SPLASH ON THE SCREEN
Jack
Scribe
Part 24, UNCLES AND FRIENDS
MIKE
The time spent with Brent and Doug for
Valentine’s Day weekend was amazing. They mysteriously mentioned that the
guest bedroom was occupied but had arranged for us to stay in a pre-paid suite
at the Westwood Marquis Hotel, across from the UCLA campus near their condo.
Our plan was to have cocktails and a casual dinner at the condo after we checked
into the hotel late Friday afternoon. Saturday night would be a more formal
Valentine’s Day Dinner at a restaurant in Santa Monica.
Dave and I were very surprised to be greeted
by a smiling, handsome teenager at the door when we arrived. Brent and Doug
proudly introduced Bryan Martinez as their son and little brother, respectively.
When Bryan was encouraged to consider us – his new guardians’ best friends
– as ‘uncles’, Dave became very emotional with the thought of his nuclear
family growing.
The five of us relaxed with cocktails –
and one Diet Coke – in the living room and soon were enveloped in a relaxed
atmosphere of family as the explanations to this new development were offered.
When Bryan brought up his swimming aspirations, Dave and he immediately
bonded. Before Bryan departed to go to the movies with one of his friends,
the two aqua-athletes were freely speaking in swim-terms and competitive times.
The friend’s mom was driving and Bryan promised to be back before 10:00 p.m.
With the energy of a typical teenager, Bryan said goodbye and bounded out
of the condo when the doorman called that his ride had arrived.
During dinner, the guys gave us the rundown
on Bryan’s brutal assault by his father and why he was living with them. Brent
and Doug were quite positive about their ability to obtain permanent custody
of the young man by Easter. We told them that Justin Palmer would be coming
back to San Diego for Spring break and that they should bring Bryan down for
a long weekend.
Saturday was hectic for Brent and Doug.
Brent was required for a full day of re-shooting some added scenes to the
movie and Doug was busy working with the film editor. That left the new San
Diego uncles to spend the day with Bryan. By the time we had explored Century
City Mall, checked out the UCLA campus and cruised the trendy Melrose Avenue
shops, our ‘nephew’ felt very comfortable with us. When we were ready to return
home on Sunday, the three of us had shared confidences with each other that
only good friends or family reveal.
*****
“I assume the L.A. train will be on time,”
Dave said as we pulled into the San Diego AMTRAK Station parking lot Thursday
afternoon after Easter. Bryan was traveling alone to join us to start the
Spring break festivities. Doug couldn’t get away from the studio until late
Friday night and Brent was committed to a quickie press junket in Toronto.
Brent would fly from Toronto to San Diego late Sunday afternoon, and they
would all return to L.A. Tuesday. Brent had four days of filming the last
episodes of ‘Friendships’ before tackling the final push of the school year.
“If everything goes well, we have just
enough time to pick up Bryan before going over to the airport,” I replied.
Bryan’s train got in at 4:40 p.m. and Justin Palmer’s plane from Minneapolis
arrived at 5:15 p.m. Unlike most cities, the airport was located near downtown
San Diego, as did the old, mission-style, Railroad station.
“I’m really happy that you don’t have to
work evenings this weekend or next week,” Dave said with a smile on his gorgeous
face. I was two weeks away from the pre-opening training for the new restaurant,
‘El Padre’, and still was working daytime hours. That would all radically
change very soon.
“Get ready to become a restaurant widow
cuz this opening is going to take a lot of time.” We both grinned as we heard
the train horn in the distance. “What are you going to do with these two young
bucks tomorrow?”
“I’ve just got one Friday class in the
morning. It’s an important test. So I’ll drop off the guys at the student
union while I take the sucker. Afterwards, I plan on bringing them to the
gym and pool for some good workout time and lap swimming. When I spoke with
Justin, he was excited about meeting Bryan and was going to bring his workout
gear and Speedos.” Justin, with Dave’s encouragement, became more serious
about competitive swimming.
“How about lunch?” I asked. In the distance,
we could see the Surfliner approaching.
“Probably have a sandwich around 1:00 p.m.,
tour the campus and check out La Jolla. I promised Eunice Palmer that I’d
have Justin back by 5:00 p.m.,” Dave said. Eunice was going to entertain her
grandson tonight so that Justin could spend Friday evening with Bryan and
us. Her health was becoming frailer, I felt, when I spoke with her earlier
this week.
