Mason's Chance

I walked around the perimeter, starting at the end with the tallest trees. I always wanted a big tree, but I didn't need one. I only had a small box of ornaments to decorate with anyway. I walked to the other end and picked out a smaller Frasier Fir tree. It was symmetrical and stood about four and half feet tall. The salesman helped me tie it to the roof of my car before I headed home.

I quickly placed the tree in the stand and set it up in front of one of the windows on the front side of the house. I pulled up the hood on my jacket before I climbed the thin wooden ladder into the attic. The attic was mostly empty, but I found the two boxes I was looking for and headed back downstairs. I plugged in the strands of white lights to make sure they worked before wrapping them around the tree. One of my favorite memories as a child was watching the colored bubble lights as they lit up the tree. I still had one of those original strands from years ago and carefully wound up in a slight spiral around the tree. The other box contained some ornaments, including ones that I had made in school, when I was very young. I pulled one out and stared at it, trying to remember happy times with my parents. I sighed and carefully placed the glitter covered ornament back in the box. I hung the others around the tree. MeMaw always had an angel for the top of her trees, but one of my favorite memories was when my dad lifted me up to the top of the tree so I could place a star.

I didn't have the original star; it was lost before I moved back into my grandmother's house at eighteen. I had bought one that I thought was close. I placed it on top of the tree, trying to contain my emotions. I stared at the star, as if it was guiding me somewhere. I hoped that my parents were proud of me. It was hard growing up alone, without much support. I managed to graduate high school with honors. I had planned on going to community college, but had never gotten around to doing so. I walked in the kitchen and found an instant packet of hot chocolate mix. I heated the water and added the mix. Channeling a younger version of myself, I sat cross-legged in front of the tree and watched the bubbles in the colored liquid while I slowly sipped my drink.

**

I took a steaming hot shower. I wasn't sure why, but I wanted to look my best for Tom. I let the orange scented shampoo drip suds down my 5'9" body. I lathered up my washcloth and let it leave a trail of bubbles over my lean, but firm frame. I couldn't hide my excitement at the thought of Tom. My dick was almost six inches long and pointed proudly out in front of me, like the mast of a ship. I had only limited sexual encounters in my past, both were awkward and frantic. It was the same both times. There were two other guys my age in the orphanage. We were all seniors in high school. They both thought they were forcing me, but I secretly longed for it, craving the attention. They never reciprocated and I was left to my own devices. I enjoyed the second time more than the first. They used me, but I allowed it. They didn't show me any affection or kiss me. The only thing they let my lips touch was their average sized pricks.

I thought about Tom, imaging a long and thick shaft entering me. I braced the shower wall with my right hand as I fantasized with my left, letting it stroke up and down my soapy shaft. I imagined what it would be like to kiss Tom, feeling his silky-soft red lips pressed against mine, enjoying my first kiss. I let my left hand trace up my smooth body and pinch one of my nipples, causing me to shiver from the feeling. I lightly groped my balls in my hand before squeezing my throbbing member. I felt my body tighten as I exploded, my pent up passion surging out of my slit like a space shuttle leaving the atmosphere. Barely coherent I mumbled "Tom."

I was nervous as I stood in front of the mirror after I showered. I brushed the bangs of my light brown hair to the side. I saw my own brown eyes staring back at me. I knew this wasn't a date, but the thought of seeing Thomas, Tom, again had my heart fluttering. I had never been on a date. I was shy and kept to myself. Agreeing to eat dinner with Tom and his son was a huge step for me. I shaved what little peach fuzz was on my face away before brushing my teeth and tongue.

In my bedroom I opened my underwear drawer. It was bright and colorful. The orphanage only gave us plain white briefs when our old ones were threadbare and worn. When I was able to start buying my own I bought the brightest, most colorful ones I could find. I picked out a pair of tight red and blue striped boxer briefs. I slid them on under a tight pair of blue jeans. If I had one feature that I thought looked good it was my butt. It was firm, but plump. I pulled on a striped thermal shirt before I donned my trusted red hoodie.

My watch told me that it was quarter of six. I talked myself in and out of going approximately nine times before I forced myself to walk to the car. I buckled up before pulling out my phone and Tom's business card. I studied the card and learned that Tom was a certified electrician. I skimmed to find his cell phone number and tentatively dialed the number.

