"This above all: To thine own self be true, for it must follow as dost the night the day, that canst not be false to any man." Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Each relationship, unique unto itself, must find its way and become what it will. We all make the journey. Enjoy this story of Steve and Alejandro (sounds like a-lah-handro -- Spanish). Though the theme of wrestling will be a key component in the early chapters and a continuing theme, the story is about relationships and being true to oneself. Thanks to Bill M and TalonRider for assistance proofing the story.
Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com
From the previous chapter:
Charles kept up his ministrations and considered his friend and what he had said. It was real for him, a burden. To put on the rose colored glasses and wish for wealth, real wealth, he decided was not such a wise thing. Instead he said, "You feeling any better? Want a glass of wine?"
Alejandro paused then looked up at Charles, reached for his hands and held them. "No thanks to the wine. If you could keep doing the massage thing, now that'd be great." Holding Charles gaze he waited.
Finally Charles replied quietly, "Here, or in my bedroom?"
Alejandro released Charles' hands and stood. "Lead the way." He said smiling.
Chapter 12
Alejandro walked behind the sofa. Charles reached out and took Alejandro's hand. When in the bedroom Alejandro began to undress and Charles stopped him. "I've wanted to touch your body since the first day I saw you. Let me do this."
Reaching over he kissed Alejandro gently, perhaps even tentatively and then unbuttoned his shirt. He let his hungry eyes devour every contour, every hair of Alejandro's tight muscled chest. Charles placed his hands on Alejandro's lats and let his thumbs find the generous nipples and begin to rub them. The nubs quickly responded to his actions. All the while he rubbed them, Charles held Alejandro's eyes. The pleasure both were feeling showed in their tenting pants.
Charles smiled and said, "let's get you out of those before you make too much of a mess." Reaching down he loosened Alejandro's belt and snaps and lowered both jeans and boxers. Alejandro balanced himself holding to Charles' head as Charles finished stripping him free of his socks.
Charles began at Alejandro's knees and began to trace the inside of Alejandro's legs with his tongue. First with broad wet swipes then with a probing hard tip that signaled Alejandro's nerve endings casing his cock to throb in response. Charles continued the exploration as Alejandro's head lolled back. With his eyes closed he let the sensations wash over him. Somewhere in his mind he realized that this was unlikely to be an athletic session of shared passion. That was fine by him.
Charles took the base of Alejandro's thick muscle and began to blow and lick the glans and piss slit. He smiled as Alejandro groaned. Working in earnest on the shaft and head, Charles paced his progress letting the sensations build in Alejandro. As he felt himself begin the unmistakable signs of pre climax, Alejandro reached down and lifted Charles to his feet. They kissed deeply and long.
Breaking the kiss, Alejandro began to unbutton Charles' shirt and found Charles smiling his encouragement. Quickly Alejandro stripped him and instead of exploring his body kneeling on the floor, Alejandro grabbed Charles around the waist and lifted him gently to the bed. Charles wrapped his arms and legs around Alejandro, scissoring him, pulling their bodies close. Alejandro could smell the musk and sweat of the day emanating from Charles pits. It wasn't an odor as much as it was the musky smell of a man. Letting his body rest atop Charles, Alejandro let his tongue begin its exploration.
Charles was soon writhing under the demanding tip of Alejandro's tongue as he let his muscle probe all the curves and crannies of Charles' chest. Lowering himself between Charles' legs Alejandro licked and bit all the areas there ignoring Charles' leaking shaft. Finally he slid his body higher until their cocks were laying side by side. Alejandro gently rocked their bodies' together. Resting on his elbows, he looked down at Charles and asked "Can you handle someone as big as me?"
Charles groaned, "You can only imagine how much I want you but it's just too large. Besides I'm seldom on the bottom. How about you?"
Alejandro grinned, "I've never been on the receiving end but I'm willing to try if you'll be gentle and go slow."
Charles' eyes lit up and said "let me get some lube."
Charles proved to be a skillful and gentle lover. His dick felt huge to Alejandro but he quickly adjusted to it. Charles guided the head continually to the pleasure spot. Alejandro was in constant motion from the pleasure. Charles recognized the signs and began a hard rhythmic thrusting as Alejandro reached his pinnacle. With a loud grunting both men came within seconds of each other. The sensations were so intense for Alejandro. Feeling his ass ring clamp on a hard moving muscle drew seed from deep within. It kept pulsing through his shaft onto his chest and abs.
