Another Chance - Book Two
Chapter Four: Between a Brock and a Hard Place
By Zarek Dragon
As they headed out of the barn, Zac pulled Jim in tight for a loving hug, "I'm glad that I'm not you. I would hate to think what was going through your mind at the time."
"I was thinking, where can I hide the body?" Jim said with a little laugh.
"So how was the kiss?" Zac teased.
"Kind of weird, actually. Maybe it was because I wasn't expecting it and my mouth was open, but it weirded me out. Besides, you are the only one I want kissing me like that," Jim told him. Gold kept nudging Jim. "OK, you can kiss me, too," Jim added. "You want to go for a ride?"
As Jim was prepping Gold to go riding, Brock ran back over. "I get to start working at the rescue tomorrow," Brock excitedly told Jim.
"That's great, they need guys who want to help. It won't be easy but I bet you'll make a difference for some of the horses," Jim stated.
"Can I apologize to Gold? I was thinking that he is the one to whom I really owe an apology," Brock stated.
"Yes, you may apologize," Jim agreed.
"I am sorry Gold. I think that you are a beautiful horse and would have loved having you as my own. You and Jim obviously belong to each other and had I known, I would like to believe I would not have tried breaking that bond. Can you forgive me?" Brock asked. Gold neighed and nodded his head. "Umm, did he really do that?"
"Yes, they say that animals understand very little of what we say, maybe a few words, but I swear Gold understands every word spoken to him," Jim chuckled.
"Cool, I need to get back to the Rescue. Dad is looking at a few horses that I might be interested in. He said I could come over to tell you that I will be working there but wanted me to come back quickly to help select one since they want to match the horse to me."
"Then you might want to get back over there," Jim advised.
"Before I go, can I ask you something personal?" Brock asked.
"Ask me anything, if it's too personal, I'll let you know," Jim stated.
"Are you gay?" Brock asked.
"That is a little personal, but I've always considered myself bi until I met Zac. Now, he's the only one I am interested in," Jim said.
"Oh," Brock said looking down. "I know it is way too soon, but I was hoping to eventually be your boyfriend."
"Don't worry, I think you'll have no trouble finding a handsome boy, if you stay the way you are now and not how you were when I first met you," Jim laughed.
"I know, and the good news, as long as I do not start acting like a brat again, Dad is suspending any punishment. He says that punishments are meant to teach us that our actions are wrong and he is hoping that I already learnt it. However, if I prove that I am just acting this way to get out of the punishment, then he will add on to it."
"Wow, hopefully you did learn," Jim said. "You aren't just acting this way now are you?"
"Do you believe that I would have asked to work at the rescue if it were an act? Or that I would have apologized to Gold with only you as a witness? I am truly sorry for my actions and I was thinking about Dad wanting to pay someone to teach me a lesson. I thought that I had better change my ways or else," Brock said with a tear forming at the corner of his eye.
"I believe you, now hurry back over there so your dad doesn't get upset or start to worry," Jim averred.
Brock ran back over to the Rescue. Jim didn't know that Zac had seen Brock come over and was standing at the office door while they talked. He couldn't hear everything, but he could read Brock's body language and hear a few words, especially when Brock spoke. When he put his hand on Jim's shoulder, Jim jumped. "I think that kid will be alright, but he's a little messed up," Zac said.
"How much did you hear?" Jim asked.
"Very little, but whatever he said to you, I think he really meant it. I could see remorse in the way he carried himself, especially when he talked to Gold."
"Good, I want to believe he was telling the truth, but wasn't really sure. He seems alright and I lost my desire to hide his body," Jim chuckled.
As Jim mounted Gold, Mr. Radcliffe and Brock came back over. "Before we leave, I want to thank you for not killing my son. I have no doubt that you had the desire at first."
"Did you pick out a horse?" Jim asked.
"The horse that Brock likes and seems to like him cannot be released for a few more days. Brock said that he would be willing to wait if it means the horse will be at his best."
As they chatted, Joe was walking Sunshine to the arena. Brock saw him and asked about him. "He was sired by Gold, but that's my brother's horse," Jim said.
