"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:
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.
Chapter 13
As the days grew shorter and Christmas approached, both Alejandro and Salvador kept themselves occupied with classes and work. Alejandro found studying much easier in the quiet of his home. During the final weeks before exams, he wished his roommate an early Merry Christmas, explaining that for the duration he'd be at home at night.
There was a strange comfort that surrounded him. Quickly he fell into the rhythms of rising early, heading for the gym and getting in his daily exercise before class. Having told Jase of his plans, he paid him through December and refused the protests he offered at the payment for time they would not work. He often saw Charles at the gym and waved a greeting. Neither had pressed to resume their Sunday dinners and Alejandro was comfortable leaving it that way.
During the reading days, prior to exams, Alejandro came home for breakfast after his workouts. This time for him was not a frantic rush to the finish as it was for many of his acquaintances. His papers had been completed, final projects reviewed and all he needed to do was study for his exams.
At lunch, the second day he was home, the housekeeper after clearing the dishes quietly asked if they were going to need assistance putting up a tree. It was as if Alejandro's eyes were suddenly opened. In previous years, Isabella had managed all of the decorating and entertaining. The house was barren of anything that suggested Christmas. "Let me talk to my father and perhaps we will put up a tree this year after all." he responded.
That evening while they were sharing a glass of wine before dinner, Alejandro broached the subject with his father. He was greeted with a deep sigh and a look of sadness. Alejandro felt a stab of pain that he had dredged up another page of memories for his father. "I supposed we must" Salvador replied, "but I don't have it in me to make it happen." He looked expectantly at Alejandro.
"Father," he said laughing, "any tree I decorate will be a disaster but I imagine the housekeeper will be of great assistance. I'll take care of it. I will ask you to join me in putting on the family decorations." Seeing his father about to sadly object, Alejandro pressed on. "It was Grandmamma's favorite activity during the whole season. We can do it and think of her." Salvador nodded his agreement and they went to dinner.
During dinner Salvador broached a topic that had been worrying him. "Alejandro, every year for decades, we have hosted the Christmas party for Senior Management and their staff. I know they are wondering what this year will bring. I am seriously considering a catered luncheon and giving out bonuses there. What do you think?"
Alejandro tried to put himself in his father's place. If it were he responsible for the event, there would be no questions. Tradition would change. With no wife to help manage and entertain such a large gathering it would be an untenable plan. Together, he and his father might pull it off but there would be no joy in it.
"Father, the decision is yours and I will support you in every way I can if you decide to maintain the tradition. You asked my opinion, though. I believe that showing appreciation for your staff is important, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. This you've modeled for me since I began working with you and Granddad. The staff will understand and it will give you a logical transition away from a large house party if that's your desire."
"Then it is decided. I was uncomfortable that you might feel another thing had been taken from you. I am relieved not to have to face that ordeal." As dinner continued they talked of many things relating to work and school. Finally Salvador broached the subject of Alejandro's thoughts about how to spend the days immediately around Christmas this year. "If you like we can put a brave face on all of it and follow the traditions of years past. Or perhaps there might be other options you'd like to consider."
This was unlike his father. Though he tried not to think of it often, he was aware that Salvador, though competent and able to accomplish most any task that the businesses or family responsibilities required; he was primarily a follower. Without being told, Alejandro knew the enormous pressure and stress on his father of suddenly being solely responsible for both family and business. It had become a source of concerned observation.
If his father was going to offer an alternative to their established Christmas patterns, Alejandro was keenly interested. Tentatively he asked, "Did you have anything particular in mind, Father?"
"You remember our conversation regarding the European division in our Real Estate Department. I've had one of the managers do some research on the German properties in particular. He was quite thorough and gave me his report today. I, um,"
Alejandro smiled and nodded his encouragement.
"Well," he paused again, "there are three resorts well located that offer skiing as well as a wide variety of other activities. He contacted each manager and asked them to make available a suite for our use should we decide to travel over the holidays this year." Salvador watched for Alejandro's reaction, his face a mixture of hope and concern. Salvador, relieved that he'd at least broached the idea, rushed on.
