"This above all: To thine own self be true, for it must follow as dost the night the day, that canst not be false to any man." Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Though the theme of wrestling will be a key component in the early chapters and a continuing theme, the story is about relationships and being true to oneself. Thanks to Bill M and TalonRider for assistance proofing the story.
Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com
From the previous chapter:
After they'd said their good nights, Alejandro and Frederick lay in bed comfortably sprawled across each other. Frederick turned his head and licked Alejandro's ear and said, "What a night! I've never had my ass fucked so hard for so long. Damn what a hot pair of fuckers those guys turned out to be!"
Jules spent the balance of their vacation with them. The skiing weather remained perfect and time at the villa was casual and relaxed. As Alejandro and Frederick flew home, Alejandro found himself smiling time and again remembering just how much fun they'd all had.
Chapter 18
Thanksgiving had come late that year. The end of the semester requirements pressed from all sides it seemed. Both Frederick and Alejandro found the preparation required for their classes demanding chunks of time.
Feeling like he was leaving Alejandro high and dry, Frederick hesitated but told him, "Dude, I feel lousy telling you this; but, I've got to hit the books and finish some papers. I've got to bail on our running together `til exams are over. I hope you aren't too pissed!"
"Don't worry about it Frederick, my load this semester is heavier than ever. Remember, I've got those orals on four of my classes. I'll be burning the lights late too."
For both men, the days marched inexorably forward. In addition to the challenges Alejandro faced with his schoolwork, the season with all the attending expectations faced him again. This time he was alone.
One afternoon, one of the attorneys who worked with the various foundations the Algara's supported called asking if he could visit with Alejandro for a moment. After a few moments of review of the years' gifts and reviewing an outline of what would probably follow in the coming year, the attorney closed his binder. He sat for a few seconds, his head cocked, with a wrinkle of consternation between his eyes. Alejandro waited.
"Alejandro, I don't know another way to say this. You are quickly moving toward a point when you will need to make some decisions about how you plan to represent your family. I was very close to your grandfather, but not so close to your father in that Salvador Sr. was active in so many areas and spoke for the family.
"His involvement on Boards and committees often included me in a capacity providing legal advice. He traveled widely as you know. His influence was felt in many areas of the country, not just Chicago. He and your grandmother didn't only give money; they followed through to make sure the intent of their giving was honored. They were all too aware that without that follow through, money often is diverted to needs defined by others."
Alejandro sat, after the attorney left, pondering the conversation and gentle challenge that had been set before him. He knew as long as his father and grandparents were alive his involvement was welcomed at anytime but never required. A starkly different future faced him. The doctors had begun to prepare him mentally and emotionally with the fact that his father might never come out of his coma. Their care never wavered, nor did Salvador respond in any measurable way.
He clearly remembered the conversation at the dining table with his father, in the weeks that followed Isabella and Salvador's deaths. He would not take the lesser road. His family had built businesses and been contributors to causes important to them, important to him, Alejandro realized. He would give himself to continuing what Juarez had begun at the beginning of the century. The attorney was right; stewardship was a large part of being custodian of the material possessions that surrounded him.
That evening he found Isabella's calendar lying on her dressing table where she always kept it. Alejandro let his eyes take in the details of what had been one of his favorite places in the large old house. Taking the book with him, he closed the door.
The next day, gathering up the calendar and accumulating private mail addressed to his father, Alejandro went to work. As he had suspected, most of the envelopes were invitations to a wide variety of events. With the attorney's help, Alejandro spent most of the morning building a plan that would direct his activities as he engaged with the world where Isabella and Salvador had easily moved with both generosity and influence.
Together they combed through the copious documents sent by foundations, boards and groups. They identified and cross referenced names of those sending invitations with the members of various groups to whom contributions had been made by the Algara companies. Some were patently obvious. Others, though appearing as invitations to private social functions, were extended by major players in the social circles and business community.
With dread, Alejandro opened his own calendar and began to pencil in the dates and functions he would be attending this season. With the attorney's help, he culled the list to the functions of those groups most heavily supported by the Algaras. He would begin to be a `face' representing the family.
