Chapter 26

Ennis and Alma found a way to be civil with each other...most of the time anyway. They agreed to try for Junior's sake. Over the next few weeks Ennis had been back to the house several times, and even took Alma and Junior out to see the boat on one occasion. Ennis was careful to hide the candles and a few other things that might cause suspicion. Ennis took note of the fact that Alma didn't complain about the boat or anything else while Junior was with them. Junior acted excited, asking if they could go for a ride, nosing all around the inside. Ennis smiled, and felt happy to know that one day his little girl would be able to share this with him.

He and Alma had discussed joint custody, and during the times she was not ruled by her bitterness and anger, she'd been open to that arrangement, although at first she brought up the fact that Junior was awfully young for a single man to take care of. Ennis set her straight there, so he hoped that when it came right down to it, she wouldn't cause problems. She had seen a lawyer the first week of April, and Ennis had seen his as well. Ennis had no problem whatsoever letting Alma have the house, and she had money of her own and a good job, so he wasn't worried about her at all, and he would provide for Junior, no argument there. He silently thanked Keith many times over for insisting on that prenuptial agreement. Keith had always looked out for him, and Ennis was now reaping the benefits. It shouldn't be too complicated to end this mess of a marriage.

Alma's cooperation in the divorce procedure might have been tied to what he'd heard through the grapevine. She'd been spotted out with a new man, so evidently she was already trying to move on with her life. In one way he was glad, but in another it concerned him because he knew nothing about this man. He needed to know what kind of person might be around his daughter. He didn't feel comfortable bringing the subject up with Alma, at least not just yet. He might ask Susan, as she'd been the one who had told him in the first place. He hadn't asked then because he'd been taken by surprise, but he was curious and planned to learn more. Susan and Alma hadn't been very close ever since Lureen had come into the picture, but Susan might at least know who this man was. Lureen probably knew something, but being Alma's best friend, he didn't feel that she would be forthcoming with any information, especially since she hadn't even mentioned anything to Jack.

...

Easter Sunday found Jack, Lureen and Bobby on their way to Jack's parent's home to have dinner and Bobby's first Easter egg hunt. Six weeks short of his birthday, he'd be able to walk a little to find the eggs, and could crawl at an alarming rate. There was little conversation during the drive, Bobby the one making the most noise by far.

Jack had come right to the point a few days before about what he felt the future of their marriage was. He'd taken Lureen out, and told her in the restaurant. He thought maybe it was chicken of him to do it in a public place, but at least he'd gotten it done.

Jack had placed his hand over Lureen's on the table and tried to look her in the eye as he nervously said, "Lureen, my life isn't the way I imagined it was gonna be. I mean, well, my career, that's going great, that's not the part I mean." He paused to gather his courage and quietly said, "It's our marriage. It's not really a marriage, you know that, and I doubt you're satisfied with it anymore than I am." Pausing again, wondering what she was thinking, he continued without mincing any words. "We're in a rut and it's not going to change. I want out."

Lureen stared at him for a few uncomfortable moments, then placed her other hand on his and said, "We just didn't know each other well enough before we got together." She sighed and a small smile found its way to her lips. "We did a lot of stupid things didn't we?" Her smile got wider and with a slight waver in her voice she said, "But that son of ours, well, I wouldn't trade him for anything." Jack thought he saw a tear in her eye but she quickly blinked it away as she said, "It's okay, Jack, you're right, I'm not happy living like we have been either."

The bottom line was she had readily agreed that they shouldn't have gotten married and were better off as friends, which they both wanted to remain. It had all been very amicable, assuring each other they'd work something out suitable to both.

Jack thought to himself that he should have listened to Ennis when he'd advised him to live together first and see how things went. But he shouldn't complain, he was damn lucky that Lureen was the kind of person she was, and that it seemed like they'd be able to end things on friendly terms. What he worried about was his parent's reaction, especially his dad's.

He couldn't wait to move out of the house, and planned to the following week. First he had to help Lureen hire a nanny. She said she needed one now more than ever. They'd interviewed a couple of ladies so far, but hadn't found one that Lureen clicked with yet. He hoped that they could get it sorted out so he could get on with his plans.

