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:
"You are safe. This plane and those men are more than competent." He embraced Alejandro as naturally as a brother, as did Cesar. Once again, Alejandro was reminded of the sense of fraternity. It was a gift he would not take lightly.
Chapter 50
The flight back was awful once they began to fly over Texas. A warm front had swept in from the gulf. Meeting the cold air that arched sharply south with the jet stream the plane was bounced around as they hit one storm system after another. The pilots assured Alejandro all was well and the plane was equipped and built to withstand weather worse than this. `Little comfort, that' Alejandro thought as he lurched and pitched in his seat. He realized he was mentally clinging to Sanchez' parting words.
The Captain asked if Alejandro had some time to spare. If so they could head north and west to get past the worst of the storms. `Yes, of course, anything!' Alejandro thought.
"That would fine, Captain. This has to be uncomfortable for you two as well," Alejandro said.
It was nearly an hour before the worst of it stopped. Finally things smoothed out and for the remainder of the trip the contrast was heaven-sent as far as Alejandro was concerned.
When they finally landed at O'Hare the flight had taken three hours longer than planned. Alejandro didn't care. It felt so good to get his feet on solid ground. He smiled when he realized he wasn't even concerned about the single-digit temperature.
By the time he got home, it was dark. His appetite was returning with a vengeance. While his dinner was heating he had a glass of wine. What he wanted was a Scotch but knew better than to put that on an empty stomach.
After dinner he felt more settled. Taking another glass of wine into the office, he sorted through notes and papers in preparation for the remainder of the week. He thought to call Matt and Paul but knew that whatever was awaiting it would hold `til the next day.
With New Year's arriving on Tuesday, missing three days of work made the week blessedly short. Mail was sorted; phone calls were returned. Alejandro met with his secretary and lawyer to get an update on documentation for the advisory committee to review financial aid requests.
The lawyer had done a yeoman's job preparing guidelines for review, and structure of a standing committee. Further he had solicited names from several reliable associates of Alejandro for a list to consider. They were all local and would meet monthly to review applications and requests for money.
Alejandro's secretary suggested he hire a Grants Administrator who could interface between the triumvirate, the three of them - Alejandro, his secretary and the lawyer, and the standing committee. This person would take care of correspondence and interact with the major boards and committees currently supported.
"My sincere thanks to both of you. I feel weight lifting off my shoulders as we speak. This is a great way to start the year," Alejandro said.
He directed his secretary to advertise and select a group of candidates for the Grants Administrator position to be interviewed. She and the lawyer would create the job description and do a preliminary interview. Alejandro wanted to interview the final three candidates.
A call to John O'Malley late Friday was all it took to arrange a late Saturday morning workout at the gym and an afternoon of exhaustive sex. Alejandro had learned early on that his athletic sex sessions with John required some preparation.
When he and John arrived at the condo, the bedcovers were removed and folded. A doubled sheet padded and protected the mattress. Their grappling was aggressive and fun for both men. John had long figured out that Alejandro was the more skilled of them but that didn't stop him from wanting to wrestle.
After their second bout, John lay face down under Alejandro. Alejandro's dick was still buried deep in John's ass.
"Glad you added some padding. Didn't think I could cum so hard again after the last session. Fuck! You are such a hot man in bed. And that you enjoy my wrestling quirk is just the best. Wish we could get together more often," John said as he caught his breath.
As he climbed off, Alejandro said, "I'm hoping my schedule will ease off a bit this winter. Lots of things that have been keeping me running are either nearing completion or have been reorganized. I'd enjoy spending more time like we did today."
They shared a shower and shampooed and lathered each other thoroughly. Before they were finished both their cocks were tumescent, hanging heavily over their balls.
They dressed and shared a beer. Neither seemed in a hurry to part. Finally Alejandro suggested, "John, I've got several errands I've got to get done today. How about we get together for dinner and if we feel like it we can come up here for a little more horizontal exercise and a nightcap."
"Damn, that sounds just great, Alex. I wasn't looking forward to going back to my apartment after the fun we've had today. You're on," John said enthusiastically. As the elevator door closed in Alejandro's exterior hall, John was smiling and grinning in anticipation.
It was just after 11 p.m. when John left that evening. Alejandro was thoroughly sated. He'd fucked John twice more that evening. The second round had them both grunting and sweating as Alejandro kept pounding John's muscled ass. The orgasm was slow building but when it hit Alejandro felt it rise from his core.
