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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 43
Obviously, I didn't sleep a wink. All sorts of scenarios played out in my head. What if they agree with Brett? What would Bill say? What if they expelled me? What would UVA say? What if his parents try to sue us? Oh the possibilities went on and on. I heard my mom rummaging around in the kitchen so I slipped downstairs. It was early, like 6 am. Up to now I hadn't said anything about yesterday because I didn't want it to upset Ty, he would somehow believe it was his fault. I walked into the kitchen and mom looked up at me with surprise.
"It's so early, hon!" she said, as I took a seat at the kitchen island.
"I know it. I couldn't sleep and another minute in that bed was going to make me crazy," I said.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, coming over to give me a closer look. She wiped my messy hair down.
"You might want to sit," I said.
"Oh lord," was her only reply.
"Principal Dillard called me yesterday, mom. He told me that Brett Winter had filed harassment charges against me," and I dropped my face into my hands.
"Josh!" she hissed. "I can't believe that, not after everything you've told us. What else did Ed say?"
"He talked to me first and got all the messages and pictures from my phone and said he wanted the layout of things before he met with them."
"That sounds very fair to me. You know Mr. Dillard is very smart, very fair. He knows you, Josh. I think you will get a very fair shake in this. Having to tell Brett's family that he's bat shit crazy is going to take some strategy, son," and she laughed a bit. "I don't envy your principal. He has a tough job."
"I haven't done a damn thing wrong mom. I want you and Bill to trust that. I just don't like being called names. It really hurt my feelings," I said.
"I know it does. You have always been sensitive and you have every right to be hurt but don't let it drag you down. Go through your day and keep your eyes on the ball. It is much too close to the end of year to let this knock you down." She kissed my cheek. "You're so well Josh. We are so proud of you. You know that?"
"Yes ma'am, thank you." I said. Feeling very brave, I handed my phone to mom to show her Diesel's message to me from the basketball game Saturday. I hadn't told her about our second exchange. She read it then smiled at me.
"I hoped he would come through, Josh. I know Diesel took a big blow when we left but it sounds like he's "manning up." I was thinking we would go down Sunday to see your grandmother since she's back. Maybe you can get a few minutes with him then.
"Yep, that's cool. I'll go with you and check on old Granny!" and mom laughed and swatted me with her hand. "That's not nice!" she said. "Now Josh, about Saturday, Julie Chatley and I are going to the flower show and then they are coming with Bill and me to dinner. I trust you have things in hand for the basketball game Saturday. It's going to be a big one!"
"Yeah, it will be a huge attendance thing since they are undefeated. There will be a party afterwards. I may have some friends over Friday night because there's something I have to do. It's time to bring Kyle back into the mix, reacquaint him with his old friends."
"That's fine. Have them over. Are you sure he's ready?"
"Yeah, I think he is. I want him to be part of the game Saturday so I don't have a lot of time."
"Just don't force anyone's response, Josh. This is a cliquish bunch. They may need to absorb, ok? Now go upstairs and get ready for school."
"Got it," I said, and proceeded up the stairs. I eased into Ty's room and he was sleeping. I loved his face when he slept, so peaceful. I bent down, and placed my hand under his head. His eyes opened with a jolt and I planted a deep and sensual kiss on his mouth. I reached down and felt his morning hard on and gave it a good squeeze. He melted in seconds and was kissing me back. Then I stood back up, and said, "Morning!" then headed into the bathroom to take a shower.
"Jerk!" he snapped. I laughed.
We were having some breakfast and talking at the table. Mom's phone rang so she got up and talked in the kitchen to someone from work. Ty got up, and leaned into me and licked my ear which felt amazing but mom was standing in the kitchen with her back to us.
"I want to fuck you, babe," he whispered, then gave my hard crotch a squeeze. He ran upstairs to get his book bag while I was stranded at the table. Mom turned and smiled, indicating she wished this call would end quickly. She told the person she was talking to that she would see them in the office and came back to the table.
"Where were we?" she asked, unaware that Ty had left me with a raging boner. He would have to pay for this.
The school day was passing normally with no sign of Brett and no word from Principal Dillard. I was edgy but kept control of myself. Mr. Burch asked if I would like to join him for lunch on Wednesday which excited me. I went to the job Tuesday afternoon and Kyle pulled up to pick up the used towels from the weekend.
