The following story is gay fiction. If the subject matter is offensive to you or you are too young to legally read it, please exit now. This story is the property of the author and may not be reproduced without permission. See Chapter one for copyright information.
EMPIRE
Chapter Thirty
Ron's office, Wednesday Morning, 8:30 AM
The phone on Ron's desk rang as he returned from the small bar with his second cup of coffee. Reaching for the button that activated the speakerphone, he said, "Yes Margaret?"
"Ron, Jeff Davis is on the line from Houston. He sounds very excited and insists that he speak with you immediately."
"I'll take it," Ron responded pushing the blinking button.
"Hi Jeff," he said in greeting once the connection had been made.
"Ron, are you sitting down?"
"I will if you want," Ron replied as he settled into his high-backed office chair. "Okay, I'm seated. Now what's so important?"
"Was the offer Tony Tegano made to you to include all the assets of Tegano Constructors?" Jeff asked.
"He indicated so," replied Ron.
"Well, we've been pouring over the assets of the company. It appears that Tony's great grandfather didn't believe in keeping all his assets in cash. Over the years in the late 1800's he purchased thousands and thousands of acres all over the country. I'm sure he bought it for little or nothing. He kept the ownership in his small construction company, Tegano and Son, the predecessor of Tegano Constructors. The company kept the stated value of the property at its original cost. I'm sure that over the years it was overlooked with only the accountants who paid the taxes even aware of its existence."
"Do you have any idea of its value?" Ron asked.
"Not yet, but from the size of the properties and their locations, I'd say it was worth several billion dollars."
"Holy smoke!" Ron exclaimed. "I'm sure that Tony has no idea."
"For sure," Jeff replied. "Our guess is that the land is worth more than Tegano Constructors!"
"If it's worth that much," surmised Ron, "the taxes must be enormous. How did those huge taxes go unnoticed?" "It appears that about 25% of the land is leased. The rural farming stuff is leased for only a bit more than the taxes, and the more urban land is leased at a more realistic rate. That revenue was used to offset the taxes on the undeveloped land. Tegano Constructors only receives about $100,000 per year in net revenue from the land holdings. That amount is insignificant in a company whose gross sales are in the $7 billion dollar range."
"That's amazing. How soon can you have for me an estimate of it's worth?"
"We can put together a `wag' by this afternoon," promised Jeff.
"Call me once you do," Ron said snickering at the euphemism for `wild-ass guess.' "I'll need to call Tony. This may change our whole deal."
"You're going to tell him?" Jeff asked in surprise.
"Of course. I'd never take advantage of a friend. I just hope that we can still swing the deal. When you have a list of the properties, I'd like you to fax it to me. I'll have my real estate people look at it too. `Two wags are better than one'."
"You got it boss," Jeff agreed. "We'll call this afternoon."
"Thanks Jeff. Goodbye."
"Bye Ron."
Ron hung up the receiver and sat back in his chair. Picking up the phone again, he punched the directory, finding the number for Tony Tegano. Selecting that number he soon had the phone ringing in Tony's Chicago office.
"Tony Tegano's office," a feminine voice answered.
"Mr. Tegano, please. This is Ron Turner in Las Vegas."
"Yes Mr. Turner. I'll see if he's available."
A moment later Tony answered.
"Hi Ron. To what do we owe the pleasure of your call? You haven't changed your minds, have you?"
"Hi Tony. No we haven't changed our minds. Is Jake around? I have some news that might be of interest to you both."
"No, sorry Ron. Jake is tied up this morning. Not literally, of course," he said laughing. "How is the audit going?"
"We think we know why Tegano Constructors isn't performing well. It's fixable," answered Ron. "That's only part of the news though. It seems that Constructors owns a lot of land, in addition to its construction business."
"I'm vaguely aware of it," Tony answered. "If I recall there is about $100 million in land assets on the books, but the earnings are small. It's part of the deal."
"The land is worth a GREAT deal of money Tony. I'd be robbing you if I didn't reveal it."
"Do you have any idea of the value of the land?" Tony asked.
"No," Ron said honestly," but it might be worth as much or more than Tegano Constructors. I'll have a better idea this afternoon."
