay issues and gay people are his primary clients."
"Robert, he was a year ahead of us in high school. And, be prepared, he and I were in boy scouts together, spent time together, and he once suggested we fuck. That didn't happen though. Lets go in and give him a surprise he'll probably freak about."
"For a formerly straight guy you sure know a lot of gay people," Robert observed.
"Shit happens," I said going into the office.
Seated at his desk was Louis, he looked up and said hello to Robert, then his jaw dropped. His reaction to seeing me walk in with Robert was priceless. I wished I had a camera to capture his expression.
"My fucking God, Patrick. What are you doing with Robert," Louis seemed to gasp rather than say.
"Nice seeing you again too Louis, been a long while. The look on your face is priceless." I reached out my hand to shake his. He was still stunned and shaking hands didn't register right away.
Finally the novelty wore off and we spent an hour or more catching up. Louis couldn't believe I was a university professor and overly surprised learning that I had doctor in front of my name. No conversation occurred about my connection to Robert, that would be yet another surprise.
Robert sat quietly as Louis and I caught up with our lives but he was getting uncomfortable. Both Louis and I noticed and I reached taking Robert's hand in mine. "One final thing before we begin Robert's business here. Robert and I are a couple. He was my first sex partner 44 years ago. We became lovers about a month ago. I'm in divorce proceedings and when it is final, I'll openly come out."
"Who is your lawyer, maybe I can help smooth it out and speed things up. Don't worry about fee, that'll gratis to you and Robert." Louis looked a Robert and saw Robert's emotion at doing work gratis. "Robert," Louis said, "I am doing a power of attorney for you, who do you appoint?"
Looking at me, Robert simply answered, "Patrick."
"Usually a power of attorney is a $100.00 fee. However, your fee will be having lunch with me at a place of my choice. It is the least I can do for you and Patrick."
"Louis, I think we're in for a long relationship because we also plan to start a business once I'm completely moved." Robert looked at me as he said that as I nodded my approval.
Once we completed the paperwork, I gave Louis my lawyer information. Louis said he would get info about my wife's lawyer from my lawyer. " ... and don't worry, I'm excessively discreet in these matters. Now for lunch, I'll drive."
Robert and I were dressed casual, as we pulled into the lot of Louis' selected treat, I was convinced they would throw Robert and I out; this place was formal, tux formal. Louis led us into the dining room and it seemed like Moses parting the Red Sea, our way was clear. The head waiter greeted Louis, "Mr. Daniel, your room is ready, will anyone else join you today?"
"No, only Robert and the professor," said Louis.
"Why the formal professor, Patrick is who I've always been." I was actually uncomfortable with the formality.
"It is hard for me to grasp that you have doctorate and are a professor. I enjoy giving you the respect."
"If that way you want it barrister." We all chuckled.
"Louis," Robert asked, "did the head waiter say your room is ready?"
"Yes, I have a room on indefinite reserve. If I have special guests, we come here. We are free to discuss anything, conduct business that might not be appropriate in an office or in public."
"Louis, one question I've always had," I asked, "why did you want to be mayor?"
"Someone told me I couldn't do it. You know how I am, tell me I can't and I'll prove you wrong."
Our lunch went smoothly and the conversation was light. As we concluded our meal with coffee and cake, Louis asked about our business and building purchase ideas. We explained that it is really too early for firm ideas. "We're only just starting the conversation," I told Louis. We finished coffee and desert then headed back to Louis' office.
Finally getting back to Louis' office, we noticed another car in the lot. "Before you two take off, there is someone I want you to meet, come in for a few." We followed Louis into his office where we meet a well dressed man introduced to us as Louis' partner. Gentlemen, this is my partner, not in law, but in life. Patrick, I'm pretty sure you knew I was gay but were being kind, saying nothing. We were in the same boat as you and Robert, he married, children, and discovering his gay side. Now you understand why I'm going to help you both get what you want. I'll be in touch guys."
As we said our good byes and while walking to the car, I couldn't help but take Robert in an embrace to say, "Good choice in lawyer. I hope we'll be together completely openly sooner."
"Robert, I hope you caught the drift of Louis' conversation. He does not do something for nothing. He was that way in high school and, like a zebra, his stripes are the same now as then. But you probably guessed that from your background."
"I'm glad you stepped away from sharing too much about business. I could see him trying to take over. Lets go check out that building more closely."
We met with Quig, toured the building in and out, inspected the roof, overall structure, plumbing and electrical taking many notes and pics to look at later. "Quig," Robert asked, "you've had this building on your books for over 18 months, why do you think is hasn't sold?"
Quig wasn't quick to answer, setting off alarm bells for both Robert and I. When he did finally answer, we sensed it was the truth. "The seller is older, in his 80's. He doesn't understand code requirements and thinks this is a million dollar property."
"Quig, we'll have to do some more research, go to city or county code enforcement with these notes and pics. Right now, this building isn't worth more than property value." I looked as Robert as he made that statement because I knew how much he liked it.
"Take your time, this place probably won't go any time soon." We all left heading our own ways.
As we headed back to the cabin, Robert was quiet; I left him alone in his thoughts as I drove. We got to the cabin, parked in the garage, and went in. "Robert, you were silent the whole drive, what's up?"