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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 12
Ty looked amazing at breakfast. The tennis team's semifinals games were today and he would be playing this afternoon. We were all excited and I was just glad he wasn't worn out from the night before. I heard mom go into his room and wake him up this morning and I was glad he got sleep. When he finished breakfast, he was heading to the club for a team meeting. I walked him to his car, and feeling there was a bit of privacy, I gave him a quick kiss and wished him good luck.
"Oh, and Ty, last night was beautiful. Dinner was amazing and you were incredible. Love you," I said and gave him a quick peck. He smiled and climbed into his car.
Bryce texted me and asked if I was going to be at the match. Well, I told him of course. He said he would see me there. I got another text from Diesel Gray which was cool. He told me to get back to school and "kill it!" I told him to fuck off. He sent me fireworks back. I laughed.
Mom and Bill and I climbed into the Mercedes wagon and drove to the club. I really intended to take this out for a night because it would be so cool to cruise around in. Obviously, cruising in the city was not the same as my little home town. We had a main drag and we just drove back and forth and checked out people hanging out in different places. The city, well, there wasn't an "official" parade route. I looked totally hot climbing out of a car like this, though.
Bill was a little nervous about the semifinals because Tyson had put in so much time and effort. This was truly his best year. He had gotten stronger and had more control of the ball. Ty had explained to me that placing the ball strategically was only half the battle. Having your body aligned to the court was essential. It was a relationship between body, court, racket, and ball. I liked that he had an intellect behind his sport. His only complaint was that sometimes he felt like he didn't have the leg strength to move from place to place. I told him I would get him into the gym and work on lower body strength. He liked that. "You might like me with better lower body strength," he joked. "Liked him just fine already," I responded.
Bryce, the human food disposal, was in the club grill having a burger and dang it looked good.
"Hey bud," I said, sneaking up behind him. "Mind if I have a bite?" I asked.
"And I will fight you," he said, "if you touch my burger! You ready to see Ty whip some tennis ass out there?"
"I hope he does," I told him. "He's worked hard for this." The whole team had.
We headed out to the stands. The crowd was mingling and finding seats. Ty had informed me earlier that tennis matches do not have "crowds." They only have spectators! Well ok, but I use "crowds" universally. I may be good looking and all but I'm still a country boy at heart. Bryce and I got seats down front at 1:55 pm. Ty's match started promptly at 2. He and his opponent took to the court. The opponent looked smug when he took to the court. Ty served first and the game was on. Bryce told me that there had been some issues with the calls by the judge in the previous game and hoped that it wouldn't be a problem here. Ty, you know, gets an attitude real quick when things don't go his way. And sure enough, one of those calls was made. The ball was lobbed by the opponent and went right to the line. Ty froze and didn't pursue it and just as it landed over the line, the judge announced that it was good. Oh, I could see, but the spectators might not have, the fire that was in Ty's eyes. That cost him a point and I knew he fumed. I prayed that he would move on and not let it distract him. The next set was pretty much "bump, bump bump" the ball lobbing back and forth. Bryce and I watched quietly and I could almost sense when Ty would grow impatient with this routine and apply some strategy to to placing the ball. Watching Ty's response to the opponent's strategy was important too. The guy was good. He had that lower body strength and could move around the court with agility and speed. Ty got him though, a couple of excellent shots just put Ty in the lead. And then, yet another foul call was made. In fact, Ty was so sure of it he refrained from taking the shot and extended his arms indicating it was not good as soon as it landed just over the line. The spectators would have had a hard time from certain positions but Bryce and I saw it. We saw it clearly.
That was when things blew up. Ty raised his hands along with his racket at the judge and yelled "Bad form! Bad form! That ball was out!" but the judge wasn't having it. He demanded the game resume. Ty shook his head, "no!"
"Uh oh" said Bryce. I sat motionless, except to look back at Mom and Bill who were on the edge of their seats. I think Bill wanted to get up but Mom was holding his arm. Ty walked off the court and spoke to his coach. The coach was agreeing with him but Ty was hot. The judge yelled "Resume match!". Ty walked back out onto the court and just as the opponent took the ball from the ballboy, Ty gently sat his graphite tennis racket down on the ground and then took a seat next to it.
