Paul and Adrian - 6. Chapter 6

The next morning, after showering together and releasing some tension, we dressed and went to his grandparents’ hotel for breakfast. While we were walking over to the hotel, “Adrian, there is something else I need to tell you.”

“I stopped and looked at Paul. “My grandparents want us to move out of the dorm and into a small apartment. That way, we could cut down on our expenses; a small apartment is cheaper than what we both pay for the dorm room. We could also cook our meals and save on food. Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Are there any more surprises, Sneaky Pete?”

“Just one more, they have located an apartment for us. I have seen the pictures, and it’s nice, one bedroom, a small kitchen, and a living room. Enough for us, and it wasn’t too expensive.”

“I agree on one condition; my share will be added to the loan.”

“They won’t accept that. The apartment is for me, so you’ll be my freeloader.”

“No, Paul, if we’re going to be together for the long haul, then we must share expenses. I won’t move unless you agree to share the expense.”

“Ok, but you’ll join me in the apartment?”

“Yes, of course, then we can run around naked.”

The look on Paul’s face was priceless. I started to laugh, and he joined me. Walking into the hotel, we were still laughing. “What are you boys laughing about?”

“Grandmother, you should never ask a gay couple what they are laughing about. But since I know you like a saucy story, I told Adrian about the apartment. He insisted on paying for half of the expenses, and when I agreed, he said it would be great, we could run around naked.”

I heard a loud laugh behind me, and as I turned around, his grandfather was laughing at the expression on Paul’s grandmother’s face. “You all ready for breakfast? I think this hotel has a breakfast buffet.”

Paul put his arm around his grandmother and kissed her on the cheek. He whispered something in her ear. She turned and slapped him on his arm, laughing. I looked at his grandfather, and he just shook his head, “Those two are always acting like a brother and sister instead of a grandmother and grandson.”

“I just wished I had someone like Paul does, maybe in time, they’ll look at me as a grandson also. I know tears came to my eyes as my mind traveled to my own family and how they treated me as compared to Paul’s. But I also remember that Paul’s parents were very similar to mine. Only I didn’t have grandparents to pick up the slack.

I excused myself and went to the men’s room to dry my eyes. Paul came in right behind me. “Are you ok?”

“Yes, I was thinking about how nice it is that you have loving grandparents who care for you.”

Paul finished my thoughts, “And you have no one.”

I just nodded. Taking a paper towel, I wet it with cold water and wiped my eyes. Paul took my face in his hand and kissed me. “You’ll always have me, and you’ll never be alone.”

“I smiled and took his hand, went to the restaurant where his grandparents were waiting for us before going through the buffet line.

Loading our plates, Paul and I joined his grandparents. A waiter brought over a carafe of coffee and left. I poured coffee for Paul’s grandmother and grandfather, poured Paul's and then mine.

“Grandfather, where is this apartment that you found?”

“Its just about where that diner is where you both work. However, the owner of the apartment wants to sell it when I told him that it was for my grandsons.”

“Isn’t it strange to buy an apartment and not the whole building, unless it’s a condominium?”

“Well, the apartment is above a garage, so he said he’d sell me the garage and the land where it was situated. I thought it was a good investment, so I bought it. He said he doesn’t drive and doesn’t need the apartment. I thought it was a good idea and an investment. Would you like to see it?”

“Paul’s head bob up and down like those toys you see on dashboards that are always bobbing. “After breakfast, we can walk over, and I’ll show you.” Paul’s grandmother had a big smile on her face. I got the impression that there was nothing too good for Paul.

After breakfast, we began to walk to the apartment. Paul had his grandmother on his arm again, and I walked behind them next to his grandfather. We chatted as we walked. Even though they own a farm, I found out that they both had medical degrees, one in pediatrics and the other in general medicine. Their offices were next to each other. His grandmother used her maiden name so no one could be confused. When they decided to retire, they sold the practice and bought the farm just outside the town. They raised chickens, and sometimes they would have a hog or steer which they raised for meat. But after one year they decided not to do that anymore. They got attached to the animals and didn’t want them slaughtered for meat. So they kept them, and when they got old and died, they were never replaced. But they still had chickens. There was a pond on the property that the cattle used for drinking. Since there wasn’t any cattle, they stocked the pond with catfish and bass.

“I enjoyed listening to his grandfather talk about the farm. He was very relaxed as he spoke, and I could tell he enjoyed his farm.

Without paying attention, we had arrived at the apartment. Paul and I followed the Grands as we walked up the steps to the apartment. The apartment was small but perfect for us. The kitchen had all of the appliances one would need, there was a sofa and chair in the living room, and the bedroom had a bed and dresser. A bathroom was next to a closet that occupied one wall of the room. It was small but cozy. I liked it right away.

“I looked over at Paul, and he had a grin. His grandmother had the same smile. “What do you think?”

“I like it very much, it’s perfect for us.”

“And ready to move in.”

“I think we’ll need to buy some items first. Maybe we can eat here, and with the money we save, we can buy linens and things we’ll need.”

As we were leaving, I saw our boss coming out of the house. He looked at us and waved. “You bought this place from our boss.”

“Yes, I saw his advertisement for renters, and when I came here, I recognized him. We started talking, and I ended up buying it. He's a nice guy.”

“Yes, he is. Paul and I like working for him.”

Walking back to the hotel, Paul’s grandparents told us they would be leaving this afternoon. They wanted to stop and see one of their friends and then drive home in the morning. I hugged them and told them how much I appreciate what they did for Paul and me. I put my arm around Paul’s shoulders as we walked back to the dorm.

Every evening, we’d carry a few items from the dorm over to the apartment. We even had dinner there a couple of times.”