The following Friday, Alejandro attended a cocktail party at the Artist Institute. Grateful for the early hour, he went home, showered and dressed. Presenting his invitation to the guard, he was escorted into the main gallery. It was as he expected. There were primarily couples, perhaps two dozen or more, chatting and sipping drinks. There was no one that he knew.
Of course the names would be familiar; he'd prepared himself as thoroughly as possible. He looked at several of the hangings as he discreetly studied the group. Finally he knew the time had come to make his presence known. He went to get a soda with lime. At the bar one of the older gentlemen turned and with a smile introduced himself. Alejandro took the offered hand and as he shook it he introduced himself.
The double take and sudden recognition was almost comical. The man took Alejandro's elbow, guiding him to his wife. Thus began the litany of introductions, expressions of sympathy and inquiries about his father. There seemed to be a small, ever changing group surrounding him for the next 30 minutes. Someone brought him food, another refreshed his drink. Yes, this was every bit as bad as he'd imagined it would be. `Suck it up, Alejandro' he thought. It'll get easier. As he turned to greet another stranger, it quickly got more interesting.
One of the old lions was making noise. Alejandro was sure it was an introduction of sorts. His attention was suddenly riveted to the face and eyes that met his. The man he faced was youngish, certainly no more than in his mid thirties. Behind his inquisitive look there seemed to be both a veil and an invitation. Why he thought that, he couldn't imagine. When the man extended his hand in greeting, Alejandro realized he'd heard nothing being said by the man providing introduction.
With poise born from years of practice at social events with the family, he smiled and made incipient conversation. The old lion, having done his service, wandered away to another group. A moment later Alejandro maneuvered their conversation to ask the young man's name.
"Stanford Harrison. For some reason I guessed you'd missed that. Your mind seemed to be elsewhere at the moment." he said with a tinkle in his eye that almost made Alejandro blush. He continued, "It may be easier to remember, if you simply call me Stan like everyone does except my mother when she's on the warpath."
Trying to scrape together the semblance of reasonable conversation with this gorgeous young man, Alejandro asked about his work.
Stan laughed quietly, looking at Alejandro with humor and a bit of a challenge; he said, "You didn't hear a thing the man said, did you?" Alejandro blushed feeling himself grow defensive.
Noting the change in Alejandro's expression, Stan quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have teased you. It happens to all of us from time to time. It certainly has to me!" The earnestness in his expression put Alejandro immediately at ease.
With a wink, Stan smiled and said "Let me give you the high points that my friend said as he introduced us, or attempted to." Again the smile with the playful demeanor was engaging to Alejandro.
"The Senior Partner of the firm I work for is the reason I'm here. His name is Baggins. The firm contributes substantially to the Museum. It was his wife's favorite place. For years, I imagine, he attended dutifully with her on his arm. He knows that we need to be represented at these functions. Since she died, he keeps the money coming and sends a face to represent it. I am said face, this year." Stan said with a smile.
"Kinda the same situation with me. This has been the purview of my grandparents. It's my first time at bat." Alejandro offered hoping that his lame attempt at humor wouldn't be as embarrassing as it sounded to him immediately after he said it.
"Ah, well yes. Though I haven't been in Chicago that long, I'm aware that the Algara name is well known. More importantly, it is well regarded. I'm just a face. You're family." Stan said.
"Yeah." Alejandro sighed without meaning to. Damn, he'd managed all of the elements of the event so far. Why was this man throwing him so far off course?
Stan somehow seemed to understand. "I've followed the news. Your recent losses would stagger anyone. Yet here you are representing not one but two generations. I've watched you. You've worked the room masterfully. I'm not just blowing smoke. A lawyer notices these things." Stan said with a conspiratorial tone and a smile.
"Thanks." Alejandro said with a bit of an aw shucks' demeanor. Damn it' he thought to himself. I've got to get my act together!
