His Personal Shopper

Three Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Luke’s mother kept him on the phone for what seemed forever. She was
berating him for not coming home for Thanksgiving dinner.

“The entire family will be here,” she lamented. “They’ll want to see
you. Don’t you want to see them? It’s only an hour’s drive.” She
went on and on trying to fill him with guilt.

“Of course, I’d like to be there, Ma, but I’m just too busy.” Luke
whined. “I intend to catch up on all my paperwork backlog that day.
You know that I’m a sole practitioner trying to build a law practice. I
have nobody to help me.”

“It’s time you hired an assistant,” his mother said

“I will, Ma, soon, but I can’t afford it yet. I can hardly afford my
receptionist. In fact, I’m too busy to talk to you right now, so I’ll
say goodbye.”

“Wait?” his mother yelled. “I’ll stop badgering you if you promise
to come for Christmas dinner. The whole family will be together again.
It’s not right that you shouldn’t be here.”

“Okay, I promise,” Luke said. He hung up before his mother could say
another word, and went back to work. His desk was overloaded with
clients’ files.

As soon as he was off the phone, Luke slapped his forehead. “What have
I done?” He screamed out loud. He was alone in his office so nobody
could hear his wailing. “I won’t have time to buy all those Christmas
gifts.”

Luke has three older brothers. They are all married, and between them
they have seven children and one on the way. His mother has a divorced
sister, and his father has a bachelor brother. In all, excluding
himself, he figured that he’d have to buy seventeen Christmas gifts.
When would he have the time?

“Noooooooo,” he cried out louder. “I’ll need a miracle.”

He would have bet his next retainer that he heard a sweet, feminine voice
say, “Wish for a miracle. Send your wish out to the universe.”

He chalked it up to wishful thinking, and a vivid imagination, but he
made the wish.

 

Early the Same Evening

 

Luke Bennett kept falling asleep at his desk, so he figured that he’d
better call it a day. Besides, he was so upset about his formidable
Christmas task that he couldn’t think straight. He closed his office,
and went downstairs. Adjacent to his office building there was a little
coffee shop. He couldn’t get a full meal there, but he hadn’t eaten
anything all day, so he stopped in, and ordered a slice of peach pie and
a cup of coffee.

Luke finished his meager dinner, and went to pay his bill. At the
cahier’s station, he spotted a rack with the business cards of local
vendors and professionals. He took several of his own cards out of his
wallet, and added them to the rack. He had to move a few cards to make
room, and then he spotted it.

The card was on a glossy, heavy paper and it read:

No time to shop?

Let me do it for you.

Ben Fields

212-555-3322

Luke grabbed the card, and stuffed it into his pocket.

“That’s just what the lawyer ordered,” he thought. He completely
forgot about the wish he made.

The next morning, he had to appear in court, and when he got back to his
office at three in the afternoon, he returned his incoming calls. That
chore done, he pulled the shopper’s card out of his wallet, and called
him.

A robotic voice informed him that he had reached Ben Fields.

“I’m out shopping right now, and I’m not able to take your call, but
if you leave your name, telephone number, and a short message, I’ll
return your call as soon as possible.”

Luke was disappointed, but he left his name, telephone number and a short
message, informing Ben that he wanted to retain his services. It was way
past dinner time when Luke finally decided to call it a day, and go
home. This evening, he intended on zapping a frozen dinner.

Just as he was about to set the answering machine, his phone rang. The
caller identified himself as Ben Fields, Professional Shopper.

“Thanks for calling,” Luke said. “I really need your services. I
have to buy Christmas gifts, and I’m too busy to do it myself.”

“That’s what I’m here for. How soon can we meet?”

“How about lunch tomorrow?” Luke answered. “It’s on me.”

“That sounds great. Where would you like to meet?”

“There’s a little coffee shop just downstairs from my office building.
Could you meet me there at 12:30?”

“Could we make it 1 PM?” Ben asked. “I’ll be out of school by
then.”

“Of course.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Just leave your name with the cashier if
you get there first, and I’ll do the same.”

It sounded to Luke that Ben was about to hang up, so he said quickly, “I
should have asked sooner, but what are your fees?”

