With Love

With Love

(Book Two)

With Hope

by

RettaMichaels

Disclaimer

If you are under the age of eighteen, or live in a locale which doesn't allow you to read these sorts of stories legally, then please don't. Come back when it's legal for you to do so and it will be great with us who are here legally. In fact, we'll support you and in the right circumstances help get you laid. Now, skedaddle and shut the door on your way out!

Now, for the rest of you who are supposed to be adults, act like it!

Notes From Retta

First and foremost, any events, places, or people in this story are purely fictional. Yes, a whole lot of my writing has parts which are biographical in nature, they still have to be called fiction. That's because I'm a fiction writer. Not all events will be seen the same by others, so the caption of stating they are fiction, gets me out of a lot of log jams.

Chapter 3

On Tuesday morning, Kevin and I were up early. He had slept in his bed and I did mine. Two seperate worlds under the same roof. I can't say I was angry with him anymore. That was all basicly spent. Last nights activities had taken a lot emotionally. My main feeling in the whole situation was of disappointment. I knew we could be so much for each other and yet, we were being real dicks to each other. My only hope was I would be able to find something to cling to today as a sign it'd be all better.

We aren't real talkative in the morning. The only times we're real talkative is after a night of great passion. When that happens, we feel bonded and stronger from it. The elation over that connection allows us to ride the sensations into the next morning.Since that hadn't happened in a while, we were both very silent.

We went to breakfast at Logue's and for once, I had a hearty appetite. I ate the trucker's breakfast and then had an extra helping of the bisuits. Kevin got several looks from a few others, but I think it was primarily because he's a hunk. Women are attracted to his eyes and his butt is just awesome. He can make a pair of pants off the rack look like they were tailor made for him.

While we ate breakfast, Kevin and I discussed all the possible scenarios we were facing for our day. There wasn't much planned as the house was going to be our main focus. We laid out our "to do" lists and so we each knew what page we were on. For the past few days, I felt genuinely out of sorts by our warring. I felt settled again and somehow knew we were back on the right path.

We had an appointment at the bank. If I had my choice and could afford it, we'd not be buying the house. Since they had $350,000 in escrow, I was going to sign to get the house.

In a large way, I know Kevin wants the house just as much as. It's huge, and it's gorgeous. It's one of America's castles on the television program, so you get an idea.

When we got to the bank, the banker called us into his office. "Kevin, I hear you are laid off from your job, are you going to be able to take on this obligation?"

Personally, I was pissed at this line of questioning. He knew we could make the fucking loan payments, so the rest was inconsequential and against the law as far as I was concerned.

"Sir, I wouldn't sign my name on the line if I didn't think I could make the payments and Rhett's here, so we're in this together."

"How are things going between you two."

By this time, I was really fed up. Kevin answered before me, but I let the banker know I wasn't going to answer any more.

"We're doing o.k., it's rough between us, but we love each other so I think we'll make it." was Kevin's reply. Mine went a little more like this...

"The question is out of line. I wasn't aware we needed our lawyer here. If our credit isn't good, then sign that check back over and we'll be out of here. If it is, then let us get to business or find us unworthy.

"Rhett, I'm just seeing if things are going to be well for Kevin."

"Then ask him on your own time because one more question and I'll have my attorney down here. This is the second fucking day in a row you seem to think you can cross the line with me. Don't make it three."

"Rhett, simmer down."

"No, I'll make that call now." I pulled out my cell phone. Kevin grabbed my hand saying, "Rhett God damn it. Cool your shit."

"I'll cool it, but one more fucking question which is this far from ethical and it's going into the answering machine at home to be recorded."

I hit speed dial and let the answering machine answer it and then stuck the phone in my pocket.

"Rhett, if you aren't satisfied with the way we're trying to protect your money, then we can do business some other day."

"My money is the least of your concern. We showed up and it's obvious we're ready to do this transaction. Are you trying to sell the house to someone else? I believe we were told our loan was approved."