As if Stan were reading his thoughts writ large, he smiled saying, "You admitted you're new to this whole scene. You're doing great. There's no need to be self deprecatory. There are several folks who've been looking at you, hoping I'll let you go so that they can have a word with you. Just promise me you won't rush off unless you've another engagement. I'd enjoy getting to know you better."
His preparations had been thorough and correctly targeted. With each name, he could envision his list that had the name of the group with which the person was associated. For several of them, there were multiple entries as their philanthropic activities over lapped. He found conversation much easier than he had imagined and every bit as boring.
As the conversation began to dwindle with the last `important person', Alejandro realized he'd worked the room and passed his first outing with flying colors. Business cards had been proffered, invitations promised, all elements of a successful evening. He looked around for Stan and saw him in the gallery. As Alejandro caught his eye, he knew Stan had been waiting. Waiting for what he wondered.
Alejandro watched Stan walk toward him. The confident gait, the knowing smile all made Alejandro's cock twitch. They refreshed their sodas with lime, laughing that neither had enjoyed the top shelf beverages offered.
"Looks like this thing is beginning to wind down. I imagine you're got a full evening ahead of you." Stan said.
"Not really. Planning to go home and grab a bite to eat. I'll spend some time with Father then do some reading, I guess." He realized how pathetic that must sound to a guy who appeared so poised, so well connected. Well it was his life at the moment and so be it.
"Look, I was hoping we could get together for lunch sometime if you'd like and can work it in to your schedule." Stan said.
"That would be both." Alejandro said. Seeing Stan caught off guard by his choice of words, he smiled and went on. "I'd like and I'll make it work into my schedule." He was rewarded by a big smile from Stan.
"This is a stretch, I know, but I was going to go home, grab a half a sandwich then go work out. If you'd like, please join me." Stan paused then added quickly, "What am I thinking!! That needs a bit more planning. Sorry, but, I do hope we can do lunch soon, though."
Grinning widely, Alejandro retorted, "You mean I'm not welcome to the other half of the sandwich?" Stan looked at him not understanding. There was a trace of anger in his eyes.
"Is this irony or sarcasm? You're welcome to come to my place for a bite to eat if that's what you're referring to. I just didn't think you'd have gym clothes or be ready for a workout at a moments notice." Stan said his face questioning Alejandro.
"It's neither irony nor sarcasm. I've got a gym bag in the back seat. I've got nothing planned and the thought of being able to enjoy a workout with someone I want to get to know better seems a great way to spend a Friday night." Alejandro said. He held Stan's gaze then smiled. "Now, how about that half a sandwich?" They both laughed, heading for the door and for Stan's apartment.
Stan keyed the lock and pushed the door wide for Alejandro to enter. It was a compact but comfortable place. They chatted easily while Stan fixed a light snack for both of them. As they headed back to the garage and their cars, Stan told Alejandro that the gym was a men only membership. Explaining he'd attended all male institutions in both prep school and college, he found this environment comfortable and enjoyed the relaxed camaraderie.
Minutes later they were parked and entering the gym. It wasn't the splashy exterior of the familiar chains but a simple brick cased older building. Stan signed them in noting his guest. In the locker room, Stan suggested that he usually swam, ran and lifted. Alejandro suggested the reverse order as they stripped.
Trying to be discrete, Alejandro kept stealing furtive glances as Stan disrobed. He finally tossed his boxers in the floor of his locker and stood.
"If you remember, I mentioned that this was a men only membership." Stan said smiling, turning to facing Alejandro. "You are likely to see a variety of dress in the work out areas."
Alejandro took in as much of Stan's body as he could with his peripheral vision. As Stan turned his head and reached into his gym bag, Alejandro could look freely. The man was nearly hairless save for his pits and pubes. His tight musculature was clearly defined beneath flawlessly creamy skin. Stan's muscle was cylindrical and long, cut and delicious looking.