John had spewed a big load the first time but the second time, he just moaned his pleasure as Alejandro battered and racked his prostate with his engorged cock head. Their shower together was more subdued. Both men were pleasantly exhausted. John declined but thanked Alejandro for the offer of a drink. They parted company.
Alejandro remade the bed, tossing the soiled sheets in the corner. The room reeked of sweat and cum. Alejandro smiled. Turning off the lights in the condo he returned to his room and sprawled back on the king bed. He inhaled the distinctly masculine odors. What a week it had been!
Matt called during the middle of the week and asked if he and Paul could make an appointment.
"Is there some kind of bad news you have to tell me face-to-face?! Matt don't do this to me. What's going on?" Alejandro felt panic well up inside him.
"No Alex, nothing like that," Matt said in his calm, taciturn way. "We've got some ideas we want to bounce off of you and explain a small challenge we're working through. Relax. I didn't mean to upset you."
They agreed to get together for a late afternoon session on Saturday and share a meal together at Alejandro's condo.
Alejandro had been able to schedule three racquetball games during the week and was feeling fit and ready to take on the world. He and John got together again Saturday morning for an exhaustive workout and swim.
John decided he wanted to ride Alex after wrestling him down. Alejandro played along with an extended session of play wrestling. When John pinned him, John grabbed the nearby lube and slicked up Alejandro's throbbing cock and took it in one smooth downward thrust.
John was full of himself and trash-talked as they fucked. Alejandro hadn't seen this extent of John's playfulness and liked it. Alejandro heaved his body as deeply as he could into John. He could see the expression of pleasure on John's face as he neared his orgasm.
John never had to touch himself; his penis shot several heavy loads, the first arching high and hitting Alejandro near his chin. `Damn, what a lot of power' Alejandro thought as John's assring clamped around the invading cock. Alejandro filled his friend's ass with his cum.
After their shower and shared beer, Alejandro cleaned up and put the soiled linen in the hamper. The smells still lingered.
Matt and Paul arrived a couple of hours later. Matt wasn't in the condo five minutes before he cocked his head and seemed to sniff the air. He said nothing but gave Alejandro a big grin and a wink. Paul was too focused on his task to notice.
As Paul launched into the topics they wanted to discuss, Alejandro was reminded of the time Paul had passionately presented his case for the apprenticeship training. Again, Matt sat with an expression of attentiveness mixed with benign amusement. `What opposites,' Alejandro thought.
"So, you see," Paul said with indignation after presenting major challenge, , "the banks only recognize our official jobs, not our work for the project. They've loaded us down with sky-high rates and punitive add-ons to the loan.
Alejandro was as intrigued by their plans as he was put out with the bankers. The concept of fully engaging passive solar potential for living spaces wasn't novel. It was as old as the cave men. What his friends were planning, however, was cutting edge for their region. A three quarter subterranean home with a front glass wall facing southwest would be a first for the area if not the state. Alejandro knew the engineering would pass the most strenuous muster and it would be a cost-efficient construction.
The Arab Oil Embargo had caused energy costs to spike since their action in October the year before. Everyone was feeling it with increased costs for goods and services not to mention the inconvenience of the shortage of fuel. There was a general hue and cry to reduce consumption, conserve, and develop oil and gas fields both off shore and in Alaska.
The news was full of energysaving gimmicks that were getting the full court press since the public was hungry for information. What Matt and more specifically Paul were proposing was as revolutionary as it was ancient. People had lived in caves for millennia, but this application, augmented with available technology, seemed a masterstroke.
The guys were proposing a trial run and, if successful, building a house into the side of the hill on Matt's property. The plan was to build a poured concrete wall with rebar and fiberglass fill. It would serve as a four car garage. It would be topped with a commercial flat roof truss system designed for poured concrete and stress-tested for more weight than would ever be placed on it.
If the engineering Paul had designed worked as they were sure it would, they would use the same design on a 1,500 square foot box recessed into the hill. It would be beneath grade of the slope except for the front ten feet which would be box-terraced for plantings.
A double-glazed glass wall would face southwest to take advantage of the passive solar gain. Two three-foot solid concrete pillars would be used to support the glass façade and serve as thermal mass. Skylights would be built for all rooms not opening onto the main front area with the glass wall. Double thermal drapes would be closed in the evening to keep heat in.
Paul had engineering data to back up every piece of proposed construction. Alejandro asked every question he could think of and found that it had been considered, researched and answered - even zoning.
The bottom line was that even with the land paid for the banks didn't like the non-traditional building, didn't understand it, and didn't want to try. The guys figured that the absolute most they would need was $75,000. Paul explained that drilling the hill might reveal rock deposits that would have to be removed.