"Christ, did you all wash some cars Saturday or what?" he exclaimed when he saw how many there were. I laughed.
"Something like that," I said.
"Hey Kyle, I don't want to worry you but, what are you doing Friday night?"
"Nothing so far. What are you planning, Warner?" he asked suspiciously.
"Umm" was all I could muster.
"Fuck, is it that time?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's that time. The big game is on Saturday and what an opportunity for you to enjoy it with us, us meaning your friends. Come on, Kyle. Do it," I pleaded.
"I'll think about it. I'll text you tomorrow. I know what you're trying to do and it seems easy and grand in your mind. It's a whole different world for me, you know." I decided to press the point with physical affection. I reached over and squeezed his arm.
"It will be a whole different world for you, man, to meet your friends again. It will be for them too!" He nodded.
"Will let you know tomorrow," he said, and I let go of him. He took the fresh towels from his van and placed them on the clean shelf and said he would talk to me later. I knew that I was pushing him hard on this but time was short these days. It was "now or never" if I was going to accomplish this. Oh how I wished I could warn the group. They were all stoked to come over Friday. It was really going to be a big party, for Ty and me, to have the whole gang over. There was a small part of me that was hoping the harassment charges would be settled and I wouldn't have that hanging over my head.
Ty slipped into my room that night and while I was somewhat in the mood to chat, he wasn't. He was sucking my dick and I thought he was going to finish me off when he slipped two lubed fingers into my ass. Ok, I knew then he had some more on his mind.
He climbed on top of me, and pushed himself between my legs. "I hope you don't mind, lover but I want you tonight," and he began kissing me and pushing into me. Dang I was glad I cleaned up before turning in. He was pushy and didn't stop until he had pushed himself into me. I loved how he fucked, short, quick stabs, his hands resting beside my head. I wrapped my arms around his narrow body and loved how he felt. He whimpered in my ear when he came and it was such a turn on. He stayed with me a while before returning to his bed.
On Wednesday, I had lunch with Keith Bruch in his classroom.
"There's something I want to tell you about but I'm not supposed to say anything," I said.
"You are referring to the charges levied by Mr. Winter, right?" he asked.
"So you know?"
"Of course. I have permission from Dillard to talk to you."
"I should have known," I laughed. "My guardian student teacher!"
"That's nice. I like that," he said. "So, the charges are going to drop, Josh. It's not even a close call. He attempted to deflect his own misdeeds by throwing off on you. That is rarely a successful strategy. His parents are livid that he embarrassed them, and well, he's really in a bad state, Josh."
"I don't understand his thinking through any of this," I said. I showed him the pics and messages on my phone. Keith shook his head.
"He doesn't understand them either, which is the problem. There are two kinds of mental states, I think, and when we understand them, we can make better choices and react with better judgment," Keith said.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, there is the mean person, the person who has been mistreated, is regretful about their life and situations, and they take it out on other people. They think there will be some satisfaction by making others suffer."
"The bullies," I interjected.
"Exactly. Then there is the person whose synapses aren't firing properly. Maybe there is a chemical imbalance or some use of drugs has altered their mental state. In those cases, their illogical actions are very difficult to anticipate and to respond to. It's very sad because they truly cannot help it. Dillard and I agree that Brett is a very intelligent young man with a very analytical mind. His mathematical aptitude is amazing but his interpersonal relationships are all marred by ridiculous actions. The principal is very worried about him. And hopefully now, his parents will find him help. I hope you understand Josh, that how we judge people who are not in control has to be different then how we judge the mean dogs, you get what I'm saying?"
"I do. You want both of them to get what they deserve but I guess what I'm thinking is that if the mentally person gets the right help, they might be able to carry on while the criminal mind might always be a criminal because society doesn't have much help for them. Is that about right?"
"Yes, Josh, that is exactly right. I take huge interest in understanding these matters so that one day, when I'm Principal Dillard, I will know how to assess and decide. It affects your ability to manage relationships in all aspects of life."
"That's cool. I get that. So is the principal going to call me back in?"
"He said that if our conversation went well and you accepted that it's over then he doesn't need to see you again. If you feel compelled to go back to his office, you are welcome to but he's tied to confidentiality so he's not going to discuss Brett with you. Ok?"
