The Princess Diaries 5 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Mr. Kinney, have your heard from Justin Taylor?” a man’s voice began. “Who wants to know?” “It’s Cecil Knowles again sir from Messner and Foster.” “Well then yes I have heard from Justin and I did relay your message.” “But he hasn’t called.” “I didn’t give him your number; I can’t find your card.” A rather loud sigh was heard and then. “If I give you the number over the phone, will you record it and pass it on to Mr. Taylor please?” “I can do that.” Brian said. “But I’d do it a lot quicker if you’d tell me why. I am his partner you know.” “Our sources said that you and Mr. Taylor were no longer partners.” “Your sources are wrong.” Brian said bristling. “Could you tell him that this involves his grand uncle Alistair Procter then please.” “Alistair Procter of Procter Promotions Inc.?” Brian asked. “Yes, Mr. Procter is the owner and only shareholder of Procter Promotions Inc.” Cecil Knowles said proudly. “And he’s Justin’s grand uncle – what in hell is that?” “Mr. Procter is Jennifer Taylor’s uncle, therefore he is Justin’s grand uncle.” The man said patiently. “He wishes to see Justin as soon as he can.” “Can I ask why?” “You can ask, but I won’t tell you. It’s between Mr. Procter and Mr. Taylor.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 76 Justin rolled closer to the warm body in bed with him throwing his arm over it. Long curls tickled his nose and he brushed at them sleepily only ending up getting his fingers tangled. A girlish giggle opened his eyes abruptly and he sat up. “Geeze Kyra, what the fuck are you doing in my bed?” he demanded. “I was cold.” “Turn off the air-conditioning then.” “It was dark; I didn’t want to wake you up.” She rolled over and looked up at him. “It’s not as if you’re going to take advantage of me.” She sat up, the sheet falling to her lap. “Kyra, cover your tits.” Justin said with a laugh. “Why, they’re rather nice wouldn’t you say?” she looked down at them critically. “Of course I’d rather they weren’t quite so big but I come from a family of rather large breasted females.” Justin laughed, “Yes, careful how you stand up, you might fall on your face.” He looked at her breasts – “I’d like to paint you – if we could find the right setting, maybe somewhere outside with the sun on your body. Do you think your fiancé would mind?” “Probably, he’s very old fashioned, all the men of our tribe are old fashioned. But I’d like to become the muse of a famous painter. Perhaps you could do a series of me – and for generations the identity of your mystery woman will remain known to only three people.” “Three people?” “Yes, you and I and your Brian of course. I know you tell him everything.” “What about you telling your fiancé?” “Ahh, I’m a woman of many secrets, this will be but one more.” And she giggled again. “Now who gets the bathroom first?” “I’ll go, I ‘m expecting a call this morning from Brian.” Justin got out of bed and walked the short distance to the motel bathroom clad only in his tight white briefs. He was no sooner inside and occupied, when his cell phone rang. Kyra looked around and then picked up the phone and answered it. “Hello Brian.” She purred into the phone. “Where is Justin?” Brian asked surprised to hear a female voice especially one so seductive. “He’s peeing.” She said. “But he shouldn’t be long now.” She paused. “He dreams of you, dreams of love and romance. You are his knight on a white horse, but he worries about you as well. He worries he won’t be enough of a man to satisfy your needs and you will stray from him, though he knows in his heart that you will never stray far, still it hurts.” “Justin has told you this?” Brian asked. “Not, with words, I see it in his thoughts and dreams. Justin is very open and trusting, he doesn’t know how to hide behind barriers like you do.” She hesitated for a moment and then, “Ah Brian, here is your Justin now.” She handed Justin his cell phone and he scrambled back under the still warm sheets. “Hey Brian, I see you met Kyra.” Justin began. “Yes, strange chick.” Brian’s voice was dry. “Does she wear long swirly skirts, big gold hoop earrings and a head scarf?” “At the moment all she has on is her birthday suit.” Justin laughed. “She sure isn’t shy. But yesterday she had on some kind of a short dress that looked more like a slip, small diamond studs in her ears, no scarf and sandals on her