Stan continued dressing saying, "During last summer, in August, the building's AC just couldn't keep up. Most of us worked out in our jocks and a pair of socks as we lifted and ran. Used up lots of towels that month, I can assure you. Don't be surprised to see guys in the buff doing laps. Its cold now." he looked at Alejandro and smiled, "I just hate seasonal shrinkage so I wear sweats when I'm lifting and running." Stan said grinning.
The face, illuminated with searching eyes and ringed with long curly brown hair captured Alejandro's imagination with a broad smile. He hurriedly pulled on his jock and sweats, and shoved his clothes in the locker. They spent an hour and a half pressing metal and running on the tread mills.
Their conversation was easy as they lifted, spotting for each other. There were fewer than a dozen men, all dressed similarly, in the weight room, fewer still in the cardio area. Stan ignored business altogether; instead he plied Alejandro with questions about school, sports and his other activities. With flatteringly clever subtly, Stan commented on Alejandro's physique, and his dark coloring.
When Alejandro mentioned his training as a youth in dressage and jumping, Stan shared that growing up in central Virginia, near Hamden Sydney College, his family stabled horses and he'd ridden since a young child. They agreed to find a time soon when Alejandro could host and they could ride together.
After a hard 30 minutes of running, they headed back to the locker room to strip off their sweats and enjoy a swim. Since Alejandro didn't have swim gear they both swam nude. Lap after lap they paced each other. Finally Stan stopped, just short of gasping and said, "You are in excellent condition. You could go for another quarter mile I'll bet before showing any wear and tear. Swim if you want, but I'm done for tonight."
Alejandro pleased with the recognition kept his smile to himself, hoisting himself onto the deck with Stan. Each wiped their faces with towels while catching their breath. "A perfect finish is some time in the whirl pool. Can I tempt you or do you need to get home?" Stan asked.
"That sounds great to me." answered Alejandro. Grabbing their towels they headed into the steam and pool room. Hanging their towels, they settled into the bubbling warm water. It felt great.
Their conversation was easy, Stan filling Alejandro in about his childhood and education. Alejandro talked about combining school and work. Alejandro didn't interrupt his tale when he noticed Stan's foot find his and gently rest alongside it. Waxing a bit more enthusiastic, Alejandro told of his time with the wrestling club and his current wrestling trainer, Jase. While sharing this information he lifted his leg slightly, letting it cover Stan's outstretched appendage.
With a comment about needing some of the jets on his upper back, Stan's head relaxed against the edge of the pool as he lowered his body slightly. He shifted his leg so that greater contact was made and sighed. Alejandro remembering Jules tub antics followed that pattern and simply shifted his weight to let his other leg slide under Stan's. Their conversation waned as they sat with their own thoughts in the wonderful warmth of the water.
Stan shifted his position and removed his leg slowly. "You know, that half a sandwich didn't nearly fill me up. I hope you'll have time to come back to my place and hopefully we can both satisfy our appetites. What do ya say?" Alejandro looked at Stan and smiled.
"I can't go anywhere right now if you guess my meaning." he said as he moved away and began to do multiplication problems with complex numbers in his head. It was the fastest way to redirect his thoughts to deflate his dick. In this situation however, math could have gone on all night.
Stan looked over at him, "Did I do anything that was unwelcome?" He asked with concern.
"No, I'm trying to get the monster to heel." He said as he smiled, knowing full well that Stan would understand.
"It won't be the first time someone has left the pool with an erection. By the way, we're the only ones here right now. I hate to say it; you're beginning to take on a prune like quality." Stan laughed.
Alejandro shrugged lifting himself out of the pool, his cock angled away from his belly. Stan looked with hunger at the thick instrument and followed suit. Soon the cold air had the desired effect as both moved to the showers to rinse off the chlorine.
They dressed without much conversation, each thinking about what lay ahead. During the drive home Alejandro reiterated his invitation for Stan to come riding. When Stan unlocked the door, Alejandro took two strides into the room. Tossing his coat on the sofa, he turned to face Stan.
