I am not a writer, far from it. Except for the names and places, the stories you read are for the most part true. Still they are not biographies. Artistic license has been taken to enhance or in some cases minimize the events described. All sexual situations were between consensual adults within the framework of their story.
This is the fifth of the ten interviews I have worked on over the last three years.
Most of these stories cover several years. I will try to keep the chapters short. I suggest you save one for reference. None of the stories are mine, any personal friend, or relative.
Chapter two.
Janice learns more about herself. James still holds the key. A riddle may hold her future.
*****
When he wants to. James has this way of making you feel like you are the only person that matters. He gives you his undivided attention. He is a great conversationalist. Again only when he wants to. Today was one of those days. Today he was at his best.
Normally he is quite reserved. A man of few words. A trait you might expect from a forensic accountant. With all the drama he was dealing with today I felt closer to him than I had since he left for college. Not that I hadn't tried to change that over the years. After we finished eating he held my hand and looked at me intently. He wanted to say something but then seemed to change his mind. He paid the bill and walked me back to his car hand in hand.
Nothing changed at the hospital. We spent some time watching Harold until the doctor arrived. He and James talked in private. When he returned the look James had wasn't good. We drove back to the office. He was deep in thought.
"Please bring Bobby back to the office first. We will not be joining you for dinner. Tomorrow Russell and his people will be here. You will go shopping while they are here." James was clear, concise and business like.
"Yes sir." I casually replied.
"Not sir. James." He corrected me.
It was all I could do not to say sir. This was all too confusing for me but I did as I was told.
"Ok James." He took my hand and squeezed it but didn't let go. I saw this as a good thing.
I went to the airport and picked up my youngest child Robert. Tall and lanky he looked tired and thinner than usual. He was glad to see me, his eyes brightened when he saw me wave. A hug. A kiss on the cheek. We waited for his bags.
"How's dad?" He asked concerned.
"We were just there. No difference." I tried to be upbeat but facts were facts.
"How long are you here for?" I asked as the carousel started. Bobby pulled three suitcases off the machine. "I am home to stay for now." He explained as he handed me the smallest suitcase. "Jim says he has a project for me that may take some time."
"What about ...?" I hesitated before I mentioned his name.
"We're done. This is all my life right here." He looked at the bags we were carrying. "That's one reason it took so long to come back to see dad. Jim said that he was stable and in a coma. Besides he told me he need to figure something out that would affect me. When I called yesterday he said things were clearer. I grabbed the first flight back."
The ride back to the office was time to catch up. We talk occasionally but Bobby visits less than his brother. Bobby and his father have been all but estranged since he announced he was gay. Too bad he is such a bright young man. Talented, hardworking, just the kind of person that the company needed to help us these last few years. The fact that he was such a warm, fun, loving and inviting person just drew you in. James is a German Shepherd, strong, confident, aggressive, loyal but protective. Bobby is a Yellow Lab, laid back, playful, and even more loyal. But once you knew him, never a threat. Two more opposite brothers you have never seen and yet both so committed to the other.
We arrived back at the office as instructed. Mandy was leaving James office as we walked in. Something was different about her. I couldn't put my finger on it at first. Then with my second look she had changed her clothes. She was wearing a different top. This time she didn't have a bra on! She looked at me and grinned when she saw me check her out. What the fuck is going on? I started to get pissed again. I was going to confront her but just then James walked out.
"Robert! Good to see you!" James called out. Bobby ran to meet him. They embraced and hugged. "You look like shit! Brother you need to take better care of yourself." James teased.
"You're looking a bit stressed yourself!" Robert teased back.
"Janice bring Robert and I something to drink and join us." He looked at Bobby. "Beer?"
Bobby looked at his watch. "It must be five o'clock somewhere!"
It was like they had never been apart. Mandy had left. I went to the store down the street and brought back some cold refreshments. I ordered some pizza's something I knew they loved from there college days and rarely eat anymore. Back in James office he filled in Bobby on the condition of his father and his long term prognosis. Only time will tell. The doctors are optimistic but preparing them for the worst as well.
He told Bobby about Latisha and Russell. They talked options for how to deal with her. They neither one liked her much but wanted to be fair to her. The pizza's filled their plates. Thanking me for remembering how they each liked it. I didn't eat with them preferring a smaller healthier meal for dinner. The talked turned to business. Hungry and tired I excused myself.
I left James office the door open. I checked the outer office and backed up my computer then I turned off all but a few lights for the night. I left in my car and started home. Reaching in my purse to check my phone I found the keys to the rental car. Not knowing if Bobby needed the car I decided to return to the office and drop them off. Besides they would probably leave the pizza's set on my desk all night instead of putting them in the refrigerator.
Riding up the elevator the office looked just like I left it. I unlocked the front door and walked past the receptionist area down the hall to the main office.
"Please James I need this!" Bobby cried out. The way he said it suggested they were in the middle of something important.
I stopped just short of the corner not wanting to interrupt. I figured I would just leave the keys on the receptionist's desk with a note.
"Robert you just can't run to me every time your lover leaves you and expect me to fuck you just to make you feel better!" I almost gasped as James said it.
"One time. I only asked you one time!" Bobby blurted out. "It's not like I ever asked you to suck me or let me fuck you!"
"Suck one cock and you're a cocksucker for life!" James spat back. "This is the second time. I told you then..."
"I know. I know. But this is different. I was going to ask him to marry me. Then..."