feet. She has dark curly hair down the middle of her back and violet eyes. I’m going to paint her, she’s the kind of woman that you have to see in a sketch or on canvas, in real life she’s almost too much woman. Good thing I’m gay.” And Justin chuckled. “Yes, well you remember that and remember what happened with Daphne.” “Like I’ll ever forget that, besides, she has a Romany prince as a fiancé and he expects a virgin bride. I have enough weirdness in my life without adding a gypsy curse or two.” Even Brian had to laugh at this. “You have that one right.” He sighed, “Have you ever heard of Alistair Procter?” he asked. “Sure, he’s my grand uncle. I used to always get really cool birthday gifts and Christmas gifts from him until about three years ago. They stopped coming about the time I came out, so I just thought it was another of those ‘he’s a fag disown him’ things.” “Apparently he’s been trying to find you.” Brian said. “He has some flunky from a law office here looking for you, a Cecil Knowles.” “I wonder what he wants.” Justin pondered the question. “I guess I can call him. Did you get a number?” “I do have a number, I’m not sure if it’s your grand uncle’s number or not. It could be just to the law office.” “He must be pretty old. He was grandpa’s oldest brother.” “I’ve emailed you his number so that you have it. Sunshine is everything alright?” he asked. “I mean you’ve found yourself another stray.” “Think of Kyra as more of a traveling companion, model.” Justin offered. “I’ll send you her picture.” Kyra came walking out of the bathroom toward him. “Hey Kyra, let me take a picture of you to send to Brian will you?” “Sure,” she answered and climbed back into his bed. “Oh, you have cold feet.” She shuddered. “Is she in bed with you?” Brian asked. “Apparently she’s cold.” Justin offered. “Don’t worry about me thinking she’s a substitute for you, she’s far too soft and pillowy. I like my lovers long, lean and lanky.” “A big cock would help too.” Brian said in a suggestive voice. “Only one that I know of.” “Hmmm, well I kind of like my lovers to be shorter, blond and blue eyes with a well endowed package.” “I can do that.” Justin purred. “Not soon enough.” Brian replied. “This is too kinky for me, a sex phone call while you’re in bed with a chick.” “In bed as in close proximity, not as in bed in a friendly manner Brian.” Justin slipped down lower under the sheets, “Though I have to admit it would be kind of nice to be back in the big bed under the blue light.” “The blue light has gone Sunshine; I’ve replaced it with a golden one.” Brian’s voice was husky. “I’ll miss the blue, but golden is good.” “Email me later will you?” Brian said. “This doesn’t count as your daily contact.” “I’m spoiling you.” Justin giggled. “Later Brian, I love you.” “You too Sunshine, later.” And Brian hung up the phone satisfied with hearing Justin’s voice. For some reason Kyra gave him a feeling of safety for Justin. It wasn’t the best, the best would be having him with his blond, but Kyra would do. Brian had an idea that Kyra would be a worthy adversary should anyone decide to try and harm either of them. &&&&&&&&&& A thump against their motel door startled both Kyra and Justin. “What was that?” Justin asked. “It was nothing good.” Kyra sat back up. “I see that it is a good thing I’ve joined you. You have a dark shadow following you. It means you no harm, but merely to frighten you into traveling on.” Kyra got out of bed and padded to the door. She opened it and bent down to pick up by the tail the body of a brightly colored red fish. She turned around and held it out to Justin. “Someone feels you can be frightened by this.” “It’s one of the fish from Cleveland.” Justin breathed in awe. “I hardly think so.” Kyra said. She shut the door and walked back toward the bed carrying the fish. “He has only been dead a short while. His soul hovers.” Laying the fish down on the dresser she mumbled a few words and made a gesture with her hands. “I will return the harm that has been done to this fish three fold to the person who did it.” She looked at Justin. “We need to shower and begin our travels again. We can return this fish to the water where he will be part of the lifecycle of his brothers.” “You mean where someone will eat him.” Justin asked. “Yes, that is part of his life cycle.” She smiled at Justin. “It is a fitting end for a fish, not being caught in a net but to drown in air and