Back in the Driver's Seat: Billy 4

By Timothy Lee

Billy Butler's saga continues, although not exactly in the direction that he would have chosen. His lover, Abraham, is experiencing some problems stemming from their tumultuous past together. These difficulties, however, pale in comparison to Billy's. Returning from a vacation with his sister, Mirna, Billy unexpectedly encounters the granddaddy of problems and is forced to start all over again; new lover, new family, new memories. The catastrophe has hit Billy, his lover and his family hard and now they will need to band together in order to survive the crisis. Problem is that not all are so readily willing to hop aboard the express train to recovery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Timothy Lee
• Release date: Sep 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465752499

Timothy Lee

Timothy Lee was born in Concord, California, and raised in South Lake Tahoe, California. Eventually he migrated northward and finally settled down in Olympia, Washington, where he now resides with his two cats, Kodora and Koji. Timothy takes his yearly vacation to the Disneyland Resort where he is allowed to wear silly mouse ears hats and act like a 10 year old.

Book preview

Back in the Driver’s Seat

Billy 4

Timothy Lee

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Timothy Lee

Published by Smashwords

[e-mail]

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

About the Author

Other Titles

Chapter 1

Billy Butler stepped out of the shower, dried himself off and then proceeded to stand, studying his reflection in the mirror. Not too shabby for a man of 24, and yet something seemed to be missing. Maybe if he shaved his head. He had almost always worn his blond hair short, cut just above the ears so maybe it was time for a change. Maybe a Mohawk? Abraham Adoni, his partner of four years, would not really mind - or at least would not say anything about it if he did. On the other hand, his sister, Mirna Chen, who was four years his senior, would not like it one little bit - but it was not her head so her opinion weighed very little at the moment. On his chin he possessed the same goatee that he had worn for a number of years, and the mustache had been such a part of his upper lip for so long that to shave it off would undoubtedly require a writ from several governmental officials as well as a voter referendum.

Glancing down to his chest he admired the muscle tone that he had gained working out at in the yard. While there was some room for improvement, in his biased opinion, he was definitely boasting definition that had been missing during his younger years. That was a good thing. Lowering his eyes more he had to admit that his stomach was pretty damned fine and flat, and although he could not brag of having six pack abs, he nevertheless could be proud of what he had accomplished in keeping his weight down through both diet and exercise.

Moving his eyes down even farther Billy studied the ‘goods’. They were all right - nothing spectacular. He wanted more, of course, but considering the fact that everything he did have worked the way it was supposed to when being called upon, he really had to be thankful for his possessions. The fact that the use of his facilities had been sorely limited over the course of the past six-or-so months was of great concern although he just attributed it to his and Abraham’s lengthy relationship. All good things must eventually come to an end although he had expected more out of the love affair that was too strong to fail.

After the series of incidents that were the result of Billy’s high school bully, Lazarus Smith (and his cohorts), in which Billy and his partner’s homes (he emphasized the plural, there) had been burgled, burned and generally made unlivable, Abraham had seemed to cut himself off from pretty much everybody, including Billy. The man had gone into some form of mental seclusion of late and had kept to himself, rarely engaging in any conversation longer than three words, not to mention the fact that he had absolutely no drive - including sex. That was fine, though. Billy knew that he and Abraham had been through hell and could not have been expected to pull through completely unscathed. Abraham would come around again in his own good time, good as new and raring to go.

His eyes lowered to his legs which were muscular and well-defined, the dark hair that covered the skin being about as thick there as it was upon his chest and arms. He thought his feet looked big, but at six-foot tall the size 11 shoe that he wore was, like his sexual equipment; average. The man gave himself one more once-over before grabbing the stick deodorant and applying it under each arm. He needed to look and smell his best for the long trip ahead - the trip in which he, initially, wanted no part. How his sister had talked him into it was anybody’s guess, although Mirna could be quite persuasive when she wanted. Actually, the more Billy thought about it he seemed to recall her exact words being, You’re going, which pretty much left no room for error, confusion or contemplation. It was all for the best, though, Billy later reasoned. Perhaps a vacation from one another was what he and Abraham needed to jump-start their relationship and put the fire back in their furnace.

