This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. This is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.
Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com
From the previous chapter:
"Of course I missed you; nobody can suck cock like you, Charles." Grinning, he added, "You want to remind me just how good you are?"
Meeting Alejandro's friendly challenge, Charles moved to his knees between Alejandro's legs and began a slow, waist down seduction that soon had Alejandro bucking as his cock unloaded in Charles' hungry mouth.
Alejandro's face was flushed. His brow was beaded in sweat. "Damn, you're good! Wanna' trade places?"
"No, I've got other plans for you later," Charles said enigmatically.
Chapter 39
Charles' days had been like a crucible. This was the first time since he'd received the call announcing his Mother's death that he'd felt free to enjoy himself without guilt. The exercise session had helped him relax. The teasing he shared with Alejandro gave him energy. This was a man who pushed back both intellectually and physically. Alejandro was a great friend. Alejandro was still ribbing him as their conversation continued.
"You got a welcome home gift or something for me," Alejandro laughed. "Well lead on, I'm game for whatever you've got."
Charles said, "I'm going to fuck you `til I can't keep it up. That's what I've got for you."
Charles made quick work of killing the lights and locking the doors. Alejandro made his way upstairs to the bathroom for a quick brush and a pee.
"Great minds and all that," Charles said as he entered the bathroom. "When you've finished, get naked and get in bed. I'll be in shortly." He hesitated, "Just a figure of speech, you know."
Alejandro laughed out loud. "Hurry up! You've got promises to keep."
Moments later they were entwined, grinding against each other. Their tongues wrestled and probed as their passion increased. The exercise had relaxed both of them. They had energy and confidence that they could face the next few days.
Charles took charge. He was back!! Shoving Alejandro's legs apart, he mashed their cocks together as he began to work the hairy slabs of pecs that he'd learned to appreciate. His thumbs dug into Alejandro's pits as he manhandled the younger man.
With broad swipes of his tongue, he tasted every contour of Alejandro's abs, nips and pits. Sliding up, he attacked his mouth again. Grabbing fistfuls of Alejandro's hair he crushed their mouths together. It was like something had been released. Charles had been holding himself under such tight control for endless hours. He was now free and knew what he wanted and planned to take it.
His fingers began to probe Alejandro's crack, rubbing the sweaty, hairy crevice in search of what he wanted. Finding the prize, Charles let his middle finger begin to roughly massage the ring as he chewed on Alejandro's lower lip.
Alejandro was well aware of how he might appear in the morning. This wasn't his town but Charles was his friend and he was willing to take most anything he wanted to dish out.
Without any subtle segue, Charles slipped down between Alejandro's legs and lifted him so that his crack and ring were raised and easily within reach. Charles began to lick and soon spit lubed Alejandro's crack. With his thumbs Charles roughly separated the glutes and rammed his hardened tongue into Alejandro's ring. Again and again he pushed against the muscled ring.
Deciding he had lubed it adequately, Charles soaked his finger with spit and renewed his digital assault. First one, then two and finally three were inserted `til the hole was stretched.
His need was fired by Alejandro's pleasurable groaning. The enthusiastic encouragement Alex was muttering was fueled by Charles' lust, his building heat to fuck. Charles lowered Alejandro's hips slightly and pushed his engorged cockhead against the moistened, stretched point of entry.
Meeting Alejandro's glazed, hungry eyes he saw the tacit approval to push. With one smooth motion he buried his throbbing muscle deep into the heat. He didn't wait, but began to thrust into the hungry void with his leaking, demanding penis. Alejandro's head was rolled back, his eyes closed as he moaned out his own desire and need.
"Fuck me. Harder! Harder, damnit! Oh yeah, oh yeah. Do it. Harder."