"Well let me suggest a change in our deal," Tony offered. "If the land is worth under $200 million we stick with our original deal. If the value of the land is over $200 million then the land is undervalued and for the $100 million book value that you're paying in our original deal, you will own 51% of it regardless of what it's worth. In that event the land will be considered a partnership between you and us, except you will control the fate of the land. You can sell it, develop it, or just hold it. If you sell it we get 49% of the proceeds. If you develop it, we get 49% of the appraised price of the land alone at the time of development, and if you decide to hold it for future sale or development, we wait with you."
"Okay I understand," Ron replied.
"At the time that it's sold or developed we get our 49%. With any revenue from sales or development of the land, we'll take our 49% in cash and put half of that in the Tegano Trust, and split the other half equally between the Turner Charitable Trust, and the Arts Trust. As I told you before, we don't need the money. You probably recall that the Tegano Trust is `family money' that we use also for funding our own charitable projects."
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ron asked. "The land is reportedly worth an immense amount of money."
"Yes," Tony answered. "With the additional money in the Tegano Trust, Jake and I will still need to put it to good use, particularly if we can find some more land for camps near Dallas/Ft. Worth and between San Antonio and Austin. You are burdened with the rest in the Turner and Arts trusts."
"I just don't want to take advantage of you," Ron said. "Here's what we'll do with our 51%. Half of it will go into Turner Holdings, our `parent company.' We'll divide the remaining 50% evenly between the Turner Trust and the Arts Trust. If my boys are right, not only will we both be wealthier, but our Charitable Trusts will benefit greatly."
"I think that's more than fair," Tony responded. "Now let's hope that the land is worth a lot more than $200 million."
"Amen to that," Ron agreed responded with a smile. "I'll call you when my guys have a rough estimate of its value."
"Fair enough," Tony replied. "Have a nice day."
"Thanks and same to you. Goodbye my friend."
"Goodbye," Tony answered.
Late Wednesday afternoon
Ron was putting things away getting ready to leave when the phone rang.
"It's Jeff again," Margaret announced.
"Hi Jeff," Ron greeted his young Whiz Kid'. "I got the list and sent it to the real estate guys. I'm expecting a report from them any minute. Have you finished your wag'?"
"Yes, and I'm still in shock," Jeff answered. "One of the accounting guys has a background in land appraisals so we shouldn't be too far off. We set up a schedule for the value of different kinds of land use, then put in a multiplier for location, then did adjustments for unique factors. We tried to be conservative and we think that we're at about 80% of what the land is actually worth. We didn't want you to get burned by our optimism."
"So what kind of number did you come up with?" Ron asked.
"Roughly $6 billion!" Jeff answered with enthusiasm. "That makes the total value of the Tegano Constructors deal to be about $10 billion! And to think you're getting it for only $2 ½ billion!"
"Well that's not exactly how it's going to turn out," Ron revealed. "I made a new deal with Tony Tegano. We're going to treat the land separately. First we'll still pay the $ 2.5 billion for Tegano Constructors. For that we get a sick $4 billion company for $2.5 billion. The land assets will be split with Tony and Jake getting 49% and we'll get the rest. When the land is sold or developed, we'll each put half of our proceeds into our companies, Turner Holdings and the Tegano Trust. If the land is worth $6 billion and is sold, for example, Tegano Trust will get approximately half of their $3 billion from the sale and the other half will be donated to the Turner Charitable Trust and the Arts Trust. Out of this deal Turner Holdings will get in construction company assets $1.5 billion net, which is the value of `Constructors' less what we're paying or $4 billion minus $2.5 billion. When the land is sold it will also get approximately another $1.5 billion from the sale of the land. The other $1.5 billion we receive, we'll split between the Turner Charitable Trust and the Arts Trust. The Turner Charitable Trust will end up getting $1.5 billion, half from Tegano, and half from us. An equal $1.5 billion will go the same way into the Arts Trust. Everybody wins! Oh, and one more thing. See if there is any of the land that would be suitable for youth camps in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth and San Antonio/Austin areas. If there is or if not, see if we can make a swap of land suitable for camps. They'll need to be a minimum of 100 acres each. We'll do that and give it to Tony and Jake for expanding their camp charities. We'll carve those pieces out first, then split the rest afterward. They've given us a wonderful opportunity, so it's the least we can do.
