Andy Keeps Trying - Chapter 05

ANDY KEEPS TRYING

Chapter 5: Andy greets the new intern

I was late for work on Monday morning, but thankfully, I ran into Laurie in the lobby.

“Good.” I panted.

“Hey Andy.”

“I won't get scolded by H.R. for being late if the head of the department arrives at the same time.” I told her with a smile.

“Stop with the H.R. thing, I have a real title now.”

“Oh, really?”

Laurie called the elevator.

“I'm officially the Main Campaign Coordinator.”

“And what does that mean?”

“It means I'm here to help all the departments work together and make sure everyone puts their efforts toward the same goal. For instance, I need to make sure you're getting along with Thompson and that your respective strategies are going in the same direction.”

“Amazing. If you can get him to stop looking at me as if I was a piece of trash, that’d be greatly appreciated.”

She puffed.

“I’m not a miracle worker.”

“Yeah… Wait, are you my boss now?”

I hit the "26" button.

“No, we’re all Rebecca’s minions.”

“That seems about right.”

“And speaking of the team, the new intern starts today. Be nice to him.”

“Thanks for telling me, because I'm known for being such a bully.”

She rolled her eyes.

“How was your weekend?”

“Nothing crazy.”

“No fun with the boys?”

“What boys? I’ve told you; I remain proudly single. I helped Cody reply to some job offers yesterday.”

“That's nice of you.”

She had a smirk in the corner of her mouth and I knew exactly why.

“Laurie, Cody told me you spent Saturday night together.”

“Oh… It was a lovely weekend on my side.” She admitted.

We reached the 26th floor.

“So, Corie's back at full speed?”

“Full speed, no, but I suppose you might see me around the apartment. If… If you don’t mind.”

“You two can do whatever you want as long as you don’t involve me in your shit.”

“Duly noted!”

It had been a long time since I had stopped trying to understand Cody and Laurie's relationship.

I knew all too well that things are never as easy as they seem from the outside.

I was in a pretty good mood as we walked into the open space, but I stopped in my tracks and grabbed Laurie's forearm, pulling her back.

“Look who's here!” I whispered, freaking out.

“Who?”

“On the desk in front of me, it's Zachary. David and Rebecca's son!”

“Well, yes.”

“Lau, what is he doing here!?”

Laurie stifled a laugh.

“The new intern for the summer, remember?”

“Huh?”

“It's pretty self-explanatory.”

“That's… damn it, Zachary Crown is the intern! Why on earth would you pick him?”

“Hey, I interviewed some people when we needed to hire more staff, but I had nothing to do with the interns. Rebecca told me last Friday that Zach would be working for us until the end of September.”

“Fuck my life…” I grunted.

“I thought you said you talked to him and he liked you.”

“I didn't… I mean, maybe. I have no idea what he knows or doesn't know! His parents are getting a divorce because of me!”

“Don’t flatter yourself, you’re not responsible for the divorce. His father is gay as can be, of course it could only end in a separation!”

I sighed.

“Anyway, we're understaffed. I thought we'd get interns who would actually help us!”

“He's not stupid. He can help. And again, complain to Rebecca, not to me!”

Speaking of the devil, Rebecca came out of her office.

She looked at us hiding and chatting in the hallway, perplexed.

“What are you two doing here?”

“We were just…”

“Forget it, I don't care. Just follow me.” She spoke louder, addressing the entire office. “Everyone, gather in the open space.”

Zachary stood up.

He was wearing a dark blue polo shirt, and let's just say it showed off his rower's body masterfully.

He waved at Laurie and me as we walked in.

I tried to smile, but it might have looked like I was mocking him.

I was not. I was just being very awkward (and who would be surprised by that?).

“Okay, guys. Two things. First, today is June 23, which means we are less than five months away from the primary. The latest data shows that we are twelve points behind Broadhall among all potential voters. We have 20 weeks to close that gap, so let's make this summer count!”

Everyone nodded in agreement, but that was not enough for Rebecca.

“Right, guys?”

“Right, Ma’am!”

“Second, as you can see, we have a new intern on the team. Zachary is an excellent Stanford student, and yes, he's also my son. Just to be clear, in the office he's just an employee like any of you, so I expect everyone to act accordingly.”