Charles finally spent, collapsed on top of Alejandro and signed deeply. "Thank you. That was so good. I've jerked off for weeks thinking about my dick pounding your ass. Listen to me! You seemed to have enjoyed it. Was it too painful?"
"I don't mean to say didn't like it when I say it was different. Simply it was the first time and thanks for being thorough in getting me ready. I haven't cum that hard in a long time."
Charles let his forehead rest on Alejandro's chest for a few moments then suggested they get cleaned up. Alejandro smiled to himself at how different folks were. Mike and Charles had in common their desire to get off and be done with it. That was Ok but Alejandro realized that he much preferred to take his time and let the tension build. Also, he didn't even have to ask, he just knew that Charles, though fit, wouldn't be interested in the erotic grappling that so turned Alejandro on.
Their sharing Charles' bed though not expected by either became a pleasure they enjoyed numerous times as the spring semester progressed and moved to a close. Alejandro had several extended hot sessions with Frederick and even a combined romp with Mike and Frederick.
That had been fun. Frederick, ever the manipulator had arranged the two men to wrestle the best three out of five with his ass as the prize. Looser took seconds. What had spurred both men to the challenge was Alejandro's progress with Joe. Mike was curious and competitive and was pretty sure he could easily take his opponent. Alejandro brought more fight to the mat than Mike had anticipated. It was hard fought and long but Mike finally won. It suited Alejandro just as well. He and Frederick would enjoy an extended session afterward and he'd get to watch Mike in action again. Though he didn't know it at the time it would be the cap stone of his shared sexual activity until the next September.
The end of classes and exams came sooner than Alejandro wanted. It had been a great year and he would miss his friends. Mike was heading to San Francisco, having lined up a job with the Emergency Technicians through a local hospital as well as an apprenticeship with a reputable massage therapy clinic.
Alejandro and Frederick decided to throw a party for him and by the time the guest list was finished Alejandro insisted that they rent a hall at his expense. Frederick put up an argument for pride's sake but knew Alejandro was right.
He sat Frederick down at lunch the next day and laid out his plan. "You'll argue that I don't owe you and Mike anything and I'll agree." Frederick started to talk but Alejandro shut him up and pressed on. "We've talked about this before and unless it's really going to offend and hurt you I'd like to suggest a division of labor for this thing.
Frederick nodded his agreement to hear Alejandro's plan. "Neither of us have time, and in my case, the skill to prepare food for the number of people we really want to have here. Agree?" Frederick nodded and Alejandro went on. "Here's what I suggest. We both want to give Mike a big send off. He's gonna get a kick out of all the stuff the club has planned. You know him and most of his friends better than I so I'm gonna ask you to plan the menu. Now hear me out."
Alejandro made his case convincingly and finally Frederick agreed to work with the caterer that Isabella usually used and under duress agreed to let Alejandro pay for all of it. As they finished the conversation Alejandro added with a grin, "You know if I'd had to pay for all the physio and psycho therapy you've given me, I'd be out a lot more than this party will cost." He paused a moment pressing his leg against Frederick's and said, "You can't begin to know how much I'm going to miss you this summer. Not just as a fuck buddy," he whispered, "but as a friend, someone to talk to, who understands."
Repeating the promise made in October, Frederick simply said, "I've still got your back, Dude. You're gonna be Ok and if you need anything, and I do mean anything, give me call."
It was only days later that they were slapping backs, saying goodbye and promising to stay in touch. Alejandro saw both men off and as Mike's car disappeared; Alejandro became pensive as he walked toward his car. It would be a long and likely dry, summer.
Without breaking stride, Alejandro went to work the first Monday after exams. Both Salvadors kept early morning hours and Alejandro joined them. The work was interesting and demanding. Market analysis was constant as the futures business was in a constant state of flux.
Alejandro's father, Salvador, asked to meet him for lunch early in his third week. Curious, he met his father at his office and they walked to lunch enjoying a surprisingly mild early summer day in Chicago. After orders had been placed and beverages served, Salvador came right to his point.
