My Promise to You Chapter 2 Plot Bunny – by Judy whose imagination amazes me Brian sat back in the uncomfortable dining room chair, his long legs stretched out as best he could while he listened to his client, Lady Ashford drone on and on about her fucking Yorkshire terriers, vicious little ankle biters who smelled. He was still somewhat getting over the jet lag that was inevitable after flying from Pittsburgh to Rome. He’d thought he would at least have a day to himself before being subjected to Lady Ashford, but was unpleasantly greeted by the lady herself at the airport. In short order he found himself bundled into the rear of her limousine in close proximity to both the Lady Ashford and three smelly Yorkies. She didn’t even give him a chance to check into his hotel, but instead insisted that they have lunch. The dining room was an amazingly decorated room. A little over the top for Brian but he could appreciate the gilded wood and carvings that were apparently quite old. He wished that Justin was with him. They’d often discussed traveling to Rome together, but real life intervened and suddenly he was alone. Well maybe not so suddenly. It still hurt. The room seemed to become quiet and all eyes, including Brian’s turned to look at the men standing in the doorway of the dining room. The older gentleman, still handsome despite his obvious advanced years, held the arm of a devastatingly handsome blond. Brian watched them walk over to a table that was obviously the best table in the room and sit down. His breath caught. The blond had to be Justin. An older Justin, one who had filled out with delicious muscles, but Justin just the same. His face was different, though it was hard to tell with the beard and his hair had more red in it than Brian remembered. But still it was Justin. He’d know that walk anywhere. “Don’t bother Mr. Kinney, that’s Count Mishi Donovan and his grandson Nitsuj Donovan the artist. Nitsuj is rather a well known playboy around these parts. He frequents only the best clubs and I have heard rumors that he also has been seen in some of the brothels around Europe.” She leaned forward conspiratorially, “He has his way with just about anyone he fancies and then drops them completely. Absolutely refuses to see anyone more than once and I’ve heard that he never, never kisses any one. People say that he’s phobic about kissing, though I’ve never heard of that phobia.” “I have.” Brian said more to himself than anyone else. His eyes never left Justin and his companion. “They are here for Nitsuj’s latest show.” She dug into her purse and pulled out a ticket. “It’s invitation only of course and believe me, people have been doing just about everything to get on the guest list.” She laughed. “I’m having a little soiree in Nitsuj’s honor after the show. Why don’t you come? I can introduce you and you’ll see for yourself how heartless our blond playboy is.” She handed the ticket to Brian. “In fact go to his show, it’s more than likely filled with his usual risqué artwork. Frankly it doesn’t appeal to me. To each is own I always say. I mean why can’t he paint my precious babies? I’ve asked and asked and he always laughs and refuses.” “Thanks for the ticket. Maybe I’ll see the artist at the show.” Brian pocketed the ticket Lady Ashford handed him. There was a steady stream of people going over to the table where the two men sat. It was if they were holding an audience. “Oh, Nitsuj never attends his shows. If he had his way he would never show his work. It’s all the doing of my old friend Count Mishi who insists that he part with some of his paintings or they would be overwhelmed at the estate. It’s rather a running joke between the two men.” “Interesting.” Brian drawled. It seemed his Sunshine hadn’t changed completely. He always had been shy about showing his work. “You will come to house afterward won’t you?” Lady Ashford asked. “My niece will be there and it would (BE)been wonderful for Kinnetic if you were to meet some of my friends.” “I hadn’t planned on getting into the European market Lady Ashford. Your account is exclusively in the US.” Brian looked over at Justin. “Are your ankle biters going to be there?” he asked. She actually giggled. “Susu didn’t mean to bite you Mr. Kinney. Your feet are so large, I’m sure she was just frightened.” “Whatever.” Brian had held back the urge to stomp the smelly bundle of fur into the limo’s carpet when it had happened. He watched Justin smooth back the old man’s hair and kiss him on the cheek. Brian ached to feel Justin’s lips. He couldn’t tear his eyes away. “Mr. Kinney, you do know that Nitsuj is gay don’t you.” She tittered. “I know that he certainly doesn’t look the part, but he is gay. There were all sorts of rumors when Count Mishi brought him here. No one had any idea that the Count had any relatives left at all. His son had died so very long ago. Imagine how surprised we were to discover this grandson. That is if he is the Count’s grandson. They are very close and Nitsuj doesn’t appear to mind kissing the old fool.” Brian tore his eyes away from Justin and glared at the old gossiping bat that was his luncheon companion. “I’m sure that Nitsuj is just where he wants to be. If he gives Count Mishi Donovan pleasure in his declining years.