Layton's Discovery (Part 1) By Me4Smoke The life of a corporate computer tech can be Tough. Jumping from city to city can be draining. The time spent on the road looks like fun in the beginning but will wear you down. I’ve heard that it can make many men do things that they wouldn’t ordinarily do. Sometimes things get a little out of whack. Layton, for example. This guy has had some hard times lately and a road trip was not, in his mind, a welcome adventure. Becoming a computer tech wasn’t what Layton dreamed of for a life time vocation. He had higher expectations. In his mind, a shirt and tie was not enough. He wanted to be sitting in the big chair. Kicking back in his office with a mahogany desk and matching armchairs. Rolling a fine cigar between his thumb and forefinger. Making decisions that rocked the computer world. Being "THE MAN" as he would say it. The buzz around the office today seemed to grab him around the balls. The J. H. Taylor Corp. account was a high profile account for his team and he had not briefed well for the system installed there. However, the technician group had a system of, "last one in, last one out." And he knew it was his turn to go. He knew that the out of town trip was to Portland and it was going to take a while to get things up and running. The last tech spent three months out there trying to correct the glitches in the new system. Layton didn’t want to go now. His wife was about to leave him because of all the financial problems that they were having. Layton’s boss invited him into his office for a little chat. After explaining to his wife that he had to go, he kissed his wife and headed to the airport. He had only minutes to spare and wanted to stop at the store for cigars. He didn’t want to be stuck in an airport without a smoke. He rushed on to catch his flight. As luck would have it flight 598 was late. This was no surprise to him. It seemed normal as most of his trips started out this way. He returned to the smoking area and grabbed the newspaper. He enjoyed a cigar as he read and wasted the forty-five minutes. The loud speaker shouted the arrival of flight 598, which put him in motion. While the terminal employees cleared and cleaned the plane Layton watched people entering the terminal by the smoking area. He noticed a man smoking a cigar and thought to himself, "Cool, another cigar man. I’m not alone in this world." Layton had taken some ribbing from his coworkers and his wife from time to time about his habit. He enjoyed seeing other men hanging on to the art and enjoyment of cigar smoking. This man was casually dressed and bearded. He guessed him to be older than he was due to the gray in his beard but not bad looking, for a man. Layton boarded the plane. Taking a seat, he found himself across the isle from the man he had seen in the smoking area with the cigar. He couldn’t help but start a conversation with the man. "Hey buddy? I noticed you out in the smoking area a little while ago." The man looked at Layton with a lowered brow. "I don’t see many men smoking cigars anymore and it caught my eye," Layton explained with a smile. "Well, yeah, I, I guess I’d have to agree with you on that." The man replied. "I smoke them also. I catch so much grief for it too." Layton added. The man grinned with a chuckle. "I’m Layton, by the way." "Herb." Layton extended his hand for the introduction. "Nice to meet you Herb." "Same here" Herb nodded. "I hope the connecting flight at O’Hare won’t be late. I’d like to get to the hotel in time to catch the game on TV before half time. Then again, I hope there is enough time to enjoy a cigar between flights. It’s the only sanity I have when traveling." Herb patted his chest showing his next cigar in waiting. "You said it." The two men chatted off and on during the flight but learned little about each other. Layton got the feeling that Herb was a little different but he didn’t make much of it. Herb seemed like a likable guy and it passed the hour-plus on the plane. The flight landed on time and the next leg of the journey was still ahead. Layton walked up to the terminal board to see that his next plane was to be leaving in thirty-eight minutes. Herb had entered the smoking area shortly before Layton arrived and was smoking away on a really big cigar. "Hey Herb, I see we’re at it again!" Layton said as he entered, pulling the cellophane from his cigar. He couldn’t help but notice the large size of Herb’s cigar. "Man, that’s a whopper! I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that big." Herb smiled a smoky grin around his cigar. He drew on it, pulled it from his mouth and let some smoke out before drawing the rest back in. "I have ‘em hand made." Herb’s words punctuated by the escaping smoke. "Wow, that looks like the kind I