It had been somewhere around 15 years since he and Mirna had last seen their aunt, Rose Hardaway, whom Billy vaguely remembered being somewhere around five years younger than their mother. The last occasion, as Billy recalled, had been a fifth birthday bash for her son, Herbie, who Billy probably would not recognize on the street after all this time. Then again, he mused while slipping into his blue jeans and buttoning up the fly, Herbie was pretty wimpy then so all he would have to do would be to look for a 21 or 22 year old nerd and that would be his cousin. Billy did not remember much about Herbie’s sister, Jeri, who was about Billy’s own age. Odd that he would block out her memory - or maybe it was because either she was so ordinary that she blended in with her surroundings, or, more than likely, Billy had been paying more attention to Herbie because of his later-discovered proclivity toward the male sex. Then again, Billy would have been all of seven years old at the time so he would have been too young to notice things like that… maybe.

Pulling a shirt off the hanger from within the closet, Billy turned, eyed the empty bed and wished that he had awakened with Abraham so that they could have at least said a ‘goodbye’ and shared one last kiss before the two-week separation. Of course, Abraham could also have awakened him before leaving this morning. After all, why was it solely incumbent upon Billy to keep their relationship alive? Then again, in Abraham’s current state of mind it was no wonder that he left quietly. Billy actually considered himself lucky that his partner had not moved into the second bedroom by now, and although Abraham kept far away from Billy at least they still shared the same bed.

Hearing a horn honk out front, Billy grabbed his wristwatch off the nightstand on his side of the bed and glanced at the time. Mirna was early, as usual, and no doubt impatiently waiting in the driveway, drumming her fingers and cussing him out for not having already been out on the sidewalk with his luggage. Oh well, she would just have to bide her time, he thought with a certain amount of satisfaction. Pulling open a dresser drawer, Billy withdrew a pair of socks right as his eyes fell upon a snapshot of himself and Abraham taken several years ago. He withdrew the picture of them standing in front of the colorful neon lights of a Ferris wheel one evening during the County Fair.

That was at the beginning of their relationship when everything was exciting and new; when they could not learn enough about one another or keep from being in contact in one fashion or another. Their touch had been magical, their eyes sparkling and their love never-ending. Practically every available minute of every day was spent together and they both swore that their admiration for one another would last forever. Billy continued to stare at the picture while wondering what happened to change everything. In all honesty, he already knew the answer to that question - life happened. Events happened. Circumstances changed. They grew older. Grew apart. It was a sad fact of life that Billy had not counted on and he was now having to face up to it.

There was no doubt in his mind whatsoever that he still carried a torch for Abraham - a very bright torch. To Billy, the sun continued to rise and fell around his partner despite the dark forces that were at work seriously attempting to diminish that feeling. These forces had obviously taken their toll on Abraham, but it was Billy’s continued belief that as long as at least one of them still carried that flame they would weather the storm of indifference and complacency and emerge triumphant on the other side. He had faith in himself, their dedication to one another, and the powers that had pulled them together in the first place.

A couple more moments down memory lane proved enough to plant the seeds of doubt over their being able to weather the storm so Billy lay the photograph back down in the drawer and reclined on the edge of the bed to slip on his socks. Once that task had been completed, he fished the phone out of his pocket and studied it for a few moments. The fact that he had not been able to say an official 'see ya' later' to his lover bothered him something awful, even more so after the flood of memories that had been brought on by the picture now hidden away in the desk drawer.

A couple taps of the touch screen and he pulled the phone to his ear to await Abraham's answer. Strangely, he began to feel somewhat uneasy, almost as if the two of them had never spoken before and he feared a loss of words. This worry, it turned out, was all for nothing as the phone went directly to voicemail, proving that either Abraham was on the phone or he had it turned off... perhaps in anticipation of Billy's call. This thought actually irritated Billy as he pressed the icon to end the call and slipped the device back into his pocket.

After some consideration, though, he decided it to be a ridiculous thought and pushed the notion aside. Abraham was merely busy at the architect firm and had silenced the phone in order that he is better able to concentrate on whatever project he was currently involved. That was all. There were no hidden agendas on Abraham's part, only those perceived in Billy's conspiratorial and troubled mind. A little time apart and the two would be back on track again and riding the rails to success, love and lust once more with fireworks being displayed in the background.

