Page 270 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Joey joined him. “Are you okay?”
Felix pondered, looking at the puffy clouds dotting the blue Texas sky. “I think so. What we did was amazing, but I need to process it in my mind. Thank you for teaching me about my dick, Joey. I never would have learned that from my father.” Felix went quiet for a minute, then asked. “Are you okay?”
“I think so. I had never touched another man’s dick before. It was weird but nice. Different from touching my own dick.” Joey sat up. “We'd better dress and head back to the house. Supper will be ready by the time we curry the horses and clean the stalls.”
They dressed and rode back to the barn. They took care of the horses and the stalls.
Felix climbed into the loft to throw down more hay. “We’re getting low on bales, Joey. Do you grow hay here on the ranch?”
“No. We buy it from a neighbor. We’ll go over one of these days and bring back a wagon load.”
They finished and got the horses settled before walking to the house. The aroma of baked ham wafted through the screen door as they approached.
“I’m hungry.” Felix reached for the screen door.
“Me, too.” Joey bounded up the steps and entered the house as Felix held the door. It gave Felix a warm feeling that Joey let him. Having a friend was a new experience for Felix. Knowing he could be a leader, even if it were as simple as holding the door for someone, gave him a power he had never felt before. An ability to do what he wanted. A capacity to be his own man. He followed Joey into the kitchen, and they washed up before taking their seats.
“You two have a productive day?” Mabel set a spread of baked sweet potatoes, sliced fresh tomatoes, and a platter of ham slices on the table.
Felix spoke up. This newfound power gave him the confidence to respond immediately. “Yes, ma’am. Joey and I rode fences today. We didn’t find much, but we did a couple of repairs.”
“Sounds like you’re getting the hang of this, Felix.” Grover came into the kitchen and took his usual seat.
“Felix is doing great, Pa. He’s a fast learner and not afraid to ask questions.”
“I hope Joey is teaching you a few new things.” Mabel sat and helped herself to the yams.
“Oh, he’s teaching me many things.” Felix winked at Joey. He felt drawn to Joey in a way he still didn’t understand but liked. And his friendship with Joey gave him a feeling of confidence he never had before.
* * *
That night, as Felix lay in bed, he wrote in his diary about the day and what Joey had taught him. Thoughts of his father kept drifting through his mind. He wanted to please his father, although he didn’t always agree with him about courting. His chest tightened about learning to play with his dick, and he vowed never to do it again. A soft knock came at his bedroom door.
“Who is it?” He need not ask.
“It’s me,” Joey’s words muffled by the door. “Can I come in?”
Felix hesitated. He didn’t know why, but he ached to be with Joey and, at the same time, wanted to avoid him. His feelings for his new friend confused him. “Sure, Joey,” he loudly whispered.
Joey opened the door, the hinges creaking as he did. He poked his head in. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
Felix thought for a second. Talking may be good or not, depending on what Joey said. Felix had had enough bad in his life. His heart hoped Joey had something positive to say. Something that would take away the unease he had about having a best friend who had touched his dick. “Come in, Joey.”
Joey came in, his drawers tenting. Felix tried to avoid looking, but his eyes drew to Joey's bulge.
Joey closed the door and sat on the foot of Felix’s bed. “I worried about what we did today, Felix.” Joey focused on his folded hands.
Felix inhaled Joey’s masculine scent before responding. “I never saw another man’s dick before and never squirted when I was awake. It scared me, Joey.”
Joey seemed on the verge of tears. His voice shook as he spoke. “Me too, Felix. I never touched another man’s dick, and I feel bad about it.”
Joey’s fragile emotional state tore at Felix’s heart. Despite his misgivings about what they did at the spring, it hurt him to see Joey so troubled. “Hey, Joey, you’re my friend, and I like you a lot, but being naked with you frightens me. Can we not do that anymore?”
“I’m glad you said that, Felix.” Joey raked in a shuddered sigh. “I hope we are still friends if we don't do the other stuff.”
Desire showed in Joey’s eyes, but Felix resisted. Instead, he sat up and offered his hand to Joey. “Friends?”
Joey grabbed Felix’s hand with a firm shake. “Friends.” He stood and walked to the door. “Good night, Felix.” Joey opened the door and padded out. The hinges creaked as he closed the door behind him.