Alejandro made note of the banks and loan officers where they'd applied for loans. As he wrote the information down, Matt looked at Paul with wide eyes that said, `Somebody's gonna get in trouble'.
After determining which bank would be most convenient for them to work with, Alejandro said he'd deposit the $75,000 with co-signing required. The only security he asked was that the guys take out life insurance policies on each other that would pay off the loan and not leave the other saddled with less income and a large mortgage.
"How much do you want as a down payment, Alex? We've got a little under $10,000 set aside," Matt said.
"You might need that for unexpected contingencies. Keep it," Alejandro said, appreciating their willingness to stretch themselves to see this through.
"As for repayment and interest do some research and find out the average conventional loan for traditional new construction with energy upgrades and extra insulation. We'll use that less 1% with simple interest compounded annually. I can't let you guys off the hook, scot free," Alejandro said, grinning.
"That do it?" Alejandro stood, thinking their business was concluded.
"Not quite," Matt said and nodded to Paul.
Alejandro couldn't resist, "Damned nice to be partnered with someone so well organized and eloquent isn't it Matt." Paul looked slightly flummoxed as Alejandro and Matt grinned at each other.
"What?" Paul asked. He'd missed the comment getting his second presentation ready.
"We gonna be here all night?" asked Alejandro in mock surprise.
"Gimme a break, Alex. This one he's doing for me. Like you said, `well organized and eloquent'," Matt said as he shrugged.
Paul launched into a business proposal for merchandizing thermal engineering supplies, including designs and installation. A one-stop shopping point for those interested in this relatively new concept. As he and Matt had researched the passive solar components they were considering, they discovered a network of suppliers. What hadn't been done was having one person pull the resources together under one roof, so to speak.
Paul broke down the presentation into goods and services. The goods were basic things - drapes and shades that provided thermal insulation, insulation stripping for windows, an aerosol foam that could be squirted behind outlet and switch plates, double glazed windows and doors and insulated frames. The list went on.
The services centered on Matt's expertise in thermal heat exchange. He'd found a couple of alternatives in addition to his in-ground system they could market. Paul had designed six different sunrooms that would be built specifically for passive solar gain.
Paul explained they had identified likely employees for the construction work from the apprenticeship program. Supervisors and their students could be subcontracted for most of the areas other than retail.
Alejandro smiled and shook his head. "You two are unstoppable it seems. Great ideas, all of them. First question that comes to mind is how are you going to balance your `real jobs' as the banks describe them, your work with the building projects and this new venture?"
The three men did a rough projection of work to be completed between then and the onset of the construction season. Most of the construction work was being done by supervisors and apprenticeship students. The horticulture piece was well in hand with numerous volunteers waiting, so popular was the program.
They all agreed that by the middle of March all that would be needed was occasional oversight by both men in their areas of expertise. Paul was a little hesitant and paused noticeably.
"Um, Alex," his discomfort showed. Alejandro gestured for him to continue with a gentle smile.
"We have both discussed the potential of cashing in on our name recognition generated by the building project. We're wondering about the ethics of doing that and, um, well I guess we're asking your thoughts and hopefully your, well, permission isn't what I mean but,..."
Alejandro smiled and shook his head. "Smart, hardworking and ethical. That's what I've admired about you two from the beginning. Not only will I encourage you to leverage business advantage from your work but would suggest you market to the committee and ask them to promote your goods and services to their constituency.
"Cut me in on the action and I'll underwrite a professional advertising company to come up with materials you can use for mailers, news ads and television," Alejandro was smiling at their reaction to `cutting him in'.
Matt spoke up, turning in his chair and placed a palm flat on the table. "Let's not get this thing too big too fast. We're not sure we can make it go, much less repay you for the stuff you're talking about." He looked both worried and a little upset.
Alejandro realized he'd misspoken. "Matt, hear me out. I want you guys to succeed. This market is huge and to get your name to the right people, the people who understand what you're offering and can afford it takes a professional.
"As far as cutting me in, I know neither of you came here to talk about money with this venture. I appreciate the fact that you trust me to give you honest and, hopefully, good advice.
"I'm not looking to make money off you guys. It's with your energy, sweat, professional skills and passion that I've seen a dream of mine come to life." Looking at Matt he echoed, "Gimme a break!"
Both men grinned at each other. Over dinner a more detailed business plan was developed. Alejandro argued them down to a cut of 10% of profits after taxes for 5 years to reimburse him (likely only partially) for his expenses.
