A Second Chance - 6. Chapter 6

I was just sitting here daydreaming. "It’s good to be on Cowboy again," I said, Chuckling aloud at that thought. I feel so secure and comfortable, and there is closeness to James when I’m here. Maybe it’s the painting, maybe its Cowboy, maybe it’s just an old man that just doesn’t want to let loose of the past. For whatever reason I’m happy and content.

Greg, hearing me chuckle asked, "what are you laughing at Charles?" Seems like the boss is in a good mood.

"Was just thinking about how delightful being on Cowboy again was, the way that thought came across, was funny, so I laughed?"

Carrie and Greg started laughing, Carrie said, "Charles, that's funny." Pleasant to see Charles happy again, "it's enjoyable seeing you being yourself again Charles, could it be someone special, like maybe JC?" Thinking to myself has to be he is glowing tonight.

Then Greg said, "You nasty old man, I know what you were thinking!" Jokingly, then I started laughing again, almost uncontrollably. Getting my wits about me and said, "dinner should be ready soon, I hope, I'm starved!" Trying to change the subject.

I replied, "You people are something else, your gonna' give this old man a heart attack. Come to think of it, it was rather funny, and I’m hungry enough to eat a horse and the buggy. “Smiling at them, wondering when Clyde would have dinner ready.

It wasn't long, and Clyde announced, "Dinner is served!" With a serious but congenial expression.

We always had our meals in the conference room, and we were treated with an exquisite meal. First, we had a wonderful Chef Salad with choice of dressing, than filet mignons cooked to perfection. Baked potatoes with sour cream, chives and butter, candied carrots, with a wonderful Chardonnay wine, followed by a delightful bread pudding. Whenever it was just, my guys and gals aboard we all ate together, including Richard and Clyde. I always enjoyed Clyde's company and wanted him to feel he was part of my crew, yes my close circle of employees I consider my crew.

After dinner, sitting around a table, I started talking about my brief meeting with JC. "I know most of you are interested in knowing what happened last night between JC and myself." Now what do I tell them, I was wondering.

"Well first off, JC is David's estranged son, anyway that’s the way it appears to me, after talking to him yesterday. I could be all wrong there, but that's something I hope to find out the next time we meet." Now how do I know that, well it's a good guess I assume. "And JC recognized, me somehow, as James's partner as in marriage, Not as business partners. He started to open up a little about his father, and his hatred for homosexuals."

Greg asked, "How did he know you were James's life partner?"

"I don't really know yet, it hasn't come up . . . "

Greg interrupted saying, "so how does he feel about you Charles?" God dummy let him tell his story and quit interrupting. "I'm sorry Charles for the interruption."

I said, "That’s all right Greg. Well to tell the truth I called him my son last night, it just slipped out, but it's kind of how I feel right now." Thinking again, "then the strange thing happened he called me his uncle by marriage, asking me if he could call me Uncle Charlie, of course I told them he could."

Carrie spoke, "do you think of him as your son Charles?" Why would Charlie think of him is his son, it is because he looks so much like James, or could it be just his age?

Answering Carrie, "I guess it's because James and I wanted to adopt, but never got around to it, and the legal part of that was never looked into." Oh, how I wish we had, I could be a father to someone. However, is there something else here, oh no, can’t be, and if there were, he would never, no never. "Then again I might be because of his age, god I have to be 30 to 35 years his senior." God that alone would be a turn off for him, it can't have been sexual; it has to be that of wanting a father or uncle.

Richard got up saying, "Well I'm sorry you all, I have work to do, if you all want to get home." Then he turned and headed for the flight deck.

We all spoke, "See you later Cap." Jokingly but yet, with respect.

Then Greg asks, "When are you going to see him again Charles?" Thinking there was more to those looks going into Paris than father and son. Something not on track hear. Charlie must be having second thoughts.

I replied, "Whenever he calls me, I told him to call me anytime anywhere in the world, I had a couple 737's at my disposal, so you folks be ready, when he calls." Laughing but with a sincere gleam in my eyes.

Everyone spoke in at once, "We will Charlie, you just say the word."

"You’re all great, and I just knew you would be. Now back to business, what's on the agenda, for tomorrow?" I asked, not knowing what Greg and Carrie were up to. They were pretty much free to run the company, as they deemed necessary, in everyday normal things, however, major endeavors were mine alone. They've been doing it for about 10 years and haven't screwed up yet.

They looked at each other, then Greg replied, "Nothing for you Charles. Take a break, and enjoy the ranch." Greg thinking, I just knew he would be pacing the floors waiting for JC to call; there was much more than what was said here aboard Cowboy.

