Hey Everyone! Thank you for reading "Ollie's Test." Once again, your response has blown me away. This new story is a direct continuation of "Test" but it's still a stand-alone story. Oh, and I promise, no more wince-inducing urology tests this time. Just a fun weekend for our boys to get to know each other better - a lot better. It would be best if you've read "Test" but it's not required - you'll figure things out quickly enough.
On a different note, "Ollie's Weekend" is now available on Amazon and on Kindle Unlimited for free. Don't worry - you'll get the whole thing here - I don't tease. But it'd be nice if you searched for "Ollie's Weekend Kindle" and just clicked around on the page - Ollie gets credit for that. And you can see some cute Chat-generated artwork. Same goes for "Test." BTW, Ollie on the cover of "Test" is my favorite.
Chapter 1: Whataburger
“Ollie, I swear I’m going to try my best not to father you too much. I’m sure Dad and Ted will take charge of that. I mean, believe me, I want you to be my boy - but not exactly in a paternal way.” Corey’s mischievous grin softened just a bit as his concern took over. “But, seriously, when was the last time you ate?”
I glanced up from my completely demolished plates of Sam’s Benedict with a pancake side, smiling sheepishly. “Corey, this little diner is amazing. The Texas version of eggs Benedict rocks. Sausage instead of Canadian bacon? Genius. And these pancakes? To borrow your phrase, they’re like ‘breakfast candy.’ It’s just that I couldn’t eat last night. I was too nervous about this morning… and about sleeping in a strange parking lot. Thankfully, I was surrounded by three really sweet RV families. As soon as I parked, they all introduced themselves and made me feel safe. I slept way better than I expected.”
I hesitated, glancing away from his eyes before adding, “Anyway, I know I may be homeless, but I’m not going hungry.” Then, tentatively meeting his gaze again, I continued with a more positive tone. “Did you know that Starbucks has the most amazing breakfast sandwiches? Some are even low-fat and high-protein. I can’t afford their coffee all that often, but dang, those sandwiches start my morning right. And lunch is usually on the cheap in the cafeteria at work. Thursday is enchilada day.” I gave Corey my goofiest “yum” face, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Weekends can be rough, though. And I also mess up a lot after my real job is over and before my LA Fitness work begins. That’s when I miss home-cooked meals the most. I’m honestly a pretty good cook; my grandma taught me well. There just isn’t a lot I can do in my Bronco before starting my nightly janitorial career. So, dinner is usually just me grabbing a couple chicken sandwiches at Wendy’s.”
I stopped, suddenly somehow worried I’d said too much. Sure enough, Corey’s expression had shifted to one of quiet sadness. His look made me want to take him in my arms and comfort him - an ironic thought given the circumstances. Still, I couldn’t stand seeing him upset.
So, what did I do? I apologized… “Corey, I’m sorry,” I said quickly, my voice soft. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m doing alright - really. I swear I even had more defined abs before I started fending for myself in my Bronco 24x7. I’m definitely not starving… I’m just not eating as clean as I should.”
Corey shook his head, his voice gentle but firm. “Ollie, that’s not it. It’s just… someone as amazing as you - someone I’m falling for - shouldn’t have to figure out how to eat properly because they’re living out of their car.” He tried to smile, but his eyes still held a hint of sadness. “But,” he added, his grin nearly turning mischievous again, “do me a favor. If you ever tell that story to Dad and Ted, swap out Wendy’s with Whataburger. You’ll earn points with both of them.”
I didn’t quite get the joke, but I couldn’t help but laugh. Most importantly, Corey was holding my hands again, looking into my eyes with an intensity that made me feel weightless. For three months, I’d been living on perpetual alert, starting every morning as if it could be my last normal day. But in Corey’s gaze, I was suddenly thriving. I was happy in a way I hadn’t been in a long, long time.
Our motherly waitress caught our hand-holding moment and gave us both a satisfied smile. I think we actually just made her day. “You boys were hungry. Can I get you anything else?”
Corey started to reply but then shot me an inquisitive look. I shook my head, and he continued, “No ma’am, just the check.”