"That's an amazing deal," Jeff said enthusiastically. "And very generous of both you and the Tony."
"The money will be put to productive use," Ron declared. "Tyler, Dan, Matt and I have far more already than we can ever spend. Many of our executives are millionaires or more. By the way, if this deal goes through, we're paying you and Phil a bonus of a million dollars each. What's more important is that our Charity and Arts Trust will be on solid ground. With this land thing appearing, financing of the purchase of Tegano Constructor will be a snap and will cause strain on neither our company nor ourselves."
The silence on the other end of the line was deafening.
Ron waited for a reply and getting none, said, "Jeff. Are you there?"
After a few seconds Ron heard a croak from the other end.... "Yes, I'm here."
"Are you okay?" asked Ron with concern.
"Yes," the recovering voice said. "You just slipped in that bonus thing so smoothly that it took me a minute to comprehend what you were saying. I'm overwhelmed."
"You guys are worth every penny," declared Ron. "I know you're paid well, but a nice bonus always comes in handy."
"Handy is hardly the word," Jeff said.
"I'm sure you'll put it to good use," Ron said assuredly. "Just remember to help others when you can. That's where true happiness is. Well, I'd better go. Keep up the good work, and stay in touch. If you need help, just give me a call."
"Well... to be honest, we could use Will here," Jeff requested. "We need to put our purchase contract together."
"I'll send him as soon as he can get away," Ron promised. "I'd like to put this deal to bed."
"I couldn't agree more."
"Give Phil a hug from Matt and me," requested Ron.
"And give one to Matt, Tyler and Dan from us," responded Jeff. "Goodbye Ron, and thanks."
"You're welcome, my friend," Ron responded. "Goodbye."
Ron hung up the phone, thinking of how the dinner conversation would be a bit livelier tonight. Looking up the number, he dialed up Tony Tegano at their home in Houston.
Jake's mother-in-law answered. Ron recalled that Tony and Jake became a couple after Jake's wife died, leaving him with a son to raise. After making a life-long commitment to each other, Tony adopted Jake's son then loving fatherhood they both adopted another boy.
"Hello, Tegano residence," she said.
"Hello," Ron responded. "This is Ron Turner in Las Vegas. Is Tony in please?"
"Yes he is Mr. Turner. He's just coming in from the pool with the boys. I'll tell him you're on the line."
"Thank you. If it's inconvenient he can call me back."
"I'll ask," she said. "Hold please."
The line clicked and went dead. A moment later Tony answered.
"Tony," Ron began after Tony's greeting, "Ron Turner here. I've got the first of two preliminary numbers on the `Constructor's' land. My guys estimate that it's worth around $6 billion. That's a conservative estimate, but a pretty rough number though."
Tony whistled, then said, "Wow!" in astonishment.
Ron repeated the distribution numbers he'd just recited to Jeff, and then said. "Tony, I'm sure you didn't have any idea of the value of the land. I'll give you one last chance to back out of the deal if you want. There will be no hard feelings."
"Don't you want the offer we discussed a while ago?' Tony asked.
"We'd love the deal," Ron replied.
"Then that's settled," declared Tony. "I'm not displeased that $ 5 ½ billion is coming our way even if 1 ½ of it is going back to the Turner and Arts Trusts. Better than that, Jake and I can continue to do what we wish with our own work."
"We're more than elated," Ron stated. "We thought we'd come to Houston next week to present you with an outline of the purchase contract. We can let the lawyers haggle over the fine print. By that time we will have completed our work on the company, and should have a more precise number on the value of the land."
"Can you come on Friday? That way you could bring the whole family, including the boys, and after we get our business out of the way on Friday, we could spend the weekend together. You've got a LOT of family to meet."
"Thanks for the invitation Tony. We'd really like that. Let me check with Matt, Tyler and Dan, and with the boys. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Sounds great," Tony said. "Please plan on staying with us."
"That would be too much of an imposition," Ron said declining. "There are 10 of us now."
"We can manage," Tony said laughing. "We can put up a small army. We have several full-time residents ourselves."
"In that case, we'll accept if we're able to work out our schedules. I'll call you in the morning. Give our best to your family."
"I'll look forward to your call. Have a nice evening. `Bye."