(, w) Who are we to question that.” “You talk as if you know our young Nitsuj.” She simpered and looked over at the two men dining alone. “I know men.” Brian said quietly. He knew Justin and he knew that Justin would never do anything underhanded. If he was with this old man pretending to be his grandson, then there was a good reason for it. It would be interesting to discover just what that reason was. A waiter brought over a dessert tray and Brian smiled to himself when Justin’s eyes lit up at the sight of all the rich pastries. He hadn’t changed all that much. The Count selected two after what was a teasing interlude between the two. When Justin tasted a forkful of something chocolate, Brian saw the glint of gold on his wrist. It appeared to be a wide gold band with some carving on it. He wished they were sitting closer. He wanted to sit at the table for as long as Justin and the Count were at theirs, but unfortunately Lady Ashford decided it was time to leave. “I’ll drop you at your hotel Mr. Kinney. I believe our first meeting is tomorrow at eleven. I’ll have my lawyer there as well as my assistant.” “Eleven it is Lady Ashford” Brian said as he stood up, towering over the diminutive woman. “I’ll send Ralph for you. There’s no need to deal with the Roman taxi system.” “I’ll be waiting.” Brian placed his hand on her elbow and escorted her from the room leaving his heart behind with Justin. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin was finally able to relax when he saw Brian leave the room. He’d seen him instantly as they stepped inside the grand dining room of The Biltmore Plaza hotel. He was as handsome as ever. How had his detectives missed the fact that Brian was going to be in Europe and why was he with that old bitch Lady Ashford. He’d better give up now if he thought the old biddy was going to give him her business. She was notorious for stringing along handsome men and then doing as she pleased. His luncheon with Mishi was a blur of well wishers. He barely remembered any of them. But for once he was grateful for their interference in his meal. That way he didn’t have to think about Brian being so close. Of course Brian was unlikely to recognize him. Justin was pretty sure about that. He was no longer the pathetic pseudo twink that he’d been in Pittsburgh. He doubted that his own mother would recognize him let alone Brian who had always been interested in the superficial looks of his tricks. Mishi leaned over and patted his hand. “That was your Brian who just left.” He looked at Justin sadly. “You know this might be the perfect opportunity for you to make your peace with him.” “It’s been years Mishi, Brian won’t even remember me. “ Justin leaned over and kissed the older man’s cheek again. “Don’t worry about me grandfather. Worry about yourself. It’s time we headed back to the estate. Tomorrow will be busy with the show and that party at Lady Ashford’s. You need to rest and conserve your strength.” “Will you be staying home this evening Nitsuj?” Mishi asked. He hated that his voice sounded so needy and pathetic. Getting old was a bitch. “Of course I’ll stay home with you tonight.” Justin smiled and helped Mishi up. He linked his arm through the older man’s, supporting him yet not appearing to do so. His exercise regime had made him much stronger than he appeared. “Stay until my bedtime young Prince and then go to your clubs and dance until dawn. If I could join you I would.” Mishi laughed. “Those days are gone, but I want you to have them.” “I think that tonight I’ll paint.” He smiled. Seeing Brian again almost close enough to touch him, had inspired yet another painting of the fantasy Brian he’d created and that sold so well. “Another version of your Brian, Nitsuj?” Mishi chuckled as he was helped into the car that they had taken for the day. Today’s car was a sleek Lamborghini, one of Justin’s favorites. “You know that means I will have to schedule yet another show for you.” “Perhaps in a few months. Let me get over this one first.” Justin got behind the wheel of the powerful car. He pulled out into traffic not noticing the taxi that pulled out at the same time or the fact that the taxi followed them to the gates of the estate just outside the city limits. Brian watched from the back of the taxi as the Lamborghini moved sedately for such a powerful car through the