She looked at me, winked, and gave me a motherly smile. “Are you okay with this guy? I have a feeling his intentions may not be the most honorable.”
“Ma’am, this man just convinced me to order ‘Sam’s Benedict.’ I think I’m safe. Besides, I know his father and, um, uncle. I’m good.” She laughed and spontaneously leaned down to hug me. My lurd, what a day. She walked away with Corey’s credit card and, I swear, with a little spring in her sway.
Poor Corey gave me a look of feigned shock and hurt and said, “Ollie, my intentions are very noble.” He grinned but then rolled his eyes. “But I’m a bit embarrassed. Um, have you ever given the perfect story-ending speech and then realized the writer was an idiot? Like he didn’t understand the story wasn’t over yet?”
“Wait, and you say I’m the one who always has an internal monologue going on?”
“I will smack your bottom again, young man.” I love this man’s smirks. “I was talking about what I told you - out loud - about you living in my old room at Dad and Ted’s house. But guess what? My key to their house is at mine. And Dad and Ted won’t be at home until after five. Would you be willing to risk your maidenhead and follow me to my house for the afternoon?”
“I have no idea what my maidenhead is, but do I get to see you with your bottoms off?”
“Maybe.”
“Then yes, please!”
Corey told me to put another address into my phone and then summarized our trip to make sure I wouldn’t get lost on our next journey. “Ollie, we’re going to take I-30 through downtown Fort Worth, then head south on University Drive. I live really close to TCU. Once again, my oh-so-beautiful boy, I do not want to lose you. Are you ready for another 45-minute drive?”
“I am. How’s the charge holding up on your Mach E?”
“Are you into Mustangs?” Corey asked, raising an eyebrow.
“My dad used to tell me how my mom made him give up his brand-new GT when I was born. He had to trade it in for something more family-friendly. Once I was old enough to understand his sacrifice, we both mourned that car’s passing. I love your car, man. I can’t wait for you to give me a ride.”
“I can’t wait to give you a ride either.” Corey’s smirk was laced with playful innuendo. “And it’s funny - my first car really was a growling, gas-powered GT beast. But once my body finally topped out at six-six, getting in and out of it became a real pain. I was so excited when they decided to make the Mach E into a small SUV.”
“Wait, you’re three inches taller than me?”
“I guess, does it matter?”
“No, absolutely not. We hug perfectly. I just thought you were closer to six-five.”
Corey grinned. “Ah, I get it now. It’s a psychological thing. All six-three boys with, um, seven-inch dicks think every other tall guy can only be an inch or two taller than them.” His smirk was wickedly perfect.
“No, sir. I’m happy with my height and, um, size. But I’m even happier to be in your arms with my head on your shoulder. And I swear I’m not expecting you to have any kind of dick - big or small.” Oh good lurd. “Um, that came out wrong. I mean, I… crap. I expect you to have a dick. I mean… I’m shutting up.” Can I just die now?
Corey fluffed my loose curls with his hand and gave me the most goofy look ever. His easy laughter washed all my embarrassment away. “Hey, if you promise not to tell Dad… I have a special way to get to my house from I-30. I think of it as my little slalom track, and it’s so much more fun in the Mach E. I promise to let you drive it. If you want to.”
“Corey. I only know your dad as a kind, bearded, caring, really attractive urologist. Good lurd, now that I think about it, I’m suddenly grateful he never saw me naked. So, anyway, there’s no way I’m going to tattle on my new, um…”
“Let’s say ‘co-explorer,’ my Ollie. Mapping out our new journey together. And guess what? He was actually supposed to give you that rectal and prostate exam. I could do it since I’m a nurse and not just a normal tech. I just usually don’t have to. I have no idea why he didn’t, but I’m really glad he let the job fall to me.”
He glanced at his watch. “Hey, we need to get to my place. It’s just after noon, and the traffic should be light. I won’t show you my race track this trip, but I’d love to show you my place. You ready?”
