DJ - 65. Chapter 65

In Chapter 65 on Friday night Rick has some special words with Phillip then on Saturday night, Rodney gets to sleep over with DJ and Jamie at the Dad’s house.

* * * * *

DJ 65 – A gay love story by Doug Spencer

Later Thursday night, the 27th of September, Chad and Phillip had fallen asleep after their happy, exciting, and long awaited sexual activity. Rick and Shirley were reluctant to go to bed while Dorie was still out with Brandon. Shirley told Rick, that since he had to leave for work early on Friday morning she would wait up until Brandon brought Dorie home.

It was nearly 11:00 PM when Brandon finally returned with Dorie, the two entering the back door quietly, respecting the sleeping members of the household. Dorie was surprised to find Shirley still up, sitting at the table and sipping a cup of cocoa, and eating a couple of cookies.

“Welcome back,” Shirley asked, “How was your date tonight?”

“It was great, Mrs. Wheeler,” Brandon replied, “Thanks for asking. Now I’m looking forward to our next date!”

“So what did you guys do tonight?” Shirley asked.

“Mom,” Dorie explained, excitedly, “Brandon took me to the Hometown Cafe, and we had a delicious and romantic dinner together, then he took me to the Cinema for a movie, then after that he took me to the Ice Cream Parlor, and we had Sundaes!”

“It seems that you two had a pretty eventful evening,” Shirley stated, “especially for a weeknight date!”

“I think most of our dates are going to be on weeknights,” Brandon responded, “ ‘cause I’m always working on Friday and Saturday nights. I gotta make those bucks when I can, now that I have both a car and a girlfriend to support. I blew half of my paycheck tonight, but it was worth every penny!” Dorie smiled.

“Mom, you didn’t HAVE to wait up for me,” Dorie stated.

“Honey,” Shirley explained, “It’s hard for responsible and loving parents to go to bed, and to sleep, until we know that our children are home, safe and sound, even if our children are adults. It’ll be that way, as long as you and Chad are still under our roof.”

“I really do need to leave for home and sleep,” Brandon stated, “we do have classes way too early tomorrow morning!” Brandon shared a passionate kiss and hug with Dorie and left, then Dorie and Shirley both headed to bed.

* * * * *

By Friday the fact that Brandon now has his own transportation became evident. DJ and Jamie’s last class ended at noon and they were able to leave campus in time to have lunch (actually dinner) with Karen and Carl, no longer needing to wait for Brandon’s 1:00 PM class to end at 2:00 PM. Carl, as usual, left for work at 2:30 and DJ and Jamie had some time to wind down before needing to prepare for a busy night at the drugstore and pizzeria. Both boys are scheduled in at 4:00 PM until close, Southside Drug at 9:00 PM and Anthony’s at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday nights.

Brandon arrived about 2:45 in time for some leftovers, and due to work at 5:00 PM until close, probably close to midnight by the time they get cleaned up. About 3:30 PM DJ and Jamie left for work together in the Tracker.

Most likely, DJ will hang around the pizzeria until Jamie gets clocked out, and if Anthony’s is busy, he may clock in and help out there. Antonio had previously put DJ into the system as a part time, occasional employee, so that he’d be paid for his services. Antonio doesn’t expect DJ to work for free.

Typical for a Friday night, DJ and Jamie will be heading to the Dad’s house after work, probably with a pizza to share with Doug and Joe.

* * * * *

Friday afternoon at the Wheeler home, Shirley was preparing dinner for her crew and about 4:00 PM Chad, Phillip and Dorie bounded in the back door, just getting home from campus.

Shirley took a break and greeted all three with warm and loving hugs, a sensation of affection that was totally foreign to Phillip, but one he was getting used to and totally enjoyed. Marian had sometimes given Phillip some affection, but Jacob considered even a father showing his son any affection to be unmanly. Phillip couldn’t remember Jacob ever giving him a hug.

Rick returned from work about 5:30 and Shirley quickly had dinner on the table. Rick went back and announced that dinner was served, and Dorie, Chad and Phillip soon were seated at the table in their usual seats. Unlike at the Leonard home, having dinner together daily as a family was the norm at the Wheelers.

Rick, as they finished eating dinner, “Phillip, we’ve taken you in as a part of our family, and we expect you to contribute, as a member of our household. You’re not a guest anymore.”

“I’d like to help out, Dad,” Phillip replied, “but I don’t have any money.”