"Alejandro you have displayed a talent for investing and I believe you have a keen eye for management. Your grandfather and I have talked at length about your summer activities. We both agree it is time for you to become involved in the overall scope of our businesses. Of course, we do not presume to tell you what you must do with you life. Your interest and involvement in the past years has lead us to believe you may well want to take over the direction of the family enterprises in the future. Am I correct in this?"
"Yes Father. With your's and grandfather's blessing, it is how I plan to spend my life." replied Alejandro.
"You needn't be so formal, son. We are both proud of you and love you. Actually a fear that has lurked in the back of our minds has been that you would want to follow another dream. That contingency is in place. Do not feel you are locking yourself into anything this day."
"Thank you Father. Now tell me about your plans."
During lunch and well past dessert the two men discussed the summer's agenda. Salvador was impressed with the intuitive and probing questions Alejandro asked. His suggestions were salient and Salvador promised to discuss them with his father that day. They left the restaurant in good spirits, both eager to set in place the plans discussed.
Alejandro's work level ramped up to a point that he was just able to stay in front of the load with his ten hour days. In the past two years he'd been introduced to the varied business issues that he now had to deal with in depth. None of it was boring. To the contrary, he left work with energy to spare, energy that needed an outlet.
Early in the second week, he had his assistant call the University and ask if his student ID would give him access to the gym. He had not discussed summer plans with Joe and on the off chance he might be in town, he made a second call. A broad smile spread across his face when Joe answered.
They chatted briefly about Joe's classes and Alejandro's work, though he was somewhat oblique in his answers, wanting to segment this part of his life in effort to maintain some semblance of privacy. Joe was eager to restart their wrestling training hinting that the money had come in handy. Alejandro guessed it had been more than just `handy'. He asked if Joe could spare a little more time, with of course increased pay. He jumped at the chance. They agreed to meet that night.
Dinner's mid week were usually a bit earlier and offered lighter fare. Dinner together as a family was nearly sacrosanct. Alejandro asked his grandmother if it were possible to have the meal conclude by 7 p.m. to allow him to get to the gym to work out. Finding that would hurry all involved except him, Isabella agreed that he might be excused early after the main course with no one taking offence. He kissed her on the cheek with his thanks.
The senior Salvadors would have enjoyed picking Alejandro's brain after dinner. They followed closely his projects and tasks, all designed to give him a detailed understanding of the core elements of each business in addition to a beginning understanding of the day to day operations. They tacitly agreed that Alejandro's plan should be honored.
It was a multifaceted release for Alejandro to be able to return to the gym, his wrestling training and to the general maleness of the place. He harbored no hope of finding someone to help him with his continual horniness. It was manageable and he was looking for exercise. Better his fist than the attending unanticipated problems that an encounter might bring.
Fortunately the summer crowd was just a bit lighter than that of the regular academic year. He resumed his weight training begun with Frederick and often wished for Frederick's acerbic corrections to form as he pressed, curled and lifted. Wrestling training was usually the last hour before the gym closed. It was good, very good.
After his Tuesday session with Joe the second week of July, they finished and sat down to talk. "Alex, I'm barely able to stay ahead of you, man. If we went head to head, I'm not sure I wouldn't put money on your pinning me. I can't keep taking your money as a coach. Hate having to say that more than you know but I've got to be fair. Our agreement last fall was for me to coach you. You're ready for a level beyond my capability.
Alejandro thought for a moment and responded, "Joe, you can't cut and bail on me. We've got an agreement for the summer. How am I going to find someone to train with?" He let his voice blend a real sense of frustration and disappointment without letting on that he was quickly developing a plan. "I've been enjoying our sessions but have to agree with you that there's not been much new in the mix for a while. No hard feelings, I hope.
"Tell you what. I can't find someone to replace you as coach. If you think you can find someone who will work with me I'll keep our financial arrangement and we can be sparing partners and the new coach can critique giving me the advantage of another set of eyes more easily able to see mistakes and correct them. Make sense?
"My summer job is taking 10 hours a day and I don't have time or access to anyone to help me find someone to coach. Tell you what. You find someone that fits the bill, and I'll interview them as we did you. Find the right man and I'll have a bonus for you at the end of the summer. You keep coming as my sparing partner. Does that sound like something you can work with?"
