Troubled Waters Read online

  Ness shot loads of cum up over his chest and torso. Darren gushed as much as he could into his hand but he couldn’t catch it all and some shot up against the bed.

  “Oops,” he said with a laugh.

  “What?” Ness asked, his eyes still closed.

  “I think I’ve hit the bed with cum.”

  It took a moment for Ness to comprehend before he giggled. “Not to worry. I can clean that up; I’ve done it enough in this bed before. My steamy fantasy nights alone, remember.”

  “You got a towel or something?” Darren asked.

  “Just a moment.” Ness reached under the bed and pulled out a hand towel. “I guess Rhea hasn’t found my cum-towel stash yet.” He handed the towel to Darren who cleaned his hand and the side of the bed as best he could before handing the towel to Ness to clean himself up. “I guess I’d better sweep my room before we leave. Don’t know what other incriminating evidence I might have left behind.”

  After cleaning up, they got back into bed. This time Darren let Ness spoon him from behind. He could feel Ness’ still semi-erect cock caressing his back.

  Ness leaned in to whisper, “Seems they didn’t call the police, suspecting we were killing each other with our screams.”

  “No, we were pretty good.”

  “Darren…”

  “Yes?”

  Ness leaned in closer to Darren’s ear. “You know we still haven’t fucked yet.”

  “And you want that?”

  “I do,” Ness answered.

  Darren was quiet for a moment. “Soon, I promise. We need the right time and the right place. We haven’t had either so far. It’s going to be new for you and may take some getting used to.”

  “I want to learn.”

  “Tell me, what do you want to do—fuck or be fucked?”

  Ness was quiet. “Don’t know until I try it, but I’d like to try both. I long to feel you inside me, but I also fantasize about feeling my cock deep inside of you. I can almost taste it.”

  “Then we will try it all.”

  ***

  Mai and Loretta were waiting in the Admissions office after their meeting with the counselor. The meeting had gone well. Tyler was well behaved, although he tended to squirm in his chair.

  Mai had presented the counselor with copies Tyler’s extensive testing, along with the CV of his many interests and accomplishments, both in school and out. Mr. Carrington, the counselor, had been greatly impressed.

  “I would suggest we take Tyler to meet some of the faculty. He can ask them any questions he might have, and they could better evaluate what would work best for your boy.”

  Mai and Loretta had approved, and Mr. Carrington had whisked Tyler away, promising they’d be back within the hour.

  It was now two hours later, and they were still waiting in the outer office.

  Loretta has browsed every magazine on the lamp table and was becoming increasingly impatient and grumpy.

  “I suppose the fact it’s taken this long is a good sign. Must mean they are engaging with him and evaluating what’s best for him,” Mai suggested.

  “That’s all very well, but it’s getting late. I’ve not had my morning coffee and it’s almost lunchtime.”

  “Want to go search for them?” Mai asked.

  “Excellent idea.” She stood up, grabbed her purse, and threw her coat over her arm. “You ready?”

  Mai stood and nodded, so they set off. The school was not in session today so they passed by many empty rooms. Finally, Loretta spied Tyler, Mr. Carrington, and a teacher in one of the classrooms.

  Tyler was at the blackboard working on a mathematical equation. Mr. Carrington and the teacher were seated at school desks, observing Tyler at work. Loretta and Mai knocked and went inside.

  Mr. Carrington turned to them, after glancing at his watch. “I’m so sorry. But it’s taken much longer than we thought. Tyler has been astonishing us with his considerable math abilities.”

  “Are you ready to make a decision?” Mai asked.

  Mr. Carrington hesitated. “Yes. Yes. We should chat. Let’s go to my office, and we can come back for Tyler when we’re finished.”

  He rose from the desk and escorted the two women back to his office. “Please sit,” he said. He shuffled some papers on his desk, clearly gathering his thoughts.

  “Have you reached a determination? Loretta asked.