"Goodbye," Ron said as he disconnected the call.
After Ron hung up the receiver, he again sat back in his chair in wonderment.
The door to Ron's office opened and Margaret entered.
"Tom Chance from accounting just dropped off this file for you," she reported as she handed him a folder. Looking within it he noted several pages following the cover page. Scanning the cover page he saw a summary of the estimate for the Tegano Constructors land. Looking quickly to the bottom number, he saw the number $7.5 billion. He wondered why the number was so much larger than that from Jeff and Phil. A quick calculation in his head revealed the obvious answer. $6 Billion is 80% of $7.5! Jeff and Phil had told him that the real value was that much more than their conservative estimate.
"Damn!" Ron exclaimed.
"Something wrong?" Margaret asked.
"No Margaret, everything is right. I'll explain it all to you tomorrow when I can think more clearly.
"Whatever you say Ron," Margaret responded. "Well, it's 5 o'clock. If you have nothing else I think I'll go home."
"Good idea," Ron agreed. "I'll be going home soon too. Don't wait for me."
"Very well," she responded. "Have a nice night."
"I'll try and the same to you. See you in the morning."
Margaret exited the room, passing Matt who, after greeting Ron's secretary, stepped to the door to Ron's office and entered.
"Hi Babe," Matt said before walking to Ron's desk for his kiss. "Have a nice day?"
"You won't believe it," Ron replied as his lips touched Matt's.
5 o'clock, Ron and Matt's home, `the Ratt's nest'
"Hey Carl. Can I talk to you for a minute?" Zack asked.
"Sure buddy," Carl answered. "If it's a short conversation we can sit here and munch Mary's cookies," he said, indicating the kitchen counter. "If it's longer, we could get some milk and go somewhere."
"Let's go to my room," Zack suggested.
"Your room it is," Carl replied as he poured two glasses of milk, handing one to Zack and with his now empty hand grabbed a fistful of cookies. "Lead the way."
Zack headed for his room and upon arrival there held the door open for Carl. Carl passed through the doorway and moved to the small entertainment/media area of the suite, dumping the cookies on the coffee table before taking a seat on the sofa.
"What's on your mind?" he asked Zack as the youth joined him.
"Uh, I'm just kinda confused," Zack explained. "I mean, everyone has been very nice to me here and I'm grateful, but ...uh....I guess I just don't know how I fit in."
Carl looked at Zack sympathetically.
"Yeah, both Nathan and I felt that way too when we first got here. It took a little time and we were both having anxiety attacks about the same thing. Within a few days though, the `rents sat us down and talked to both of us. Pretty soon we were over the worst of it. Now we've got transportation and jobs, and we are busy enough that there's no time for doubt. Believe me, Ron, Matt, Tyler and Dan are great! We're accepted as brothers too by Ronnie, Jerry and Douglas."
"Well, I just wondered. I know that Ron said I might not get to stay permanently."
"That may be true, I don't know," Carl admitted. "I can ask Ron and Matt to talk to you. One thing is for sure though, once those guys take an interest in you, you can be sure that nothing bad is going to happen to you."
"Yeah, I'd like that. Thanks. I'm not complaining. I think the worst part is just not knowing what's going to happen."
"You got that right," agreed Carl. "I'll talk to Matt when they get home. I promise."
"Thanks Carl. You're a good friend, bro. Now, let's try out those cookies."
30 minutes later
True to his word Carl placed himself again in the kitchen to make sure he would see Ron and Matt when they arrived. When the door from the garage opened Carl saw not only Ron and Matt enter, but Tyler and Dan too, with Nathan bringing up the rear.
"Uh, hi guys," greeted Carl. "Can I talk to you for a minute"
"Sure Carl," Matt said and the guys all paused. "What can we help you with?"
"Well, it's not for me," he began. "It's Zack. He's feeling kinda in limbo, like he doesn't know what's going to happen to him. I think you should talk to him soon. Tonight if you can."
"I'm sure you're right," Matt said. "I think you went through some of that too, didn't you?"
"Yes, and everything turned out great. It's just that he doesn't have a buddy like I did to hang on to. I mean, Nathan and I are here for him as much as we can be, but we've been working since he got here and Jerry and Ronnie are in school. It makes the days long and full of doubt."