"Damn right! I've been thinking about this since we started back, knowing I'd have to say something before you did -- if only to save face." Joe Replied. "I've got some guys that might be interested. A couple have been ragging on me that they could run rings around my coaching when I told them I was getting paid."
Alejandro responded, "I'm looking for someone who is a teacher/coach, like you are. You have the right word at the right time. I will not put up with someone who wants to talk their way through a session. Nor do I want someone trying, pardon the expression, to blow smoke up my ass telling me how great I am. I'm depending on you to help me find the right guy. How fast do you can find someone?"
"I'll start on it tonight. Same time schedule, or could you work on wresting before weights?" Joe asked.
"I can start warming up and stretching by 7:30. 8 p.m. is the earliest I'd want to start. See what you can find that fits in that time frame. Anytime you can bring someone to work out with us, just schedule it. We'll keep looking `till we find the right guy." Alejandro said.
Joe headed home with a mission. He'd been sure he was cutting off his cushion of emergency money. It had been hand to mouth before he started with Alejandro. He whistled all the way as he made his list of possible candidates.
Joe was successful beyond both their expectations. Jason, Jase to nearly everyone who knew him, had wrestled in high school. In college, he had coached at an inner city Y program as well as wrestling on his college team. Recently married, his wife worked second shift at a local hospital and he had evenings free. He was a no nonsense guy who was used to making wrestlers do their best.
When he offered to come early to supervise Alejandro's weight training, the deal, in Alejandro's mind was done. Alejandro told him it was for summer only. Things would be reevaluated in September based on scheduling and how they'd progressed. Jase spent the first half hour with them asking questions, making Alejandro as well as Joe go through some weight routines, and watching them wrestle.
"You guys will be ok. You're far from where you've told me you want to be Alex and I'm not going to get you close to that in six weeks. Just wanted to let you know. Another thing, you talk a good game. I'm not very patient with talkers. The guys I've coached know I'll go to the moon for them if they put out and don't beat my ears up with excuses. The money will come in handy but it's not worth my being frustrated. So there's my deal." Alejandro offered his hand and smiled.
Weekend trips to the lake house with the attending social activity made Alejandro anxious to be back at work on Mondays. The workouts had kept him balanced, and to a degree sane. Work enabled him to quickly put the foolishness of the weekend behind him. As he worked through his weight routine it cleared his mind and helped him sort through the things he was learning with greater efficiency.
All too soon the end of August arrived. He had grown fond of the intense pace of work and working out every day. His sessions with Jase had been a tonic for him. Jase demanded a level of concentration that stretched even Alejandro's disciplined mind. Adjustments would be made for classes and he knew his continued involvement in family business would be greater than the year before. Other things would fall in place around that.
Frederick looked him up as soon as he returned to campus. Their reunion was easy and warm as if they'd seen each other the week before. Frederick had invited Alejandro to be his apartment mate but Alejandro declined enjoying the mix and variety dorm life offered. Privately he thought the intensity of their shared sex would be affected by living together.
As a sophomore, Alejandro hit his stride almost immediately. Studying the syllabi for his econ classes he determined that his summer work would fit well with required papers and accounting projects. With names changed it would enable him to continue what he had started. The elder Algaras completely agreed asking only that they be given an opportunity to read anything prior to it being submitted for evaluation by faculty.
The hint of fall was a welcome sign of change for Alejandro. By October leaves were majestically colored, the football season appeared promising and all seemed well in Alejandro's world. Isabella and Salvador had flown to New York to take a brief vacation and planned to extend it with a driving tour through New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine to enjoy the color and sea shore on the east cost.
Two days before their anticipated return, Salvador received a call in the early hours of morning from the New York State Patrol. His parents had been killed in a single car accident. Wet leaves on the road had caused the car to lose traction and spin stopping only when it hit a rock face on the mountain road. They were killed instantly.
A call had been placed to the Department Chair, the Dean and the President. Alejandro would make up his work but would be away from classes for an undetermined time. Salvador met his son as he arrived for his first class. Seeing his father's haggard features, he ran to him. Holding the man by the shoulders he guided him to a bench near the building's door.