"I was thinking that you might not want to spend an extended amount of time with just me. No, don't protest," he said as he saw Alejandro begin to object, "You'd have lots more energy than I. I was hoping you might have a friend who would enjoy accompanying us. What do you think?" Unconsciously Salvador took in a breath and held it in anticipation.
Alejandro was both amused and surprised. He realized that seldom had his father made plans and suggestions without the prompting of others. He quickly responded, "That is a fantastic idea, Father. I've a thousand questions. Should I talk to the gentleman who did the research?"
Salvador smiled at Alejandro's enthusiasm and said, "Considering that they will be your properties by the time we return home, I think that is a good idea." The remainder of dinner was filled with discussing all the things they might want to consider doing and seeing.
"I know its short notice but do you know whom you would like to invite, son?" Salvador asked. He added, "Remember they will need a passport."
"I thought I'd ask Frederick first. Do you remember he's my friend who was so helpful when Grandmamma and Granddad died?"
"He seemed a nice fellow and you two got along well. Seems a good choice to me." Salvador replied.
Immediately after dinner Alejandro called Frederick and asked if he could come by the apartment.
"Don't plan to take long you horn dog. I've got important stuff to do ya know." Frederick said as he laughed.
Alejandro arrived shortly after and when Frederick heard the news, he was nearly dumbstruck by the invitation. He'd not often been out of state but that didn't mean he wasn't ready to pack and go.
"You need a passport, Frederick." Alejandro said with some concern.
Frederick looked at him and smiled his crooked smile. "You're not the only Boy Scout with the motto of be prepared."
Alejandro looked puzzled. Frederick laughed out loud, "Alex you've really got to get out more. You know Boy Scouts', be prepared'. It seems that things don't change. I've still got to teach you everything. And yes I have a passport. Have you guys finalized details?"
"No and I've got so much to tell you. Not tonight though. You're got to try to not disgrace yourself with your exams. Think you'll be able to graduate this year or will it take one more?" Alejandro kidded him.
"I've got to hit the books hard and this won't help, damn it! But thanks, wow! I'll have to call you tomorrow to make sure I didn't dream it. Now get the hell out of here and let me try to study!" Frederick ordered.
Alejandro seemed to float. With all the pressure and change he'd had to deal with, this was an unanticipated and very welcome gift. As he drove home he began to make a mental list of his questions and determined to discover what resources might be available beyond what the Real Estate Division would have.
Alejandro's exam began at 9 a.m. He was finished in less than two hours and a bit disappointed with the difficulty. Perhaps the professor had plans for the holiday but the multiple choice format was not challenge albeit easy to grade. None the less, he was glad to be free to begin planning the Christmas holiday.
The manager of the European properties was little help. He had the name, location, contact information for the three properties. There was a brief paragraph about each location that gave less than cursory detail. Gathering the information available, he called one of the better travel agencies in town and made an appointment with the manager.
The name Algara opened doors. He told the Director of Tours, as the man styled himself, he needed information. After explaining briefly the situation, he said wouldn't be using their agency for booking anything except the flight in that their reservations were already made. He alluded to a majority share of ownership and said he would weigh the information received and if accurate would give an exclusive discounted rate to the agency for a year to the resorts he named.
The Director was at first dubious but when the information included contact information for the managing director of each resort; he quickly saw an opportunity to make money. Alejandro left with brochures, contact information for skiing, tour guides, and automotive service for both rent and hire. From there he went to the library and researched each resort area. Satisfied with his work, he bought a current set of maps of Germany and went home to study for the next exam and to digest the travel information.
At dinner, Alejandro told Salvador of his efforts and he seemed pleased with his enthusiasm and suggested that Alejandro continue planning. Again, Alejandro called Frederick to see if he had time to talk about the trip. Nagging at the back of his mind was the role of passive participation that Salvador had assumed. He shrugged it off considering it typical of his father's way of dealing with things.
Frederick had categories of questions for Alejandro, many of which Alejandro had not even considered. By the end of the evening, Alejandro had marshaled the available information and with their combined notes had a list of tasks and questions that needed answers.