As they finished cleaning up their dinner debris, Paul went to the bathroom
Matt looked over and grinned at Alejandro, "I noticed you got some already today. I plan to go home and have some fun with Paul. Smelling that sweat and cum has had me half-boned all afternoon. Must have been good."
"Twice. And yeah, it was great."
Matt was evidently in a great mood and really horny. As he and Paul stepped onto the elevator he was standing behind Paul. He pointed to Paul and then encircled his wrist with his other hand and pumped his hand up and down.
Alejandro exploded in laughter. Paul saw him looking at Matt.
"Damn it! What? You guys have been having fun at my expense all day today." Paul was fast getting snippy.
As the door closed, Alejandro heard Matt say, "Just wait `til we..."
Alejandro just hoped Paul would succumb to Matt's irresistible charm and get royally fucked - probably twice, knowing how competitive Matt could be. He shut off lights and headed to his office to read a while before bed. He stopped midway and sniffed the air hoping to get one last whiff as a reminder of John.
Having a fresh project was just what Alejandro needed to jumpstart his creative juices. The three of them scheduled a bi-weekly update lunch in Alejandro's office to make sure they stayed on track.
As January slammed into February, Alejandro was reminded of how good it was to have a great support staff to work with. He was looking forward to the warmth of Texas sun. He didn't have time to see Tony and Stan but he and John had carved out a day and a night at his ranch. Fun in the sun albeit brief.
Back in Chicago, Alejandro interviewed the final Grants Administer candidate, one David Tapper. He was a young man with a business degree with a strong interest in funding for the social initiative as he put it. Alejandro was put off by the term until the man explained that it was what the Algara Foundation did.
Specifically he spoke of his work with the building project. He didn't try to play a coy game with Alejandro. He gave dates, names and places where he'd volunteered.
Evidently he saw Alejandro's expression change and said, "Think more of me, think less of me, I don't care. It was a masterful piece of community building – not only for the new residents but with the coalition that was built to make it happen. I'm a Chicagoan, all my life, and I've seen more bickering and ward fighting that you or I can say grace over.
"Projects like this, if they don't have a prime mover like you behind it need someone skilled at generating money. That person is going to be me. My goal is to become the go-to guy when a project needs funding.
"I plan to be able to pick and choose the projects I give my life to." Seeing Alejandro's slight reaction to such a statement, he added, "Yes, I see this as a lifetime career," the man said and sat, looking a bit surprised that he'd stood during the last bit.
It was a fortuitous moment. Tapper's recommendations were sterling. On a hunch, Alejandro asked him to draw up a set of criteria for pay advancement at quarterly benchmarks during the next year. Alejandro, after the interview, knew he wouldn't offer crème puff goals. What surprised Alejandro was his ambitious goals to meet every recipient, evaluate the use of donated funds and establish a working relationship.
Requesting a meeting to discuss the plan, Alejandro listened as Tapper outlined an orientation that was intended to be aggressive and effective. During the next year he would visit each organization receiving in excess of $500,000. His questions were probing and sometimes unsettling. Accountability became a by-word for those institutions.
David Tapper became a linchpin for all the players on the funding committee. Within the year Alejandro had increased his salary every quarter to that which a mid-career expert might demand. He was worth every penny and Alejandro intended to keep him.
Late February Alejandro was lusting in his mind for the warm sands and pampering that Casa del Placer excelled at. There simply was no time.
He'd contacted Cesar and they'd agreed in principle on everything about Alex's new casa- the location, price and legal documents conveying right of first refusal to the Patron of the hacienda at the time Alejandro wanted to dispose of it.
He had asked Paul to find maps of the area and geological studies available from the university library. Alejandro gave Paul a general idea of what he planned to do. Paul took Alejandro's plans in stride.
"Matt and I've been wondering when you'd do something like this. He's convinced you'd buy in an established area. I was equally sure you'd want to build. The location comes as a bit of a surprise to both of us," Paul said.
After explaining the situation, Paul agreed it seemed a perfect solution. After dissecting Alejandro's wishes, needs and dreams, Paul took the documents and information promising to have several sketches within a week.
Alejandro found his eagerness building every day. When had he grown so fond of this idea? Paul returned the next week with three scenarios. All three would have fit the property well but one stood out to Alejandro.
It was L-shaped, placed so that it had a northeastern exposure, thus minimizing the impact of the intense afternoon sun. It was built on the limestone escarpment, with the longer branch of the `L' parallel to the sea. There were lounging, dining and cooking spaces with a small two room servants' suite attached to the kitchen on the main floor. Perpendicular to the sea was a hallway with glass panels that opened onto guest rooms. Both areas looked out on a pool and barbecue area, and the sea.
