"My name is Luke Sorensen, and I want to verify my reservation for a wedding ceremony and reception. It looks like my deposit was refunded and I don't understand why."

"Let me check..."

Luke waited. Finally she came back on the line. "Mr. Sorensen, I'm going to transfer you to my manager, Mr. Horst. He'll be able to help you."

THE INN -- Chapter 23

Jon arrived at work and got himself a cup of coffee, then sat at his desk and started running the production report. He noticed he had quite a bit more email than usual and started reading through it. The delivery date for the new equipment they had ordered was pushed up, and it would be arriving on Thursday. Jon put his head in his hands; he hadn't expected it until the following week, and right now there was nowhere to put it. That meant he'd have to take some machines offline and move them out ahead of schedule, and that would put a serious crimp on production. He thought for a few minutes, then sent an email to his crew telling them to meet in the conference room at eleven. He went over the production schedule for the week and made major changes, then handed the revisions to one of the secretaries and asked her to update it. Next he called the equipment erectors and filled them in on the new schedule. They'd be working most the night Wednesday and all day Thursday.

Jon walked into the conference room at eleven and greeted everyone. He told them to discard their reports and he passed out the revised copies. As they looked over the workload, Jon explained what had happened.

"Jon," said Mary, "I don't know about this. Even if we bust our butts, the machines only run so fast."

"That's why we all have to work together and make sure all the equipment is productive constantly. No waiting to unload or reload. Everyone has to pitch in and fill in wherever they're needed. You all know enough about each process to do that once a job is set up and running. If we have to work overtime, then we will. But I don't think we'll need to if we stay focused. I know all of you are great at what you do, and this is an opportunity to learn more. Those of you who are newer might be doing some of the grunt work, but it always has to be done so take advantage of the opportunity. Once the new equipment is installed we'll be back on track and even more efficient than ever."

"This is nothing," said Jim. "Remember when you first started here, Jon? There were less than half as many people in Production and you were amazed at the workload. But we always got it done, and we got it done on time."

"Yeah, we did. And I expect everyone to help me keep that record. So let's get to work and see what we can do--I've always been proud of everyone in this department. And remember, what we do here and the quality of our product has a direct impact on the lives of our men and women in combat as well as civilians. Don't forget that."

That afternoon Jon was pleased--but not surprised--to see that production was even ahead of his revised schedule. He had hesitated to mention overtime at the meeting, but no one seemed to be stretching anything out. In contrast, they all took it as a challenge. Jon didn't consciously realize it, but it was largely due to the fact that he was so highly regarded by his crew that they would do anything they could for him.

Jon drove home, thoughts of work still racing through his mind. The day had gone well, but there was still a lot to come. Before he realized it, he was pulling into a space near Luke's condo and he remembered they were going to meet at The Inn. He sighed, parked and decided to walk. As he expected, Luke was there with Joe and Paul. He put his arm over Luke's shoulder and gave him a squeeze as he sat.

"You okay?" asked Luke. "You look worn out."

"It was a tough day. This week's gonna be a bitch; I just need to unwind."

Luke got up and went to the bar for a vodka tonic. Mondays were usually slow at The Inn, and the servers were even slower. He returned and handed Jon his drink.

"You relax a few minutes. Then we have something to ask Joe and Paul."

Jon smiled as he remembered. He was still in work-mode, but he was starting to leave it behind for the night. Joe and Paul looked at them expectantly. Luke figured he should get the ball rolling.

"Joe, would you do me the honor of being my Best Man?"

Jon looked at Paul. "And Paul, I'd be honored if you'd be my Best Man."

Joe and Paul stood, as did Jon and Luke. The four embraced and clapped each other on their backs. After a minute they resumed their seats. Paul looked at Joe.

"Look out, here come the waterworks," laughed Paul.

"Screw you," said Joe.

"I have a question," said Paul. "How did you decide who'd ask who--or is it whom?"

"Jon thought we should go with the resemblances. Neither of us has brothers, so that's how we chose. It's not that close a resemblance, and nothing to do with favorites. We figured it was better than a coin toss."

Joe put his arm around Luke. "I'd love to have you for a brother."

