Chapter 36
The summer days and weeks flew by with Jack and Ennis settling into the task of being owned by pets. Ennis, having never had a pet, was surprised by the amount of time it took to actually care for them. He took it all in stride, even at times cleaning Miss Kitty's litter box, although that was mainly Jack's job.
They enjoyed their outings to Moon Doggy's dog wash. Ennis looked so proud as they walked a clean, silky Ace to their car as people stopped to comment on his one blue and one brown eye. "Who does he look more like, you or me?" Jack would joke after the people passed by, which always made Ennis smile and shake his head.
Miss Kitty loved being with her humans. Jack and Ennis hated leaving her alone when they'd take Ace to the boat for the weekend because she acted so love starved when they returned.
"I don't get it," Jack had said after their first weekend of leaving her. "The little tabby my mom used to have was so independent, she didn't care if anyone was around or not, but Miss Kitty here, she seems to think she's a person or something."
"Might have to get her a playmate to keep her company while we're gone," Ennis joked.
"Or take her with us to the boat. She could be a sailor like Ace," Jack laughed, giving the dog a good body massage.
They took Ace just about everywhere with them. He was a good dog, well behaved and quiet, and he loved riding in the car and SUV. He fit into their lives just fine. He could be let out to the bathroom in the morning, and that held him till they returned in the evening. If they were both going to work late, one of them would dash home during lunchtime to tend to him unless Helen was in cleaning that day.
Pete and Esther offered to pitch in whenever they were needed, but Jack and Ennis didn't want to trouble them to let Ace out, even though they would probably be grateful for the opportunity to get out of the house and feel needed.
They had talked of flying out to see Anna and Jim, and on that occasion, Jack thought they'd leave Ace at his folk's place, and might ask Pete and Esther to tend to Miss Kitty over those few days.
Miss Kitty was happiest when there was a full house. She loved Junior, and slept with her when she was there, and wasn't even fazed by Bobby's rambunctious play habits.
On occasion Miss Kitty had ended up in Jack and Ennis' bed during their lovemaking sessions which caused quit a stir the first time. They'd been going at it hot and heavy when suddenly her presence was noticed as she came stomping past their heads causing them to both break into laughter.
Other times she'd be right there on the pillow above their heads as they were trying to fuck, her eyes fixated on them, her motor running. The look on her face made them quite uncomfortable, as if she knew exactly what was going on and wanted to see if they were doing everything right.
...
It had been a great summer, even with telling Alma and Lureen about their relationship, or maybe because of finally telling them. It had taken a load off their minds to have that out in the open. Jack and Lureen were good friends, and she was friendly with Ennis. Alma was able to remain civil to Ennis, less than civil to Jack, but all in all, it was going all right.
Fall was on the horizon. They still hadn't been out to dinner with John and Denise, and both Jack and Ennis hoped they had forgotten about the invitation, but one evening when the phone rang, they had to face the fact that they were going to dinner with Jack's folks.
"You said we need to prepare ourselves. Prepare ourselves for what exactly?" Ennis asked.
"I don't rightly know, but I know I'm pretty damn nervous about this, and I wish there was some way to get out of it," Jack said as he and Ennis were getting dressed on a warm fall night in late September. "Just the four of us together, I just hope Dad doesn't do or say anything to make us feel uncomfortable."
"You knew it was coming. Your mama invited us back in May, and here it is fall already. I think we got off pretty good waiting till now. We're just gonna have to suck it up and go and hope for the best."
"Yeah, does the same go for when we go to Minnesota to visit Anna and Jim?"
A pained look came over Ennis' face, and Jack regretted having brought up that trip. Ennis didn't need to be reminded, especially tonight. "I'm sorry Ennis," he said, as he closed the gap between them and wrapped his arms around him. "We'll worry about planning that trip later."
Ennis tightened the embrace, giving Jack a kiss on the cheek as they parted. They finished getting ready to go. Ennis looked Jack up and down in his black slacks and blue shirt with narrow gray stripes. Ennis was in gray slacks and a grey and white striped shirt. Ennis felt like getting another hug before they went downstairs so took Jack into his arms, burying his nose in Jack's neck, sniffing the aftershave he loved, wishing they had time for some lovin' before having to leave, but he sure as hell didn't want to be late and make a bad impression on Jack's folks, so that would have to wait.
"If you're worried about making a bad impression, you'd best do something about that bulge in your pants before we get there," Jack chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
"I thought that's what you were for," Ennis growled, giving Jack a look of affection.
They let Ace out for a potty break, then said goodbye to him and Miss Kitty, and were on their way.
...
Ennis pulled the car into the parking lot at The Cheesecake Factory in Sherman Oaks which was about half way for Jack's folks and half way for them. They looked around to see if John or Denise's car was parked anywhere and didn't see either one.