"If Gold sires any more, will they be for sale?" Brock asked.
"Possibly, but I have no idea when that will happen again or if the foal will be for sale at this time," Jim responded.
"The next foal he sires, would you consider letting me buy him?" Brock asked.
"You know that the foal won't be able to be ridden for a while, don't you?" Jim asked.
"Like two or three years, I believe," Brock said. "Their muscles and bones need to develop and then they need breaking. I would love to have a horse since its birth so maybe I could develop a bond like you did with Gold," Brock explained. "And if Gold is the sire that would be even better." Gold reached over and pulled Brock closer as if in a hug.
"Listen, we can't let you work here, but I am basically just riding today. We normally charge for riding except employees of the ranch or volunteers at the Rescue. Would you be interested in riding with me, today? We can take you home afterwards so your father doesn't have to stick around or come back," Jim offered.
"I do not start working there until tomorrow and I have no riding clothes here," Brock explained.
"But you will be starting, that's all that matters there. As for the clothes, I have a spare pair of jeans and a t-shirt you can wear. I just don't have any boots," Jim offered.
"These are my old shoes, I can wear them," Brock said as Jim dismounted and headed for the barn with the lockers. He and Mr. Radcliffe followed Jim in.
As Jim opened his locker, Brock started removing his clothes. "Brock, I am sure they have someplace you can change," Mr. Radcliffe stated.
"You were going to have me work naked, so what is the difference, Dad? Besides, I am sure Jim has seen naked guys before and you have seen me naked a few times," Brock stated logically.
"I do take PE at the school, so yeah, I have seen naked guys. All is cool as far as I'm concerned," Jim said.
"I guess it does not really matter," Mr. Radcliffe agreed. Brock handed him his clothes and Mr. Radcliffe headed for the door. Before he went out, he looked at Brock, "You did not take your keys out of your pocket, what time do you expect to be home?"
"We usually leave around four or five depending on what's going on," Jim stated.
"So I should expect you a little after five?" Mr. Radcliffe asked as Brock was slipping on the pair of jeans Jim gave him.
"Yes sir, I believe that sounds about right," Brock answered.
After Mr. Radcliffe left, Jim looked at Brock, "You know he really loves you."
"You don't know the half of it. My dad suspected that I was gay a few years ago. He came in, closed my door and told me that if I were, he would love me no matter what. So I admitted it to him. He put his arms around me and said that he just wanted me to be happy," Brock said with a smile.
"I can see that. What about your mom?" Jim asked hoping for similar results. To Jim's surprise, Brock broke down crying. From what little Brock managed to say, Jim gathered that Brock's mom left when she found out that Brock was gay. "Sorry, I didn't know," Jim said trying to comfort Brock.
"Is everything alright?" Zac poked his head in the barn. "Gold's been waiting." Then he noticed that Brock was crying and Jim was holding him.
"I just found out that Brock's mom didn't accept him being gay," Jim mouthed.
"Sorry, I just tried to make light of everything and not really accept her leaving. Until today, Dad basically let me have whatever I wanted to let me know that he didn't blame me for it, her leaving that is. Guess today was too much," Brock said.
"Well, it's not your fault that she left. My dad left before I even knew I was gay and it's his loss just like it's your mom's. You deserve someone who loves you no matter what," Zac stated.
"Maybe I did, not so sure with the way I've been acting lately," Brock said.
"Your dad obviously loves you," Jim said.
"I know, but he's my dad. He's supposed to love me. But then, so was my mom," Brock started crying again.
"Like I said, her loss. We've seen you at your worst, or so I hope. Jim was ready to kill you, but now we see you as a good guy who feels a lot of hurt," Zac said.
Brock chuckled, "I can understand why you wanted to kill me. I am so sorry for trying to take Gold."
"Like I said, no apology necessary. Gold is the greatest horse ever, as far as I am concerned, so I understand. Why don't we see if we can find a horse for you to use? I bet Gold is getting antsy," Jim said.
Brock looked at Zac, "And I'm sorry for kissing your boyfriend."
"You didn't know, and he is hot," Zac said smiling. Jim blushed.