I said, "Ok, I'm going to go have a long hot bath, and just relax a bit before turning in for the rest of the trip . . . Please wake me when we get within 30 minutes of Casper."

I went back to the master bedroom, got undressed, standing in front of the mirror naked, thinking and flexing my arms, and tightening my abdominal muscles so I could see my somewhat flat tummy. I was just a little too old for six packs, but this old man is in pretty damn good shape for being 65.

Turning on the hot water filling the Jacuzzi. After seeing JC, it had stirred old memories and made me think of how wonderful it would be if James could only be here with me tonight, even now thinking about him brings back fond memories. Not only fond memory, also stiffens the manhood to a throbbing erection, which I gently stroke, thinking of my cowboy, even after thirty, something years he still excites me. On many, a night I have laid in a hot bath becoming fully aroused thinking of him. Seeing JC seems to have stirred the old passions. For tonight, I'll be thinking of my love as I relieve the tension that is so proudly standing.

After I relieved the tension, I took a quick shower. I got into the king size bed naked for the first time in many years. It felt so strange. I missed something, so I took a pillow and curled up holding it like a baby, dreaming it was someone else. It felt wonderful.

It only seemed like a few minutes. Clyde came into the bedroom, put his hand on my shoulder and shook me gently till he saw that I was awake then he told me, "Charles’ we'll be arriving in Casper in about 30 minutes. Would you like something to eat before we arrive?"

I stretched my arms, and my back, saying, "thanks Clyde if you picked up some of that good French pastry while we were in France. I’ll have a Danish and coffee for breakfast," I know Clyde he's got a box full out there, we have never made a trip to France that we don't come back with a bunch of it.

I got up looking at my watch my god it was only 1:00 A.M., and jet lag is terrible it feels like it should be eight o’clock in the morning. I got dressed and headed out to the lounge finding Greg, Carrie, Carl and Clyde all sitting there with coffee and a big box of pastries in the middle the table. I said, "Well I see I was the last one up again, is that by design, or are you all conspiring against me?" My smile turning into laughter.

They all looked up at me and started laughing, Carl spoke, "good morning sleepyhead!"

Carrie stammered, "Its okay boss, you need your beauty rest at your age."

Jokingly, giving them a matter of a fact look, I said, "that’s OK. You’ll all get here inevitably." Then I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat, finding my favorite sweet roll.

Then the speakers came on and Richard began to speak, "OK we’re on final approach into, Natrona County International Airport, Casper, Wyoming. Time to buckle up back there, it's a rather chilly 38 degrees on the ground."

I just chuckled, saying aloud, "Richard, he just thinks we are a flock of geese, not knowing where we are, or it's just the, Captain in him, forgetting he's not flying for United Airlines any more."

"Carl," I said, "why don’t you take Greg and Carrie home first, then you can take Clyde and me out to the ranch. Then you’re free for the day, unless something unsuspected comes up. Of course you know that." Giving him an evil grin.

We could tell the flaps, were being lowered as we felt cowboy putting on the brakes. Still a strange feeling almost like you are just hanging in mid air stopped. Knowing we were on final approach.

I told Greg to get us cleared with U.S. Customs, and meet us in the hanger, Greg replied, "No problem Charles, all taken care of." Thinking not but would be as soon as we stopped rolling.

We kept both jets in Casper we had two hangers built, they weren't cheap, but neither were the jets. Whenever we needed major maintenance like we had just completed. The odds of that happing are strange to say the least, but thank God, they were both in need of it. Or I would never have found JC. We took them to Denver, Colorado where Delta Airlines maintenance would service them for us. For minor maintenance, our aviation Department has a couple of good jet mechanics on duty; they also helped at the Casper Airport if needed.

We were thinking of putting Wyoming’s Bucking Bronco on the tail surfaces, when Doug McKenney checked out the legal implications.

Then we could see the city lights, as we felt the wheels touch down, and then for the real breaks, slowing, then turning onto the taxi way, on into the general aviation area of the airport. Carl got off first to get the van, then the rest of us got off, then the ground crew started unloading the cargo, and luggage. One of the company vans and drivers would deliver everything to the right locations later. Really, the only items I ever carried were personal items, and my briefcase.

On the way to Greg and Carrie's home, we talked about some other projects we had in the works. Still, most of all, we talked about what I was going to do with JC, I just kept telling them that was up in the air, right now.

"Charles’ what is your feeling for JC. You seem so happy when you talk about him." Carrie asked with concern. Thinking, was Charlie really looking at him as a son, nephew, or something more?