“Any idea what she wants to speak with
us about Saturday morning?”
“Mike, I can only imagine. I think we both
know Eunice is slipping and she’s concerned about Justin.” The shiny, metallic
train pulled into the station and glided to a stop. Scores of passengers were
disembarking as we scanned the crowd for the sight of our young house guest.
“Hey, Uncle Mike, Uncle Dave,” we both
heard, coming from one car behind where we were standing. Waving was Bryan,
decked out in a Dodgers cap, tee, baggy cargo pants and sneakers, with a backpack
and gym bag. We smiled, waved back and started walking through the crowd.
“Bryan,” Dave said, “Get over and give
your uncles a big hug.” When we got together, Bryan, grinning broadly, dropped
his gym bag and infectiously grabbed both of us for major hugs and sloppy,
wet kisses on the cheeks.
“Man, I’ve been looking forward to this
week for a long time,” he said excitedly. “This may sound kinda dumb, but
I’ve never been to San Diego.”
“Then we’re goin’ to have a great time.
But first, we’ve got to move it. Justin’s plane is due in very soon,” I replied.
“I just hope that Justin and I get along.”
Bryan’s smile, for the first time, lost some of the radiant luster.
“You’re both about the same age, are swimmers,
and are…”
“Gay?” Bryan asked, interrupting me.
“I was going to say ‘intelligent’. Any
other information you’ve got to get from Justin,” I concluded with a wink.
“Oh, Uncle Mike, alright. I guess I’ll
figure out how to ask that question when the time is right.” It occurred to
me that Dave and I had really not thought out the challenges of hosting two
curious, young, gay males with hormonal-overdrive.
“I’m sure you will. Now, let’s go over
to Dave’s Mustang and get moving,” I said with a laugh, grabbing his gym bag.
As we walked over to the parked open-top convertible, Bryan pumped us with
questions about the spring break week activities. After stowing the bags in
the trunk, our young ‘nephew’ jumped into the back seat and we departed for
Lindbergh Field.
Brent told us that Bryan was physically
healed and had embraced his new guardians and home without reservations. The
father had entered a guilty plea and would be dealt with by the courts next
month. As we pulled into the airport entrance and the arrivals lane, I marveled
at our L.A. friends’ generosity and love. In spite of a horrendous, heavy
schedule, they found time for their new ‘son’. Doug said that Bryan now officially
called both of them ‘dad’.
“There he is,” Dave said. Standing curbside
was a Justin Palmer who was taller and more muscular than we had seen in January.
I waved as Dave maneuvered over to the right lane.
“That’s Justin?” Bryan asked enthusiastically.
“Yep, our buddy,” I said while Dave pulled
over.
“He’s a good looking guy.” Although Bryan
was wearing sunglasses, I knew that his eyes were as wide as saucers.
“Yep. I think you two will become good
friends,” I answered as the Mustang came to a stop. “Justin, great to see
ya.” I opened the passenger door, got out and gave our young, strapping, Minnesota
friend a big, affectionate hug. Dave popped open the trunk, walked around
to the curb and shook his hand while giving him a big smooch on the cheek.
“Welcome back, champ,” Dave said. Noticing
that Bryan had gotten out of the back seat, he continued, “This is the guy
I was telling you about. Justin Palmer, meet Bryan Martinez.”
“Hey,” said Bryan as he initiated bumping
fists. Justin smiled, grabbed Bryan’s hand and firmly shook it. It appeared
that Bryan had grown some since we last saw him. He was only about an inch
shorter than Justin.
“Hi, Bryan. Since Mike and Dave mentioned
that you were coming down for the break, I’ve really looked forward to it.
I think we’ll have fun.” Justin turned on a glowing smile. ‘Must be something
in the water in Minnesota?’ I considered, thinking of Dave.
“Um, I feel the same way. Since I’ve never
been to San Diego, maybe you can show me some things to do?” The smile was
returned and Dave and I both noticed some positive chemistry in the mix. We
also couldn’t help but observe that our young charges’ crotches were stirring.
“Okay, guys, you two in the back,” Dave
said, as he grabbed Justin’s luggage and wedged the bags into the trunk.
“First stop, Mrs. Palmer’s house,” I said
as we pulled away from the curb. At one point I turned around and was pleased
to see the two young guys laughing and chatting away. Justin caught my eye
and gave me a ‘thumbs up’. Bryan, picking up on our silent communication,
duplicated the thumbs up sign with a big smile. ‘Oh, yeah,’ I judged, ‘these
two are going to get along just fine.’