"You mentioned something about satisfying an appetite. I'm ready." Alejandro said as he stood waiting for Stan to make the first move. Stan tossed his coat on a chair as he stepped toward Alejandro. Taking his head in his hands, Stan tongued Alejandro's mouth like a starving man searching for food. Alejandro joined the combat pulling their bodies' together. Their erect muscles soon were doing their own battle though hobbled by the restricting clothing.
Stan quickly broke the kiss. Taking Alejandro by the hand, he pulled him into the bedroom. They began to strip their clothes off as quickly as they could. Alejandro pushed Stan back across his bed, crawling between his legs. Hungrily, Stan pulled Alejandro's face to his and resumed his assault with his tongue. Alejandro joined the battle as he lay atop him, grinding their dicks together.
Suddenly, pushing Alejandro's face away from his own, Stan said breathlessly, "I've got to have you inside me. Lube is in the drawer to your right. Get it. Lube me. Fuck me. Now!!" Alejandro was more than ready. Soon he poised his muscle pushing it against the upturned ring of Stan's ass.
"Now, goddamnit. Give it to me! All of it!!" Stan swore.
With a solid thrust, Alejandro let his meat push into Stan in one smooth motion. Before he could feel the seating of their pubes, Stan began bucking under him. Alejandro, quick on the uptake, began to pound Stan's ass. Calf muscles bunched as his toes pushed against the mattress for leverage. Muscles in his lower back and glutes flexed with each thrust. Sweat quickly dripped from his face as he looked down on Stan's expression of pleasure.
"Pinch my nips, work my pecs!" Alejandro ordered. Stan's response was aggressive and brought an edge or roughness that fired Alejandro's desire.
Meeting him thrust for thrust, Stan was not a passive participant. He was grunting and heaving with perfect synchronicity. Alejandro felt his balls churning and knew it would not be long before he shot. It came on him all too soon. His abs spasmed. He felt his dick swell and as he did, Stan's ass ring locked tight against his throbbing muscle. His grunting was primal and was met with Stan's own ejaculation and grunting. They kept slamming against each other till both were drained.
They lay there, gasping. Stan softly muttering obscenities expressing his appreciation as he continued to let his ass muscles contract around the cock still buried deep in him. Alejandro responded in kind, gently pumping his still hard cock into Stan.
"Damn, big boy, you're still hard! Think you've got it in you to take me again?" Stan challenged.
Alejandro's laugh was deep in his chest. "Take you? Yeah, I can do that, and more." Alejandro reached to his sides and lifted Stan's ankles to his shoulders and began a slow rhythmic pumping. He could feel his dick harden. Balancing on his knees and elbows, Alejandro reached his head toward Stan's pecs and nips. He licked and began to chew the hard nubs.
Stan groaned and held Alejandro's head, pulling his mouth against his flesh. Wanting to taste his mouth, Stan pulled Alejandro's head toward his. Their tongues lashed at each other as their momentum grew. Alejandro dropped his head to Stan's neck and began to kiss and gently bite.
"No visible bruises please." Stan gasped in his desire.
Alejandro moved further down Stan's neck where the trapezoids start their incline. He bit and sucked as his thrusting increased. He felt his balls begin to churn again. Rising up, Alejandro grabbed the front of Stan's thighs and began to slam his dick in earnest. Sweat matted the hair on his chest. The treasure trail was flat with sweat. Drops of preparation fell from his face. Alejandro's head was back, his eyes closed as his body bent to the task at hand. His upper back arched as all the muscles in his lower back, buttocks and abs worked to drive his dick forward. Guttural rhythmic sounds punctuated the thrusting as his second orgasm approached. Lost in his own lust filled world, he didn't hear Stan as he began his own journey to emission.
With a sound that ripped from deep inside, Stan shot his load. As his ass ring tightened around Alejandro's cock he felt all his muscles constrict as his cock unloaded. The wet slapping of skin continued only for a moment. With a final spasm, Alejandro knew he was spent. He consciously let his muscles relax as he fell forward slowly atop Stan.