“I get $30 an hour,” Ben said. “I hope that’s okay with you.”

Most attorneys, with small offices, bill out at an average of $250 an
hour. To encourage business, Luke billed out at $200 an hour, so he gave
Ben a fast yes. He’d be way ahead. He said he was looking forward to
their meeting also. He gave Ben the address of the coffee shop, and
reluctantly hung up. Luke hated to do that. He felt that Ben was his
savior, and for some crazy reason, he wanted to talk to him all night.

Luke went home that evening feeling much less stressed out.

 

Early the Next Afternoon

 

“Seventeen people!” Ben said incredulously, when Luke gave him the
count. “I usually shop for a wife or a girlfriend, even a couple of
kids. My client tells me all about them, and I always get the perfect
gift. From what you tell me, you don’t have the time to sit with me,
and tell me all about the likes and dislikes of all seventeen
recipients. Do you even know their likes and dislikes? This is a major
problem. I don’t think I can help you out. I’m really sorry. I’ll
pick up the tab.”

Ben got up to leave, but Luke grabbed his arm. Would it help if you met
all of them in a couple of weeks?”

“Maybe. What are you thinking?”

“My entire family will be together at my parents’ house on
Thanksgiving. I told my mom that I was too busy to come. I could call
and tell her I’ve changed my mind, but I have a friend who has no
family, and I’d like to bring him. She won’t say no.”

“What makes you think that I’m available that day? I may have my own
family plans.”

“Charge me $40 an hour that day, and please free yourself up.”

Ben laughed. “Thirty will be fine. As it happens, I have no family.
My parents disowned me when I came out. I’d love to have dinner with
your family.”

“You’re gay?” Luke asked in surprise. “My gaydar failed me
completely.”

“So did mine,” Ben concurred.

For the next five minutes the two men didn’t say a word. They just kept
smiling at one another. Finally, they reached across the table and held
hands. They were both hunks, and the attraction between them was very
strong.

“I’ve got a great idea,” Luke said. “Unlike your parents, my folks
and my brothers are always trying to fix me up. If I introduce you as my
boyfriend, they are more likely to speak freely to you. Besides, it will
make them very happy, and they’ll get off my back about settling down
with my Prince Charming.”

There was a pause as Ben considered if it would be wise to pretend to be
Luke’s boyfriend. He didn’t like the idea, and he didn’t know how to
answer Luke.

The silence lasted too long, and it was becoming oppressive. Finally, it
was broken when Luke asked, “I’ll bet that you don’t always want to be
a personal shopper, Ben. What are your plans?”

“I have no parental help, so I shop to support myself,” Ben answered.
“I’m attending Fordham Law School. I’ll be graduating next June.”

Luke’s heart stopped beating. He was mute, so Ben got back on topic.

“If I pretend to be your boyfriend at the Thanksgiving dinner, can I
show you some affection?” Ben asked. Luke wasn’t sure if he was
serious or kidding around.

“Absolutely,” Luke said. “Why don’t you come home with me when I
close the office, and we’ll practice being affectionate.”

“What will I do all afternoon until you’re ready to go home?” Ben
asked.

“You’ll come upstairs, and clerk for me. I’m a lawyer, and I
desperately need help. I’ll pay you $35 an hour so you’re way ahead.
You can join my practice after you graduate and pass the bar. When you
do my gift shopping for me, I’ll only pay $30 an hour as we agreed upon,
but be warned, I’m your last and only shopping client. You’re a law
clerk now.”

“Wow,” Ben said, and he squeezed Luke’s hand. “I sure am glad I met
you. I gotta tell you that I made a wish that I would get a clerking job
soon. My dreams are coming true.”

Suddenly, Luke was reminded of his wish. His wish was coming true also,
with a bonus. He was very attracted to the shopper He might even get
laid this evening.

“If I stay the night, Ben said, “I’ll have to leave early in the
morning. I need to go home to do my morning things, and dress for
school.”

“It’ll be hard to let you go, but I can bear it, because I know I’ll
be seeing more of you.”