  “Well… yes, but…”

  “Is there a problem?” Mai asked.

  Mr. Carrington looked up at them and said, “There is no doubt that we would be thrilled to have your son attend our school.”

  “I sense a ‘but’ coming on,” Loretta added.

  “I am quite certain we can accommodate and help your son in many ways… but… he is also far more advanced than even our most gifted students. He is definitely at university level. Our curriculum, I‘m afraid, would limit him, not advance him.”

  “Oh…” Mai said.

  “However, I do feel that Tyler, at only nine, needs the benefit of social interaction with children his own age, and from instruction in classes that are not scientific or mathematical. What I’d like to propose is that we bring in university-level tutors to work with Tyler in these fields of his special interest and ability. At our expense, of course.”

  “Cost is not a consideration,” said Loretta. “But might it not be best, then, if he were homeschooled? We can certainly bring in our own tutors. In fact, we are looking at Princeton professors who might be interested.”

  “That is certainly an option, but I have two concerns. First, I think Tyler would benefit by being socially involved with other gifted children, and second, the tutors we could provide would be specifically trained to work with gifted children, whereas a university professor may not be.”

  “Those are both excellent points,” Mai commented. “But I would like to discuss with his Tyler and also his father. Tyler has very clear ideas about what is appropriate for him or not. In fact, he is somewhat fanatical.”

  “Well, he is certainly welcome here, and we would work with you in any way to assure the very best education for Tyler.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Carrington. We will consider all the options and get back to you before the enrollment deadline,” Loretta said.

  “If you don’t mind my asking, are you considering any other schools?”

  “You came highly recommended,” said Mai, “but yes, we have put out inquiries about other schools.”

  “I think you will find we are the best academy suited to your needs.”

  “We will give it every consideration,” Loretta said, standing up. “Now, if we may collect Tyler, we will be on our way.”

  “Certainly.”

  ***

  After breakfast the next morning, Ness took Darren to the out of the way beach that he and Markos had gone to not all that long ago. Darren sat in the sand and stared out toward the blue green sea. It had been a long time since he had felt so at peace and at ease. Ness sat down beside him and rested his head against Darren’s shoulder.

  “Can we just stay here like this forever?” Darren asked wistfully.

  “Would be nice, wouldn’t it. But the world awaits us out there,” Ness said.

  “Indeed it does. When I get home, I’ve got this enormous benefit concert to organize. Ouch. And I’ve got a genius son to corral, double ouch, and college classes to teach. Triple ouch.”

  “Wouldn’t it be nice if life was like a television, and you could just change the channel and create a new life from scratch?”

  “Sounds tempting. But unfortunately, this is the life we have, and we’ve got to make it work with what we’ve got.” Darren suddenly had a thought. “Wait. This concert we’re organizing for our non-profit is going to be a really big deal. We’re hoping to go global with it. Would you like to be in it? It would catapult you into instant global stardom.”

  Ness looked at him, overwhelmed. “Are you serious?”

  “Absolutely. After all, I am one of t
he organizers.”

  Ness smiled wickedly. “I’ll even suck your dick if you do that for me.” Darren laughed. “Well, I’d do that anyway, but then, maybe I wouldn’t.” Ness’ phone rang.

  “You get reception out here?” Darren asked.

  “We’re just below the antenna that serves this part of the island.” He answered. “Hello?” He turned to Darren and said, “It’s my manager.” Darren nodded as Ness listened for a moment. “I’m at home… Really? That’s fantastic. And I’ve got some interesting news for you as well. But I’ll fill you in later on that… Do I have to? I was hoping for another day here… Okay, if you say so. I’ll call you when I get to Athens. Bye.” Ness turned to Darren. “I’ve got to go back today. Philippe’s got the American video and he needs to go over the recording contracts with me.” Darren nodded. “I was hoping for another night with you…”

  “That sounds important. But I see no reason why we can’t still spend the night together in Athens. Give me your phone and I’ll make a plane reservation and book a hotel for tonight.”