The drive had been pretty quiet, mostly talking about traffic and places they were passing by, staying away from the subject of dinner.
Pulling into the parking space, Ennis didn't want to face the fact they were there. He kept the air conditioner running, and wasn't killing the engine. "We're here," he finally said.
"Yeah, that we are."
When neither said anything else, Jack finally said, "Shit, why'd we agree to come here?"
Ennis seemed to come back to reality from his thoughts and took Jack's hand. "Because they're your folks and we gotta try and have a good relationship with them...and we have no reason to think this isn't gonna go well. Hell, you've been out to their place with Ace a couple times lately, and everything's been fine."
"I know," Jack said, squeezing Ennis' hand. "It's just that, maybe things have gone too well, you know? Them not really saying anything about 'us.' More or less just ignoring it all."
"Well, that could just mean they're that all right with it," Ennis said, trying to sound convincing. Jack gave him a stare.
"The bottom line is; as long as they're trying to be friendly with us and not cause any trouble, why think differently? We'll just go in there and be friendly to them, just act normal, and I'm sure it will be fine. They'll see we're right together...they won't be able to think anything else and they'll be glad for us."
"We should have brought the kids," Jack smiled, and the mood immediately brightened.
As they got out of the car, Ennis said, "You should have waited to show them those pictures of the kids, and Ace and Miss Kitty. We could have brought them with us tonight. That would have made them happy."
Jack put his arm around Ennis' shoulder for a few seconds as they walked toward the restaurant and said with a smile, "Too bad I didn't think of that. You're learning, friend."
As they entered, Ennis saw the display case full of cheesecake and said, "This should make this ordeal worth it to you, bud," and gave Jack a warm smile.
Jack stepped over to gaze at the desserts looking totally lost in thought. Ennis glanced around and said, "I'm going to give our name to the hostess and see if your folks happen to be here already."
Ennis joined Jack at the display. "Your folks aren't here yet." Just as he said those words, they walked in.
When John and Denise saw them they both had big smiles on their faces and Ennis could tell they weren't forcing them at all, they were genuine. He breathed a sigh of relief and knew Jack did too, as they all hugged one another. Denise even gave Ennis a kiss on the cheek as well as Jack.
"Sorry we're late," John said. "The traffic was pretty slow."
"That's okay, we haven't been here long," Jack said.
"It gave Jack time to drool over the cheesecake," smiled Ennis.
That got a laugh out of both John and Denise. "I wonder if our table is ready. That is if you're finished looking at the dessert," John said as he patted Jack on the back.
John asked the hostess if they had a table for them, and she signaled another girl who promptly appeared and told them to follow her, and shortly they were seated in a booth and given menus.
"How are those kids of yours?" John asked.
"The two legged ones or the four?" Jack asked with a twinkle in his eye.
John laughed and said, "Well, both I guess."
Ennis looked on as Jack told John some of what Ace had been up to lately, as well as Miss Kitty. Ennis thought to himself about Miss Kitty coming into the bed, but of course that wasn't a subject for dinner with Jack's folks.
"How are Junior and Bobby?" Denise asked.
With pride in his voice Ennis said, "Junior began preschool the first week of September and is having a ball."
"She'll be old enough to start riding horses soon. You'll have to bring her to see them. In fact, why don't you boys ever come out when you've got the kids? You can all stay the weekend. We'd love to have you," Denise offered.
"Well, Mom, you and Dad haven't been home that much this past summer."
"That's true, one reason we've had to wait so long to get together with you boys for this dinner. I think we're about finished traveling for awhile though, so you plan to come out, alright?"
Ennis and Jack answered in unison that they would. Ennis wondered what the sleeping arrangements would be like if they did.
"The holidays will be coming up before we know it. We want to see a lot of those kids...and it's okay for you guys to come too, of course." John smiled warmly.
"That's very kind of you, Dad," Jack grinned.
They studied menus and decided to start with Fire Roasted Artichokes, which everyone enjoyed very much. Ennis could tell Jack felt better as soon as he'd eaten something as he'd gotten very hungry smelling the food, not to mention when he looked at all the cheesecake when they first came in. The conversation was very pleasant during the appetizer.
"They have a great salad here I just love. John, remember it?"
The two of them ordered what was called French Country Salad which had asparagus, beets and candied pecans. Jack and Ennis went for something simpler, tossed green salads.
Over dinner, John commented, "This Pasta Carbonara is delicious. How's your Shrimp Scampi, Denise?"
"It's just perfect," she answered. "How do you boys like what you have?"
"Ennis is an expert on pasta. How is it, Ennis?" Jack asked.
"They didn't skimp on the shrimp, and the pasta is cooked just right."
"That's angel hair pasta, isn't it?" Denise asked as she glanced at Ennis' plate.
"Yes, it is." Ennis wiped his mouth and said, "How's your salmon, Jack?"