"Sure I get that and I don't need to go back in there. It rattles my nerves too much," I said and Keith laughed.
"It does mine too!" he quipped.
"So you know a lot about what's been happening in my life. Don't you think my situation looks a little unhinged sometimes?" I asked.
"The drama you have experienced this year is above average, Josh," and he stopped to think for a few minutes, and took some bites of his lunch. "But, and I'm treading cautiously here so bare with me. I think you're experiencing life, and whether you are making up for lost time, or you are just the kind of guy who pushes the envelope to resolution, you are moving the needle for yourself, and for Ty. Nothing ever just rests with you. You manipulate it, almost bat it around like a cat does with its toy. You are rather amazing really," he said.
"Ok, that's kind of funny to hear. Why is it amazing?" I asked.
"Because Josh, you get guys, well guys like me, wondering...wondering what you might really be like, in an intimate situation. I'm not suggesting I need to find that out in reality," and he laughed in a fake sort of way. "I'm just saying that with you, anything is possible. You will get burned one time by pushing that envelope but you will learn from it. If we had classrooms loaded with students like you, we would be educating a "think-tank" I have no doubt."
"Wow, that is like the coolest thing I've ever been told. Thank you. But you're not just some innocent by-stander either, are you. You like this sort of thing, mentoring, and being in the know. You like this, don't you? Like me." I said, with some confidence. I was pushing the envelope again, as he had just described.
"Yes I do, in fact. He leaned forward and with a definite voice of sincerity, replied, "I enjoy these sessions more than you know," then he leaned back in his chair. Ok, I wasn't sure if he knew it or not, but I was hard. I mean, raging. I wondered if his flattering remarks were all that it took to get me aroused or if it was this super handsome, smart man. Well there would be no answer to that. I was off the hook and that was the best news I could have received.
Before I left the class to get ready for 5th period, I looked back at him and said, "I like these sessions a lot too. A lot," I said, then I headed out before I said something stupid.
I texted mom and told her I was in the clear. I texted Diesel and told him I was coming to town Sunday, could we meet for a few minutes. I texted Kyle and gave him the details for Friday night, and that we would plan his entrance so that he was comfortable, even though he hadn't responded yet. I was filled with a new confidence. I don't think I'm egotistical but sometimes a little flattery like Keith had shared just fills me up, gives me wind. Can anyone else relate to that?
Tristan bumped into me in the hall.
"Hey Josh!" he chirped.
"Hey Gorgeous," I whispered into his ear. He blushed, being so surprised at the complement. I walked Ginny down the hall to the last period. Not that I don't do things like this just any time but today felt really good. To have that "harassment" weight removed from my shoulders was just incredible!
I knocked out one full cleaning for a purchased car that was being delivered at 5 pm. I shouted at the guys, "Show me a missed spot today!" and a couple of guys looked it over.
"Nice, Warner. You want a cookie or a gold star?" one of them chuckled.
"Gold star your ass!" I responded and they laughed.
I got a text from Kyle. Friday was a go! "Yeah!" I screamed out and some guys looked at me like I had lost my mind. That made me laugh. Got a text from Diesel that said he would like to see me Sunday. Wow, the moons were finally orbiting around me as they should!
Because of the excitement headed our way, the school and work days went by like a cloud. Ty's tennis season had progressed into matches and his first match was Thursday afternoon. It was windy which made tennis a little tricky but he was ready. He had landed as the fourth seat on his team which really pissed him off. There wasn't anything I could say that would make him feel better. I could only encourage him to get ready to challenge the 3rd seat player and take the seat back. We both knew that some of these guys had private tennis lessons at the club and so they played year round. Ty did not go in for lessons so the effort was all up to him. He said that the 5th seat player was going to challenge him for his seat which meant he would have to defend his seat while going for the 3rd. Lot going on there. I did feel bad because I couldn't watch his first match because I had to work. He said he completely understood that. There would be plenty of matches coming up. He was going to do some running with Tristan to increase his speed and stamina.
That being said, Friday came. Mom had shopped for burgers, fries, and salads so we got busy preparing. Bill was going to manage the grill. I did some chopping for the salad per Ty's instructions. Kyle was the first to arrive, as planned. When I opened the door, Ty was standing at the top of the stairs.
"Oh Kyle!" he shouted when he saw Kyle come in.