"We get your drift," Matt assured the young man. "We'll talk about it, then one or more of us will talk with him."
"Thanks. I knew you would. I told him so," Carl said with a grin and a wink.
"Get lost, you scoundrel," Ron said laughing. "Matt do you ever think that we're being taken for a ride?"
"It might be," Matt agreed with a grin. "But if so, it's a good ride."
Carl and Nathan scampered out of the kitchen toward the game room.
"Guys," Ron began, "let's change into something more casual and meet out on the patio for cocktails. I know, Tyler and Dan, that you have moving on your mind', but I think we need to have an adults only' meeting. We have a lot to discuss tonight, and it's not all about the boys either."
"Sounds good," Tyler agreed. "How about in 20 minutes?"
Looking around everyone nodded their concurrence, and then started heading for their rooms to begin changing.
20 minutes later
Ron and Matt were mixing two scotch and waters at the pool deck bar when Dan and Tyler arrived. Ron was dressed in cargo shorts with a golf shirt, while Matt was in some fleece athletic shorts and sported a tee touting Senor Frog's, a bar in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Tyler looked dashing in sweat pants, a white tee and cross-trainer shoes. Dan sported `sneaker' shoes, golf shorts and a golf shirt. All the men were a bit tired from the activities of the day and looked forward to some R & R at home.
"What would you guys like?" Ron asked. "I'm playing bartender."
"I'll have my normal Scotch," Tyler replied. "Babe?"
"I'll just have a gin and tonic," Dan replied as he and Tyler joined Matt at one of the tables that was shaded by a large umbrella cover. Ron soon had Tyler's and Dan's drinks ready and brought them over to the table, placing them there before sitting next to Matt who had already brought his and Ron's drinks to the table."
"Thanks Bro," Tyler said as he took a sip and leaned back in his chair. "It's been a long day. It feels good to be home where we can relax."
"I suggested that we meet out here without the boys because we have some things to discuss," Ron offered.
"Zack?" Matt asked.
"Yes, and the other things that happened today that we haven't discussed yet."
"Yeah, I'm curious why you were so full of it when I came into your office, then became tight-lipped," Matt said. "I can't wait to hear the news."
"It's a bit long and complicated. I didn't want to have to tell it again when the four of us got together. Let's discuss Zack first and get that out of the way," suggested Ron. "I'd like everyone to feel free to say what's on your minds."
Dan took the lead. "Guys, I really like Zack. I know it would be easier if we just sent him off to Thornton, but they're filling up fast and, ... well, I really like him and we have the new house with lots of room."
"Are you suggesting that he move in with us?" Tyler asked.
"Only if you want him to Babe," Dan answered.
"I agree that he's a great kid," Matt responded. "With four of the boys living with us, I'd hate to ask Ron to take in another."
"You can ask if you want," Ron said with a grin and a wink. "You know me: I'm easy."
"He might make a great older brother to Jerry," Tyler offered after a moment's thought. "Either that or we could take Carl and Nathan and you could take Zack."
"As much as I like Nathan and Carl," Dan responded, "I think they're a bit too old and Nathan, at least, a bit `experienced' for Jerry. I'm in favor of taking Zack if he's willing. I think we need to see how he fits in and adjusts before we commit to adoption though."
"I'm in favor of Zack too," Tyler agreed. "You're right. I think he'd fit in better with Jerry."
"Is that what you really want to do?" Ron asked.
Both men nodded their heads in the affirmative.
Matt smiled, sealing the deal.
"I think you should talk to him before the night's over," advised Ron. "It needs to be what he wants too. Perhaps you should get his story as soon as you can. I'd hate to have some angry parents arrive on our doorstep, screaming that a bunch of fags are corrupting their son."
"Consider it done," Tyler assured his brother. "Now that we've taken care of that little detail, what other surprise is in store for us tonight?"
"You won't believe it," Ron began.
"You said that before," teased Matt.
Ron started in on the tale of the Tegano deal. "You all know that Tony Tegano offered to sell us Tegano Constructors for $2.5 billion. I sent the Whiz Kids to look over the operation. Today they called me and popped a surprise on me.
Ron then related the events of the day and watched the astonishment on their faces at the end, as the numbers unfolded.