  ***

  While Loretta was in Connecticut, Melissa was combing the internet for background information on Thornton’s board member recommendations. And she did not like what she was finding. On the surface there was some minor connection to environmental causes, but as she dug deeper she found that not a single candidate had any real meaningful environmental credentials. In fact, most of them were deeply in bed with extractive resource companies. It appeared they were using their environmental connections to deflect their real intents and purposes.

  She was putting together notes for Loretta on this subject when the phone rang. “Hello, Water Unlimited.”

  “Melissa? Is Mom there? This is Darren.”

  “Oh, hi. No, she’s at the Connecticut academy with Tyler and Mai. You can call her on her cell, or I can take a message.”

  “No, you’re probably the one I should speak to, in any case.”

  “How’s Greece?”

  “Oh, Greece is great, and one particular Greek is even better.”

  “Have you met someone?”

  “I have.”

  “Is it a vacation fling?” Melissa asked.

  “I certainly hope not. He’s the real thing. That’s actually why I’m calling. He’s an amazingly talented singer-songwriter, and he’s about to break through to international stardom.”

  “That’s sensational.”

  “I want to feature him in our concert. I’m going to text you the contact for his manager, and I want you to get him booked.”

  “Do I need to talk to Loretta about that first?”

  “You do not. This concert is my baby, and I’ve got the say on the artists. Book him.”

  Melissa chuckled. “It really must be true love.”

  “I certainly hope so. We’ll see. But he is talented and will be dynamite for the concert.”

  “Okay. I’ll get the ball rolling.”

  “Have you heard anything about the academy?”

  “Not yet. I believe they were due there today. Maybe they’ll call you when they have a chance.”

  “Excellent. And thanks for your help.”

  Chapter Nine

  While Ness was meeting with his manager, Darren checked into the hotel he’d booked. He’d decided on an upscale hotel where the management had a more comprehensive view of human nature and a more liberal policy on overnight guests. As soon as he was settled in, he texted Ness with the room number and asked him to let him know when he would be free for dinner. Then he called the captain.

  “Captain Kikos, are we still on for sailing tomorrow?”

  “Not until late afternoon. Can you be here by five?”

  “I can.”

  “Then we are okay. Oh, what about the other passenger? Will he be joining us?”

  “Not right away. He’s tied up, but I’ve given him our itinerary. I’m hoping he can join us along the way.”

  “But how can I calculate his fare?”

  “Not to worry, I will pay the full fare. If he can make it fine; if not, that’s fine as well. You can keep it.”

  “Excellent. I will see you tomorrow at five, then.”

  “Is there any possibility the schedule will change? Shall I call you again in the morning?”

  “No need. You can count on our leaving.”

  “Very well. See you then. I’m looking forward to the cruise.”

  “And I’m looking forward to having another hand on deck.”

  Darren hung up and sat on the edge of the bed. He looked around the lavish hotel room but was not cheered. He was already starting to feel the impending separation from Ness. They had only just met and were still feeling their way with each other.

  He reflected on how much he’d enjoyed meeting Ness’ family, especially Kori, who was tough but fair and loving. It made him think about how much his mom would enjoy her too. Maybe someday they would meet.

  ***

  Later that evening, Darren and Ness were having dinner at what Ness had said was his favorite restaurant so far in Athens. There was music and dancing, and they had a pleasantly situated table on the patio, somewhat removed from the music so they could talk. But both were subdued, knowing it was their last evening together.

  Darren needed to ask. “How busy are you going to be these next several months?”

  Ness looked up. “Impossible to say, but things are moving really quickly. Philippe has been doing a great job charting my career.”

  “I ask because I’ve booked you a passage on the cruise. We can share the best cabin.”