Charles found his stride and began to rake Alejandro's prostate with nearly every thrust. Even having shot a major load less than an hour before, Alejandro was calling out like a bitch in heat, begging for more - harder and deeper. Charles felt his balls begin the inevitable journey toward climax. He concentrated on battering Alejandro's prostate until he saw Alejandro's abs clinch as his body spasmed, readying itself for orgasm.
With a rush, Charles' climax came. He lunged forward, slamming his body against Alejandro, driving his dick deep within the hot channel that was now fully engaged with its own sexual release. Charles' back arched. He withdrew spontaneously and, driving from his knees, shoved his cock deeper for the final spurt of cum.
As his fucklust lessened, Charles lowered himself to Alejandro's chest. They lay there, heaving and gasping for breath.
"Damn! Where did that come from," Alejandro asked in some amazement.
"Don't know," gasped Charles. "I needed it, that's for sure. Was I, uh, you know..."
"Of course not," Alejandro responded, knowing what Charles was uncomfortable asking.
As they lay there, Alejandro could feel Charles relax and unwind from the accumulated pressure.
"Come on; we both need a shower. It will help you sleep better," Alejandro instructed.
They soaped each other, dried each other and headed to bed. It was a dreamless, deep sleep for Alejandro. When he got up to pee in the wee hours, he realized Charles hadn't moved. He smiled. That sleep was much needed and tomorrow would come soon enough with its demands.
Again, Alejandro awakened first. Slipping out of bed he took care of his needs and dressed in trousers and a T, unsure who might be stirring downstairs. It was quiet and he began the coffee, pulled out some breakfast foods and put a pan on to boil for some eggs. When the coffee was ready he took a cup to Charles and roused him, eliciting a promise that in exchange for coffee he'd get up, dress for the day and present himself for breakfast. As Alejandro retreated to the kitchen he could hear the grumbling along with the footfalls of Charles making his way to the bathroom.
Soon they were finishing their breakfast. Alejandro went to change as Charles stacked the dishes in the sink and made another cup of coffee. While he was waiting for Alejandro, he called his Mother's lawyer. After the expressions of concern and sympathy, Mr. Giboulette told him to come round first thing. There was much they needed to discuss.
Alejandro protested that these were private matters when Charles told him to come along. Finally after Charles insisted that it would be easier for them to hear it together, Alejandro agreed.
Arriving at Mr. Giboulette's office, introductions were made and offers of refreshment were kindly rejected. The lawyer was organized with notes, keys and folders on his otherwise empty desk.
"What I'd like to do, Charles, is give you an overview of the estate. It's much too involved to address thoroughly today. I imagine you have much still to accomplish this week. There are some important pieces of information, some documents and some keys that I need to give you so you can begin to make some headway with your new responsibilities."
With that, Mr. Giboulette enumerated the various pieces of property, paper assets, fixed and liquid assets that were part of the estate. When he told Charles of a savings account that was in his and his Mother's name that was opened intentionally with right of survivorship, Charles looked up questioningly.
"Your Mother was wise and prudent in many ways. I'm sure in time, I'd have gotten her to take care of much of the business you now face but who knew she'd be taken so suddenly and so soon. I digress. To the matter at hand, she opened an account on which you could draw at her death. All you need do is present the bank manager with a certified death certificate and they will release the control of the account to you. It is for one hundred thousand dollars. That should help with the immediate expenses that occur at times like this."
Charles recovered quickly from his moment of shock. "Yes, we've been discussing the potential problems with out-of-town checks. It will make all the difference in taking care of immediate needs."
He continued, "With your profession and education, I'm sure you are aware of the valuable contents in your Mother's home. It was one of those things I was gently urging her to take care of; you know - have a professional appraisal on the contents of the house."
Charles smiled and shook his head, "Don't feel guilty, Mr. Giboulette, I've been after her about that since my Father became ill. I'll take care of it but would appreciate any suggestions you might have regarding appraisals for furniture, glassware, silver and the paintings and other objects in the house. Any suggestions or ideas about protected storage would be great."