streets of Rome. He was almost disappointed when he saw it turn and enter a high walled estate through a pair of heavy iron gates that opened as the car approached. “Do you know who owns this estate?” Brian asked the cab driver. “Everyone knows, this is the home of Count Mishi Donovan and his grandson Nitsuj. They stay here for the season and then travel on to Paris or maybe London. No one knows for sure. If you are here early enough in the morning you can watch Nitsuj on the lawns. He is a master of Tai ji quon and sometimes will teach classes, though he mostly is alone when he does the routines.” “Really?” Brian said. Justin had never been fond of exercise he must have changed. “How early is early?” “At the sunrise, always at the sunrise. That’s part of the Tai ji quon, to start your day with the rituals.” “You know a lot about it.” Brian muttered. The taxi turned and headed back to Rome. “I see Nitsuj at the clubs, but he never notices the like of me.” The driver’s voice was sad. “And I’ve taken him home more times than I can count just in time for him to begin. He never misses a day.” Brian remained silent, thinking about Justin and his place in the life of this Count Donovan. The cab driver looked back occasionally at the handsome American in the back seat and wondered at his story and why he wanted to know about Nitsuj. When they arrived at Brian’s hotel he tipped the driver handsomely before heading inside. He was exhausted and needed to catch up on some much needed sleep before beginning what was now going to be a very interesting stay in Rome. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin settled Mishi in for a nap and then headed to his studio. He wanted to record every inch of Brian from that afternoon. Seeing him in person instead of just a photograph had galvanized the artist into painting. He stripped down to his white canvas pants. His bare feet enjoying the coolness of the tiles. He performed two of the beginning rituals of Chi ji to loosen himself up before quickly sketching the form of his beloved on the canvas. Justin lost himself in the fantasy Brian, the one lounging back against a rock in the back garden of the estate, his clothing discarded on the ground as he stretched to soak the sun. His brush moved rapidly over the white canvas saturating it in color. He knew that this painting would be complete in a matter of days, so quickly it came together. Brian truly was his muse. The evening darkness was falling when the dinner bell rang in his studio. Justin stretched his muscles like some bronzed cat, pulling the kinks out. He knew he had fifteen minutes before dinner. So he took his time cleaning up his brushes and admiring the painting as it stood upon his easel. He didn’t bother showering; he would do so later before he left for the club. Instead he washed up and dressed in a casual silk shirt and white linen trousers. Slipping his feet into a pair of sandals, Justin headed for the dining room. He kissed Mishi on the cheek and took his place at the table. “How did you afternoon of painting go my prince?” Mishi asked. He could see by the glow in Justin’s face and the twinkle in his eyes that it had gone well. “Wonderful grandfather.” Justin reached for a glass of wine. “To hidden reunions” he held up his glass to offer a toast. Mishi laughed. “to hidden reunions.” He took a sip of wine. “I still think you should at least approach this Brian. After all we both have a great deal of time and money invested in him.” “But Brian doesn’t know that.” Justin chuckled. “And believe me he’d hate it if he knew that it was me who bailed him out after that mess with Stockwell. Let’s just keep our little secrets. We are getting along just fine. If Brian and I had been meant to be together it would have happened years ago.” “If you hadn’t run away, you might have worked out your differences.” “I prefer to think of it as a strategic retreat.” Justin laughed. He’d had this conversation with Mishi before. “Come on old man, give it up. You’re stuck with me forever. That’ll teach you to pick up trash from the sidewalk.” “I picked up my treasure that day.” Mishi’s voice was heartfelt. “Now tell me my prince, what have you got planned for tonight.” “I‘ll sit with you and watch your television show and then perhaps read for awhile. I need the day light to work on my painting. Though I suppose I could block out the background.” “You know you want to go the clubs and work out that energy punch you got when you saw your Brian. Don’t worry about me. I have all of the servants here should I need anything and I do have your cell phone number.” “I know I shouldn’t worry, but I do. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you. I love you, you old man you.” Justin gave him a hug. “Then if you love me, go out and enjoy yourself. You probably won’t leave until after my bedtime. We have lots of time to be together this evening.” He smiled at Justin. “Besides, tomorrow night we have the pleasure of Lady Ashton’s company for at least two hours or more. You’ll need some fun under your belt to handle her and her little dogs.” “Smelly dust mops you mean, with legs and vicious teeth.” Justin laughed remembering the hated dogs. “I’ll go to Trash for an hour, but that’s it. I want to spend tomorrow working on my new painting and I have a fitting for a suit at one.” “Did you buy that shirt I mentioned?” Mishi had his tailor present Justin with a number of choices of shirts. “I bought three of them. I liked the colors and I couldn’t decide. He’s making my linen and soft woolen trousers to go with each shirt.” “That will be wonderful. With your coloring you’ll be the talk of Rome.” “I’m the talk of Rome now.” Justin laughed. “They all think you have a boy toy, but they don’t want to say anything.” “Surely not?” Mishi was offended at the idea. “They do.” Justin giggled. “I love you, but not in that way.” “I’m certainly glad that you had your name changed legally to Donovan.” Mish was slightly put off that his friends would be thinking such unkind thoughts about him and Justin. “I am too.” Justin finished his dinner and looked for dessert. “I hope Maria made crème brulé tonight.” “You can have two, she always makes extra for you. After all you’ll be dancing tonight and will work off the extra calories.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian lay sleepless on his bed in the ornate suite of rooms. He’d pulled the room darkening shades, but still he couldn’t sleep. Each time he shut his eyes he would see Justin stand in the light as he walked into the dining room. He could see the ripple of muscle under his cashmere sweater and almost feel the strength and power in the legs that helped steer the old man to their table. His laugh sent a spark of electricity to Brian’s groin and he remembered the groan he’d had to stifle lest Lady Ashford think he’d lost it. Justin’s eyes were the same though he could read the sadness and pain in them. Brian wondered what had caused him to look that way. Surely by now he would have gotten over the fiddler. The beard, now that was different. Brian wondered why Justin had decided to grow it. He liked the look though. It was nice and rounded, not some piddly piece of shit like the fiddler had. He got out of bed and wandered over to his suitcase. In the pocket of the larger case was an envelope. It was made of leather and he carried it with him no matter where he traveled. He sat down on the bed and opened it, carefully removing the photos inside. It was a collection of photos from his years with Justin. And sometimes, late at night, it was only looking at these photos and remembering the good times that would allow Brian to relax enough to fall asleep. It was different this time. This time Justin’s young face was superimposed with an older face. A face that wasn’t Justin’s but was. It was hard to explain to himself why he was sure that Nitsuj Donovan was Justin Taylor. But he was. Brian knew it with ever fiber of his being. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin walked through the doors of Trash and was in his element immediately. He barely acknowledged the greetings of the patrons there as he strode over to the bar. A nod at the bartender and a glass with two shots of JB was placed in his hand. Justin threw it back and put the glass down to be refilled promptly and it was. His back to the bar Justin, rested his elbows while he watched the dance floor looking for a likely dance partner. It wasn’t as if he actually needed one. He didn’t mind dancing by himself. He looked on the wild and abandoned dancing as yet another form of exercise and he liked to take his Tai ji rituals and adapt them to music. It helped to strengthen his muscles and he knew it was good to look at. He never left the clubs unsatisfied sexually. Finishing his drink, Justin walked out onto the dance floor. His shirt was translucent silk and he knew that as he danced the outline of his well earned muscles would show to his advantage. He shut his eyes and began to dance, his hands over his head to begin, homage to Emmett of years ago. Soon Justin was lost in the music. The tension of the day fell away and he could allow his mind to linger on the sight of Brian. He’d figured that having regular pictures of the man would have inured him but seeing him in the flesh was something different. Justin danced for almost an hour before selecting his trick of the evening. He led him to the private back room that was available to VIP members of the club only. It was a far cry from the decadence of Babylon’s. A man of few words, Justin indicated that the man was to bend over