When You Touch Me
Plot bunny from Judy 
Chapter 1

The first time anyone in Pittsburgh saw the Taylor twins in more than six years, was on a Saturday afternoon on Liberty Avenue. They were strolling down the sidewalk, their arms linked, window-shopping with a black girl the same age. Identical smiles as they pointed out things of interest to each other lit up the otherwise dreary afternoon. And passerby’s couldn’t help but return the smiles. 

Saying the twins and their friend were ‘hot’ was an understatement. They dressed, like close siblings sometimes do, rather alike. Though if asked, they would tell you it wasn’t planned, just something that happened each morning. All of them were wearing tight blue jeans faded from many washings and worn thin in all the right spots. All of them had on blue tee shirts, thin silk tees that left nothing to the imagination. Justin’s clearly showed the outline of a nipple ring and Molly’s and Daphne’s outlined perfect breasts. The sapphire blue of the tees was identical to their flashing blue eyes and contrasted nicely with the warm brown of Daphne’s eyes. Molly and Daphne had small diamond earrings in their ears and Justin had matching earrings. He’d had his ears pierced at the same time because the girls had been nervous. No one could see their navel piercing and the gold rings that matched. And no one could see the identical tattoo of a Celtic lover’s knot that graced the sweet spot in the cleft between the pubic bone and their leg. Their love of jewelry carried on with matching ID bracelets of twisted and beaten gold that Justin had crafted one year for their birthdays. Molly had made them rings fashioned from gold and twisted into the lover’s knot that graced their bodies. She’d also made each of them a ring to give someday to the man they loved.

Of course none of them had taken the time to find anyone to love. They’d been busy with school and then Justin and Molly with developing their company. They all loved children and each wanted to have children of their own someday. And they all agreed that staying home each night working and studying wasn’t the way to go about completing this kind of goal. But despite their good looks and their brilliant minds, they were all painfully shy around others. Unless you were under five years old, Justin and Molly could barely talk to you they were so shy. Daphne wasn’t quite that bad, but close. The twins generally let Daphne do the talking when situations arose where talking to others was necessary.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Justin and Molly relied on each other from birth for company and a playmate. They lived in the country and that didn’t really seem odd until they reached school age. There they continued to be close. The private school that they attended wasn’t large enough to have more than one class per grade so they remained together preferring each other’s company rather than risk making friends with others their same age.

It was grade one before the teachers were aware of the situation and by then it was too late. Neither Justin nor Molly would be able to break the habit of being afraid to associate with the other kids until one day, a new kid transferred in. Daphne Chalmers was black. She stood out painfully obvious, in the sea of white faces at the snobby school. The Taylor twins found her crying behind the oak tree at the side of the school and immediately recognized a kindred spirit. From that moment on they were inseparable.
They went through grade school together, high school and then University. It was only when they graduated from University that their lives began to take different directions. Justin, Molly and Daphne chose to come back to Pittsburgh. Daphne had been hired by the advertising firm Vanguard and the twins were starting a company. They had bought three lofts in the same building on Tremont, two on one floor that Daphne and Molly had, and one on the floor above Molly’s which Justin owned. The renovations had been completed the week before they moved; now all three lofts were connected into one large space, though each one had private areas. 

They had all agreed that it was time for them to find a love interest for each of them. And that was precisely why they were strolling down Liberty Avenue. They were not only window-shopping, but they were checking out all the hot guys. They needed three, one for each of them. 

Their walk had taken them to the Liberty Diner. Justin, who was hungry, saw it first. “Let’s go in girls, we can have a late lunch or an early dinner.” 

“We are supposed to be checking out guys.” Molly whined. “They’re all gay in that restaurant.”

“Duh, we’re on Liberty Avenue ladies, of course the guys are gay.” He opened the door for the girls. “But maybe they’ll have a straight brother.”

“Like that’s going to happen.” Daphne said. “You owe us one Justin.” The three of them walked inside and headed for a booth at the rear of the busy diner.

Justin sat on one side of the booth and Molly and Daphne sat on the other side of it. “Hey aren’t you three cute as a bug’s ear.” The gum chewing, red wigged woman who was dressed for success in a vest covered in PFLAG and other buttons, looked down at all of them. “Do you want menus” she asked.