Chapter 2: The Journey Home
I once again followed behind Corey’s light blue “chariot of my Norse God” as we entered Fort Worth. Driving into the city on I-30 from the east, you get an amazing view of downtown as the freeway descends into the Trinity River valley. It’s like the city’s “hero shot,” with all its glass and steel buildings gleaming in welcome. The first time I saw it - alone and afraid, right after New Year’s Day - that view gave me hope. Hope that I’d be alright in this new city.
We exited onto University Drive South, heading into one of the most beautiful parts of town. Big trees lined the streets, their branches arching overhead like a green cathedral. The zoo was on the left, and Colonial Country Club was on the right. Their presence gave the area a sense of charm and history. So far, with my co-op work assignment and my night job at LA Fitness, I really hadn’t had much time to explore my new home. All work and no play made me a horrible tourist, but hopefully, it would give me enough money to make it through another semester of school. As we went up a big hill, we entered TCU territory - a big prestigious school I regretfully knew almost nothing about.
Corey’s house was in a quaint - and, as I’d eventually learn, ridiculously exclusive - 1950s neighborhood just south of TCU’s football stadium and sports fields. He lives in a kind of football holy land. As a former wide receiver, I should have felt honored. But forgetting football for the moment, his home was the cutest, most charming cottage I’d ever seen. Unlike him, it was unassuming. But exactly like him, it was inviting and beautiful. The yard was perfectly manicured, its neat lines and flourishing plants showing care and precision. Also, just like him, the more I studied it, the more beautiful it became.
Corey pulled into his driveway, and I parked along the curb in front of his house. As I walked up the driveway, I couldn’t help but blurt out, “Corey, dang! I love your home! I never expected to find a cute little neighborhood like this in a place as big as Texas. I think I just found another reason to crush on you today. Sorry, I know - juvenile - but I am still 19, sir.”
He smiled at my lame joke and opened his arms as I got close. I stepped into his embrace without hesitation, hugging him tightly in public. But then immediately regretted it. “Corey, I’m so sorry. I mean, this is your home - um, where you live - I shouldn’t have done that out here without asking if it was okay first.”
“Ollie,” Corey said gently, “that’s exactly what my open arms were giving you permission to do. And you agreeing to accept it is the best thing ever. I think I told you earlier this morning - you adapt fast.” He pulled me closer, holding me tighter, and kissed me… My second real kiss ever. My first one under a warm Texas April sun. I could get used to these skies. I definitely need to learn more about this Whataburger place.
“Ollie, may I welcome you into my humble abode?”
I grinned. “My Norse God, you really need to work on your lines.” I snuggled into his embrace, refusing to let the moment end.
“Wait - ‘Norse God?’” he asked, laughing.
“Corey, you’re the one who figured out how much ‘inner monologue’ I write, right? When you ushered me into that chamber of horrors this morning, I realized you were my ‘Nurse God.’ But about half a second later, ‘Norse God’ popped into my brain, and, honestly, it fits way better. I hope you’re okay with that.” This time, Ikissed him.
Corey smiled through my kiss and decided to take it to the next cheesy level. Without breaking our embrace, he lifted me into his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world. Somehow, he managed to unlock the front door, and, honest to god, he carried me over his threshold.
Chapter 3: When Ollie Met Corey
I’d love to tell you how perfectly Corey’s house was decorated - how every piece of furniture was carefully placed. How the knickknacks, lamps, rugs, and artwork all complemented each other, blending into a perfect reflection of Corey’s masculine taste and style. But I can’t because I was forever trapped in his gaze.
As soon as he softly kicked the door shut behind us, he growled low in his throat and held me tighter for a heartbeat. Then, gentling his grip, he kept his eyes locked on mine and said softly, “Would you be upset if our waitress was telling the truth about my intentions?”
“Corey, I’d be really upset if she were wrong.” I glanced away with heat rising in my cheeks - trying to hide my blush - before continuing, “And, well, I kinda saw your excitement through your scrub bottoms this morning.” My voice dropped as embarrassment caught up to my confession. “That’s what most of my inner monologue has been about while we were alone in our cars. I’m not sure what new level I’m ready for, but I’m definitely ready to be in your naked embrace.”