"Hey man," he said to me and looking up at Ty who bounced down the stairs to the foyer.
"Kyle Davis! I am so glad to see you!" he shouted. He threw his arms around Kyle who almost fell backwards.
"Damn Ty, I didn't know you missed me so much!" Kyle said, almost being smothered by Ty. When Ty pulled back, he took a long look at Kyle.
"Wow you look so good. He really is a stud, isn't he Josh?" Ty said, laughing.
"Totally," I said.
"Dang, I wish I knew this kind of homecoming was coming. Do you think the others will be happy to see me?" he asked.
"Oh yes. I'm sure of it," Ty said. I led him back to the kitchen and introduced Kyle to my mom and Bill. Bill had some questions about how his dad was doing and what not. We led Kyle upstairs and showed him to our den. The crowd was expected any minute and we wanted everyone here when he came down.
When the doorbell rang, we knew the game was on. "Wait here," I told him. Bryce and Lisa were the first two to arrive and Ginny came in right after them. Jack and Tristan arrived with Jason Perrow which was cool. Caleb came at Ty's invitation and he looked a little out of place but everyone was nice to him. He didn't get invited to things often so he seemed really happy that he got to some to our house. Everyone was hanging around the kitchen and in the family room and mom was pouring drinks. This was a clean party so no beer and wine, haha. Mom and Bill took their cue and headed upstairs to the den. I saw Kyle step out into the hall.
"Hey everybody, can I get your attention?" and they were still talking.
"Hey!" I shouted and everyone looked at me. I was standing at the bottom of the steps. "What is it, Warner?" Bryce yelled back.
"I have a little surprise for everyone. Working the part time job has caused me to meet new people and when I met this guy, I felt like, wow, this was huge. I wished I had known more about him sooner!. So I want my new friend to come down and say hello!" Everyone was still and quiet. I know they were wondering who the new guy was.
When Kyle came into view, you could have heard the gasp go around the room. Eyes were wide and mouths dropped open.
Lisa was the first to speak, "Oh yeah it's Kyle Davis! Yeeaah!" she shouted like a cheerleader.
"Oh my God," I heard Tristan mutter under his breath.
Bryce stood up from the wing chair he had been sitting in.
"What the fuck is he doing here?" Bryce shouted.
"Bryce, my parents are upstairs!" Ty shouted back.
"Who cares?" said Bryce, not moving.
"Should've known Bryce would be the first to spout off!" said Kyle. Everyone was completely frozen.
"Well I'm not the one who ditched on his friends, am I!" Bryce snarled and oh God, I had hoped for something better than this. Bryce edged his way across the room.
"Maybe someone can find you a snot rag for you to wipe your nose with!" replied Kyle, bracing for Bryce's approach. My muscles tensed and I could feel the tension in the room
"So you finally have the nerve to show your face, after all this time," said Bryce, leaning into Kyle's face, with crossed arms.
"I see you still got game," Kyle said, starting to laugh a little. My eyes squinted as I was suspicious that something was going on. Bryce threw his arms around Kyle and they hugged. Everyone breathed again and the crowd migrated toward them. Ginny and Lisa were patting him on the shoulders as Bryce wouldn't let him go. Tristan was standing next to me and I looked over to him.
"You're a real mother fucker, aren't you Josh?" Tristan said. "You can do just about anything, can't you?" he asked with laughter.
"Yep, I can," I said. Tristan walked up to the back of the group.
"Hey everybody! Hey!" he shouted. Everyone got quiet and looked at Tristan. "I'm the smallest guy in the room and I need to see him too. Make room!" he said.
"Damn Tristan," said Kyle. "Oh God, I missed you, Tristan. I didn't know it til I saw you," he said, extending his arms. Tristan fell into his arms and looked so happy. Jack looked at me with curiosity.
"Don't worry, Jack. They're old friends," I told him. When Tristan pulled away, he looked like he was going to cry. Kyle was smiling so big.
"Kyle," Tristan said, "I want to introduce you to my boyfriend, Jack Trent," and led him to Jack.
"Pleased to meet you, Jack," said Kyle.
"Likewise," said Jack, who just didn't understand the situation. When Kyle moved on to speak to Ginny and Lisa, I told Jack how Kyle had been the previous quarterback and that he left school having had surgery on his shoulder.
