“The best revenge, is a life well lived.” This is fairly self-explanatory, I have always understood it to mean, it is always better to take the high road and not stoop to the level of the person you are seeking revenge on, or better yet not seek revenge at all.
***
Conrad was still ranting as I skimmed the paper he had thrown at me.
“I know you talked to this fucking Paul Harris guy. I had a meeting this morning with Jack Kavanaugh, he had gotten an advance copy of his God damn article. Now he has announced he has selected Clayton Hall as his running mate. I have suddenly become a liability. I know you are behind this, you told Harris to talk to my wife didn’t you, you fucking cock sucker.”
I said, “I had nothing…”
He interrupted, “don’t try and feed me any of your bullshit, Heather told me that she talked to you, and you know everything. You fed that story to Harris to keep me from getting the Lt. Governor job. I am going to make your life a living hell from this point on, you will not get away with this. I promise you…”
Mike yelled, “for God’s sake Connie, shut up for once in your life and listen. Devin had nothing to do with this.”
Conrad glared at Mike, “but I …”
I said, “Jesus Christ Connie, what would I have to gain by outing you?”
He stammered, “well you …”
Mike said, “shut up and listen.”
I said, “when will you get it through your thick skull? You mean absolutely nothing to me. You’re right, I hated you in high school, especially after what you did. But I can count the number of times in the last 20 years that I have given you a thought on one hand. Fuck, I have a life, I have a career I like and am pretty good at. How would hurting you benefit me? Are you really so paranoid that everyone is out to get you?”
He just stood there, staring at me, not sure what to say.
I continued, “you have spent the last 20 years hiding who you really are, God your life must have been miserable. Not to mention the hell you have put Heather through, hell, I don’t know Will, but I would bet even he deserves to be treated better. God only knows why he has stood by you for so long. Fuck, you didn’t even have to come out, but you sure as hell didn’t have to be so anti-gay. There are a lot of politicians that don’t necessarily support gay rights, but they don’t publicly bash it like you did. That is what makes you such a hypocrite and why Kavanaugh dumped you so fast.”
I could see Conrad thinking, maybe what I was saying was finally starting to sink in.
I shook my head, “damn it Connie, I have moved on from your stupid stunt, why can’t you?”
Conrad looked at me and then at Mike, he swallowed hard.
Mike said, “you cost me and Devin 20 years Connie, you aren’t going to fuck it up for us again. Why don’t you just slink away and stay the hell out of our lives?”
I gave Conrad back his paper as he turned and walked out the door with his head down, without saying another word.
Mike and I turned to each other and exhaled. Mike asked, “do you think any of that sunk in?”
I shrugged, “who knows, maybe it was enough to get him to at least leave us alone.”
Over the next few weeks, Jack Kavanaugh made it clear that he chose Claton Hall over Conrad, not because Conrad was gay, but because Conrad had lied about it. He even went as far as to say he would have selected Conrad if he had been honest from the beginning. Mike and I weren’t sure about that, but he was pandering for votes, so he said what everyone wanted to hear. Conrad had just a few months left of his term as senator, and he announced he would not be seeking reelection for his senate seat. He of course didn’t make the announcement himself, his press secretary had to do that. Heather or her sons never made the news, I assume her father stepped in to protect her.
The night after Conrad visited Mike and I, we took dad out for a nice dinner.
After we were seated, dad asked, “what’s the special occasion? My birthday is in March.”
I chuckled, “I can take my father out for dinner without it being his birthday, can’t I?”
He shrugged, “I guess so.”
I said, “we do have something to tell you though.”
He raised an eyebrow, “un-huh, I figured something was up.”
I smiled, “I have made a decision on whether I am staying in McAlester.”
He looked at Mike and back to me, “ok, and what have you decided?”
I said, “I’m going to stay, what do you think?”
I could see the look of relief in his eyes, “if that’s what you want Devin, I’m happy for you.”
Mike said, “there’s one more thing Dave.”
Dad furrowed his brow, “and that is…?”
I said, “I’m going to move in with Mike.”
He nodded as a smile crept across his lips, “I expected nothing less of you two. I think that’s great, it’s about time you guys settled down.”
I knew in my heart that dad would be happy for us, and he confided in me later that he was always hoping I would not go back to Houston, he did like having me close by.
A week later, I flew back to Houston to tie up loose ends. I talked to my landlord about getting out of my lease. He was happy to oblige, he told me that my rent would be increasing at the end of my lease, and he already had a waiting list for my apartment. He was happy to increase the rent a few months earlier when the new tenant moved in. I talked to my publisher, letting him know I would be working from McAlester from now on. I also told my editor at the Chronicle that I was would not be available for anymore freelance articles. I spent the rest of the week cleaning out my apartment, getting rid of my furniture, Mike’s house was furnished, and I wouldn’t be needing mine. I made all the changes and notifications at my bank and post office. Mike drove his truck down on Saturday and we loaded the things I did want to keep, and we were soon headed back home. Home? I chuckled to myself, I never thought I would refer to McAlester as home again, but it sure felt right.