Jim was
helping Brock prep his horse and it surprised Jim how much he knew about prepping. Jim didn't have to tell him anything. It was almost noon when Brock finished cinching the saddle. A black SUV pulled into the parking lot. The man getting out could almost be Jackson's twin. At first, Jim thought it was Jackson.
Holding Gold's reins, Jim walked over. "Pardon me, but is your last name Sprayberry by any chance?"
"Sorry, but no. My name is Jacob Malcolm Dylan, why do you ask?" the man responded.
"You look a lot like the owner of this ranch. I mean you could be his twin," Jim told the man.
"Perhaps I am. I was adopted and told that I do have a twin. I've yet to get any information on him. Do you know his date of birth?" Jim had Jacob curious.
"Unfortunately, he's kind of secretive about that but I do know that he was born in 1991," Jim stated.
"Is he here?"
"No, he's on vacation and won't be back until Sunday. So, are you the man wanting to give his son riding lessons?" Jim asked.
"Yes, we just moved here from Florida and my son asked if he could learn to ride since we're going to live in horse country," Jacob stated.
Joe walked up at that time, "I'm going to be the instructor. If he will follow me, we can pick out a horse for him."
Jared Michael Dylan got out of the SUV. As he headed towards the barns behind Joe, he saw Brock mounting a horse. Jared walked into a post for the corral. "Are you alright?" Brock was there fast. "Do you need mouth to mouth resuscitation?" Brock asked smiling.
"Only if you're the one giving it," Jared stated. Brock smiled and helped him up.
"My name's Brock. I'll be volunteering at the Rescue until the end of summer and then on the weekends during school."
"Cool, I definitely want to come here for my training then. By the way, my name is Jared."
Before Jared hit the fence, Jim was talking with Jacob. "You seem a little young to have a son Jared's age. What are you about seven years older than him?" Jim asked.
"Elizabeth and I were both adopted and while we eventually want an actual birth child, we wanted to adopt a child first to give them a chance. At first, we wanted a baby so no one would question it, but then we had seen Jared getting picked on by the other kids. I went to break it up and started talking with Jared. He sat with us while we talked with the social worker."
"And you decided to adopt him?" Jim asked.
"Not at first, but we did ask if he could spend time with us to see how things went. Jared smiled and that was when I knew he is the son that I wanted. Took Elizabeth a couple days. He told us right away that he was gay and that was why he was getting picked on. He wanted to be up front about it in case that mattered. Oh no, he just walked into a post!" Jacob said running toward his son.
"If you want to come here, I have no problem with that. Perhaps I can meet my twin then," Jacob stated after hearing his son talking to Brock.
Joe took Jared to find a horse and Jim took Brock to go riding. "He seems like a nice boy?" Jim asked.
"I like him, and I think he likes me. I think he invited me to kiss him," Brock was smiling.
"You kissed me but not him when he invited you?" Jim inquired.
"What if he has a boyfriend?" Brock replied.
"If he invited you to kiss him, he doesn't," Jim told him. "What exactly did he say?"
"Well I asked if he was alright or needed mouth to mouth. He responded by saying only if I were giving it."
"Yeah, I think that was an invite to kiss him," Jim told him.
"You do not think I blew my chances by not kissing him, do you?" Brock questioned.
"I seriously doubt it, he's attracted to you. Listen, if you don't mind my asking, I've noticed that you don't use any contractions, may I ask why?" Jim was being curious.
"Contractions are not proper English and I am constantly reminded that I should always use proper English. If you do not tell, I'd really like to use contractions," Brock said chuckling.
"Dude, I won't tell. Around here, relax and just be a typical teenager," Jim advised.
"Oooh, that lake looks so beautiful," Brock said as they got within view of it.
"Want to go swimming?" Jim asked.
"I did na… didn't bring any trunks," Brock said.
"You wouldn't be the first to skinny-dip in it. Zac and I have many times. So has Joe," Jim explained.
"Seriously!!! What if someone comes around?"
"We stay in the water until they leave," Jim said as he started taking his clothes off. Brock followed suit.