He growled again, a sound that sent shivers down my spine, and nudged my face so that I was looking into his eyes once more. Without another word, he carried me through the house and into his bedroom, setting me gently on the bed. “Baby boy, let’s get you out of that shirt and those pants again. Arms up!”
Immediately, he started lifting my shirt over my head, but before I could wriggle free, he paused. While my arms were still trapped in the sleeves and my eyes still blindfolded by the collar, I felt his lips gently kiss my left pit. Then, with deliberate care, he kissed and licked his way across my chest, pausing at my nipples.
The sensation was electric. It felt like there was a live wire running directly from my nipple to my dick. I’ve never thrown wood so fast in my life. “Corey,” I managed, my voice barely steady, “please unzip my pants soon. My dick is not in a happy place.”
He gave another low growl, the sound vibrating through me, and gently pressed his hand against my chest, nudging me back onto the bed. My shirt still trapped my arms and blinded me, leaving my pits exposed and sharing their musk with the bedroom - my scent entering Corey’s den for the first time. The blindfold heightened everything - every touch, every sound, every shift of the air around me. My body responded instinctively, shivering and quaking under the weight of every sensation. All I could manage was a breathy, “Corey.”
I felt his hand at my zipper, the tug of the fabric a tantalizing promise. At the same time, I felt the press of his still-clothed chest as he moved up my body, his heat radiating through the thin barrier of fabric until his breath hovered just above my still shirt-covered mouth.
“Do you trust me, Ollie?” His voice was a whisper, low and full of something that made my whole-body tremble.
“Yes,” I stuttered, barely managing the word.
Carefully, he raised my collar just high enough to uncover my nose while still keeping my eyes hidden. Then, slowly, he teased my lips with the soft graze of his mustache and beard - not quite a kiss, but a promise. The sensation was maddeningly gentle, like the first hint of a summer storm, leaving me trembling with the anticipation of what was to come.
He began moving down my torso again, his lips making deliberate stops - lingering at my neck before revisiting my pits and teasing my hard nips. My skin was alive, every inch of it covered in goosebumps. When he paused between my pecs and kissed my little island of blond fur there, I felt my breath hitch.
“Ollie,” he murmured, his voice low and reverent, “I’m going to love watching this patch expand across your chest. You’re my beautiful flower, and I have the unimaginable honor of watching you bloom.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the line - until Corey pinched my right nipple, sending a jolt of sensation through me. He followed it with slow, deliberate kisses down my light blond treasure trail, stopping to tease my belly button. My shivering kicked into overdrive. “I—I th-thought you n-never p-pinched your p-patient’s nipple. Uh-uh-fuck. Oh, sorry. I mean frak.”
“You’re not my patient anymore,” he growled softly, the edge in his voice making my breath catch again. “Right now, you’re my prey, and I’m about to dive into a feast I’ve been craving since early this morning.” His hands left my nipple and moved to my waistband, deftly unfastening my jeans and sliding them down my thighs.
He stood up from the bed, raising my legs slightly, and removed my right shoe and sock. I gasped as his tongue traced a slow, deliberate path along the sole of my foot, slipping between my toes. Another ragged “Corey” escaped my lips.
“I need to imprint every part of you onto the most primal part of my consciousness, Ollie,” he murmured, his voice vibrating with intensity. “There’s no piece of you I can stand to leave unexplored, untouched, or un-kissed.” He slipped off my other shoe and sock, then gently eased my jeans down and off my legs. My erection strained painfully against my boxer briefs; the evidence of my arousal impossible to miss. I was sure I was leaking again - even without his amazing prostate exam.
Even as it beckoned his attention, he left my aching bulge alone. Instead, he returned to the bed, kneeling beside my quivering form and finally released me from my shirt. I was allowed to see the beautiful face of my Norse God again. And again, I beamed. He gave my smile a gentle but deep kiss and climbed off the foot of bed. “My turn my boy.”
He removed his shoes as he pulled his scrub top off over his head, exposing his beautiful pits and furry dark blond pecs to me for the second time today. But this time, he didn’t have to stop there. He untied the strings and let his scrub bottoms fall and fuck! He was in a very strained, dark blue jock. He saw my hero worship gaze and proudly displayed the most obscenely bulging pouch I’ve ever seen in any locker room.