“It’s not about money, Son,” Rick responded, “I’m well aware of your lack of financial resources. Contributing to family needs is more the little things. With two husky young men in the house, Shirley should never need to take the trash out to the Dumpster, or wheel it up to the side of the road on trash day.”

“Even keeping our home clean should not be entirely left up to Shirley,” Rick continued. “It wouldn’t hurt either one of you boys to maybe vacuum the carpets once a week, and you’re both capable of bringing your soiled clothing to the hamper by the washer. She shouldn’t have to look all over your room to find what needs to be laundered.” Chad and Phillip glanced at each other, grinning, and thinking about the ‘starched' boxers they’d stashed under the bed.

“I understand, Dad,” Phillip replied, “I really appreciate you and Mom taking me in, and I’ll try to become a better member of this family. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“As a matter of fact,” Rick answered, “you guys did a great job on the yard two weeks ago, but I think most of the rest of the leaves have fallen now and need to be raked up. And if you have time, the SUV could use a bath.”

“Chad, are you gonna help me?” Phillip asked.

“Of course Baby,” Chad replied, smiling, “we can knock both of those off tomorrow.” Phillip, smiling, gave Chad a thumb up.

“I’m going grocery shopping after breakfast tomorrow,” Shirley stated, “Phillip, why don’t you go with me, if there’s anything you particularly like, we can pick it up. I know pretty much what Chad and Dorie like but I haven’t learned yet what you like, or don’t like. When we get back, you can carry the groceries in and I’ll put them away.” Phillip smiled, beginning to actually feel like a part of this wonderful family, then his tears began to flow, like rain.

Chad, noticing the tears, “Phillip, what’s the matter, Baby?”

“Nothing!” Phillip replied, “I’m just being overly emotional, and I’m so incredibly happy to be here with such a loving family. I’m just not used to feeling the love that this house is so—so full of!”

“Sweetheart,” Shirley stated, “Our home was built on a foundation of love. Years ago, Rick and I fell in love, and then got married. And then we wanted a family, and along came Chad and Dorie.”

“Phillip,” Rick said, “when Shirley and I bought this house, it was just an empty house, like many others. We brought love into it, and turned this empty house into a home, full of love. No one has ever placed an obstacle in front of us, that we couldn’t conquer. Sure, we’ve had our ups and downs, but our love and trust in each other has carried us through the bad times, as well as the good.”

“Like I told you boys, that day out at the picnic table,” Rick went on, “if you boys really love each other, and treat each other with respect and trust, no one can tear you apart!”

“Phillip,” Shirley added, “Rick and I have totally grown to love you like a son. Even if you and Chad eventually decide to go your own separate ways, we’ll remember you as the son we had—for a while. You’ll always be welcome in our home.” Phillip smiled.

After dinner Friday evening, they all settled into the living room to watch a movie. Friday night at the movies seems to be a ‘regular thing’ at the Wheeler home, complete with popcorn and Apple, Grape or Cranberry juice to wash it down with. With no classes on Saturday and Rick not needing to go to work, there was no urgency in getting to bed too early.

After the movie ended, everyone headed to their rooms to get ready for bed. Chad and Phillip stripped naked, as usual, and crawled into bed. Their naked body’s close and touching felt just as good as having sex together. Well, maybe not quite THAT GOOD, but the sensation was still pretty awesome. Cuddled together, they had a strong feeling of unity and fell asleep within about fifteen or twenty minutes, without feeling a need for sex.

Saturday morning about 9:00 AM the boys awoke to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Arising from slumber, they pulled on their boxers, headed to the bathroom and shared the toilet to relieve the bladder pressure and wandered into the kitchen. For a change, Shirley was fully dressed, but Dorie and Rick were both sitting at the table, Dorie in her bra and panties, and Rick in his briefs.

Shirley broke away from the stove long enough to wish the boys a warm good morning and poured them both cups of coffee. She had five plates of bacon, eggs and toast on the table by 9:20 and the family enjoyed breakfast together.

Shirley, about 9:45, “Phillip, we need to leave for the market by about Ten. I’m ready to leave, but I’m not taking you in just your boxers! You need to cover a little more of your body.” Everyone grinned and/or snickered.

“Yes, Ma’am,” Phillip replied, grinning, “If you all will excuse me, I’ll go and finish dressing.”