We arrived back in McAlester late on Saturday, so we just covered the things in the back of the truck with a tarp and went to bed. Dad and Cole came over on Sunday to help us carry everything inside and rearrange the furniture. We then went to dad’s place and took the few things I had there to the house. We grilled some burgers for dinner and after a couple of beers with Cole, dad had his single beer as had become his new custom, Mike and I fell asleep on the couch watching the news.
We woke up the next morning in each other’s arms, I smiled as we snuggled together. I knew it wasn’t going to take me long to get used to this.
Mike smiled and gave me a kiss, “good morning, how did you sleep?”
I said, “very well thanks, with the moving we did this weekend, I think I could have slept through anything.”
He chuckled, “me too. I guess I better get up and get to the shop. I’m interviewing a new mechanic today.”
I asked, “why, did Todd or Calvin quit?”
He said, "no, I am thinking of moving Todd into sort of an assistant manager spot. I was thinking I might want a little more free time now. Todd is capable of stepping in when I’m gone.”
I grinned, “more free time huh?”
Mike grinned back, “yeah, you see I have this new roommate, and he seems kind of needy, he might be taking up all my free time.”
I gave him a kiss, “I like that idea, a lot.”
I spent the first week getting my work area set up and getting into a routine. I needed to get back to my schedule that I followed in Houston, the last few months dealing with dad and his Drs appointments had gotten me off that schedule. Mike and I were still getting together with dad, 2 or 3 nights a week for dinner, we took turns hosting.
Over the next month, I got my revisions for my Oswald murder book and finished it, and it was set to be published. I was starting to research my next book, I had read about a few cases that I found interesting and was trying to decide which one to write about. I made a few notes and noticed it was about two hours before Mike was due home from the shop. The last time I picked up groceries, I got the ingredients to make fettuccine alfredo. I was putting the finishing touches on it as Mike walked through the door.
He gave me a kiss, “wow, something smells good, damn Devin you are spoiling me.”
I had taken on the task of cooking for us, with me working from home, it was easy for me to get things ready and still get my writing in. Plus, the fact that Mike really wasn’t a good cook, frozen dinners and the microwave were his go to for most meals. (Shh, I have never told him that, it will be our little secret.)
We sat down to eat and after he took his first bite, Mike said, “shit, this is wonderful, it tastes just like we used to get at Shapiros.”
I smiled, “yeah, I was able to talk Mr. Shapiro into giving me his recipe right before he retired.”
Mike always helped clean up and did the dishes, our system was working well for both of us.
We were relaxing on the couch after our nightly clean up, Mike had his head laying on my chest.
He looked up at me, “thanks for making dinner, and for all you do around the house.”
I kissed his forehead, “I’m glad to do it. Thank you for letting me move things around and making this feel like home.”
He smiled, “it’s your home too. I admit, Todd gave me some pointers on what it was like when he moved in with his wife after they got married. He told me to merge your stuff, just like you merged your life.”
I thought for a moment, “merged our lives. Huh, I like that analogy.”
Mike smiled, “I liked it too.”
I asked, “what would you think about completing that merger?”
He furrowed his brow, “what do you mean?”
I shrugged, “Todd and his wife completed their merger with a wedding.”
Mike sat up wide eyed, “you want to get married?”
I nodded, “yeah, I do. What do you think?”
He smiled, “your dad did say it was time we settled down. Yeah, I would love to get married.”
A month later, Mike and I welcomed our friends and family to our back yard. We planned a quick simple ceremony, one of Mike’s customers was a minister at a small church and agreed to marry us. We had a local BBQ Restaurant prepare smoked brisket and all the sides. Dad and Cole were first to arrive and helped us set up the chairs and tables that we had rented. Mike’s sister and her husband showed up, his parents still had not talked to him since the whole Conrad/picture incident. Mike’s employees also came. Uncle Al and Aunt Sarah brought my cousins and their families. We were so happy to have all their support and for them to be there for us.
I looked at my watch, “I think everyone is here, you have ten minutes if you want to run.”
Mike rolled his eyes, “I ain’t going anywhere, you’re stuck with me now.”
I gave him a kiss, as we turned to join our guests in the back yard, a truck that we didn’t recognize pulled up.
My eyes went wide as I saw Nate stepping out of the truck, I ran to him and gave him a hug. When Mike joined us, another man stepped out.
Nate said, “when you told me you were getting married the last time we talked, I told Walker not to book a show, so I could be here.”
