Chris Bottoms is glad to be home from undergoing the first of two surgeries that will free him from the ostomy bag he’s been wearing for more than a year. He’s anxious about the upcoming second surgery, but life is keeping him on his toes.<br><br>The bank hierarchy is clearly grooming Chris’s partner, Mickey O’Donovan, vice president of a megabank, for a promotion. That doesn’t help reconcile the family who turned their backs on Mickey for not going into the family business. To make matters worse, Chris's little brother's abusers are still out there, and that makes Chris angry. He and Mickey are raising Ted now. Between dealing with spiteful relatives and doing their best by a hurt ten-year-old boy, Chris and Mickey wonder how much more reality they can take.<br><br>Chris's second and final surgery can't come soon enough. Both men are looking forward its most important side-effect -- Chris will once again be able to enjoy prostate massage, but not until three months after the surgery.

Bottoms Away

“Give me a quick kiss, and I’m on my way,” Mickey said.


They embraced briefly and Chris went upstairs to brush his teeth, after which, he returned to the den and settled down at his desk. His first task was to call Quentin.


“What can I do for you this morning, my friend?”


“You can tell me when’s a good time to come see you. I want to engage your services.”


“In that case, I’ll be there in fifteen minutes or so.”


Chapter 12