Paul looked at Jon and put his hand on his arm. "Does this mean I'm giving you away? You're going off into the sunset and we can't party any more?"

"Nothing will change," said Jon, "except you and I won't be having sex any more."

"Yeah," laughed Paul. "Or any less."

Luke asked, "Jon, did you call about our rings?"

"No, I'm sorry. I got hammered the minute I got to work and I completely forgot about it. What about our reservations? Did you get in touch with them?"

"Yeah, I did. I'll tell you about it later."

Jon wondered what had happened. Luke didn't sound angry, but he did sound like it wasn't cut and dried. Jon felt it wasn't something Luke wanted to discuss right now, so he decided he'd wait and see. Luke would tell him soon.

Luke and Jon walked back home and Jon put on some soft music. He got a couple of beers and sat next to Luke and put his arm around him as he nuzzled against his chest.

"God, if I could bottle this stuff, I'd make a fortune!" said Jon. "I love the way you smell."

Luke smiled as he put his hand on the back of Jon's head and stroked his hair with his fingers. It felt so good to have Jon resting against him.

"So what's the deal with the boat? Is everything okay?"

Luke took a deep breath and sighed. "Yeah, everything's okay, I guess."

Jon straightened up. "You guess? Either it is or it isn't. Which is it?"

"They told me the reason they refunded the deposit is because Mr. Sorensen paid for everything in full--Mr. Greg Sorensen."

"Oh my God!"

"Not only that, apparently my father told them to upgrade it to whatever we want. Like I'd skimp on you or can't afford it."

"Luke, don't think that way. I'm sure your father wasn't thinking like that. Your parents probably didn't know what to do for a wedding present, so they thought it would be nice. It is nice. It must have taken some effort to find the right charter company."

"I just can't stand the thought of being indebted to them. I never expected something like this to come up."

"Look, you're not indebted. It's a gift, and that's all it is. If they loaned you the money it would be a debt but it's a gift. Can't you see your parents are tacitly giving their approval? They might not even realize it, but they are. I don't think it's a matter of guilt at this point, I think they're actually coming around. Can't you just graciously accept their gift?"

"It's not that easy for me, Jon."

"They did it for both of us, and we're going to have to thank them. If you won't do it, then I will. But I don't think that would be a good way to go about it. Luke, if you don't come to terms with this, it's going to put a damper on our whole wedding ceremony. Please don't let that happen."

Luke looked at Jon. "I won't. I wouldn't do anything to spoil our night."

"Then look at it this way: I'm sure your parents gave your sister and her husband a nice wedding gift. Do you think of our wedding as somehow not as legitimate as hers?"

"You know I don't."

"Then get off your high horse and get over this. You're their son, we're getting married and your parents gave us a present. Would you feel better if they didn't give us anything?"

"But it feels intrusive, like they're trying to control me."

"I don't get that feeling, all they did is pay for what you already decided on. They aren't telling you what to do."

Luke was quiet for a minute. "Maybe. But I haven't accepted anything from them since I moved out, not that they offered. This is way beyond anything I could imagine. Why couldn't they just get us a bread machine or a toaster?"

Jon laughed. "Come on, ease up. And think how much flying time you can buy with the money you don't have to spend on the wedding."

"You have an answer for everything. I have to admit, though, you're usually right. I'll try to work on getting my emotions about them under control."

"You will, hon. If your parents can go to PFLAG meetings and our wedding, I think there's hope for you, too."

Luke leaned forward and kissed Jon's head. "I had no idea what I was getting into when I met you."

"If you did, would it have stopped you?"

"Don't be a smartass--you know it wouldn't."

Jon arrived at work on Wednesday and went to Connie's office. Connie was looking over reports and making notes.

"Good morning, Jon. How are things going in Production?"

"Pretty good, better than I thought. We have a lot of good people down there, and they're doing a great job. I was a little worried having all this pushed up in the schedule, but I have everything under control so far. You don't have anything to worry about as far as that goes."