then have your body thrown against a door.” “Well, if you put it like that,” Justin said. “You’re right of course.” He got out of bed and headed for the shower. Kyra followed and Justin had the unnerving experience of showering with someone other than Brian. “Kyra,” Justin bitched. “You damn near used up all of my cream rinse.” “I have a lot of hair and you have very little.” “But I don’t have a lot of money.” Justin reasoned. “But I do.” She said. “I just haven’t been near a store to buy any.” She gave him a quick hug. “Justin, you worry too much. I will buy more toiletries before we get on the plane. I chose to travel with you because I knew you needed me and because I needed you. Not because I couldn’t afford to travel on my own.” “What plane are you talking about? Last I saw, the car outside didn’t have wings.” “But you have a phone call to make Justin. We will fly after the phone call.” She turned and gathered up the fish in some tissue and then checked that they weren’t leaving anything behind in the room. “But first we will send the fish back and we will have a few hours to spend with your sketching and your camera. There will be no flight until much later in the day for where you need to go.” “Kyra, are you always making these predictions?” Justin said with a laugh as they left the room, “because it’s kind of unnerving.” She laughed. “Make your phone call Justin while I walk over to the swamp and return our little red fish.” Kyra walked across the parking lot toward the beginnings of the swamp. Justin saw her disappear into the vegetation. Watching Kyra vanish between the green veil of hanging branches made Justin shiver. He dialed the number Brian had emailed him. When someone answered Justin said. “This is Justin Taylor, I was told to call.” “Yes Mr. Taylor, I’ll put you through to Mr. P’s office.” The female voice said. “Alistair Procter’s office, how may I direct your call.” This time the voice was male. “This is Justin Taylor, I’m calling for Uncle Al.” Justin said. There was silence on the line. “Hello, is anyone there?” he asked. “Mr. Procter is unable to accept calls at this time. I will tell him you called.” The phone was hung up abruptly. Justin shrugged and thought, well it couldn’t have been important. He turned his cell phone off and put it into his backpack and started across the parking lot to where Kyra disappeared. “Kyra” he called into the shadowed swamp. The pathway was narrow and only went in one direction so Justin felt confident about following it. Within two steps he was immersed in another world. He remembered the swamplands of the Peter Pan movie he’d seen as a child that had provided months of nightmares when he was three. There was a fetid smell of rotting vegetation invading his nostrils, the buzz of insects and the soft plops as who knew what dropped into the water that oozed up to the path. All of a sudden the day became heavy with a fear that was almost palatable. The swish of tree branches and the rustle of the tall grasses told Justin that something large was approaching the path. He was about to break into an all out dash for the parking lot when the deep violet of Kyra’s eyes swam into his vision, followed immediately by the rest of her. “Hey Justin, I was hoping you’d come. Do you want to see something unusual?” she asked as she linked her arm through his. “How did you do that, walk through the swamp I mean? Your sandals aren’t even wet.” Justin looked down at her nut-brown legs and her small feet with their silvery pink polish on the nails. “Oh, it’s nothing; you just need to watch where you step.” Her voice was amused and Justin could hear her ready laughter just below the surface. “Follow me, it’s a fairy path. I bet you’ve never seen one before.” “Oddly enough, no” Justin said. Kyra took his hand and began to lead him deeper into the swamp, for some reason the cloud of flying insects stayed just out of reach, none of them choosing to make either Kyra or Justin part of their dinner. The path she led him down was barely perceptible, but it was definitely there. They had walked for almost ten minutes when with one step the two of them were in a clearing. The sun shone down bright adding sparkle to the thousands upon thousands of small white orchids that filled the circle of trees that surrounded the clearing. In the very center was a large rock of white granite flecked with pink quartz and streaked with