Back in the office, Luke introduced Ben to his receptionist, and showed
him how to access his on-line law library. Then he gave him two cases to
research. At 6 PM, Luke declared that it was time to close shop. This
was at least two to three hours earlier than usual. Not only was he
anxious to get home, but Ben had done some of his work. His mother would
be pleased.

His mother!! Finally, Luke remembered to call her. He told her that he
was coming for Thanksgiving dinner with his BOYFRIEND. His mother
shrieked so loud in joy, she never heard Luke say that Ben worked for
him.

They took the subway to Luke’s apartment. On the way, Luke said to Ben,
“You worked five hours for me. Payday is Friday. I owe you $175, but
I’m going to put you on my payroll. I’ll have to take out taxes and
social security, but ultimately, it’s for your own good.”

“I don’t mind at all. I think our association will be a long one. You
know what else is great?” Ben asked.

“What?”

“I’ll have someone at my graduation.”

“Don’t celebrate just yet. If they think you’re my boyfriend, my
whole family might be there.”

When they got home, they stripped rapidly and studied their bodies. Each
one wanted to memorize every detail. They were both six feet tall. Ben
was more muscular. Luke had no time to work out. Their cocks were more
identical. They were both cut and well hung. They were about four and a
half flaccid inches, but one look at each other and they both erected to
seven inches.

Luke dragged Ben to his shower. They couldn’t hold back. In the shower
they went down on one another, they rimmed, they fucked, and gave
themselves golden showers. By the time they turned off the spigots, they
were exhausted, and fell into Luke’s bed They wrapped their arms around
each other, and slept until early morning, when Ben had to go home.

Luke wouldn’t let him leave. “Shower,” he said, “I’ll give you a
tooth brush, a razor, and something of mine to wear. Do you think you
could move in this weekend?”

“I’ll make it happen.”

 

Thanksgiving Dinner

 

By the time Thanksgiving Day rolled around, Luke and Ben were living
together, and the whole family knew it. It took Luke more than a half
hour to introduce Ben to every member of his family, including his nieces
and nephews. Each one spoke a few minutes with him. They were sizing
him up as a candidate for future family ties. He passed muster with
flying colors. Better than that, he was a good listener. After all, he
was studying to be a lawyer. In those few minutes, his professional
shopper’s eyes and ears told him the exact, perfect gift to get for
every member of the family. He nodded at Luke, who sighed with relief.

Luke finally got a word in edgewise, and told everyone that Ben was a
third-year law student, and had just started to work for him as his law
clerk.

“He’s so good, my work load has greatly diminished, and I’ll have more
time to see and be with you guys. Correction, Ben and I will have more
time.”

Everyone cheered, and Luke’s eldest brother, Nicholas, put an arm around
Ben’s shoulder.

By the time they sat down to dinner, Luke’s family had accepted him as
Luke’s husband, and a member of the family. More than that, Luke’s
parents adopted him when they heard that he had been disowned.

Ben had been without a family so long, that when he realized that he had
been adopted by Luke’s family, he cried off and on. Whenever he got a
tear in his eye, Luke put his arm around him, and Mrs. Bennett smiled
happily. She even took Luke aside and asked, “Are you two going to get
married? I haven’t made a wedding in a very long time.”

“We haven’t gotten that far yet, Ma, but we’ll discuss it. I’d like
to have children also. It’s all so new, I don’t know if Ben feels the
same way”

“Of course, he does,” Mrs. Bennett said. “He’s got a good heart. I
can tell. I’m so happy for both of you.”

Luke and Ben were anxious to leave and get home, but they didn’t want to
be the first to go. Thankfully, one of Luke’s nephews was acting up,
and his parents took their leave. Then Luke and Ben left also. Twenty
minutes went by, before all the kissing was done, and they could head for
home.

When they got to their apartment that night, they made love with more
passion than on their first night together. They loved each other more
every day,

 

Christmas Eve

 

In the office, on Christmas Eve, Luke said to Ben, “Here are the plans
for tomorrow. We meet the family at church at 10 o’clock. After the
service, we all go to my parents’ home. We exchange gifts, and then
stuff our faces with mom’s cooking. Believe me, you’ll love it.”