The sound of the front door downstairs brought Billy's thoughts back to the present. The enemy was now inside the house, and by the volume of the slamming door he knew that his sister was not a happy camper. At that moment he heard her call out his name, and although she did not sound to be as irritated as the slamming door would have indicated, Billy nevertheless knew that he had better waste no time in answering her. Being no stranger to her short fuse he had learned at a very early age not to mess with the woman, especially if he were the one at fault. Then again, this time it was she who was early so Billy decided to play possum and then hit her with her own failing when she eventually discovered him. Therefore, he sat in absolute silence with the feel of an evil smile spreading across his face.

Her shadow preceded her on the floor right before Mirna rounded the corner into the bright bedroom. She looked quite cool and comfortable in her tan blouse and shorts, and her leather sandals made Billy wish that he had purchased a pair when he had seen them in the store last week. Oh, there you are, she said, her voice lacking the expected venom. Didn't you hear me calling you?

Yeah, I heard you, he said smugly, bracing himself for her retort.

Mirna strolled over to the end of the bed and smiled. All right, what's wrong?

You're early, that's what's wrong, Billy told her with a frown. You can't expect me to anticipate your every move and... he began, launching his preemptive strike before she had a chance to lay the foundation of her tirade.

Surprisingly, Mirna shook her head, her smile turning to one of concern. I know I'm early, sorry. I mean that you look worried. Anything wrong? You feeling okay?

Having not anticipated this attitude, or the lack, thereof, Billy was momentarily taken aback and sat in confused silence for a moment. What? he finally asked, lacking a better response?

You and Abraham have another argument? Mirna asked with a great deal of sympathy painting her words.

No, of course not, Billy said, now somewhat irritated at the assumption. In the first place, to his knowledge he had not been displaying any signs of there being any problems, and even if there had been it was rather presumptuous of her to think that they would be between himself and his lover. Maybe he had stubbed his toe in the shower, or cut himself shaving, or his uvula had inexplicably sprouted an ingrown hair. And what do you mean 'another argument'? he asked before contemplating things quietly for a couple moments. Lowering his eyes to the floor he added, That would infer that we're speaking to one another.

She sat down on the side of the bed and patted his knee gently. Things are still pretty dicey around here, huh?

Billy took a deep breath, exhaling before speaking. Everything'll be fine, Mir. We just need a little time apart, that's all.

Yeah, I think you're right, Billy. After all that's been happening to you two, I think a little time away from one another will do you both a world of good. What did he say this morning?

Actually, he left before I woke up so he didn't say anything.

Again she patted his knee. Well, don't worry about it. The two weeks will go really fast and before you know it you'll be crawling on top of him again and fucking his brains out.

To this Billy felt a frown erupt upon his face. Crude, as always, he grumbled. His disgust was not the result of his sister's words, however, but of the suspected fears that her plan might not come to fruition. If Abraham continued on this course or if the separation did not serve its hopeful purpose then there would be no more loving, and the thought of this really hit Billy hard at the moment. He knew there was a problem, but until now he had not really considered the gravity of the situation. Mirna had inadvertently hit a nerve and it was a very painful one.

I sure hope you're right, he said softly.

I'm always right. Come on; let's hit the road before traffic gets too bad. And don't worry, Billy, everything will turn out fine. You two have hit a rough spot in the road, but it'll all work out. I know he loves you and you love him, so let's concentrate on having a good time away from home. Let the healing begin.

Yeah, okay, he said, taking solace in her words of encouragement.

Is that what you really plan on wearing? It's going to be hotter than hell over there, she said, standing. Where's your suitcase? Haven't you even packed?

The suitcase is downstairs beside the front door. Surprised you didn't trip over it when you came in.

Well then, get your skinny ass in gear and let's get on our way. Where's your shoes? she asked with a quick glance down to his feet.

I'm getting there, he complained warily. I'm sure it takes you awhile to get ready, too.

I'm faster than a speeding bullet - while some people I know and love are slower than a damned turtle. Billy, moss is growing under your ass. Let's get a move on.