Again at dinner he broached some of the significant questions that Frederick had raised. Salvador's response, though warm and encouraging offered no help. He agreed that some decisions needed to be made soon but didn't seem like he intended to manage any of the details. Finally Alejandro, trying to hide his frustration said, "Father, I imagine you've been more occupied than I had realized with business and family matters. Would it be easier if we took the same tack we used last summer?"
That seemed to help Salvador focus. "Your presumption is correct. I'm being pulled in several ways. The school is trying to finalize the announcements, our legal team has a myriad of details needing my attention, and we are at the end of our fiscal year. I apologize for not being more attentive to the details. Now tell me, what you are suggesting."
Alejandro sensed that Salvador would go along with most any reasonable plan presented him. "Father, I'm suggesting that I outline the major tasks needing attention and organize them loosely as a plan of operation with timetables, costs and all pertinent information attached. The only thing missing would be a profit loss estimate. I can start on it tonight and begin taking action as soon as you have a chance to review the information -- as soon as tomorrow, I hope."
Salvador, relieved that the beginnings of a plan was in place, concurred and let conversation drift to a variety of subjects. As soon as they had finished their dinner, Alejandro went to his room. After reviewing for the next day's exam, he began to rough out and prioritize the various tasks needing to be accomplished. Not wanting to interrupt Frederick with a visit, he called him and checked to see if he'd forgotten anything important.
During the next few days, with the help of his secretary from the summer before and the Director of Tours he'd contacted, Alejandro arranged for airline tickets and contacted each of the managers by phone. He was relieved that in each case there was at least rudimentary skill with English and they had been impressed with his German. It boded well for a successful trip.
He had the secretary prepare a detailed itinerary. At the weekend, he sat his father down and went over all the particulars. It would be a two week tour. They would only use two of the resorts. Added to the itinerary was a trip at New Years to Vienna with a visit to the Schoenbrunn. The next day they would travel to Innsbruck for a day of touring and skiing in the Austrian Alps. Flying into Frankfort and out of Munich they would use the Eurail as well as rented cars with drivers. On their travel leg home, Alejandro proposed stopping in London to visit one of their properties just outside the city.
Alejandro included lists of activities and points of interest that he hoped his father might enjoy. There were unending activities that he Frederick wanted to do and see. Salvador was pleased with the thoroughness of the plan, and Alejandro secretly suspected his father was relieved. Frederick's parents had agreed with reservation. Neither had traveled but with the itinerary and phone numbers, including specific instructions on how to call internationally, they had an early Christmas.
Early on December 23 the men took off from O'Hare to begin their adventure. When they reached their destination just out of an old Roman outpost, Trier, they were exhausted. The suite was spacious and comfortable. Salvador had the master bedroom and the boys shared the other. They waited until Salvador's back was turned to grin at each other in anticipation of sharing a double bed.
After a light meal and bottle of wine from room service, Salvador said goodnight. The boys were too keyed up to sleep despite their exhaustion. They told the night registrar and guard that they were going to walk off their dinner and explored the grounds and gardens, shrouded in snow. Neither had dressed appropriately and were soon back in their rooms. Salvador was snoring gently as they listened at his door.
In their room they quickly undressed each other. Familiar with pleasure points they fell into the bed. With shared urgency they pinched, rubbed, bit and licked each other's erogenous zones. Soon Alejandro reached for lube and quickly let his aching muscle find its target. It had been weeks since he and Frederick had shared a bed and both were needy in their desire for release. As they began thrusting against each other in earnest, the bed began to hit the wall. They both froze and then tried to stifle their laughter.
Neither was willing to be denied the release of their pent up cum. Alejandro got up, grabbed a sheet and they resumed their athletic coupling on the floor. Before long both had freed themselves of copious amounts of cum. As Alejandro lay atop Frederick slowly humping out the last of his juice, he continued to tongue wrestle his friend until Frederick pulled away and said, "There will be more time for this, Dude. I promise but we've got to get some sleep."
Grateful for their own bathroom, they carefully cleaned themselves and brushed their teeth. Wearing briefs and Ts they fell asleep moments after their heads hit the pillows. Christmas Eve dawned with a light snow falling. After a typical German breakfast of rolls and coffee at the hotel, they arranged transportation with the concierge and set out to explore the town.
