Daniel, Lost...Then Found Ch. 03

CALLUM

The surprise birthday party for Pops was a smashing success. Dan dazzled everyone with his unknown talent for organizing such an amazing evening. Pops was completely shocked when he realized that we had pulled off such an elaborate and unexpected surprise. On the way home in the limo I thought Dad was going to kiss Dan, right there in front of Sean's parents and Mom and Jerry. He managed to control his emotions but he did hold Dan's hand for the whole trip home.

At the house, Dan popped a bottle of Champagne and we all had a final celebratory drink to the birthday boy. Pops, never one to miss any opportunity to speak to a group, took over and spent about five minutes praising Dan for organizing such a fantastic party and thanked Sean and I for our part as well, and the guests for attending. After the drink Dan told everyone that brunch would be laid out at ten thirty and to come to the dining room when they were ready. Before heading to the apartment I told Dan that Sean and I would be back by Nine to get the coffee started and lay out the dishes and silver. I asked what he wanted cooked and he laughed and told me to relax and snuggle up with Sean a hour longer.

"The morning after Brunch is part of the whole deal guys. It's Catered too. Cars will be picking up the guests staying at the Corvette museum and picking up Mary Ann, Malin and Connor at their house. It's the final part of Dan Drennan's Fabulous Affairs, that's the name of the company I'll start when I retire from GM. If I can convince T.J. to cook for us."

Sean and I did make it back to the main house by 9:30 and helped straighten up after the caterers had gone and put out the Silverware and China, and lit the sterno for the hot dishes. Dan was directing everything we did. Pops finally made an appearance at 9:45. When he walked into the dining room his eyes popped and his mouth hung open. "DANNY! Your still at it. This is beautiful, so elegant. You've worked yourself into the party giving job in this house for sure."

Pops gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Looking over to Sean and I, Pops said.

"Sean, Callum. Take note guys, Dan has given a Graduate Course in how you treat your man with last night's party and this brunch. Looking to Dan he said.

"I can get well accustomed to this kind of treatment for every happy occasion Dan. You've gone over the top spoiling me now. Few things surprise me about my Dan anymore, but this party has absolutely stunned me. I'm gonna wear him out thanking him over and over for this birthday surprise."

Just then the doorbell rang and the brunch guests began arriving. Mary Ann, Malin and connor were the first to arrive just as Sean's parents and his sister Caroline came in the back door from the apartment out back. The dining room Hunt Board and Buffet were covered with chafing dishes, bowls and dishes of food. We had set up a long folding table in the family room, Malin, Connor, Suze, Caroline Sean and I all ate there, all of us over 21 and still at the kids table!

This fabulous brunch lasted until almost noon. The group in the dining room were laughing and talking and generally having a great time while we younger folks in the family room were busy talking as well, catching up with each other, telling our stories. Suze was giving Sean and I a hard time about the apartment, wanting us to move out right away. Malin showed pics of her art exhibition a couple of months ago in Louisville, Connor was being courted by sports agents, he was a sure shot to be drafted into the NFL. Sean and I had some big news too, we both had just secured jobs after graduation. We kept it low key so we could tell everyone after brunch, Dan and Dad didn't even know it yet.

It took a lot of begging from me but Suze stayed until dark before going back to campus. We were in the same town, even the same College but seldom got to spend time together. We have always been close and we could be apart for months at a time and pick it all up again like we were together yesterday. I understood that she was anxious to get back to her steady guy of the last couple of months.

After everyone had eaten and before they left the table Sean and I asked the group at our table to come into the dining room because we had something to tell the whole group. When we all walked in Pops eyes immediately went to Dan, eyebrow raised. Dan just shook his head that he didn't know what was happening.

I looked to Sean and took his hand in mine.