“Chad,” Shirley asked, “If you have that bag ready for Goodwill, please put it in the back seat of the SUV. Phillip and I can drop it off at the Goodwill bin in the shopping center.” Chad quickly brought the bag from the bedroom and carried it out to the SUV.

Shirley, when Phillip returned, “Much better! Let’s go, and get this job done.” Rick handed the SUV keys to Shirley and she and Phillip entered the SUV and headed out, Shirley driving, and Phillip sitting in the front passenger seat.

“Mom,” Phillip stated, “this is going to be a new experience for me, I’ve never been grocery shopping before.”

“You’re kidding,” Shirley replied, somewhat astounded.

“Nope,” Phillip explained, “Mom always bought groceries at Wal-Mart, on her way home from work, because they’re open all night. I never got anything that I might want, she just bought what she and Dad liked. If I ever asked her to buy me something, my request just fell on deaf ears.” Shirley shook her head in disbelief.

Arriving at the shopping center Shirley pulled up to the Goodwill donation bin and Phillip quickly pulled the bag from the back seat and dropped it in. She then parked the SUV closer to the market, and she and Phillip walked into the market, Shirley grabbing a cart.

Heading first to the produce department, Shirley dropped a ten-pound bag of Redskin potatoes and a bag of Russet Bakers into the cart, followed by a bag of red onions. They had a table full of asparagus on display.

“Oh, cool, they’ve got asparagus on sale!” Shirley exclaimed, “Do you like asparagus?”

“I don’t know,” Phillip replied, “I’ve never had it.”

“It’s one of our favorite veggies,” Shirley stated, “but its usually more expensive than today.” She placed two bunches into a bag, and dropped them into the cart.

“Mom,” Phillip stated, “you’ll find that I’m not a fussy eater, I’ll eat whatever you put on my plate. So far I’ve liked everything you’ve served me.” Shirley smiled, adding some broccoli, two heads of cabbage, Romaine Hearts, slicing tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers to the cart.

Entering the Meat Department, Shirley picked up a family pack of thinly sliced boneless Ribeye steaks, frowned and put them back.

Shirley, getting the butcher’s attention, “Do you have some boneless Ribeye’s that are cut thicker than these?”

“I can slice some, however thick you want them,” he replied.

“I think, about this thick,” Shirley held her thumb and index finger about three-quarters of an inch apart. The butcher threw a slab of meat on the slicer and cut a steak, holding it up for Shirley to see. “Perfect,” she stated, “I need five like that.” While the butcher sliced and wrapped the steaks, Shirley picked up a family pack of pork chops, some chicken leg quarters, a roasting hen, and a large package of ground beef. Now on to the Deli for some sandwich meats, and Roast Beef was on sale.

“Do you like Roast Beef for sandwiches or subs?” Shirley asked.

“Never had it,” Phillip replied, “Mom said it was too expensive, and usually just bought baloney for my sandwiches.”

“Ma’am,” Shirley asked of the lady at the Deli, “Can you please give my Son a sample taste of that Roast Beef?” The lady placed the meat on the slicer and shaved off a thin slice, handing it to Phillip on a piece of deli wrap. Phillip loved Shirley referring to him as her son, and it made him feel even more loved.

Phillip, tasting the meat, “That’s really tasty, that could make a great sandwich!”

“Give us a pound of that,” Shirley instructed, “shaved, make it two pounds. Shirley then ordered a pound each of Honey Ham and Roasted Turkey Breast, and a pound and a half of thickly sliced White American Cheese.

Heading to the condiments, a display of Shirley’s preferred brand of mayonnaise was on sale, buy two and get one free, and she added three jars to the cart.

“Mom, can we get some dill pickles?” Phillip asked, holding a small jar of dill slices in his hand.

“Better get the large jar,” Shirley replied, “they’re cheaper that way, and I’m sure you’ll have some help eating them.” Phillip put the small jar back on the shelf, and put the large jar into the cart. Grocery shopping can actually be fun, and Phillip was totally enjoying the experience.

In the dairy department, Shirley picked up two pounds of butter.

“You’re getting real butter?” Phillip questioned.

“We always use real butter on the table,” Shirley replied, “I only use margarine when I bake cookies, and I better get some more, so I can bake some Chocolate Chip Cookies for you guys.”

“So that’s why your toast tastes so much better!” Phillip remarked. They picked up two gallons of milk, and two flats of 30 eggs each. Shirley has plans to make some egg salad, and they also have eggs almost every morning for breakfast. Cycling back to the packaged meats, Shirley picked up two packages of bacon, a pack of sausage links, and a couple pounds of hot dogs.