"It was."

"Then stop wasting our time."

"Rhett, shut the fuck up man!"

"Rhett, you really should listen to him."

"No, I really should close every fucking account I have and get on down the bricks is what I should do. It would leave you explaining to your board why you let an account that has twenty million a year gross walk."

"Rhett, let's get into the office to sign those papers before you do something we'll all regret."

"I won't regret it for a fucking second. I believe my business is paid off and there's not a loan we have with you other than this house."

Kevin was hustling my ass into the office by the arm on the double. Muttering in my ear the whole time. "Rhett, the man is pissed."

"Kevin, I'm pissed. If he wants to fuck one of us because he thinks we're split up, he just saw it isn't going to be me. You, you're fair game."

"Shut up"

"Kevin, the man can't legally pull any shit. He knows it. I know it. And I really should have had Mark down here. He wouldn't have pulled this shit with him here."

"Yes he would've. They're all butt buddies."

"You know that for a fact, or are you just talking?"

"Rhett, you know lawyers and bankers all lay in the same bed."

"Well, I'm not laying with this jerk, he's mixing business with personal curiosity."

We went into the office and saw Rich, the current owner. He shook our hands and sat down. I knew Rich's situation of nearly being broke and knew he was in debt like hell. He was only selling the house because he was taking those assets and paying down other debts. It could save him financially, but the loss for him had to be immeasurable.

When he sat down, Ben was nearly in his lap. Apparently, he was thankful to get some of those loans paid back.

The interesting thing was Ben shoved the papers to me first. I guess he thought I was in such a hurry to buy the house I wasn't going to read the paperwork. He was wrong.

I read the paperwork and when I got to the fourth page, I saw a remark of us paying a six percent finder's fee to "said seller". I was livid. We're saving the man from bankruptcy and he's charging us $45,000 for the pleasure? I think not.

I pulled back, "Kevin, read this. Do you remember this being in the deal?"

Kevin instantly sat upright and by his body language, I could tell he was pissed.

"Not no, but fuck no."

I turned to Ben, "Could you please photocopy these, I want to take them to my attorney. I'm calling him now."

I disconnected the call to the house and called Mark's office. The banker had taken the paperwork to the photocopier and when he reappeared, I took a look at the photocopies and they were the origionals without the "finder's fees" remarks.

I stood up, "I'll be getting back the escrow check now. Our business is concluded. We'll be seeing you in court "

Both Ben and Rich looked shocked I glared at Ben, "Now, we need to see about closing our accounts."

"You can't do that!"

"Like hell I can't! You have two board members of the company here and I believe we're in agreement we don't want to do business with this bank again."

Kevin nodded his head.

"Rhett, I'm so sorry!" Ben's voice sounded like he was in agony.

"No, you'll be sorry when my lawyer gets here and I start suits on your asses. Now please go get the accounts closed as of business this morning, I'll have my accountant start recalling the checks which are drawn on the accounts.

He suddenly had a smug expression on his face, "Well, this takes 10 business days to accomplish."

Before I even spoke, Kevin had pulled my shoulder back to restrain me.

"No it doesn't because if it did, I wouldn't have put my money into the accounts."

I knew exactly what my agreement stated because I signed away my rights with Tony's family for not reading the fine print. I might have been a fool then, but now, I read every page no matter how long it takes.

His smug expression turned haughty, "Well, I assure you it most certainly will and most likely will take thirty days."

.

I was seething and was near exploding with anger, "Kevin get on your phone and call my mom. Tell her to call all the directors of this motherfucker and have them down here at one o'clock. We'll see who's lying and we'll see who still has a job."

"I'm already on that Rhett."

I turned to look and he already had his cell phone out and it was dialing.

Ben went more pale by the second. I looked at him and said, "I realize you probably have someone in the wings waiting to buy it and I bet it's another one of your cronies. You just make sure you let them know the sale of this house is going to be in court for quite a while. Otherwise, you'll probably find yourself sued twice on the same piece of real estate."