"I presume you are talking about temperature-controlled storage. Am I correct," clarified Mr. Giboulette?
"Yes. And any advice about security?" Charles asked.
"Your Mother upgraded it within the last year I believe. Check with the company and have them come out and familiarize you with all the features and benefits. Yet, even with a security system, prolonged absence of activity in a house is a temptation. A skilled burglar can overcome systems and do more mischief that you want to think about.
"You have some significant challenges and decisions to make in the near future. I'll be glad to advise you," the lawyer said smoothly.
"That was one of the things I wanted to mention today. What arrangements did you have with Mother? Did she maintain a retainer? Did she call when she needed help? How did it work?" Charles asked.
"She kept me on a monthly retainer with an agreement that we'd balance out fees paid against service quarterly. It was a good arrangement for both of us. She was capable and intelligent. Most of the legwork that takes so much time she did on her own. I processed the recording required by the courts," Mr. Giboulette recalled.
"If you think that would be helpful in my situation, can we continue with that same pattern?" Charles asked.
"Of course. We can discuss that further when we meet again. How would early next week suit you?" Seeing Charles nod in agreement, Mr. Gioboulette continued, "We have only left the matter of some savings accounts and two sets of keys."
As he handed over the plastic slip-covered savings books he said, "You will need to let the banks justify these against interest earned. It won't be much when compared to the total estate but it is a step toward completion. Now here is a set of keys that goes to a safe box or reinforced structure in your home. The other," he handed Charles a small envelope with the bank's logo, "is a key to the safe deposit box.
Charles and Alex said little to each other as they walked to the bank. Inside, Charles was greeted by the manager and given immediate assistance as the various documents were recorded. Finally he was ready for the safety deposit box. Charles gestured for Alejandro to follow. Inside the vault, they found the manager keying the lock of a large box at floor level. Having never seen anything other than the small document box, Charles was confused.
Seeing his evident confusion the manager said, "Your Mother was concerned about keeping so much silver in the house. Just after your Father's death, I helped her inventory, organize and store here the things she would rarely use."
With that he took Charles' key and turning it swung wide the door. "I'll be outside if you need me for anything." He left them to their privacy.
A cart laden with boxes containing sterling flatware and numerous other stacks of vessels all incased in silver tarnish cloth was visible. They pulled the wheeled cart into the room and began to set the boxes and other implements on a nearby table.
"This looks like my Grandparent's silver. Oh my god, what am I going to do with all of this?" Charles said. On further examination they discovered stacks of sterling trays, nested bowls, loving cups from horse races won along with several wooden boxes fitted to hold antique dueling pistols.
Seeing Charles begin to freeze up with indecision, Alejandro suggested they just put it all back for now.
"It's safe here and there's plenty of time to decide what to do. Don't get sidetracked. Today's list is long," Alejandro counseled.
Alejandro started to reload the cart when Charles grabbed his arm. "Wait. Help me find something for the ladies."
Looking at him for explanation, Alejandro waited.
"I've been wondering since I got here how I could say, `Thank you' appropriately to the ladies. What do you think of this?" Charles went on to explain, "I'd like to find three similar pieces, platters or bowls, and have them engraved with something appropriate. What do you think?"
"That's a great idea. I doubt any of these ladies are in want for anything material. Something that personal would likely be treasured and used often," Alejandro answered.
In short order, they searched through the stack of platters and found three that were of a similar size. As they hunted, they agreed that an engraving on the bottom with the words `Friends forever' and under that Charlotte's name and the year would be appropriate.
That settled, Charles seemed to be focused again on the day's tasks. After picking up the paperwork and new account information, they set out for the car and the rest of the day's errands.
At the funeral home they selected a casket and received instructions regarding clothing and other details. Charles promised he'd send someone, thinking immediately of Helena, to assist in the necessary decisions. With relief he was able to write a check to cover all the costs for the viewing and interment.