Would you just take a chill pill, he warned her, standing and glancing about for his shoes which, oddly enough, were not where he thought he remembered having left them the previous night.

I can't wait to see Herbie and Jeri again, Mirna said with a slight chuckle. I wonder if she's still the character that she was back then.

I don't remember much about her, Billy admitted as he approached the closet and pulled the door open with a look down. I remember him being a real nerd, though. Where the hell did I put my shoes? Closing the door after having no luck there, Billy continued his search around the opposite side of the bed.

Did you think of looking where you left them last night? she asked, now with her arms folded over her chest and a smirk upon her face.

Billy cast his sister a quick glare. Gee, no, I never thought of that, he told her sarcastically.

Wear a pair of Abraham's shoes and let's get moving.

In the first place, only his boots are there and I'm sure as hell not wearing boots in that weather, and in the second place his feet are bigger than mine.

So go barefoot, she said impatiently with a glance down to her watch.

Dropping to his knees he lifted the edge of the blanket and checked beneath the bed, with no success. This is ridiculous, he moaned as he stood.

I'll bet you spend a lot of time in that position, she told him with an evil smile.

Oh, you're a million laughs this morning, he grumbled while simultaneously wishing that her statement had been more true than false. In reality, it had been forever since he had performed oral sex on his lover and Billy really missed it because he really loved doing it. Pleasing Abraham had become a pastime for Billy and he wished desperately for its return. Maybe after the trip. Maybe.

Maybe you sold your shoes in your sleep, Mirna offered with not the slightest amount of sarcasm. Have you thought of chaining yourself to the bed at night, or have you and Abraham already tried that kinky stuff?

I hate to disappoint you but he and I never did any of that, unlike... he began before stopping to contemplate his sister a moment. No, he finally admitted with a sudden feeling of nausea, I don't want to know about you and Wei's sexual perversions. He next poked his head into the bathroom, again coming up empty-handed. Okay, this is getting ridiculous. I was wearing them yesterday and I know I put them by the chair there, he said with a quick point to the wooden chair placed beside the dresser over which he had hung his pants.

Maybe they walked away on their own? Mirna said with a slight chuckle. That being the case they're probably farther ahead to Aunt Rose's house than we are. Put on Abraham's boots and let's get going. We'll stop and buy you another pair of shoes when we get there.

They didn't just up and walk away, Mirna, Billy said with growing anger. For the briefest of moments he did consider borrowing the boots but he figured that, considering Abraham's current state of mind that would only give the man more ammunition with which to explode.

I'm going to go down and load your suitcase into the car, and I'm giving you exactly 60 seconds to get down there before I leave without you.

Fine, go without me, he said. I didn't want to go, anyway.

Sure you did. Now hurry up. Go in your socks if you need to, she said while approaching the bedroom door.

And get my socks dirty? Hardly.

Then walk on your hands, she said with a glance back. You have one minute.

Go away, Billy said, knowing damned well that his sister might actually carry him out to the car if need be.

And say goodbye to your little friend downstairs. We've got to get going.

Yeah, yeah, he told her under the assumption that she had suspected him of playing with himself before her arrival. Billy watched her depart before again pulling open the closet door and dropping to his knees in order to get a better view of the floor beneath the clothing hanging above. A single pair of tan work boots occupied the space and Billy was again contemplating pulling them out when he all at once remembered having removed his own shoes in the living room last night.

Jumping to his feet he headed down the stairs, his soft footsteps accompanying his trek down the brown carpeted steps and into the front room where, as anticipated, his sneakers awaited in silent submission at the foot of the couch. Plopping down, he slid one shoe on and was about to tie it when his eyes fell upon another picture, this one hanging on the wall beside the fireplace. Within the wooden frame was a professional shot of Abraham that they had taken at a studio last Christmas. His skin tone was almost indiscernible against the black suit he wore, and yet he stood out against the forested background looking handsome, proud and amazingly sexy. Billy had never been consciously aware of the racial divide between them, and yet he had always admired the stunning features of Abraham's African heritage; the luscious thick lips, wider nose and irresistible brown bedroom eyes. Noting the man's smile in the picture, Billy all at once found it to appear somewhat less than genuine. That photograph had been taken right after Billy's incident with one of Smith's cohorts in which Billy ended up staring down the barrel of a gun in the middle of the street. Not one of his better moments, he admitted silently.