"Well, I don't believe we have any other buyers."

"Then what's your problem? All I can see is you're trying to screw us."

He looked exasperated and the tone of his voice sounded like he was scolding a little child. "Rhett, I'm just trying to get him something out of the deal."

"Let me tell you one thing. That man in there is in debt so fucking far, the thing he's getting out of it is a saved credit rating. He's not going surfing on our bank account for the tune of forty five grand. That's bullshit."

His voice sounded resigned, "We can save the deal by leaving that off?"

"We'll see. Believe me, Mark's on his way down now and he's going to be pissed. I fully expect you to cover his expenses and if they aren't met, I'll contest the payment to your board and to the court. Got it?"

"I'll cover them."

"Yeah, and I'll let you know now, don't worry yourself on thinking I'm going to default. What you should worry about is my accountant stopping all checks on those accounts December twentieth. My new year starts on January one, I'll be down here to close those accounts. You have that much forwarning."

He blanched, "Rhett, I'm sorry."

"Not as sorry as your directors are going to make you. My mom is someone who networks like hell. She's probably got all their wives headed down here now fretting over not being invited to the Christmas festivities at the country club."

"Rhett, this has opened up a can of worms."

"Rattlesnakes is more like it, just ask Kevin and his boyfriend. That man is on his way to federal time."

"So, there's my answer I was looking for."

"When you weren't minding your own fucking business!"

I was unsure legally if he had grounds to keep the escrow check with that tidbit of information. Mentally, I was in a poker game looking at him as an opponent, I threw the next bid out.

"Trust me, all is well between us. We might appear ill, but I'll tell you to your face and never bat an eye, things are going to be quite healthy soon."

"So you're getting counseling?"

"That's another question which I'm not going to answer...just in case you have something snuck in those papers over there."

"No, this question is personal."

I knew the dude was in over his head now. He'd just let it out of the bag. It's personal and not business. He was open to a lawsuit and the thought I'd not go to throwing all of my chips in.

"Well, let's see. I'll put it to you this way. IF we are going to counseling, it will never hit a piece of paper stating it's counseling. Let's just say I have someone with a rainbow jacket on who would love for us to eat dinner at his home once a week and talk to him off the record. Of course you wouldn't know him. He lives in the city."

The sides of his mouth went down and I knew I'd struck paydirt.

"Wasn't the answer you were looking for. That's a God damned shame."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mark walking in wearing his suit and looking like a million dollars. The cut and finish of him was polished to the hilt.

"Mark, good to see you! I was just being asked where Kevin and I were going to counseling."

Marks corners of his mouth were drawn down. What I knew of him, that meant either he was in pain, or he was angry. Both signs weren't a good omen.

"Don't answer that question Rhett."

I smiled. "Damn, I just did! But it didn't make him very happy."

Worry instantly creased his brow, "What did you say?"

"I told him we weren't going to counseling. On the record, we're meeting at the home of someone and talking over dinner."

"Excellent!"

Mark turned to Ben and I could see his shoulders align like he used to do as a child.

"Ben, Kevin just told me you tried to sneak some paperwork through that I hadn't approved. What's up with that?"

"This morning, the seller stated he wanted to be paid a six percent finder's fee by these boys."

Mark had heard who his challenger was and his whole body turned,"Oh, I'll go have a talk with him and see how he'll like the lawsuit I'm going to file that will have him bankrupt trying to pay for these boy's home."

Mark turned and went into the office. I could hear him say, "SO, I'm understanding the paperwork is to be changed at the last minute and no one bothered to let them know about it? When did you decide on a finder's fee?"

Rich was nervous and said, "It was suggested to me this morning by Ben I shoud get it."

"So, you're telling me Ben out there isn't acting in YOUR best interest or THEIR's either?"

"No, I didn't say that."