"Oh my God!" yelled Bryce.
"Is this bad?" I asked.
"He is in fucking protest!" Bryce exclaimed. Some girls behind us gasped. Well, really, everyone gasped. You should have seen the look on the judge's face and the opponent started tossing the ball and catching it with impatience. Every phone in the stands was aimed at him. Some were taking videos, others snapping pictures. It would go viral. Bryce and I agreed on that.
The judge exclaimed, standing from his seat, "Match resumes in 30 seconds or a forfeit will be called!" Just a little while later, the athletic director, along with another gentleman walked out onto the court.
"Ladies and gentlemen, having reviewed the live footage, we have determined that the most recent play should have been deemed a foul. In the best interest of the game, and with agreement from the visiting coach, we are granting said point to the home team, to Tyson Breck. The previous call will not be reviewed with further diligence. The match will resume now!" and as he was talking, and all eyes were on him, the judge was replaced with an alternate.
Bryce said that in the normal scheme of things, that would be unheard of but in a semifinals or finals match, tolerance for questionable calls drops fast. I completely understood. Ty took his place on the court and the game resumed. In order to win an additional set had to be played and the opponent took the match.
"Aw shit," I said, as we stood and applauded the game. Ty approached the net and shook Smug Guy's hand. I briefly wanted to shed a tear. I know how it felt, and I know how HE felt. It wasn't the end of the road, however. If the home team won the next match, Ty would play in the finals. If the next match was lost, they wouldn't have enough points to proceed. I wanted to go to him but I didn't know if I could. I wanted to touch him and show him some love. I thought it might be best if we waited for some "alone" time. .
That moment did arise when Ty came in, filthy sweaty, his clothes damp. Mom hugged him and so did Bill. I was next in line and I took my turn.
"Son," said Bill, "I don't know if I will live long enough to see such a sight again. Part of me wanted to jerk a knot in you and the other part wanted to stand and cheer. You stood up for yourself, despite the consequences, and that's nothing more or less than a man does. I'm proud of you," and Ty hugged him again. He didn't say anything though.
He headed upstairs and went to his room. I quietly entered behind him.
"Please don't say anything," he said. I nodded that I understood. "I just really need a hot shower," he said, pulling off his clothes. I ran to the bathroom and turned the shower on for him so the water would warm up. I grabbed a clean, pressed towel from under the cabinet and threw his towel from this morning into the hamper. He came into the bathroom and smiled.
"Wow, that's the sweetest thing," he said, throwing the towel over the brass curtain rod and he stepped in. When he had watered down, I took his washcloth with the body wash and washed him from behind. I started at his neck and washed down his back, pressing into the tense areas of his back. Then I washed his fleshy bum. I remained dressed and only got a little backsplash. This was not sexual. This was comfort and I quickly pieced together how valuable it was.
He turned his back to the spray and rinsed the fresh body wash away then he leaned toward the door and kissed me. "Thank you, babe. That was perfect," he said and I closed the shower curtain to let him resume his shower.
Monday came and it was time for the dreaded return to school. Ty drove me since I really couldn't do it myself. Fortunately, the cast was coming off tomorrow and with a boot, I could drive again. I felt some anxiety when we pulled into the parking lot. It was funny because I had never parked in this lot myself. I grabbed my bag and headed in with him. The mood ini the hallways was I had mostly expected. There were greeters and well wishers. Some said "Great interview on TV. You looked good!" I passed many who didn't say anything at all. It wasn't a rude gesture, it was the grand scheme of things. If you didn't need me for anything, you wouldn't have anything to say. Ty was one getting all the high fives. His protest video had just about gone viral and everyone was buzzing about his "sit down" on the court video.
The homeroom teacher welcomed me and said the interview last week was really magnificent. Ginny met me at my locker after second period and gave me a big hug. One of the football players walked by and said, "get a room you two," that dreaded cliche someone always has to issue.