"I'm stupefied!" Matt said as Ron finished.
"It makes my efforts with Aztec-Turner look like chicken feed," added Tyler.
"Don't belittle yourself Tyler," Ron warned. "The stellar performance of Aztec was one of the factors that convinced Tony that we were `for real'. I'd decided that whatever we get for Turner gets split 4 ways."
"But I didn't do anything," Dan said doing some last minute figuring. "If the Tegano land is worth around $7.5 billion, and they get half, and of our half, Turner gets half, that's...uh.... $1.75 billion going into Turner. One-quarter of that is... uh...let's see....mmmm.... $468,750,000. Damn! That's almost $500 million! I didn't do anything worth that much money!"
"What we each did or didn't do is immaterial," Ron stated unequivocally. "We're a team and a damned good one too. Besides, it's only money. We can't spend all we have now. From my perspective what's important is what we can do with the Turner and Arts Trusts. I figured it would take 3 or 4 years for the Arts Trust to be worth a billion dollars. Now it could be double that in less than 6 months."
"Most impressive," Tyler said in respect for the great transaction that Ron had pulled off by himself.
"It's going to be a lot of extra work for me," Matt lamented. "It will double the value of the Turner Trust and put the Arts Trust out as a real enterprise. I don't know if I can do it all."
"Let me share some advice that Dave Rush gave me last weekend." Ron offered. "When I asked how he managed all the things he and Eric were involved in, he said, It's simple: delegate.' We're each going to have to look at what we do, and delegate what we can. Fortunately, I have Will who manages most of Turner Enterprises. Matt, you have George Bowles to run the Arts Trust. Give him some slack and see what he can do. Tyler, I know you've built Aztec-Turner into a burgeoning, nation-wide contender in the field of security. You need to evaluate to whom you can delegate. Create the position of President' and put someone capable in the job. Then step back and reserve for yourself things that only you personally can do or pieces that you want to be involved in. You'll find that things that other's can't do are very limited if you give them free rein. It will give you breathing space. Dan, you have taken Construction Leasing and made it a powerhouse, especially in the western part of this country. Don't be shy about getting help. As for me, I'm going to take Dave's advice and do the same thing: Delegate. It's only by delegating and then stepping back to take in the `big picture' that we'll be able to keep an overview of everything and still maintain control. In addition it's the only way we'll be able to run the businesses, without the businesses running us."
"I'm sure Dave's right," Tyler confirmed. "If you look at what he and Eric have created together, it's incredible."
"Yeah, together," Matt said unsmiling as he downed the last of his drink. "Anyone for another?" he asked and he stepped to the bar and, after putting more ice in his glass filled the glass to the rim with liquor."
"I'll have another," Ron replied, having noticed Matt's second drink. "Make mine light, not strong like yours."
"I like mine stiff," Matt replied.
Trying to break Matt's sudden mood change, Ron replied, "Yeah I know but we weren't talking about that!"
Everyone at the table laughed, but because of Matt's back to the others, they didn't see the tear slide down his cheek from the corner of his eye. He quickly wiped his cheek, forced a smile and turned to join the others.
-
-
- Twenty minutes later, Parker appeared at the door and announced that dinner would be served in ten minutes. The men at the table took their time and consumed their drinks before adjourning to the dining room where they found the boys already seated. Ron took his customary place at the head of the table and Matt sat at the foot opposite. Tyler and Dan made a point of sitting on each side of Zack, with Jerry sitting beside Tyler across from Ronnie who sat next to Ron. Across from Tyler and Zack, Nathan and Carl were seated, with Douglas at the far end next to a strangely sullen Matt.
-
While everyone was getting settled, Parker filled wine glasses for the adults and took beverage orders from the younger guys. Tyler turned to Zack and softly asked him if he would meet with him and Dan after dinner. Zack looked at the muscular man with surprise, then agreed. Carl, across the table from Zack, smiled.
After Ron asked the Lord's blessing on the meal, the conversation at the table turned to the boys' activities for the day. Ronnie, Jerry and Douglas reported on their day at school and the state of their homework, while Nathan and Carl talked about their new jobs. Zack relayed that he'd spent a good part of the day at the stables with Gerry, tending to the horses. Carl then told of his new friend David at work and asked Ron and Matt if he could invite him up sometime over the weekend. Ron looked at Matt who nodded his straight-faced acceptance, then Ron gave Carl their permission for the invitation. Ron then made an announcement that there would be some trips in the offing in the coming week, and that Tony Tegano and Jake Marley had invited the whole group to Houston the following weekend.