"Oh, I see," said Jack. "So he hasn't been back since or seen any of his friends?" Jack said.
"Nope, he went down a rabbit hole and exiled himself, so after meeting him, I thought it was time to bring him back," I said.
"Oh wow, so it is a big deal!" Jack said. I nodded. Kyle was meeting Jason and Caleb then. The parents came down the stairs.
"Homecoming done? Let's get some burgers going!" said Bill. Everyone cheered. Kyle had a captive audience while he explained the surgery, the issues with his dad, although he was tactful about that. He talked about South Carolina and how great it was to live with his cousin, who kept him active. Bryce was almost sitting on his lap and Tristan was sitting on the floor at Kyle's feet with Jack sitting by him, eating their burgers on the coffee table. It was a "cozy" thing. I walked into the kitchen where mom was cleaning up.
"You did good honey. Looks like everyone is having some fun." I just nodded. Tristand and Ty came in to bring their empty plates.
"Thank you, Josh," Tristan said. "I have never been happier to see anyone."
"You were one of the first he asked about," I said. Tristan blushed.
"How could you keep this from me?" Tristan said, looking at Ty.
"Josh swore me to secrecy," Ty said.
"Some secrets might be worth it, Tristan. Don't you think?" mom asked.
"Yes ma'am, this was a good one for sure!" he said with a little dance and skirted back into the family room. The entertainment was built into the night. Neither Ty nor I had to do a single thing. The parents retired upstairs to our den while we hung out as a bunch downstairs. Kyle got to tell a story then someone had to tell one in return. It went late into the night.
"Thanks Ty for letting me come. Everybody was really, well, really cool tonight. It has been so nice. I mean it," Caleb said before heading home.
Ginny said her goodbyes to all of us after having a long conversation with my mom. She had made her collegiate decision and she was going to Duke University. She felt like it would give her the college and masters programs she wanted.
"Hey," Ty said, "I'm really glad you came too," and Ty walked him to his car. Bryce and Lisa were the last two to remain.
"I don't want to go home," Bryce said. "I need several more hours with you, dude," he said to Kyle.
"Plenty of time, Bryce," and he walked Bryce to the foyer and I could hear him and I was glad to hear him. "I hope you will one day forgive me for taking off. You were always one of my best friends. I should have done things differently," Kyle said. "You all treated me like a hero missing in action tonight but I was really a limp noodle, a coward. I'm sorry," he said.
"We all go through shit," said Bryce. "I have to put up with this one and his craziness every fucking day!" Bryce said, pointing to me. I nodded, indicating I heard him.
"And we're going to talk about that damn curse too, Bryce Chatley!" I snapped. Kyle laughed.
"You're back and that's all I need, brother," Bryce said, and scooted out the door quickly before I could say any more. Could I get that from Diesel on Sunday, I wondered. Could we reunite with such ease? I could only hope.
"Bye, Kyle. So glad you're coming tomorrow. Big day!" Lisa shrilled and headed out behind Bryce.
"She has changed," said Kyle, coming back into the room with Ty and me. "She's really settled," he said. Ty pointed to me, "it was him!" he said.
"I figure it was. Seems Josh here has mad people skills because she's hot, and well, so is Ginny, to be honest!" Kyle said.
"We call him Dr. Phil," Ty said laughing.
"Ewww, don't start that!' I snapped.
"Got to head out back to the lake. Got an early day tomorrow," Kyle said. We walked him to his truck.
"Look Josh, I don't have to tell what tonight means to me, do I?" he asked.
"Nope, you don't have to say a thing. I think everyone is really happy tonight. The missing piece has been found." I watched him choke for a second as I knew that feeling all too well. Ty gripped his arm.
"Later little man," he said, climbing into his truck and pulling away.
"You were Little Man to them all, weren't you?" I asked. Ty laughed and nodded.
Saturday I woke up and shook Ty awake.
"Yard work, little man," I said. He rolled his eyes and tried to roll back over to sleep. "Meet you downstairs in ten minutes!" I said. I went down and passed mom who was drinking coffee. I guess I never thought about it but my mom was always downstairs drinking coffee. You couldn't hear their shower from our rooms so I never knew she was up and about.
