This story contains homosexual themes. If you are offended by such topics or you are not of legal age to read such stories, please read no further. All the characters in the story are fictitious, with the exception of one new character that is introduced in this chapter. I have NO idea of his sexual preference and I'm implying NOTHING. Its just a story. I'm really sorry it has taken me so long to post, but I'm on vacation this week, so I PROMISE to be better.
Comments are welcome at ghostwriter@si.rr.com
Chapter 29
As the coach finished his pre-game speech Saturday Jerric asked if he could say a few words, as if the Jackson's permission was really necessary. Jerric spoke whenever he wanted to, but it was a matter or formality.
"Look guys, we've got something to prove today. A week ago people were saying we had this game in the bag, now we're 15 point underdogs. Coach Jackson works our asses off for games exactly like this one. Chances are we can't outshoot them, but we can out smart them and out play them. I'm not gonna be much use to you guys today on the court, but I'll help you all I can from the bench. Play smart and play hard and we can win this thing."
Coach Jackson smiled as he watched Jerric Donovan do what he did best; motivate his teammates. He had struggled with the decision long and hard about playing Jerric today. He hadn't practiced all week and although he had returned to classes, Mike and he agreed he was in no shape to play. Against his better judgment, Jerric would start. Jackson and the 19 year old had talked at length the night before. Jerric agreed that if he was allowed to start, he would put up no argument when Jackson took him out of the game.
As the team headed out of the locker room, Jackson pulled Hunter aside. "Hunter you know Jerric and I had a talk last night. As much as he irritates me, he knows this game and he knows the team. I trust his judgment. We both agreed that to win this game today we have to play smart. We spent a lot of time talking strategy and the bottom line is when Jerric comes out of the game, you're going in."
"Are you nuts! I'm a freshman. I've had about 3 minutes of playing time. I can't go out there and take Jerric's place."
"Hunter, this is not up for discussion. You can, and you will. Next to Jerric, you know this offense better than anyone. I need someone that can think on their feet and not waste time second guessing things. You're it Hunter."
Hunter nodded nervously and made his way out to the arena. Immediately, he looked for Jerric.
"Jerric, why the hell didn't you tell me?" he asked angrily.
"Think about it Hunter. If I had said something last night, you would have stayed up all night worrying about it. This way you got a good nights sleep and you're fresh today."
"I can't read defenses like you can. This isn't gonna work."
"Yes, it will." Jerric assured him. "While you guys practiced last week, I spent my time looking over game tapes on these guys. I know them pretty well. If you need any help, I'll coach you from the sidelines and give you hand signals."
Five minutes into the game, Coach Jackson pulled Jerric, just as they had agreed. Duke was up by three points and Hunter was now set to run the offense.
His rattled nerves reflected in his play. His passes, normally right on target, were sloppy and no matter what plays he ran the opposing team seemed to have read his mind. Nothing was working.
Coach Jackson wasted no time calling a time out when the first "boos" were heard from the easily excitable Duke fans.
"Jerric, do whatever you have to, but you calm that kid down. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, sir" Jerric said respectfully, knowing now was not the time to irritate Coach Jackson.
As the team neared the bench, Jerric pulled a dejected Hunter aside.
Hunter kept his head down, not wanting to look at Jerric. "I told you this wouldn't work."
"Look at me Hunter."
Hunter said nothing, nor did he comply with Jerric's request.
His lack of response infuriated Jerric. He grabbed the front of Hunter's jersey with one hand and roughly lifted his chin with the other, forcing him to look Jerric in the eyes.
"We don't have time for this bullshit Hunter! Take a deep breath and play the game like you know how to. I know you're nervous, but you're a better player than the one that's been out there the past 10 minutes."
"Jerric, I'm getting booed"
"Fuck them! They'd turn on their own mother if they didn't like how she was playing in the game. You need to concentrate on running the offense."
He changed his tone and continued. "I love you Hunter and I know you can do this. When you bring the ball down court, watch me. I've give you some signals to get you started. Once you calm you're ass down you can take it from there, okay?"
Hunter took a deep breath and nodded just as the buzzer sounded indicating the time out was over. He looked at the scoreboard. They were down by 7.