“Hello everyone.” Zachary told the group.

Rebecca talked over him.

“Zach, you're going to be working with White this week, and if that means you have to do the tedious work and call people yourself to get more surveys done, you just do it. Clear? You just follow Andy, I mean, White’s instructions.”

“Very clear.” Zachary answered firmly.

I admired his confidence.

I was five years older and nowhere near where he was in terms of self-assurance.

Rebecca turned to me.

“White, I know we didn't get you an assistant, but Zach should help with the repetitive tasks you don't have time to do yourself.”

“Sure… I… I'll find things for him to do.”

“And if you don’t, I’ll give him to someone else. Zach is a reward for you, White, not a burden, don’t waste his potential!”

Why did the Crowns have to be so weird about everything?

Did she really need to say her hunky son was my “reward”?

I could not be mad at Thompson for side-eying me on this one!

Everybody got back to work and I greeted the new intern.

Zach extended his hand warmly.

“Hey Andy, I think I remember most of what you taught me last time I was in the office. I’m sure I’ll be operational quickly.”

“That’s all right. I already have some ideas about where you could be helpful. We’ll go to a meeting room in a couple of hours and I’ll guide you through what we can do this week. I just need to reply to some emails first.”

“Neat. Thanks.”

The way he smiled was so similar to his father, it was triggering.

“Come with me, Zach, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the team you haven’t met yet.” Laurie intervened.

“Sure.”

They went on and I focused on my own work.

The only silver lining was that the new situation comforted me in my choice of not pursuing David.

Now, that would have been truly mortifying if I had been dating the intern's father (as well as the candidate's future ex-husband).  

I dodged a bullet on that one.

I was also glad for Laurie taking Zachary under her wing but, to be fair, working with him turned out to be okay.

I am being harsh here; it actually was more than okay as Zach was helpful from the very afternoon.

Sure, his recruitment was unfair because he had the wealth and beauty privilege, and he was also way too cocky for an intern, but he did not complain about tedious tasks and was a quick learner.

The other good thing was that he did not mention his father once, making things much easier.

For lunch, Laurie and I suggested to Kendrick and Zach— the other youngsters in the office— that we take our break together and eat out.

It was a good way to welcome them to the team.

We avoided the Impero (I was too afraid to see Darius there), and instead, we landed on an Indian restaurant.

Zach told us about his life at Stanford— I could not relate— and Kendrick told us about his long-distance relationship with a girl from Pittsburgh where he had just gone that weekend.

He seemed to be in a healthy relationship and I could not relate to that either.

Zach did not make any mention of a girlfriend but I assumed that every college girl was lining up in front of his dorm for a good dicking.

The man was a full-on stud.

The face card, the body card, the money, and the charisma.

He was the full package and bound to get anything he would ever want in life.

I thought about what it would have been like to be his roommate but obviously, Zach was rich enough to have an individual room situated right in the center of campus. He was not hanging with the commoners.

His classmates did not get to see him wandering naked in the communal shower. That was too bad for them.

My mind started wondering about the rowing team’s locker room though… What types of shenanigans could be going on there?!

That was another big part of his life. Thankfully, Kendrick complimented Zachary on his biceps and large shoulders so I did not have to do it.

The young adonis played the humble card.

“You should see some of my mates, I’m far from being the biggest dog on the team.”

“Well, you’re still a freshman. You’ll be a beast in senior year.”

“Hey, I’m not that young though! Sophomore year starts in September.”

Zachary grinned as he finished his cheese-naan. He had beautiful dimples too.

What a delicious hunky pup he was!

Back in college, I would have totally been obsessing over this guy.

Who was I kidding? Even at 24, I was drawn to him.

Be reassured, I did not consider it seriously, but he was still a ten out of ten.

Ironically, his intense blue eyes were the only thing that turned me off.

It was as if David Crown was looking at me and it was throwing me off.

Anytime he looked straight into my eyes, I had vivid flashbacks of what I had done with his father and I felt guilty.

Maybe I should not have.

It had happened months prior and Zachary did not seem too bothered by his parents’ divorce.