"Real good," Jack said.
"Glad to see you're eating your vegetables too," Denise laughed as she looked at the asparagus and mashed potatoes on Jack's plate.
They were served a basket of various breads and wine. Ennis was surprised how good of a time he was having, and could tell Jack was also enjoying himself. John and Denise couldn't have been nicer. It was a pleasant surprise and a big relief. There were no awkward silences and everyone appeared relaxed.
After they'd finished dinner, their server asked if they'd like dessert, so they asked to see the cheesecake menu and all studied it before choosing what they wanted.
"Maybe we can share a piece and take a piece home," Denise said to John.
"Sounds fine to me."
They decided on Lemon Raspberry and White Chocolate Raspberry to take home.
After saying he was too full and didn't think he could eat any dessert, Jack convinced Ennis to agree on sharing a piece too.
John said, "Be sure and get an extra piece to take home."
"Thanks, Dad. Now the only problem is, what kind, since Ennis is a bit conservative when it comes to cheesecake."
"What do you mean, I'm conservative? Don't you remember the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake I baked you that time?" he asked Jack.
"They've got that kind here," Jack hinted.
"Maybe we'd best look further before deciding," Ennis said as he took his glasses out of his pocket so he could see the menu. "They do have regular Cheesecake you know, or Cherry."
"Those are so plain; don't you want to try something a bit more adventurous?"
"Jack, some of these names sound like they'd put twenty pounds on us especially after the meal we just had. Or at least rot our teeth."
John and Denise wore amused smiles while watching Jack and Ennis go round and round about the cheesecakes. Finally the boys compromised and decided on "Caramel Pecan Turtle" for eating there, and would take home "Dutch Apple Caramel."
"Good, glad that's settled," remarked John, who got the attention of their server so they could order.
As they waited for their dessert and coffee, Denise reached for Jack's hand. She touched his ring finger and said, "I've noticed you two are wearing rings. Is there a story behind them?"
Jack glanced at Ennis before answering. He slowly said, "Yeah, Mom. We gave these to each other last winter. They're kinda like wedding rings."
Denise smiled and asked, "Can I see closer?"
Jack removed his ring and placed it in her hand. She looked at it closely. "It's exquisite. I don't know when I've seen a lovelier ring. Oh, it even has an inscription." She carefully read it. It looked like she nearly teared up as she said, "This is just beautiful."
She showed John the ring and he also looked at it closely and said, "You know, I noticed the rings quite some time ago but didn't want to ask about them then."
"I saw them too, but we were kind of waiting for you to mention it," Denise said.
Jack seemed at a loss for words, but tried to explain. "Sorry. We weren't sure what your reaction would be, so..."
Ennis hated to see Jack feeling bad or uncomfortable so stepped out of his comfort zone and tried to help out by saying, "We got them for each other last Christmas. We weren't sure exactly what we wanted, but when we saw these, we knew they were it. We're glad you like them."
"Well, they're sure beautiful," Denise said.
"Yes, they're fine rings," John agreed.
About that time the server arrived with the cheesecake and coffee.
The mood lightened and they all enjoyed eating their dessert, with Jack and Ennis entertaining John and Denise with their antics.
They all walked out together carrying their bags with tomorrow's dessert, and said, "Goodnight, drive safely," and all gave one another hugs before setting out for home.
...
That night after the house was quiet and locked up, and Jack and Ennis were in their bedroom, Ennis repeated what they'd said on the ride home. "That went really well tonight. Surprisingly well in fact." He smiled at Jack.
"Yeah, I can't quite believe how it turned out."
"Your folks are terrific, Jack."
"Yeah, I guess they are," Jack said, but looked like he was having a hard time believing it was really true.
They got into bed and Ennis held Jack close. Jack snuggled into Ennis' chest. "You're just surprised because your daddy hadn't been able to show you before how much he loves you, but he does, that's obvious."
"I think maybe it's you he loves...always did want a doctor in the family."
Ennis chuckled, and hoped Jack was just joking. "Jack, I can see it when both your mama and daddy look at you."
"It took a lotta years for Dad and me, Ennis."
"Better late than never."
"Speaking of late...it's not too late for a night cap, is it?"
"Twist, you have a one track mind."
"Are you complaining?"
"Not on your life."
Jack kept a serious voice and said, "You know, we forgot to ask Dad about the springs on the bed in the cabin...you know, ask him if there was any chance on getting a new bed up there." By the time he finished, Jack was nearly cracking up.
All Ennis could get out was, "Jack..." before he was laughing too.
Ennis rolled on top of Jack, mouths coming together, clothes coming off, hands roaming, as they made love. Ace came into the room and lay by the bed, his tail thumping on the floor as his masters were oblivious to his presence. Now if only Miss Kitty stayed off the bed...
To Be Continued...