slashes of gold. Kyra held her hand against Justin’s stomach to stop him from walking any further. In a melodious voice she sang a few stanzas of a song in a language unfamiliar to Justin. Justin watched in wonder as the sounds of Kyra’s voice faded only to be replaced by a similar song that filled the glade and slowly, one by one tiny fairies appeared(,) their gauzy wings iridescent in the sunlight as they sat on the large rock and fluttered through the air. Justin wondered if he was still back in their room dreaming but when the tiny giggles of a tawny brown sprite blew into his ear from his shoulder, he knew what he was seeing was real. He looked down and realized why Kyra had stopped him from walking any further, for the soft green of the grasses were filled with tiny fairies, brightly colored tents, and laughing young ones. Kyra trilled the words of the song again and then waved goodbye. She and Justin backed into the trees before turning and walking back to the original pathway through the swamp. Justin was unable to voice his feelings about what he’d seen, the wonder and impossibility of it filled his head and he knew no one would ever believe him if he did tell. But he also knew that he had to record what he saw on canvas. When the two friends stopped to get into the car he turned to Kyra and said. “Thank you for that. I’ll never forget it.” “They allow very few to see them Justin, only those pure of heart. I know that sounds like something from a fairy tale – but it’s true – their very lives depend on it. When you paint what you saw make it an extra large canvas – it will be one they will come from all over to view – though that won’t be known by any other than ourselves.” “Once canvas won’t do what I saw justice. I will be doing many canvases.” Justin said with fervor his fingers aching for the charcoal pencil in his backpack. A tinkling laugh in his ear and a feeling of rightness washed over him Justin before he got behind the steering wheel. Kyra clapped her hands with joy. “I was so hoping they would love you as much as I do. Now my darling Justin you will have them working for you and yours all of your life. You are three times blessed.” princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: your wandering lover Hey Brian, I’d like to think I’m still your lover even though it’s been so long I’m sure I may forget how to stroke your skin until that ruddy flush of lust lights up the room. I’m tired tonight, more than usual. We drove around for hours with no particular destination in mind. I saw lots of Alligators – not up close and personal – just hanging around – we were going to start heading back north. I called my Uncle Al but he wasn’t available to talk so I guess it couldn’t have been important. Some guy in his office answered, kind of a snotty attitude. He said he’d give Uncle Al the message that I called. Like I’m sure he’s just running over with it – NOT. We actually stopped driving early, I wanted to do some sketching and it’s hard to sketch and drive at the same time. Hehe – so we agreed to stop. Kyra took me to a restaurant owned by a friend of hers. I’m not sure what I ate, but it was good and lots of it. They all spoke some strange language called Romany but they tried to include me in their conversation. I’ve attached a picture of Kyra and me that the waiter took. Can you tell I’m growing a beard? Kyra thinks it’s quite amusing, but I think it makes me look older. As an Irishman, do you believe in the existence of fairies and sprites and leprechauns? This is a serious question so don’t blow me off. I really want to know. Tomorrow we want to go to the alligator farm in St. Augustine before we start heading north. I have got to see this place. The other picture is of Kyra that I took earlier this morning. I’m going to incorporate it into a painting I have in mind if I can get a studio somewhere so that I can devote time to painting and not just sketching. Good night Brian, I love you, smoochy kisses to TC and Gus and a hug to my Mom. Love Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 77 “Clarence, apparently I didn’t make myself clear. I want Justin Taylor to have no contact with Uncle Alistair; in fact I don’t even want him in this part of the United States.” The last was said with a deadly venomous tone of voice. “You don’t understand Mr. Procter, he’s got protection now.” “What kind of protection?” “A girl he picked up