*****
DAVE
“That introduction went well. Bryan and
Justin are going to have a lot of fun this week. And I know that Eunice approved,”
I said as I got into bed. We watched some TV after pizza and called it a night
around ten. Bryan was in the smaller guestroom and was welcomed to watch more
TV. I was impressed when he said he needed to finish Jules Verne’s classic,
‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’, for English lit class.
“I’m not sure what you mean by ‘fun’,”
Mike said as he playfully ran his hand over my chest and tweaked a nipple.
“Those two may need a little monitoring and guidance.”
“Yeah, I picked up on that at the airport.
If the crotch bulges are any indication, those two are amply endowed in that
department.”
“Babe, the only endowment I care about
is yours.” I welcomed Mike’s lips and tongue as he lapped around my pecs and
underarms before moving up for a full-frontal attack on my ears.
“And Davey cares about you,” I mumbled
as he explored my body.
”Umm, you taste good, everywhere,” Mike purred.
“You haven’t tried everywhere, yet,” I
answered in a playful, challenging tone.
“Patience, lover.” As he kissed me I reached
down and grabbed his now familiar, hard, dripping cock. I tugged up and down
while his tongue assaulted my mouth. As our tongues played with each other
I moved my hand down to his scrotum and slowly rolled his cum-bearing nuggets.
“You know how to handle a man,” Mike said
as he raised his head and smiled.
“I know how to handle my man…the question
is, do you know how to handle yours?” I giggled wickedly.
“That topic isn’t even open for discussion,
my man.” Mike slowly feather-kissed his way down my chest and abs, stopping
only when he arrived at an alert ‘Davey’. “Looks like my man is paying attention,”
Mike said as he slowly took Davey’s knob into his mouth. He tongue twirled
around my hard dickhead as he hungrily consumed the flow of pre-cum.
“Oh, yeah, babe,” I yelled in response.
While he kept Davey occupied, Mike took his wet fingers and started our well-practiced
ritual of tempting the wrinkled ridges of my anal orifice with firm massage
strokes. “Uhh, shit…”
“Naw, it’s ‘oh, fuck’, lover,” Mike growled
before he pushed my legs up. While I pulled them up further, he replaced his
fingers with an eager tongue. God, I loved his rimming style. It was unsaid
by either of us that the back area needed to be clean at night. Unlike some
who loved the musky, funky flavors, neither of us was in that category. I
shivered in lust and love as he deeply darted in and out of my chute, his
tongue finding different areas to pleasure me.
“Mike, I want you on your back,” I said
as I put down my legs. I swung around as he eagerly took my place. I positioned
myself with my butt over his crotch, facing him, and he grabbed the lube and
coated both our dicks. He pushed up his hard, hot, slick cock and held it
while I lowered myself, growling, “Urghh,” as I was impaled.
“I think sometimes you’re a control freak,
but I love it,” he murmured as my ass cheeks grazed his trimmed pubes. I smiled
and slowly rotated his cock around in my chute.
“Enjoy the ride.” I smiled as I gently
grabbed his shoulders for support. Thus in position, we both began to experience
the joy of pleasing each other. Mike knew that I really craved him deep in
me and I knew exactly how to milk him into blissful submission.
*****
MIKE
I had plenty of time before leaving for
work, judging from the clock on the coffeemaker. It was only 7:15 a.m. and
I didn’t know if I’d see our young guest before I left for the construction
site.
“Morning,” Dave said, stifling a yawn.
We both were in the morning ‘uniform’ of gym shorts and a tee. I smiled, kissed
him and poured coffee for both of us.
“Hey, tiger,” I replied with a wink and
motioned him to sit at the table that I had set with juice, cereal and milk.
“That was some tiger in my tank last night,”
Dave answered, laughing as he sat.
“And that wasn’t tiger milk,” I said, joining
him.
“Ewww, TMI, babe. This is too ‘X’ rated
for the daytime.” We both smiled and started our morning breakfast.
“I’ve got the architect meeting with me
Monday morning at eight,” Dave said. “Can you join us for a while before going
to work? It’ll be to review the final floor plans and layout.” We became inspired
to plan an add-on guest cottage in the back yard area after seeing what Brent
and Doug had done to their condo.