There was a look of great distress on Ben’s face. It was so obvious
that Luke was prompted to ask, “Are you okay, Honey? If you don’t want
to go, I can call and say that one of us is sick.”

“Of course, I want to go,” Ben said. “It’s just that I haven’t been
inside a church since I got booted out of my house. I don’t even know
what religion you practice, and what kind of church we’ll be going to.”

“What does it matter, my darling. It’ll be a Christmas Day service,
and that’s universal.”

“Sure,” Ben said, “of course.” Then he started to laugh.

“What?” Luke asked.

“I don’t have to lie about being your boyfriend. I would hate to have
lied on Christmas Day.”

“Amen,” Luke said. “and I love saying that you’re my boyfriend.”

“Me too.”

 

Christmas Day

 

During the church service, Ben and Luke held each other’s hands
tightly. So did every other couple in The Bennett family.

When they got to The Bennett’s, it took each of Ben’s brothers, Mr.
Bennett’s brother, and Mrs. Bennett’s sister, twenty minutes to unload
the presents from their cars. There were that many. In addition to the
seventeen gifts that Ben and Luke bought together, Luke had a gift for
Ben, and Ben had a gift for Luke. The others had an extra gift for Ben.
It was going to take hours to open all the gifts. Ben and Luke feared
that it would be a very long day.

During the meal, Ben felt the vibrator on his cell phone. There was so
much noise in the dining room, he never heard the ring. He wasn’t going
to answer anyway, but he glanced at the name to see who was calling. The
caller ID said, “Unknown Caller.” It was too noisy to speak to anyone,
so he figured if a message went to voice mail, he could listen later.

When the festivities came to an end, and Luke and Ben went home, they
jumped right into bed for their nightly ritual of making love. Ben
forgot all about the telephone call. His passion for Luke blocked out
every other thought.

 

The Next Morning

 

Early the next morning, he remembered about the call. The caller had
indeed left a message. Ben listened, and turned pale.

“What’s the matter?” Luke asked in alarm.

“I’ll replay the message.” Ben said, and he handed Luke his phone.
Luke listened and he turned white also.

“Benjamin, Ben” Luke heard, “it’s your father. You probably hate me,
and don’t want to talk to me, but I’d like to tell you how sorry I am,
how much I miss you, and how much I love you. I was an utter asshole.
My heartfelt prayer is that I didn’t lose you forever. If you can
forgive me, please call, and we’ll make a date to get together and catch
up. Merry Christmas, my dear son.”

Luke disconnected the message. Ben was crying like a baby. “What
should I do?” he asked Luke, knowing full well that it was his decision,
and Luke would back him up, no matter what he decided to do.

Luke answered anyway “Your father called on Christmas,” he said.
“Forgiveness is the order of the day. I think you should call him. Did
you see yesterday, how important family is?”

“Okay, I’ll call him tomorrow.”

“No. By tomorrow you might chicken out. Call him now.”

Ben went to “recent calls,” and speed-dialed the number his father had
called him from. Mr. Fields answered on the first ring. He must have
read the caller ID. He was sobbing.

“Ben, Ben, son. Thank you for calling. When can I see you? There’s
too much to talk about on the phone.”

“Dad, I’m going to Law School, and I’m clerking in a law office. I’m
really busy. Can we make it Saturday? I’ll meet you somewhere for
lunch.”

“Yes, Yes. Just tell me where and when to meet you.”

Ben gave his father the name and address of the coffee shop next to
Luke’s office building.

“Meet me at noon,” he said. “The shop is attached to the building
where I work. All they have for lunch are sandwiches. After we have
lunch, I’ll take you to meet Luke.”

“Who’s Luke?”

“Luke is everything to me, Dad. He’s my boss, my legal mentor, and my
fiancé. We haven’t set a date yet. Luke has a huge family, and they
can’t wait to go to our wedding. I would love it if you and mom came
also.”

There was a long silence until Ben said, “You don’t have to feel
obligated to come, if it will make you uncomfortable.”