"Hey, is this Mason?" I grinned realizing he was anticipating my call.

"Yeah Tom, it's Mason." I answered trying to sound confident over the phone as I started the engine and turned on the headlights.

"I am happy you called, I half thought you wouldn't." Tom continued.

"I almost didn't." I admitted and heard him chuckle on the other end.

"Do you know where New Hope Methodist Church is?" He asked as I thought about the landmark.

"Yeah it's like five minutes from my house." I said as I went over the directions in my mind to get there.

"Great!" Tom said. "Well if you turn on Second Street, I'm all the way at the end, 4 houses from the church. Call me if you get lost."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of getting lost. "Will do, can I bring anything?" I asked.

"Just your appetite." I don't know how, but I could tell he was smiling through the phone. Somewhere in the depths of my mind I heard my mom. "Never go empty handed to a dinner party." I had never thought about it, but I know it was something I had heard my mom say. I made a quick pit stop at the diner and Ms. Peggy sold me a chocolate pie with whipped cream topping.

"What's the occasion sweetie?" Peggy asked smiling at me as she took the pie out of a cooler.

"I was invited to a, uh, friend's house for dinner." I could feel heat rushing up the sides of my neck as she studied me.

"Good for you Mason. Have fun." She smiled her warm smile at me and waved me on my way. My heart started racing as I approached the steeple and turned left onto Thomas' road. I pulled up to what I hoped was his house and parked by the ditch, not sure if I should park in the drive. I took several deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart. I was halfway to the house when I realized that I had forgotten the pie. After collecting myself, and the pie, I stood in front of a red painted door with a brass knocker. I picked up the knocker and before I could let it sound the door opened. My hand released the knocker and it fell with a thud while Tom smiled at me.

"Come on in Mason." He said taking the box from me. "You shouldn't have."

"My mom-." I wasn't sure how to finish that thought.

"Your mom made this?" He raised his eyebrows looking excited as he closed the door behind me.

"Um, no." I was struggling for words but pushed on. "My mom used to say to never go somewhere empty handed. Or at least I think she did." A sad look must have crossed my face as I followed him into the kitchen.

"You alright Mason?" The concern in Tom's voice was genuine as he studied me.

"Yeah, sorry. My parents passed away when I was very young. I'm not sure my mom said that, it just came to mind when I was on my way." I shook my head, trying to shake the sadness off of my face.

"Oh I'm so sorry." Tom knew what it was like to lose someone close to you and empathized with me while he stirred a pot of stew on the stove.

"Hey Mr. Mason." Little James said as he came darting through the kitchen. "What's that daddy?" He asked as he looked at the box sitting on the counter.

"I don't know, Mason brought it, ask him." Tom smiled warmly at James and then at me.

"It's chocolate pie." I said with a grin as James started trying to climb a stool to reach it.

"After dinner buddy." Tom told his son who huffed in defeat.

I was surprised that I was so at ease with Thomas and James. I really enjoyed sharing a meal with them. Tom listened and asked about my life growing up. I tried to sugar coat some of it, making it sound better than it was. I didn't like people pitying me, but Tom seemed genuinely interested in hearing my story. He told me about his wife, and her struggle with leukemia. I tried to be as supportive to him as he had been with me. James was a trooper; he talked about his 'momma' with a big grin on his face. He was a good kid and listened to his dad.

"Chocolate time?" James asked giggling.

"Sure buddy." Tom answered as he went to fetch the pie, plates, and utensils. James was giddy with excitement as he watched his dad slicing the pie. I noticed that Tom wasn't wearing his wedding band when he placed a slice of pie on a plate. James was served first and quickly started digging in. Both Tom and I laughed at the sight, his face was covered in chocolate and whipped cream.

"This is great pie." Tom said looking up at me.

"Yeah, it's from the diner. It's my favorite." I answered smiling at him.

"You got more of it on you than in you." Tom joked as he used his pointer finger to wipe some of the pie off of James cheek.

"It was yummy thanks Mr. Mason." James exclaimed.

"No problem James, you don't have to call me mister either." I answered and he giggled and pointed to my face.