"Well then, what are you saying? I want to know who I need to sue here."

"He suggested it to me and I said it'd be fine."

Rich was so nervous he was nearly peeing his pants. His voice was quivering and I knew we'd have the house.

Mark's voice softened a bit, but the tone sounded just as harsh, "Is it going to be fine with you if we leave that notation off the paperwork and we get this house sold today?"

Rich's voice sounded relieved, and unsure, "Yeah...umm...that will be fine."

"I thought so, Rhett, Kevin, come back in here I think we got ourselves a deal."

I went back into the office and said, "Mark, Ben said he's covering your fees."

"Oh he will be doing that! I assure you!" Mark glared across the table and said, "I shoud have your ass in front of a judge over this bullshit and you know it. Just consider my payment the smallest favor you owe me."

"Umm, Mark, would you look at the papers for us before we sign them? Then I want to discuss what I'm being told is the length of time it takes to close an account."

"If he told you anything other than promptly, I want to know."

"Well, I was told it'd be ten days and most likely thirty in our situation."

Mark turned, "Go get the paperwork."

Kevin popped in, "Mark, Rhett's mom has already spoken to board's wives."

Mark laughed, "Oh Jesus, I love her." He turned to Ben, "For your information, his (pointing over his shoulder at me) mother is my dad's cousin. She has more guile about her than any of the male lawyers in this family. Don't fuck with her. I imagine they'll be seriously looking at your bonus in December."

Ben blanched and I could tell he was retasting his breakfast after all these exchanges.

Mark read the paperwork. When he finished with a page, he handed it to me. Kevin and I read the pages together.

Kevin pointed at one thing and I read it. It was the clause about the house being sold "As ^Ö Is". The way it was worded, I saw Mark's handiwork all over it. It said any preexisting damages were to be remedied by the seller, but we would assume all of the damages hereafter. "We agreed to that. It means we're responsible for anything wrong with the house as of this morning. If anything happened yesterday morning, it goes onto him."

"O.k., so that means the roof?" The tone of Kevin's voice sounded like he realized Rich was going to have to pay for the roof.

I tried to make my voice sound like it was all a part of the deal, and let Kevin know we were in the clear. "Yeah, and anything else that's wrong with it. We sign these papers and if it falls down, we're holding the rubble."

Kevin looked at Rich, "Do you have a few moments after this to go with us to get the lights and water changed into our names?"

He nodded.

Kevin asked, "What's going on with the lights up there?" His voice sounded like, "Hey dumbfuck, why'd you make the house look like shit when you had it!"

"Someone complained about them being too bright and I shut them off."

Mark looked at him, "I really wish you hadn't done that without contacting me. That house is on the list of historical landmarks. You were within your rights to have them on." He looked at us, "Boys, as soon as you want them back on, forward any complaints to me."

Quick as a wink, Kevin was on it asking Rich, "Can we get them on tonight?"

"They're probably burned out. It might take a bit."

I said, " We own a sign company, I bet we have several thousand light sets out in our shop. They'll be on tonight if I have to make it priority one."

Mark smiled, "That will make the rest of this town feel a hell of a lot better."

"IT's the first thing Kev and I discussed. It grates at our souls to see them off. It's like someone shutting off the lights at the Parthenon. The whole top of the hill went dark."

"Believe me, it does this town too. Also, the tours being stopped is another thing which was a right of passage for every third grader in this town. We all went through it."

Kevin asked, "How long ago did the tours stop?"

"Seven years ago."

"So, if I notify Dawn out at the school board office and request tours to be given, they'll allow it?"

"I'll call her myself and ask for an entire day to get everyone toured through it. Just let me know when and I'll pay for the buses myself."

Tears came to my eyes because I knew it meant a lot to him.

Kevin asked, "Is there a way we can take possession sooner?"

"Yeah, just as soon as you sign the papers, I'll give you the keys to it and it can be yours. I need to get the gas bill put in your names, but that shouldn't be a problem."