"We don't know when we will have everyone together again like this so Sean and I have some news that we need to share with all of you. Incredible as it sounds, Sean and I will be graduating from WKU in just a bit over five months from now. We've both been contacted by 'headhunters' about various jobs and companies. Sean's field is so technical that he has been limited in the companies that have made legitimate offers that interest him. With me, Industrial Engineers are a dime a dozen it seems. But I'm proud to say that we have both been offered good positions and we will both be in the same city. The bad news is that we will be leaving Dan and Pops. Their help and guidance during our time here has not only made us closer as a family, it has molded us into respectable and responsible young men. We can never repay their kindness, their love and caring nor the financial help that they have given us. Suze will get our beloved apartment. Our other Dad, Jerry designed the place, I really wish we could take it with us. It was our first home together for Sean and I. Leaving here will be sad and both of us regret that we must do so. But our new employers will be expecting us in August. We'll be moving to Nashville, to begin our careers!

Sean's Mom shrieked and his Dad yelled, My Mom started bawling, Dan and Pops were up hugging us, everyone was excited that we would be living and working in our home town. Janie, My Mom was in tears, overjoyed that her baby would be back in town. Sean's folks were just as happy, his Dad was already making plans for a welcome home party. His Mom was a real estate agent and was telling us about great condos for rent. We told Dan and Pops that we'd be reserving the guest quarters a lot during the coming Hilltoppers Football season. Not long after the guests started leaving and by 4 pm there was only the four of us left, Dan, Pops, Sean and I.

Dan started in asking questions about where we would be working and Sean told him all about Quanta Computers and I in turn told what little I knew about my firm, Hayden Architectural Design and Interiors. We knew that we wanted to live in the Hillsboro or Green Hills area. But the big problem was that it was a very desirable area (read expensive). His Mom had promised us she could find us the perfect Condo to rent in six months time.

Pops and Dan excused themselves and went to their room, Pops saying that they would be right back, he just had to talk privately with Dan for a moment. They were back in less than five minutes.

"Sean, Cal you guys take a seat, we need to talk. This is important."

We wondered what was up but we sat and waited to hear what they were up to now.

"Guys Dan and I have just been talking and we've come up with a idea you guys might like. How would you guys like to live in Hillsboro village when you move back home? What I mean is, I still have my house there, it is rented but we can give notice and you guys can buy it if you want. It will be a great investment for you guys not to mention it is a really cool place to live."

Sean and I looked and each other, both of us shocked, I hadn't thought of that place in at least two years. But I knew it was a great idea and before I could get the question asked, Sean said yes, that will be perfect, then added.

"But only if we can have you guys as our guests then whenever you come to town. Mi Casa Es Su Casa. Quite literally in this case." Sean said.

"Jeez Pops, you guys are absolutely the greatest. I always liked that place better even than Mom's house. I love the old craftsman style and the way you restored it is so great. Is there room in the back yard for a pool?

"Yes there is room and the plans are already drawn up, I gave it up when Danny came back into my life."

"This is almost too much, How could any two guy's be as lucky as Sean and I."

Dan put his arm around Pops and laughed.

"I think the great luck runs in the family Cal. I feel the very same way every day with your Dad, here."

Sean spoke up.

"We're taking you guys out to Dinner tonight. Our treat, for real, Dress nicely we're going to Verdi in my brand new Range Rover. I have a friend who works at Verdi, I'll call him now for reservations. "

Sean stepped onto the deck to make his call and Dan and Pops just stood there, looking at each other.

Dan had a frown on his face and looked to Pops and said.

"T.J., I don't have anything to wear!"

"Poor baby, you want me to take you shopping, we can get you something nice. Or you could just wear your Tux, you look so good in it."

"Great, I'm driving." Dan said.

Pops doubled over laughing,

"you'll go to any lengths to drive that car, won't you. Very well, I could use a brisk ride about now."

Sean came in from the deck.

"We have reservations for 8:30 at Verdi. You two remember that this is our treat, leave your wallets at home."

"Thanks boys, sorry but you guys will always be our boys. We're so very proud of the men you've become but you're still our boys. Now Dan and I are off to do some shopping, Greenwood Mall, here we come!"

Dan put a little extra into the gas pedal and the Vette roared to life, we could hear him laughing in the family room.