Buried in the sand at the base of the limestone escarpment were 2,000 feet of pipe to manage the heat exchange. Paul predicted it would be cool enough for a blanket in the master suite in all but the hottest months.
What Alejandro liked most was the master suite located under the guest rooms. It was a three quarter subterranean excavation, with a wall of glass opening onto a view of the sea from both the bedroom and bath. A private porch featured a stone patio with waist high safety glass barrier and a small brass railing. It was cantilevered to give him an unobstructed view and breeze. In addition to the interior stair from the main living area there was a stair that led up from the patio to the pool surface.
Paul had included hurricane protection that covered every window in the house but was concealed in an enlarged soffit. The walls were poured concrete reinforced similarly to the house he and Matt would build. It would withstand a Cat 5 storm, Paul promised.
Paul offered the sketch and offered to do working drawings if Alejandro and his friend could coordinate with an architect in Mexico. Alejandro thanked him and set plans in motion.
An extended call to Cesar after he'd received a set of the plans assured Alejandro that it would be a house comfortable for living as well as entertaining. Alejandro also had a strong hunch this house would be viewed as a folly by the local population until it was finished and the curious could see for themselves.
Cesar wanted the set of preliminary working drawings to share with a friend in the capital who was well regarded with a substantial portfolio of completed work. He was forward-thinking, Cesar promised, and would enjoy a project like this – not to mention some shared weekends at the Casa.
Paul's working drawings were ready by mid-March. Alejandro coaxed Paul and Matt into joining him for an extended weekend trip to the Yucatan. Paul and Matt were going to the Casa as a surprise. Paul would meet with the architect during the visit but mostly it was a thank-you from Alejandro for his work.
Paul pulled Alejandro aside the second day to thank him. In parting he said, "It's a damn good thing I can't get pregnant or I'd be having a litter after this weekend. Whew!" With a wink and a grin he waved good-bye over his shoulder as he went to find his Matt and enjoy more fun in the sun.
Sanchez sat in on all the meetings, at Alejandro's request. His questions were pertinent and indicated he'd put much thought into what might be built on the site. Before the weekend was over and after another extended consultation with Paul, the architect agreed to take the commission with understanding that the limestone must prove stable for construction but he didn't express serious doubt.
The conversation was animated on the flight home. Lots of the plans formed in early winter were coming into fruition. The garage structure had been poured and proved to be stronger and have even more structural integrity than expected.
Their businesses were beginning to take off. Paul had nearly a dozen drawings he was working on for various passive solar living additions. The instructors and apprentices had been alerted that it would be a full summer and were lined up to begin as soon as weather permitted.
Their retail store had opened late February and had already expanded to two additional outlets in the `burbs. Getting stores staffed and trained was a challenge but a good one.
Matt actually was afraid he'd have more business than he could handle with the thermal exchange jobs. He'd lined up a dozen or more of the students and several of the adults to work as supervisors for tamping, sodding or planting grass for backfilled trenches.
The Duo had story upon story to tell about the fun they'd had, the meals they'd eaten and the general excellent time they'd shared. Both were effusive in their appreciation.
By late April most of the travel had wound down for Alejandro. He was glad to be able to see stretches of time without out-of-town commitments. There was a notice of a university board meeting he'd almost trashed then reconsidered. There were several people he needed to stay in contact with and this was a good opportunity.
After a nice pick-up breakfast buffet, Alejandro had greeted and chatted with everyone on his list. He knew he couldn't get away before lunch without causing offense so settled down to listen to the board business and some student presentation. `Damn! Show and tell' he thought as he smiled genially.
He felt glaze-eyed and quietly rejoiced when the President of the University introduced the last student speaker. Alejandro perked up only slightly. He had received national recognition for his study of alternative energy and had a grant for research during the summer after his graduation in a few weeks.
When he stood to speak, Alejandro was caught by his presence as well as good looks. Easily 6'3" he had a demeanor about him that indicated settled maturity and invited respect and attention. His presentation was clear, concise and informative. Others had belabored the listeners with technical or professional jargon designed to impress. Hadn't worked,' Alejandro thought. Ben made eye contact with Alejandro several times during his presentation. Of course he would. It was good presentation style,' thought Alejandro. Still, this guy was completely different.
Ben Craighead. Alejandro wrote the name and salient facts he recalled about the presentation as the chairman gave instructions for lunch and the afternoon's abbreviated session. Perhaps he would stay for lunch, press the flesh a bit more and see what he could learn about this promising young man.
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