They plowed through several other tasks before they headed home. There they found the three ladies and a cleaning woman hard at work. Helena was pulled aside for a quick consultation about the requests made by the funeral home. She knew what to do and assured Charles she'd take care of all of it. Afterward she made lunch for Alejandro and Charles and strongly suggested that they find something to do away from the house so as not to get under foot.
A quick call to the rectory confirmed that the priest assisting could see them that afternoon. The visit with him seemed to calm Charles even more. Final details were ironed out with regard to the service itself.
The men returned home and pulled Helena aside to review all they'd accomplished. After reviewing the master list they were working from, she was satisfied that all was on or ahead of schedule. She shooed them out saying that there was silver to polish, plates to clean and a wake to prepare for. It would be worthy of Charlotte and be talked about for years to come. The love and determination in Helena's eyes was heartwarming and also a warning to get out of the way.
After a quick search-and-discover mission they found the strongbox in the furnace room. Knowing they would be castigated by the collection of women, Charles suggested they explore the contents that night.
"Damn, I just remembered, I must buy a suit," Charles said. Within an hour the suit was purchased and promised alterations were underway and the guys headed for the gym for some pool and court time.
Arriving home just after 5 p.m. they found a note on the table telling them to heat up the plates in the fridge and to NOT MESS UP THE HOUSE! They both laughed but knew to take the prohibition seriously. After a drink and supper they rinsed their plates and went to the furnace room.
The key turned smoothly in the lock. The door swung wide and Charles reached for a nearby cord to turn on a light.
"More silver!" Charles exclaimed. Stacked on the middle shelves were platters, plates and pitchers. Numerous bags containing, Charles guessed from the shape, stood to one side.
"What are these?" Alejandro asked, pulling out heavy rectangular boxes. They discovered guns, mostly old from the wear and markings. There were several sets of stacked boxes with drawers. Inside were documents some dated to the late 18th century. A folio of maps drawn on vellum, blueprints of numerous buildings and other documents spilled from the upper shelves.
With great care, Charles unfolded a vellum document from one of the drawers. "Look," he exclaimed! "This is a deed for my Grandfather Thibodaux' plantation. This is a trove of historical information about Mother's and Father's families. This is a big job for later."
Alejandro suggested, "You're the academic here. See if there is someone reputable from a college or university faculty to help you organize all this."
After sorting through the various shelves' contents, they were satisfied that what was there would easily keep until later. Securing the door they went upstairs and were soon asleep exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster and exertion of the day.
Alejandro was glad Charles was getting his rest. The pattern of Tuesday morning was similar to those before. Charles came to breakfast with an empty coffee mug in hand, looking plaintively for more caffeine. The day yawned ahead of them. Their tasks had been accomplished. The trio of heroines would be back Wednesday to oversee the caterers' preparations.
Apropos of nothing, Charles said, "We've got time to drive up to my Grandfather's plantation. You want to go?"
"Sure, but how far away is it?" Alejandro asked, wanting to make sure they were back for the viewing.
"It will take the morning and we can grab something to eat on the way back. If we leave soon there'll be almost no traffic," Charles said warming to his idea. Heading east on Rt. 190 they turned north at Rt. 155 following the water of the Atchafalaya River.
As Charles drove, he reminisced of his early childhood memories of visiting the plantation house, swinging on the rope over the river and the delight of splashing in the cool river water during the dog days of Louisiana summer. They talked about the document trove they'd discovered as Charles noted the landmarks that denoted property boundaries.
"Look through that copse of trees to your left. You can just see the pillared veranda," Charles said with growing enthusiasm. "Mother said during our last phone call she had news about the Thibodaux plantation but wanted to wait `til we had time to visit and discuss the details. I guess Mr. Giboulette will have records of any important details." With a sigh he added, "I'm just going to miss her so damned much."
"I thought you didn't come here much after you went away to school," Alejandro observed.