somewhere, she’s weird, but I can’t get near him. It’s worse than it was in New Orleans.” “It’s my understanding that Justin Taylor is gay. What in hell is he doing with a girl?” “I don’t know, but they are never separated.” “Surely you aren’t afraid of a girl – first you refuse to stop him because he’s surrounded by gays, now it’s a girl – I have obviously made a mistake when I agreed to hire you for this mission.” “No sir, you didn’t sir, I’ll do my best. Justin will not go any further north. I’ll make him see that California is the next place he should go.” “See that you do.” The young Mr. Procter slammed the phone down. He thought for a few moments and then picked it up to dial another number, this one in Pittsburgh. &&&&&&&&&&& “Kyra, get off of that.” Justin whispered. He was afraid if he spoke louder she would either slip and fall in with the five alligators that were sun bathing, or that they would somehow drag her in. “Take a picture Justin, beauty and the beast.” She giggled. “Isn’t the albino one handsome?” “If you say so.” Justin looked over at the very dirty white alligator who looked back at him lazily. “Brian would probably like some shoes made from him.” “At the very least a handbag.” Kyra giggled again though she moved off of her dangerous perch and joined Justin on the right side of the enclosure. “You know Justin, you should telephone your uncle again.” “If he had wanted me for anything important, he would have been there or left a message or something.” Justin walked slowly beside Kyra enjoying the warmth of the sun. Every now and then he was sure he could see the flutter of fairies wings, though he dismissed the thought as fanciful. “There is deceit surrounding the old man. He doesn’t always receive factual information. Someone close to him is not as he seems.” Kyra spoke softly and Justin had to strain to hear her. “I feel that he is unwell and wishes to make his peace with you.” “Kyra, you can’t possibly know this kind of thing. It’s been years since I’ve talked to him.” Justin stopped and looked out into the tangle of growth that was the habitat of a number of crocodiles. “Did you know that there are twenty three species of Crocodiles here?” he read from the guide book he’d bought. “One of them is more than fifteen feet long.” “Of course I knew that.” Kyra said. “This Alligator farm has been here more than a hundred years. It’s been a place for my people to visit even before that time. In the very heart of these acres is a sacred place for us. It is a power point that is used rarely, but that we all know about. We rather like that it is guarded so zealously by these ancient beasts.” “I suppose you are on a first name basis with these guys.” Justin teased. “A few of the older ones.” Kyra said in all seriousness. “I don’t have much to do with the younger ones, they are far too argumentative.” Justin rolled his eyes “I had to ask” he laughed. “We should get going. I’d like to drive while we have daylight. I thought maybe we could head through Georgia and into South Carolina.” “We can do that” Kyra walked beside him deep in thought. “Justin, you know I’ve been having this feeling that someone wants you to put distance between you and Pittsburgh or perhaps between you and your uncle.” “Yes, you’ve told me.” Justin looked at her. “Well, if something came between you and Brian, would you return to Pittsburgh?” “Probably not right away, there’d be no reason to.” “What about your family?” “Kyra, Brian is my life, my family is important to me, but Brian is my life” “What is the one thing that could come between the two of you?” “I’m not sure. I mean we’ve been through a lot. I suppose if Brian found someone else before I returned. Then there would be little point in returning.” “What about you, what if you found someone else?” “Kyra, I learned from experience that there is no one else. Lust is a far cry from love and that’s what I have for Brian. He completes me.” “And Brian, does he feel the same?” “I think so, but with Brian it’s hard to tell. He’s not the easiest man in the world to figure out, though I like to think I’ve done better than most.” “Your Brian is going to be faced with many tests in the next few days. I saw it in the pool back there. With your permission I would like to ask my cousins in Pittsburgh to help him. He’ll never know, they are very good.” “Do you really think Brian is that weak willed that he needs help in being