and he did so willingly, for Justin was renowned for his excellent prowess in fucking and they all knew that he didn’t kiss, so no one tried it. Tonight the trick was doubly blessed because Justin wasn’t fucking him, but rather he was fucking Brian. Each and every stroke was something special and for once Justin allowed his hands to wander over the body of the trick. He almost considered gracing him with a kiss, his orgasm was so intense. But the promise he’d made to himself about only kissing Brian’s lips flooded his mind and he turned away at the last minute. Brian wasn’t the only one who could keep a promise, Justin thought as he pulled out and cleaned up before returning to the dance floor. The music had changed and not wanting to bother getting in the groove again, Justin shrugged on his leather jacket and left by the rear entrance. It was time to go home and dream of Brian. The thought of the man being in the same city making the dreams just that much sweeter for Justin. As Justin got into his silver Lamborghini, Brian was walking in the main doors of Trash. He went to the bar and ordered a double JB. “That seems to be the drink of choice tonight.” Observed the bar tender as he poured Brian’s drink “Nitsuj Donovan likes it as well. He was just here not long ago.” “Really,” Brian turned to observe the crowd. “I don’t see him.” “He left. He doesn’t stay long on weeknights. Usually just dances for awhile, you know give the guys a show and then finds himself a trick to finish off his evening.” The bartender polished the bar. “It’s the same old, same old almost every night he’s in town. He has a couple of doubles of Beam, dances, fucks and leaves. “ “I’d say the man needs some variety in his life.” Brian drawled as he downed his drink. “Though he does have a point.” Brian stalked off to emulate Justin. He had his drink, he’d dance to loosen up, find himself a fuck and leave. Justin had learned some lessens well, maybe too well. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The next day Justin worked in his studio until it was time for him to leave for his final fitting for two new suits that his good friend and well known designer Humberto was having made for him. He was a little disconcerted when he couldn’t find a parking place nearby, but decided the walk wouldn’t hurt him and soon Justin was inside Humberto’s design studio. “Ah, Nitsuj, your tuxedo for tonight’s party is ready.” Humberto said as he kissed Justin on both cheeks. I have the suits in your private fitting room, ready for you to try on. Dani will be assisting you today.” “Passing me off on the help are you?” Justin teased. “No of course not, but a friend from New York is coming in. my brother Robert sent his tuxedo over with the finishing touches. It seems he had been unable to finish it in time for Brian to bring it with him to Rome.” “Brian?” Justin questioned. Surely it couldn’t be his Brian. “Yes, Brian Kinney, he does our advertising in the states and he’s been a friend of ours for years. Rather a tragic story though, he fell in love years ago and his lover left him for another man. Robert and I both have been trying for ever to fix him up with someone else, but he always bows out. Says he isn’t ready to replace his first love.” “That’s unusual isn’t it? I mean as far as I know members of the ‘gay’ club don’t usually pine for lost loves.” Justin gave a half laugh. “You’d have to know Brian to understand. He didn’t fall in love lightly. It isn’t something he had ever done before. I’ve know Brian since I was seventeen. I was born in Pittsburgh. Do you know the city?” “I know it. I thought you always lived in Rome.” Justin looked closely at his friend. “My mom needed help. Robert and I flipped for it and the next thing you know I’m here. Robert has the New York shop and I have this one. Brian was one of our first customers. He loves designer suits and he’s sent a lot of business our way.” Justin giggled. “Where did your Italian accent go?” Humberto winked at Justin. “It’s there for strangers, but I think by now Nitsuj you are more friend than stranger.” He went over to a desk and pulled out a picture. “This is a picture of the man Brian loves. He must have plastered a million of them all over New York. I keep this one and Robert has one too in case the guy ever comes in here.” Justin’s fingers were numb as he held the picture of him taken at the GLC so many years ago. It had Brian’s phone number on it and the word REWARD. “This Brian guy actually was looking for his old lover?” “Yeah, and Brian has always called him his partner. He’s looked for him for years. I know he’s spent a fortune on detectives.” Humberto smiled. “I shouldn’t be gossiping about friends like this. But if you ever see this guy, let me know.” He put the picture back in his desk. “I’ll do that. And