Connie looked at Jon. "I wasn't worried at all. I saw how you re-prioritized production, and I've been following it. Not that I doubted you, I just like to keep on top of things. You amaze me, Jon. When push comes to shove, you really come through. You're going to be under even more pressure when we start production on this new contract, and once again I want you to know I'll provide whatever support you need. And don't tell me you can handle it all yourself, because you won't be able to. So you might as well start thinking about what kind of help you might need. Don't wait until the alligators are up to your ass before you ask for help."

"I know, I've been thinking about that. It's hard to realize this isn't the 'mom and pop' business it was when I started here. I've been thinking I could use someone to deal with the routine emails, purchase orders, inventory, those kinds of things. That would give me more time to be involved in production, which is where I really like to be."

"All right, I'll start looking. This would be along the lines of a secretarial position, I'm thinking. Would you prefer a man or a woman?"

"I don't think it would matter, we're pretty evenly mixed in production. But it wouldn't hurt to have another guy around there. I don't like asking the women to help muscle in material or get stuff ready for shipping, even though they do it and don't complain."

"I'll see what I can do. Don't worry, I won't make any decisions without consulting you. The most important thing is keeping you happy and production moving. You know you always have my full support in that."

"I know, Connie. I have to get back to work--there's a lot going on today. Thanks."

Connie watched Jon as he walked out of his office. He could have never felt as proud of someone as he did Jon. Ever since Jon had started working for him, he knew there was something there--Jon had almost as much devotion and pride in the company as he did. If he couldn't have heirs himself, he felt fortunate that Jon had come into his life. Connie got right to work making a rough draft of a help wanted ad. He handed the paper to his secretary and asked her to write and place the ad.

Luke got bogged down with a couple of things at the end of the day and was annoyed when he left. He would have to make good time getting to the airport for his lesson, and he made it with about five minutes to spare. He walked into the office and Charlie was waiting for him.

"Hi, Luke. All set?"

"Yeah, I thought I was going to be late but I made it."

"Okay, let's go. I'm going to have you go through the pre-flight and I'll let you know if there's anything you miss."

Charlie and Luke walked to the plane, and Luke was concentrating on remembering the things he had to check before they got into the aircraft. Satisfied he had covered everything, he approached the door and opened it.

"Did I miss anything?" asked Luke.

"Do you feel like there's something you missed?"

"No. I've gone through this in my head and I'm sure I checked everything."

"Well, I'm climbing in beside you so I feel everything checked out, too. Now let's get down to the fun stuff."

Luke started the engine and began taxiing to the runway. He was pleased at how well he was able to maneuver the plane on the ground. He stopped short of the end of the runway and stepped on the brakes to do the engine run-up. He flipped the visor down to read the checklist and revved the engine, going through each step of the procedures. After it all checked out they had to wait for two incoming planes, then they were ready to take off. Luke looked at Charlie and saw he had his hands in his lap.

"She's all yours, Luke. Take us out of here."

Luke double-checked for traffic, then rolled into position at the end of the runway. His heart was pounding noticeably. He took a deep breath, pushed the throttle in all the way, and they were quickly accelerating down the tarmac. Luke could sense when the plane wanted to leave the ground, and he gently pulled back on the yoke. He glanced at the airspeed and noticed the reduced noise and vibration as they became airborne. As he glanced outside, he realized he should probably be higher than he was. He pulled back a little more and they were soon at a comfortable altitude. Luke remembered to turn and exit the pattern, then turned to Charlie. He exhaled a breath that seemed like he had been holding since he started the takeoff.

"Okay, Luke, let's climb to about 5000 feet and we'll do some maneuvers."

Charlie had Luke do straight-and-level flight, turns, simple aerobatics and other basic flying. They returned to the airport and Luke concentrated on every motion Charlie made as he landed the plane. Luke taxied back to the tie-down area and secured the plane, then they went into the office.

"Luke, didn't you say you've never flown before?"

"I haven't, at least not until last weekend. Why?"

"Because you're a natural. You have the touch. You connect with the plane, and you work with it. When you realized you didn't have enough altitude after taking off, you didn't over-correct. You just eased the plane to where it needed to be."

"I've handled a lot of construction equipment, and I work well with machines. I've found the best way to handle equipment is to let it do its thing and guide it rather than try to muscle it."