Assessing the yard, I could see where the grass had grown only slightly. Given the time of the year, it might not need mowing every Saturday, which would be nice for a few more weeks anyway. I walked over to the flower beds and noticed what bed was referring to. Weeds, weeds, and more weeds. Ty came rambling out the door in sweats.
"Don't you look so cute and peachy this morning?" I said.
"Don't you have a mouth that won't quit!" he replied. I cracked up laughing. "It's cold out here too," Ty said.
"Listen, babe," I said, putting my arms around him to warm him. He liked that as I could feel his irritability slip away as he groaned, "hmmmm."
"Hey Ty, the grass hasn't grown so I'm not going to mow it. Instead, I'm going to help pull these weeds. The backyard is worse than the front so if we make a good stab at it, your dad will be happy. K?" He nodded. "Go in the garage and get those gloves off the shelf. Get both pairs. It's easier pulling weeds with gloves on, and get a bucket to put the weeds in!"
Yard Work being done, I headed to work. Ty reported later that Bill was thrilled with the effort and the progress. He said he would be out there next week but last night had exhausted him and he needed to work this morning in the office. Mom was going to the flower show with Mrs. Chatley this afternoon and neither Ty nor I found that very interesting. Yuck! I got through the day and headed home to shower and change. It was a close schedule thing but work understood this was a big game. In fact, several of the employees from the dealership were taking off to attend.
So Ty and I drove together to the game. Parking was a nightmare. People were there as early as an hour before the game, getting good parking and good seats. The concession stands had people lined up for drinks and food. It was crazy. We found Bryce and Lisa, then Ginny, and the rest of the gang appeared. We found Kyle waiting in the concession line.
"Pig!" said Bryce.
"This is my lunch asshole. I guess your mother made you chicken and biscuits for lunch!" Kyle barked. We all cracked up. We found seats in the bleachers and Kyle joined us, carrying two hotdogs and a large drink. It felt good to be in the gang today. It was a great day for a basketball game.
And while no one is here to listen to a play by play account of the basketball game, I can tell you two things. First, there was no drama. My friends were loving the game and cheering the team all the way. Second, Brumfield won that game with two overtimes, neck and neck all the way. And I don't have to tell you that the crowd went crazy. I have seen this kind of response before, from football fans. Jordan Rose gave it his all and he asked for nothing less from his team and I have to admit, I found a whole new appreciation for basketball. With the team all bouncing around him, I watched as Jordan slowly bent forward and rested his arms on his knees as sweat soaked his face and jersey.
"He looks tired," I remarked.
"I hope he gets used to it because this will be every game next year!" Bryce replied.
"And then some when March Madness rolls around!" said Jack. Still, there is an exhaustion that comes with that level of play, both physical and mental fatigue. Fuck, how I missed that. I haven't been truly worn out since we won that game against the Mountaineers.
"He'll be ready," said Ricky. "He knows what's what," he added. Ricky had to climb down the bleachers to get to the floor to find his mom. The crowds were gathering all along the court and it was a crowded mess. Just as I was about to suggest to the group we get moving, Bryce tapped me on the shoulder and pointed way down to the end of the bleachers. Brett Winter was standing with some guys, not looking our way at all, or paying any attention to us.
"So he finally shows his coward face," I said.
"Come on," said Bryce.
"Absolutely not!" I shouted at him. "He is fucking untouchable now, since he filed those charges against me," I said.
"Oh yeah," said Bryce, rubbing his chin. "He probably did that to give himself a safety net."
"You're damn right he did. Punk. No matter, we don't need him for anything," I said.
"Except to jump in the river," Bryce said, laughing.
"And spoil the most excellent fish in there? Hell no! I need to fish in that river again. You know?"
"Anytime man. That was awesome," replied Bryce. We all gathered to make our plans. It was dark out when we left the stadium. I suspected there would be another fifteen minutes to get out of the parking lot, although we were closer to the exit which was good.
"Hey Josh," said Ty, "if you want to head on with Bryce to the party I need to stop by the house and change my shoes. I don't think I can stand in these all evening," he said, lifting a foot to show his foot was sore. I knew there was a blister there from playing tennis in his new tennis shoes.
"I don't mind going with you babe," I said. "Won't take but a minute," I replied.
"Come on, Josh, you can ride with Kyle and me. The party isn't from your house, anyway," Bryce said.
"You sure?" I said to Ty.