"Daddy he's got it on his cheek too." I used my napkin to wipe the side of my face which had James laughing harder. "Missed it." Tom reached across the table and I watched as his finger wiped the cream off of my cheek. I felt the heat rush into my cheeks from the contact and I looked away from him as he wiped his finger on a napkin.

"Can I go watch TV?" James asked his dad.

"Sure buddy." He answered smiling as James darted into the other room.

"Thanks for dinner, it was." I paused a moment searching for the right word. "Wonderful."

"Thanks for coming." It's nice to have an adult to talk to. I smiled and helped Tom clear the table.

"Well... I guess I'll get out of your hair." I said as I fidgeted with my hands.

"Oh, I was going to watch The Walking Dead after I put James to sleep. You can stay and watch if you want. I hesitated, trying to assess the situation. It seemed as if Tom wanted some company.

"What episode." I asked, buying more time to consider his offer.

"I have last weeks on the DVR, I missed it." Tom answered.

"It's pretty good." I answered grinning at him. "Yeah sure I'll stick around a little longer. A smile spread across Tom's face at my answer and we sat around the table and chatted. I found out that Tom was four years older than I was at 30. His dad was an electrician and he learned the ropes from him. Both of his parents had passed away, and James' only relatives were his maternal grandmother and his mom's sister. Tom was so handsome and charming. It was hard not to ogle him. I knew he was just looking for friendship, but I couldn't help but get lost in his glistening hazel eyes. We chatted merrily until he went to put his son to bed.

"Goodnight Mason." I heard from the other room.

"Goodnight James, sleep tight." I waved and smiled when I saw him reach for his dad's hand as they headed upstairs. I couldn't help the single tear that fell down my cheek at the love between a father and son. I quickly wiped my face and went to sit in front of the TV waiting for Tom to return.

"Sorry I took so long." Tom said as he walked into the room. "He likes you."

"Me?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yeah you." He said as he sat beside m on the couch and picked up the remote. "He asked if you could come over for supper again."

"It was probably the pie." I smiled which caused Tom to laugh.

"Definitely the pie." We were both laughing now.

"Can I ask you something?" I nervously asked, not wanting to stir up old wounds.

"Sure." Tom said turning his head to face me.

"Why did you take off your wedding band?"

"I decided that I need to move forward. Put myself out there." Tom's eyes locked onto mine before he shifted his attention to the television.

"Oh." Was all I could manage to say.

"No spoilers." He added before he started the episode.

"Not a word." I replied as I settled into the comfortable couch. Tom was fast forwarding through one of the commercials when I noticed his arm was on the back of the couch, inches from my neck. I instantly felt a desire to sink into his larger frame. I sighed and leaned back, letting the back of my head lightly brush against his arm. He didn't move it, but he glanced at me with a nervous smile. At the next series of commercials I stood up.

"Can you tell me where the restroom is?" I asked and received the directions. When I finished I washed my hands and looked at myself in the mirror, I ran my fingers through my hair before heading back to the couch. Tom had paused the show and waited for me. I sat a little closer to Tom this time, pushing the boundaries a little more than I probably should have. Tom resumed the show as I slid back into the couch. This time when Tom stretched his around on the back of the couch I was closer to him. I leaned back on his arm as I relaxed into the couch. If he noticed, he didn't react. I rested my head on his arm for the remainder of the show. At one point I thought I felt his fingers ghost across my arm, but when I looked over at him he was engrossed in the show.

"Thanks Tom, that was fun." I said as I stood up and walked towards the front door.

"It really was, I'm glad you came Mason." I stopped to face him before heading out to my car.

"Me too-." The words were barely out of my mouth when it happened. I felt the warm heat of his lips as they encircled mine. His goatee tickled my face lightly. My eyes fluttered shut and I couldn't help the wanton moan that escaped my lips. He pulled away and I sighed, immediately missing the contact. I opened my eyes.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that."

"Why not?" I asked. Wishing he hadn't stopped.

"We just met." He started, but this time I cut him off. I felt a fire burning inside me as I placed my lips to his, he pulled me tightly to him deepening the kiss. I felt as his tongue started probing against my lips, asking permission to enter. I gladly opened for the intruder, enjoying the feeling as his tongue played chase with my own. I was harder than I could ever remember being. I felt Tom's hardness poking into stomach as we passionately explored each others' mouths.