“No, no. It’s not that, but everything you told me is a lot for me to
absorb on the phone right now. I had always hoped to be your legal
mentor. I’m sad that I’ve been replaced. On the other side of the
coin, my greatest fear was that I scarred you for life. You’re doing
well, and I’m pleased.”

“You didn’t scar me, Dad, but you made life really hard for me. Luke
saved me. He gave me a job that pays my expenses. I live with him, and
he won’t take rent money from me, so my living costs are way down.”

“I don’t know how I can tell you how sorry I am,” John sobbed.
“I’ll meet you Saturday, and we can talk in person. Thank you, Ben,
for agreeing to see me.”

“Of course,” Ben said. “I love you.” He hung up.

He turned to Luke. “You better make love to me tonight,” he ordered.

“Nah,” Luke said, “I’ve got a headache.” Then he started to laugh
so hard, he almost choked.

 

Saturday

 

Ben agonized over how to greet his father. He wondered if his mother
would be there. His father had not mentioned her at all. Ben would like
to hug him, but he decided to just shake hands in a friendly manner. John
Fields had other ideas. As soon as he spotted his son, he embraced him
in a bear hug, and couldn’t stop crying. Finally, they settled down,
and got a table.

Ben asked the first question. “How’s Mom? You haven’t mentioned her
once. I’m concerned.”

“I didn’t want to tell you on the phone. She passed away last year.
She had breast cancer. She fought bravely for a couple of years, but it
defeated her. She suffered so much at the end; her death was a
blessing.”

Ben wanted to cry, but no tears came. Instead, he said, “So you’re
alone and lonely. Is that why you called me?”

“Yes, that’s part of it, but it’s not the reason I called. I called
to have you back in my life. I was such a jerk. There’s no reason for
you to believe me, but I’m truly sorry.” John started to cry again.
Ben stood up and wrapped his father in his arms. No help there. John
cried harder.

They both sat down when the waiter came to take their order. They spoke
for over an hour. Ben told his father how he met Luke, how he came to
work for him, and how they fell in love at first sight. He described the
huge family dinners Luke’s parents made at every opportunity.

“They’re having the whole family over on New Year’s Eve, Dad. You’re
family. I’d be pleased if you would come with Luke and me.”

“Let’s check with Luke first.”

“He’ll say, “Yes.”

“Just the same. Let’s ask him.”

John insisted on paying the bill, and then they went up to Luke’s
office.

“Just in time,” Luke said. “I was about to wrap things up, and look
for you guys in the coffee shop.”

Ben introduced his father to Luke, and John stuck out his hand to shake
Luke’s. Luke would have none of that. He gave John a great big hug.
He was surprised but he hugged right back.

“Are you two foolish men reconciled?” Luke asked.

Father and son looked at each other, smiled, and nodded.

“Good,” Luke said. “Now you can come to the Bennett family New
Year’s Eve party at my parents’ house. You’ll love it, John. My
mother is the best cook in the world. She could be a chef.

Ben and John broke out laughing.

“See,” Ben said. “I told you so.”

 

New Year’s Eve

 

John was welcomed at the party with open arms, literally. Even though
every member of the Bennett family was aware that he had disowned his own
son years earlier, they embraced him, and told him how pleased they were
to meet Ben’s dad. He gave Mrs. Bennett a dozen red roses, and he gave
Mr. Bennett a bottle of red wine. Everyone he met told him what a fine
son he had, and what a fantastic work ethic he possessed. John’s only
regret was that all seven children were fast asleep on the king-sized bed
in the master bedroom, which had been converted into a dormitory.

“You must be very proud of him,” Luke’s father said, as he welcomed
John to his home.

John nodded. “Yes, I’m very proud,” he agreed.

John was just as handsome as Ben, in a mature sort of way. When he was
introduced to Mrs. Bennett’s divorced sister, Cindi, sparks almost
ignited the room. The two of them spent most of the evening chatting
together, and at one point, Ben saw Cindi giving his father her telephone
number. He handed her his cell phone, and she entered her name and
number on his contact list. Ben’s heart was beating so fast, he feared
he would have a stroke.