Alejandro knelt in front of his father. His face seemed gaunt. With an almost cold recitation, Salvador informed Alejandro of the events. Realizing that his father might be in shock Alejandro covered him with his coat. Calling security he gave them the pertinent details and told them to inform the President's office and to send medical assistance. Help arrived in minutes and he was transported to the infirmary until an ambulance arrived.
The President was in the infirmary when Salvador and Alejandro arrived. He offered any assistance Alejandro and the family might need. The only thing Alejandro could think of immediately was that he wanted to tell Frederick. Giving the President the name and phone number he requested that he alert Frederick. Alejandro climbed into the ambulance that had just arrived, and with his father, left for the hospital.
On arrival, Alejandro made sure his father was processed and asked for a supervisor. The attitude of the administrator was at best disinterested when Alejandro asked that he be provided a place with some privacy to call the Mayor and the Archbishop. Sensing the hesitation, he grabbed an information sheet and went to the nearest pay phone.
When the executive secretary to the hospital president answered he said "Good morning, my name is Alejandro Algara, son and grandson of Salvador Algara. If you will check you will find that either my father, grandfather or perhaps my grandmother sit on your Board, or have in the past year given substantial sums to this hospital. I am in the emergency room, having just arrived with my father whom I believe is in shock. I have requested a quiet place and a phone so that I may inform the Mayor and the Archbishop of my grandparent's death yesterday and my father's illness. Can you please assist me in this, yes I'll hold." The emergency administrator, who was within earshot, looked first confused then alarmed.
"Mr. Algara, this is Dr. McCarthy. How may I help you?"
"Simply sir, I need a place to make some phone calls. My father seems to be in shock and I need to notify the Mayor and Archbishop of my grandparents' death yesterday. Is there anyway you can help me?" Alejandro's voice broke once toward the end and he could feel himself trembling.
"Where are you now, Mr. Algara?" McCarthy asked.
"I'm in your emergency waiting room at a pay phone." He replied.
"Do you see a security guard with a hospital logo on his uniform?" Alejandro said yes. "Ask for the senior guard. If he is unavailable tell any of them that Dr. McCarthy requests that you be brought to my office immediately. I will have a doctor on staff come to the emergency room now to monitor your father's condition and report back to me as information is available. You are under stress yourself young man. Now repeat to me my instructions."
A few seconds later as Alejandro headed for the desk; a guard approached him and said he had been told to escort Mr. Algara to the Administrator's office. Entering a nearby staff elevator the guard inserted a key and they rode to the top floor without interruption. Dr. McCarthy was waiting for him and after briefly expressing his condolences, saying that he knew both father and grandparents; he escorted Alejandro to a recently vacated office.
After calling City Hall and the Cathedral he sat and began to organize his thoughts. On a piece of paper he began to list all the people who must be called, both business and personal acquaintances. Within a few moments he had organized several lists and prioritized them. He needed Frederick.
Picking up the phone he dialed the President's office at the University and was put through immediately. Yes, he was informed that Frederick had been located and was heading to the President's office. Alejandro gave them Dr. McCarthy's number and the number on the phone he was using and asked them to have Frederick call as soon as possible.
He resumed working on his lists when suddenly the phone rang. It was Frederick. "I've got your back, Alex. Where are you right now?" Confirming the location, he said, "The U has a car ready to take me so sit tight. I'm on the way." Without another word Frederick hung up.
Alejandro smiled at the receiver he held in his hand. Help was on the way. He felt his tension ease a little.
Dr. McCarthy came in moments later and reported that Mr. Algara's vital signs did not indicate shock but the doctor had given him a mild sedative and strongly suggested bed rest for be balance of the day. They offered to keep him at the hospital for observation but Alejandro thought it best for him to rest at home.
Alejandro called the house and asked that a car be sent to the hospital to pick them up. He went down to the Emergency Room to see his father. Frederick had just arrived and they quickly embraced. Alejandro filled him in on all the details. He went to check on his dad and began to check him out. Frederick waited for the car.
Soon they were on their way home. Alejandro gently took charge. After introducing Frederick as his best friend from college, he outlined his plan for his dad. With a loving but firm voice he told his father that today was going to be for rest. Alejandro reasoned that the days ahead were going to be taxing and that he would run every thing past his father. Salvador finally agreed.