“We want three bacon cheeseburgers with fries and gravy and three colas” Daphne answered.

“Are those lemon bars?” Justin pointed to the covered dish on the counter across the room.

“They sure are Sunshine.” Debbie answered.

“I love lemon bars. Let’s all have one.” He looked at the girls who nodded their agreement. “How come you girls don’t make them anymore?”

“Cause you always ate them all. If you want them you make them.” Molly answered before Daphne had a chance to.

“I’ll just come here and get them.” Justin’s voice was smug. The waitress laughed as she headed for the kitchen to put their order in.

Justin and the girls were talking when the door to the diner opened and a tall auburn haired man and what only could be his son walked in. The resemblance was uncanny. The little boy and his father began to walk toward the booth behind Justin and the girls when the little boy spotted Justin. Without breaking stride he headed for Justin and climbed up on the seat beside him. “Hi, my name is Gus, what’s your name?” he asked Justin. His hazel eyes were looking intently into the blue ones who stared back at him.

“Hi Gus, my name is Justin and these are my sisters, Molly and Daphne.” It had always been easier to introduce Daphne as his sister, mostly because that’s what he thought of her as. 

Gus looked at the girls, nodded and turned his eyes right back to Justin. “You have pretty eyes, they sparkle.” The little boy began. 

“Gus, what are you doing?” Brian had finally noticed his son. Brian had been talking to Debbie at the counter. He’d just expected Gus to sit in their usual booth.

“Daddy, I’m talking to Justin.” Gus glared at Brian. The girls giggled. Justin had made a conquest, though he was a bit young.

“Stop bothering the young man and sit down in our booth.” Brian looked at Justin, his breath caught; now he knew what had drawn his son to the man in the booth. “I’m sorry if my son is bothering you. He’s never done this before.” Brian’s voice was low and the timber of it sent shivers up Justin’s spine.

Justin flushed unable to speak. Gus’ father was the man he’d been waiting for all of his life. It figured, the one guy he could fall in love with and he wasn’t gay. Finally Justin mumbled, “it’s okay.” The words almost strangling him, he was so shy.

Molly and Daphne knew immediately what had happened. They looked at one another silently asking each other if they should rescue Justin. “That’s okay Mister, Gus is a precocious kid. We all like kids.” Molly began.

“Yes, we want some of our own someday.” Daphne added.

“I can be your kid, you could be my mommies, I could have two mommies, couldn’t I dad?”

“Yes, you could have two mommies and two daddies for that matter, but for now you have one, that’s me and I say sit down in our booth.”

“Justin could be my boyfriend. He has pretty eyes.”

“Sorry Gus, but I’m too old for you. You need to find someone a bit younger.” Justin said softly to the boy. “But I could be your friend who is a boy. I’m not too old to be your friend.” He smiled at Gus who beamed him a smile back. “Now why don’t you sit with your daddy? I bet you’re hungry.”

“I’m starving to death.” Gus agreed. “Daddy never eats.” He looked critically at Brian. “He’s very skinny.”

“Everybody is a critic.” Brian drawled from his seat behind the other booth. He’d had to sit down; Justin was making his legs weak. Who was the blond? He’d never seen him before. He watched the color flood over the back of Justin’s neck turning it bright red. For some reason the blond reacted that way every time Brian spoke.

Brian watched Gus give Justin a quick kiss on the cheek before climbing down and moving to the seat across from his father.

“So Justin, you wanted to meet a hot guy. Well now you have.” Daphne teased. “Of course you’ll have to wait fifteen years or so before he’s legal.”

Brian listened with interest wondering what Justin would say. “Shut up Daffy.” Justin said almost too low for Brian to hear. The man’s neck continued to glow red though now it was deepening if that was possible.

Gus had heard the words Daphne had said. He got up on his seat ready to defend Justin. “Don’t tease my friend.” He said and glared and Daphne.

“I’m sorry that I teased Justin Gus, but he really did want to find a boyfriend.”