want to smoke when I get the job behind the big desk." Layton laughed and began lighting his cigar. "Why wait? You can order them." Herb insisted. Layton looked at Herb and said, "I don’t have the money for the good ones just yet. My wallet is only big enough for the cheap ones for now. "I see." Herb stated as his ash fell to the ground below. "I don’t worry about that. I like what I like and that’s that. I don’t mind paying for quality smokes." Herb waited for a reply. Layton just nodded. "Flight 1548 to Portland now boarding at gate 27" Layton jumped, "Well, Herb, it was nice meeting you and I hope you have a good flight" Herb said, " I hope so too! I’d hate to be in a plane crash with ya." Herb laughed as he tossed his cigar in the ashtray. Layton spun around; "You headed to Portland too?" Herb joined Layton and said, "Yep, I have to meet with the computer team at my company. Seems that there is a problem with the computer system and they have called in a "Cracker Jack" from the support company." "Well, we’re all "Cracker Jack’s." But, we wouldn’t be needed if the dumb asses would learn how to use a computer." Layton joked. He thought about what he had just blurted out about "dumb asses" and wondered if this guy might be one of the guys that he was going to meet? "Damn, I may have stuck my foot in my mouth." Talk about quick thinkers. "What company are you with, by the way?" Layton asked hoping he wouldn’t say…. "Taylor Corp. A great company!" Herb announced. Layton’s heart started to race as he thought about his loose lips and the system that he had not familiarized himself with. Damn, how is he going to talk his way out of this one? Maybe he could do a little side stepping and win this guy over in spite of his big mouth. Layton was quiet while on the plane. He started reading the material that he had planned to glance over at the hotel. "Whatcha readin’ Layton?" Herb glanced over trying to restart the conversation. "Oh, just some paperwork, nothing important." Layton closed the manual and shoved it under his seat. He was too afraid to let on that he didn’t know anything about the Taylor account and more importantly than that, he didn’t want Herb to know that he was the "Cracker Jack." "Look, Layton, I know you have a company account paying for your business but if you want to pocket the money and stay with me, I’d sure enjoy the company? I can make sure you get where you’re going in the morning." Herb said hoping to make the evening interesting. "That’s really kind of you Herb but I think I should turn in early tonight. I don’t want to make a bad impression when I walk into the fire, so to speak." He wanted to put this night behind him and come up with a way to flimflam this guy in the morning. "I wish you’d change your mind. I would love to have you try one of my expensive cigars along with a nice glass of scotch. It’s always better to have a friend around to enhance the flavors." Herb was trying to sway Layton’s decision. Layton thought that this might be his chance to get in the good graces of the man he would have to please tomorrow. He hoped that the guy wouldn’t figure out who he was and grill him. Supervisors can be such a pain when they are in control of a contractor. "Well, I may just do that after all. A hotel room is lonely and I can miss a game. It will be on the news anyway." Layton agreed. While walking to the Portland terminal exit Herb excused himself to use his cell phone. Returning to Layton, Herb told him to wait outside while he handled some things and that he would be with him shortly. Layton waited in the smoking area but didn’t light up. He was very nervous about staying at Herb’s house. He just wanted to do the right things. His job depended on his street smarts at this point. The "Gift of gab" as it were. While waiting for Herb, a black stretched limo parked at the curb in front of him. The driver walked inside and returned with some bags, popped open the trunk and placed them inside. The trunk remained open with the driver standing next to the car. Within a few minutes Herb appeared through the doorway and walked over to Layton. "So! Are you ready?" Layton picked up his luggage and said, "Yes sir, Lead the way." Herb laughed and motioned to the limo driver. Layton’s jaw dropped as the limo driver took his bags. Layton looked at Herb with astonishment, "That’s YOUR car?" Herb nodded as he walked Layton to the back door of the limo. The driver opened the door and Herb swept his hand in a motion to give Layton first entry. Layton climbed in and sat down holding his hands tightly in his lap. "I’ve never been in one of these before. Wow!" The driver shut the door and took his position behind the wheel. "Home, Bill!" Herb stated to the driver. Layton chuckled. Herb smiled and said, "You