Finding a bank, they went in to exchange their dollars for marks. Both Alejandro's exchanged two thousand. Frederick held back and went to the window alone and exchanged fifty dollars. Pulling Alejandro aside at his first opportunity, he said, "Dude we both know we're not in the same league and I'm comfortable with that. I really appreciate the trip and all but my money is very limited. Hope you'll understand if I keep a tight rein on my spending."
Seeing his father occupied reading information on an historic building, Alejandro told him they'd meet him at the corner. Out of earshot Alejandro said, "Look Frederick, we've talked about this. If we were back at the U we'd pay our own way like always. I've dragged your ass across an ocean so we could have fun. Use you dough for souvenirs. I'll cover everything else."
"Well, I hear ya, Alex but I'm gonna need some warmer clothes I'm afraid. And I was hoping to find you a Christmas gift today. The money's not going to last long." Frederick said with a bit of a sigh.
"I know you're uncomfortable but remember you're the one helping me out here. I love my father but after a day and a half I'd be more than ready for home. Don't look at prices. Get what you want. That goes for snacks, the `more' than occasional beer," he said with a grin, "clothes or anything like that, let me know and I'll tell Father that we're going shopping." Alejandro said, trying not to plead for understanding.
"Ok, that's the last you'll hear from me about money till I need some cash in my pocket. Now let's find some warm socks. My feet are freezing." Frederick said with a smile. They all enjoyed visiting the shops and each made purchases. They particularly liked the kind of ankle boots that many men were wearing and the two guys purchased some. The rolls and coffee had served to tide their hunger for the morning but soon they were hungry again. After a hearty lunch and some dark beer, Salvador excused himself to go rest and read.
Frederick and Alejandro roamed the streets and visited the Roman ruins. Finding an information kiosk they dug through brochures and planned the remainder of their stay. Time after time, Frederick appreciated Alejandro's facility with the language. Asking him about it, Alejandro answered, "Grandmamma started me while I was still in the nursery. She kept it up. Now, don't be too impressed. I can easily follow most simple conversations and can get my way in and out of stores and restaurants but anything complex and I'm lost."
Finding a bookstore that had books other than German, both boys went in. While Alejandro was browsing, Frederick found a nicely bound book illustrated with Christmas pictures. While Alejandro wasn't looking he went to the shop keeper and paid for it. Leather bound, made with fine paper, and filled with beautiful colored lithographs, Frederick hoped it would please Alex. He'd escaped without Alex's notice and was pleased.
After a beer and some pretzels mid afternoon they decided to head back to the hotel. They arranged for a car at the information kiosk and were soon back at the hotel. They met Salvador as they were walking in the lobby. He was heading out for a walk and they agreed to meet an hour later in the solarium and discuss plans for dinner.
As they closed the suite door behind them, both boys were beginning to strip. "I let you off easy last night, Dude. I'm planning to drain you dry this afternoon. Get naked!" Frederick said with a lusty gleam in his eyes.
Alejandro grabbed the sheet and duvet and put them on the floor. Frederick went to the bathroom and retrieved a towel as insurance against what he knew would be a lusty and messy session. Throwing the towel on the floor, Frederick reached for Alejandro and pulled him for a deep groping tongue session. As they tongue wrestled their hands roamed and probed each other's body. Alejandro felt his cock surge as Frederick took both nips and roughly pinched and twisted them.
Alejandro grabbed Frederick's muscled glutes and began to pound their dicks together. They both were close and pushed it to the edge when Frederick suddenly pushed Alejandro back. Looking at him with unabated lust, Frederick reached over and twisted Alejandro's nip and said, "Bet you wanna fuck me, don't you?"
"Get your ass on the floor." Alejandro responded, his voice husky with anticipation.
Frederick quickly lay on his back and lifted his knees. Grabbing his glutes with his hands, he spread his cheeks making the rosy pucker visible. Watching Alejandro stare, Frederick wiggled his ass a little and said "See something you want, big boy? Come and get it but you're gonna have to work for it."
Alejandro straddled Frederick. Shoving his tongue into his mouth, Alejandro began his attack on Frederick's erogenous areas. Soon the boy was squirming under Alejandro's skillful manipulation. Frederick thought to himself that Alejandro was more than an apt student and had learned his craft well during their sessions in his bed. Frederick rolled Alejandro to his back and began his own assault. Intuitive to a fault, Frederick could read Alejandro's body and knew just when to back off to ease his building pressure for release.
