Catering With Benefits (3) - An Appetite for More - 12. Job Swap

The following morning Virginia invited Thomas to morning coffee to sort things out.

“How was your trip away Mrs P?” Thomas asked.

“It was very enjoyable, but I must say I wasn’t expecting you to book us into an apartment instead of a hotel.”

“Some of those small towns don’t have good hotels and often the apartments are more comfortable than the hotels. I hope you found it so.”

“I did, it was a new experience. Do you know we went to a supermarket, the fish market and Desmond showed me how to cook.”

“And you enjoyed all that?”

“I didn’t realise domestic chores could be enjoyable. Maybe it depends on who you do it with.”

“Mrs P, may I speak candidly?”

“You know that’s the only way I like it between us.”

“It seems you are spending more time with Desmond and less time with Jared. I’m sorry to ask but have I observed correctly?”

“Yes, you have Thomas. And it’s ok to ask, in fact that is one of the many things I want to talk to you about.”

“Many things?”

“Yes, but let’s first deal with Jared. It’s true that Desmond and I have become close again after such a long break. Do you know about our early history together?”

“I have some idea.”

“Good, I take that to mean you know more than you let on. That’s ok I need you to understand where we’re at. My husband reminded me last night, that as I have aged, my men have not. Young men are strong, virile and exciting, but as one ages there is more than sex required. Also one needs ongoing emotional support that I can’t get from short time relationships. Am I making myself clear?”

“Yes, but you told me just after Christmas that you and Mr P were giving each other that support.”

“Yes, I did and that was true at the time but we still move in different circles and have different needs. Also, he will be pre-occupied with his political aims. Desmond and I can give each other that support and have come up with a plan to spend time together and away from Crystalline. I am buying a house down the coast that will be just for us.”
“That’s exciting news.”

“Yes, and that brings me to Jared and you.”

“Jared and me...what do you mean?”

“Has my husband discussed with you his plans to go into politics?”

“Andy mentioned it a few months back. I think they discussed it when they made peace. Also Jared mentioned it last week. But what has it got to do with me?”

“Jonathan wants both you and Jared to work for him on his election campaign. In fact he wants you to be his campaign manager, whatever that entails. How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know, it’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

“That’s fine, take your time thinking about it and Jonathan will talk to you about it soon. When you do think about it, I don’t want you to feel any pressure from either side. You know I love you like a son, and because of that I want you to do whatever you feel is best for you.”

“But what about Jared?”

“It seems he wants Jared’s muscles.”

“I beg your pardon Mrs P, I’m confused.”

“He wants Jared to be his bodyguard; is that the right expression?”

“Oh, now I see, I thought for a minute there he....oh it doesn’t matter.”

She laughed and said “Thomas, it’s not often you say something funny, but that was a good one. You thought my husband wanted Jared for sex. That’s hilarious, even Jonathan wouldn’t expect that from a straight man.”

“Of course Mrs P; silly me.”

“Now there is another thing. When I asked my husband why he wanted both of you, apart from your individual qualities, he said he didn’t want to split you up, because the jobs will apparently involve travel and being away from home a lot. Do you know what he meant by that?”

“Can I think about that for a minute?” he asked then remained silent.

“Thomas you’re not usually short of an answer. What’s wrong?”

He took a deep breath, sat up straight and answered “I hate to admit this, but I have not been honest with you. There is something I have kept from you this past year. And after I tell you, you may be happy to be rid of me and rather I went to work for Mr P.”

“My boy, what can be so bad?”

He paused again, and almost choked on the words as he said “Jared and I have a relationship.”

“Yes, Jonathan said you were good friends.”

“No, it’s more than that, we are in a personal relationship and have been most of last year.”

“But Jared is straight, how can that be?”

“Jared is bi-sexual Mrs P.”

“All right, it’s a surprise but I understand that. Then what I don’t understand is why you recommended your boyfriend to me as an intimate assistant.”

“He wasn’t my boyfriend at the time. We broke up before that and he insisted on having an interview for the position.”

“And is that why you asked me to make the final choice?”

“Yes, sorry.”

“I thought you were indecisive because you told me you broke up with your boyfriend. I can now see why you were unable to make a decision. But why recommend him anyway?”

“He did so well at the interview I had to take him seriously, so I gave you the top two applicants to choose from.”

“Thomas, do you have your phone on you?”

“Yes, do you want to borrow it?”

“No, you do it for me. Call Carol, I need something strong to drink.”

“Your usual?”

“No I think a brandy is called for at a time like this, and order whatever you like also. I’ll take a walk around the garden and then we’ll talk some more.”

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“Two brandies Thomas” said Carol, as she served “A bit early to be hitting the hard stuff isn’t it?

“Mrs P’s idea, she’s walking around the garden.”

“Is there something wrong Thomas? Not bad news, is it?”

“I’ll tell you later, now’s not the right time.”

“Very well, call if there’s anything either of you want, or if I can do anything for you.”

“Thanks Carol. Please keep this to yourself for now, will you?”

“As always, Thomas.”