"That's the right approach. Planes like to fly--they're not like helicopters, which always seem to me like they'd rather be on the ground. I've done some time in choppers, but I never got the feeling of freedom I do in a plane."

"I love flying," said Luke. "You're right, there's a sense of freedom in flying. Like you're on top of the world."

"I think for your next lesson we'll do touch-and-goes. It'll give you more practice with takeoffs and landings. It's a little more stressful, but I feel you'll do well. You have time booked on Saturday, don't you?"

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I'll see you then."

Jon was about two hours late getting home Wednesday night. He had called Luke and Luke had dinner waiting.

"You didn't have to wait for me, Luke. You should have eaten."

"I don't like eating alone and you're worth the wait. Besides, I haven't been home that long--I had a flying lesson. How'd things go at work? Are you in the weeds?"

"A little, it's okay. I'm getting an assistant--that should be interesting, I don't know how to handle that."

"Just give 'em all the shit you don't want to deal with. That should be easy."

"It sounds like it would be, but I'm going to have to take even more time making sure he or she is doing things right. I hope whoever it is, they're a quick study.

"As long as you get some help. You work too hard for your own good, and maybe with a little help you'll enjoy your job more."

"What do you mean by that? I love my job."

Luke looked at him. "I know you do, but I also know it's been wearing on you lately. A year ago your life revolved around work and I'm sure it was almost all you thought about. Now they're putting more pressure on you, and you have more things on your mind--selling your condo, the wedding, me and all my baggage."

"You're right about one thing, Luke. You're on my mind all the time, but it's because I want you to be. I don't think ten minutes go by that I don't think about how much you mean to me."

"Me too, babe. I made pot roast for dinner; I figured it would keep whenever you got here. You wanna eat now?"

"Sounds great, I am hungry. I wanted to stay at work and make sure they got the equipment out of there okay. Tomorrow they're bringing in the new stuff, and that's gonna be interesting. It should go okay, but it's going to take a little time for us to get used to it and figure everything out. But it's from the same manufacturer, so it's not like it's totally foreign. I have to make sure everyone understands the upgraded features and can take full advantage of them. I'm going to get in there early tomorrow so I can talk to the installers. Those guys usually know more about the nuts and bolts side of it than the salesmen do."

"Okay, Jon, I'll make a deal with you. I know this is an important thing with your company, and I know you're totally devoted. I respect that. So I give you a week to go to work early, stay late and do whatever you need to do. After that, I want you back. I'm not trying to control you, but you have a life with me, too."

Jon was taken aback. Luke had never been that demonstrative about his feelings, and he wasn't quite sure what was going on.

"You are always my top priority, Luke. I would hope you know that by now. Things are hectic at work, but it's only work. Sure I get wrapped up in it, but I'd walk away in a New York minute for you."

"I just worry about the pressure you're under. I'm glad you're getting help, and I know Connie is good to you. I guess part of it is I don't fully understand how you work. I mean, my job is a lot different--it's not rocket science. And come to think of it, yours is."

"Not really," replied Jon. "But let's lighten up and eat. Your dinner smells wonderful."

By the time they'd finished dinner the two decided to call it an early night. They undressed and got into bed, snuggling against each other. Jon pushed against Luke and nestled his head into Luke's right arm.

"I love it when you cuddle with me," said Luke. "It's like everything's okay."

Jon said, "Everything is okay. I'm the luckiest guy around, because I have you."

"Maybe the second luckiest. I think I'm the first."

Jon kissed Luke and rolled on top of him. "Remind me of why I'm the luckiest guy alive."

When Luke got home Thursday he knew Jon wouldn't be there until at least seven. He sat with a beer, not bothering to turn on the TV or music. He felt very alone and depressed. Even though there was nothing in particular he could think of, he couldn't shake the uncomfortable feelings he had been having lately. He took out his phone and called Cathy.

"Hi, Luke. Are you batching it again tonight?"

"Yeah, for a couple of hours at least. Is it okay if I stop by? It's too quiet here."

"Of course. Joe's not here and I could use the company, too."

"Okay, I'll be there in about ten minutes."

When Luke arrived at Cathy's she handed him a beer. She had a glass of wine for herself on the coffee table. They both sat on the couch.