"You're right. I didn't. Families can have so much baggage. My Grandfather and Father didn't see eye to eye on several things and relations were strained between the two proud, inflexible men. But when I came along as a promise of generations to come, my Grandparents couldn't get enough of me." There was a wistful tone at the end that Alejandro didn't pursue.
Soon the house was in full view. Standing like a wedding cake in the middle of a pristine emerald lawn it was an outstanding example of antebellum architecture.
"Wow, it looks like it's in great shape," Alejandro exclaimed, not sure of what to expect!
"It was in significant disrepair when my Grandfather died. Father determined his home place would be restored. He spent a load, let me assure you. He and Mother were a great team and enjoyed the restoration thoroughly. Father was becoming ill during the last phase, but saw it through to the end. His outings, when he could travel would always include a trip up here with a picnic hamper filled for a luncheon on the lawn."
Seeing two men working in the ornamental box garden, Charles said, "Looks like Mother hired caretakers for the place."
"They sure seem to be making themselves at home," Alejandro said as he observed sheets hanging to dry along with bath towels.
"What the hell's going on here," Charles nearly exploded.
Jumping in to keep some objectivity Alejandro said, "Go introduce yourself and see what they have to say." He hoped his calm tone would ameliorate the situation a bit.
With a swift, purposeful stride, Charles crossed the lawn quickly taking in numerous indicators that someone lived here. He was determined to get to the bottom of it immediately. Alejandro followed but at a slower pace.
The men noticed his approach. Wiping their foreheads with their forearms, they lifted hands in a tentative greeting. Before they could speak, Charles introduced himself with a forced pleasantness that fooled no one in its veiled challenge, "Good morning. I'm Charles Thibodaux."
The scene changed immediately. The two men broke into smiles. The taller said with obvious enthusiasm and pleasure, "Charlotte's son. We've heard so much about you and have looked forward to meeting you for months. Allow me. I'm David Tanner and this is Louis Whipple. We live here now," David said as he extended his hand to Charles. "Sorry it's a bit dirty but just good honest Thibodaux soil."
Nonplussed, Charles could do nothing but extend his own hand while staring. Recovering himself slightly, he said, "Why are you living in my Grandfather's house? Are you resident caretakers?"
A look was exchanged between David and Louis. David replied, "We're owners. Charlotte and we agreed on the final terms last spring and she's been advising us on the history of the place. How is she?"
As if sucker punched in his gut, Charles gasped a quick breath and let his eyes touch all that was familiar.
Alejandro moved quickly to stand near him. Charles said simply, "She died last Saturday."
A look of horror crossed David's and Louis' faces. They shook their heads in rejection of the news. "She can't be. She was here last week, a picture of energy and health! What happened?"
"It was sudden. A massive stroke. I arrived for the last few hours." Charles' face was pinched momentarily as he recalled the time. Slowly his gaze moved left then right trying to soak in comfort from the very earth.
Louis stepped forward and took both Charles' hands in his own. "I, um,... we, are so very sorry. She was such a fine lady." His words caught in his throat with a choking sound. "I can't believe she's gone." David reached over and rested his hand on Charles' shoulder giving it an affectionate squeeze.
Alejandro watched the scene play out, a mute observer. He was surprised at the obvious grief both men felt - surprised at the almost familial gestures of touching out of concern and compassion. These men had a story to tell.
Stepping forward and resting his hand atop David's he said, "May I introduce myself. I'm Alex, a friend of Charles from Chicago."
David slipped his hand free and extended it in greeting. Louis followed suit. There was nothing uncomfortable, no affectation of keeping an appropriate distance.
"Let's go inside. We can get you something to drink. After we wash up a bit we'll join you and tell you everything," David offered.
The story unfolded in fits and starts as the realization time and again forced itself upon them that Charlotte was gone. David explained that he and Louis had been partners in a large successful New York advertising company. While lazily traveling the back roads after a trip to New Orleans, they'd come upon the house with no sign of habitation.