"I couldn't afford one nice enough for this gal," I said in return. She smacked my arm.
"You look so much better than when I saw you last. You must be doing better," she said. I would have to invite her out sometime, especially to make up for the homecoming dance thing. She said we could catch up later.
Later, in 4th period, the secretary came on the intercom and asked me to come to Principal Dillard's office. "Aw shit," I thought. "Nothing good can come from this," I said, as I hobbled out of class. One of the guys laughed and said, "if you get tired of walking, you can always run!" Everyone cried out.
"And if I'm running," I chimed back, "It will be to catch your sorry ass!" Everyone roared again. The teached snapped for everyone to come to order. When I got to Dillard's office, I found Coach waiting there for me.
"Hey Coach, what's going on?" I asked.
"Josh," said Principal Dillard, "We didn't want you to traverse all the way to the football office today so Coach wanted to meet you here. Why don't you all go into the conference room? It's quiet there," and he gestured toward his little conference room with the table and big screen.
"Josh," said coach, taking a seat at the table, "how are you doing?"
"I'm doing ok. I'm getting around, getting the casts off tomorrow. Things will be much better then. How are you doing, Coach?" I asked in return.
"Well Josh, to say we miss you would be an understatement. You been keeping up the games haven't you?" he asked.
"For the most part. What you all did for me Friday night was really nice. My family really appreciated it."
"I'm glad Josh. Real glad. Seemed like a small thing to do but," and I interrupted him. "No Coach, it was really thoughtful. It was," I said and he smiled appreciatively.
"Listen son, the reason I called you here was to make a proposal to you. If you don't like it, I understand but I'm thinking of the greater good of the team here. You with me?" I nodded that I was. "Josh, we need you. I know you can't play football but you might be able to train," he said leaving that in the air for me. I squinted my eyes, not sure I followed.
"Josh, our quarterback, well, he has real athletic ability, a good throwing arm and strong instincts. He's not applying the intellect I need. He's not executing strong plays. He doesn't have any plays in fact. Everything we have done in the two games since you left has been a damn accident!" and his voice was rising so I knew he was passionate about this. "The boy doesn't focus, won't organize. The team on video looks like mice scurrying around a damn hayfield! I need you Josh, teach this boy. Train him on the plays. Help him find some direction. What do you think?" he asked.
"Well, I don't mind it, would be nice to be useful. How does Mark feel about it?"
"Good question. I mentioned it to him and he only grunted at me. The boy will do what I tell him in the end. Can you come to practice tomorrow afternoon?"
"No, I'm getting this cast off late tomorrow but I can possibly come Wednesday."
"Ok, let's do that. All I'm going to ask, Josh, is that we get three good plays down. Your's, mine, I don't care." We parted ways and I felt a little excited. This was a chance for me to at least be involved. Mark would have to get his ass in line if I had anything to do with it. Later that night at dinner, I was excited to have some good news. Mom and Bill both seemed pleased. I had little to nothing to report on my first day at school. I had quite a bit of makeup work to deal with.
Ty had triple duty with chorus, tennis, and school. It was a busy week. He came home Tuesday and, during dinner, informed us that Jordan Rose was stopping by that evening. That was a big surprise.
"Huh?" I asked. "Jordan Rose is coming here? For what?"
"He said he wants to talk to me so I said come on by. We're friends, you know," he said like I was supposed to already know that he was so well connected, that the Point Guard for the colonels basketball team would just stop by with just a casual notice. I hadn't even met him yet.
So when Jordan rang the bell, Ty opened the door and welcomed him in. He was a tall, hunk of a guy, beautiful black skin, hair neatly cropped, gorgeous smile. Oh yeah, and he's a great basketball player! The stud came in wearing khakis and an oversized sweater and some fashionably expensive tennis shoes
"Hey Ty you tennis rebel, how you doing? Don't think I haven't seen that video of you on the court Sunday. Man, was I proud of you!" Then he looked at me, "Josh, man, it's outrageous what happened. My guys and I grieved, man. We grieved!" I shook his hand and thanked him. Ty took him into the living room and asked him if he wanted anything to drink. He said no. Mom and dad came in. Ty introduced everyone even though he had met Bill before. I told them I would see them later and left them to talk.