The time between the New Years Eve party for Pops and Graduation flew by. Spring lasted about a week it seemed and soon it was Graduation week The Fishers and Mom and Jerry came on Friday, Graduation was on Sunday. Both Sean and I were graduating with honors, Him as Magna Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA and me as Summa cum Laude with 3.5 GPA. Any honor I received was because Sean pushed me to do better every time we received a grade. Pops continually thanked Sean for the way he pushed me to get better and better grades

The day arrived and I was so relieved, starting tomorrow we would begin our life in the real world. We had a home and Pops gave us his furniture that was in storage. We were set to begin our Jobs on the first day of August.

Everyone gathered on the deck and in the yard at Dan and Pop's for the party, Sean and I had changed into board shorts and tees but we wore the MortarBoard caps with the gold tassels signifying our Honors status most of the afternoon. Carter, Sean's Dad was the first to give a toast to us. and when he had finished, the garage door opened and his Mom drove out is Sean's graduation present. A new Range Rover Evoqe SUV. Silver with saddle brown leather. Trucks aren't supposed to be pretty but this one was absolutely breathtaking.

Sean went crazy, I feared that he would hyperventilate he was so excited. After everyone had calmed down I expected Dad to toast us but it was Dan who spoke. I didn't see Pops anywhere. Dan's toast to us made tears well up for both of us as he told of his love and affection for us. Everyone was moved by his words and it got very quiet when he had finished. Just when it was at the quietest, I heard the roar of a V-8 motor starting up. At first I thought it was Dan's Vette but it didn't sound just right. Then I saw it. Oh migod! Coming around the corner of the house was THE STANG! I fell to my knees I was so shocked. I was up quickly and running to Pops and The Stang. He had stopped and was by the car when I hit him at a full run, wrapping him in a bear hug, my face wet with my tears of joy! There wasn't anything I could say right then so I just kept hugging my Dad.

When I had recovered enough, he tossed me the keys. She's your's now son. I'm so sorry for making you feel so bad when I told you that I traded it away. Lanes' refreshed the old girl these past few months and she's like new again. Now you can take her back home to the village in Nashville and put her in her proper garage. But remember, her next redo is on you.

Sean came running up,

"oh my god, it's the same car. I thought it was another at first, but it's The Stang."

Sean hugged Pops.

"You knew how much he loves that car. I'm a little jealous of it, he has talked about it so much since it has been gone. He cried that first night. Thank you Mr. C., you know that you and Dan are more to us than just Cal's Dads. We both want to be just like the two of you."

"We know that Sean. We love you both so much. Having you here has been a gift for us, we will miss you terribly. Dan and I were hoping you would both stay for Grad School and be with us a while longer."

All the guests came over to look at the Mustang. Bill, Suze's main squeeze was stunned by the Mustang. Bill's Dad was a Ford dealer; Suze told him about growing up with her Dad driving it everyday and how her brother couldn't mention their Dad with talking about that car too.

Around four pm the last of the guests said their goodbyes and Dan, Pops, Sean and I were left to clean up. Sean and I took the outside while Dan and Pops went inside. By six o'clock everything was back to normal, and all signs of the party were gone except for the two new additions to the garage.

The next morning Sean and I both jumped up out of bed before we realized that we weren't in school now. Laughing we went to the kitchen and made fresh juice in the juicer. We decided that we should start packing things up to be taken to Nashville. We would be in possession of the house on the first of July and Due at our new jobs on August first. The day we left the apartment was bitter sweet. We both loved that place that had been built for us.

The Moving truck took our things on the morning of June 30th. and we drove to Nashville the next day. By five o'clock that afternoon our possessions were in our new home. When everything had been put into its new place, we knew what furniture items we still needed. First on the list was new bedroom furniture for us, a TV room sofa and chairs, dishes, cutlery, glassware and a cookware set. We found everything on our list and came home with everything but the furniture which would be delivered.

Pops gave us the furniture he hadn't taken to Bowling Green that had previously been here. So we had a place to sleep until the new furniture arrived. That night Mom and Jerry and Sean's folks all came over;0 both sets of parents bringing tons of food and we received four bottles of wine for housewarming gifts.

A little after ten pm everyone was gone and we were sitting on the bar stools in the kitchen.

"Cal! We don't have to go to class anymore. We're done, let's take off for a few days. Take a quick break before we have to join the workforce." "Do you have something in mind Sean?"

"I do but I don't know that you will go for it Callum."

