Classique Companions – 3
(1-800-838-2563 [UFU-CKME]

Authors – Elsa Rose and Judy
Plot Bunny – Shirley (muuuuwawh)
(one of many who took this bunny)

Present Time

“It’s Valentine’s Day, and it’s your sister’s wedding. I think you should go,” Jennifer spoke gently to her son who sat at the table with her. She’d picked his favourite restaurant to ask for this favour. “If you don’t have a date, I’m sure that Mrs. Davidson’s son would be glad to take you.” 

“Is she still dressing all in black?” he snorted. “Because that’s how I feel about going to this thing.” He sat back in his chair and looked at his mother, really looked at her. “Mom, I don’t want to hurt your feelings but the last couple of years and your dozens of blind dates, haven’t given me a lot of confidence in your choices,” he snickered. “But <I>if</I> and I do mean <I>if</I> I decide to go to this sham, I’ll be bringing my own date thank you very much.” 

“Oh, I didn’t know you’ve been seeing someone.” Jennifer beamed. “Who is he? What does he look like?” 

“When I’m ready to show him to the family, I will. But until then forget it.” Justin reached for his cup of coffee, he was such a terrible liar and he just knew his mother was going to know. He hadn’t dated anyone other than his mother’s forced blind dates since Nick had been killed. He was never going to let himself get close to anyone again. It hurt too fucking much. 

“At least let me know if he’s got a good job,” Jennifer commented, her mind running through the eligible, gay bachelors in Pittsburgh. 

“He’s got a good job,” Justin said. And why not since he didn’t exist.

“Is he handsome?” 

“Would I date anyone who wasn’t?” Justin asked tongue in cheek. “Let’s just say he has a nice personality.” 

“Oh Justin, does that mean he isn’t presentable?” Jennifer looked dismayed. “He doesn’t know how well off financially you are does he? I mean you have to be careful of …. well, gold diggers.” 

“Mom for crap sake.” Justin shook his head. “I’m not that dumb.” Yet, another reason he wasn’t interested in dating he thought, but he didn’t say the words out loud. “Besides, I’m going to be busy. I’ve accepted a subcontract from an advertising firm called Kinnetik. I’m going to be doing the artwork for a major drug chain who’s marketing a new HIV drug. I’ll be busy until well after Valentine’s Day. Anyway, what a lame ass day to get married. Molly’s doing herself out of a present. I mean her new hubby, what’s his name only has to give her one present on their anniversary and if she bitches, he can say it’s for Valentine’s Day too.” 

“Oh, I’ve heard of Kinnetik, you father used them and I think some of the other members of the country club have as well. Didn’t your father-in-law use them a year ago for his campaign when he ran for mayor?” 

“I wouldn’t know.” Justin flushed and his face fell. He barely talked to Nick’s father these days even though he still occasionally worked at the law offices. His time there was becoming less and less as his days filled with managing his inheritance not to mention that his art was taking up so much of his time.

“There’s something unusual about the company.” She paused. “I just can’t quite seem to remember.”

“Well, from what I’ve seen of the company, it’s just fine and nothing unusual.” He looked at his mother. “Mom, I know you and Daphne mean well, but I’m not really into large crowds but I’ll consider going to Molly’s wedding.”

“Well I hope you bring your new beau, I’d like to meet him.”  Jennifer stood up. “I have to run, Dear. I’ll tell Molly that you’re bringing a guest.” She blew him a kiss and left her son sitting at the table. 

Justin sat there playing with the leftover cake on his plate while he thought about what he’d told his mother. He had no clue where he was going to come up with a date for Molly’s wedding. It wasn’t like he was pining for Nick... he wasn’t. The fact that he felt no more than a passing sadness for the death of a good friend, continued to rack the blond with guilt – that’s when he wasn’t pissed with Nick for dying. It was complicated. 

Justin finally stood up after paying for lunch. As he walked out of the restaurant, a man of unusual good looks, but one with almost an air of sadness glanced up from talking to his companion. Their eyes met and both of them exchanged poignant smiles, before Justin disappeared into the crowd. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Brian watched the familiar blond as he ate with a woman who looked so much like him, that she had to be his mother.  He could tell they were disagreeing about something, though the argument was low and controlled as only those <I>kind</I> of people could. He tore himself away for a moment to listen to Ted’s presentation. The man still thought an online dating service would work for Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Especially, one that had a good reputation and Classique Companions did. He wanted to trade on the reputation of the escort service. Brian had to admit, Ted’s presentation was compelling. He’d run it by both Vic and Deb later. They might be interested even though Classique Companions made them more than enough money. Their home was mortgage free and Vic’s medical bills were paid promptly and in full. That’s really all his adopted mother wanted out of the business. 