Sliding his hands under Stan's muscled shoulders, Alejandro pulled their bodies closer, gently pressing their cum covered chests together. Finally they were still. Alejandro felt his dick slide out of Stan. The dance they'd begun at the party was over. Both were thoroughly sated.
After they cleaned up, Stan whipped up a savory omelet with cheese, asparagus and fresh herbs. Acknowledging Alejandro's compliments, he explained he'd been the chief cook during graduate school for the guys with whom he shared an apartment. Alejandro took his leave after they both agreed to go riding the next afternoon.
At least twice a week thereafter, they worked out at Stan's gym or rode horses. After each outing they headed back to Stan's place for hot man sex.
Later on the following Monday, after the party, Alejandro called in the attorney to evaluate the evening. He was met with a smile as the attorney entered his office.
"I've already had several calls today with various expressions of appreciation. The general agreement is that you had a good understanding of the objectives and plans for the Institute. Your awareness of who the players were and how they interrelated impressed two of my callers. To a person, they all mentioned how articulate you were for such a young man assuming such a large responsibility. Alejandro, it was a slam dunk! You did very well."
He couldn't help but be pleased with himself. Facing the other events didn't seem so daunting now. In fact, it could become an enjoyable game, if played carefully, he reminded himself.
Mid week Frederick called. It was a tough one. Alejandro was glad he was in his office.
His mom had gone in for a routine biopsy the week before. He'd known about it but both his parents persuaded him there was very little to worry about. The doctor determined that there was more cancer than he'd anticipated and suggested further tests. Those tests were back and surgery had been scheduled. The prognosis was bad. Frederick was leaving after his exam that afternoon. He'd be home through Christmas break and for as long after as he was needed.
After asking several times, Alejandro knew there was nothing he could do except stay in touch and offer moral support. As they disconnected, Alejandro sat staring at the phone wishing there was something he could do to help. His mind wandered back over the years he'd known Frederick and how much he owed him.
Rocking back in his desk chair, Alejandro let his mind wander recalling things they'd laughed about. A thread of a story began to tickle his memory. Frederick had said many times how he and his dad would starve but for his mother's great cooking. Quickly a plan began to form in his mind.
Surgery was scheduled for the next day. Alejandro had his secretary call about airline tickets and found no schedule that would accommodate him. Frustrated, and determined to be with Frederick, he told her to charter a plane and make arrangements for a return flight the next day. In addition find a limo company to provide a car and driver, to meet him at the airport and to be on call for the remainder of his time there.
The look on Frederick's face when Alejandro arrived was worth the several thousand dollars that this trip would cost. Alejandro didn't care. During the flight home Alejandro realized that he would be committing most of his time and life to `the family' as he thought of the combination of businesses and philanthropy. That being so, he determined that he would not allow friends and things important to him to be slighted.
As he sat back looking out the window during the flight, it seemed that a set of internal gears meshed in his thinking. He relaxed and realized that it was up to him to make this life he'd chosen work.
He visited Frederick and his dad several times during the holiday. With unrelenting pressure and good natured coaxing, Alejandro finally got both men to agree to let him provide a caterer to meet with them to plan meals and set up a schedule that suited all involved. He wanted to do so much more but could think of nothing.
As Christmas Eve approached the frenetic schedule of travel and social obligations began to ease. He met Stan for lunch several days before Christmas as was their custom in the past weeks. Stan had a small gift for him. He opened the box to discover a map and some mementos from Texas. Looking up with a question, Stan explained that the firm was relocating him to a branch in Austin. After lunch and after securing a promise from Alejandro to visit, Stan gave him a quick shoulder hug and they parted.
Christmas and the days following were for the most part quiet. Alejandro spent hours each day with his father, reading to him, telling him anecdotes from the parties and social events he'd attended.
New years brought the last events of the season to a close. The beginning of second semester came quickly on its heels. Again with the assistance of his Dean, Alejandro arranged for all his classes to be independent study. The only instructor who made objection was Charles Thibodaux, teacher for the art appreciation class Alejandro had skipped earlier in his college course work.