"You'll never know until you try me, Sean. What do you want to do.?"

"What would you think about a three night, four day trip to Key West. We fly of course. We can do the whole trip, hotel, meals, plane tickets for under $1,000. I've checked."

He moved closer and put his arms around me and said softly.

"We could hold hands walking on the beach, kiss in public, just be two guys in love for a few days."

Sean knew he had hooked me with that last sentence. I have a very hard time saying no to him, he's always been my weakness since we were little kids.

"You already have the tickets, don't you Sean!

Sean just gave me a sheepish, guilty look, knowing I would do anything he wished. I always have and probably I always will.

"Sure thing Sean. Three days alone, and on the beach with you sounds like paradise. When to we leave?"

"the day after tomorrow! We're gonna have a great time Cal. Caroline will be here for the furniture delivery and she'll stay at our place and keep the Range Rover while we're away. I've bought us new board shorts and a couple of Speedos."

"Have you told Dan and Pops about your scheme?"

"No I thought I'd let you do that. Scheme? I just think we ought to have some down time together before we start working for the rest of our lives. We've never been really alone, family is always near or in the room. I'm not complaining about that at all, Cal. I would like for us to be away and alone for just a little while. I think it will be good for us, a special Cal and Sean time"

"You're right, as usual Sean. Wow Key West! You better not dump me for some beach body. I'm going to the tanning salon tomorrow and get a spray on tan before I get out on the beach. I give new meaning to the words pasty white."

Our time in Key West was magical. Sean was right, we could just be two guys in love here. There was a special bonding for us on that trip, a beginning of sorts as we would soon be living on our own. Being away from family and on our own was such a great feeling. We were adults now. And we weren't alone either, we had seen at least three other gay couples at this hotel.

On our first morning we decided to try on the new swim suits. When Sean put on the his new speedo my heart raced. I wasn't at all sure I wanted him to go to the beach in that. He looked so freaking sexy I boned up in an instant. He kept ribbing me to put the Speedo he got for me but I told him there was a problem and his hand groped at my cock.

"Do I need to take care of this so you can get into the Speedo, Cal?"

"Well..."

With that he pulled my shorts to the floor got on his knees and took me into his mouth. Needless to say we would up naked on the bed, me on my back with Sean deep inside me. He wasn't gentle either, hot and sweaty we fucked hard. Him pounding my ass and my ass trying to devour his cock. The end result was two exhausted but satisfied young men and a short nap, and me with a silly little grin on my face all day. After the nap we both got into the speedos and stood looking in the mirror.

"Damn babe, a guy can't hide anything in these. Are we really going out on the beach in these."

'They are kinda skimpy Cal, but you look good enough to eat it it. I'm game if your are. Just remember you're going home with the one who brung ya, you hear!"

"Great, understood. It will be a rush with you beside me in that. Sean your butt is amazing in that suit, that bulge in front looks good too. We may have to run back to the room and do it again, you sexy man."

I have to say that heads did turn as we walked down the beach. Every pair of eyes were covered with shades but we knew that were watching. We stopped at an open space of beach and spread out a blanket and lay down. Knowing that we were being watched, we sort of put on a little show of me putting lotion on Sean and him putting it on me. I got hard again oiling up his body and it was painful in the speedo. We were both reading, on our fronts, propped up on elbows reading. Our feet were touching, rubbing and keeping up our contact. After a half hour we turned to lay on our backs and saw that there was six or seven guys near us. The empty space had filled quickly.

After an hour we got up and went to a beach side bar for a cool refreshing drink. We sat at an Umbrella table with our drinks and talked. Soon a couple came up and asked if they could join us. All the other tables were occupied. They introduced themselves as Steven and Richard. Steven spoke first."

"Thanks guys. I don't mean to pry but are you guys a couple by any chance. We hope so, Rich and I would like someone to pal around with without the come ons the single guys try. Rich and I have been together 4 years now. Oh gosh, I forgot. I'm Drew."

"That's great guys. Yes this is Sean and I'm Cal. We are very much a couple. We've know each other and been best friends since kindergarten. We started fooling around in high school and we committed to each other our freshman year in college."