Brian himself wasn’t particularly interested in making anymore money. He’d started his own advertising firm a few years before after a disagreement about politics with the man Marty Ryder had sold the business to. He’d resurrected the company he’d begun years before and it had taken off and had become more profitable as the years went by. 

The success of Kinnetik had been good for Brian both financially and emotionally. He was able to provide for those of his family and friends who needed help. He’d financed Michael’s business venture in a comic bookstore and he’d helped Lindsay from time to time with extra expenses that Gus incurred, which meant that she allowed him more contact with his son. At first Brian wasn’t so sure that being with the boy was such a good idea. After all, it would give him ideas about a man who while he’d fathered him biologically, really didn’t have a lot to do with him. Brian’s life was complicated and recently even more so. He’d been having nightmares now that Gus had reached the age of six. When he looked at his son, he saw himself. The pain he’d felt and the horror of his previous life, not to mention the utter devastation when he was abandoned, had all started to come back to him. Not in his daily life, but rather in his nighttime dreams. 

He’d taken Gus to Home Depot to pick up a power saw for Lindsay. The boy had tripped and fallen in the store and had begun to cry. As Brian knelt on the ground comforting his son the disgusted face of an older man who seemed somehow familiar to him caused Brian to grow cold inside. “If he was mine, I’d give him something to cry about. Eh, Sonnyboy?” The man raised his hand to show them what he’d do. It was then Brian froze inside. Ever since that day, he’d been racked with nightmares that he couldn’t remember. It had become so bad; Brian had begun to haunt his Fortress of Solitude, hiding from his family and friends, rarely even going into the office until he was sure everyone had left. 

He was doing his damnedest to exhaust himself so that he could sleep without dreaming. He paid for lunch and walked out of the restaurant with Ted, barely listening to his babble. He needed to get to his lair and soon. Thinking even briefly about the old man in Home Depot was making him nauseous and racked with cold sweats. “Gotta go Theodore,” Brian said not caring that he’d interrupted his friend in the middle of a sentence. “I’ll talk to Mom and Uncle Vic and give you a call.” He turned and all but sprinted for his car. He needed to escape and the only place he could do it was on Tremont. 

Parking his car half a block from the building, Brian walked to the rear door of the building and in seconds was inside. He could smell something sweet and delicious in Emmett’s kitchen, music played and he could almost see the other man dancing around the counters as he baked. 

The clang of weights was muffled, but he knew the spa and gym would be busy. Brian checked his watch; it was almost time for the step aerobics class that would be filled with good-looking dykes their muscles firm, as they stepped their way into fitness. 

He quickly opened the door to the supply closet and bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time; confident the door was locked behind him.  There was a feeling of comfort and safety that enveloped Brian when he stepped into his apartment. He was going to have to try and sleep here tonight. He desperately needed the rest and he sure wasn’t getting it at home. 

Since he wasn’t expected back at Kinnetik this afternoon and he knew that this was Debbie’s night to work at Classique, Brian thought he’d take a chance and spend the night in his large king sized bed. He’d even make himself something interesting to eat and he mentally reviewed the contents of his refrigerator. Growing up in the Novotny household had instilled in Brian the love of cooking. He didn’t do it often. Most of his mom’s recipes fed large groups, but occasionally he indulged and carefully divided up the results and froze them for nights like this.  

He loved his loft apartment. He had never tired of it over the years and still had yet to bring anyone into the place. When Michael or someone would ask when he was going to finish the top floor, Brian would evade the question rather than lie. It was his safety net, his Bat Cave, his Fortress of Solitude. He smiled to himself as he thought of the various superheroes that had hidden lairs. They all had them. It was part of being a superhero. Of course, Brian didn’t think of himself as one, but he could understand the concept. 