The first chance he got after his and Lureen's dinner conversation he had called Ennis to tell him how it had gone. Ennis had told him to come on out to the boat when he was ready to leave. He said that it might be a little cramped but they'd manage. Jack planned on doing just that, and since warmer weather was on the horizon, it shouldn't be too bad living on the boat. He wondered what they might decide to do long term. Well, first things first, he told himself. He knew it was all going to work out.

He and Ennis had met up at the studio for lunch and "dessert" the day after he'd told Lureen. They had quite a little celebration that afternoon. Jack had been out to the boat a couple weeks before that, but he needed more of Ennis than he'd been getting, and could hardly wait to get out to Marina Del Rey full time.

Jack pulled the Land Rover into his parent's drive-way and braced himself for this holiday spent with family. He had told Lureen that if the timing seemed right, he was going to tell his folks the situation and she was fine with that.

As they reached the front door they were greeted by John and Denise. "Welcome, Happy Easter," Denise said, giving Lureen a hug. John took Bobby from Jack's arms, as he said, "It's always a happy day when I get to spend it with my grandson."

Jack and Lureen followed Denise into the family room to join Harold and Betty. John was right behind them with Bobby. Jack was grateful that it would just be family.

"Your dad is so excited about spending Easter with Bobby," Harold said as he got up to pat Jack on the back and give Lureen a hug. "I'm looking forward to watching that young man hunt for eggs myself," he said in his loud, jolly voice. "Hello, Bobby," Harold said as he shook the boy's hand.

Even Aunt Betty was more upbeat than usual and said, "I'm looking forward to the Easter egg hunt too."

Jack noticed she didn't smile when saying that. In fact, thinking back he had hardly ever seen her smile. There was such a contrast between her and Harold. At least her snide remarks hadn't started.

"The backyard is ready for the Easter egg hunt," Denise said. "Why don't we do that first while it's still warm out, and have our dinner afterward."

Watching Bobby crawl around trying to gather eggs made everyone laugh. Jack helped him, and every once in awhile Bobby would get himself up onto his feet and start running, but would fall after a few steps. While watching Bobby have fun, they ate cheese and crackers and had drinks. Besides the eggs in the yard, Jack's mom and dad had a big Easter basket for Bobby with more candy and some toys inside. Harold and Betty presented him with a huge stuffed bunny.

"He's a lucky little boy," Lureen said, thanking everyone, and trying to teach Bobby to say thank-you.

"You're more than welcome, sweetie," Denise said, as she put her arm around Lureen and gave her a little squeeze. "I'll bet your parents want to see him again. He's growing so fast, already changing from when they saw him over New Years."

"Yes, they're anxious to see him again. In fact, they're planning to come out this summer," Lureen said.

Denise excused herself to check on the food and came back shortly announcing that they could eat. They all found their way into the dining room where she had set the table beautifully. The table cloth, place mats and napkins were a pastel spring print with solid yellow to coordinate. Napkin rings with a spring motif finished off the look. Denise used her good china. In the center of the table was a large basket accented with a yellow bow filled with freshly cut lilies, babies breath and greenery. Pastel candles in white porcelain holders were the finishing touch.

The meal consisted of leg of lamb with mint jelly, Parisienne Potatoes, Asparagus with lemon, Mesclun mix salad, dinner rolls and red and white wine. Jack and Lureen sat opposite Harold and Betty, with Bobby next to Lureen in a high-chair. Lureen fed him what he was able to eat. John and Denise were at opposite ends of the table. For dessert, a Coconut cake shaped like a rabbit was served. Bobby started bouncing and reaching for the cake while making cooing sounds.

"I wonder if Bobby can tell it's shaped like a rabbit?" Lureen laughed.

"Maybe he has his dad's sweet tooth," John laughed.

"Did you get it from the bakery, mom?" Jack asked, ignoring John's kidding.

"No, your aunt Betty baked it," Denise said, smiling at Betty.

"It's very impressive, Aunt Betty. It looks professionally done." Jack said.

Harold said to Betty, "Maybe this will encourage you to do some more baking. That would sure be nice!"

"Harold, you don't really need any more baked goods," Betty said, glancing at his mid section.

"Hummmm, I'll have to ask Jack how he keeps his mid section under control," Harold said, patting his own stomach.