After the boys enjoyed a long swim, Jim got out and sat by the fire pit. Brock got out and sat beside him. "I'm surprised that you are comfortable being naked around me after this morning," he told Jim.
"I seriously thought about it. Now you know that I have a boyfriend and you don't want to jeopardize anything that might happen with Jared, so I feel safe."
"Sounds logical, and you are right. Still, if our roles were reversed, I'm not sure if I'd have felt comfortable," Brock stated, smiling every time he used a contraction.
"Be careful, keep using contractions and you might slip and use one in front of your dad," Jim teased. After he felt dry, Jim started putting his clothes on.
When they got back to the ranch, Jared was already gone. Brock was a little disappointed. "How'd the training go?" Jim asked.
"It was nearly impossible. All he wanted to talk about was Brock and I don't think he heard a word that I said," Joe complained.
Brock perked up, "Really, he kept talking about me?"
"Yeah, he wanted to know if you were dating anyone, he asked if I thought you'd go out with him. I kept telling him that I've barely even met you myself so how should I know. Then he asked me something else about you," Joe ranted.
"Cool, if you see him again, tell him that I am interested in a guy named Jared," Brock told him.
"He might think it's him. His name is… Wait, you do mean him, don't you?" Joe started to smile. Brock smiled back and nodded his head.
"We'll be ready to go once we get the horses taken care of," Jim said.
Brock helped Jim brush Gold and chit chatted. Gold was more accepting of Brock now that he seemed to be a friend of Jim's. "Do you think Gold would ever let me ride him once?" Brock asked. "I know that he's your horse, and I heard you say that he did let someone else ride him last week, so I'm just curious. I'd love to say that I got to ride him, if only the one time."
"Last week, we encountered a snake and I fell off and got hurt. Gold let Zac ride him for the first time but only to rescue me. We don't even know if he'll let Zac ride him again," Jim responded.
"Well, I figured it didn't hurt to ask," Brock stated.
"Continue to be Gold's friend, and maybe someday, but I'm making no promises."
"I understand," Brock said with a smile.
The horses were stabled and the boys got into Joe's jeep. Brock gave them his address and Jim punched it into the GPS. As they pulled up to the gate, Brock punched in the code to open it. Jim saw four horses roaming the property. "Who do these horses belong to?" Jim asked.
"To whom do these horses belong?" Brock corrected out of habit, "Sorry, I have heard that told to me many times when I phrased a question of sorts. They are my father's and I can ride then whenever I desire, but I prefer to have my own. And I am serious about wanting a foal to raise such as you have Gold."
"Again, no promises, but if Gold has a foal and it goes for sale, I will let you know. I believe that you'll treat the foal very special. Just don't spoil it," Jim said with a grin.
They pulled up to the door and Brock invited the boys inside. Joe turned off the engine and they got out. Brock was about to ring the bell when his father opened the door. Brock threw his arms around his dad and thanked him several times. "You seem to be in good spirits. I take it you had fun."
"Yes sir, I can't er… I mean cannot express how much I enjoyed being there." Jim chuckled, thinking 'I warned him.'
"Relax Brock. While I try to use proper language, I prefer you to use it when dealing professionally, but if you wish to use contractions with your friends, just have fun." Mr. Radcliffe stated.
"Thank you Dad. I love you so much," Brock started crying into his dad's shoulder.
"You going to tell him, or do you want to wait and see what happens?" Jim asked.
"Tell me what?" Mr. Radcliffe asked.
"I may have a boyfriend," Brock said smiling as he wiped his eyes.
Mr. Radcliffe turned to Joe and started welcoming him to the family. Brock stopped him, "Not him Dad, although I can see why you'd think that."
"Oh, what is his name?" Mr. Radcliffe asked.
"His name is Jared and can we discuss him during dinner?" Brock asked.
"Of course, and speaking of which, would you boys like to stay for dinner?"
"We appreciate the offer, but Mom probably already has ours cooking." Jim said.
"You know, I would have never guessed that the two of you are brothers. You do not look anything alike."
"Jim was adopted," Joe said quickly. Jim elbowed him.