After Salvador had been seen to his suite, the staff gathered around Alejandro and offered condolences and shared their shock at the news. Alejandro introduced Frederick and told them that they would be in his grandfather's study most of the day. Coffee and a light breakfast was ordered. Alejandro then showed Frederick to the study.
Frederick shut the door and took Alejandro in his arms holding him and reassuring him that they'd get through this together. Alejandro welcomed the embrace and rested his chin on Frederick's shoulder murmuring that there was so much to do. Finally, Alejandro began to process his own loss of Isabella and Salvador and his voice caught in a brief sob. Frederick held him tighter and said nothing. They stood quietly until Alejandro began to pull away. As he did he kissed Frederick lightly on the cheek and looking in his eyes said simply, "Thank you."
Together they outlined the tasks to be accomplished and each began to make phone calls. Frederick carried off his assigned role as `Mr. Algara's personal assistant' flawlessly. With each call, he seemed to adapt his tone and implied authority with ease and was soon able to accomplish all he'd been give to do.
The house keeper appeared at the door and Frederick asked her to remove the breakfast dishes and bring them a pitcher of orange juice. Alejandro was preoccupied with his phone calls and didn't even notice as Frederick approached, gave him a glass of juice and began to massage his shoulders.
Finishing the call, he lowered his neck and let Frederick dig his thumbs into the muscles deeply. He groaned with the relief it gave him as Frederick continued for a moment more. Finally, he gently slapped Alejandro's shoulder and said "Ok, let's compare notes and see what we need to do next."
Frederick had, through appropriate channels, obtained release of the bodies. The airline had been contacted and was awaiting shipment and was ready to transport to Chicago. He had established contact points all along the way to track successful completion. The family funeral home had been alerted and was going to handle all details in Chicago. Once Alejandro and the family lawyer had spoken and agreed on a press release, Frederick had begun calling various publications.
Frederick listened to Alejandro's recitation of his calls and began to probe with detailed questions concerning elements that might still need to be addressed. Alejandro agreed and soon was back on the phone. In the mean time, Frederick began to deal with the continual stream of incoming calls.
Salvador hearing a report at lunch, rested. Alejandro was more than capable and with his friend's help he was doing all that could be done at the moment. The following day, Salvador was recovered. Most of his day was spent in his office preparing for the transitions within the businesses. He and Alejandro were at the funeral home to receive the bodies and together they selected caskets.
When Salvador returned to the office, Alejandro and Frederick went to the U to gather some clothes, and go to a couple of classes. They returned to the Algara estate in late afternoon. It was a brief but welcome change of pace for both of them. The remaining days of the week became a blur. Frederick was nearby the entire time. Salvador seemed to accept the arrangement as that of a close college friend whom Alejandro trusted.
At the wake and following the reception after Requiem Mass at the Cathedral there had been more than a few questioning looks at the dark haired, attractive young man at Alejandro's side. Both men were aware of the sidelong glances and had discussed how things might appear. Though he knew he was beginning to break stride with the social expectations that surrounded him, Alejandro was ready to let people think what they would.
The next week both men returned to their regular schedules. Neither encountered difficulties with their professors and both were glad to be in the academic harness again.
The weeks offered a comfortable pattern of repetition for Alejandro. He spent several hours in long conversations with Frederick dealing with his grief, his guilt at not being able to provide an heir and his growing concern about his father.
Salvador had immersed himself in work. Admittedly, there was much to be done with changes in corporate structure and consolidating the various elements of the businesses. Alejandro knew that there were others who could easily deal with the details but he guessed that it was part of Salvador's grief. Whatever the reason, he was growing more concerned each weekend that passed.
In late November, the weekend after Thanksgiving both men sat in comfortable silence in the drawing room before a quiet fire, each with their reading and thoughts as they approached their first Christmas without Isabella and Salvador. They had regretfully declined the numerous invitations that indicated the start of the season and were enjoying the quiet. Alejandro closed his book and began to bid his father goodnight when Salvador asked him to wait.