In the bakery department, Shirley suggested getting some sub rolls, as they have everything to make some subs, some hot dog and hamburger buns and two loaves of whole grain bread. Phillip was pleased, his new family eats well, and he’s going to eat better than ever before!

Heading to the checkout, Shirley pulled things out of the cart, and as the cashier rung things up and packed them in bags, Phillip instinctively packed the bags into an empty cart. When done checking out, Shirley used her debit card to pay, and asked for Sixty Dollars cash back. Thinking ahead, she would have three Twenty’s to give the three kids on Monday to buy lunches on campus for at least three days. It would save Rick or her from making a trip to an ATM on Sunday.

By 11:30 AM the shopping was done and Phillip happily pushed the cart of groceries out of the market, and to the SUV. Shirley used the key fob to unlatch the back door of the SUV and Phillip loaded the bags into the back of the SUV. Shirley appreciated that Phillip took that chore upon himself without even her suggestion, perhaps a result of the chat that Rick had with Phillip the night before.

Phillip pushed the empty cart to the cart return rack, resumed his seat in the SUV and they headed home. Shirley viewed that the fuel gauge was showing only a quarter tank and made a stop at a gas station, filling the tank on the SUV, using her debit card so that Rick wouldn’t need to fill it on his way to work Monday morning.

“How did you like your shopping experience?” Shirley asked.

“It was really fun,” Phillip replied, smiling, “I thought it would be boring, but it wasn’t, and I even learned a few things. I’ll be happy to help you shop again, any time you want me to.”

“Sweetheart,” Shirley responded, “If you and Chad continue down this road you’re on, you’ll both need to know how to shop, and how to cook.”

“COOK?” Phillip exclaimed, “Out of necessity, I’ve learned to make some pretty mean baloney sandwiches, sometimes fried, with onions. Mom only cooked real meals, like you do, on weekends, when she wasn’t working. Dad and I were on our own to find things to eat on weeknights.”

“Not exactly the most nourishing diet!” Shirley exclaimed.

“It kept us from starving,” Phillip said, “and took the hunger pains away.”

“I can perceive a time,” Shirley stated, “in the not-to-distant future, after you and Chad graduate, you’ll both be getting jobs. It’s pretty evident that neither of you will be taking on a wife to cook and care for you.” Phillip smirked, Shirley understands these boys.

“You’ll soon get tired of living with parents,” Shirley continued, “and probably share an apartment together. If you both know how to prepare and cook real food, you’ll be able to cook for each other, and still eat decent and nourishing meals.”

“I wonder where we’d need to go,” Phillip pondered, “to take a cooking class?”

“You don’t need a class, per se,” Shirley stated, smiling. “I think I’m quite capable of teaching you and Chad to cook, and we can start today. Phillip, you’re preparing and cooking our dinner for tonight!”

“ME!” Phillip exclaimed, “Mom, I’ve never cooked—I could probably burn water. They won’t want to eat it, if I cook it!”

“I bet they will,” Shirley replied, “or they’ll go hungry! Honey, I’ll be right by your side, to guide you, but you’ll be doing the work, and learning.” Phillip’s not to certain about this.

When they arrived, just before noon, Chad already had about half of the yard raked. He dropped the rake and approached Phillip. The two boys shared an embrace and a kiss, disregarding the fact that Shirley was observing, with a smile on her face. She and Rick have both accepted the boy’s relationship and love for each other, and witnessing a little PDA is not an issue.

“Baby,” Phillip stated, “I’ll be out to help you finish the yard as soon as I get the groceries unloaded.”

“I’ll help you with those,” Chad replied, as he and Phillip, making two trips each, carried the groceries from the SUV and into the kitchen. Dorie appeared and proceeded to help Shirley put the groceries away while Phillip and Chad returned to raking the yard.

Shirley, anticipating that the boys had likely worked up some appetites, prepared the fixings for subs, shredded Romaine lettuce, thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, placing them on the table, along with the meats from the deli. Reaching into the fridge, she retrieved mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup and Italian dressing. She figured everyone could make their own subs, and could make them with just the fixings they desired.

The timing was perfect. Just as everything was ready, Chad, Phillip and Rick all walked in, hoping that lunch would be ready. The boys viewed the layout, and both smiled. While Rick washed his hands at the kitchen sink, the boys headed to the bathroom and released some second hand coffee and then washed their hands.