"I'm glad you stopped by. Are you hungry?"

No thanks; I'll eat when Jon gets home. I just felt like some company. How's everything with you?"

"Oh, fine. My mom's doing great, and I've been having a good time with Joe. He's such a sweet guy."

"Did he tell you he's going to be my Best Man?"

"No! Oh, that's great! I can't wait to see that. You know how much I love both of you. But I have to admit, it broke my heart when I found out about Jon. But you guys are the best couple I can imagine, and I'm happy for you both."

Luke stared at his beer for several moments. Cathy looked at him and could see something was on his mind. She waited for him to say something and when he didn't she put her hand on his leg.

"Luke, what's bothering you? Jon's been concerned lately. We tell each other everything. He knows something's bothering you, but he doesn't want to bug you. What's up?"

Luke continued staring at his beer. "Cathy, I love Jon. More than I can express. But we're a lot different. Jon has an important job, he has wonderful parents, he even has some kind of government security clearance--I saw an ID card in his wallet one time. My parents are jerks, I'm a blue-collar worker, and compared to him, I'm a nobody. Why would he want to marry me?"

"Maybe because he loves you. Ever think of that?"

"I know he loves me, but I worry about the future. He might get bored with me. I'm not in his league when it comes down to it. What do I have to offer him? I know there's a physical attraction, but how long is that going to last? A year from now he might meet some guy he can relate to more. Someone he connects with."

Cathy looked into Luke's eyes. "You really don't know, do you?"

"Know what?"

"Luke, as far as Jon's concerned you're the only man he's interested in. It doesn't matter what you do for a living or anything else. He adores you--he'd walk through fire for you. Sure, either one of you guys could pick up almost anyone in Boystown, but that's not going to happen. You guys are committed to each other and you love each other. Why are you questioning it?"

Luke slapped his hands on his thighs and stood, facing Cathy. "Because I'm not fucking good enough for him. He deserves someone better. Someone who doesn't have all the hang-ups I have. Someone who has a better family life. Someone he can be proud of."

Cathy was shocked at Luke's outburst. She had no idea Luke had been harboring these feelings. Luke sat back on the couch and took a long gulp of his beer.

"I love Jon, but I'm so afraid I'll disappoint him; that he'll lose interest in me."

"I've known Jon for a long time, and I never saw him happier--or more frustrated--than when he first met you. You were the only guy he could think of, and finally you two got together. It was an amazing change in him. Even his boss, Connie, mentioned how Jon had changed. And when we were at his parents' place, they loved you. You don't realize you're your own person, and that's what people like about you. No one's rating you on your past or your present. It's you. And Jon is proud of you. He's never been happier."

"I don't know. I just don't even know how I feel. God, I love him."

Cathy went to the kitchen and took a pan from the refrigerator. She put it into a bag and returned to the living room.

"Here, heat this casserole up for dinner. I don't think you want to cook, and Jon likes this. You can say you made it if you want."

Luke smiled. "He'll know better. Thanks, that's nice of you."

"So are you okay? I know Jon's looking forward to seeing you when he gets home."

"I know, I'm looking forward to it, too."

"Luke, talk to him. Tell him what you told me. This is no time to keep things in the dark. You're getting married, and both of you deserve to know what you're getting into."

"Yeah, you're right. It's not fair for me to not talk about all this crap. I know it's me, but I guess it's really us at this point."

Cathy kissed him. "It'll be fine. You guys will work it out."

Luke headed back to his place and put the casserole in the oven. He was pretty sure Jon would be home within a half-hour or so. He relaxed on the couch and began to doze. He was awakened when he saw Jon standing over him and kissing him.

Luke smiled. "Are you hungry? Cathy gave me a casserole she said you like."

"Why do you always want to feed me? Are you trying to fatten me up so no one else will look at me?"

"I don't think that will happen, you never gain an ounce. Even if you did, you'd still be the hottest guy around. How'd work go?"

"Shit. It's not going as smoothly as I hoped. The electricians were ready to hook everything up, and then the village inspectors showed up and decided to throw their weight around. They don't know what the hell they're talking about, and it's just causing a lot of problems."