Taking a foil wrapped parcel from his freezer, Brian set it in the sink to thaw before finding a cold Heineken, twisting off the top and taking a grateful swallow of the golden liquid. He padded over to the living room sofa, having removed his shoes when he entered the apartment. He felt more grounded when his feet were bare, more in touch with the earth. After all, his astrological sign was an earth sign; he’d looked it up once. 

While the sofa was an Italian designer model that cost him more than he made in a month a few years ago, it was one of the most comfortable sofas he’d ever lay on. The butter soft leather quickly came to body temperature when he lay on it. It was long enough so that his feet to barely reached the end and Brian was six feet four inches. He tucked a throw pillow under his head and stared out the Palladian window as he sipped on his beer. It was a favourite spot of Brian’s for relaxing and he soon found himself drifting off to sleep. 

<i> He hurt, his arm hurt so bad he just knew it was broken. But he had to stay hidden, his mother told him to so. There were shouts and screams and he covered his ear with one hand wishing he could cover the other one. His eyes filled with tears but he didn’t cry. Big boys don’t cry, his daddy said so. Only fags cry, pussies cry and queers cry. Brian wondered what fags and queers were, he knew about cats, but he’d never seen any cry. His head throbbed where the bottle had hit it. His father’s aim had been better tonight. Brian was cold, colder than he’d ever been. It was winter and he was hiding under the porch. It was the only place he could think of when trouble started. There was a crash and Brian’s eyes clenched tightly shut. So tight he could see red and blue but it was his imagination, his mommy said so. He tried to pray to Jesus, but he couldn’t remember the words and it almost made him cry. He was so scared he’d wet his pants and if did his daddy was going to be mad, worse than mad. “SONNY BOY, WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU, SONNY BOY? GET IN HERE AND TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT LIKE A MAN.” Brian started to shake. He hadn’t meant to drop the bottle but it had been heavy and it was cold. </i>

Brian woke up his heart pounding, a puddle of beer on his chest where his Heineken and spilled.  Still shaking he stood up pulling his shirt off and using it to mop up the beer. He knew he’d been dreaming but he couldn’t remember the dream. It was always like that; only shadowed memories that hid from him driving him crazy wondering what he’d been dreaming about. 

Shaking himself like a dog, Brian padded to the bathroom, putting his beer bottle on the counter first. He needed a shower, long and hot the way he liked them. He could never have a shower at home like that, the water heater wouldn’t hold up. One of these days, he was going to have to move out and either admits to having this place or find another and keep this one secret. He was too old to be still living at home with his mother and his uncle. Even his lame-ass brother had moved out years ago. He chuckled when he thought of Michael’s apartment. It was alive with models of superheroes and their various cars. Comic books were everywhere. There was even a larger than life sized cardboard cut out of Captain Astro, Mikey’s favourite. He wondered what his brother’s tricks thought of the décor when he brought them home to fuck. His brother was insatiable and seemed to have a different guy or two every night. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

Justin opened the door to his home, a towel around his waist another one he used for drying his hair. “Hey Molly, what’s up?” he asked opening the door wider to invite her in. 

“Justin you should look and see who’s at the door before you open it. I could have been an axe murderer.”

“Or you could have been my sister.” He grinned and headed back to the bedroom. “I repeat, what’s up?” 

“I want you to come to my wedding,” she began. “Mom says you will, but I want to make sure.”

“Why, it’s not like you have to pay for the dinner if it doesn’t get eaten.” He loved to bug her.

“Mom says you’re bringing your new boyfriend. I didn’t know you had a boyfriend.”

“Mom has a big mouth and a vivid imagination.” He pulled out a pair of jeans and a heavy Irish knit sweater. “Get out or see me naked, your choice.” The towel dropped and Molly fled. Justin grinned, she was such a prude now that she wasn’t all pierced and Goth.

Molly headed for the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Justin always had the best coffee. “So do I get to meet him before the wedding?” she called out.

“Who?” Justin asked.

“Your new boyfriend.” She started the coffee and pulled out the bag of Oreo cookies. He had every kind. 

“I don’t have a new boyfriend,” Justin said startling Molly because he’d walked so quietly into the kitchen. “It’s mom imagination.”

“She said you were taking him to the wedding.”

“Well, if I do go and I do bring a guest, you’ll be the first to know.” He snagged a cookie and twisted it open. He always ate the middle first. 