true to me?” Justin looked hard at Kyra. “Kyra, Brian is an adult, he’s strong and he is honest. Maybe I have blinders on where he’s concerned, but I would rather have him honestly than wondering if it’s because of some hocus pocus you’ve conjured up.” “I accept your decision Justin and I understand why you have made it. I will have my cousins watch over your Brian and your family to see that no harm comes them. Any life decisions will be their own.” “Thank you Kyra, I appreciate it.” Justin held the car door open for her. “Our chariot awaits fair lady.” He said with a grin. &&&&&&&&&&&&& BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: little people Sunshine, I’m Irish, I was raised on stories of ‘little people’ of course I believe in them. As a child I used to think that they would take me away from Jack and Joan or at the very least make life miserable for them. As I grew older I realized that I had to that for myself. I never was mad at them for not granting my wishes, I just realized that my wishes were unrealistic. Why do you ask? Did Kyra turn out to be a fairy handmaiden in disguise?” Your lawyer buddy called again today. I told him you had been given the message and would be calling the number he gave me. He didn’t seem impressed with me. Gus wanted to take TC for show and tell again. Your mother talked him into taking leather bear instead and a picture of TC. Speaking of pictures, interesting picture of Kyra, you did notice she had no clothes on didn’t you? I wasn’t expecting that when I opened up the attachment. I’ll forward it to Mel and Linds, maybe they would like to see it more than me. I’ll tell them you’re going through a ‘phase’ LOL Speaking of phases – I hired a contractor today to do a few structural changes between the loft and the one below. You know, bars on the windows and heavy locks on the doors so I can put Gus and TC down there. The usual changes. I actually went out to Woody’s with the boys tonight. I can’t believe it’s been more than three weeks since I was there last. I beat their asses at pool, nice to know my touch is still there. Some loser kept coming on to me all night; I finally had to sic Bruno on him. I don’t understand what part of ‘no’ this guy didn’t understand. Of course Mikey didn’t grasp the whole ‘no’ concept either. Must be some kind of communication gap or their hearing is going. Don’t get all misty eyed about this, I just wasn’t in the mood to have anyone’s mouth on my dick except yours – this too could be a phase, so don’t stay away too long. Gus has taken to sleeping on your side of the bed so because he’s here so often. I think this weekend we’ll buy him his own bed. I don’t want you having to sleep on the sofa if you ever get your ass back to the Pitts. Brian (not whiny but getting there) &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: ha ha ha Whiny, you, Brian Kinney, super stud of Liberty Avenue, whiny? You can be sooooo whiney sometimes – but I love you anyway. Make sure you get a bed for Gus that will do him until he’s a teen. And you might consider getting him a bed that is classic in style so that we can add other pieces when you stick him down in the lower loft. He will need a dresser, end tables and a decent desk and maybe one or two bookcases. I would suggest a nice soft rug for beside his bed. Your floor is cold in the morning, again something classic and not juvenile. I used to hate that lame ass bedroom of Mikey’s – so no Sponge Bob square pants carpets or bedding. Gus will appreciate your taste as he gets older. He can have that shit at his mothers’ place. I really do think I’ll begin my trek home. Have you thought anymore about us as in what the definition of ‘us’ is going to be? Kyra feels I’ll have to go and see Uncle Al before I return to the Pitts, and she may be right. I’ll keep you posted on that. I have done some great sketches that I’ll develop into full canvases. As an artist, this year off from school has been beneficial in a lot of different ways. As a student who wants his degree now – it sucks – were you like that when you were my age, wanting everything NOW – or were you calm cool Kinney, methodically working your way toward a goal you had set when you were ten? That’s a question I’d like the answer to. I some times wonder if that’s what you are doing with our life together as a couple – partners – boyfriends – whatever you call it. You’ve decided that I