I sat there thinking for what seemed an eternity. In reality, it was probably no more than two minutes before I answered saying, "he excites me, he makes something inside me come to life again, it’s so hard to put my finger on." Pondering over the question for a few more minutes, I said, "All I really know is I feel him deep in my heart. He makes me want to live again. I’m afraid this old man is opening himself to something that will never come to pass."

Carrie reached over and took my hand squeezing it gently saying, "Charles my heart goes out to you, all I can say is both Greg and I wish you the very best in whatever happens, and we will stand by you no matter what the outcome." Looking at Charles even in the darkened car you could see tears in his eyes, I was unsure if they were tears of happiness, or maybe not, no can't be that . . .

I pulled myself together saying, "Look all of you sitting here in this car right now, as far as I'm concerned, JC is just an acquaintance. I met on a trip to France." God I hope it's more, but it can't be, he is gorgeous so why would he even consider me as more than his Uncle. "And until JC makes it different from that, that's all, he will be, just an acquaintance."

Greg spoke saying in a friendly but sincere tone, "I know Charles, we have pressured you tonight by asking too many questions, that you really don't have the answers to. It will stop now and we will not discuss JC again until you feel comfortable with it." We really have been pressuring. I think we're doing more harm than good.

The rest of the people in the car agreed with him.

We arrived at Greg's house dropping them off, saying our good-byes. We all kind of spoke in unison's saying, "be safe. We’ll see you tomorrow."

Clyde spoke up, "anything special you'd like for dinner today? I was thinking of a prime rib dinner, how does that sound?"

"Sounds scrumptious." He had my mouth watering already. I chuckled.

I saw the gates to the ranch approaching, thinking it's always enjoyable to come home. More especially when it's this beautiful ranch. I was pondering why in the world hadn't we ever run this place like a ranch. It’s always just been a home. Over the years, we'd had a horse or two, a chicken or two, but never a cow or steer. This is nuts. We're sitting on 5000 acres of fenced property and the only thing that's being done here is that we are leasing out cutting rights for the grass that grows. Make a mental note. Gonna do something about this. Even if I have to hire out the entire ranch crew, this place is going to turn into a working ranch. Another mental note, have Greg get on this.

Arriving at the house, I told Carl, "be safe and I'll call you when I need you, might even be a couple days, but don't go making permanent plans." Shrugging my head and smiling at him.

Carl spoke, "okay boss, I understand, just call when you need me!"

"Thanks Carl"

"Clyde I'm going to get some more sleep, and if I were you I'd get a few more hours to." Knowing he won't do it, but at least I tried.

I headed back to the bedroom, got undressed, and went back to bed naked. Saying to myself, I'm burning every pair of PJ’s I own, thinking last night was the best nights sleep I've had sinse I started wearing those damn pajamas. So another mental note trash them, no more PJ’s.

First morning I have woken up feeling great in a long time. To be honest I can’t remember when I felt this great before, checking the time it was one o’clock in the afternoon. God I must’ve been tired. So I hopped out of bed went in and took a long hot shower. Then got dressed casually walked out into the kitchen, I found Clyde preparing dinner. The prime rib, though raw looked delicious.

Clyde spoke up, "would you like something to eat Charles, I can fix you a brunch if you’d like, or anything else." Thinking to myself, he has to be hungry.

"Well if you could fetch me a couple eggs and some sausage or bacon, that would be good, I’m starving, it’s been a long time since those Danish." Thinking wonder, what Clyde would think of turning this into a fully operational ranch. I don’t know if I could ask him to be a cook for that big an operation. I might just ask him to oversee it. Good idea Charlie! And I started chuckling to myself.

Clyde asked me what I was laughing about. So I told him, "Clyde what would you think, if I were to turn this place into a fully operational ranch?" Smiling at him.

Clyde thought for a few minutes, then he said, "Are you serious Charles!"

"Yes I am"

Then Clyde really started thinking, waiting a few minutes, "well if you're really serious, we would need to build some facilities other than this kitchen. Because you have no place else to cook." Wondering is he really serious, can't be, can he?

“I’m serious; I know we would have to build a bunkhouse and a dining room kitchen combination of some type. Nevertheless, that wouldn't stand in my way. I just feel this place should be an operational ranch, it's gorgeous, beautiful, and I know my cowboy would've felt the same way." I'm going to do it; I've got to call Greg and set the wheels in motion.

"Okay boss what do you want me to do?"