By halftime, the Blue Devils had made up the 7 points and went into the locker room feeling much better at how the game was going. Hunter had overcome his early jitters and Coach Jackson was feeling confident about his decision to play the young freshman.
The second half belonged to Duke. They played hard and their efforts paid off with a somewhat surprising 12 point victory, with Jerric never returning to the game.
Hunter survived his first dealings with the press, not quite a smooth as his polished roommate, but nonetheless he got through it and he was happy to have it behind him.
"You need to hurry and shower Hunter" Jerric informed Hunter immediately after his encounter with the press.
"What's the rush? You in a hurry to get back to the dorm and hit the books?"
Jerric smiled. "Not quite. We're gonna celebrate tonight. I'm taking you out to dinner."
Hunter beamed. "We're going out to dinner? Where?"
"Tavern on the Green" Jerric announced proudly.
"Very funny Jerric. I may be a country boy from Wyoming, but I'm smart enough to know that Tavern on the Green is in New York."
Jerric smiled. "Hey, the cowboy knows his geography. I'm impressed. I hope you like it."
Hunter's faced turned serious. "You're kidding right?
"Nope, and you're wasting time. We're supposed to be at the airport in 30 minutes."
"Jerric,...... Hunter started to argue, but Jerric cut him short.
"Shower now and we can talk on the way to the airport, but it's a done deal. You're packed, the reservations are made and the plane is waiting. You deserve a special night out."
Chapter 30
An hour later Jerric held tightly to Hunter's hand as they boarded the small Lear jet and Raleigh/Durham airport.
"Okay Jerric, fill me in." he asked as he looked with wonder at the jet he now knew belonged to the elder Donovan. "What exactly does your dad do?"
"He's in the entertainment industry. He has to travel a lot because of his job, and this turned out to be more cost efficient than commercial flights. When I called him and told him we were coming he said he's send the plane since they weren't using it this weekend."
"Wow, that was really nice of him." Hunter commented.
He looked out the plane's small window as it taxied down the runway. "I can't believe we're actually going to New York. I know you're gonna hate this, but can we do some of the dumb tourist things while we're up there?"
Jerric kissed his cheek softly. "This flight will only be a couple of hours, if that. You've got the rest of tonight and all day tomorrow to do whatever you want. You name it, we'll do it. Just leave a few hours for some "private time" and I'll be happy."
Hunter smiled. 'Private time' with Jerric was fine with him.
A short time later, the plane's wheels squealed as they touched down at New York's La Guardia airport. As they gathered up the few bags Jerric had packed, a black limo pulled up next to the plane.
"Let me guess" Hunter commented. "I suppose that's you're dad's too."
"Yeah, it is. Hardly anyone here in New York owns a car. Its just too much trouble, so most people either use the subway or rent a car when they need to go somewhere."
Nervously Hunter asked. "Are we staying with your dad?"
"No way! Dad's anxious to meet you, but I thought we'd kinda like some privacy. I didn't know how comfortable you'd be staying with dad."
"I wouldn't be. Not at all."
Jerric laughed. "That's what I figured. I got us a room at the Marriott Marquis. It overlooks Time Square, right downtown, so we can do some of those "tourist" things you're dying to do.
Upon seeing it, Hunter felt sure that the "hotel room" was something out a movie. Actually, it was not a room, but an elegant suite. It's double doors opened into a huge living room area, complete with wet bar, wide screen TV and an obviously expensive sound system. On the far side of the room was a floor to ceiling sliding glass door that led to a small balcony that indeed overlooked the bustling Time Square traffic below. A wide smile covered Hunter's face as he leaned against the railing, taking in view before him as the crisp breeze brushed across his cheeks.
"Jerric I had no idea it would be like this. It's absolutely beautiful."
"I wouldn't go that far" Jerric countered "but I have to admit Manhattan has a certain charm. There is just so much to do here. I was used to seeing concerts and Broadway show's whenever I wanted to, so I kinda went through culture shock when I moved to Durham."
