CRYSTALLINE - 2. Alone, Hungry and Horny

Thomas was put in charge of administration and accounting for the resort project. His first task was to put together a project team to manage the planning, construction, promotion and eventual launch of the resort.

Jonathan and Lachlan agreed that Thomas should chair the team meetings. Their first was just the three of them and its main function was to decide on what expertise they needed and who to invite to the project team.

“I don’t want the meetings to be too formal, but I will keep minutes and further notes, so there is no confusion as to what was agreed to and what action needs to be taken after each meeting. Agreed?” asked Thomas.

“Of course” replied Jonathan and Lachlan enthusiastically nodded his agreement.

“Good, then between us let’s suggest what expertise we need and I’ll jot them down, no matter how minor. We can always adjust the list later”

“Well, we are certainly going to need an architect and a builder” suggested Lachlan.

“Good start, what else”

Jonathan sat quietly, so Lachlan added “We’ll need someone to advise us and run the restaurant”

“Anyone in mind, or should we advertise”

“I think we know someone who would be excellent” said Jonathan “What about Craig and Justin. They know how to run a successful business”

“Do you think they would have the time to take on a second restaurant?”

“Not to necessarily run it on a daily basis, but they could help in the planning and setting up”

“OK, I’ll approach them and let you know at our next meeting”

“What else do we need?” asked Lachlan.

“Let’s go over the facilities we will be providing and that will give us ideas on who we need to help us”

“OK, we’ll have a pool, gardens, sauna, tennis court and what do we do with the stables?”

“Do you want me to buy horses?” asked Jonathan

“Maybe not, but we could convert it into an informal clubhouse, with a bar, games and some form of entertainment”

“That’s good thinking” replied Jonathan “I think this team is going to work fine”

“Thanks Jonathan”

“And I’ve got an idea for the horse stalls, but I’ll think more about it before we discuss it” suggested Jonathan

“Very mysterious”

Thomas then added “As well as the facilities we need to consider what we will do with the two houses and the staff accommodation on the new property”

“We could move Cook and Carol into the staff accommodation block. That would free up two rooms in the main house” suggested Jonathan “What about you Thomas?”

“I’d be happy to stay above the garage, if that’s ok with you”

“Certainly”

“And will we stay in the main house, Jonathan?” asked Lachlan

“Good question. If we do we will be mixing more with the guests”

“Is that a problem?”

“As well as having less privacy, it will be so much like living at work”

“We will all be living at work, if we’re on the same property”

“Sure, but we need to be able to have our own place and completely turn off from work when we need to”

“Can I make a suggestion?” asked Thomas, but did not wait for a reply “We could build you a separate apartment attached to the main house or a cottage on a separate part of the property”

“Good ideas Thomas. What do you think Lachlan?”

“I agree, good suggestions”

“What I mean is, which suggestion do you prefer?”

“When I was working on the blackberry bushes next door I saw a nice private spot behind the big house, surrounded on three sides by trees and the open side facing north. It would be a perfect site to build a small house. We wouldn’t need a big place for just the two of us.”

“Then that’s decided” concluded Jonathan “We’ll build a cottage for two, our little love nest”

“I could be forgiven...” replied Thomas “...but you have become quite the romantic Jonathan”

“That’s twice this week I’ve been accused of that. But let it go no further, I wouldn’t want to ruin a reputation I’ve built over many years”

Both Lachlan and Thomas laughed at Jonathan, but he took it good naturedly.

***

When Justin came into the kitchen, wearing only the chamois lap-lap Caleb had given him for Christmas, Craig said “Pleased to see you’ve dressed for dinner”

“Actually, I thought you might delay dinner a bit”

“And why would I do that?” But before Justin could reply, Craig noticed the front panel of the lap-lap rising slowly to a horizontal position and answered his own question. “Oh I see something’s come up that needs attending to”

As they left the kitchen and passed by Caleb’s room, Craig said “Dinner will be a bit later, that’ll give you time to finish your homework”

Caleb turned to the door just in time to see Justin walk by and replied “No problem, you two have fun and don’t rush on my account. If I get hungry, I’ll go and raid Gran’s fridge” Then as an afterthought, added “Pleased I could help”

Feeling a little aroused himself, he put aside the books, reached into his shorts, then withdrew his hand and reached for his phone instead.

When Lucas saw Caleb’s name on the screen he was excited, but paused before answering, not wanting to seem too keen. He was not really sure of Caleb’s intentions as he seemed to blow hot and cold. This confused Lucas who was smitten by Caleb but did not feel the same in return.

Caleb was about to hang up, when he heard “Hello Caleb, how’s things”

“Cool here...well actually not cool, in another sense”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m cool in the sense of all’s well, but I’m a little hot in another way”

Lucas was finally catching on and was thrilled to hear Caleb admit that he had some feelings for him. At least that was how he interpreted the situation.