Later that night, he stretched out on my bed and explained that some of the basketball team had adopted him like the football team. He was at all their games and Jordan just loved him. Ty admitted that last year, he had an infatuation with Jordan and had huge fantasies about him. I didn't blame him. I mean, 6'2", solid muscle, and a face to die for, yeah he was hot. I can only imagine if he were putting his cock down on you, he would be passionate, you would love every minute of it. Ty said it really caused him some distraction because it was a bad crush. He showed me a video on youtube where, during the championship game, Jordan was running down the court and gave Ty a high five when he passed him in the bleachers. He said it was a crowning moment for him but Jordan got his ass chewed out by the coach. I guess the surprises Ty held for me would never fail to astonish me.
So, as it happens, Jordan has a cousin who is a freshman out in Smith County which is a predominantly black community. Jordan had been very close to his cousin, looking out for him, and one day last year the boy, Ricky, had gone missing. They searched for half a day and finally found him out in the woods at the foot of a giant hill. They believed he had fallen but the doctors have indicated it was not a fall. The way he hit his head indicated he went head first and it was suspected that he was pushed. Ricky would never say anything about what happened or who was with him that day. Jordan was adamant that if he ever found out who pushed his little cousin off that ledge would find themselves in a bad predicament. The boy was not a jock. He was smaller but he was artistic and used to play piano, not unlike Ty, but had lost the use of his left arm due to the back injury. He was homeschooled now and didn't get out much. Jordan wanted Ty to go with him one afternoon out there to visit. He thought, after what happened to Ty, he might relate. Ty said he was all in, would be glad to go.
"I want to go," said Ty. "I told him I would think about it but I don't think I really need to. I feel a calling," he said thoughtfully.
"Go," I said. "I wouldn't blame you one bit. You ok with Jordan? I mean, you're getting into some personal space with him," I said carefully, trying to avoid being judgemental.
"Oh yeah, I'm ok. Didn't I tell you I have a thing for the best QB ever seen at Brumfield?" he said, poking my arm.
"A thing? Is that what it is? I'm not sure what that ex quarterback would think if he heard you say that."
"Ok, so more than a thing, lover," he said, leaning in and kissing the top of my head.
"I'm going to say something a bit selfish. Promise you won't get mad?" He nodded. "It's not always romantic like Saturday night, is it? I mean it looks like there is going to be a lot of time where we, seem, I mean feel, look, I don't know how to say it, NORMAL. Right? I mean, we aren't just piled up in the bed fucking every minute are we?" I asked.
"Nope. Time is not our friend but it doesn't mean I don't think about it, or you," he said.
"Well, as long as I know you're in it with me, that's all that matters right now. Right?"
"You got it. Hey, speaking of time, I'm going to turn in. I'm really sleepy," and fell on top of me and gave me some kissing. Just enough to turn me on. Ha! He left and went down to say good night to the parents. I turned in as well.
After getting the cast off my leg, I felt I had more control of my movement but it was still sensitive and I had to be careful. I met with the quarterback on Wednesday afternoon and needless to say it wasn't a great time. Mark has ability but he has no focus. He sat in the chair and fiddled with the football as we were going over plays. He talked about people and girls he liked. He talked about the games. I couldn't get him to repeat any of the plays back to me. I told him I would want to see some action on the field on Thursday.
Thursday was much the same. He did nothing but act up and show off and he didn't act on any of the plays. At one point I was on the field yelling at him that we were enacting GP (Game play) 3. I practically spoon fed him the movements. He finally did get it but it seemed it was a "one and only" time. I finally left the field and walked over the side and sat on a bench. The coach came running over.
"Hey! Hey Josh, what are you doing? Come on, let's get back out there and get these plays sorted out!" He stopped directly in front of me and said, "Come on, Josh, don't give up. This could be important to us."