Despite the kidding, Harold and the others ate generous pieces of the cake, all giving Betty many compliments. Bobby had his share as well, getting plenty on his bib. All in all, the holiday hadn't been half bad. Jack was thinking to himself, why spoil it, maybe I'd better just keep quiet about me and Lureen for now.

As it turned out, Jack did bring up the subject of his crumbling marriage. After Harold and Betty had left, and Lureen, Bobby and Denise were in the kitchen, Jack ended up alone with his dad in the family room.

John said, "I guess you're not much looking forward to Lureen's folks visiting this summer."

This was an opportunity to tell him, so Jack mustered all his courage and said, "Well...I'm not gonna have to see much of them, if any at all."

"Oh? Will you be away on a shoot? Last summer you lucked out and were away. Don't tell me you got lucky again this year," John said with a smile.

Jack nearly lost his nerve, but knew it would have to come out sooner or later, so he sat forward on the couch and said with some effort, "Dad, there's no easy way to say this...Lureen and I are going our separate ways."

To say John looked shocked was an understatement. "What are you talking about? Why would you say something like that? We all just had a nice Easter holiday together, Bobby hunted eggs...you and Lureen seemed happy." John was visibly upset and got to his feet, running a hand through his hair.

Jack stood up and tried to calm him down by touching him on the arm saying, "Come on, Dad, sit down. Calm down."

John jerked away and said in an agitated voice, "Jack, your son will be a year old next month!"

Jack looked down at his feet and said, "What does that have to do with anything?"

John became angrier, raised his voice and said, "What does that have to do with anything? You tell me you're going to walk out on your wife and son, and you ask what does Bobby have to do with it? You haven't changed at all, have you?"

Jack stared at his dad, not knowing what to say, probably couldn't have spoken anyway, even if he'd known what to say. He wondered why he was surprised by this. Why was he so stupid to think he might get some support from his dad for once in his life?

"Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Jack?" John snapped.

"Nothing I say will make any difference to you, Dad," Jack said, keeping his voice low at first, but then he lost his temper and shouted, "You think you know it all...you think you know how everything should be...how everyone should run their lives...you want everyone to do what you think is best. Well, you don't know, have never known what is best for me! In fact, you don't care what's best for me! Lureen and I should never have gotten married. We both see that, and we're ending it while we can still be friends. It has nothing to do with Bobby...I am not turning my back on my son."

John stood silent with a disgusted look on his face and finally said, "Let's keep our voices down. I don't want to upset your mother...I guess you'll be leaving now."

"Guess so," was all Jack said.

When Jack found Lureen, he was relieved when it seemed obvious that she and his mom were unaware of any of the conversation that had taken place in the family room. His mom's face immediately showed concern though, as she looked into Jack's eyes. He knew that she could tell he was upset, and Lureen could as well. Lureen must have figured out what had gone down because she asked no questions, just quickly gathered up Bobby's things. With Jack's help the three of them hurried out as quickly as possible. John joined them at the door and gave Bobby a kiss good-bye, and hugged and kissed Lureen. Denise did the same, and it looked like she started to ask a question, but much to Jack's relief she didn't. He could only imagine how his dad would have exploded if she had said anything.

...

After Jack helped Lureen tuck Bobby in, he was at loose ends. He'd given Lureen the blow by blow report of how his dad had taken the news of their impending split, and he just couldn't sit still and relax. He felt that if he didn't have a migraine over this, maybe they really were gone. He didn't know exactly when his last one had been, but knew he hadn't had one in the new year, and three months without was unheard of. He wanted to go out to the boat, so he finally told Lureen he was going, and promised to be back in the morning in plenty of time to meet the next candidate for nanny. She was fine with that, as long as he was back in time.

Jack gave Ennis a call before he started the Land Rover. "How was Easter?" he asked when Ennis answered his cell.

"Better now that you called," he said. "Was over at the house and had an Easter egg hunt for Junior."

"Yeah, Bobby had one at the folk's."

Even though Jack was trying to sound normal, Ennis asked, "Are you okay, bud?"

"Yeah, fine...I was thinking of coming out there tonight, that okay?"

"Course it's okay, bring your stuff and move in if you want."