need to do certain things, which you secretly tick off on a list you’ve hidden in your closet. As I do each one, I’m one step closer to you and I being together. I even think Ethan was somewhere on your list – you know somewhere between attend X number of frat parties and experience X number of tricks – was have a fling with the complete opposite of me (he’ll realize quickly what he’s missing). Well you can tick off doesn’t cut hair for 8 months and then shaves it off. Is eyebrow piercing on the list or getting a tattoo, because I think I might do one or the other. Justin (feeling bitchy for some reason today) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 78 “Brian, why do you have a Romany sign painted on your building?” Vic asked when he walked in the door of the loft. “Pardon me?” Brian looked puzzled. “You know, by the front door, there’s a Romany sign painted near the steps.” Vic took his jacket off and looked around. “Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said you were under construction.” Brian handed Vic a bottle of cold water from the fridge. “I haven’t seen anything painted on the building, maybe it’s some graffiti, there’s been quite a bit of that lately.” “No, I had a Romany boyfriend once. I know what I’m talking about.” He looked at Brian. “I usually means one of two things. Either the building is protected by them, or that it isn’t and therefore fair game.” Brian shrugged. “I suspect it’s the first one. Justin is hanging around with a gypsy princess these days. It sounds like something she would see done. You know how Justin was always trying to take care of me.” “If he’s with a gypsy princess, then you’re probably right.” Vic laughed. “Only Sunshine would be hanging with a princess.” “Yes, she sounds like a handful. I don’t know who is looking after whom.” Brian laughed. “Justin is coming home soon.” “How do you know?” Vic asked his friend. “He’s getting bossy, it’s a sure sign.” &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: drama princess moments Sunshine having a bit of PMS are you? I think a big ass tattoo would be perfect – perhaps a dolphin or a big red heart with MOM in the center, or you could go for the scary ones, a dagger dripping with blood, a snake with venom dripping from its fangs, or there’s the gay arm band ones, thorns or celtic knots. Of course piercings are nice, eyebrows, nose, your fucking cock – that’s always a statement. As for my life plans at ten, my plan was to live until I was eleven. At eleven I aimed for twelve – you get the picture – at the University I lived from hour to hour, playing soccer, studying, working Mcjobs, sleep was a luxury. Yes I had a plan, the plan was to graduate, get a job and make something of myself. What wasn’t in my plans, if I had any by the time I saw your blond boy ass on Liberty under the street light, was falling completely under your thrall like some love starved dyke. Get over yourself Sunshine and get your ass home. Brian (who is now feeling bitchy for some reason) &&&&&&&&&&&&&& princesj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vandguard.com Subject: humble apologies Brian make me feel like a prick why don’t you? Justin &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& “Here it is” Kyra handed Justin a piece of paper with a phone number written on it. “What?” Justin looked from the paper to Kyra who was standing in front of him looking smug. “It’s your Uncle Al’s private phone number.” She said to him as if he was mentally challenged. “How did you get that?” Justin sat up straight. He’d been lounging on a deck chair by the pool at their latest motel. “I called a cousin. It was easy.” She sat down beside him. “What if he really doesn’t want to talk to me?” “So, he’ll tell you and what have you lost?” she was patient with him. “I’m nervous.” Justin took out his cell phone and punched in the number. The man answering the call sounded old and his voice shook. “Uncle Al, is that you? It’s Justin.” “Justin, son, I’ve been searching for you.” the old man breathed. “You disappeared and I couldn’t find you.” “I’ve been in Pittsburgh Uncle Al, same as always.” “But I was told you were ill, that you suffered brain damage and would never be the same.” He wheezed. “You sound fine.” “I am fine, I don’t know where you’ve been getting your stories, but I’ve been okay for a long time now.” He paused. “I called you the other day but the number I