“Come on, tell me about him. Is he as cool as Nicky was?” Molly took down two coffee mugs and found the sugar and cream.

“He’s okay,” Justin said, not having met the man yet. 

“I bet he’s tall and dark, kind of mysterious, maybe with green eyes and a quirky smile.”

“You’ve been reading too many romance novels. It doesn’t work that way in the gay world.” But Justin grinned nevertheless at his sister. He wouldn’t mind meeting that man. Maybe he could order him up from some website. It was then he remembered the Classique Companions ad that was running on the local television station. He wondered if they were in the yellow pages and if so under what classification. 

“Well you’d better ask him quickly, it’s only a week away and it’s Valentine’s Day. If you guys aren’t steady he might have another date.”

“He doesn’t.” Justin smirked. “He’s all mine when ever I want him.” 

“Cool.” She grinned. “Does he know you’re rich?” 

“No and that’s the way I like it.” Justin still was uncomfortable with his finances. He spent a lot of time finding ways of making things better for others by anonymously using the funds he had. He also didn’t like lying to his sister, but he knew if he told her the truth that there was no lurking quasi boyfriend, she’d be on the phone to their mother before she cleared the door. 

“So you’ll come?” she asked again. 

Justin studied the inside of his forth Oreo, as if seeking advice from the cookie. Finally he said, “I’ll come.” 

“And you’ll bring your new hottie?” 

“I’ll bring him.” 

Molly was satisfied. Justin never went back on his word. “Daphne is bringing her new boyfriend.” She grinned at Justin. “He’s a doctor.” 

“Whoop di doo,” Justin laughed. “I know who he is Molly by Golly. We had dinner together last week.” 

“Oh, I didn’t know you were in New York last week.” 

“What … my secretary didn’t tell you?” Justin smirked. “What am I supposed to wear? Is it formal?”

“Well duh, mom and dad are putting it on,” Molly laughed. “What do you think?” 

“I guess I’d better get my tux cleaned.” Justin shook his head. “And maybe stop eating Oreos.” 

“Nahhhh, you can eat them.” Molly grinned. “You can just buy a bigger tux.” 

Justin laughed; Molly had a way about her that made him smile, even in her dark and dreary Goth days. His mind was busy, there wasn’t much time to lose, his sister was right, there wasn’t much time to get a date of any kind, let alone start a relationship. It called for some drastic measures on his part. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Justin had spent almost fifteen minutes trying to convince the woman who answered the phone at Classique Companions to assign someone, anyone, to him for Valentine’s Day. No amount of persuasion or money worked. In desperation he headed to Tremont Street to find their offices. He had four days to come up with someone who could pass his mother’s scrutiny. It was an impossible task, but the only other option was an unexpected business trip to Europe and he wasn’t sure his mother or Molly would buy that.

The building looked familiar in that he’d seen it often in his dreams over the last six years. He thought it just might be the building he’d passed the night his father had thrown him out. The Palladian window on the top floor seemed to pulse with familiarity and Justin laughed to himself at his fancy. 

A tasteful brass plaque over an intercom told him that Classique Companions was on the second floor. Just as he was about to ring, a woman came out of the building so Justin caught the door before it shut. Classique was a business after all, surely they didn’t expect everyone to ask permission to enter the building.

Up on the top floor, Brian had been scrolling through some of the latest shots for a campaign when he caught sight of a familiar blond grabbing the front door and walking into the building without ringing for someone. The camera view was an excellent one and Brian smiled at the audacity of Justin Taylor. He had long since discovered the blond’s name. In fact he’d signed a paycheck for him. Apparently, Cynthia had subcontracted out one of the art department’s ad campaigns. Brian was impressed with his work and had one of the boards leaning against the wall in his apartment now. It was better than good and was a work of art in itself and he planned on keeping it for himself.

Surprisingly, Justin had taken the front stairs up to the second floor rather than the elevator. And wonder of all wonders, he knocked on Classique’s door. Not for the first time, Brian wished he’d included sound when he’d installed the cameras. He would love to know what Justin wanted.

“Come in.” the words flowed through the glass and brass door and Justin could see a red-wigged woman, waving freshly polished bright red nails at him. “I didn’t hear you ring,” she laughed. 

Her laugh and good cheer was infectious and Justin grinned. “I didn’t, I snuck in.”