"I'm planning to do just that this week," Jack smiled though the phone. "But I'll just bring myself and overnight bag tonight."

The conversation ended with Ennis saying, "See you soon."

In just over a half hour Jack was briskly walking to the boat from where he'd parked. He was so glad to be in Ennis' arms when he got inside. He tightened his grip more than usual. The way Ennis held on, Jack wondered if he could tell something was wrong. If he could, he didn't ask and Jack was glad of it. He felt like taking some time before getting into that unpleasantness.

"You in the mood for a beer?"

Jack felt tired and drained and said, "Sure am."

They sat in silence drinking their beer, as "Cold Case" played on the t.v.

After a short while, Jack began telling Ennis about his day. Ennis turned off the t.v. and gave Jack his undivided attention as he listened to what had happened at Jack's folk's place. Jack rubbed his eyes, the stress and sadness feeling like a weight.

"You think he told your mom after you left?"

"I'm sure he did."

"Well, maybe she'll get him to see how out of line he was," Ennis said in an encouraging voice.

"Never was able to before," Jack said, sounding defeated.

"You need a good night's sleep. Why don't you get ready for bed?" Ennis said.

Jack looked into Ennis' sympathetic eyes, not saying anything for a few seconds, then with his eyes still locked on Ennis' said, "I do need sleep, that's a fact, but I need something first that only you can give me."

Ennis' pants were bulging as he glanced down at his lap and said, "You sure know how to get me going." A smile crept onto his face. He swallowed, got up, reached for Jack's hand and the two of them slipped off to bed.

When Ennis turned around after switching the candles on, Jack was right there, unable to wait another second, crashing into him and causing both of them to fall onto the bed. He started pulling at Ennis' shirt buttons and kissing his neck. Ennis helped him get the shirt off as Jack got his own off in one motion over his head.

Jack rolled onto Ennis, kissing him hard, managing to get out, "Ennis, I need you."

"You got me, Jack," was all Ennis said.

As soon as they were free of all of their clothes, and had the bed covers yanked back, Jack began kissing Ennis deeply, sucking on his tongue and nipping on his lips. Frenzied breathing filled the room. Jack loved the sensation of his hard cock rubbing on Ennis'.

Within a few minutes Jack slowed down, reached for the lube and got himself ready. He wanted to look at Ennis' face as they made love so he slowly lifted Ennis' legs over his shoulders. He took one of Ennis' hands in his as he slowly entered him. His eyes locked on Ennis' the whole time. Ennis' moans were music to his ears and the look on Ennis' face fueled his fire. After Jack was in as far as he could go, he closed his eyes and started moving slow and steady. Both of them were gasping, Ennis moving with Jack, their hearts beating in sync. Jack let go of Ennis' hand and balanced himself as he took Ennis' cock in hand, and started to stroke. Jack worked his magic on Ennis, making him groan and moan uncontrollably, causing incoherent sounds to escape his mouth. Just before Ennis went off, he managed to choke out, "Fuck, Jack," and "Jesus Christ." That just pushed Jack closer to the brink.

"I'm not gonna last much longer," Jack huffed out, and that was it, he was shooting before the words had left his lips. His whole body was in spasms as he joined Ennis in a few cuss words. It was all Jack could do to balance there and wait till they had experienced every last ounce of pleasure. He felt Ennis tighten up to hold him in. He wanted to stay as long as he could, it felt so good and he'd needed it so bad. Despite both of their efforts to keep connected, he finally softened and fell out.

They untangled themselves and Jack collapsed onto Ennis' chest, snuggling close, nuzzling his neck. He let a few words slip out of his mouth, but they were said low and not very clear. Ennis couldn't be sure, but it sounded like Jack said, "I love you, Ennis." Jack dropped off to sleep within seconds. Ennis went over in his mind what he thought he'd heard Jack say, wondering...and hoping, that it actually was what it sounded like.

After a short time, Ennis got up to use the bathroom. When he was finished he found that Jack was waiting his turn. It wasn't long till they were wrapped in each other's arms, settling in for a good night's sleep...but then Jack's cell phone rang.

"Shit," Jack said. "Who could that be? What time is it...10:30." He reached for it and said, "My old man."

Jack answered, "Dad?"