had was your office. The guy that answered said he’d tell you I called. Did he?” “No, no one told me you’d called Justin.” He paused. “Justin, I’d like to see you, can you come to my home in Cleveland? I can’t travel anymore.” He coughed “I’m dying Justin and I want to explain some things about my estate to you in person. I’d really appreciate it if you could come.” “Of course I’ll come Uncle Al.” Justin said. “I’ll be there as soon as I can get a flight.” “I understand you have a partner, a Brian Kinney.” His Uncle said. “He’s very protective of you, my man couldn’t get much information out of him.” Justin laughed. “Brian is one of a kind Uncle Al, he kind of reminds me of you. Did you know he’s in advertising too? He’s won some pretty impressive awards.” His Uncle chuckled weakly. “You sound proud of him Justin. But I had heard of Brian Kinney before I knew he was your partner. He’s taken some accounts away from us.” Justin smiled to himself; Brian always did his best to win. “He’s the best Uncle Al, you should have hired him instead of Marty Ryder when he finished school.” “Believe me we tried. But he wouldn’t leave Pittsburgh.” He sighed. “Now young man, should I have a ticket sent wherever you are.” “No, I can buy my own ticket Uncle Al. Don’t worry about me.” Justin talked for a couple minutes more before hanging up the phone and turning to Kyra. “So Jus, I guess we’re going to Cleveland.” She said with a smile. “Cool” “I have to call Brian and tell him.” Justin dialed Brian’s home phone. “Kinney residence.” A man’s voice said after the first ring. “Is Brian there?” Justin asked a cold feeling hit the pit of his stomach. “He’s sleeping, he had a long night and I’m not about to wake him up.” “Tell him Justin called.” “Yeah, right, I’ll do just that.” The phone banged down. Justin was pale, his blue eyes filled with pain as he turned to Kyra. “A man answered the phone.” He said in way of explanation. “Don’t even go there Justin. Brian has been true to you since the day you first emailed him. I told you there were forces at work that would do what they could to drive you from the east. Call his office.” “No, that would be stupid, at this time of day he wouldn’t be there.” Justin looked discouraged, all the life had been sucked out of him. “Give me the damn phone.” Kyra said and she snatched the phone from Justin’s numb fingers. She hit the second speed dial. “Hey, Justin.” Brian’s voice said. “How did you know I was at the office?” she shoved the phone at Justin. “Hey Brian.” Justin began shakily. “Kyra said you were there.” “I’ve got a kick ass schedule with this latest client. Your mom took Gus for a couple of days and I’ve been bunking down on the sofa here. There’s too much shit happening at the loft right now with the contractors, though Emmett is supposed to be there to supervise things. I can’t stand the mess.” Brian’s voice got soft. “Have you stopped with the hissy fit now?” he purred. “Cause I could use the nice Justin for a few minutes.” “Brian, I’m sorry I was such a brat.” He laughed “I know sorry is bullshit. I really called to tell you I’m going back to Cleveland to visit Uncle Al. I talked to him a few minutes ago and he doesn’t sound like he’s in the greatest shape.” “Do you need me to get you a flight, I can call Liberty Air.” Brian leaned back in his chair. “Don’t worry about me Brian, I’m a big boy and I can book my own flight.” Justin smiled. “I miss you.” he whispered. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you Sunshine.” “I’ll talk to Uncle Al and let you know what’s up. I might spend a few days with him.” “Is your little princess going with you?” Brian asked. “Of course.” Justin smiled. Brian was so transparent; he knew the man thought Kyra was watching out for him. “Good, it seems some of her relatives have taken me under their protective wing, you don’t want to piss them off, so you take care of her.” “I will Brian. Later.” “Later Sunshine,” Brian hung up the phone, a smile on his lips. Justin looked around for Kyra; she was coming out of their room a satisfied grin on her face. “Hey Kyra, what’s up?” he asked. “I just talked to a cousin; he’s going have a chat with whoever is taking calls from Brian’s loft.” “Geeze Kyra, he’s not going to hurt him is he?” “I’m sure he’ll just ask him politely not to do it again.” She patted Justin’s cheek. “I also booked us two tickets for Cleveland. We leave in four hours.” tbc