"Actually, Joe was adopted, but the way we act with each other, you'd never have guessed it. Santa gave him to me last Christmas," Jim said with a smile.
"I think it was Santa gave Jim and his mom to me. See I kinda adopted them as my family as well as them adopting me, so Jim was adopted," Joe explained.
"I stand corrected. One thing I do know, I love having Joe as my brother and will always have his back."
"And Jim has proven that time and time again. I consider myself very lucky to have been placed with his family when my own father kicked me out."
"I'm glad Brock has made such great friends. You boys are welcome to visit whenever you wish. Just call us and we will give you the code to get in the gate. It changes every morning." With that, the boys thanked Mr. Radcliffe for his generosity and started for the door. Brock told Jim that he'd have his jeans washed and would drop them off at the ranch tomorrow as he went to the Rescue. Jim and Joe headed home.
It seemed weird to Jim working two days without Zac around, but he understood that his boyfriend had to take the days off. Jim could have, also. He could easily hit forty hours without working the days Zac was off. Joe kind of wanted Jim to be there. He was going to try again to teach Jared how to ride and he wanted Jim there in case he could give him some ideas if the kid went on about Brock again.
Jared's dad dropped him off at noon as was scheduled. Joe had the horse ready to be prepped for the saddle when Jared arrived. "Is Brock here?" were the first words out of Jared's mouth. Jim smiled.
"Brock works at the Rescue, he may visit over here sometime, but you need to focus on learning to ride," Joe told him.
"I know for a fact that Brock is interested in you. He told me that once you learn how to ride, he'd love to take you on the trails, himself," Jim told a little white lie.
"Seriously, he's interested in me?" Jared asked.
"Couldn't stop talking about you. He's hoping that you're a quick learner so the two of you could go riding, I swear."
Brock chose that time to bring Jim's jeans over. He was hoping that Jared would be there. "Hey Brock, I plan to learn how to ride as quick as I can," Jared stated.
Brock wasn't sure why Jared said that, but he smiled. "I was kind of hoping you'd be here. It's why I chose this time to bring Jim his jeans. Do me a favor and pay attention to Joe. I have faith that he'll teach you everything that you need to know, then maybe we can go riding sometime."
"Sounds like a plan, but right now, my heart is racing and I think I need mouth to mouth," Jared stated. Brock smiled and gave him a kiss. Jared pulled him in tight.
After they separated, Brock went back to the Rescue and Jared looked at Joe, "Guess I was a bit distracted yesterday, I'm ready to learn."
"Just so you know, mouth-to-mouth isn't meant for a racing heart," Joe stated.
"It worked didn't it?" Jared gave a wink and Joe smiled.
As Joe worked with Jared, he was very much paying attention and soaking in everything he was learning. Joe was impressed with how quickly he was catching on. Before the end of the week, Jared was ready to ride on the trails, but wanted to continue lessons so as to perfect his riding skills. "I know that I'll never be perfect but I want to get as close as any human can be," he stated.
"I think if you just ride regularly, you can do that, but if you want to continue with lessons, I'd be happy to assist. If you're just doing it for chances to meet Brock, you could just come to ride on the weekends," Joe advised.
"Perhaps we can do lessons until he's ready to go riding? I really would like someone advising me on how I can improve," Jared said.
"Sure, just have your dad book the lessons. If he wants, he can do it tomorrow with Jackson."
"He would like to meet him. He's been talking about it since Monday," Jared stated.
"Have you met Brock's dad yet? I know he would like to meet you," Joe asked.
"Oh no, I've been too scared to meet him. He's rich and what if he didn't approve of me dating Brock?" Jared was obviously nervous at just being asked.
"Just be yourself, I know my dad will approve of you," Brock's voice came from behind almost scaring Jared.
"And besides that, I would never tell my son who he can date. If he loves you, so will I," another voice said. Jared had his horse turn around. A handsome man looking like an older version of Brock was standing beside the boy of his dreams. "Hi, my name is Brock Allen Radcliffe VII, and I am this young man's father," Mr. Radcliffe added while holding out his hand. Jared shook it nervously.
"Pl-pl-pleased to m-m-meet you, s-s-sir," Jared stammered out.