He walked over to Hunter and wrapped his arms around his waist. "Come with me, I want to show you something." He led Hunter down a short hallway until they reached another set of double doors. Jerric opened both doors widely so Hunter could see what was before him. It was the bedroom suite, elegantly decorated with deep rich colors accentuating the huge pedestal bed that was obviously intended to be the focal point of the room. Whoever had decorated this room, made sure that only one idea was embedded in the minds of its occupants.
Romance.
The word screamed at you with every item selected to furnish the room. From the bed, to the dim lighting nestled in the headboard to the velvet comforter conveniently hiding the black satin sheets tucked beneath it. In addition, the room had a separate sound system and soft jazz music was filled the room as Hunter tried his best to conceal his excitement. Everything about this room had a one purpose and one purpose only.
Hunter playfully licked Jerric's ear, occasionally nibbling gently on his lobe. "I suppose you think a plane ride and a fancy hotel is gonna get me in bed with you huh?"
"No, not at all" Jerric insisted vehemently. "I was leaving that up to the champagne and jacuzzi."
"Ahh, so get me drunk and take advantage of me?"
"Well, 'seduce' is more of the word I had in mind." Jerric corrected has he ran his hands gently across Hunter's ass. "Its much more politically correct."
"You? Politically correct?" Hunter laughed. "I don't buy that for a minute."
"Okay, okay you win." Jerric conceded. He pushed Hunter back on the bed and whispered in a deep sexy voice. "What I really want to do is rip these clothes off and fuck you 'til the sun comes up."
Hunter laughed loudly. "That's what I figured!"
Jerric could only smile. He wanted Hunter so badly; more than he had even wanted anyone, but it was his innocence that made him love him even more. Yes, love. A word that 6 months ago was not even a part of his vocabulary.
A knock on their hotel door interrupted his thoughts. "I'll bet that's dad," Jerric announced loudly.
Panic covered Hunter's face. "Your dad? Jerric, I look like shit. You rushed me to the airport and all I did was throw on a pair of old jeans. I can't meet your dad looking like this. He's some hotshot and you're gonna have me meet him for the first time looking like a street bum."
"Hunter, relax." Jerric said reassuringly. "This is my dad. He's been dying to meet you and to be honest, I think you look HOT in those jeans."
Hunter could feel his heart pounding as Jerric opened the door.
A huge smile covered Jerric's face as he hugged his father tightly. "Dad it's so great to see you.
The elder Donovan ran his hand roughly through his son's long locks, holding him tightly and Hunter could feel a twinge of jealousy, knowing that scenario would never happen between him and his father.
As he was hugging his son, Marcus Donovan saw a nervous young blonde watching them.
"Well, Jerric was right. You are the best looking guy he's ever dated."
Hunter blushed brightly as he extended his hand. "Nice to meet you Mr. Donovan. I'm Hunter Paxon."
"And I'm Marcus" Jerric's dad corrected him. "Mr. Donovan is way too formal for my style.
His smile put Hunter immediately at ease. "Thanks Marcus, and thanks for the ride up here. Needless to say I was pretty surprised."
Marcus glanced over toward his son. "Speaking of surprises, does Hunter know what the plans are for tonight?"
"What plans?" Hunter asked excitedly.
"Well, you wanted to do something to really get the flavor of New York, right?
Hunter nodded.
"Jerric was thinking what better way to enjoy New York than with New Yorkers. There is probably one thing that really brings this city together and that's their love of sports. The Knicks are playing tonight and it just so happens I've got 4 tickets. Would you be interested?"
"Are you serious?" Hunter yelled. "I've never been to a pro game in my life. Oh my God. I can't believe this!"
Jerric beamed. He was hoping for this reaction. He wanted this trip to be something Hunter would remember.
"Dad, who is using the other ticket?" Jerric asked with a sly smile.
Marcus shook his head. "If that was a feeble attempt to see if I'm still seeing Carson, I'd rather you just ask?"
Jerric laughed loudly. "Okay, I guess that was pretty transparent. So, are you still seeing him?"
"Yes, and he'll be joining us for the game." He looked quickly at this watch. "Dam, I'm supposed to meet him at the studio in 20 minutes. I need to get going."