expected me to say 'James'?" Layton laughed out loud, "Yeah, I guess I did." Both men laughed as the car left the terminal. Layton was not sure what to think about Herb. He must have been a high paid supervisor. Maybe he was one of the higher up’s, a division chief or something. Layton was starting to regret his decision to spend the evening with Herb now. What if he totally screws things up? What then? This guy just might have the smarts to see through him and his tactics. The car turned into a gated driveway. After the gate swung open the car lights illuminated a beautiful stone mansion. This place was awesome! Every thing about it spelled money. Lots of money. The nine-foot wooden door opened and the men walked inside. "This is home. Now, how about that drink?" Herb said as he entered the study. Herb could see that Layton was in awe and didn’t comment about it. He just smiled with his back to Layton as he told the staff to bring scotch for them both. Layton was still standing in the doorway looking at the building he had just walked into. He had seen homes like this on television and driven by them on Sundays with his wife. She would always chatter something about never owning anything like it as long as she was with him. He always let it in one ear and out the other. "Come over here Layton. I want you to pick out your own cigar." Just as they were about to enter a doorway the servant handed them their drinks. "Thank you Barry." Herb nodded. "After you, sir." Herb placed his hand on Layton’s back to lead him forward. They walked into a cedar-paneled room with rows and rows of cigars. More cigars than Layton ever saw at the smoke shops. "Layton’s eyes widened and again his mouth flew open. "Oh my God!" Layton exclaimed. "Any one you want, go ahead, be my guest." Herb gestured. Layton looked back to Herb and then at the cigars. "I, I really don’t know what to pick. I’ve never tried any of them before." "OK, I’ll pick for you then." Herb chose one of the biggest cigars in the humidor. Layton turned to Herb to protest the choice but Herb dismissed his worry. "You’ll like this one, you may have to get used to the size but it is a very good smoke!" They returned to the study and Herb invited Layton to sit and relax. He wanted Layton to be comfortable while he enjoyed his drink and cigar. Layton accepted the light from Herb’s lighter as Herb watched the cigar begin to glow. Herb smiled while watching Layton do his best to get his lips around the cigar and not appear awkward. With the lighter withdrawn to Herb’s cigar, Layton commented on the taste and quality of his cigar. Herb nodded with a grunt as he puffed his cigar to life. "Herb, I gotta tell ya, you have great tastes in everything. I guess you get paid pretty well. You must be highly regarded at work?" Herb laughed while sipping on his scotch; " I’d say so." Barry entered, "Mr. Taylor, would your like me to freshen your drinks?" "Taylor?!" Layton blurted out before he could catch himself. Herb turned his head back to Layton tossing him a sly grin. "J. H. Taylor?" Layton asked as he lowered his drink and the cigar to his lap. "Yes, Layton. Is there something wrong?" Herb queried. "No! no, it’s nothing, I’m sorry. It was just a surprise." Layton said sinking into the over-stuffed high back leather chair. Sweat was starting to form on Layton’s forehead. Herb motioned for Barry handing him his glass and reaching for Layton’s glass. Layton looked up with fear and released his glass to Herb. "Now, where is it that you have to be tomorrow, Layton?" Knowing the answer Herb raised a single eyebrow and raised one corner of his mouth. Herb had seen the topic in the manuals that Layton was reading on the airplane. He had further confirmation of his suspicion when Layton shouted out his name just then. It was over. Layton’s goose was cooked. He thought he could bullshit his way through this trip and nothing was going to pull him out of it now. He was in "THE MAN’S" house now. "Sir, I hope you will forgive me. I didn’t know…." Herb waved his hand and shook his head. "That’s quite all right Layton. I figured you were the tech that we were expecting when I saw you reading the manuals. I wanted this opportunity to get to know you. I don’t often have the chance to meet the men outside of the office. They are all on their best behavior when they know who I am." Layton asked, "But Herb, why were you on the same flights with me? I would have thought that you had your own jet to take you places? "I was checking out a new venture. My jet is down for an over haul. I was informed of the problem we were having and wanted to be there while it was undergoing the big fix." "Sir, I’m sorry for being such an ass. I mean, I didn’t mean to cut down the computer support guy in your office. I’m