The boys seemed excited at the prospect, and the excitement seemed to rub off on Tyler and Dan. Matt merely nodded his agreement without comment.
After dinner, Tyler, Dan and Zack excused themselves and disappeared into the study, closing the door behind them. The other boys headed for the game room where the sounds of challenges that often were based more on enthusiasm than skill, were heard emanating from young lips.
Ron looked at Matt who still carried a stoic look on his face and was the last to rise from his seat at the table after the others had departed the room.
"Let's go out on the deck," Ron suggested.
"Okay," Matt reluctantly agreed. "Let me get another drink first."
"Sure Babe," Ron agreed. "I'll fix it for you. Another Scotch?"
"Please, and don't make it weak."
"Anything you want, Lover," Ron said without enthusiasm.
Stepping to the bar in the family room, Ron mixed two drinks, one on the strong side and his own weaker before taking the drinks to the balcony deck overlooking the City where the lights were coming on in the twilight. Matt was already there staring out over the valley below.
Ron placed the drinks on a small table between two chairs before lowering himself into the vacant one.
"Will you tell me what's wrong, Angel?" Ron asked in a soft, pleading voice.
Matt hesitated before answering.
"I guess I'm just being foolish," offered Matt in barely more than a loud whisper as he looked down at the deck and his feet.
"If it concerns you, it concerns me," Ron replied. "Tell me. You know I love you."
Tears came to Matt's eyes.
"I...I...I guess I'm just feeling left out," admitted Matt. "While you were telling of all the great things you were doing today, I realized that I wasn't part of it. Then when Tyler talked about Dave and Eric and all they had accomplished together, I realized that you really don't need me."
Matt's revelation hit Ron like a ton of bricks. Inside his stomach churned as he realized where Matt was coming from.
"Oh Babe, I'm so sorry. Please believe that I do need you. I'd want to die if you weren't by my side," Ron apologized with tears coming to his own eyes as he thought of how life would be without Matt. "Don't get me wrong. I think that making money is a challenge, but what are we making it for? We're making it so that we can do good things for people. That's your department. Making all the money in the world is just wasted effort if you don't do something with it to make the world a better place. I do understand where you're coming from though and I do apologize. I guess I just got caught up in the enthusiasm of the moment. It's the old Ron coming back to haunt us. It's a crappy excuse, but it's all I have to offer. Like I said earlier, we're a team; you and I are a special team on our own."
"I guess I shouldn't be such a baby," Matt admonished himself.
"No. I think that it's only that we both still have some learning to do," Ron assessed with remorse. "I'm now sorry the deal with Tony ever came up. I'll call him and tell him that we've changed our minds. For me, nothing is worth your unhappiness."
Matt looked up through his tears in surprise.
"You'd do that for me?" Matt asked.
"In a heartbeat, Love. Your happiness means more to me than all the money or all the deals in the world."
"I appreciate your offer Ron, but I couldn't let you do it. I know how much the charities and the Arts Project mean to you."
"Doesn't it mean as much to you Matt? Am I making another mistake that is causing you to be unhappy?"
Matt again paused before answering.
"I guess it does, Ron. It's just that my world centers on you. I'm just selfish I guess, while you're so giving. Sometimes it's just that we get so busy that I feel we're not as close as we could be. It seems there is more enthusiasm in you for those other things than for us. I'm probably being silly and reading more into it than is really there."
"Perception is reality," Ron quoted. "In all you see, I only want you to perceive one thing though. It is that I love you more than anything or anyone. That's the true reality."
"That's all I really need," Matt responded, relief showing in his eyes.
"Let's go to our suite," Ron begged." I have a hunger to demonstrate how much I really love you. I want to take the rest of the evening and maybe all night to prove it."
"I have that need for you too," Matt agreed with an almost sly smile. "Lets do it."
Two drinks sat untouched on the small table between the chairs as Ron offered Matt his hand and they moved together toward the doorway leading into the house.