“Justin is my friend and I’m a boy.” Gus said, turning Justin’s words to his advantage. He thought for a moment. “Justin can be my daddy’s boyfriend. Daddy is old as Justin.” 

Debbie who had been delivering their order to Justin and the girls piped up. “That’s a fine idea Gus, Brian could use a good man to settle down with and Sunshine here would be perfect for him.”

Molly and Daphne snickered, Justin sank lower in his seat wishing it would swallow him up and Brian glared at Gus and Debbie. Debbie began to serve Brian and Gus. “I didn’t order yet.” Brian growled. 

“You always have the same thing. Turkey on whole wheat, hold the mayo and Gus likes a burger and fries and glass of milk.” Debbie ruffled Brian’s hair. “Smile kiddo, you really do need a partner you know. Even Gus knows that.”

“Fuck off Deb” Brian growled.

“Ha, you sweared daddy, you can’t have any dessert.” Gus peeked around the seat at Justin who couldn’t help but smile as the small boy looked at him. “Daddy sweared, he doesn’t get any dessert.”

“That’s too bad, I’m having a lemon square and it’s really yummy.” Justin took a bite to demonstrate.

“I like lemon squares too.” Gus said. “But I have to eat all of my lunch first.”

“Molly and Daphne make me eat all of my lunch first too.” Justin replied. The girls rolled their eyes. Brian who was watching, smiled to himself as he continued to eat and watch his son’s antics at the same time.

Finally it came time for Justin and the girls to leave. He stood up and it was then that Brian caught his first look at all of the man who’d captured his son’s heart with just a smile. For once he was speechless himself as he took in the tight blue jeans that hugged the perfectly rounded ass. “Goodbye Gus” Justin said. He’d turned around and the silk shirt showed Brian that there was an interesting circle at Justin’s nipple and down on his belly, interesting, he thought. Justin nodded in Brian’s direction but said nothing. He threw a handful of bills on the table to cover the bill and leave a generous tip. 

Molly and Daphne chimed. “Bye, bye Gus” They were all out the door in seconds leaving the diner feeling somewhat empty. 

Gus looked at his father. “You know dad, Grandma Debbie is right, you should have a boyfriend.” His young voice was solemn. “Don’t you think Justin is very, very handsome?”

“I don’t need a boyfriend Sonny Boy.” Brian didn’t answer the other question. Justin was breathtaking; there was no two ways about it. He watched through the window as Molly and Daphne linked their arms through Justin’s and the three of them headed down the street laughing in the sunlight. He wondered if he’d ever see the blond again. He for sure had never been to Babylon or Woody’s or Brian would have known.

“Oh, my gawd.” Molly began as they walked away from the diner. “Did you just see the muscles on Gus’ father. Why, tell me why are all the gorgeous men gay?” 

“You don’t know that he’s gay.” Justin began.

“Oh pullleeeze,” Daphne snorted. “He couldn’t take his eyes off of you and Molly and I are hardly dogs. If he isn’t gay then he’s fucking blind.”

“No more dessert for you.” Molly chided quoting Gus.

“He has a kid; does that say gay to you two?” Justin defended his position.

“So, I have a big blue dildo, that doesn’t make me a lesbian.” Molly answered back. 

Daphne giggled. “No, just over sexed.”

“More than I want to know ladies, waaaaay more than I want to know.” Justin shuddered. “I can’t believe I didn’t talk to him. I was a complete tongue tied idiot.”

“But you were such a lovely shade of red.” Molly teased. “I’m sure he thought you were having a fit of some kind. Maybe he’s turned on by guys with a red complexion.”

“Fuck you both” Justin mumbled. “Gus’ father is hardly interested in me. I don’t even come close on his scale of interest.”

“Maybe we should go back and ask?” Molly volunteered.

“I’m not in fucking high school.” Justin turned to the girls. “Don’t we need to relax this weekend? After all Monday is a big day for all of us.”

“You and Molly just have to go to a fancy school filled with little kids. I on the other hand have to run the corporate gauntlet.” Daphne sighed. “I need to change my look from ‘Gidget’ to Wonder Woman.”