I grinned, “I’m glad you did.” He quickly introduced me to Jake, his boyfriend, and I introduced him to Mike.
Mike shook his hand, “it’s so nice to meet you, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Some motion caught my eye as two more people climbed out of the truck. Walker yelled, “hey roomie, is it ok if I crash the party?”
I wrapped him and Jenna in a hug and said, “hell yeah it is.” Again, I made the introductions and Mike, and I started to walk to the back yard.
We were again surprised went another car pulled up, Conrad stepped out and walked toward us.
Mike and I looked at each other as Conrad looked around and saw what was going on.
He said, “I’m sorry guys, I didn’t know this was today. I won’t stay long, I just wanted to talk to you. Is that, ok?”
We nodded, I said, “sure Connie, what’s up?”
He took a deep breath, “I just wanted to tell you both how sorry I am, for everything. I had a lot of time to think about what you said to me that day, and you were right. Anything bad that happened to me was my own fault.”
Mike said, “thank you Conrad, we appreciate that.”
I said, “yeah, thank you. So, what’s next for you Conrad?”
He motioned back toward his car, “Will and I are moving to Kansas City, his dad wants to retire and have us take over his law practice. It’s just a small practice, it will only be Will and me. We will be writing a lot of wills and trusts and probably handle some real estate transactions.”
I said, “that sounds good to me.”
He smiled and nodded, “I think so too, the spotlight isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
Mike nodded, “good for you, and for Will.”
Conrad sighed, “yeah, he’s been through a lot. So has Heather, she and I have things worked out too. We have sold all our marital assets that didn’t have my dad’s name on them, and I gave her half, she is free to marry Jeff and raise her boys in peace. My family wants nothing to do with me now, but I have Will, so I’m good.”
I shook his hand, “we wish you the best.”
Mike nudged me, I knew what he wanted. I nodded and said, “Conrad, we have plenty food, there’s no fancy cocktails, but lots of beer. You and Will are welcome to stay for our wedding.”
He smiled as he waved to Will to join us, “thank you, we would be honored.”
Twenty minutes later, we were officially married, everyone was filling their plates, and the beer was flowing. Conrad and Will were blending in well, and we were all having a great time.
I saw Walker walking toward Nate’s truck, he reached in the back and pulled out his guitar.
He smiled at me as he returned to the back yard, “do you mind if I play a song or two.”
I gave him a hug, “I would love it.”
Walker strapped the guitar on and said, “I just wrote this sappy love song, is it ok if I try it out on you guys?”
Everyone clapped and yelled. He said, “for those of you that don’t me, I roomed with Devin in college and got know him pretty well. I’m betting he’ll be bawling his eyes out before I’m done.”
I shook my head as I nodded, I knew he was probably right. He began the song as Mike, and I held each other. While I wasn’t bawling my eyes out, we both did have a tear running down our cheek. It was a beautiful song, and everyone clapped and cheered when he finished singing.
Walker said, “I have one more song I would like to do. Today was the first time that I met Devin’s dad, but I know they have a special relationship. Devin told me this was a special song to them, and it may not be considered a wedding song, but I still want to give it a try.”
I felt a lump in my throat as he played the first chord. When his rich baritone voice sang, “I woke up crying late at night, when I was very young.” The tears were already running down my face, I felt dad and Mike put their arms around me as their tears were also flowing. Walker’s prediction came true as he hit the chorus, “That’s my job, that’s what I do.” Dad and I were both sobbing onto each other’s shoulders. When he was finished, I called Walker a son of bitch as I wrapped him in a hug. Dad gave him a hug too and said, “and now I two of them to take care of” as he gave Mike a hug. Everyone else wiped the tears from their eyes as they cheered and clapped.
The rest of the party was more upbeat, and Walker played a couple of more songs. Our guests began to leave, Mike and I thanked each of them. We were married and everyone had a good time. Once again, Dad and Cole helped us clean up and we were finally able to relax, alone.
Mike sighed as we sat on the couch, “that went well and in case I haven’t said it today, I love you.”
I gave him a kiss, “you’ve said it a hundred times, but I will never get tired of hearing it. By the way, I love you too.”
We sat in silence for a minute, Mike said, “I’m really proud of Conrad.”
I nodded, “yeah, me too. Will seems like a nice guy too, I hope they are happy.”
He said, “no way they are as happy as I am right now.”
I took his hand, “come on, let’s go to bed, we have any early flight in the morning.”
The next afternoon, we were checked into our room in the beachside hotel in Key West, our room overlooked the ocean.