“So what do you intend to do about this hotness of yours?” asked Lucas

“Maybe you could come over and cool me down”

“I was hoping that if I came over it would not be to cool you down, rather the opposite”

“I suppose that’s what I mean” replied Caleb

“Good to hear, but I can’t come over now, dinner’s almost ready. Have you had yours yet?”

“No and I don’t think I’m going to get it anytime soon”

“Oh, are your parents out...what do I call the men you live with, they’re not really your parents?”

“How about Justin and Craig, and they are not out but otherwise engaged, as they say”

“You mean they’re...?”

“Yes, so I’m alone, hungry and horny”

“How about you come over here for dinner, I’m sure Mum won’t mind, and then we can go to my room afterwards”

“To study?”

“You could call it that. Sort of nature study and PE combined”

“OK, I’ll leave ‘em a note” concluded Caleb.

***

As Justin and Craig lie back looking at the ceiling and basking in the afterglow, Craig said “I had a call from Thomas today. It seems they are going ahead with the plans to turn the two properties into a resort”

“That’s exciting, I look forward to being their first guests”

“He wants us before that. They want us to consult and maybe eventually run their restaurant for them”

“Even more exciting. Is this resort going to be exclusively gay?”

“They didn’t say so specifically, but I would expect it will be, why?”

“Because they will need specialist waiters; the possibilities are endless”

“You mean you want to make another comeback?”

“What do you mean, another comeback? I’ve haven’t exactly retired. But anyway, I didn’t mean me, but I could supply and train waiters for them”

“Would you enjoy that?”

“Of course, what about you, do you want to run their restaurant?”

“It’s flattering to be asked, but it might be taking on too much running two restaurants”

“Why; if you have the right people working for you, it could work”

“There you go again using brains over brawn”

“Is that a compliment, I’m not sure” asked Justin

“Of course it is. I need you to sometimes show me that I can be a bit too focussed and should look at the broader picture”

“Thanks, I think. Now do you want to ome one more time?”

“I’m tempted, but we had better feed our charge or we’ll be accused of child neglect”

“Fair enough, I’ll be with you as soon as...”

“Oh, yes I see, it should go down soon”

***

A few days later, as Craig and Justin drive up the Crystalline driveway, Justin said “Remember the first time we drove up here?” asked Justin

“I remember you calling the place, a fucking castle”

“Did I, but I suppose I was impressed”

“And a bit nervous?” admitted Craig

“Lots nervous, I’d never been to such a place or mixed with the rich” admitted Justin.

“But Thomas made us feel comfortable and it was a very successful party”

“Sure was, and led to many more. You know we have come a long way since then and helped a lot by Cynthia’s and Virginia’s recommendations”

“We came here then hoping to cater for a small party and now we have been invited to run a restaurant here” concluded Craig.

<>

The first time they went to Crystalline, they were greeted by Thomas at the door, this time it was Carol.

“Good morning gentlemen, Thomas is expecting you. Shall I show you the way?”

“Is Thomas in the bar room?”

“No, he’s back in his office, since they turned the bar room into Mr P’s office”

“Thanks Carol, we know the way”

<>

“Come in guys, do you want coffee or something stronger?”

“Maybe coffee this time of day”

“Carol...”

“I’m right onto it”

Thomas then said “I’ll let Lachlan know you’re here”

“So this resort plan is going ahead” prompted Justin.

“Most certainly and we have big plans. Jonathan is fully on board, so finance is assured while Lachlan and I will lead the project team. We’re really looking forward to you two working with us”

“We’re not fully committed yet” replied Craig “Till we see what is required and if we can manage both sites we will reserve judgement”

“Of course...”

“Hi boys” greeted Lachlan, as he arrived. “Are drinks on the way?”

“Carol’s taking care of that” replied Thomas

“Excellent, now has Thomas explained what we want from you?”

“Not yet” replied Justin.

“I was waiting for you” added Thomas

<>

The four discussed the basics of setting up and running a restaurant. Then Craig asked “Is this restaurant going to be opened to the public as well as guests?”

“I wouldn’t think so” replied Lachlan, “Do you think it should?”

“It would make it a more viable project”

“But we want our guests to feel they have exclusive use of all our facilities”

“You could do both” suggested Justin.

“How?” asked Thomas

“Firstly, are you going to put the restaurant in the existing building or will it be a new build?”

“We haven’t got to that stage. Do you have something in mind?”

“I was thinking that if you built it on the street frontage, then the general public would have direct access”

“But then they would be mixing with the guests”

“Not necessarily, if you design it properly. You could have two dining rooms that are not connected”

“I think I know what Justin as thinking” added Craig “One dining room facing the street, kitchen behind that and then a second dining room behind the kitchen with direct access from the resort”

“Yes that’s exactly what I was thinking” replied Justin, with the emphasis on I. What do you think Lachlan?”