To the left of Abraham's picture was an almost identical shot of Billy and he could see the discontent in his own eyes. Their problems were certainly evident in both faces and Billy really had not noticed the evidence in the pictures until now. The honking of the horn from outside brought his attention back to the task at hand and he finished tying the one shoe and slipped on the other, just then noticing a tear rolling down his left cheek. Not having been aware of wanting to cry, he quickly wiped it away while realizing a mounting melancholy creeping into his soul. What if it was really over, he pondered? That was impossible because perfection never dies, he thought with some satisfaction, though realizing that in imperfect world perfection was actually an impossibility. A pipe dream. A false hope.

Finishing the last shoe, Billy stood, grabbed the keys off the table beside the couch and was heading for the door when the phone inside his pocket began to ring. It had to be Abraham! Fishing it out he quickly tapped the screen without first having noted the Caller ID. Abe? he asked in hopeful expectation.

Billy, it's been two minutes, Mirna said in an angry voice. I'm not getting any younger here. Get the lead out. Did you find your shoes?

Terribly disappointed over the call not having originated from his partner's phone, Billy nevertheless did not want his disappointment to show and forced a smile to his lips. I'm on my way outside now. Just hold onto your pantyhose, Mirna.

Tapping the screen again, he was about to shove the phone back into his pocket when he thought it a prudent idea to give Abraham another try. Billy needed to hear Abraham's voice one more time before he stepped outside their house. He seemed to be experiencing a sense of finality at the moment, one that hinted of there being no turning back from the abyss if he were not to connect with his partner while still inside their mutual domain. It was a silly notion, he knew, and yet the feeling could not be ignored.

As before, Billy was treated to voicemail, only this time he ended the call without leaving a message. It seemed too impersonal at the moment. Maybe at some point along the trip he would try again and hopefully they would connect, at which time he could tell Abraham of his continuing love. Reassure his man that, in spite of their past difficulties, things had not changed on his end.

There you are, a voice from behind said.

Billy quickly swung around, spied the owner of the voice and felt his blood freeze. Jack! he said, dreading the sound of the name even if it was coming from his own lips. This man was trouble with a capital 'T' and now stood in a back corner of the living room hiding like the rat that he was. If ever there was a worse time to be dealing with Jack Benson, this was it. What are you doing here? Billy asked, guardedly, now realizing that this was the little friend that his sister had been talking about and not his penis.

You called me to come over to see you. Don't you remember? The door was open so I came in.

Billy shook his head in condemnation of Jack's passing acquaintance with the truth. I never called you, Jack. I would never call you.

Stepping out of the corner and into more light, Jack revealed the outward beauty that had become this ruggedly handsome man who had lived on the same block with Billy and his family some eight years ago. Jack had become absolutely breathtaking on the outside with his bulging muscles, the obvious result of a strenuous workout routine. His long red athletic shorts hid a good portion of his shapely legs but the skin-tight muscle shirt allowed for the reveal of every muscle, the well-defined pectoral muscles and the six pack stomach. Billy had always admired Jack's body, but behind that beauty lived a demon from the very depths of Hell.

Many times had Billy come face to face with Jack's mental condition in which self-preservation had sent him running for his life. Very vivid were his memories of Jack acting calm and rational one moment and then going ballistic and scrambling to get into Billy's pants like a madman the next. It was insane and Billy had no reason whatsoever to doubt that today would not be any different. How did you get in here?

You left the door open for me, baby, Jack said softly as he approached Billy and laid a hand on his victim's arm.

Pulling the arm free of the touch, Billy gave Jack his most severe frown. Jack, you know damned well that I never called you.

They why'd you leave the door open for me, baby?

I didn't leave the door open for you, Jack, and stop calling me 'baby', he demanded.

Oh, come on. You know you want me. You said yourself that you think I'm good looking.

Outside, Jack. On the outside you're good looking but the inside is a dark mess.

Jack donned an expression of hurt, making Billy a little regretful of his harsh words. I've been taking my meds. I'm different now. You'll see. He then again placed his hand upon Billy's arm.