"Coach, it has to be important to him if it's gonna mean anything. Look at where my playbook is!" I shouted and I pointed to the field. My playbook that I had worked on for years was laying open, face down in the damp grass. Mark was over on the other side of the field horsing around with some guys from defense. The coach looked at it then looked at me and grimaced. He walked over and picked it up and brought it to me. I got up and walked back down the track to my car. I figured it would be the last time I would walk off a football field.
When I got home, I skipped dinner. I went to my room and stayed there. Of course everyone checked on me but I had little to say. I went to school Friday and it was a blur. I had barely seen Ty that week and I was missing him. The haze cleared a bit, Friday afternoon, when I got a call from Bryce. He told me to be at the game Friday night, on the sidelines, and in an Assistant Coach jersey. Be prepared to coordinate plays one, three, and five. They were not the hardest plays but they could make a difference. I wasn't sure what was going on but I told Mom I was going and she and Bill routed me on. They didn't come, which was fine with me. Ty was there with Tristan I knew but I hadn't told him about my participation.
I don't know who or what changed Mark's attitude but he was eager and ready. I gave him simple instructions in short group huddles and oddly enough, he executed. I mean, he really EXECUTED. Perhaps they threatened to beat him or something more nefarious. I don't know if it was the coach or the team but Mark had a willing attitude. The game was a success. The final score was 21-14 and the crowds roared. Oh God how I missed that sound! It was like the greatest sedative of all time. The streak was still on and it appeared to everyone there was light at the end of the tunnel. There was still room for improvement, however. On the way to the locker room, the coach yelled for Mark and me to join him in his office. The team groaned as if that meant trouble.
When we entered the coach started to speak but I interrupted, "Mark, I want to tell you that was a hell of a show out there tonight. I don't know what changed but the team really seemed to have its act together tonight and you were running it. It was awesome to see." He didn't say anything.
"Mark," coach said, "Josh here has picked up on my sentiments exactly! The spirit and cooperation was nothing less than I expect at any game and you showed real focus tonight. My question is, was it an accident or is it sustainable?" Mark didn't say anything. He just looked at us both. "Understand the question son? Can you do it again or was it a one time occurrence?" the coach shouted.
"I can do it again," Mark shouted back. "It felt good, coach. It snapped. Josh did it!" he said. Yeah, coach, Josh, I can do it again." He looked at me, "Josh, will you help me again like you did tonight?"
"Welp," I said, "for a small fee, I can do anything!" and he and the coach cracked up. With the proverbial pat on our butts, Coach told us we were dismissed. Out in the hall, Mark stopped me and said, "Listen Josh, I'm real sorry for how I acted this week. I was a jerk and I know it. I mean, I didn't like it when they made you quarterback and then I saw you were, like, the best ever. Then, I get called in to be your replacement which I resented too. Trying to do this in your shadow ain't easy. I felt like a joke. You know what I'm saying?" I nodded. "But Josh, that guy hitting you with a car, well, you didn't deserve that and I am really sorry that happened too."
"Thanks Mark, I appreciate that and I totally get your point. Put yourself in my shoes. How do you think I feel watching you getting to have all the fun while I sit on the sidelines? We have about the same problem. So, if you'll get out there and do the best you can for the team, I'll help you. We together on this?" I asked. He nodded and gave me a half hug. He wasn't a bad guy, just hard headed.
Saturday was a most peculiar day. I was riding high after the previous night. Bill said he was very proud of my willingness to get in there and support the team. Ty didn't say much. Well, he hadn't said much in the last few days. I didn't press him. One of the guys on the team had challenged him for his number 3 seat on the team and Ty had lost which bumped him back to number 4. There was a good chance he would not play in the championship match.
He drove out to the club early Saturday to meet with the team and do some workout. Bill roped me into yard work. We had reached that time in the year when everything had to be cut back. We cut back shrubs, grass, and the azaleas. There were so many azaleas. Then we had to go back around and pick up all the droppings. It was well after lunch by the time we finished. By the time we finished, I was a hot sweaty mess. The day started out so cool but it warmed up and I didn't mind helping Bill. He wanted us to get it done but he was a chatter so we talked along the way. It helped pass the time and hard labor.