"I'm sorry, but it's one of those things. You couldn't foresee that, and it's just a temporary setback."

"I know, but it's going to make my life miserable at work for a while."

"What about your assistant? Any word?"

"Not yet, but it's going to take a little time. I don't think the ad has even run yet. That's another thing I have to think about. I should have taken Connie's advice and done this a lot sooner."

They sat for several minutes, then Luke said, "Jon, what would you say if I said I don't think I want to pursue flying and I'd rather just stay in construction?"

Jon looked at him. "What are you saying? Did something happen with your flying lesson?"

"No, I just want to know how you'd feel if I did that."

"It would surprise me, but if for some reason you don't want to fly that's your decision."

"What about my job? If I decided to stay in it the rest of my life, how would you feel?"

"Honestly, I would prefer you were doing something not as physically demanding. But if it's what you're comfortable doing and you like it, then stick with it. I can live with whatever you're happy doing. Except skydiving."

Luke smiled. "So you wouldn't think I'm an idiot or a slacker if I did that?"

"Not if it's what you want to do. And if you're asking whether you can keep the bomber jacket, you can."

"No, not unless I earn it. And I intend to. I'm not quitting flying, I just wondered how you'd feel if I did. I wondered how you'd like being married to a common laborer."

"As long as that laborer is you, I'll be in heaven. But what's this all about?"

"I guess I should just spit it out. I don't know if I'll ever be the person you deserve to marry. When I think of all the guys you could choose, guys with important jobs wearing suits and making tons of money, I can't figure out why you're here. You could snap your fingers and have your pick of guys who are more stable, smarter, and deserving than I am. I'll never measure up to that."

Jon looked at Luke and could feel his pain and uncertainty. "This might sound a little arrogant, but I know I've never had a problem attracting men. I wasn't looking for a guy in a suit with a BMW. I didn't know what I was looking for. I'll admit it, when I first saw you, it was a physical attraction and I was turned on. Then the more I got to know you, the more I wanted to know about you. At some point I fell in love with you. I knew a lot about you, and I never even thought you were anything less than a great guy. The only thing I care about is that we're happy together. If you want to work construction, or mow lawns, or take tickets at the theatre and it makes you happy, fine with me. What I'm trying to say is, I love you for the person you are, not what you do for a living."

Luke took a breath and exhaled. "I don't think I'll be taking jobs away from teenagers, but I'm really getting fed up with my job. It's not so much the work, it's the atmosphere. It's the one place I can't be who I am. I want to tell everyone I'm marrying the greatest guy I know, but I can't to that. I say I'm used to it, but now that we're getting married, it's different. It's like I'm denying the most important part of my life, which is you."

"Hey, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. The last thing you need is guys razzing you at work. It's not like they're your buddies, you just work with them. Keep a low profile like you have been--you don't owe them an explanation of your personal life. I know you want to, but why rock the boat? Hey--do you have something in the oven?"

"Shit!" Luke jumped up and ran to the kitchen, grabbed an oven mitt and took out the casserole. It had just begun to brown on top, so he placed it on the stove to cool a bit. Jon was standing in the doorway smiling at him.

"I always set the timer," said Jon.

"Thanks, I'll remember that, Emeril. Didn't your mother tell you not to bite the hand that feeds you? Now get out of here while I make a salad, then we'll eat."

Jon went back to the living room, amused at how annoyed Luke was with himself for coming close to burning their dinner. The near-fiasco had broken the tension, though, and Jon hoped their conversation had put Luke's mind at ease. He decided he'd let it drop for now, and maybe Luke would come to his senses.

"Dinner is served," announced Luke. They sat and ate, Luke commenting on how good Cathy's meal was.

"I think I'll make some kind of soup this weekend. It's starting to get chilly out and I love soup."

"Me too," said Jon.

"Have you seen my cast-iron skillet and Dutch oven?"

Jon nodded and waved his fork. He swallowed. "In the dishwasher."

Luke jerked his head and looked at Jon. "Jon, please tell me you didn't run it yet."

"Twice. They didn't look that much better after the first time."

Luke had his elbows on the table and buried his eyes in his hands, shaking his head back and forth."