Ennis couldn't hear what John was saying, just what Jack said, and it sounded like John was making arrangements to meet the next day. After Jack hung up he said, "He wants to meet me at the studio tomorrow afternoon...says we need to talk. Shit, I thought he said all he needed to at the house."

"Maybe he wants to apologize," Ennis said, with a hopeful look on his face.

"Somehow I don't think so."

"Well, what else could it be? Like you said, he said it all at the house. If I was guessing, I'd say he thought better of it and is sorry about what he said and that's why he called." He reached out and wrapped his arms around Jack as he snuggled up to his back as Jack sat on the edge of the bed. "Don't worry, it's gonna be alright," Ennis whispered.

Ennis hoped it would be. Jack didn't deserve his dad's anger. He was doing the best he could. Had always done the best he could. John was the one with the problem, not his Jack.

They lay down and held each other close, drifting off to sleep.

...

Breakfast was short and uneventful the next morning. Both had places they had to be.

"See you back here tonight?" Ennis asked.

"Yeah, I'll bring some stuff and be here."

"Call me and let me know what's up with your daddy after you've seen him."

"Okay, whatever happens, I'll let you know."

Before they left, Ennis gave Jack a hug and kiss. Jack drew the strength he would need to face his day from Ennis' strong and reassuring arms.

First thing Jack had on his mind was the meeting with Lureen and the nanny. Hiring a nanny was more complicated than he ever imagined. Then he had a photo shoot at 11:00 a.m., and the last appointment on his agenda was his dad.

What could his dad want? Had his mom talked some sense into him like Ennis suggested may have happened? Who was he trying to kid, his mom would be upset about him and Lureen too. But being upset, and acting like his dad had, were two different things. He could count on his mom for support, he knew that. Looking back, he wished he'd told her, and not his dad. That was stupid on his part. What's done is done. Put it out of your mind till he gets here this afternoon.

Jack was nervous, but ticked off too. Why could he never get any support from his old man? Why had he always been this way? Well, Jack knew many reasons, but were they really enough for a man to treat his son this badly all these years? Maybe it didn't matter if they got over this hurdle because with his dad's attitude, always expecting him to be a certain way and do certain things, when the truth came out about him and Ennis; he could never see his dad accepting that. Maybe it would hurt less to cut ties with him now.

He thought of his dad...he wondered, was there some other reason besides the ones Jack had thought of over the years...some other reason he seemed to dislike him so much, was so impatient with him, tried to carve out a path for him to do what John wanted and not what Jack ever did? Did he have an inner sense of what his son really was? Did he know long before Jack did? Is that why John had it out for him since he was born? Jack shook his head...how could John have known that when he was a baby? No, that's not it, can't be. I'm just trying to make excuses for him, and there's no excuse. Jack could never imagine treating Bobby in the way he had been treated his whole life. Jack didn't have much more time to think because his dad arrived just when he said he would.

John looked like he hadn't slept all night. He looked nervous. At least he didn't look mad like he did the night before.

"Hi, Jack," was all he said.

"Hi." Come in, have a seat...can I get you anything?"

"You don't have to be polite. I'm sure you're feeling anything but friendly toward me right now."

"Dad...I don't know what to feel."

John remained silent, and Jack considered torturing him by saying nothing and forcing him to start, but part of him felt bad for the man, why, he had no idea. He asked, "Did you tell mom about me and Lureen?"

"Yes, I did, and she chewed me out severely for having gotten so angry with you. I owe you an apology."

"Dad, I..."

John interrupted with, "Jack, for once, just listen." After gathering his thoughts he said, "I should never have gone off on you last evening like I did. You caught me totally by surprise. Once I calmed down and talked with your mother, I was able to see things more clearly. I'm your father...and I should be supportive of you even though I may be disappointed and upset by what you're doing." He hesitated before continuing. "Since you've been home from New York I've discovered how much I missed you when you were gone. I also realized how much I've lost by not having you in my life...We lost so many years, and I don't want to lose any more." With tears in his eyes he went on, "So regardless of what happens in the future, I'll do my best to be supportive, and you can count on that."

Jack hugged his dad and said, "Thanks, Dad." That's all he could get out as he thought of the future and wondered if the next revelation in his life story would be more than his dad could support.

To Be Continued...