“Corey! You were in a jock all morning? I’m so glad you didn’t tell me; I would have begged those scrubs off of you and gotten us both in trouble.”
“It’s my standard uniform. Briefs don’t cut it for me when I have to be in scrubs. I just didn’t expect you to make me stretch out my favorite jock so badly today. Poor thing may never be the same again. May I remove it my Ollie? And show you what big boys do with their dicks?” He seductively chuckled. Lurd, my cousin would kill me if he knew I had told that story to Corey. But I just grinned, excitedly nodding my head.
Corey freed his most private body part and stood naked before me. He calmly let me gaze upon my prize. “Corey. You’re beautiful.” I couldn’t take it any longer I jumped off the bed and lost my underwear as I hop-skipped across the space between us.
I melted into his arms, and again was allowed to feel his bare furry chest against my still mostly smooth one. For the first time in my life, I was treated to the feeling of another man’s hardon battling mine for dominance against my lower abdomen. I inhaled his scent once more and I refused to cry any more tears, but I couldn’t stop my quivers.
Corey slipped back into nurse mode for just a second. “Are we okay, Ollie? I’ve still got you.”
“I’m absolutely okay Corey. Can I, um, can I touch you?”
“You’re kinda touching me all over right now.” He chuckled but continued with “Yes please, it’s all for you.”
I backed away just a bit and looked down at our furry abs. His, just a bit more hairy and defined. I allowed my gaze to continue downward to our bushes. Mine, a bit lighter; his, a bit darker, both thick and curly. I finally let my gaze settle on my goal. His powerful cock was throbbing, leaking and towering over his pubes. It was commanding and impressive.
I gingerly moved my hand down his chest and abs until I reached his pube line. I looked at our cocks, side by side. He was a just bit longer and a bit thicker. While my dick head was just touching his pubes, his was burrowing in to mine. We both had a slight upward curve. Unlike me, he was circumcised.
I steeled my nerves and wrapped my hand around Corey’s cock. It was hot. And hefty. It felt so much heavier than mine. And I could feel his heart pulsing through it. I looked back up to his face and saw pride and satisfaction in his eyes. He passionately kissed me again.
“You’re doing great Ollie, but let’s not jump too many levels right now. We have a whole weekend to explore. And we’ve already had a very big day. Let’s just get back on the bed.”
He laid down first and motioned for me to snuggle in to his left shoulder. His arm wrapped around me as he started stroking his pulsing erection with his right hand. He simply said, “Please kiss me my Ollie and just cup my balls with your hand.” I did and I was totally enthralled as I fondled a man’s testicles for the first time. I knew the inevitable was near and reveled as they eventually drew up close to his body. His kiss intensified and his arm around me pulled me in tighter. He growled into our kiss one final time as I felt his hot liquid paint our beards. I was once again so very happy that another little tear of joy made its happy way down my cheek.
I was so overwhelmed by our intimacy; I had no choice. I moved down and rested my head against his heaving chest, pressing my ear to my Norse God’s heart. The steady thrum of his heartbeat and the rise and fall of his breath slowly returning to normal were all I could hear. I was mesmerized by his rhythm, by the warmth of his skin, and by his scent. I was home.
He kissed the top of my head, a soft, reassuring gesture that sealed our moment.
“Ollie, that’s so beautiful but you just got your beard really messy again. I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. Does this count as scenting my beard with you?”
“Aww.” He gave a big grin. “Not exactly, but I love it. We just can’t go out in public with that kind of scent on you.” I heard and felt his giggle through his beautiful chest.
“Hey Ollie, we need to take care of you now. Once again, I think I know how. I swear to you; I’m 100 percent safe. I’m a nurse and I have to be on PrEP. Dad would shoot me otherwise, and he’ll probably want you to start it as well. But right now, do you trust me to use that, well, beard gel, for a purpose I think you’ll like even more?”
I gave a nearly breathless “Yes sir” and he gently lifted my head off his chest and laid me flat on my back. Then he scooped his essence from my cheek and added even more to his fingers from the load dripping down his chest and abs.