“Wonder Woman has about two feet on you Daffy.” Justin laughed. “I think you’d better think Gidget as an advertising executive.” They had reached their building and Justin held the door open for the girls. “I’m going to work in my studio for a few hours.”

“I think I’ll go over the presentation for the Academy.” Molly looked at Daphne. “What are you going to do Daphne?”

“Have a hot bath, with lots of candles and smoke some weed. My nerves are frazzled; I hear that my boss is a real task master. He wasn’t there when his partner hired me but everyone says that Mr. Kinney is a bitch to work for. I’m replacing two guys, a Bob and Brad, and he expects me to do both of their jobs.”

“Well when you’re done soaking away your nerves, come on over and join me. We’ll watch a movie and send out for pizza. Justin, you can come and join us if you want to, we’ll even let you pick out the movie.”

“As long as I buy the pizza, I know your kind.” He teased. “Cheap miserly woman.”
“We could go dancing.” Daphne suggested. “It is Saturday night after all.”

“Not tonight for me.” Justin smiled at his friend. “Maybe next week, meeting one hot guy was enough for me.”

“So you admit Gus’ dad was hot.” Molly laughed. “Well that’s something; there is hope for you yet. You may not die a virgin after all.”

“You should talk.” Justin smirked, “The virgin queens standing here are threefold.” He snickered as he took the stairs to his apartment two at a time.

“We shouldn’t tease him.” Daphne said. “He can’t help it if he’s shy.”

“He has to get over it.” Molly said with conviction. “We all do. We’re twenty four and look where we are.” 

“We are young, good looking, well educated and each of us owns our own loft. I think we haven’t done to badly.” Daphne replied. “It isn’t like we’re ancient; someone is bound to come along who isn’t gay.”

“I keep telling myself that” Molly’s voice was gloomy. The sound of music drifted down to them. “Shit, Justin must be in a mood. I haven’t heard that CD in ages. I hope he doesn’t bug the neighbors with it being played so loudly.”

“The only neighbor he has is the guy above him and us. I’ve never seen that guy, so he probably isn’t home anyway and I kind of like that CD, it’ll be nice to soak to.” Daphne gave her friend a hug and stepped inside her loft. “Come on in my door, you can cut through. I’ll show you the suit I’m going to wear on Monday.”

“Great.” Molly and Daphne went into the loft shutting the door behind them. Upstairs Justin stood in front of the tall windows, bathed in sunlight. He had quickly sketched out the face of Gus’ father and now he was committing it to oils. As he worked a smile licked at his lips. Romantic words poured from the speakers in all the loft’s corners and he lost himself in painting.

After Justin and the girls had left the diner, Gus devoted himself to eating his lunch, all the while keeping up his chatter about Justin. 

“Hey Brian.” Michael sat down beside Gus. 

“Hey Mikey, I didn’t see you come in.” Brian smiled at his friend.

“That’s because you and the Gus man here were in a deep conversation.” Mikey hugged Gus who looked up at him. 

“We were talking about daddy’s boyfriend Uncle Mikey.” Gus said. “Dad can I have another lemon square?”

“Another one, you ate one already.” Brian was surprised.

“But Justin likes lemon squares and he ate two of them. I want to eat two.”

“Justin is all grown up; he has a bigger tummy than a little boy. I think one is enough.”

“Who is Justin?” Michael asked.

“He’s daddy’s boyfriend.” Gus declared. 

“Gus” Brian warned/ he knew the repercussions of that statement.

“Brian, what boyfriend, you don’t ‘do’ boyfriends. What’s Gus talking about?”

“He is too, daddy’s boyfriend. I wanted him to be my boyfriend, but he said he was too old and that we had to be just friends who were boys. So he’s daddy’s boyfriend.”

“It’s a long story Mikey, I’ll tell you later.” Brian nodded at Gus. He stood up. “Come on Gus, one run around the park and then we have to go home. I brought some work home with me. I have a new junior starting on Monday and I want to get some work done for her to complete.” He leaned down and kissed Michael’s cheek. “Later Mikey.”

Gus put his hand in his father’s. He liked to hold his daddy’s hand. It made him feel safe. “Dad, do you think Justin will come back to the diner tomorrow?” he asked.