With no small discomfort they let their curiosity get the better of them and began to walk around and peer into the lovely and lovingly restored mansion. They had to know more. The Simmesport City Hall yielded the information they needed.
They had discussed leaving the rat-race and miserable winters of New York when they retired. As they drove back to their hotel in Lafayette they debated calling the Widow Thibodaux as they called her.
Alejandro watched the narrative as the speakers changed from David to Louis and back. There was comfort, closeness and implied intimacy of which they were likely unaware that clued Alejandro in to their partnership beyond business. He wondered if Charles was aware, caught in a matrix of grief and surprise.
The men continued their tale. It would be a test of the rightness of timing. They had often discussed early retirement to warmer climes having both grown up in Virginia and North Carolina respectively. They planned to open an exclusive bed and breakfast, catering to individuals and corporate clients who would enjoy the luxurious surroundings.
Charlotte was a bit surprised at their call and suggestion but agreed to meet them at their hotel for lunch. Her husband had been gone for nearly a year and she was quickly beginning to realize the burden of maintaining two plantations and a townhouse. Their plan to preserve the beauty and protect the historical roots pleased her. The income from the leased farms would continue since they only wanted enough land for a three-hole golf course and some putting greens that they'd build on the far side of the manicured and landscaped lawns, formal gardens and plantings.
Giving her a list of notable references both personal and financial they encouraged her to have her lawyer call and check their bona fides. Just as lunch was ending she could tell there was more they wanted to say but were uncomfortable.
David took over the narrative as he looked directly at Charles first, then Alejandro. "I explained that we were business partners but have been life partners for 23 years. I waited, holding my breath wondering if she'd slap me and walk out. Your Mother reached across the table and took both our hands. She smiled warmly and said, `If you've worked together and lived together for that long, I believe you'll make a stunning success of this venture.'"
David continued, "I hope this bit of personal disclosure isn't offensive to you. It's just so much easier not having to hide who we are. We didn't in New York, but that is a different universe from rural Louisiana."
Charles reached out and rested his hand on Alejandro's thigh. "We're not life partners but certainly understand how it might work," he said with a smile.
Noticing the time, Alejandro suggested that they leave. Louis wouldn't hear of it. Lunch will take all of 14 minutes as if to make a point. The table won't be set appropriately but I can promise the food will be good. I'll not take no for an answer." With that he turned on his heel and disappeared.
"You really can't leave, you know. Southerners feed their guests." David looked toward the kitchen and the clatter of plates and cutlery. "He's my life, you know."
In the time remaining, the details of the visitation, wake and memorial service were discussed. David promised they'd both be there. Louis lived up to his word; the luncheon was on the table in just under 14 minutes. Three chilled salads masterfully presented on china were set before Charles and Alejandro. David helped with drinks and the men sat down to enjoy their meal.
David asked, "May I give thanks?" After a moment's pause, he took Louis' hand and the others followed in kind. He said, "Lord Christ, thank you for the gifts of this day. Feed and nourish us in body, mind and spirit and take pleasure from our living as You are able."
Soon Charles and Alejandro were exchanging hugs with their new friends as they said their good-byes. On the way back to Lafayette, Charles was silent for a good while, but then began to talk about the day, their discoveries and his memories. It was more a random association of thoughts, loosely connected. Alejandro listened as Charles' healing continued.
The next three days passed easily. Alejandro was nearly always at Charles' side. Friday afternoon Charles and Alejandro drove to the airport. It was a bittersweet parting, not as lovers would part but laden with the pain and the memories moment of the past seven days.
Charles was staying behind for several weeks to tie up as many loose ends as possible. Arrangements had been made with both the University and the Institute. Alejandro was of two minds. He wanted to stay but had to get back. Further he sensed that their lives would begin somehow to diverge. It wasn't any kind of prescience, just a feeling he had.
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