In minutes, John felt like a member of the family. He never once felt
like an outsider, because he was never treated as one. He was happy
about that, but as the evening of frivolity wore on, he grew sadder and
sadder. He realized what a fool he had been, and he couldn’t go back in
time to undo the damage he had caused.

Somehow, a little before midnight, he realized that he was lamenting the
past, instead of looking to the future. His mood brightened
considerably, and he knew just what he was going to do to help make
things right.

John had driven his two sons to the party in Queens, NY. On the drive
home, he said to his two boys, “My office is closed tomorrow, of course,
but would you two guys please meet me there about noon. I want to take
you to lunch, but more importantly, I have a business proposition for
both of you.”

“Wow! Can you give us a little hint?” Ben asked.

“No. Be patient. We’ll discuss it tomorrow.”

 

New Year’s Day

 

Ben and Luke arrived at John’s deserted office at noon the next day. It
was obvious to Luke that his future father-in-law was a very successful
attorney. The reception area was tastefully furnished with very
expensive furniture. John took them into his private office. There were
two chairs facing his desk, and he bade them sit. They were facing him.
Luke envied John’s posh desk chair.

“I’m going to lay out my business proposition first, and we can discuss
it further at lunch. That is, if further discussion is necessary,” John
said.

The boys looked at him with great anticipation.

“I’m a sole practitioner like you, Luke” he began. I’m under just as
much pressure as you are, and frankly, I’m getting too old for it. The
stress is killing me. What would you think of merging with me, Son?
We’ll all have more leisure time. I know you guys would like that.”
He winked at them. “We’re family, after all. When Ben graduates, he
can work for us full time, and when he passes the bar, we’ll make him a
full partner.”

He paused to let his proposition sink in. Ben was weeping, and Luke was
staring at him incredulously. John had called him, Son.

Finally, Luke spoke. “I think that it’s a great idea,” he said, “but
given the animosity you and Ben have suffered, I’d have to let Ben make
the decision.”

Ben was still weeping, but he got himself together, and said, “I think
it’s a wonderful idea, but I have to warn you, Dad; you’ll have to
attend all Bennett Family dinners.”

The three men laughed.

“It’ll be my pleasure,” John said. “Now, let’s close the office and
go to lunch. We can discuss the logistics of the merger starting
tomorrow. Oh, by the way, we’re going to the coffee shop near your
office, and it will be a light lunch. I’m taking your Aunt Cindi to
dinner tonight, Luke. Besides, after last night’s feast, I don’t think
any of us are very hungry.”

“Luke, honey,” Ben asked, “aren’t you happy that you had no time to
do your Christmas shopping?”

Luke smiled and kissed Ben on his cheek. John grinned at his two sons.
He wasn’t grossed out at all to see two men kissing.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday saw another big luncheon at the Bennett’s. Ben and John
Fields were there, of course. Strangely they both felt like family, and
rightly so. They belonged there.

During the festivities, John took Cindi aside, and proposed to her. The
diamond ring measured almost three carats, and was in a white gold,
solitaire setting. When they finished kissing, Cindi yelled for
attention. She showed everyone the ring, and announced her engagement to
John.

Bennett family gatherings were always loud and boisterous, but the
decimal level at this one was so high, it’s a wonder no ear drums were
damaged.

The Following June

When Ben graduated from law school, he was only given two tickets to the
ceremony. That didn’t stop the Bennett family. The fathers, Mr.
Bennett and Mr. Fields, made a big party that night in a neighborhood
restaurant in Queens. The whole clan was there, including the children.
There were now eight of them.

John and Ben had never had any family. During the evening’s
festivities, they both realized that by asking for forgiveness, and by
granting it, they were now part of a large and loving family. In fact,
John cemented his position when he became engaged to Luke’s Aunt,
Cindi. Ben was already there when he became engaged to Luke.

Labor Day

Labor Day saw another family gathering. It was a very special occasion.
Cindi and John were getting married the following weekend. Luke and Ben
were getting married two weeks after that. The two weddings were the
noisiest, and most joyous, Bennett family get togethers ever held. It
outranked all the previous ones.

Wishes can turn into miracles, and miracles do happen.

The End