"Come straight on to the party," Jack said to Ty. "It's going to be a hot night!" said Tristan and he and Jack headed off to Jack's car. I climbed in the car with Bryce and we headed out to some neighborhood I hadn't been to. They had a modest house but a big backyard. We only found a parking space a couple of streets over. We only waited for Kyle a few minutes before he showed up. I saw some of our friends inside the door. Jack and Tristan had just walked inside. We made our way inside and I texted Ty and said <We are inside. Park on Grove. Let me know when you're close>. Then in response, I got a text response from Ty. <Brett's here. Said he wants to talk to you> I immediately plucked Ty's number and his phone rang and rang then went to voicemail. "Oh fuck!" I yelled, causing people to turn to me. I pressed it again and it went to voicemail again. Bryce and Kyle looked at me.
"What's wrong?" Bryce asked. My hand was shaking as it held my phone. I couldn't take my eyes off it. "What's wrong Josh?" Bryce snapped.
"Brett is at my house and Ty is there alone!" I quipped.
"Oh my God!" replied Bryce. "Come on, let's get back to the car!"
"Where are y'all going?" asked Tristan. "What's wrong?"
"Brett went to the Breck's house and Ty is there by himself," Kyle said to him.
"Hold on!" yelled Tristan.
"No, stay here!" Bryce commanded. We bolted out the door and ran to the car. Bryce had us moving quickly, the engine of his BMW revving down Grove.
"Take the toll!" I yelled.
"Do you think..."
"It's faster. 70 miles per hour verses six stop lights!" A few minutes later we pulled in front of our house. It was dark except for the lights emanating from the kitchen in the rear. Brett's car was parked out front. He was inside. We crept down the side of the house and I peered into the kitchen window to assess what was going on. I couldn't believe my eyes. Brett and Ty were standing in the family room and Brett had a knife pointed at Ty and he was saying something, with a sneer on his face. Ty didn't appear too shaken as he was standing calmly.
"Christ, he's got a knife pointed at Ty," I whispered. Bryce peered in after me.
"Fuck him! Let's get in there and put him down!" Bryce whispered back.
"No, I'm going in. I may be able to diffuse this. You're my backup," I said. "Keep watch!" I said, and I walked to the rear of the house and entered through the kitchen door.
"Ty, how you doing?" I asked.
"I'm ok. Brett came by, and well, he's upset," Ty stuttered.
"What's the problem, Brett?" I asked.
"Well glad you could show up! You know what's the problem. You have made a fool out of me for the last time and I'm sick of it, Josh!" he barked.
"I don't think I set out to make a fool of anyone, Brett. Seems you were the one sending me pics of myself and inappropriate texts. I didn't ask you to do any of that," I said calmly.
"That was not a pic of you!" he shouted. "That was of Ty. Claire didn't even know who you were. Can you imagine NOT knowing the great and wonderful Josh Warner? She just thought it was cute that Ty must have a new boyfriend because she hadn't seen him in a long time."
"I didn't know Claire was in the restaurant. I would have loved seeing her," Ty added, trying to keep conversational.
"When she sent it to me, it dawned on me because I guess I have been slow this year. It wasn't Josh and Ginny. It was Josh and Ty. Of course, Josh and Ty, so cozy on a double date. Lovely!" he shrilled. "I'm was thrilled that no one told me so I would look so stupid!"
"It wasn't about you, Brett. We have kept this from everyone except a few close friends. I never gave you the impression I was interested in you. Whether it was me and Ginny or me and Ty, I have been tied down."
"Well, I think it's ridiculous that you're dating your step brother. You would have been better to venture out some, Josh. Sorry you missed that chance. Maybe Ty won't be so pretty after tonight, you know."
"Brett, I'm just gonna warn you that nothing is happening to Ty tonight and you know it. You might be upset, and well, a little confused but not even you are so dumb to think you can hurt anyone over this," and he pointed the knife my direction.
"You think that?" he asked.
"Besides, I'm not alone. You're going down. It's over, Brett. I'm sorry this has been so hard on you," I said quietly.
"Oh is that the "sweet Josh" line? Who else is here? Looks like you're alone to me!" That's when I gave an arm motion and Bryce and Kyle burst into the kitchen.