I went upstairs and took a shower and came back down for a sandwich. Mom asked where Ty was. I didn't know. Bill said he thought he would go shopping after tennis but would have been home by then. I didn't like the feeling that was creeping over me. "Where's Ty?" was that question that I never wanted to say again. I texted him, "Hey where are you?" There was no immediate response. "Oh come on Ty," I said to myself. "Just answer the fucking text," I thought. Fifteen minutes later, there was still no response. I texted again, "Ty, where are you?" Well, I did this two more times and it was almost 2 pm. "Fuck!" I got in the car and headed out, not sure where he would be.
I drove over to Tristan's house and there were no cars there. I drove over to Gallery Mall to the side of Macy's where Ty parks. It gets him the fastest access to his stores, the Banana, Express, and Vineyard. Didn't see his mini cooper. Then I remembered, shopping for his Christmas store so I headed out toward University Blvd. It took forever to get through the stoplight because there was a lot of traffic. I turned onto University and drove past one of the thrift stores Ty liked so much and just down the block, I spotted him. He and Tristan were sitting on a park bench, eat ice cream, and WHAT THE FUCK! They were hanging out with two college guys. They were wearing fraternity sweatshirts. Aw fucking Hell! I almost hit the car in front of me. I should have done it to get their attention. Would have caused Bill insurance problems so I'm glad I didn't. I drove forward and found a parking place on the next block.
I eased up the sidewalk, trying to hide anything was wrong. As I got close, I heard Tristan yell out, "Hey Josh!" and he stood and waved. Ty looked dismayed.
"What's up guys?" I asked. The college boys looked at me silently.
"Uh, Josh, what are you doing here?" Ty asked.
"Well, after texting you a bunch of times, the parents getting worried, thought I better come find you," I responded.
"Aw nice," said a college boy, "You have a baby sitter," he said and the other one laughed adding, "a nanny!"
"Not now, but thanks," I said pointing at the two.
"Josh, we're just here chatting and eating ice cream. Its not a big deal," Ty said.
"Well if you just responded to the texts, I wouldn't be here!" I shouted.
"Hey dude, I don't think Tyson here needs you towering over him," he said. The other one looked at me funny then asked, "Hey weren't you the guy on the tv last week?"
"Yes, that was me. And we have been through some stuff and your commentary isn't particularly useful here. So go find some other 16 year olds to pester!" I snapped. Ok, they took off pretty quick. Last thing they needed was trouble with 16 year olds. It was kind of funny actually.
"Damn it Josh, that was totally fucked up!" Ty snapped at me.
"If you want to see "fucked up"," I said, "take a good look at how this looked to me!" and I turned and walked away. I didn't stop until I got to my car and once inside the car I said all the shit I wanted to say back there. And then some!
By the time I got home I was in a terrible mood. Has he broken up with me and didn't tell me? What is this stupid shit where I get one good day and three bad ones? Why can't people just do what they're supposed to and keep things simple? I mean, seriously, hanging out with college boys again? Did I push him to it?
I was hanging out in my room with no particular plan when I heard Ty come in. I didn't hear him come upstairs so he must have been very quiet. I could hear him puttering around in his room sorting out bags of things. Then there was a knock at my door from the bathroom.
I got up and opened the door, "What's up?" I asked.
"Hey Josh, I'm not sure what happened today but I think it was a big misunderstanding. Really," he said.
"On whose part?"
"Both of ours?" he said, questioning the answer. "In any case, I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"Well, for, I don't know, giving you the wrong impression this afternoon. That wasn't anything it looked like. I know it must have looked shitty to you," he said.
"Doesn't matter how it looked, Ty. What matters is what happened. You were rude, disrespectful, you made me come look for you after you promised you never would, and on top of that, you threw two college boys in my face. Just seems we went from 60 to 0 since our homecoming date. I basically had two decent days this past week and haven't talked to you in three days. I hope you had a good time."
"I'm really sorry, Josh," he said.
"I hope so," I said, as I gently closed the bathroom door.