When Frederick finally pulled Alejandro back on top of him, Alejandro was occasionally whimpering amidst his groans of pleasure and building desire. Reaching for the lube, Alejandro roughly prepared Frederick's chute and with a cursory swipe at his own muscle, Alejandro placed his leaking cock head against the familiar target and pushed it home in one lunge. Frederick's head rolled back in pleasure as he clamped his ass ring tightly around Alejandro's throbbing tube. Reaching around Alejandro's hips, Frederick locked his ankles.
Mike had been right on the money when he said that the two of them were a good fit. While Mike was interested only in getting his nuts off, Alejandro liked to fully engage in the foreplay. He enjoyed letting Frederick share the dominant role as they explored and at times baited each other. They knew how to build on each other's desire until Alejandro reached that point when he had to release. It was then he was at his best for Frederick.
Alejandro's thrusting was varied and intended to give both of them maximum pleasure. It was how Frederick had taught him. What was at the same time gratifying and a little amusing to Frederick was Alejandro's single minded focus once he began their coupling. All his energy and attention centered in the act of building toward a shared climax. Frederick wasn't even sure Alejandro was aware of it but it made him one of the most satisfying sex partners Frederick had ever known.
Frederick, attuned to Alejandro's sounds and physical reactions knew just when to help him complete the act. He pulled himself tighter into Alejandro's body and rhythmically tightened his muscle ring. As he felt Alejandro's shaft swell just before orgasm, Frederick clamped down hard. It threw them both into that place of release that battling had helped them to attain. Their bodies' continued to writhe against each other as their thrusting began to abate. Finally Alejandro lay quietly atop Frederick and whispered softly, "I am so very glad you're here with me."
For a moment more they rested. Separating finally, Alejandro leaned down and let his tongue taste Frederick's rich flavor as his nose inhaled the aroma of their sex. Frederick dragged his finger through his own cum and took it to his own mouth, sucking the finger somewhat noisily. "It is good, isn't it? Now get off of me and let's take a shower together."
They found Salvador reading in the solarium. Across the hall was a darkly paneled room with a huge fireplace and a lively blaze adding both warmth and a seasonal ambiance to the room. In both rooms there were small groups of people enjoying each other and the sight of snow falling on Christmas Eve. A waiter approached with flutes of champagne. When Alejandro asked, the waiter replied in German that it was a tradition of the house and that there would be champagne at their holiday breakfast in the morning.
While Alejandro and his father talked, Frederick went in search of some help with wrapping paper. When the clerk doing paper work didn't seem to understand he signaled that Frederick should wait. A young man, Hans, came to the desk and understood his request and found what Frederick needed. The curly blond hair and intense blue eyes sparkled with mischief and invitation. Frederick noticed the tight fit uniform. Hans' broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist. With limited English he tried to chat and welcome Frederick. When Frederick offered his hand in thanks, Hans held it and squeezed it before letting it go. Frederick stood for a moment; eyes locked with Hans, then licked his lips and watched as Hans repeated the gesture. Yeah, he was one of the gang for sure. He couldn't wait to tell Alejandro.
Excusing himself from the other two, he raced back to the room. Inscribing the front piece with "I've always got your back. Merry Christmas '64." Frederick hid the book in his suitcase. Returning to the solarium, Frederick found his friend engrossed in a news paper. Saying he just wanted to wander for a while, Alejandro smiled and waved him on.
He made his way back to the desk. Things were quiet at the moment. The resort was full and everyone was occupied for the moment so Frederick hoped Hans would have enough English facility that they could flirt a little. With halting speech and hand gestures Frederick confirmed that Hans was gay, that he had tomorrow off and would like to meet Frederick's friend. Pointing to his watch he suggested that they meet in the lobby at 3 p.m. and Hans would show them the area.
Aside from missing his traditional family gathering for dinner and Midnight Mass, Frederick could not have been happier. He rejoined Salvador and Alejandro and the three of them followed the sound of Christmas music. In the library, located in a wing of the resort a man was sitting at a grand piano and playing carols. There were several people standing around the piano singing familiar carols. The three joined in with the English lyrics and were met with smiles.