They all settled at the table and prepared their first subs, using the 8” sub rolls. Phillip was dying to try out the Roast Beef on his, along with Rick.

“Baby, you gotta try this,” Phillip stated, handing his sub to Chad, who took a bite from Phillips Roast Beef sub. Neither of the boys seemed to have a problem biting off of each other’s subs. Rick and Shirley glanced at each other, grinning. They all agreed that these subs were far better than the ones from any of the sub shops, as most of them really tend to short change the meats in their subs.

After everyone constructed and ate a sub, washing them down with Southern Iced Tea, Chad and Phillip both opted for a second sub. Shirley was right, the boys had worked up an appetite! For the benefit of those unaware, Southern Iced Tea is sweetened, whereas Northern Iced Tea is unsweetened.

Chad, as the boys finished their second subs, “Baby, are you ready to tackle giving the SUV a car poo?”

“Ready as ever,” Phillip replied, “Let’s get her done.”

“I hope you guys can be done by about 3:00,” Shirley stated, “I’ll need Phillip in the kitchen by 3:00 so he can start preparing our dinner for tonight. Phillip is cooking dinner tonight.”

“Mom!” Chad exclaimed, “Are you shitting us? You’re going to let Phillip cook dinner?”

“With my assistance, of course,” Shirley replied, smiling. “Don’t worry Chad, we’re having steaks tomorrow night, and you’ll get a chance to sharpen your culinary skills tomorrow. You boys both need to learn how to cook, and the best way to learn, is by doing.”

“I’m afraid we’d mess things up,” Chad stated, “and the food won’t be fit to eat!”

“Guys,” Shirley stated, “neither one of you are dummy’s, and I have utmost confidence in both of you. I’ll be right by your sides, to guide you and advise you and I’m sure you’ll both do fine!”

“I think Shirley’s plan for a weekend cooking school is great,” Rick stated. “One of these days, you boys will be on your own, and if you know how to cook, you won’t die of starvation. Cooking for a family, two or three meals a day, seven days a week can be pretty tiring, and it shouldn’t be just a Mother’s responsibility to do all of the cooking. Even Mothers need a break now and then.” Shirley smiled.

Shirley, putting away the deli meats, and the leftover veggies, “Phillip, there’s enough onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers already sliced to make tossed salads for dinner, you’ll just need to prepare some more Romaine lettuce.”

The boys headed outside, Chad hooked up the hose to the spigot and the boys prepared a bucket of car shampoo and proceeded to wash and rinse the SUV, and Chad’s car.

About 3:00 PM they both returned to the kitchen, ready for their first cooking class. Chad watched while Phillip, following Shirley’s instructions, prepared and seasoned the chicken leg quarters and put them in the oven to bake, along with a Mrs. Smith’s frozen Blackberry Cobbler.

“Mom,” Phillip commented, “I don’t recall that we picked up any Chicken Gravy when we were shopping.”

“Sweetheart, I don’t buy pre-made gravy,” Shirley explained, “There will be drippings from the chicken that we can use to make gravy, and it will be much better than any gravy we could buy at a store. After the chicken is done, I’ll teach you how to make the gravy.” Phillip had his doubts, but also trust in Shirley’s expertise.

By 5:30 PM Phillip, with Shirley’s verbal instructions and just a bit of physical assistance had dinner on the table. The family enjoyed a dinner of Baked Chicken, smashed Redskin potatoes with homemade chicken gravy, steamed broccoli, tossed salads and Blackberry Cobbler to top it off.

Rick, Chad and Dorie all paid their complements to the chef, causing Phillip to beam, and he thanked them graciously. Phillip had successfully prepared, cooked and served his first full course dinner! Tomorrow would be Chad’s turn to cook dinner. Shirley has plans to teach the boys on Sunday morning how to make pancakes, from scratch.

* * * * *

About 8:45 PM on Saturday night, Ramous and Rodney walked into the pizzeria, greeted by Fernando, with the usual ‘Eating in or ordering for takeout?’

“Actually,” Ramous replied, “neither one, I was asked to drop my Son, Rodney off here tonight, as he is spending the night with his brother, DJ, and Jamie.”

“You’re DJ’s brother?” Fernando asked of Rodney.

“I am,” Rodney replied, “I’m Rodney.”