Once more Billy shook the hand off and took a step back. I've heard that too many times before, Jack. I know that you're not responsible for what happens to you when you go berserk, but why do you have to always focus that craziness on me? he asked the man who was acting rational now, and this gave him hope that he would be able to reach that part of the guy before Jack took that inevitable turn to the darkness.

Because I love you, baby, Jack replied sincerely.

You don't love me, Jack. You just have some sick infatuation with me that, quite honestly, I don't understand. And stop calling me 'baby'.

Don't you want my body? I did it all for you, Bill.

Were the truth to be known, if Billy were not in the relationship with Abraham and were Jack not a complete lunatic, he would undoubtedly be all over that magnificent body in a hot second. The problem was that Abraham was very much a part of the picture, and therefore, Jack was out of bounds. Look, I appreciate the work you did to build yourself up, Billy told him while giving Jack a quick once-over and, consequently, holding back the inevitable lust being felt as Jack was, without doubt, the most perfect male specimen that he had ever seen besides Abraham. But, I'm in a hurry and I don't have time to deal with your craziness right now. Mirna's outside waiting for me now and if I don't hurry up and get out there she's going to come in and kill us both.

If you didn't have time for me then why did you invite me over? Jack asked, now wearing an expression of impatience.

Jack, you know damned well that I never invited you over here. For once try to get your mind out of that fantasy world that you seem to live in and face reality.

At this, Jack again smiled with a nod. Okay, you're right. I know you didn't call me. I was just pulling your chain.

I don't like my chain being pulled, Billy said before realizing the infantile nature of the statement and regretting his words. I mean, I don't like to play games, Jack, so go home so I can get out of here.

Where are you going? Maybe I can go, too, Jack said in hopeful anticipation.

We're going on a vacation out of town and, no, you can't go with us. It's a family thing and you're not family, Jack.

I would be if you married me, baby.

There you go, slipping right back in that fantasy world again, Jack. I'm not in love with you so I'm not going to marry you. And, damn it, Jack, if you call me 'baby' one more time, I'm going to clobber you.

A mischievous smile now crossed Jack's face and he took a single step toward Billy. Oh, he cooed, so you like it rough, huh? Me, too. I'll bet you're a real tiger in the bed.

What I am in bed is none of your business, Jack, Billy said angrily, yet with some care lest he release Jack's demon and have to again flee for his life.

Aw, come on. You have time for a blow job, Jack now said as he grabbed hold of Billy's belt.

Immediately, Billy backed up to break the grip upon his pants but Jack held tightly. In fact, he was holding on with one hand and unbuckling the belt with the other like a skilled magician. Jack, let go of me, Billy warned as he tried to dislodge Jack's hands with his own.

Just once, baby. Let Uncle Jack blow you just once, he said while successfully undoing the belt.

No, Jack, Billy said with rising panic in his voice. Get your hands off me. I don't want a blow job, he insisted while attempting to force the hands off.

Everybody wants a blow job, baby, Jack informed him as he somehow managed to unbutton the top button of Billy's jeans in spite of the struggle.

Billy tried every way he could to break free but he was unable to dislodge the iron-grip that Jack had upon his pants. Jack, stop it right now. And goddamn it, stop calling me 'baby'.

He briefly entertained the idea of slugging Jack in the face to distract the lunatic from his job of undressing him, but considering Jack's size and shape that plan was quickly determined not to be in Billy's best interest. Should Jack retaliate it would be lights out for Billy, and the delay of Billy's blackout would really piss Mirna off. Jack, stop it! Billy cried in desperation.

The look in Jack's eyes was now one of insanity as he pawed at the pants where, amidst Billy's rampant struggling, he had managed to undo a second button. Either Jack had not taken his medication this morning or it was time to change to a different prescription because he was now looking and acting like a psychotic criminal who had just escaped the asylum. The man struggled frantically with the third button, all the while panting heavily with an open mouth and wild eyes that appeared as if nobody was inside looking out.

Billy heard Mirna honk the horn for him and he hoped that she would become too impatient and come in to bodily drag him outside since he desperately needed another pair of hands right about now. The problem was that she might sit out there for five or so minutes, honking the horn before finally getting fed up enough over his absence to come