Reclaiming his seat he waited, his concern rising, wondering at the subtle agitation he saw in his father's face. Salvador seemed to relax and warm to his task as he recounted how proud his grandparents had always been of Alejandro. As his father's face relaxed, Alejandro's concerns began to evaporate. Eventually Salvador began to discuss the transitions in the business and indicated his need for Alejandro to be, if not more involved, at least to remain active in his understanding so that if something were to happen to Salvador, that Alejandro wouldn't be caught off guard.
With the typical protestations, Alejandro promised to stay in close contact with all the elements. Further he suggested that he would begin to maintain a journal and discuss events with his father each weekend to assure him that he was current in all the various aspects. Salvador seemed satisfied with this and then turned the discussion to the will. Alejandro was prepared not to be surprised, having been a part of numerous discussions of transitions regarding property and assets over the years.
"Son, you know how proud both your grandfather and I have been of your work the past few summers. We debated at length about the assignment this summer just past, wondering between us if it were too much for you to grasp at this point in your life. You excelled and demonstrated acuity for your tasks that surprised us both. Needless to say, my father missed few opportunities to ask me if I would have done as well at your age, particularly when you demonstrated not only understanding but mastery of a given task.
"You are well aware of his belief that a person's approach to any task is altered when there is an opportunity for personal loss or gain. After this past summer father altered his will with respect to your trust fund. Instead of waiting until you are 25 to receive a portion with the balance being fully entrusted to you at 30, he determined that you were quite capable of managing your own fund." Salvador said.
It was a compliment and Alejandro smiled and nodded his thanks thinking that it would be a welcome challenge. The total represented a million dollars and was a sizable responsibility but he had dealt with things like this many times in his management oversight during the summer past. This time it would be his money at risk. It made a big difference.
Salvador let him absorb the information before continuing. "There was another change, son. Father knew that eventually you would solely be responsibility for everything and satisfied in your diligence, academic discipline and maturity he increased the fund so that there would be real risk, therefore greater motivation." Quietly he finished, "Alejandro the amount of the fund released to you will be ten million, not one."
Alejandro sat motionless for a few seconds then exhaled as if releasing all his breath. Slumping back against the chair he looked at his father somewhat dumbstruck. Softly he repeated the amount.
Salvador had guessed this, along with several other pieces of his news, would not be greeted with enthusiasm. "Alejandro, I know it is an enormous responsibility. It is one for which I would have not been ready at your age. Remember, though, it is simply a transfer of title of funds from your grandfather's estate to you. The funds are already invested and are growing. Only when you feel comfortable and have had time to formulate your own strategies will you need to consider making any changes."
"There some other pieces of information I need to share. Your grandparents have been pleased with your work at the University. The three of us have watched as you have flourished in the environment. You, of course, know of our involvement with the Board and the Foundation Board. Though we've never asked, out of respect for your privacy, occasionally an administrator or faculty member, making a report, will pull us aside and share their congratulations on your success.
"The next bequest was planned to honor you. Of course the thought was that it would be accomplished years after you finished your academic work." Salvador waited until Alejandro's eyes met his again. "Your grandparents will endow a chair in the economics department. The professor selected will be a person well versed in market dynamics and in particular commodities trade.
"A second bequest establishes an endowment that will fund scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in economics. The details of both of these bequests have yet to be worked out but I wanted to let you know that they will be given in your name."
"There won't be any fuss made will there father. No one needs to know do they?" Alejandro almost pleaded.
"Unfortunately, yes. The press releases will go out in early January and the gift will be awarded later the same month. It is the way these things work. Universities try to leverage each notable gift to encourage other gifts. These, under normal circumstances would be high profile announcements. With your grandparents' death it will be exponentially more newsworthy. I'm sorry son.
"At times, I've envied your ability to carve out a bit of privacy for yourself at school. The name Algara is just one of many unusual names at the University I would imagine. With the announcement, you will have some passing notoriety among faculty and staff. The student body, in general, I imagine will pay little attention.
"Now, there are two more things we need to discuss. These are bequests that came at Isabella's request. Let me lay some groundwork so you can better understand the nature of the bequest.
"When I was in Germany during the war I saw literally countless pieces of property offered for sale. Often German nobility were even willing to liquidate some of their ancillary properties in effort to regain some liquidity. After doing extensive research on title and validity of contract I realized the great opportunity available.