“I like to see an inventive boy, Sunshine. Come on in and sit down. Are you applying for a job?” she asked. “Here have some cookies, I love the new Oreos with double stuff in them.” She nodded to a plate piled with cookies. “There’s cold milk in that fridge over there. I know I shouldn’t eat these things. I mean my brother is a marvellous baker, but damn they’re good.” 

“Yeah, I love them.” Justin sat down on a rather comfortable leather chair. He reached over for a cookie and twisted the top off.

<i>Brian’s mouth opened as he followed Justin’s pink tongue scooping up the white goo that was laying on the chocolate cookie half. His cock hardened as he all but drooled on the monitor in front of him.</i>

“Now, Sunshine,” Debbie began as she poured him a tall glass of cold milk. “Why are you here?” 

“My sister is getting married on Saturday and I need a date. Not only do I need a date, but he has to be tall, dark and handsome and we have to pretend to be a couple.” The words tumbled out of Justin’s mouth in between bites of cookie. 

“Is that all?” Debbie laughed. “Four days before the busiest date night of the year and you want me to come up with a not only a presentable, but handsome man so that the two of you can pretend to be a couple and fool a wedding guest list of friends and relatives who have never seen the two of you together before.” She laughed so hard she had a problem catching her breath.

<i>Up on the sixth floor Brian watched as Debbie laughed and wondered what in hell was so funny. Justin looked chagrined, but it didn’t stop him from reaching for another cookie and twisting off the top. He took a mouthful of milk first and as Brian stared at the monitor he ached to lick off the glow of milk on the other man’s top lip; his cock throbbing with need.”</i>

“Sorry, but I really didn’t want to go to this wedding. I’m not into large crowds and I’m sure as heck not into all the lovey dovey shit that a wedding entails. I mean it’s only a temporary affair. Most marriages end in divorce. Why bother with the expense?” 

“Are you finished?” Debbie asked. “You have a rotten attitude, Sunshine.”

“Why are you calling me Sunshine? My name is Justin Taylor.” He looked at her as he munched the chocolate wafers.

“I know your name; you’re the rude little shit on the phone,” she snorted. “You have a smile like sunshine when you aren’t being a snot.”  But Debbie’s mind had been working overtime. She knew just the man for this one. He was tall, dark and handsome and he could give this little shit a run for his money. “There might be someone. He isn’t a regular, but I could possibly persuade him to spend the 14th with you.” 

“Why isn’t he working here regularly?” Justin hoped the guy wasn’t a dog. 

“He works full time doing other things. “ She smiled. “For instance, he’s been doing most of the renovations in this building. He’s really rather good don’t you think?” she waved her hand around. “And he did some work at my home as well.” 

“So he’s in construction?” Justin asked picturing a rough and ready construction worker who was moderately handsome. A real butch guy.

“Well I don’t know if you’d say <I>in</I>, but he does do all kinds of construction renovations from carpentry work to drywall and tiling.” She grinned. “I understand he’s very versatile.” 

“Okay, do you have a picture?” Justin asked. 

“Actually, his head shots are being updated. But since you need someone who is rather familiar with your background, why don’t the two of you meet for coffee tomorrow or the next day. You can get the basics out of the way.” 

“That sounds good. Should I have my tailor find him a tux for Saturday? I’m not sure about renting one, I’ve never had to do it, but I’m sure Jerome could find him one.” 

“Oh, all of our associates own their own.” She grinned. Brian’s Hugo Boss tux was one of her favourites, though he did have two others. “Is it an afternoon or evening wedding... that will determine the tuxedo.” 

“Evening,” Justin said. He looked at the plate of cookies; he had eaten at least ten.  “Here’s my business card. I’m working in my studio tomorrow. If you could have him come over at noon, I can give him lunch and we can work out the details.” 

“I’ll do my best Sunshine, but he might not be free until the day after tomorrow.” She figured she might need the time to talk Brian into this one.

“I understand.” Justin sighed. “I sure hope he can do it. I’ll pay double, even triple just to make this work. “ 

“No need for that Sunshine, the standard contract will be fine. I’ll give you a copy to look over and there’s a bit of a questionnaire for you to fill out as well. I can’t have my boys or girls going out with perverts.” 