"You were not kidding, he could almost be the kid who played young Clark Kent in the Man of Steel movie," Mr. Radcliffe stated. "Hair is not quite as dark, but very close."
"I've heard that a few times. I've never watched the movie, though," Jared said as his nerves settled a bit.
"Well, perhaps you would like to come over sometime and watch it with Brock, we have almost every movie ever put out. We even have the VHS movies that never made it to disc," Mr. Radcliffe offered.
"Are you serious?" Jared asked.
"He is, and if there's anything you'd like to watch, I'd enjoy watching it with you." Then Brock added, "So, how are your lessons going?"
"Joe says that I'm a natural. He thinks that I don't really need any more, just need to practice, but I want to improve as much as possible," Jared responded.
"Would you like to go riding then? Dad said that if you were ready, he'd come back in an hour."
"I would love to ride you, er… I mean with you," Jared said excitedly. Everyone laughed at Jared's slip.
"Sir, if you want, I can drop Brock off again so you needn't make the extra trip," Joe offered.
"I appreciate the offer. I will see you when you get home, Brock," Mr. Radcliffe said.
"I love you, Dad," Brock shot back.
"I think your dad is almost as cool as mine," Jared stated now that his nerves had calmed down.
"You do have a cool dad, but I like mine better," Brock said with a sheepish grin.
With that, Brock grabbed a horse and the two boys went riding. Joe started removing the tack from the horse he was using and Jim strolled over. "You've done an amazing job teaching him," Jim said.
"Really, once he wasn't distracted, he became an amazing student. It may be just me, but I think those two belong together."
"Yeah, I'm glad that both of them are so happy just being with the other," Jim said.
Jared looked at Brock as they rode, "Why did you do that to me?" Brock looked puzzled so Jared added, "You know how scared I was to meet your father."
"But I knew that once you met him, you would like him. He liked you from the moment I started telling him about you."
"Still, you made my heart jump into my throat. I could barely breathe. But then, I am also glad to have the initial meeting over with. If left to me, I may not have ever met him," Jared said smiling.
"That's what I was thinking and I really wanted the two of you to meet," Brock stated.
The two boys rode side-by-side holding hands. When Jared saw the lake coming into sight, he couldn't believe how intoxicating that view was. They hitched up the horses and sat on the beach. Brock took off his shirt and Jared marveled at how well his body was defined. "I have servants who work out for me," Brock joked.
"But wouldn't they be the ones with the defined abs?" Jared asked not realizing Brock was joking.
"If I really HAD servants doing it," Brock said smiling, "We actually have a lady who cooks and cleans. She doesn't touch our bedrooms, though. Dad said that was our responsibility."
"Does she live at the house?" Jared was curious.
"Yes, and she has a bedroom beside my father's. I could be wrong, but I think Dad has a thing for her. I've told him many times that she's more of a mother than my real mother has ever been. She's not afraid to tell me when I'm doing something wrong. She holds me when something is bothering me and Dad's not home. When I get hurt, she patches me up. She's even told me that she loves me as if I were her son," Brock said smiling.
"That's cool, but what happened to your real mom? She die or something?" Jared asked, not knowing. His heart sank as Brock started to cry.
"My dad has known that I am gay since I was thirteen. One night we were having dinner and that woman was making rude remarks about homosexuals. Dad could see that it was hurting me and he asked her to stop. She asked why and I told her that I was gay."
"What did she say?" Jared asked moving to put his arms around his love.
"She didn't say anything at first, she just got up and went to their bedroom. Dad followed her. She packed a bag and started for the door. Dad told her that if she left, he was filing for divorce and she'd be penniless. She tried to claim that she'd take him for half of what he had and he said something about a pre-nuptial agreement that if she left for any reason other than his infidelity, she got nothing. He always pointed out how faithful he has been. Then what she said really hurt. She said that she would rather be penniless than have a faggot for a son." After telling Jared that, Brock really started to cry.
"Then she doesn't deserve a son as good as you," Jared said.
"I know, but she's still my mom," Brock cried.