As soon as we set our luggage down, we were pulling each other’s clothes off. As soon as our naked bodies touched, my mind went back to the first time we were together. That same spark was there, and I realized that I only felt that spark with Mike. It occurred to me that if I had felt that with Matt, I would have gone to college at the University of Oklahoma. If I felt it with Nate, I would have gone to Nashville with him. I loved both of them, but it was different with Mike. I still think the reason I was never in a serious relationship while I lived in Houston was because of Mike, even if it was subconsciously. Maybe dad’s heart attack was a way to bring us back together. Mike was still single and, like me, hadn’t had a serious relationship either. This was always meant to be. I knew Mike and dad were the only reason that I would return to the town that I swore I would never call home again.
I ran my hands down his side and we both grasped each other’s ass cheeks as we fell onto the bed. Our two swollen members were soon engulfed in each other’s mouths, filling the room with moans and satisfied slurping sounds. Mike ran his finger across my waiting hole just as he had me near a climax. I rolled onto my back and pulled my legs up, exposing my love tunnel, my leaking cock filling my belly button with my nectar.
Mike grinned at me, “you are so sexy when you’re in that position.”
I smiled back, “well then, you know what to do.”
He leaned down and began to lick my hole, his tongue darting in and out with every lick. My eyes rolled back in my head as I spread my cheeks as wide as I could. As soon as I was sufficiently rimmed, Mike came up for a kiss and slowly filled my chute with his manhood. Again, moans of pleasure filled the room as he began to piston in and out. More precum oozed from my overstimulated cock as it remained trapped between our stomachs. I grabbed Mike’s ass as he continued his assault, pulling him as deep as I could, his love stick hitting my sweet spot on every stroke. Our eyes locked on each other as I panted, “give me your seed.” Mike gave on last thrust, and I felt him explode, filling me with his love juice. He gave me a kiss as his spasms finally stopped and I had him milked dry.
I smiled as I looked up at him, “my turn.”
I pushed his shoulders, sending Mike flying onto his back. I quickly got to my knees and pushed his legs up and my mouth immediately found his moist, tasty pucker. I took my place between his legs as we kissed, and I sank my aching cock into his welcoming hole. Just as he had done to me, I got up to speed, causing my seed to boil until I released it into the love of my life’s waiting canal. We laid tangled together on the bed until our breathing returned to normal and my head was clear enough to form words again.
I hoarsely said, “wow.”
Mike nodded, “yeah, me too.”
I said, “I can’t wait for the second hour of our honeymoon.”
He chuckled, “me either, but I may need a little time to recoup. Why don’t we go grab a beer and get a bite to eat?”
I nodded, “good idea, I saw a nice place just down the street when we checked in, should we go check it out?”
Mike said, “sure, let’s shower first.”
Of course, the shower took longer than normal, but we finally got out and dressed and walked down to the bar and found a table.
Our waiter smiled and said, “hi guys, can I get you something to drink?”
We nodded and both ordered a beer. I noticed the waiter looking back at us as he went to the bar to get our drinks. He was still looking at me as he set them in front of us, he looked at my credit card as I handed it to him.
He grinned, “I knew it was you Mr. Taylor, I’m a big fan of your books.”
I smiled, “thank you.”
He said, “yeah, I just got your new book, it’s just as good as the others. I’m only about half finished with it.”
I said, “thanks again, it’s always nice to meet a fan.”
He asked, “would you autograph it for me, I have it behind the bar.”
I nodded, “of course, I would be happy to.”
He ran to the bar as Mike said, “wow, I didn’t know my new husband would have such cute fans.”
I laughed, “don’t worry, he is cute, but I’m old enough to be his father.”
The young man returned and handed me his book, I asked, “what’s your name?”
He said, “Gio, my name is Gio. G-I-O, thank you so much Mr. Taylor.”
I signed the book and handed it back to him, I said, “please, it’s Devin and this is my husband, Mike.”
He smiled at us both, “it’s nice to meet both of you. So, have you decided what your next book is going to be about?”
I shook my head, “I have a couple of ideas, but haven’t figured it out just yet.”
Gio said, “oh, I have a great story for you, you should talk to the owners of this place. They were involved in a kidnapping a while back.” He looked toward the bar, “hey Tyler, Malik, come over here and talk to Mr. Tay… I mean Devin.”
Mike and I sat there mesmerized as they gave a quick run-down on their story.
Malik went back to the bar and returned with a business card and handed it to me and said, “if you like the story, you should call this guy, he can give you a lot more details.”
Tyler said, “yeah, there were a lot more guys than us involved.”
I looked at the card, and read, “Miami Police Department, Missing Persons, Lead Detective, Drake Ridgeway.”
The End.
First of all, let me say that I have been overwhelmed by all of your comments and I sincerely appreciate all the support. I really hope that you all aren't disappointed with the ending. From all your comments, I know a lot of you really wanted something bad to happen to Conrad. I considered rewriting the ending, but I am already 5 chapters into my next story, so I stayed with a happy ending for all. Thank you all for love you have shown on this story, please know that it truly means a lot to me.