“I don’t know Sonny Boy.” Brian smiled down at his son. Justin was probably just passing through, but he’d definitely made an impression on both the Kinney men.

On Sunday, Molly, Justin and Daphne spent the day going over the plans for the new company that they were starting called Learntoons. They had developed a series of teaching videos for exceptional and above average children under the age of seven. The videos were in a cartoon format. But before they marketed them, the twins wanted to test the videos on real children. Back at MIT they had used the children of friends and children from the University day care. But now that they had decided to relocate in Pittsburgh, they wanted to test them one more time.

Daphne held up the boards she’d been working on to advertise the new videos. “Do you think we should go with blue text or something more eye catching?” she asked Justin. Justin as the resident artist usually had these kinds of questions thrown his way.

“Well, orange might be good.” He answered not really paying much attention. His mind was still on the handsome man in the diner. He’d provided lots of interesting fantasies for Justin last night once he’d gone to bed. In fact he was doodling one of them now on the pad of paper in front of him.

“Earth to Justin, we need to decide on which schools to contact tomorrow. And whether we go to them separately or together.” Molly looked exasperated; she had no idea what was up with her brother. He was always more focused than this.

“We should be together.” Justin mumbled as he completed the final touches on a swash-buckling pirate that looked remarkably like Gus’ father.

“Who should be together, you and I or you and your pirate?” Molly giggled. She was standing behind him staring at his sketch.

“Molly,” Justin whined like he used to at five. “Leave me alone.”

Daphne and Molly both burst out laughing. “They never change do they?” Molly said. “Men are such children.”

“Like the two of you should know.” Justin humphed. He stood up and headed for the winding stairway that would take him to his own loft. “I’m going to paint. You two have fun. Molly our first appointment is with Saint James Academy at ten fifteen. I’ll pick you up at nine forty five.”

“Aren’t you going to wish me luck?” Daphne pouted. “I’m the one going out in the big bad world of business, you two are just going to preschool.”

“Like you need luck, they are damn lucky to have you working with them. You graduated at the top of your class. You have nothing to worry about.” Justin walked over and gave her a quick hug. “Maybe this new boss of yours will be single and fall madly in love with you.”

“If he has a white horse, that would be even better.” Daphne was referring to her childhood fantasies, where a knight riding on a white horse would sweep her off of her feet.

“I could use one of those myself. If he has a white horse, check and see if he has a gay brother or even a gay friend who would like a hot and horny young stud.” Justin headed up the stairs to his apartment amidst gales of laughter from the girls. They knew he was all talk and no show; his shyness had never let him get past the first encounter with anyone. 

Monday morning Daphne walked into Vanguard at eight thirty and introduced herself to the blond woman who was standing in their foyer with a cup of coffee in her hand. “Hi, I’m Daphne Chalmers, I’m looking for Brian Kinney.” She said hating that her voice shook slightly from nerves.

“Hi Daphne, I’m Cynthia, Brian’s assistant. I was hoping you’d show up before he did. Come with me and I’ll get you settled into your office and show you the layout of the place. Brian should be in any minute now. He takes his son to school but he’s always here by nine.”

Daphne smiled at the other woman, happy that she was so easy to talk to and gracious. “I didn’t want to be late on my first day.” Daphne admitted. “I’m one of those people who are always early. I know it drives my best friends crazy, they’re always late.”

Cynthia laughed, “I’m one of those early people too. I like to make sure I’m here before Brian so that I can get his coffee started. He’s a bear until he has at least two cups.”

“I thought you were his assistant?”

“I am” Cynthia laughed, “Oh you mean about me making coffee. He really isn’t a male chauvinist. In fact he’s gay and perfectly capable of making better coffee than I can. But he is so stressed first thing in the morning, it’s the least I can do for him. You’ll find that his growl is far worse than his bite. He’s really a big old pussy cat.”

“Cynthia, ruining my reputation again.” Brian drawled from the doorway. He looked at Daphne. “Well if it isn’t the cutie from the diner. What are you doing here?”