“I’ll make time. The guy said he’d walk
the plans through the city building department. We should be able to get the
permits in a couple of weeks and break ground in May.” The idea was to have
a completed structure ready for interior installation by September.
“Thanks for indulging me, Mike. I gotta
a feeling that we’re going to need this addition sooner than later.” The plan
was to erect a double carport on the side of the house and build behind an
900 sq. ft. freestanding cottage with a master bedroom, bath, den/living area
and a wet bar with a microwave and under-counter refrigerator. My investments
had been growing and the financial advisor in Minneapolis didn’t blink an
eye when I tossed out the estimated costs.
“Yeah, I hear you. I like the idea of the
plumbing rough-ins for an outside toilet and shower facility.” Phase II, next
winter, would be construction of a lap-pool. ‘The large backyard was coming
in handy,’ I mused. I had come to willingly accept Dave’s money on special
projects. For the most part, my partner was very frugal.
“Hi, Uncle Mike, Uncle David,” we heard
from the doorway. Turning, we welcomed our slightly awake teen ‘nephew’ wearing
board shorts with a tank top that was molded to his tight torso.
“Come on over here and properly greet your
uncles,” Dave said, standing. I did the same as Bryan padded over and hugged
and kissed each of us.
“Is cereal alright?” I asked. “This is
pretty much the way we start the day.”
“That’s super. Just so it’s not ‘Fruit
Loops’ or ‘Capt’n Crunch’,” he said with a grin, sitting down.
“We’re part of the granola, tree-hugging
crowd,” I said with smile. I couldn’t help but notice that Bryan was definitely
filling out physically as the man he was becoming. He was going to make some
guy very happy,’ I thought, noticing a very full crotch below a defined six-pack.
“You want a banana?” I gestured to the fruit basket on the counter. ‘Whoops,’
I thought, with a smile. ‘Freudian slip?’
“Yes, I’ll get one. Thanks,” Bryan replied,
getting up from the table. “So, Justin and I are going to UCSD with you, Uncle
Dave?” he asked, returning to the table.
“Yep, that’s the plan. Bring your gym bag
so we can work out and do some lap swimming. We should have time to take a
fast tour of the campus and check out La Jolla, nearby. Then we’ll all get
together later with Doug and Mike for dinner.”
“Great. This is all new to me,” Bryan replied
with energetic enthusiasm.
“We’ll leave in a half-hour. I suggest
a fast shower after breakfast. You shaving yet?” Dave asked.
“I’ve got an electric shaver for touch-up.
It’s mostly the chin,” he answered, rubbing his face.
“That’ll change very soon. Why don’t ya
do that this morning? It’ll be one less thing to worry about tonight?” I said.
“You got it, Uncle Mike,” he replied before
wolfing down the first feeding of the day.
DAVE
The rest of the day proceeded as planned.
Bryan and Justin were naturals as compatible friends. When we went over to
the locker rooms to change into our workout gear, neither was particularly
modest. I wasn’t surprised when I confirmed my suspicions: each young man,
cut, had nothing to be concerned about in the size department.
Justin had gone out for the swim team and
had pleased the coach with his progress. Bryan was happy to be back in the
water and challenged his new friend to competitive laps. He had completely
healed and was back on a training regimen. They loved it when I held my own
for several laps.
That evening, after Doug arrived, we all
went out to one of the Connor Group restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter. Mike
had a 50% management discount card. Doug mentioned, when the young guys went
to the restroom, that he noticed a real budding friendship between Justin
and Bryan. We all agreed to observe where the two took this relationship.
We returned to the house and decided to
turn in for the evening. Mike and I had a meeting with Eunice and her lawyer
in the morning and Doug was really beat from the week. He volunteered to take
the guys shopping in the morning and join us for lunch.
Mike was in the bathroom and I was about
to close the bedroom door when Bryan arrived, grinning broadly, wearing the
uniform of the day…briefs.
“Hey, have a good day?” I asked, cheerfully.
“The best, Uncle Dave. Justin and I really
are getting along well. I wanna thank you and Uncle Mike for, um, you know,
being part of my life,” he said.
“We’re going to be part of your life for
a long time.” I took Bryan and gave him a big hug. He responded by almost
knocking the wind out of me. “Hey, big guy, you don’t know your own strength,”
I responded with a smile.