  Ness put his hand on Darren’s. “Oh, that is so sweet. But I don’t know how…”

  “Yes, I thought that might be the case, so I’ve written out our itinerary so you can join us at any stop. Even if it’s just for a few days.”

  “I would love that. But we’ll just have to wait and see.”

  “I know.”

  “I told Philippe about your offer to have me play at your concert. He was thrilled.”

  “I’ve also talked to someone in our office and instructed them to contact Philippe so he can begin working on it.”

  “That’s great. At least we can count on being together then.”

  “And I’ll have the opportunity to introduce you to my family. You’ll like my mother and I know she’ll like you. My kid, well. Who knows? He’s in his own world and is the most likely of any of us to change the world. And for the better, I hope.”

  Ness was quiet for a moment. “But Darren, what now?”

  “How do you mean?”

  “What happens when you go back to New York? Of course, we’ll see each other during your concert but then what? I have no idea where my career will take me and you will be stuck at your college teaching. You’ve got a gifted son who will need lots of attention, and you’re about to start up a major non-profit that’s going to be taking you to Africa and who knows where else. How is that going to leave time for us?”

  Darren couldn’t look up from his dinner. “I honestly don’t know, Ness.”

  “What do you want for us?”

  Now Darren looked up. “I want us to be together.”

  “But how can we make that work?”

  “I’m sure I could make more time to travel to be with you. Perhaps when you become really successful you’ll have more control over your time, and we can be together more then. It’s just not knowable at this point right now.”

  “But I want to be with you now,” Ness pleaded.

  “I’m afraid we’re just going to have to be patient and see how things develop. I can’t say more. I can’t promise more.”

  “I know,” Ness said dejectedly.

  Darren then said, “You’ve told me categorically that your career is the most important thing for you. Do you still stand by that statement?” Ness nodded, but with less enthusiasm than he might have. “Then that has to be your focus and we will have to work around that.”

  Ness moved his food ar
ound the plate but didn’t seem to want to eat any more.

  “Do you want to stay for the dancing?” Darren asked.

  Ness looked up. “No, I’d rather go back to the hotel with you. It’s going to be our last night for a while. I’d rather we be alone.”

  Darren nodded. He signaled for the bill and began to take out his credit card, but Ness reached over and stopped him. “Let me. I want to tonight.”

  “But you’re not making a lot of money just yet, and you’ve got your family—”

  “Still. Let me make that choice.”

  Darren understood. “Okay.”

  ***

  Back at the hotel, later that night, they held on to each other as though Olympic winds might scour down from the mountain to try and tear them apart. The room was dark and the traffic seemed far, far away. It was not a night for sex, even though they probably would not see each other for some time.

  Before falling asleep, Ness whispered, “You have changed my life, Darren. You are the man I want always and forever.”

  Darren said, “I love you, Ness. I know that now, and I make the same pledge to you. However this works out, I want you to know that in your heart, so you may be at peace.”

  ***

  Loretta had invited Thornton to her Thursday dinner party with his wife, Bernice. Since Loretta had only just returned from Connecticut, Melissa had not yet had an opportunity to discuss her findings of Thornton’s choices for the board.

  Thornton, as always, needed to make a memorable entrance. And even though most of the guests had already arrived, Thornton’s helicopter flew low over the house, circled, and landed on the spacious lawn at the back. Of course, that drew all the guests to the balustrade overlooking the lawn. Thornton and Bernice descended from the copter under the twirling blades and strode toward the house. Thornton was dressed in a tuxedo, and Bernice wore her sable cape and a blue sequined dress with diamonds and a tiara, even though Melissa had stressed in the invitation it was to be a casual affair. Loretta came forward to welcome them, but was appalled to witness the ostentatious entrance.

  Melissa scurried to her side and whispered, “I must talk to you about Thornton before dinner.”

  Loretta turned to her. “Meet me in the kitchen in fifteen minutes.” She turned back to her advancing guests. “Thornton, Bernice, your chariot has arrived.”