“I’m your replacement for Brad and Bob.” Daphne said. “Hi Gus’ dad.” She grinned.

“My staff call me Brian or asshole, depending on whether or not I’m close by.” He held out his hand. “Brian Kinney, and you must be Daphne Chalmers, welcome aboard.” He turned to Cynthia. “I’ll let the two of you get acquainted. I’m sure Cynthia will show you where everything is. We have a meeting in an hour with the AMZ group. I have the boards and campaign here. Look them over and meet me in the boardroom and nine forty five. You can begin the presentation. I want to see how you do under pressure.” Brian handed her a large portfolio and then disappeared into his office.

“Wow, he sure expects a lot of someone.” Daphne said. “Is he always like this?”

“Pretty much, he works hard and he expects every member to the team to work equally hard. But when we land a client he doesn’t mind sharing his bonus with all of us. None of the other guys do that.”

“He really does that?” Daphne was impressed.

“Every time. He might be blustery and God help you if you fuck up. But he’s nothing but fair.” Cynthia’s voice was heartfelt. 

Brian sat in his office where he couldn’t be seen. He was unbelievably pleased that his newest employee was the good friend of the delicious blond in the diner. He was having a hard time keeping the grin off of his face. Brian sat back in his chair, his fingers tented in front of him as he let his mind wander over the memories of the blushing blond. He smiled to himself. That’s what he’d call him, BeeBee, he chuckled.

Cynthia couldn’t believe she could hear Brian laughing to himself in his office. She sat at her desk wondering if he he’d let her in on his amusement. 

In a quiet neighborhood, Justin and Molly sat in Justin’s car outside of the St. James Academy. “It looks the same.” Justin commented.

“Yes”

“You don’t want to go in there do you?”

“No, it makes me sad. You had such an awful time there.”

“That’s been over for years Molly, I’ve gotten over it.”

“But there was so much hurt and pain in those hallways.” She sniffed. “I didn’t think it would affect me this way.”

“That’s been over a long time Molly. I dealt with it.” He put his hand on hers. “You have to forget about it too.”

“I’ll never forget Justin. And I’ll never forgive mom and dad for not standing by you.” she wiped away a tear.

“They did what they thought best Molly. It’s just too bad they had to both die like that without really getting to know me as I am.” He smiled, his smile bright, but still sad. “It’s time for our meeting, let’s go in there and present our ideas.” His hand squeezed hers. “I love you Molly. You’ve always been there for me and I’ll always be there for you.”

The twins got out of the car and began their walk up the long familiar walkway to the front doors of the school. The principal of the school, Jared Benton, stood at the window in his office watching them approach. He was a tall handsome black man dressed impeccably in a soft grey wool suit, cranberry shirt, and a tie with hand painted figures on it. It was a cherished gift from his niece despite its garishness. His breath caught as he watched the blond vision in a grey power suit, her body hallowed by the sun so that she seemed to glow. She looked too young to be doing what she was doing, yet he’d researched her and her brother and knew that they were both twenty four. 

“Molly and Justin Taylor of Learntoons to see Mr. Benton.” Justin said to the aide at the counter.

“Mr. Benton is expecting you.” the aide smiled at them. “I remember the two of you when you attended the Academy. I always knew you’d both be successful. It’s just wonderful that you have come back to Pittsburgh.” Her voice was soft. Justin barely remembered the woman. “I was sorry to hear about your parents. It was such a tragedy to have them both pass at the same time.” 

“Thank you Mrs. Aikens.” Molly said. “I do remember you from school. Weren’t you the lady that refused to call my father when Justin’s locker was set on fire? I believe you muttered something about him deserving it. Well the faggot has come back to your little school, how ironic is that?”

“Mr. and Miss Taylor, come into my office.” Molly turned at the sound of the deep voice. Its timber sent shivers up her spine. This time it was Molly who flushed crimson and couldn’t find her voice. Justin looked from his sister to the principal. Both of them appeared to be mesmerized with each other. He gave Molly a push and she stumbled forward as if she’d never learned to walk before. Justin mentally rolled his eyes and followed her into the office of Mr. Benton.