“Sorry, Unc’. I love my San Diego family
so much. Oh, and speaking of ‘big guy’, I now know why Uncle Mike is always
smiling,” he replied with a chuckle. I smiled, realizing that he had checked
me out in the locker room.
“Yikes, Son. No comment,” I said with a
wink that sent him laughing harder. “Good night, buddy. We love you, too.”
I kissed him on the cheek, gently bumped his fist and added, “FYI, there are
no complaints.” I playfully slapped his shoulder and closed the door. I heard
loud chortles echoing in the hallway as Bryan returned to his room.
I smiled as I padded over to the bed, thinking
of Russ and me, ten years ago in St. Paul.
*****
“Boys, thanks for meeting me this morning,”
Eunice Palmer said. Doug and Bryan stepped in briefly to pay respects and
then departed to the mall with Justin. We confirmed that we’d all meet up
back at the Palmer house at noon and go to lunch.
“No problem. Whatever you need, we’re ready
to help out,” Mike replied.
“What can we do?” I asked. We were both
very concerned about Eunice’s declining health. She stayed in the chair when
we arrived, saying that it was too painful to move around very much.
“My lawyer will be here momentarily. The
reason…” The doorbell interrupted her. “Dave, would you be a dear and answer
it?”
“Yes, M’am.” I went to the door and let
in a gray-haired, distinguished man. He was dressed casually – for an older
man – and was carrying a briefcase.
“Hello, I’m Henry Martin,” he said, extending
his hand.
“Dave Swenson.” I smiled and shook his
hand and stepped by to allow his entry.
“Eunice, I wish we were meeting under more
pleasant circumstances,” Henry said as he walked over to Eunice, took her
hand and kissed her gently on the forehead. Mike and I looked at each other
with raised eyebrows.
”Henry, thanks for interrupting your Saturday,” Eunice replied. Without missing
a beat, Henry turned to Mike.
“And you are Mike Cole?”
“Yes, Sir,” Mike answered and shook Henry’s
hand.
“Let’s sit around Eunice, then,” Henry
said. Following his request, we brought chairs from the dining room and arranged
them around Eunice.
“You two are probably too young to remember
Frank Sinatra’s song, ‘I Did It My Way’? she asked.
“I remember the song,” I replied. “Something
like, ‘Regrets, I’ve had a few…’ or, close to it?” We all nodded.
“Not to belabor the point, and with apologies
for the dramatic, but my time in this world is drawing to a close. To say
my health is failing is an understatement,” Eunice announced, her eyes welling
up with tears. She shook her head and looked down at the floor.
“Eunice, allow me to continue,” Henry said.
She sighed, repressed a sniffle and nodded
in agreement.
“Fellows, the bottom line is that there
needs to be a plan that allows Mrs. Palmer to leave this place with a peace
of mind that her responsibilities are kept. We are speaking of Justin.” Mike
and I looked at each other and exchanged a knowing look at the counselor.
“How much time is left?” Mike asked quietly.
Eunice looked at Henry and shrugged. He nodded his approval for her to answer.
“The doctor says that I have a less than
a month to get everything in order. I have almost everything covered except
what happens to Justin.” Eunice paused, took a deep breath and continued.
“Boys, I want you to be his legal guardians. Both of you. I can’t think of
two finer people to help Justin continue his journey to manhood.” You could
hear the proverbial ‘pin drop’.
“What Mrs. Palmer proposes is for you,
both, to be Justin’s guardians until he reaches the age of 18. As you know,
his education is already funded through high school. And Eunice will have
a small estate available for the expenses to look after her grandson.”
“I, ah, don’t know how to respond,” I said
haltingly. “I mean, it’s no secret that your health is not up to par. Mike
and I had thought that this day might come…maybe not quite this soon…and we
were concerned about Justin’s fate. We really do look at him as part of family.”
“Eunice, Henry, I speak for Dave when I
say that we will do whatever you want. We treasure Justin’s arrival in our
lives last Christmas. Legally, what rights do two gay men have with a minor
male?”
“Mike, it is basically a decision that
is in Eunice’s hand. You two have no criminal past to disqualify you and you’re
both very responsible adults. We are proposing that you be appointed guardians
of Justin upon Eunice’s departure. There are no other close relatives to contest
the document.” Henry was very confident in his statements.
“How does Justin feel about this plan?”
I asked. Henry and Eunice looked at each other. She acquiesced to the lawyer.