"What? Did I do something wrong?"

Luke looked up and Jon could see he was trying to control himself. Jon just stared at him with a questioning look.

"Jon, you never, ever use detergent on cast-iron, let alone put it in the dishwasher. It ruins it. It'll take forever to season it again."

"Does this mean I don't get soup this weekend?"

"Oh sure. Campbell's."

"Gotcha! It's in the drawer under the oven. Didn't you see all the cast-iron my mom has? I know how to take care of that stuff."

"What are you trying to do--give me a coronary? Do you enjoy making me crazy? I really think you have a sadistic streak in you. I think I'll just make enough soup for Cathy and me."

"Just trying to lighten up the mood. I thought it was kinda funny. I didn't even plan it."

"Oh yeah, you're a regular riot. Okay, Jon, just watch your back. One of these days--not tomorrow, maybe not next week, but sometime when you least expect it, I'm gonna get you good."

"Jeez, don't have a cow, man!"

"You know how I am about the kitchen. Maybe I should get one of those child-proof gates for it, since you act like a little brat."

Jon got up and took their dishes to the sink, then covered the rest of the casserole with foil.

"Don't put that in the refrigerator yet, it's still too hot."

"Okay, but don't forget about it. Want me to set the timer for you?" Jon asked with a smile.

Luke stood, put his arms around Jon, and began to guide him to the bedroom.

"No, I'll just wait until I hear you scream my name."

Jon was glad the week was over and he could spend a relaxing weekend with Luke. He walked into the condo to find Luke asleep on the couch. He seemed to have a rolled-up sock or something on his chest. As Jon walked up to him, the "sock" moved and he saw two eyes peer at him. Luke stirred.

"What's this?" asked Jon.

Luke fumbled a little and sat up. "I found him at work. He was about to be buried under a load of gravel. I couldn't find his mother, so I figured he needed a place."

Jon looked at the kitten. "How do you know it's a 'he'?"

"I don't know, he just seems like he is. I bought some cat food on the way home, but he won't eat it."

"Of course not--he can't be more than five weeks old. He can't eat that stuff."

Jon picked up the kitten and examined him. "Congratulations, dad, it's a boy."

"I thought so. If he can't eat cat food, what can he eat? He has to be hungry by now."

"He's probably starving. I'll run to the store and be right back."

Within a half-hour Jon returned with two bags. He set one down and went to the kitchen with the other. Luke joined him.

"So what are you making?" asked Luke.

"Pablum. You dilute evaporated milk with warm water and mix it in. He's too young to make it too thick."

The kitten ate as if he were starved, which he probably was. Jon and Luke sat on the couch and watched TV. After about ten minutes the kitten came out of the kitchen and was trying to scale Luke's legs. Luke picked him up and placed him on his lap. The kitten was purring loudly and curled up with Luke. Jon got up and set up the litter box he had bought.

"So how do you housebreak a cat?"

Jon looked at Luke. "You show him where the sandbox is. That's about it. Haven't you ever had a pet?"

"No, my parents were never big on pets. I like cats and dogs, but I've never had one."

Jon looked at the kitten as he made himself comfortable in Luke's lap.

"Evidently you do now. I think this kitten has decided you're his mother. What are you going to name him?"

Luke thought for a minute. "Rocky. It seems appropriate considering how I found him. And he does seem to be a fighter. Any kitten who could have survived in that area is a winner."

Luke stood and placed the kitten in the sandbox. He was amused as the cat played with the sand and rolled around, then eventually nature called and he realized what it was for. He made some amateurish attempts to bury things and then hopped out of the box and stood at Luke's feet. Luke picked him up and cradled him in his arm. Rocky was purring loudly and Luke sat back on the couch. He was gently stroking the kitten's head. Luke enjoyed the kitten's company.

"Jon, I don't know how to take care of a cat. I've never had one."

"Well, it looks like you're doing okay. Rocky seems happy. It's not that difficult."

"But he's so tiny. I don't know how he made it this far."

"He got lucky--he found you. Kinda like I found you."

"What happens if I go back to work and his mother and siblings show up? What am I going to do then?"