Justin flushed, but he realized that she was right. This place had a great reputation; there was a good reason for it. “Can I fill it out here?” he asked as he reached for the clip board that seemed to be made from hot pink plastic. “Cool clip board. I’ve never seen one this color.” 

“I have them in the most amazing colors. A friend of mine found them for me.” Debbie laughed. “It would be perfect if I could find one that was rainbow colored.” 

Justin laughed as she handed him a pen emblazoned with a rainbow. “You’ve got rainbow pens, what else do you need?” Still smiling he sat down to fill out the questionnaire. 

There were the usual questions about name, address, age, sexual preference. “Uh, Mrs. Novotny, are these questions legal?” he asked. 

“They are if you want a fucking escort.” 

“Right.” Justin quickly filled out the questions only hesitating about a few. He wondered if he should answer them honestly or do what he did with Internet questionnaires and use his imagination. Not sure why he was doing it, Justin opted for the truth. And as usual the truth involved a few quick sketches as he was more visual than literal especially when describing himself.

Almost half an hour later Justin sighed with relief at having finished. He stretched and was startled to see Debbie and another man sitting playing cards at a small table across the room. “I didn’t hear anyone come in,” Justin began. “Sorry I took so long.” 

“Sunshine, this is my brother, Vic. He’s also a partner in Classique Companions and likes to meet our clients.” Debbie smiled and laid down her cards. “Gin,” she announced and sat back with a grin. 

“Hi Justin,” Vic said. He stood up to shake the younger man’s hand. “I really don’t have to check out all the clients,” he laughed. “Debbie thinks it sounds better than saying Vic is hanging around again.” 

Justin laughed. “Nice to meet you.” 

“Actually, in your case I did want to meet you. We’re thinking of assigning you one of our special associates. One who is very close to the both of us, but one who deserves nothing but the best.”

“Wow, he must be good.” Justin beamed. “Your sister said she’d send him over to my place tomorrow or the next day.” 

“We’ll do that.” Vic beamed. This one was perfect for Brian. He’d give him a run for his money and maybe, just maybe they’d hit it off and become a couple.

“If you don’t mind though, I hope this will be confidential. I don’t really want it known that I can’t find my own dates.” Justin flushed. 

“We’ve always treated this business as a confidential one. The only way you hear about us is from our satisfied clients who are pleased enough to admit to using our services.” 

<i> Upstairs Brian had watched every move that Justin Taylor had made. He’d fixated on his face and then his hands, damning himself for not including microphones in the system. He’d make that change as soon as he could. When Justin stood up to leave, Brian reached out and let the tips of his fingers trace the outline of the other man’s face on the monitor.</i>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Justin continued to smile all the way out of the building. He did have the weirdest feeling that he was being watched, but he quickly dismissed the idea. He needed to get home and record his experiences on paper. It would make them more real. As the door to the building opened another man walked in. “Hi,” Justin said and smiled at the other man who was slightly older but not bad looking.

“Hey,” the man said as he checked him out. Michael wondered who the hottie was. If his gaydar was right, he just might meet him at Woody’s or Babylon some day. 

Justin didn’t give the other man another thought. He was mentally going over what he’d serve his <I>date</I> at lunch tomorrow or the next day. Or should he keep it casual and just have coffee and cookies. These were the times when he would have liked to be able to talk to Nick. He would have appreciated the situation completely. Justin knew that had Nick lived, they would have ended up with separate lives. They were too alike, too comfortable with the whole friends thing. While sex was good, it wasn’t eventful. Justin wanted to have sex that rocked his world at least once before he died. He wondered if it would ever happen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Brian jumped when his phone rang. He wasn’t expecting anyone to call him. He checked his phone. It was his mother. “Hey Mom.” 

“Brian can you come to Classique today, I have a favour I need to ask you.” 

“Just ask Mom,” Brian sighed. She didn’t ask for much, this had to be serious. 

“I need your services on Saturday.” 

“Oh?” Brian leaned back in his chair, stretching long legs out in front of him. “Doing what?”

“I need you to take a Justin Taylor to a wedding on Saturday. You know how booked up we are. It’s Valentine’s Day and I don’t have anyone else and this guy is desperate. His sister is getting married and apparently he had a little tiff with his mother and told her he had a boyfriend. You know how some mothers seem to think they can run their kid’s lives.” 