sure he’s a great computer tech." "Can it Layton! The tech happens to be my nephew, Alex." Herb was about to have a little fun with him now. "Do you like your job, son?" Herb’s question got Layton’s attention, "I… I, Yes I do. Please, sir, I need this job. My wife is going to leave me if I lose this one!" "Wife? You didn’t say you were married. She’s going to leave you? Things must not be going very well for you? Herb had him. He liked making men grovel. Begging was a turn on for him. "My life sucks, sir! I can’t afford losing this account. I’ll never work again if you pull this account." Layton was in dire straits. Herb knew it and reveled in it. However, he liked Layton. He knew he was a bullshiter but still, he liked him. "I know you’re full of shit, boy, but I’m going to give you another chance." Herb said with a wicked smile. "How’s your sex life?" Herb questioned. "I, I don’t understand, sir? What does my sex..." "Answer the fucking question Layton. Don’t bull shit me!" Layton told him with a whimper; "It sucks too!" Barry entered with fresh drinks and handed them to Herb. Herb put his cigar back in his jaw and walked up to Layton handing him his drink. Barry walked back toward the kitchen laughing under his breath because he knew how this would end. It wasn’t the first time Herb had brought a man into the house. "I’m going to save your job, in a way. I’m going to give you a chance to make or break the deal here Layton." Layton was all ears now, "Yes sir, what ever it takes sir!" Herb grinned around the big fat cigar, "Good, I like the way you said that." Herb stood close in front of Layton’s chair with his legs against Layton’s legs. "Unzip my fly, boy!" Layton looked up in amazement. "DO WHAT?" "I thought you said that you wanted your job, son?" Herb snapped at Layton. "Fuck you, you freak!" Layton yelled. "Well, I do like a hard cock as well as the next guy, but tonight I feel like a top." Herb exclaimed in a joking manor. Layton attempted to stand up but Herb put his hand into Layton’s chest, "You leave here now and I’ll have you fired before you reach the airport! No return ticket!" Layton had a rage in his eyes that would have spooked even the toughest of men, but not Herb. Herb’s money was his strength and he knew how to use it. Herb stepped back and puffed on his cigar. "I was hoping you would be a little more inclined to work with me here, Layton. I can make life a lot easier for you. You just need to learn to play the game." "I guess you picked the wrong guy!" Layton said as he stood up. "I was hoping you would want this opportunity. After all, you came on to me." Herb was baiting the hook now. "What do you mean, I came on to you?" Layton said as he stopped and turned to face Herb. "You were watching the men in the smoking area at the airport. You were the one interested in talking to a fellow cigar man. I saw you watching me smoke my cigar. Every time I would smoke you watched and adjusted yourself. There was more to that than just cigar envy." Layton sat back down looking at the floor though his hands. He had been caught. He didn’t think anyone would ever know about his hidden fetish. "So, what are you going to do? Are you going to expose me? Tell everyone that I like guys that smoke cigars? Ruin my marriage and my future? Is that what you want?" "Layton, all I want is to give you what you want and, by doing so, I get what I want." "I want a younger man in my life. I need a boy that likes cigars. I need a boy that enjoys me and my cigars. You could be that boy if you are willing to let me show you the way." Herb was sinking the hook. He was fishing at first but he knew that he was close to reeling him in. "Well, Herb, that has been a fantasy of mine for many years but that’s all it is. I’ve never even been with a man. I have a wife and I’m working on making it work with her." "I don’t think it’s going to work with her, Layton. I know that money isn’t the only thing disrupting your marriage. You want a man, a cigar man so damn bad. Your attitude is the only thing standing between you and success. You’d better do what you know you need to do or you’ll never amount to shit!" Layton sipped on his drink and looked away from Herb. He knew that Herb was right. He was just too afraid to take the first step. "Well, I need to get to sleep. I’m going to have a hell of a day tomorrow." Layton said hoping to end the confrontation with Herb and with his own mind. "Yes, I think you should. Tomorrow you and I will talk about it again. Here, take this and your cigar to your room. I hate to see a good cigar go to waste!" Herb handed Layton his lighter. Layton took the lighter and followed as Barry escorted him up the staircase to his room. Part 2 - Part 3

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