I groaned thinking about paying to heat a thirty thousand square foot house.

Kevin must've read my mind. "Is it hot water heat in there?"

"Yeah, the pipes are all good. The boiler's about shot though. It's nearly sixty years old. I never got the money ahead to get it replaced."

"We'll be replacing that soon. All the antiques are still present?"

"I've not touched a thing and as of last night they were still there."

I touched Kevin's leg, "O.k., we're in business as soon as we can get the housekeepers over to clean it."

Kevin smiled, "Rhett, can I call them and get them over there today?"

"Yeah, Tuesday's aren't busy, call them all in. You might get the groundskeepers up there too. Tell them to buy every mum in town. They'll go along that roadway. We're going to be giving tours within a week." I was showboating now, and glossed it some.

Kevin knew me, "Wow, I had no idea we'd do it so fast!"

"Kevin, we have housekeepers who are not working. I'm sure they'd be happy to give tours. We'll teach them the history of the place and by guess or by gosh, we'll learn it ourselves if we have to." I was toning it down now and Kev knew me well enough to see me working it. He winked and I smiled.

Rich said something which pleasantly surprised both of us."There's a complete set of tour guide books up there telling what all was said through every tour since it origionally opened to the public."

Suddenly, the cattiness creaped out of me. "Well, the only thing I want to do is sledgehammer that bar out of that basement. The old girl's days of having herself pimped out are over."

Mark said, "I thought the same thing more than once."

I looked over at Kevin and he was already on the phone talking to the shop lead lining workers up to go to the house. He was sure proud of the house. The pride about him was really showing. Watching him in action was like watching Sherman commanding troops. He had power washers, lawnmen, housekeepers, aerial trucks and lightsmen dropping everything. To most, they wouldn't realize this project was becoming priority one, but I knew Kevin was throwing everything at it." Tears misted my eyes thinking about the goodwill we were giving back to our town.

Seeing how Kevin had changed in the past few moments, I decided to go ahead and do something which I should have done a long time ago. I leaned over to Mark, "Those co-ownership papers I discussed with you. Would you bring them by tonight at the big house?"

"You serious?"

"Yeah, I've got to extend a little trust and this is the best way. I love him Mark."

Kevin joked, "What you two doing over there, plotting a takeover?"

Mark smiled,. "If you only knew!"

"Damn, after yesterday, I don't think I want to know if it's about me!" His voice sounded a little unsure, but still happy.

I decided to put him at ease, "Kev, you'll love it."

Mark said, "I'm bringing Cristal."

"Sure bring everyone!", Who's Cristal? Your wife?"

Mark smiled, "More intoxicating than my wife I'm afraid."

I couldn't let it drop. If I'd heard Kevin say what Mark did, I'd be pissed. "Ooh Mark, forget what you said dude!"

"If only I could forget what I said the day we got married, it'd be easier." Mark's voice sounded miserable.

I put my hand on Mark's shoulder. "Dude I can get you laid. Ben over there needs a few cobwebs knocked out."

"Rhett, he's not my type I'm afraid."

"You said the right thing there...."I'm afraid!"....Who'd want to tap that!"

Mark busted out laughing until he was beet red in the face. He turned to me with tears in his eyes and said, "Rhett, I really miss us hanging out together."

Mark and I were family, we hung out together from the time we were in the crib together. We shared sandboxes, toys, and even slept over at each other's houses more than not. Then, one night when he was dating his would be wife, he chose words which frosted everything between us. It hurt and I walked out of his life.

"The day you introduced me as your 'fag' cousin, I was done with you."

Mark knew and I knew what the loss meant to each other. It was like our right arms were severed and we had to learn how to do things all over. He'd tried to call and I suddenly became to busy. I had my relationship and he had his. Time and distance happened and now, we hardly knew each other.

"Rhett, I'm sorry."

That's all I needed to hear. It was like getting my arm back after all these years. I was still cautious, but hopeful.