“I’ve heard that,” Brian laughed. “Okay, I’ll do it.” 

“So Vic and I were wondering if you’d fill in for us….. she paused. “WHAT YOU’LL DO IT,” she squealed.  “No fucking shit.” 

“It’s not that big of a deal, Mom. You’re in a bind and you know I never go out anywhere these days. I guess a wedding dinner and dance isn’t going to kill me. Who knows, maybe I’ll catch the bouquet.” He liked to tease his adopted mother who harboured wishful feelings that her two sons would one day find someone and marry or at least commit. 

Brian was pleased that he’d have a chance to meet the blond he was now lusting after. “So Mom, what time and where do I pick him up?” 

“Oh about that, well Justin feels that you and he should get together before Saturday. He needs to have a cover story or something for his mother. And since you’ve never met him, the two of you need to get together.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Brian drawled. “So…..”

“He wants to meet you for lunch tomorrow so that you two can talk.” Debbie rushed the words out; she knew how Brian felt about meeting new people. He was becoming more and more of a recluse since he’d been having the nightmares he insisted he wasn’t having.

“Lunch?” Brian thought for a moment as he mentally reviewed his day. 

Debbie figured he was thinking of a way out of it.

“Look Mom, I don’t know about lunch,” Brian began. “I have a presentation at one and that’s going to make things tight.”

“You always have Cynthia do that shit these days, what’s so special about this one.” 

“Mooooom,” Brian whined sounding a lot like his brother Michael. “Okay, tell him I’ll meet him for dinner. I’ll get his address from you tonight. I hope you’re making chicken parmesan.” He knew he could distract her by thinking of food. 

“Of course I’ll make that if you want.” Debbie beamed. “Why don’t you invite him out for dinner.”

“Ha, ha, ha,” Brian said. “I’ll tell you what, tell him I’ll provide dinner.”   

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The next day Justin was caught up in a painting he wanted to finish for his next show when the phone rang. “Hello.” 

“Sunshine, is that you?” It was Debbie, her smile and good cheer came across the phone lines. 

“Hi Deb.” Justin walked with the phone over to the kitchen sink to get a glass of water. “What’s up?” 

“Your date’s name is Brian, we don’t use last names unless the associate wants to, you’ll have to discuss it with him when he gets there. Unfortunately, he can’t make it for lunch today, but he did say he’d be glad to meet you for dinner later. He’ll even buy it.” 

Justin laughed, “Sounds good. What should I wear?” 
“Oh Brian isn’t all that formal. I don’t think he minds if you keep it casual.” 

“Will do.” Justin talked to her for a few more seconds and then hung up. “ARRRRRGGGHH,” Justin screamed. “Fuck Mom, why do you sneak up on me all the time?” his heart thudded. He was dripping because he’d thrown his glass of water up when she’d said hello.

“Your nerves are bad Justin. You really should see someone about them.” Jennifer reached for a towel and began to wipe up the water. “I was just checking that everything was set for Saturday.”

“You already sicced Molly on me,” Justin grumbled. “I told you that Brian and I would be there.” He grinned inwardly, he could now bandy around his <I>boyfriend’s</I> name. 

“See that wasn’t all that hard.” She beamed. “His name is Brian, how lovely. Your father and I wanted to come over tonight to go over your speech.”

“What speech?” Justin looked mystified.

“You’re Molly’s only brother. Of course you’ll speak at the reception,”  Jennifer said. “There now, all wiped up.” 

“Gee thanks Mom. When did you get a key to my place?” he asked. Justin was sure he’d never given her one.

“Oh that, I borrowed your keys and had a copy made at least a year or two ago. I knew that it would come in handy someday.” She beamed. 

“Well hand it over.” Justin held out his hand. “Or I’m getting my locks changed.” 

“Justin, I’m your mother.”

“Exactly.” Justin smiled as he put his arm around her shoulder and began to steer her in the direction of the door she’d come in. “And we’ve had this little discussion so many times you should be able to play it back verbatim. I am a big boy now. I live in my own house. Mommy doesn’t need to run my life from morning to night. Mommy can run her own life and mine the fuck alone.” He opened the door and took his key off her key ring before handing them to her. “I have a date for dinner tonight so you and dad will just have to trust that I won’t say anything you wouldn’t approve of on Saturday.”