“Knees up baby boy, allow me to be your lube. Let me give you a little preview of what I hope to deliver deep inside you when you’re finally ready.”
Those frakking eyes. Reassuring and mischievous all at once. I had no power and even less desire to resist his offer. I raised my knees. I knew my part to play. Except I really didn’t. His cummy fingers slowly sank into my formerly furry hole once again for the day. And I realized Corey’s seed was entering my core.
Even so, I started my steps of our dance with my hand. His head got lower and closer to my cock and balls and to where his fingers were disappearing into my soul. I could feel his breath on my sack. And I started shivering again. He took a deep breath of my pubes and let his flat, wide, tongue bathe and warm my rising testicles. That was all it took; I immediately added my second contribution of the day alongside the little bit of Corey’s that remained in my beard.
At least I didn’t start uncontrollably chuckling this time. But I couldn’t stop myself from blurting, “Corey, I love you.” Wait! “Um, I mean, I really love what we just did.” Damn.
“I know, baby boy,” he said softly, giving me a knowing smile. Then he kissed me once more, his lips full of understanding and warmth.
Chapter 4: An Intimate Nap
It turns out Corey’s house had more than just a bedroom. It had a bathroom with a shower and indoor plumbing and everything. We stepped under the warm spray together, and I let my shoulders sink back into Corey’s chest. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close as the hot water cascaded over us, washing the evidence of our fun away. My immediate - and obscene - thought was that I wished he were hard again as I instinctively ground my hips into his crotch.
He playfully nibbled my ear, sending a shiver through me, and murmured, “We need to rotate positions. I’m pretty messy too.” With a reluctant sigh, we parted, and I turned to face him.
I took my time washing his chest, my hands lingering as I traced every line and curve of muscle. I explored every part of him, savoring our closeness. When it was his turn, he returned the favor with the same deliberate care. It was a close thing, but I somehow managed not to have my third orgasm of the day.
As we dried off, Corey leaned in with a playful glint in his eye and said, “Ollie, my man, do you know what the sexiest thing is that new lovers can do on their first day together?”
“No, sir. Haven’t we already done quite a lot?” I replied, matching his grin.
“This, my boy, is next level,” he said, shooting me my now favorite mischievous grin. “They nap together.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“I had to get up at five this morning to get to you on time,” he added. “Bonus: Dad and Ted want to take us out to a fun dinner tonight.”
Grinning back, I teased, “Hey, if you’d have asked, I could’ve directed you to the safest Walmart parking lot to spend the night. It’s even close to a Buc-ee’s, so you could’ve washed up in the morning.”
Corey’s grin faded as his hands cradled my cheeks, his touch firm yet gentle. “Never again, my Ollie. Never. Now, would you do me the honor of being my cuddle-otter while we take a little break?”
“Yes, sir!” I laughed, and we jumped naked into Corey’s bed, sliding under the cool sheets. I immediately snuggled into his big spoon, feeling euphoric all over again. “Corey? Thank you. This is the first time I’ve slept in a real bed since leaving home. And not only that, but I get to be in it with you.”
“My Ollie.” I felt his smile on the back of my neck as he hugged me tighter.
It also turns out we were both more exhausted than I realized. We fell into a deep sleep - him holding me, and me surrendering to his comfort and protection.
****
I felt a gentle shake and heard Corey’s soft voice. “Hey, Ollie boy. We both needed that a lot more than we realized. It’s almost six, and we need to head over to Dad’s.”
I hadn’t slept so soundly in… well, I knew exactly how long it had been. It took me several long seconds to realize Corey was no longer spooning me. Instead, he was kneeling by the side of the bed, fully dressed, his eyes warm and attentive as he brushed my curly locks gently away from my sleepy eyes.
But even with his tender touch, my instincts still took over. I bolted upright in a panic, gasping for breath as my adrenaline surged. I caught the flicker of concern in Corey’s face and forced myself to calm down, murmuring my favorite words: “I’m sorry, Corey.” Then quickly continued, “You’re fine. It’s just… anytime I’ve been woken up by someone recently, it hasn’t been to their loving touch.”