"Mark, you know where we live and you know our phone number, so don't be a stranger. We can get golf carts and play bumper cars again."

He chuckled, "Man, my ass still stings over that one."

"Mine still stings over the snowballs with the rocks in them! Your daddy could whip an ass alright."

His dad caught us throwing snowballs down onto the busy street below their house. My brothers and he and his brothers were all throwing. Me, I was up behind them being look out telling them when a car was approaching. I couldn't throw anything to save my life. I hadn't paid attention to any of our parents possibly coming. When all of a sudden, I was grabbed by my arm and lifted while his dad waylaid my ass.

"You got hit hardest on that one because we all ran!"

"Yeah, I was up there doing my one arm caught in the wire chimpanzee routine and he was flailing away. Aaiiee Aaiieee Aaiieeee"

Mark started laughing again and said, "You describe that so perfect! That's what you looked like."

With age and time, I understood his father's position and now had forgiven him. What hurt so bad back then was something we could recall and laugh about.

"Bless your daddy's soul. He was the best lawyer in this town."

"He was the most honest lawyer in this town. Everyone was afraid of him because he'd beat them all in court."

Suddenly, I decided to give Kevin a dream of his I knew he'd hoped for years ago.

"Mark, if you ever need a paralegal, look at Kevin. He was the best in behind the fences."

"Really!"

"Yeah, John Ashcroft still quotes lawsuits Kevin whipped his ass on."

"Kool-Aid?"

"Yeah, and them serving horse meat in Farmington."

Mark's face grimaced. "I remember that one. They sent in carcasses and fed them to you all and happened to forget to cut off the hooves on one wasn't it?"

His grimace didn't make it at all how everyone felt after we'd found out what we were fed. Me, I just stopped eatting everything and stayed in the cell. If it couldn't be boiled in a can, I wasn't eatting it.

"Yeah, one of the guys smuggled the hooves out of the butcher shop and got them to Kevin. The day that guy came to the cell with those wrapped in his t-shirt, I thought they were a bunch of hamburger smuggled out. We took payments of smuggled items. When he opened that t-shirt up, I instantly knew they weren't cow hooves. Kevin listed them as evidence. They tested the meat and discovered the shipments were getting hijacked by the guy running the entire kitchen. He lost his job and we ate Desert Storm Arby's roast beef for three years. Some punishment! After having meat that wouldn't turn brown, we were all happy!"

Mark chuckled and Kevin was trying to climb under the table. What he made as a selling point in prison to earn a living for us, he was now embarrassed by. He saw it as he wasn't worthy. I knew how good he was and I knew he'd gotten miracles done most other paralegals couldn't legally.

Mark looked over me, "If you're interested, I'll pay you what Rhett's paying you to come to work for me."

Kevin nearly got whiplash. "Really?"

"Yeah providing it's not more than a quarter of a mil."

"Just a second Mark, I've got to give Kevin a raise."

"In front of all us!"

"No, hell no. You'd definitely be jealous then!"

"Strapped huh?"

"Like one of them ponies we ate."

"Hey, I am here you know!" Kevin's embarrassed tee-hee-hee giggle came out. I knew he was eatting it up.

"Yeah, and don't worry honey, I'm not doing 'show and tell', I'm just tellin'."

"Rhett, Christ, shut up!"

"Kevin, he's my cousin. We're keeping it in the family!"

"Rhett!"

Mark's chuckling like a idiot over there and shook his head, "You haven't changed...I did. I loved you kiddo."

"Me too Mark."

I knew the fences were mended between us.

We finally had all the paperwork read and now it was time to sign our lives away. I'd never been this far in debt before, and it was a big step. Mentally, I had to look at it like I could pay the loan off easily. It was just that ingrained into me while I was in prison, was how much shit happened over debts. I hated to be in debt and made sure I never extended myself beyond a few dollars.