“Justin,” she began. 

“Goodbye Mom.” He grinned and shut the door, taking care to turn both locks. His mother had done her best to run his life ever since Nick had died. He had let her at first and then when he began to feel smothered every time he woke up in the morning, he knew it was time to be on his own in every possible way.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Brian lay on the hardwood floor of his apartment staring at the painting he’d just bought. It was an oil painting by Justin Taylor. It hadn’t taken the other man long to research his <I>date</I> now that he was interested.  Apparently, he was not only good in his advertising genre, but also quite a well-known artist. Although, Brian had vaguely heard about that over the last couple of years, he really hadn’t been all that interested in finding out more – that is until now. 

The painting was a swirl of color and Brian wasn’t sure what it meant, but somehow it had spoken to him. Perhaps it was the section that obviously was filled with torment and self-doubt, or maybe the corner that held peace and tranquility. Whatever it was Brian liked it. He’d even bought a smaller painting for his room at home and even though it was less colourful and more distinct in what it was, it was none the less equally compelling.

What would he feed a man who could create something as amazing as these paintings? Brian pondered the question ignoring the hardness of the wood floor. It was warm on his back thanks to his under floor heating system and one of his favourite spots to contemplate life. 

Downstairs Debbie and Vic were relaxing and discussing dinner the night before. Brian had arrived home carrying a brown paper wrapped parcel that had turned out to be a picture. That in itself was odd because Brian’s room had nothing on the walls. He had insisted that it was minimalist decorating, the fact that his room only held a bed, side table, desk and one chair with walls painted a faint celery green. Every opportunity Debbie had she would try and put something else in his room to brighten it up, but she’d only find her offerings placed somewhere else in the house a day or so later. He never complained, he just moved them. To have Brian bring home a painting and one filled with color was something to rave about. Yet, Debbie and Vic both knew enough to say nothing in front of Brian. He was hard to know, but once you did, you learned that there was more going on inside the man than people realized. 

“Did you look at it, really look at it?” Vic asked. “I spent almost an hour in there staring at the thing. It’s amazing; it took on different meanings constantly.”

“It just looks like a mess of color to me,” Deb replied. “I don’t understand things like that. Look at Elvis in the hall downstairs, now that’s a painting I understand.”

Vic laughed. “Honey I guess you have to be a gay man and as much as you might try, you’re only a straight woman.” 

Debbie glared at him. “I hope this Saturday works out for Brian. I worry about him.” 

“Of course you do. We both worry about him.” Vic poured her another cup of coffee. “Michael has been out of the house for years and the owner of a thriving business. Worry about him and leave Brian alone.” 

“Brian needs to move into his own place. Why won’t he move to the top floor here? Surely to God he must have the damn place finished by now. I mean he spends damn near every waking moment up there.”

“We aren’t supposed to know that, Sis.” Vic laughed. “If Brian wants to keep his apartment secret, then let him.” 

“I just know it has to do with what happened to him when he was a kid. I’d like to have his father by the balls for just a few minutes,” Debbie all but growled. “The son of a bitch hurt my boy more than we’ll ever know. It makes me so mad.” She shook her head. “I used to listen to him crying in his room at night and I’d cry right along with him in mine. If I went into him, he’d pretend to be sleeping. He was such a tough little kid on the outside.” 

“Well he’s all grown up, Sis. Brian has done well for himself. I guess that’s good revenge in a way on his old man, to be the best he can be.” Vic stood up and walked over to the window. They spent a lot of time in the Classique Companions office, even though there really wasn’t much need to. But Debbie and Vic both liked to be there to talk to their associates and get to know them better. Most of them had taken to calling Vic and Deb, mom and dad. “I see Janet and Sean coming up the street. I wonder how their dates went last night. I’ll put another pot of coffee on.” 

“Vic, we need to tell Brian he has to move out of the house,” Debbie announced. 

“You can’t kick him out, Sis; he needs the stability of knowing he has his childhood home. Don’t worry, he’ll move upstairs when he’s ready.” He bent over and kissed her forehead as he walked toward the small kitchen. 

Debbie knew her brother was right. She couldn’t bear to tell Brian that he should leave the only home he’d known. She prayed that Sunshine would be the man for Brian. He really needed someone to love him unconditionally for the man he was.