When Carol disappeared up the path, Virginia returned and sat in silence while she took a large gulp of her drink. She put down the glass and panned her gaze around the garden, looking anywhere except directly at Thomas. Finally, he could not stand the icy silence any longer and asked “Mrs P, am I fired? Should I start packing? Move out today? What do you want me to do?”

“No Thomas, I don’t want any of those things. I’m trying to think through this like a mother, not an employer. I have always felt protective towards you and I don’t want that to change. Maybe it is presumptuous of me to regard you as a son, but there you have it, I do. If I were your mother would I love you any less if I found out you kept a secret from me? I would be initially hurt but would eventually forgive you. Would I ask your reasons for doing such? Of course I would. So let’s start there. Why did you keep this secret from me?”

“It was not my intention to do so, circumstances, somewhat out of my control, happened and I didn’t know what to do.”

“You know Thomas, when you told me you had a new boyfriend about a year ago, you didn’t tell me his name. Maybe it was just an oversight, but then again I failed also, by not asking. So if you had told me, then you would not have been able to hide his identity later. We both failed there. However there is one fact that both you and Jared failed to tell me, that he is bi-sexual.”

“Would it have made a difference Mrs P.?”

“Probably not, if he had all the other qualities I needed. I have never questioned what my men do outside this house, although, in most cases, it was probably unlikely they would have another relationship. I have another question, when you shortlisted the two men for my choice, did you have a preference?”

“Not on a professional basis. I saw them as being equal and tried to remain professionally detached during that selection process.”

“What I am really asking is did you want me to pick either one, based on your personal feelings?”

“I think that is where I made a mistake. By remaining professional I suppressed my feelings and subconsciously hoped you would choose the other man.”

“Thomas, I am disappointed that you did not confide in me about your dilemma, but I can also see how difficult that would have been for you.”

“Thank you for your understanding Mrs P. I am truly sorry for what I did, or failed to do and now feel very foolish about the way I handled the whole process. I don’t know how you can forgive me, so maybe it would be better if I do go and work for Mr P. That is if he still wants me after you tell him about this.”

“Thomas” she said as she stood up “Stand up please?” Thomas complied and then she asked “Will you give me a hug? I really need it at the moment because the brandy’s not working any magic.”

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When they finished their drinks, Virginia asked Thomas to tell Jared she wanted him for a meeting between just the two of them. Thomas found Jared in the gym, cleaning the equipment and still wearing only his boxers. “Is this the new personal trainer’s uniform.”

“Oh, I forgot to dress after Jonathan’s workout. He says it relaxes him and he enjoys the view.”

“I’ll bet he does.”

“Jealous?” he asked as he started to dress.

“I don’t have time to be jealous, just listen to me. Mrs P wants you to meet her in her favourite spot in the garden.”

“Ok, right away?”

“Yes, but before you go I have to tell you that she knows about you being bi and she knows about our relationship.”

“Fuck! How did that happen?”

“Long story, tell you later. For now I think she wants to tell you that she no longer needs you, but not because of us, it’s because of Desmond.”

“What’s Desmond got to do with me?”

“No more questions; go see her now. She’ll explain all.”

“Am I in the shit?”

“No, just go.”

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Virginia explained all to Jared in a friendly manner, ensuring him he was not the problem, but her priorities had changed. She also told him there was another job offer to be made to him and she wanted him and Thomas to join her and her husband for lunch so they could discuss recent revelations and future plans.

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At lunch Virginia took control of the conversation by assuring all that the recent revelations about Thomas and Jared needed no further discussion as she and Jonathan were not only satisfied with the explanations but were happy for them. To lighten the mood she proposed a toast “Here’s to love, wherever you find it. I might have lost a bed partner, but I’ve gained another son.”

Thomas looked at Jared and exclaimed “I’ve never seen you blush before.”

“I’m a bit surprised at being adopted for a second time.”

“A second time?” asked Jonathan

“Yes, I was adopted as a new born and never knew any birth parents. That is until recently when I found out I was a half brother to Justin and he introduced me to my birth mother.”

“Justin?” asked Virginia “Not the one that does our parties?”

“Yes, that’s him.”

“Well this is the day for revelations.”

“Yes, and I’ve got some more.” added Jonathan. “Well maybe not a revelation as such. You all know bits and pieces of my plan to enter politics, but I want to make it all clear at this lunch.”

Jared already knew about Jonathan’s offer and was happy to accept now that Virginia had released him from his duty to her. Thomas was equally happy to accept his offer but added “Mrs P, I’ll still be available to arrange special occasions for you. If that’s ok with you Mr. P”

“I’m sure we can accommodate that as required.”

Then Virginia said “There seems to be a disparity between you boys as to what you should call us. Jared has always called me Virginia when we are alone and Mrs P at other times. I noticed also that he now calls my husband Jonathan.”

“Yes Nia, I told him to do that.”

“Fine, then I think it’s about time you both called us Jonathan and Virginia.” she concluded.

“That may take some time to get used to.” Thomas said “But thank you... Virginia.”

“It’s only fitting, unless you’d like to call me Mum.” she replied and laughed nervously.