I learned the next day that he was living in the mansion with his mother during the Summer, meaning it was David who had to move out from the family home.

I imagined the disgraced politician, all alone in his apartment.

Heck, it was probably a penthouse.

And was he really alone? I wondered…

Just to be clear, the divorce was never directly discussed with Zach and I understood his current living situation only with context clues.

Our relationship remained almost exclusively about work and the rest of the week went without any notable incident.

I went to the swimming pool on Tuesday night, and surprise, Victor had changed his schedule and he was there at the same time as me.

He continued his flirtatious little game but I did not bite.

I did gaze at the red speedos (you would have too!) but I ignored him for the most part.

I was having my sweet revenge, seeing Victor trying to get back into my bed, (or more accurately into my ass) without success.

How the tables had turned!

I do not think Victor minded the resistance though.

Above anything else, he loved the chase.

*

On Thursday evening, something odd did happen.

I stayed a little late and the office was empty when I went to the restroom for a quick pee break before I left.

I thought Zachary had left about ten minutes before, but I found him there… Standing in front of the sink and mirror… In the tightest pair of boxer briefs you could find!

It was pretty reminiscent of another scene I had lived with his father.

I was stunned for a second.

His clothes were folded over the counter near the sink.

Zach was clad in a pair of white Emporio Armani briefs that hugged his form with an almost sculptural precision.

The fabric, a soft, luxurious cotton, seemed to shimmer slightly under the dim light, catching the eye with its subtle sheen.

Expensive undies do make a difference.

The bulge was enticing, calling me on in a stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere of the restrooms.

Zach’s athletic physique, including his incredible thighs, his six-pack abs and his big pecs were in full display.

“Shit, Zachary!” I reacted.

“Fuck! I… I’m changing.”

“Man, you can't just change in here!”

Honestly though, what was I mad about? The sight was gorgeous! Fresh delicious muscle meat on display.

He turned around to hide his front, and I got a full view of his back. I noticed a perfect 'V' of tan lines behind his shoulders from his rowing singlet.

His ass looked simply spectacular.

“I was just… My parents and I are going to the charity gala tonight.”

The gala he was referring to was organized by a Christian organization, something about selling Art for Charity.

The entire Crown family would attend, including David.

“That's all right, I'll just leave you up to it.”

“No… It's my fault, I…”

“It’s fine.”

“Just take your leak, Andy.” Zach chuckled. “I'm almost done here; you just caught me at a bad time.”

He did not seem embarrassed about his semi-nudity at all.

In fact, as we spoke, he seemed to be checking himself out in the mirror.

Maybe he had not turned around because he was embarrassed, but instead so I could see more of him.

I gulped.

“That's… That's all right, just dress up, man.” I said, while every fiber of my being was begging for the opposite.

What would that peachy ass look like if he got rid of the unnecessary white fabric?

I walked to the urinals, keeping an eye on the stud changing.

He was putting his suit pants on, going over his glorious bulge. Soon, I would not get to see that dick print and round cheeks anymore.

I took one last peek.

Hey, I was trying to be a good man but I am only human!

I looked down at myself, awkwardly realizing that I was now very clearly aroused. I would have to aim my cock down just to be able to piss.

Fuck, Andy. Not here. Not now!

I was at work, for crying out loud.

He was David and Rebecca’s son!

I pulled my dick out and did my thing. I mean peeing, not jerking off.

I heard the rustle of fabric behind me and the zip of his pants.

I used the urinal while Zach lingered, visibly in no rush to get his shirt on.

I thought he might think I had had an excessive reaction so I tried to sound more casual.

Also, I was worried he had noticed my boner.

“So, gala tonight, huh?”

“Yeah, my parents have so many of them every year. They drag me along to shake the hands of some rich people and smile. I hate them all but you know the drill, reputation comes first.”

Zachary's voice was laced with a touch of bitterness.

That being said, I could not help but notice the way he shrugged off the expensive shirt, letting it drape casually over his shoulders.

He looked like a model, not a 19-year-old kid dreading a family event.

Also, he liked himself very much, that was pretty clear.

I finished up at the urinal and turned back to him, trying to act normal despite the lingering heat in my cheeks.