"Clyde I want you to stay as my personal chef. I would never give you up. I would ask you to take on an additional duty of supervising a single chef/manager with a kitchen staff to handle it. I'm not speaking of you personally supervising on a day-by-day sort of thing. I would want you to supervise the chef/manager for the operation on part of the ranch, of course. There would be an increase in your salary, for the added responsibility." Thinking anything else. "How you feel about that?"

"Charles’ I would be happy to, if you think I'm up to the task?" I'm in total amazement how this man can come up with these wonderful ideas spontaneously; I guess that's why he's worth what he is.

"Why of course you are, or I wouldn't have asked you. Okay Clyde that settles it, the Lazy "L" from now on is going to be a full-fledged operational ranch!" Thinking, I need to get a hold of Greg and Carrie and let them know what's up.

After I had eaten my brunch, I told Clyde, "I'll be in my office if you need me." I turned and walked down the hallway into my office.

I picked up the phone, and called Greg, telling him. "I have something to discuss with you, is Carrie handy?"

“Yes Charles’ she's in her office, do you need her?" Thinking he's got something on his mind, half grins.

"Yes Greg I would like both of you on the phone, so I only have to tell you once, please."

"Let me get her."

I went to Carries office and told her, "Pick up line three, it's Charles he wants us in a conference call."

She picked up the phone saying, "Hello Charles, Greg will be on in a second when he gets to his office." Wondering what Charles has in mind, the conference calls are not really common. Thinking to myself.

"I'm back on the phone," Greg said

"Well I just had an earth shattering revelation, you both know that this ranch has 5000 acres, and all we do with it is to lease out the grass cutting."

Greg thinking, what has Charlie got on his mind now! “Yes Charles, we both know that."

Carrie replied, "Yes I know that." Wonder where this conversation is going.

"Well let me run this idea across your mind's, and I want you to give it serious thought, okay. As we came home last night from the airport, I was thinking about the ranch, and how it's never been anything but a place to hang my hat day and night. I have talked this over with Clyde, and he's willing to take on the extra duty of being a supervisor for a chef/manager of the kitchen staff running a bunkhouse for the Lazy "L" Ranch. I want to turn the Lazy "L" into a full-fledged operational ranch." Thinking to myself, I can see them both picking their chins off the floor, "laughing out loud."

Greg was the first to respond saying, "are you really serious Charles?" Contemplating what was about to happen, not knowing where this came from, just knowing he was serious.

"Yes are you serious Charles?" Carrie replied.

"I'm dead serious, I just don't want to see this beautiful ranch go to waste, when I think of all the beautiful horses we could be raising, and other livestock." I hope they understand, I think they do I just caught them by surprise.

I heard both of them say, at the same time, "if you're sure Charles?"

"I'm sure! I think we need to start looking for some contractors to bid on a bunkhouse kitchen arrangement of some type that could handle it," Thinking for a second, "Lets say 15 to 20 ranch hands, at the most."

Carrie said, "How soon do we need to get some ideas together, and have a meeting to discuss these plans further."

"I was thinking Monday next week. That gives us about four days counting the weekend, to come up with some ideas. How does that sound to you all?"

"Okay by me" said Greg

"OK with me to" said Carrie

"Okay it's a done deal. We will meet Monday afternoon, thanks for your support, it's most appreciated."

JC...

I had just finished my round trip to Paris, and was now getting ready for the last flight of my schedule. We would be departing San Francisco in about 30 minutes for Honolulu on a 747, tomorrow. I would be returning on a flight from Honolulu to Denver, Colorado on Saturday. That would end my shift, giving me a two-week break; I am planning on spending it in Casper, Wyoming, if Charles is there.

Ever since Charles and I hugged at the Paris airport, I've had this strange feeling that there was something more to our relationship. I know when I asked him to be my uncle, I felt something stir, inside me and I can't put my finger on what it is, I think it's more love or something similar, but no it couldn't be, he would never betray the love he had for James. I could see it shining in his. Eyes’ every time I mentioned James's name.

Between chatting with fellow crew members and other airport employees, and trying to think about my upcoming visit with Charles, time seemed to fly. I need to call tomorrow, no today I need to call Charles and let him know when I'm available. Checking my watch thinking I don't have time now, we'll have to do that in Honolulu when we arrive.

Our flight to Honolulu was tedious but enjoyable; of course, it could've been because my mind was definitely not on my duties. It was on my upcoming visit. That had my brain obscured, thinking of Casper not knowing what to expect, I had no one in Tempe to go home to accept my friends but no one that I was close to. Upon arriving in Honolulu, we disembarked, and I headed for the hotel. Before settling down, I decided to go ahead and call Charlie. So I picked up the phone, thinking for a few moments of what to say or how to say it, my stomach felt like I was still at 40,000 feet. So I dialed the number waiting for an answer.