"You're the first person I've been attracted to since..." Tom pulled away and his watery eyes locked onto my own. They were warm and hopeful. I smiled at him and nodded. "Can I see you again?" He asked. I'm not sure why he asked, after a kiss like that he wasn't going to get rid of me that easily.

"Of course." I answered as he placed two or three quick kisses on my lips.

"Can't wait." He held the door open for me and I took a step across the threshold. "I'll call you."

"I'll answer." I smiled as I headed toward my car. I was on cloud nine. That kiss was better than anything I had imagined. I was happier than I had been in years. When I arrived home I stoked the fire and curled up with my comforter on the couch. My mind was alive with the possibilities and I just smiled, thinking of Tom, until I drifted off to sleep.

**

Saturday I went to work with a new spring in my step. It was around six in the evening when my phone rang. I saw it was Tom so I ducked into the office to answer it.

"Hey Tom." I spoke into the phone.

"Hey there Mason, I was wondering if you were free tonight?"

"I'm at work, I'll probably be here until around eleven." I answered.

"Oh." I heard the disappointment in his voice, which made me smile. "What about tomorrow night?"

"Sorry Tom, I'm working 4:00 -- 11:00 again."

"Oh, well can you hang out before work?" I was glad that he wanted to spend time with me and eagerly agreed.

"Sure can."

"Well I'll let you get back to work, I'll call you tomorrow. Bye Mason."

"Bye Tom." I know I was grinning when I headed out of the office.

*

Sunday morning came and I was filled with nervous energy. I was up and ready early waiting to hear from Tom. It was almost eleven when my phone started ringing.

"How do you feel about tagging along and helping James and me pick out a Christmas tree?" Tom spoke into the phone.

"I'd love to." I answered. Tom was going to pick me up so I gave him directions to my house. Within a few minutes a saw his pickup truck before he pulled into the drive. I met him outside as he opened the passenger door for me.

"Hey Mason." Tom said as he brushed my arm before I climbed into the front seat of his four door truck.

"High-five Mason." I heard James from the back seat, he was buckled in a holding his hand up waiting to slap hands. I grinned at him and gave him a five before I buckled my own seatbelt. Tom grinned at me as we headed to find a Christmas tree. Tom pulled into a larger tree stand than where I had been. There were inflatable reindeer and Santa Clause figures. James was giddy as he ran around, enjoying the Christmas decorations. I felt Tom grasp my left hand and looked at him in disbelief.

"Too much?" He asked nervously. I was speechless but enjoyed it. I shook my head and laced our fingers together as we walked down the rows of trees.

"Daddy, daddy." I heard as James came running towards us. I expected Tom to drop my hand but he held firm.

"What is it buddy?" He asked.

"I found the tree." James grabbed his dad's other hand and dragged us off towards the tallest tree on the lot.

"That's too big buddy, it won't fit in our house." Tom was smiling as he explained to his son about the trees.

"Okay, how about this one." James answered, unfazed, pointing to the second tallest tree on the lot. I watched as Tom unhooked a tape measure from his jeans and measured the tree, humoring his son.

"Sorry buddy still too big."

"Rats." James said as he ran off again

"He's a good kid." I told Tom who nodded knowingly at me. Tom guided me towards a section of trees he thought would be the right size.

"James, buddy come here." James instantly flashed around the corner and stood next to us. "These four will fit nicely, why don't you pick your favorite." Tom pulled me back towards him as James carefully circled the cluster of trees. He walked around each one inspecting them for flaws.

"This one!" James declared.

"Good choice buddy, it's perfect." Tom answered. Tom stopped to take pictures of James in front of the inflatable characters before we loaded up the tree and left.

"Wanna help us put up the tree Mason?" Tom asked as we got on the road.

"Please?" I heard James add from the backseat.

"How could I say no to that." I grinned at Tom and Mason as we headed to their house. Tom had large plastic containers waiting in the den when we walked in with the tree. Tom had the tree up quickly and we strung the lights. There was a lot more involved in the larger tree than my small one. Three times as many lights were strung around. The tree was glistening. James hung his favorite ornaments around the bottom of the tree where he could reach. Tom and I helped him reach higher branches.

"You ready to put the angel up buddy?" Tom asked his grinning son. Tom handed James an angel with golden blonde hair and blue eyes.