His expression softened further, and he cupped my cheek. “My brave Ollie,” he said quietly. “As I told you - never again.” He kissed me softly, his touch grounding me as my panic faded.
“I’d love to keep you naked and in my bed forever,” he added with a teasing grin, “but we need to get going.”
Chapter 5: My Family Hug of Acceptance
I once again followed Corey’s EV as we cruised along a near-by thoroughfare. The road dipped down a hill, crossed over a wooded creek before opening up into the most beautiful neighborhood I’d ever seen in Fort Worth. The broad boulevard was divided by a wide park, with the creek we’d just crossed running right through the middle. Towering trees lined the creek and shaded the immaculate front yards on either side. I couldn’t believe this was Texas. It felt more like a dream.
Corey’s brake lights flashed on, and his turn signal blinked as he pulled into a circular driveway in front of a stunning huge brick home, protected by the sprawling canopy of a giant live oak. My chest tightened as I parked behind him. I hadn’t grown up poor - not by any means - and I’m grateful for that. Or at least I wasgrateful. But the truth is, small-town suburban Michigan isn’t the same as big-city Texas. Was this really the house I was supposed to move into?
I pulled in behind Corey and turned my engine off. Then I hesitated, my hand frozen on the door handle. I wasn’t sure I belonged here.
Corey seemed to sense my hesitation. He walked up to my window, bent slightly, and met my eyes. His voice was steady, full of quiet conviction. “Ollie, I can’t lose you. You’re home, my boy. It’s okay. We’re still in this together.”
His eyes settled something deep inside me. I took him at his word and stepped out of my car. Corey immediately wrapped his arm around my shoulders, his steady presence reassuring me as he guided me toward the front door. The scene was golden in hue, the magical twilight hour casting everything in a warm glow as Corey’s father - my urologist - and my work mentor, Ted, appeared in the open doorway and stepped out to greet us.
Corey shouted as we approached, “Dads! I found the cutest stray puppy this morning, and he followed me home. Can we keep him?”
I froze, torn between wanting to slap him or hug him. It was seriously a toss-up.
Before I could decide, Dr. Rainer - no, Chris - was the first to speak. “Hey, Ollie, it’s great to see you again. I’m so sorry about keeping secrets from you. I hope Corey helped you through your test this morning.”
“Yes, sir, he did,” I replied earnestly. “And I appreciate all the thoughtfulness you all put into this. I’m sorry I was too scared to ask for help on my own.”
I guess something about what I’d just said, triggered Ted to jump in. His warm voice was somehow cutting as he stepped closer. “Ollie, I’m afraid I need your middle name, son.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I barely caught Corey giving me a very comical “Don’t do it, Ollie! Danger! Danger!” look and hand movements. But I just missed his cue, and true to form, I did what I do best: I respectfully responded, “It’s Aaron, sir.”
Corey put his hand over his face and waited. Uncle Ted was now armed with everything he needed, and he wasted no time before using it. “Oliver Aaron Carson! Sport! What the heck have you been thinking? Sleeping in your car? In dangerous parking lots? Not asking anyone for help? Getting beaten up and hurt?” He tilted his head in a serious, fatherly way and finished with, “I know you’re smarter than this, Oliver.”
It was only a gentle rebuke, but it still blindsided me. Thankfully my ever-present protector stepped in immediately, gently nudging me into his dads’ opening arms.
They both wrapped me in their embrace just as my tears made yet another stupid appearance for the day. Corey broke the silence with his usual charm. “Dads, you made my pup cry again. He does that a lot; I think he might be broken.”
I felt Chris’ arm lift off me as he motioned to Corey. His mildly rebuking look was unmistakable as he said, “Then get your butt over here and help us squeeze him back together.”
And Corey did. I was completely wrapped in the arms of people who now seemed to want me.
Corey was the only one who could speak the next line. “Hey, my Ollie, I know it’s not the one you expected, but can this be your hoped-for Family Hug of Acceptance?”
I looked into Corey’s eyes, my heart too full for words. Encased in the arms of my new dads, safe for the first time in forever, I felt brave enough to lean in and give my co-explorer another kiss.