As soon as we were done, Kev said, "Rhett, you ride with Mark, I'm going up to the house. Could I get those keys please!" He sounded like a kid asking for the car keys from his dad. I really was happier for him than I was for myself. I knew the feeling as I had already bought my first house.

Mark chuckled, "He's excited!"

"Yeah, until today, he's not had anything in his name except for his bass tracker. By the end of the day, he'll be a ten millionaire!"

"Rhett, you sure you want to do this?"

"Yeah, I'm sure as sure can be."

"O.k., I guess I'm taking you to the light and water office."

"O.k., I hope I don't get too used to riding in a Mercedes."

"How'd you know what I drove!"

"Mark, I might have not been talking to you, but that didn't mean I stopped caring."

"Rhett, that's the same here. I'm just so sorry about you and Chad with that prison thing. I wanted to do something so bad, but rather than stepping in and offering, I regret I let you get sold down the river."

"Mark, the way I look at it, my relationship with Kev wouldn't have been possible without prison. I thank the good Lord I went. It saved my life from alcohol and it gave me him."

"Well, it still sucks."

"It's commuted and that's what matters."

"How much did you get from the state on that?"

"I can't divulge the amount, but let's just say it was over ten grand a day...more like over thirteen grand."

"Cool, then they paid you what you deserved."

"No, they only paid me what they should've because I'd own the state if they gave me what I'm worth."

Mark laughed, "Of course I would have been your lawyer. That would have been a hell of a paycheck."

"Nah, you would've inherited the money because I would've hired your daddy. The way he was with a lawsuit, is the way Kev is with paperwork."

We both laughed.

"He that good Rhett?"

"Yeah, Kevin won't admit it, but the miracles he performed in there got a lot of innocent people freed, or people who got too harsh sentences, them reduced.

I walked over to shake hands with Rich. He was crying. I knew it meant a lot to him as it's a hell of a trophy. The way I viewed it, he had options he didn't choose in the responsibility of ownership. He exploited the house in order to keep her. He should have to been able to afford her without pimping her out. She would have loved him all the more for it."We really appreciate all this and wish you the best in your future endeavors."

I turned to Mark "You ready?"

We started walking to the exit and as we walked, Mark said, "I just know someone's going to see you in my car. My wife's going to be so angry, she'll be ready to can ham when I get home."

"Oh, I could teach her a few things on how to keep you."

"Rhett, you look better than her and you're a guy. You always were a babe....Don't bother, she doesn't do those things either."

"Mark, then why the fuck did you say 'I do'!"

"Everyone tried to talk me out of it, but the only person who could have gotten it done, was you."

Mark had a look on his face like he was miserable. When we were teenagers, we'd done quite a bit of exploratory jack offs, kissing, and head jobs. I know I felt a lot for him, but every time I started to feel something, I remembered he was family and I'd pull myself back. Now, I wondered if Mark was having regrets.

"Mark, you trying to tell me something?"

"Nah, that's all water under the bridge, you're happy now."

"Mark, we make ourselves happy or sad in this life. If you'd asked me yesterday how I felt, I would have told you to file me divorce papers."

"Really? What's up?"

"Nothing, it's all over now and I won. I got to keep him."

"Rhett, he loves you."

"I know."

"I can see it in his eyes."

"Yeah, and in the little ways he acts when were out in public, but tonight, I bet you see the other part of him."

"The dick!"

"No, the part that he doesn't show out in public. His ready affection and the warmth."

"Oh."

"You sound almost disappointed you don't get to see the other!"

"Rhett, I just remember when we were young and what we used to do."

"Mark, don't be a fucking Brokeback Mountain. Get yourself someone. You're a hunk dude!"

"You think!"

"Yeah, the only thing that stopped me before was we were family. There's only one person who could kiss better than you and I'm with him now. And don't fucking blush like that, you know it's true. If your wife doesn't appreciate it, then get someone who will. There's all sorts of society women who are divorcee's who will look the other way."