"I guess we'll have a bunch of cats. Whatever. But I don't think you have to worry about this one--he is definitely your cat. I might get jealous."

As if to make a point, Rocky stretched and worked his way up Luke's chest to nuzzle his face. Luke was touched when the kitten nestled his head against Luke's shoulder and pressed his nose against his neck. He licked Luke's neck and seemed to find his stubble comforting. After a couple of minutes he fell asleep in Luke's arms, purring contentedly. When Luke and Jon decided to go to bed, Luke placed the kitten on a blanket on the floor next to the couch. They went into the bedroom and embraced each other. They were both too tired for sex, but they held each other and kissed. They both drifted off to sleep, content with being together. At some point during the night Luke noticed some commotion in the bed, and realized Rocky had pulled himself up. He settled in the crook of Luke's arm and purred loudly until he fell asleep. Luke cuddled him and slept, too. There was something about having Rocky next to him that comforted him.

Jon awoke first and got out of bed to start the coffee. He noticed the kitten snuggled against Luke, sleeping soundly. He smiled as he went to the kitchen, got the coffee going and mixed some pablum for the kitten. Within a couple of minutes Rocky was at Jon's feet, meowing as Jon set the dish down on the floor.

"You sure learn fast, don't you? How'd you get down from the bed? Come to think of it, how'd you get into the bed?"

Luke walked in and kissed Jon, then watched the kitten eat.

"He sure has an appetite. If he keeps this up he's going to be huge."

Jon looked at Rocky. "I don't think he's going to be a big cat. He has small paws and his bone structure is on the light side. But he probably has worms, most kittens and puppies do, and anyway he needs to be checked out by a vet."

"Could you do that this afternoon? I have a flying lesson."

"If I can get an appointment; I'll call and see. Don't you want to be with him for his first doctor visit?"

"No," stated Luke. "They might give him a shot."

Jon rolled his eyes and gave Luke a wry smile. "Don't tell me you're squeamish about shots."

"Not for me, but he's just a little guy. It would be like putting a spike in him."

"You know, for someone who never had a pet, you sure seem to have taken to the idea. Relax, dad, he'll be fine. You just concentrate on your flying and leave the rest to me."

Jon returned home about 3:30 and fed Rocky, then sat on the couch to see what was on TV. Rocky came into the living room but seemed a little confused. He went to Jon and stood at his feet, then settled on the floor with his chin on Jon's shoe. When Luke got home about a half-hour later the kitten jumped up and ran to him. Luke sat next to Jon and Rocky immediately began trying to climb up his leg to get onto the couch. Luke picked him up and placed him in his lap.

Jon looked at them. "I've never seen a cat bond so quickly to someone like he does with you. He hardly looked at me all afternoon, except when I fed him."

"Did you take him to the vet?"

"Yeah, he's in surprisingly good health. They gave me some drops for his ears but he doesn't even have worms. The vet was surprised at that. By the way, he's officially 'Rocky Sorensen,' at least at the vet's."

"Was it a struggle at the vet's? Did he freak out?"

"I think he actually liked it. It was all a big adventure for him. When I wasn't looking in the waiting room a Golden Retriever came up to him and they were nuzzling each other before I knew what was happening. He's not afraid of anything. How'd your lesson go?"

Rocky made his way up Luke's chest and pushed his nose under his chin. Luke cupped the little body in his hands.

"It was stressful. We did takeoffs and landings the whole time. Taking off is no big deal, but landing is a challenge. It's hard to get a feel for putting the plane on the ground. But by the third or fourth time I was getting better at it. I just kept feeling like I was too low, but Charlie said that's normal and you get used to it. I know I can do it, I just need more practice."

"If you do as well as you did the last time you said you just needed practice, you'll be an ace!"

Luke punched Jon in the shoulder, remembering the first time they had oral sex. "Yeah, I guess I am good at picking up on things I like to do."

"And speaking of things you like to do, our wedding is coming up pretty quick. We have that to think about. What do you think we should wear?"

"What? Do you think one of us should be in a wedding gown?"

"Right," said Jon. You'd look real good to me in a wedding dress. I'd kill you."

Their wedding date was approaching and both of them were looking forward to being united.

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