He gave both Jerric and Hunter a quick hug and headed for the door.
"The car will be here around 7:30. That should give us enough time to make it to the "Garden" by tip-off. I'll see you boys then."
As quickly as he had entered, Marcus Donovan had left.
"I guess I should fill you in on my dad a bit" Jerric offered somewhat apologetically. "Number one, dad is ALWAYS in high gear. He's in constant motion. It just takes some getting used to"
"You mean like just then?" Hunter asked. "He was here and gone in about 2 minutes."
"Yeah, that's very typical. When he's not moving, it's his cell phone. He's on it constantly, but his line of work kinda demands it."
"Speaking of work, what exactly does your dad do? I mean the limo, the Knicks tickets. Those things just don't drop out of the sky. He's got connections somewhere."
Jerric looked somewhat embarrassed. "Actually, my dad IS the connection. He's the Executive Producer of MTV."
Hunter said nothing, too dumbfounded to comment.
Jerric tried to casually continue. "Its not really that big of a deal. It's just a job, but because of who he deals with and what MTV can do for their careers, he gets treated pretty good.
Hunter still remained silent.
"Hunter, its just my dad!"
Hunter nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're use to it, but Jerric I'm a Wyoming cowboy remember. All of this is kinda overwhelming to me. We don't have Lear Jets and limos in Wyoming."
Jerric pulled Hunter close and kissed him gently. "Well, get use to it. When you become one of those big time New York lawyers and I'm playing in the NBA, all of this will be commonplace. Dad will be borrowing our limo."
"Jerric, you talking about 4-5 years from now."
"Well yeah, but we can wait that long can't we?"
Hunter stared into Jerric's eyes longingly. " I guess the point I was making is that you are talking about us like there is a future. You've never said anything like that before."
Jerric smiled. "I'm not real good with words. I can't always say what I'm really feeing, but yeah, I'm hoping for a future with you. I like who I've become and I like knowing you're here with me because you care about me, not because of who I am."
Jerric pulled Hunter closer and as their lips touched his slide his tongue deep into Hunter's mouth amid his soft moans of pleasure, as he ran his fingers through Hunter's blonde locks.
Hunter could feel his knees weaken and his body respond to Jerric's passionate kiss. With his body resisting him all the way, he pulled away slowly. "Um, I think maybe I should take a shower. I'd kinda like to be more presentable when we go to the game tonight."
Jerric grabbed Hunter's crotch playfully. "Let me guess. A cold shower?"
Hunter blushed brightly. "Yeah, I'm afraid so."
"Can I join you?" Jerric asked eagerly.
"Can you keep your hands to yourself?" Hunter countered.
Jerric threw himself on the bed. "You win, I'll take a shower when you're done. Looking as hot as you do right now, there is no way I can keep my hands off of you. Just hurry, we have to grab an early dinner before dad and Carson pick us up."
Hunter had stripped down to his boxers and was turning the water for his shower. "So you've met you're dad's boyfriend before, do you like him?"
"Oh yeah, Carson's great. Actually, he's kinda like a big brother to me."
"How did your dad meet him?"
Jerric looked puzzled. "Hunter, my dad is his boss. In fact dad hired Carson before TRL ever aired.
Jerric laughed loudly as the look of realization covered Hunter's face. "Hunter, I'm so sorry. I couldn't figure out why you were asking if I had ever met him. I just assumed you knew who we were talking about."
"But Carson is kinda........" Hunter stammered.
"Young? Jerric finished. "Yeah, dad has a thing for younger guys. He likes to spoil them rotten. Carson is no exception. He's got his own place, but he spends most of his time at my dad's penthouse. They've been together now for almost a year and dad's never been happier. He says Carson keeps him young."
"Do people know?" Hunter asked curiously.
"Oh yeah. The industry is pretty open-minded, and anything goes in New York, so they don't really have anything to hide. I mean the don't make-out in public or anything, but they go wherever they want together and just don't worry about it."
Hunter smiled at the thought. "That would be nice" he said from behind the frosted shower door. "I hope we can do that someday."
Jerric nodded. "We will, I promise."
To be continued.......