“He’s only aware that his grandmother is
not well. Being away at school in Minnesota has shielded him from the current
situation here. Eunice told me that the reality hit home last night when he
returned from school.”
“Okay, ‘bottom line’, as you said. Mike
and I are ready to step up to the plate and accept Justin as guardians, parents…whatever
you want to call it. We have talked about this situation. In fact, we are
expanding the size of our house.” Everyone was listening to my statement very
carefully. “Henry, we are fortunate not to have to worry about finances. Whatever
estate Justin inherits will be targeted for his adult future. If this plan
goes forward, Mike and I will make sure that he has a stable home and gets
a college education.” Eunice was grinning broadly at my pronouncement.
“You just made an old woman very happy.
Come over here so that we can shake hands.” We both rose from our chairs and
moved to either side of her. Simultaneously, we took a hand and leaned down
for a kiss on a cheek. “God bless,” Eunice said as she lightly squeezed our
hands.
For the next hour we read all the legal
documents Henry’s office had prepared. He was witness and affixed his notary
seal to each signed copy. We were talking about Justin’s future when we heard
the front door latch opening. The door opened and in bounded the young man,
followed by Bryan and Doug.
“Hi, Grandma. Wow, did we have a good time
at the mall,” Justin said as he started to walk over to kiss Eunice. He stopped
when he realized that there was an additional person in the room. “Umm, hi,
Mr. Martin.” He kissed Eunice and went over to Henry and shook his hand.
“Justin, I don’t think we’ve seen each
other since last fall. I suppose it’s a cliché to a guy your age, but you
really have grown.” Henry and Justin smiled warmly at each other before Justin
introduced Bryan and Doug.
“Doug, I wonder if you and Bryan would
wait outside, just for a few minutes? I’ve got a little family business to
finish,” Henry asked. I smiled and nodded to Doug.
“Sure, no problem. Come on Son, let’s enjoy
a little San Diego sunshine,” Doug replied, as he and Bryan exited the house.
Justin’s face was shrouded with an expression of concern as he sat down next
to Eunice.
“Dear, the men in this room have helped
me take the next step in your future. As we discussed last night, my health
is slipping and the doctors really don’t give me much longer.” She paused
and let this sink in. Justin, eyes wide open, was glued to every word. Eunice
looked over to Henry and silently acknowledged for him to continue.
“Justin, I prepared some legal documents
have just been signed by the people in this room. Basically, Dave and Mike
have agreed to be your legal guardians if God takes your grandma away. I know
that you’ve been aware of her failing health. Legally, this step is in order
for your future. I guess the question to ask is this: would you be agreeable
for these two men to be your guardians until you reach the age of 18?” There
was complete silence, only broken up by traffic in the distance, while Justin
pondered the situation and question. Slowly, he inhaled and let out an audible
sigh.
“Grams, I guess I’ve known that this day
would be coming. With no more Palmers in my future, a true-blood family is
out of the question. I gotta tell y’all, I’ve come to love Dave and Mike,
very much.” After looking at each of us, he turned his full attention to Eunice.
“I’ll always love you, wherever you are. And to answer your question, Mr.
Martin, I would be very proud to call these guys ‘Dad’. Without any thought,
Mike and I stood and eased into a group embrace with Justin.
”Justin, be assured that Mike and I will look after you. Henry is handling
all the legal details. Please know that we won’t let you down,” I said.
“We plan on being a part of your life for
a long time, buddy,” Mike added. Justin nodded silently with a understanding
expression.
“Boys, why don’t you all join your friends
for lunch? Henry and I have some other business to attend to and then I’m
going to take a nap. Justin, don’t worry about me. The result of this morning’s
meeting gives me much peace of mind.”
“Okay, Grams.” Justin walked over and kissed
her affectionately on the lips. Witnessing the contented smiles on the Palmer’s
faces, I sensed that this was a silent seal of approval by both parties.
“I love you, Justin. Now git,” Eunice said
with a backhand wave.
“Maybe I should stay here, instead?” Justin
raised his eyebrows in a questioning, caring expression.
“No. We’ll see each other later.” Eunice’s
firm tone in her voice communicated that the topic was closed for discussion.
“Let’s go, then. I’ve got so much to talk about with you guys, Doug
and Bryan.” Leading the way was a confident young man beginning to understand
the charted course for his immediate future.
__________________________
TO BE CONTINUED