During the singing, people wandered in and out. The warm friendly atmosphere of sharing their holiday seemed to permeate the resort. After a while, the three left to change for dinner. It was to be a festive buffet and holiday attire would be expected. Alejandro and Frederick dressed in blazers and turtle neck shirts. Salvador was more formal in a suit and tie.
The meal was a veritable feast for all the senses. A large tree commanded the view from the corner. The serving tables were laden with traditional foods of the holiday. In a bay window looking out over the skating rink, surrounded by snow laced conical shaped fir trees a string quartet quietly played classical music. The mood in the room was mellow and convivial. Waiters kept the wine and water glasses full. When the three had sampled desserts from each others plates they agreed it was one of the memorable Christmas Eve dinners of their life.
When Alejandro suggested a walk might help settle dinner, all agreed. They went up to dress for the snowy, windy weather. The guys put on their boots and Salvador admired them wishing he'd gotten a pair. Bundled in scarves, gloves and other outer gear they walked for more than an hour along snow covered walkways and along the woody edge of the property. Sporadic conversation soon led to a silent camaraderie as each lost in his own thoughts heard the snow crunch beneath their boots. Making a full circle they were soon in sight of the main building and agreed that a brandy and sleep were in order.
They trooped to their room and stripped out of their damp winter gear. Joining others in the large paneled room with the fire place, they ordered their brandies and watched the fire as they chatted about Christmases past, favorite memories. Each told a story of a special memory and a favorite gift. Refilling their brandy glasses they toasted each other and all who had gone before and let the warmth of the company and room bathe them.
Salvador yawned largely and apologizing excused himself to go to bed. Frederick had waited for such an opportunity to tell Alejandro of Hans and their proposed meeting. "Do you think your father will mind if we traipse off mid afternoon?"
"My growing inclination is that he is as glad you are here as I am. He's never been one to `pal around'. I can't remember a time we roughhoused or rode horses. He never hunted or fished. I enjoyed the golf games we shared but they were infrequent. I'm not looking for pity, mind you, just telling you why I think it will be cool with him if we enjoy an afternoon away." Alejandro said and smiled.
"Dad and I agreed that presents for each other would be superfluous. I hope you don't mind that I didn't get one for you either." Alejandro said hesitantly after some silence as they watched the fire burning down.
"Naw, that's fine. This is the trip of a life time and you think I'm expecting a present too!" Frederick laughed hoping he held the trump card for Christmas morning. "I'm not quite buzzed and am wondering," he continued with a whisper, "if another brandy would give you a limp dick. If it does I'm cutting you off now!" They both laughed and had a final round before going to their room.
They awoke to a gentle knocking on their door. "Yes?" answered Alejandro.
Salvador replied, "I ordered coffee so we could enjoy a leisurely morning before going down to the restaurant for their buffet. Christmas lunch will be served at 1:30 so I thought we might want to get an earlier start on the day to work off some of the calories we intend to inhale."
"Intend to inhale?" Alejandro whispered to Frederick. That's the least formal thing I've ever heard him try to say. They laughed silently, got up and pulled on jeans and sweaters and went to get a cup of dark rich coffee.
It had continued to snow on and off during the night but had cleared near dawn. The sunlight on the snow pack was dazzling. The limbs of the trees looked just like Christmas cards. They enjoyed each other's company and the scenery with only occasional comment. Finally Frederick decided to present his gift.
Excusing himself, he went and retrieved the book and returned with it behind his back. Making a brief speech to Salvador and Alejandro, thanking them for their generosity in inviting him on the trip, Frederick looked at Alejandro for a moment.
"It's been a great year and a half Alex. I can't begin to tell you how lucky I feel that we met and became friends. I hope this book has words you can read, Dude. I can't make heads or tails of it but the pictures are pretty." Frederick laughed as he handed Alejandro the book.
Alejandro ripped the paper and felt the leather binding and thumbed the pages stopping to enjoy the colored lithographs. He handed the book to Salvador. He inspected the binding, looked at the copyright date, and looked at Frederick with respect. "Where did you find this treasure?" he asked.