"No, she may be your mother, but it takes more than just giving birth to be a mom," Jared said, and then added, "Look at me, I don't even know who my mother and father were. They were killed in a car accident on the way to the hospital with her in labor. I have no idea if they would have accepted me or not. I just know that I spent years in the orphanage, went into foster care and as soon as the foster parents found out I was gay, I was back at the orphanage. When Mom and Dad took me in for a week, I let them know right away and they still accepted me. They are my mom and dad."
"Man, I never knew how rough some people have it. I'm crying over one person's rejection, how many rejected you?" Brock asked.
"I don't even care how many there were. None of them matter to me, the only ones that do are Mom and Dad and now you. As for you, it was your mother and that carries a lot more hurt," Jared told him.
"I don't think it will so much, I have been accepted by the sweetest guy I know. I have made a few friends here and like Zac told me, it's her loss. If she doesn't accept me, then why should I worry about her," Brock was wiping his tears.
"Well, it may hurt some, because she is your mother, but be happy and think of how much you have to gain. It may be too soon to say this, but I love you," Jared stated.
"Is it too soon for me to say that I love you, also?"
"Not if you were told that you were loved," Jared said smiling.
"Then I love you, also. Want to go swimming?"
"I didn't bring any trunks," Jared warned.
"From what I gather, the guys swim here naked a lot," Brock said slipping off his jeans. Jared started taking off his clothes, too.
When Brock got home that day, Mr. Radcliffe noticed that he seemed happier. "I take it that you had a good time with Jared?" he asked.
"More than that, we did some talking. He asked about your ex-wife and explained that she may have been my mother but she was never really my mom. If she were, she would have accepted me for who I am."
"Sounds similar to something I have tried to tell you, many times," Mr. Radcliffe stated.
"I know, but coming from someone not in the family makes it more believable. It's like yes, you fathered me, but you are my dad. You care for me even with all my flaws," Brock said smiling.
"Only flaw I ever saw was when you acted like a spoiled brat the other day. I love you too much to see any other flaws," Mr. Radcliffe joked with his son.
"And that's why you're more than a father," Brock said with a single tear running down his cheek as he hugged his dad.
"Why the tear?" his dad asked wiping his cheek.
"Because I love you so much. I want to do whatever it takes to make you proud of me," Brock said.
"Just so you know, I am proud of you. Yes, I was on my last nerve on Monday, but look how you have turned yourself around. I am so very proud of you, that I am forgetting the punishment that was suspended. I do not want you feeling like it is hanging over your head, how does that sound?"
"To be honest, I wasn't worried about it," Brock stated.
"I am glad, that tells me a lot," Mr. Radcliffe said with a smile.
"I know it's none of my business, but are you ever going to ask Miss Winslow out?" Brock asked changing the subject.
"Well, that is partly your business. I would not want to date anyone unless you approve of them and they accept you," Mr. Radcliffe responded.
"Dad, how many times do I have to tell you that she's already being more of a mom than my mother ever was?"
"Yes, but that does not mean that she accepts you for who you are. She works for me and has to treat you that way," Mr. Radcliffe explained.
"I think I would know if it were just an act. I'm going to go ride my bike," Brock said as he headed to the garage.
Brock rode to the fanciest restaurant he could find and asked to speak with the manager. "What can I do for you, young man?" the manager asked.
"I was wondering if you could help me do something. See, my dad loves this lady and I keep telling him that he should ask her out. He says that he won't unless she's willing to accept me as his son."
"That's understandable, what can I do to help?" the manager asked interrupting Brock.
"Well, she tells me all the time that she loves me like I were her son. Dad thinks she's just saying that because he hired her," Brock stated.
"I don't think she would have said that if it were not true," the manager said.
"Those are my thoughts. Anyway, I'd like to set up a dinner date. I don't care what the cost is, I will pay for it," Brock declared.
"You are Mr. Radcliffe's son, correct?" the manager verified.
"So you know I'm good for it," Brock said grinning.
"How will you get them here?" the manager asked.
"Well, could you call my dad, tell him that I just ate a meal and forgot my wallet?" Brock asked.