“It’s sheer brilliance. No wonder you guys are so successful at what you do”

“Thanks” said Justin proudly.

“How do you feel about the suggestion?” Lachlan asked Thomas.

“I thought it went without saying that it’s a smashing idea and would certainly make the restaurant more viable while evening out the cash flow in times when the resort might be quiet”

“So guys, since this is all your idea, are you on board?” asked Lachlan

Justin looked at Craig for some assurance, before answering. Then as he opened his mouth to speak, Craig said “We would have to discuss it first and make some rearrangements at Poppy’s, but I’m supportive at this stage. What about you Justin?”

“I’m in already” he replied confidently.

“In that case” suggested Thomas “I think we need something more than this coffee to celebrate. How about we have a drink in the garden and will you stay for lunch?”

Both Craig and Justin nodded in agreement.

“Good, I’ll get Jonathan and we’ll all meet in the garden” concluded Lachlan

“While you do that, I’ll show the boys around the new property. Who knows, they might have some more brilliant ideas”

***

“Do either of you play tennis?” asked Thomas

“Never held a racket” replied Justin

“I used to have a bit of a hit at an abandoned court in Botany street when I was school age”

“You didn’t tell me that” said Justin “Were you any good?”

“No, it was really just an excuse to smoke where we couldn’t be seen”

“You smoked?” said Justin incredulously.

“It was just experimenting, I didn’t really like it, but you have to try it and besides the cigarettes were free because my friend used to take a few sticks from his mother’s pack. But I don’t think you were asking about my smoking. You were asking about tennis. I assume you will keep the courts, they seem in good condition”

“Yeah, it will be a good asset. I was just asking because we’ll need some advice on buying equipment and maybe even hire a coach for the guests”

“Why hire a coach and pay wages, when you could let the coach offer services to guests and pay you for court hire”

“Hey, I like the way you think” concluded Thomas. “Let’s go look at the stables”

“Great and before you ask” said Craig “No I don’t ride”

“Well, you wouldn’t get to ride here anyway; we’re planning to turn it into a clubhouse”

“With a cowboy theme?” asked Justin

“Haven’t decided on that yet, but Jonathan has some ideas he hasn’t elaborated on yet”

“Did I hear my name?” asked a voice from a horse stall.

“Oh Jonathan, you startled me” jabbered Thomas “What are you doing here?”

“Just doing a bit of measuring” he replied as he emerged from the stall and a measuring tape retracted into its case. “Wanted to see if the stall is wide enough to hang my sling”

“Sling?” questioned Craig.

“Yes, we’ve got one in our playroom”

“Playroom?” Justin then asked.

“You know what I mean. The sling doesn’t get much use. Thought it might be better down here where the guests can enjoy it”

“Oh, I’m catching on now. Just didn’t know you were...you know...sort of into...”

“Yes Justin, I am into sex play. You must join us sometime”

“That sounds like fun, doesn’t it Craig?” he asked by way of seeking approval.

“What! No I don’t think so, but thanks all the same, Jonathan”

Thomas then sought to rescue the situation by asking “So how did your measuring go?”

“I think it will fit, but we’ll need some fixings”

“Good...oh I forgot, Lachlan’s looking for you. The boys are going to stay for lunch, thought it might be nice to have drinks in the pergola first”

“Have you organised that yet?”

“Lachlan may have, I’ll check with him and let him know we’ve found you”

<>

Just as they reached the pergola, Lachlan arrived with drinks and advised that lunch was being prepared.

“I’ll let Dante know” said Thomas “So he has time to clean up before it arrives”

“Please take a seat gentlemen” offered Jonathan “How did your discussion about the restaurant go?”

Thomas answered on their behalf “It went very well. Justin had a very good suggestion about placement and design of the restaurant”

“Oh I thought that was Craig’s specialty”

“Well it was a joint suggestion”

Thomas explained to Jonathan, who then asked “So does that mean you will join our, what do you call it Thomas, a project team?”

“We are interested in the restaurant, but working on your project team, I’m not sure about that” replied Craig.

“Would it be like a job... you know... would we get paid?” asked Justin.

Thomas sought to clarify “I hadn’t thought of it that way. As an interested party your reward would the profits from the restaurant. What do you think Jonathan?”

“I think we could come to some arrangement. After all, any contribution you make will contribute to the overall success of the business, not just the restaurant. Thomas, have a talk to Smidmore’s people and see if they can come up with some sort of agreement. Is that ok with you boys?”

“Certainly” affirmed Craig.

“So, I’m going to be on a project team. That’s exciting” concluded Justin.

*****