“Rodney!” Fernando exclaimed, giving Rodney a hug, “I’m glad to meet you, I’m Fernando Chevas, and my parents own this place. You guys can sit at any table to wait, DJ should be along in a few minutes, as soon as the drugstore closes.”

“Fernando,” Ramous stated, “on second thought, maybe I will order a large Pepperoni Pizza to go, and treat the family.” Ramous and Rodney sat together at a table.

“Sure,” Fernando replied, “let me get your order in.” Fernando headed to a terminal and placed the order. He only just met Rodney, but he has a liking for him. Not the same kind of liking that he has for Danny, but Rodney does seem like a nice boy, and he would consider becoming friends with him.

About 9:10 DJ walked in and spotting Ramous and Rodney, he approached their table. Rodney jumped up, and he and DJ shared a warm, affectionate and loving brotherly hug and DJ assumed a seat at their table.

“Dad,” DJ stated, “Thanks for bringing Rodney by tonight. We still need to wait until Jamie gets done with his shift before we can head home. Either Jamie or I will bring Rodney home tomorrow afternoon before we go to work, I guess you’re free to go.”

“I can’t leave yet,” Ramous replied, “I’ve ordered a pie to go, to share with the family. Lucas and Camille had a date tonight and I expect that Lucas will still be at our house to help eat the pizza when I get back. Son, I hope you enjoy your sleepover with your brother tonight.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Rodney replied, “I always enjoy sleeping over with my big brothers, and their Dad’s treat me just like another son. I like Doug and Joe, a lot.” Ramous smiled, pleased that DJ’s biological family is now cemented with Doug and Joe, and the Seldon’s.

Fernando, approaching the table, “Mr. Andrews, your order is ready, if you’ll come over to the checkout, we can take care of the financial end.”

“See you tomorrow, Son,” Ramous said, rising from the table. “DJ, I hope you know that you and Jamie are welcome in our home anytime, please don’t be strangers. Darrah and I care deeply for both of you.” Ramous paid the tab, picked up his pizza and left, leaving Rodney and DJ sitting at the table.

Fortunately, Ramous is well aware of his eldest step sons gay relationship with Jamie, and he was blessed without a homophobic hair on his body. It is what it is, and he has grown to love and truly cares for both boys.

Jamie, approaching the table and giving Rodney a hug from the back, “I see our bed partner for the night has arrived.” Rodney grinned, totally enjoying Jamie’s affection. “I only have one table left, and I should be able to clock out and leave soon after eleven. Baby, you wanna help me wrap silver?”

“Bring it on,” DJ replied, “maybe Rodney will even help us.” Jamie headed to the dishwasher and brought back the clean silver to be wrapped while DJ headed behind the counter and got the napkins, paper bands and an empty silverware tray.

DJ showed Rodney how to wrap the silver, and Rodney started wrapping with a smile on his face, happy to be of assistance. While Jamie attended to his last customers, Danny, the other closing server, sat at the table with DJ and Rodney. After DJ introduced Danny and Rodney, Danny joined the wrapping party.

Jamie placed an order for two large pizzas, one a meat pizza and the other a Spinach Alfredo with chicken, DJ’s favorite. DJ offered to pay half the tab, with their employee discount, but Jamie stated he’d had good tips tonight, and covered the whole order.

By the time Jamie’s last guests checked out and left, all of the earlier silverware was wrapped. Brandon bussed the last tables and wiped them down, taking the last of the dirty dishes to the dishwasher, and loading it.

Right at 11:00 PM, Antonio checked out Jamie and Danny, giving them their tips, Jamie in turn paying for the pizzas he’d ordered. Just as Jamie, DJ and Rodney were preparing to leave, Fernando approached Rodney.

“Rodney,” Fernando commented, “It was great to meet you, I hope we see each other again soon.”

“The pleasure was all mine,” Rodney replied, “and I’m happy to have met you too, I’m sure we’ll see each other around.” The two boys shared a friendly departure hug, Jamie grabbed the pizzas and the three boys, DJ, Jamie and Rodney, headed to the Tracker.

On the way to the Dad’s house, Rodney mentioned to DJ and Jamie that he really liked Fernando, and hoped that he and Fernando could become friends. DJ was wondering if Rodney would still want Fernando as a friend, if he knew that Fernando was gay. A lot of straight boys tend to keep their distance from gay boys, afraid of being pegged as gay by association. Both DJ and Jamie have assumed that Rodney is straight and Rodney has never done or said anything to indicate otherwise.

To be continued................