The manager chuckled but agreed. As he called Mr. Radcliffe, Brock called Miss Winslow. "May I ask why you're still there, didn't Dad tell you?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about," she replied. She started getting nervous over what Brock just said.
"Dad must have forgotten to tell you, we're having a family meal and he wanted you to join us," Brock told Miss Winslow. Then he gave her the address of the restaurant.
Brock stayed in the kitchen and watched as his dad came in. "I couldn't find Brock's wallet in his room, how much does he owe and where is he?"
"If you'll have a seat here, the manager will be with you shortly," the maître d' stated.
Shortly after Mr. Radcliffe was seated, the maître d' sat Miss Winslow with him. "Did the manager call you, too?" Mr. Radcliffe asked.
"No, Brock called and said that you and he were having a family dinner. He said that you wanted me to come."
Mr. Radcliffe laughed. "You have no idea how long he has been after me to ask you out. I guess I need to hide the Parent Trap movies from him."
"Hope you don't punish him for this. He's a good kid and I love taking care of him."
"You seriously think that way, even though he's gay? You're not just saying that because I pay you are you?"
"No sir, I love him as if he were my own son, and I tell him that constantly. It doesn't matter who he loves as long as they make him happy."
"In that case, would you like to have dinner with me?" Mr. Radcliffe asked.
"Is it ethical for me to have dinner with you?"
"I do not see why not. I think that you are a very attractive lady. I have been wanting to date you ever since I divorced his mother. I am hoping that you find me attractive."
"I find you dashing and charming and everything that I want in a man. I actually thought about quitting a few times because I was afraid I would do something stupid," Miss Winslow stated.
"You ever quit on me, I will fire you," Mr. Radcliffe said with a chuckle. "I know Brock likes having you around and you do an awesome job. I would be honored if we could date and see where this goes."
"I've worked for you for almost three years. I don't know about you, but I think I've gotten to know you as well as I ever will. To be blunt, sir, if you were to ask me to marry you, I would say yes. I love your son as if he were mine, and I find you more than attractive. I know what makes you happy, I know what makes you sad. I know what makes you angry. With all that in mind, I can honestly say that I love you and was hoping this day would eventually come."
"In that case, can you forgive me for waiting so long to ask you out? And if the answer is yes, I think I know you about as well as I ever will now. Would you like to skip the dating ritual and go directly to an engagement? You are an attractive lady who makes me happy just being around. Late at night when you are in the library reading, I come in and pretend to read just so I can watch you. And most importantly, you will make a good mom to my son. He already thinks of you along those lines."
Suddenly Mr. Radcliffe heard his son cheering in the kitchen. He walked to the door and motioned with his finger for Brock to come. "You're not mad at me for doing this, are you?" Brock asked.
"Actually, I'm quite pleased that you did this," Mr. Radcliffe stated.
"You used a contraction?" Brock said.
"Yes I did. My heart just feels so lifted right now. I have a beautiful lady and a wonderful son joining me for dinner."
"But I was planning it to be just the two of you," Brock stated.
"Did you tell Tonya that I wanted to have a family dinner and invited her?" Mr. Radcliffe asked.
"Yes sir," Brock answered,
"Then you have one of two choices to make. You can either join us to help us celebrate, or you're grounded for a year for lying," Mr. Radcliffe stated as he laughed.
"A year? That's a no-brainer, I guess I'll help celebrate," Brock stated laughing.
"I figured if I made it a year, you'd pick the right answer," Mr. Radcliffe told his son. Then he looked at the manager, "Can I have your best champagne? I want to celebrate Tonya's and my engagement."
"For you, sir, only the best is good enough," the manager said. After a few minutes, he returned to the table and showed the bottle to Mr. Radcliffe. "Unfortunately, I cannot serve your son, but if I leave the bottle here, nothing says that you cannot serve him."
Mr. Radcliffe pulled out a credit card and handed it to the manager, "I don't know what deal you made with my son, but put everything including the champagne on this, and throw in a hundred dollars for yourself. Second thought, you had a hand in this set up and I'm in a really good mood, make it two hundred."
"I'm always happy to take care of you, sir," the manager stated.