Frederick went through the story quickly and waited for the other shoe to fall. "This is a first edition and a beautifully crafted piece of literature. Can you read any of the titles Alejandro?"
Alejandro took the book and began to translate as best he could. It seemed that the book was filled with original folk tales that all three men had grown up with, of course, in the American renditions. Alejandro was truly thrilled with the gift. All he could do at the moment was to thank Frederick and give him a warm handshake. He saw Frederick's crooked smile playing at the corners of his mouth and knew he was having a bit of fun with his awkwardness in the moment.
Soon after, they all went to the Christmas breakfast buffet. Once again the tables were laden with traditional German pastries, meats, and cheeses in beautiful array. Champaign was flowing and everyone was in a festive mood. Down the hall in the paneled great room a brass quartet played traditional carols and other favorites. The sound was another pleasant layer for the senses to absorb on the festive occasion.
After breakfast, Salvador suggested another stroll around the property to enjoy the crystal clear sky, bite of the wind and the drifted snow. Finally dressed for their outing, Alejandro and Frederick tried to pelt each other with snowballs that simply refused to hold together. Instead they just heaped armloads of the frozen crystals toward each other and finally ended up wrestling playfully in the snow. Salvador watched them with an equal measure of envy and curiosity. Such playfulness had never been a part of his growing up. He felt a vague sadness as he watched the freedom with which the boys played.
When they returned to the main lobby a group was forming for a hike up a nearby hill that provided a view of the surrounding valleys. Salvador begged off. The boys hurried up and changed into dry clothes and just caught the tail of the group as they disappeared into the woods. It was a vigorous hike and all seemed well suited to maintaining a good pace. The view was all that had been promised. By the time they returned to the resort it was time to change for the mid day feast.
When all the Christmas feasting was done Salvador was glad the boys were meeting Hans for an afternoon of exercise. Hans explained to Salvador with the help of some translation that it was a tradition in the countryside around Trier that families and groups went bobsledding. The trails had been groomed mid day and at night they would be torch lit. It was something few saw other than the locals.
Hans hoped Salvador would let him play host to Alejandro and Frederick on this special night. He went on to explain that there would be mulled wine and lager to quench their thirst from the demanding climbs to the top of the runs. At the end of the evening they could stay with him and his friends for a traditional over night at a farmhouse in the valley. There would be singing, toasting the bounty of Father Christmas and a general good time. Hans promised that he had to be at work by 6 a.m. on the day following so they would be back in time for any planned activities.
One look at the guys and Salvador knew what they wanted to go. Needs explanation Hans, Frederick and Alejandro rushed up to their room to gather suitable clothes. When they met Salvador again, he said his goodbyes and wished them a wonderful evening.
With Alejandro's help occasionally translating, the three of them laughed and reveled in the fact that they had discovered one another. Hans promised that the evening sledding would be an experience of a lifetime and that the friends that gathered were a friendly group. As he said this he smiled indicating that there would be many men who enjoyed the same things and it would be an evening of sharing.
For Chicago boys, sledding is something seen in pictures. The hills they saw when they arrived in the valley some miles from Trier looked like mountains to Frederick and Alejandro. Hans encouraged them to claim some sleeping place with their duffels of clothes. They noticed clothes lines were strung and some sweaters and pants were drying out already.
Soon they were on the slopes, with shovels and rakes in hand, helping to groom the runs. They met families, singles, men and women, young and old. It did seem to truly be an event in which all participated. As the light began to fade, Hans led them down a path to a gathering place. A huge stew pot was bubbling over an open fire, the smells of food and wood smoke wafting up the mountain. Hans encouraged them to join and mingle. He introduced them to his friends, some of whom had limited facility with English. Before the impromptu supper of stew, crusty bread with butter, cheese and German beer was complete, the guys felt completely at home.
Several of the young men had promised to show them the necessary rules for controlling a bobsled and indicated, with broad smiles, that they would be spending the night in the farmhouse also. The knowing smile that passed between these men made Alejandro feel his cock stir. Frederick was on point for some of the men. He just looked at Alejandro and grinned saying, "Alex it's going to be a long and totally cool night."
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