First, one ring, two rings, three rings, finally, "Hello Lambert and Lambert Investments, Greg speaking, can I help you?"

"Is Charles Lambert they’re please? This is JC Andersen calling?"

"Oh hello JC, how are you today?"

"I'm just fine, just trying to get a hold of Charles Lambert if he is available." God I hope he's there, is all I could think.

"Let me transfer the call to the ranch. Charles should be there." Thinking to myself, Charlie is going to be thrilled with this call.

I heard the phone click and then start to ring again. Someone answered saying, "This is Clyde speaking, can I help you."

"Yes, please I'm trying to get a hold of Charles Lambert, and Greg just transferred me to this number, is Charles there?" Boy, he's hard to get hold of; then again, he is the owner of a large company.

Then I heard another click on the phone. "Hello Charles Lambert speaking may. I help you?"

"Hello Charles’ this is JC Andersen."

Charles...

Oh my God! JC's calling thank you Lord, thank you, my heart was fluttering my mind was a blur, so I had to slow down before I opened my mouth, think stupid, easy Charles he is not going to run away. My mind was obscured, not thinking clearly. I guess it took me too long to respond.

I heard a voice on the phone saying, "Charles are you there?"

I cleared my throat, and then begin to speak, "Sorry JC you just took me by surprise, I didn't expect your call so soon." Don’t be so eager, is all I could think, slow down.

"It's okay Charles, or should I say Uncle Charlie, I like Uncle Charlie better, if you don't mind?" I hope you don't mind I really want a family.

“Of course I don't mind. Uncle Charlie is fine," wondering what he had on his mind, hoping he was about to take my offer.

"Well Uncle Charlie, I'll be returning from Honolulu on Saturday night and should be arriving in Denver, Colorado at international Airport. That will end my shift giving me a two-week break, and I would like to take you up on your offer. I would like to see Casper and your ranch if that would be okay?" Oh, I hope, I want, no I need to see Charlie again; please say yes is all I could think.

"Is it okay? Absolutely it's okay! What time does your flight arrive in Denver?" I was trembling; I felt like a little kid, I was so excited, a little voice telling me easy Charlie take it easy.

"Well. They have scheduled the flight to land at 10:53 p.m. arriving gate 32. Of course you have been around commercial airlines before so that time could fluctuate depending on weather conditions and flight traffic."

"That will not be a problem, but how far is gate 32 from general aviation terminal?" Thinking how are we going to get him from gate 32 over too general aviation terminal.

"I don't know for sure, but I should be able to find out, why would I need to get to general aviation terminal?" Thinking to myself, your idiot he's flying in from Casper to get me.

I spoke before Charlie answered saying, "I'm an idiot, I forgot you would be flying in to pick me up."

"Stop that! You're by far no idiot! I will meet you at the General aviation terminal at whatever time you get there. I’ll be waiting." Oh God, it would take a thundering herd of elephants, and I don't think they could stop me from being they’re waiting for him.

"Well I'm still sorry I should've thought before I spoke, but really I don't think there will be a problem for me getting to general aviation. Even if I have to ride the baggage train I'll get there, I'm looking forward to this visit."

"There’s nothing to be sorry for, if you’re half as excited as I am, we’re going to say some things that don’t make sense now and then."

"I can only foresee one problem, I really don’t have anything decent to wear, I only packed a few, emphasizing a few civilian clothes, cause I'm in uniform most of the time. However, I'm sure there are some clothing stores that we can visit?"

"That won't be a problem either; your Uncle Charlie is going to spoil you rottenly these next two weeks." I think before we leave I'll be taking to my tailor and have some good clothes made for him. Yet we'll have to see.

"Well okay Uncle Charlie, I'll be looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night."

"Me too!"

"You mind if I say goodbye, it's been a long flight, and I'm really tired, all I want to do is get a hot shower and crawl into bed." Thinking, don't go there, that will never happen, oh I would like it, but never.

"Me, mind, never, I understand, you get a good night's rest, sounds like you need one. I'll be seeing you tomorrow night in Denver." Laughing to myself, thinking, never I'm too old for him, then the guilty feeling swelled up in my heart, oh God what is it something's wrong, someday I'll find out. Then I spoke again saying, "you are safe now see you tomorrow night."

"I will be, just for you Uncle Charlie, see you tomorrow night."