His chest was still exposed— the only part of his body which significatively differed from David.

With his 19-year-old frame, and no hint of fat, Zach's body was a succession of tight muscles over muscles over more muscles.

He was broad because of his main sport but he was very lean and rather smooth, especially compared to his old man. His skin was very pale.

On the contrary, his father was bulkier, more tanned and also much, much hairier.

Well, he was a mature man.

Both looked astonishingly gorgeous and I already knew that Zach would age like fine wine.

He buttoned his shirt but it was clear he needed help with the tie.

He fumbled with the silk, his fingers not quite able to get the knot right. I sighed, trying to keep my eyes off his torso and on his face.

“You know, I'm actually pretty good with ties.” I said, stepping closer to him.

I could smell his cologne, a woodsy scent— not overpowering but it still made me feel a bit lightheaded.

He looked up at me, his blue eyes meeting mine.

“Yeah? Mind helping me out then?”

I nodded, taking the tie from him.

“Sure thing.”

I started to work on the knot, my fingers brushing against his collar. It was casual, no big deal.

The heat of his skin was palpable, and I tried not to let it distract me. His eyes were on me, watching my every move.

“You know, I never see you outside of work.” He said, his voice low. “What do you do for fun, Andy?”

I almost replied: I used to enjoy getting fucked by your father but those days are over now.

I smirked, tightening the knot.

“Well, I'm not sure 'fun' is the word I'd use for my hobbies. I go swimming twice a week.”

He chuckled.

“Sounds exciting. I'm a rower, I’m all about the water!”

“I assume you try not to dive in it though, when you compete.”

“Smart ass.” He teased

The more time we spent together, the more I thought that maybe Zach did not have a clue that I had been the one blowing David Crown on the cover of the Daily Philly News months prior.

Otherwise, he would have never been so chill with me.

Right?!

“You're all good. Looking dapper, man.” I told him.

“Yep. My parents will be thrilled.”

“I bet they’re proud.”

He smiled and walked towards the door.

“Who can tell? Well, I'll say hi to my dad for you.”

And there again, he threw me for a loop, what the fuck did he know?! Was he just playing with me, testing me?!

The Crown family was so weird.

When I came back to the apartment that night, Laurie was there, eating Chinese food with Cody.

It was the first time since their “break,” It felt odd to see them back together.

It was a good opportunity to ask her what she thought about Zach though, and her answer was rather surprising, to say the least.

“Do you think he may be playing some sort of a twisted sick games to torture me for what I did for his family?”

“How is he torturing you? By showing you his chiseled chest?”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Dunno… The Crowns are fucked-up.”

“You’re overthinking, as usual.” Cody said.

“I think the answer is simpler than that.” Laurie told us. “Andy, Zachary is into you.”

“What?!”

“Haven’t you noticed the way he’s always checking you out?”

“Me?!”

“Good Lord, Andy. You got plenty of guys going after you but you’re still surprised when someone finds you attractive.”

I smiled awkwardly.

“Laurie’s got a point. I really misjudged you when we met, roomie. You’re a freaking sex magnet!”

“Gosh, I liked you better when you didn’t have a girlfriend.” I told Cody. “What are you talking about, Laurie? Zachary is a complete womanizer, you can tell…”

“Yes, I can tell that he’s super-hot but doesn’t have a girlfriend. I can tell that he never mentions a potential woman when he talks about dating or anything related. Why couldn’t he be gay?”

“I…”

“Are you just thinking that because he’s not checking all the boxes of the stereotypically gay man, he can’t be playing on your team?”

“No… Of course, not…”

I mean, I was no homophobe. I did not have that kind of prejudice.

Unless, I was indeed assuming things…

“Then, for the purpose of the argument, let’s say he’s gay. Well, it’s kinda odd to show off his body in the men’s restrooms when he knows you’re the only one there! That does seem like hitting on someone!”

Cody chuckled.

“He probably took it from his father.”

“His gayness?”

“Nah… Well, maybe that too, but I was more thinking about being inappropriate at work. Maybe that’s a hereditary trait. Or maybe being into nerdy ginger boys is what they have in common!”

We all burst out laughing.

They could not be serious.