"After discussing this with my father and with my commanders' permission I began to quietly acquire exceptional properties throughout Germany and Austria. These originally included hotels, resorts and several castles that were of no use to their owners save for generation of capital. We paid a fair price, often above that which was asked. News of this nature travels fast and soon I was spending every free hour considering properties being offered for sale.
"You've seen them in the inventory of holdings in our real estate division I'm sure, haven't you."
Alejandro replied, "Yes, and I often wondered about them. I figured there would be enough time to research that later."
Salvador continued, "I have to agree. Castles along side business parks had to be a curiosity to anyone first looking at the portfolio. It has just become a part of the group and a profitable niche though odd.
"You're no doubt wondering what this has to do with you and your grandmother. She always wanted to take me to visit Europe to see the areas she knew as a child. The war, followed by a marriage and a child made that impossible. The dream never died for her. As she told you tales of Austria and palaces, of Spain and riding horseback and roping cattle, she was sharing her childhood and seeking to build an appetite within you for travel.
"It was her fond hope to spend the summer after you graduated traveling around Europe. She reminded both your grandfather and me that if you had a vested interest in something you'd be far more likely to care for and have interest in it. Sound familiar? We agreed and lumped the European properties division together just to keep the transition clean.
"Her plan was to have a graduation party as a sort of bon voyage. She was going to tell you just before the two of you left. It was sort of her gift to you -- something you could share. The long and short is that you will receive title to all of those properties when the probate is complete." He paused watching his son. Alejandro's face was a mask of memories.
Alejandro leaned forward elbows on knees. "You said two father. What is left?"
Salvador said, "Do you remember the pearls mother used to wear?"
"Of course. They became a type of trademark, a symbol of Isabella. Everyone knew of her pearls."
Salvador asked, "Do you remember any stories about them?"
Alejandro leaned back into his chair and shut his eyes. Letting his mind wander down the halls of his childhood the stories returned to him. For a time he said nothing, just remembered the tales of a fairy princess in dressing gowns with a wonderful grandmamma playing with her grand daughter. Finally he looked at his father. "This is about the pearls and the tiara. Am I right?" he asked with a voice tinged with sadness.
Salvador waited a moment and finally said, "Yes son. These are probably her most treasured things. I had thought to give them to you at Christmas but realized how inappropriate that might be. They are in my study on the shelf behind my desk. Would you go and get them for me?" Alejandro left the room and Salvador , sighed deeply, rubbed the bridge of his nose and his eyes in effort to relieve the strain.
Alejandro returned with a velvet purse and a small finely crafted wooden box with the crest of the Hapsburgs on the top. He offered them to Salvador who with a simple gesture indicated that Alejandro should keep them. Alejandro reached in the purse and removed the baroque pearls. Double strung and just over three feet in length they were luminous in the light of the room. He let them spill across his fingers watching their luster catch the light.
"Beautiful aren't they. They were to be a gift to your mother on our tenth anniversary." Salvador said simply.
Replacing the pearls into their velvet purse and laying them aside on a nearby table, Alejandro examined the crest on the box. "I barely remember the tiara and can't recall ever noticing the box and certainly not the crest." Lifting the lid carefully, his eyes were immediately captured by the brilliance and colors of the diamond tiara. The Old European cuts on the diamonds refracted much more color than the current day round brilliant cuts.
Lifting it carefully from the form that held it, he held the tiara and turned it to catch the light. It was truly spectacular. In a soft voice Alejandro spoke as to himself, "I remember her wearing it several times as she told me of the Emperor and the fairy tale princes that used to play with a beautiful lady in the palace. Wearing it she would rock me and tell me wonderful stories of the snow and ice, of horse drawn sleighs with harnesses decorated with silver bells. What wonderful pictures she painted for me." He held the tiara and let the light play remembering days long gone. Quietly, perhaps reverently, he replaced the tiara and secured the lid.
"Father, thank you. This has been difficult for both of us. I do not mean, in any way, to appear unappreciative. It is just too much to deal with right now. Please forgive me for saying goodnight"
"Goodnight son. I understand more fully than you know. Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning.
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