"No Rhett, if I did that, I'd keep what I have. I think she knows, and I think she resents it."

"Probably, but let's change the subject because what our problem was yesterday involved unfaithfulness on his part. We're working through it, but it still stinging."

"Rhett, are you sure you want to give him half your business?"

"It's like this, I'm more sure of it now than ever. He's never had anything in his entire life Mark. Everything he's got, he's had to share with others. We built this company and we put it into my name because he was so sure he was going to go back to prison he wanted me to be secure. Then, as things grew, I got egotistical and he grew to resent it. That resentment built and it lashed out in ways I can't describe. He felt like he didn't matter. Now, a part of our future rests on us sharing things jointly. I'm ready for it and I know it means the world to him. I'm not so selfish I'll hold him back. If he wants half the business, I'll give it to him. If he wants to work for you, I want him making more than I do. I don't know what you'll pay him Mark, but do me a favor and make him proud to go to work for you."

"Rhett, you love him and I'm going to offer him the job. It's strange because I'm torn. I hope he takes the job because I've heard all sorts of stories about his talents and his thoroughness and yet, I know what his help means to you."

"I love him enough to make that decision possible for him and enough to let him make it."

"Rhett, I'm going to get a divorce. The decision has been on my mind for a long time. Dad's dead now and really, no one can fuck with my reputation as a lawyer. Lawyers are primarily republican in their actions, but in their thinking, they're really liberal, so I think I'll be respected still. I look at you and Kevin and I know I want that. You don't know how long I wanted you."

"Mark, I'm flattered really. There were times when life was it's darkest when I would fantasize about you and wish we weren't related. The feelings we had for each other were so strong, and so deep, I craved them with other guys. What's strange is we had a lifetime to build those feelings. It just didn't happen. When I went out looking for other men, I expected those feelings to be there already. They weren't, so don't be surprised if it takes time to find someone Mark."

"Rhett, if I can't begin, I can't get there. Right now, I feel like I have weights strapped to my ankles and I'm drowning. My chest is burning and I know I've just seen the last air bubble go to the surface. Either I break free, or I drown in this misery. I can't take it anymore."

"I'll be your life preserver Mark, but I can't be your lover. Kevin and I will be there for you. Just do me a favor, don't build up any feelings more than you should have for him."

"I wouldn't do that Rhett. Is that what the problem was with you two?"

"Mark, he met someone who was attractive to him because he was different than me. The guy was attractive in a different way. He was more masculine in appearance. The guy blackmailed him and had Kevin scared we were threatened. If Kevin had come to me, we could have used our resources to tag team the guy into leaving us be. He didn't. Instead, he went it alone and fell for the guy. That relationship grew and he was ready to throw us away to have the mirage he was seeing. What he didn't count on was I'm a member of our family and I use all available resources I have at my disposal. I called in favors from friends which bordered on insane. Those friends knew the battle they'd need to fight to save us and they shined. I think the hard part is over."

Copyright Notice - Copyright © November 2007 by RettaMichaels

The author, RettaMichaels copyrights this story and retain all rights. This work may not be changed or duplicated in any form, media, - known or unknown - without the authors' expressed permission. All applicable copyright laws apply.

Disclaimer: All individuals depicted are fictional, and any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental

Note From Retta,

This chapter was intended to be a start for a new book called "Up From The Ashes". I'm going to continue it as "With Hope" because I strongly think our relationship is based on hope. When hope is gone, the love is gone. It doesn't take much to keep hope alive. I hope this serves as a testement to everyone who's having the same problems.

From My Keyboard To Your Heart Rhett

Here is a list of stories I've written and where to find them:

With Love - Nifty - Beginnings Section Rural Love - Author Heading - DeweyWriter.com Write Me A Love Story - Author Heading - DeweyWriter.com To Love Him - Author Heading - DeweyWriter.com Military Zone - Nifty - Military Section Evan - Nifty - Beginnings Section