Their interview was a study in stammering statements from Molly, equally stammering answers from Jared Benton and exasperated comments from Justin. Finally it was agreed that a notice would be sent home with the children in the junior kindergarten for permission to take part in the testing of the learning tool. 

They were standing to leave, when Justin, taking pity on his sister and Jared, they were all on a first name basis now, handed Jared a business card. “Molly’s number is on the back. She isn’t seeing anyone; she’s single, loves kids, makes a decent living and usually speaks in complete sentences once she gets over meeting someone she likes. If you ask her to dinner, don’t go anywhere Italian as she makes the most disgusting mess you can imagine when she eats spaghetti.”

“Justin” she gasped shocked. 

It was just the right amount of joking to set Jared at ease. “Brothers sure can be annoying sometimes can’t they Molly?” he grinned. “How about for our first date we go to that new little French restaurant on Third Avenue. Shall I pick you up at seven tomorrow evening?”

Molly, still unable to trust herself to speak, nodded her head and whispered. “That would be lovely.”

“I should have at least ten children for the two of you to work with by Friday.” Jared looked at Justin and smiled his thanks. Justin nodded that he understood. 

Just then a teacher came in leading Gus by the hand. He was pale, his lips a slash of misery. When he saw Justin, he ran over to him and burst into tears. “Justin, I throwed up all over the floor.”

Justin picked him up. “Hey Gus, that’s pretty cool. But I guess you feel yucky eh?”

Gus nodded. “I got bugs in my tummy.” He laid his head on Justin’s shoulder. 

Justin looked at Jared and Molly. “He’s got a fever. He should be home in bed.”

“I’ll call his father to come and get him.”

“No, I want Justin.” Gus looked up at Justin, his eyes filled with tears. “He makes me feel good.”

“I’ll talk to his father.” Justin said. He couldn’t leave Gus like this. The boy’s forehead was hot and his skin clammy. 

The aide dialed a number. “Mr. Kinney, this is Mrs. Aikens at St. James Academy, Gus has been taken ill. It’s probably the stomach flu.” She listened for a moment. “No sir, he can’t stay here, it isn’t good for either him or the other children. A Mr. Taylor would like to speak with you.” she handed the telephone to Justin.

“Mr. Kinney, this is Justin Taylor, we met on Saturday at the diner. “I was at the school when Gus became ill. He found me and now he’s kind of clinging. I do think it’s probably a flu bug. He’s hot and feverish, but clammy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he vomits again.”

“Justin, from the diner?” Brian repeated. “Look, I’ll get there as soon as I can. I’m in a meeting right now, but it’s almost done.”

“I have the rest of the day free. My sister and I can watch Gus if that’s alright with you. We live on Tremont, do you know the street?”

“I live on Tremont, 344 Tremont.” Brian said. “on the top floor.”

“It’s a small world, we live there too. I have the suite under you then.” 

“So you’re the one that plays that gawd awful music.” Brian smirked. “If you don’t mind then, could you take Gus home? He seems quite taken with you. I’ll be home as soon as I can. Let me talk to Gus.”

Justin handed Gus the phone. “Sonny Boy, I’m sorry you feel sick. Justin is going to take you home and I’ll come and get you as soon as I’m done with work.”

“Okay daddy, Justin gives good hugs.” Gus handed the phone back to Justin and snuggled in closer if that was possible.

Molly and Jared were watching with interest at the telephone call and Gus and Justin’s interaction. Justin hung up the phone and turned to the two of them. “Gus is going home with us Molly.” He grinned Jared. “This has been an interesting meeting.”

Gus looked at his principal. “Justin is my daddy’s boyfriend.” He announced. “He smells nice.”

Jared and Molly laughed. Justin smiled and stroked the boy’s soft auburn hair. “Let’s go home Gus man. I have a surprise for you.”

“What?”

“I live in the apartment right under yours.”

“You do?”

“Yes I do and Molly and Daphne live in the one under mine.”

“So I can go visit you all the time.”

“If your daddy says you can.” Justin agreed as he left the school. 

Molly turned to Jared. “Tomorrow night then?” she whispered.

“Tomorrow night Princess.” He said softly back.

Tbc