Agreeing to meet with Alejandro, Dr. Thibodaux had texts, the syllabus and a list of painters and seminal works from various periods as his justification for class attendance. A tall man, Thibodaux looked younger than his 29 years. A native of Louisiana, he had the gracious patterns of southern speech typical of the sugar and cotton plantation owners who were his ancestors.
A stickler about academic discipline, he wasn't about to let some youngster who came from money with local prestige define how he'd run his classes. He'd only agreed because the Dean of the Business school had requested the consideration via a letter, a copy of which had been sent to the Dean of Fine Arts and the President. Of course he'd be polite, southern gentlemen always were; but he'd be damned if he'd be dictated to his first semester at the University.
Even though he was part time, his academic credentials were strong. He'd been hired by the Art Institute as a part time curator. The teaching hours were simply to fill time and give him the satisfaction of continuing his work in an academic setting. He didn't need the money. That was sure. Grandparents on both sides had left him with adequate trust funds that he could live comfortably, though not excessively. He challenge was to fill his time with something that was satisfying and made a contribution to society in general. Catering to privileged students, did not fall into any of those categories he thought with no little satisfaction.
Alejandro knocked on the door frame as he said, "Dr. Thibodaux?" Invited in to take a seat, Alejandro was immediately taken by the attractive fine boned face, firm handshake and cultured accent. They chatted briefly before Dr. Thibodaux brought them to the point of their meeting. Pleasantly asking Alejandro to justify his request, he was in no way prepared for the thoroughly justified response.
Alejandro also had come to the meeting prepared. As he explained how this had worked in other classes, he handed Dr. Thibodaux folders containing syllabi, required readings, along with the various procedures used to evaluate intermediate progress and for final exams. Thibodaux immediately recognized that Alejandro was carrying a work load much heavier than would normally be required.
Seeming to read his mind, Alejandro explained his determination to wring everything possible from his academic efforts at the University. Relating his grandparents and father's goals for him, he reinforced his understanding of the importance of academic discipline working in tandem with actual work experience.
All the while Alejandro presented his case, Charles Thibodaux watched with growing fascination. The dark coloring, the handsome features complimented the animated face. This young man was unique to Charles' experience. His reverie was interrupted when Alejandro asked about the Doctor's work at the Institute. How did he know about that? He'd only begun in early January.
"You've certainly done your homework Mr. Algara. To my knowledge, only my Dean was aware I was a curator there."
Innocently unaware of how his next comment might be received, Alejandro said, "I learned of it a cocktail party in early December. The Director was excited you'd agreed to come on a part time basis. He said your credentials were some of the best he'd seen in a while and was sure this would be a stepping stone for you though he sincerely hoped not."
Though it never showed on Thibodaux' face he was more than a little unsettled and somewhat confused as to why a student, a mere junior, would have opportunity to be talking to the Director. He determined to proceed carefully. Admittedly this young man's request was justifiable. Thibodaux also realized that Alejandro would likely be able to meet any defensible requirements demanded of him.
Wanting to buy time, Thibodaux said, "I'll have to admit, when the request was made of me, I was disinclined to consider this. I now understand your justification for the request. Your record demonstrates commendable academic discipline. May I have a day to consider how we might make this work?" Alejandro nodded his agreement. "Where may I call you?" Thibodaux asked.
After exchanging phone numbers, they shook hands and Alejandro left. Giving himself ten minutes to consider his next move, Thibodaux called the Institute Director. When the call was completed, Thibodaux realized this was a situation that under other circumstances might be quite disagreeable if the student in question weren't academically disciplined and very bright. Connections at this level simply couldn't be ignored.
Tenting his fingers, Charles shut his eyes and leaning back recalled the face he'd memorized. Handsome, articulate, confident and likely physically disciplined as well, this was a student he'd like to get to know better. He considered how to structure the independent study to achieve his goal.
His office hours over, Thibodaux headed home. He enjoyed the heaviness of his penis as it moved in his boxers against his leg. Yes, he'd enjoy remembering this young man as he gave himself pleasure later.
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