"Oh shit," said Brett. I ran quickly into the family room and grabbed Brett from behind. Growing up in the country you learn things like never face off with a guy with a knife. He does have the upper hand. I got my arms around him and tried to restrain him. Bryce in his privileged upbringing did not know this and faced out with Brett, who was waving the knife around wildly despite my hold on him. The knife tagged Bryce's arm and left a clean slice mark causing blood to pool out.
"Oh no!" yelled Ty.
"God damnit!" shouted Bryce and before anyone could do anything, Bryce drew back and punched Brett right in the face. I wasn't clear what damage was done but the force was so strong, Brett and I fell backwards almost hitting the fireplace hearth. Ty and Kyle ran to the kitchen to get towels to wrap Bryce's arm. I crawled out from under Brett, and for one brief moment, I saw a normal, really cute guy, who could have been a great friend or date, who might have had lots of friends but his agony set in and his face contorted and then I remembered who I was looking at.
Wave two bounded through the door. Tristand and Jack came in and gasped. Tristan ran to Ty to help him with Bryce and Jack came over to me and asked, "are you ok?".
"I think so," I said, as we looked down at Brett who was moaning and rubbing his jaw.
Then wave three entered and it was my parents.
"What is going on here!" Bill barked, seeing the commotion taking place. Ty jumped past Kyle and leapt into his dad's arms.
"I'm so glad you came home!" Ty croaked. "Brett came looking for Josh and found me and waved a knife at me. Josh came home and they fought and Bryce got cut," he stammered.
"Bryce! You're bleeding!" shouted mom. She ran to him to see if Ty had wrapped his arm sufficiently. Bill came over and looked down at Brett.
"Why is this boy on the floor?" he demanded.
"Bryce punched him," I said.
"Get up!" Dad said, "and take a seat in that chair." He turned to the rest of us and said, "If everyone is in good shape, stay where you are. We need to take some actions. Kyle, are you fit to drive Bryce to Emergency? Have you been drinking?" Dad asked.
"No sir, I'm good to take Bryce to the hospital," Kyle said.
"Karen, can you get Julie on the phone and let her know Bryce is on the way? I'm going to call 9-1-1." I picked up my phone and dialed Jason Perrow.
"Hey maaan, what's happening?" said Jason in a playful voice.
"Hey Jason, is your dad on duty tonight?" I asked.
"Yeah," Jason replied, taking a more serious tone.
"Can you let him know Bryce Chatley is on his way in with a knife wound?"
"What!" yelled Jason into the phone.
"Just tell your dad to be on the lookout for Bryce,"
"He's being driven!" barked Dad.
"He's not in an ambulance. He's being driven by Kyle Davis," I added.
"Yeah sure. You ok, Josh?"
"Yeah, all good. Will talk to you more later," I said.
Bill looked down at Brett, sitting in the chair.
"Son, I'm Bill Breck and I'm their father. Do you want to call your parents?" he asked, sounding calm.
"No sir," Brett said.
"Let me ask you again, do you NEED to call your parents?" Bill asked, emphasizing the "need."
"Yes sir," Brett said, and he began to cry. He took his phone out of his pants pocket and dialed his parents.
More than an hour and a half later, Brett Winter was gone with his parents and the police. Bryce was stitched with 6 deep wound stitches. Ty and I along with mom cleaned things up. Bill was tucked away in his study.
"You think we should?" Ty asked.
"Yeah, we better," I said.
Ty and I walked quietly through the living room and into the study where Bill sat behind his desk, with just the desk lamp on. There was whiskey in a glass sitting on the desk.
"Um, Dad," I started.
"Shh!" hissed Bill. "Not now, Josh."
"Dad," stuttered Ty.
"Not you, either!" Bill barked. "Can you imagine the road that boy is about to travel down? He snapped. Mom came in and walked past us and around the desk. She knelt by Bill's desk chair.
"Honey," she said. "It's all over. You know these boys did nothing wrong. You know, right?" she asked quietly. He looked up at her and smiled.
"Of course, I know," he said. Bill got up from his chair and came around the desk to us. He put his arms around us.
"Boys," he said to us, "you stood up to him and were very brave. I never felt so "fatherly" as I did when you jumped into my arms," he said to Ty. "And you came running, Josh. Is there anything you won't do when it comes to Ty?" he asked me.
"No," I said quietly.