Humberto, it isn’t gossiping when you are trying to help a friend. I’m sure that this Brian would understand.” Justin turned to go to his fitting room. “Brian is a private person. It was wrong of me to talk about him.” Humberto looked down. “I really don’t usually gossip about clients.” “I know you don’t Humberto. I’m sure it’s only because you are happy to see your old friend.” Justin walked over and gave him a hug. “I won’t say a word about this to anyone. Besides, I’ll probably never meet your Brian.” “If you go to Trash you might. I know he’s planning on going there while he’s in Rome.” Humberto checked his watch. “He should be here any minute.” “I’ll go back and have Dani do my fittings. I’m running a little late. You know with the opening and everything tonight.” Justin made his excuses and hurried through the door to head for his private fitting room and away from the possibility of seeing Brian. He was finishing up with the last suit when he heard Brian’s voice. “Hey there Bertie – jeeze you’ve put on weight.” He laughed. “Fuck you Kinney, we all can’t be a skinny stick figure.” Justin imagined them hugging and maybe Brian was kissing him. “Still not kissing anybody you asshole.” “You know my rules.” Brian laughed. “I take these things seriously.” “You’re a freak that’s for sure. I’d think after all this time you could relent on the kissing one. I suppose you still make sure you’re home by three as well.” Justin’s heart began to pound when the ‘rules’ were mention. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Three it is or Brian will turn into a frog. Or at least that’s what I was told.” Brian laughed. “I do admit it pisses Mikey off and that’s part of the attraction to stick to the rules. Besides, I’m getting older, I don’t need to do the all nighter parties any more.” “How is Mikey doing, still pining after you?” “No not really, he has his professor and the littlest hustler to keep his mind occupied.” Brian’s laugh rumbled straight through Justin’s heart. “I appreciate you and Rob doing this for me Bertie. I didn’t know I’d need it so soon, but I think I’ll wear it tonight.” “Going somewhere special?” “Yes, a client is having a shindig. I’ll show up for an hour or so and then hit the clubs. Why don’t you join me?” “Can’t, I promised my better half I’d stay home tonight. It’s his turn on the town. I get to baby sit.” He laughed. “I bet you never thought you’d hear that from me. We’ve sure had some great times here and in New York. I hear from Rob that you’ve taken Gus to the big city a time or two.” “It’s become something of a ritual, either Gus or Mikey or even Hunter the littlest hustler comes with me. I think that everyone is afraid that I’ll self destruct. I’ve actually given up a long time ago thinking I’d find Justin in New York, but the weekends looking for him have been cathartic and something to do. I’ve even had his mother and sister along once in awhile, though I admit we spent most of our time in museums, they are as bad as Justin when it comes to museums.” Justin sat on the chair in his fitting room. He’d sent Dani away and now he could give in to his feelings. Silent tears ran down his face as it sunk in that Brian had been looking for him all these years. His detectives had to have known and yet they’d never said a word. He’d fire them as soon as he got home. They were milking him and Mishi for years when everything might have been better had he known Brian loved him. But then there was his face. Brian hadn’t recognized him in the dining room. He probably wouldn’t give a second glance at someone who was scarred and bearded. He never did go for anyone with facial hair before, but the scars were too prominent for him to shave it off. There was no hope for either of them. He’d be better off to let Brian go back to Pittsburgh and never know how close they came to being back together. “I appreciate it Bertie. I’ll give you a call before I leave and we’ll have supper. I want to meet your husband, so make sure you have a babysitter. Perhaps Thursday night?” “We’ll do that Brian. Do you want me to scare you up a date?” “The day Brian Kinney needs to have someone scare him up a date has yet to come.” “I was thinking of the perfect man for you. He’s blond, well built, filthy rich and an artist. He has the same philosophy as you regarding kissing and doing someone only once, so there wouldn’t be any strings.” Brian laughed. “Sounds like my kind of man. I’ll give you a call and let you know. You know I don’t date when I come to Rome. It was supposed to be for Justin and I. I would feel like I was cheating on him here.” “He hasn’t been around for years. He may even be dead, have you ever considered that my friend?” “He isn’t dead. I would know if he was dead and he isn’t dead. “ No he’s hiding out under the name Nitsuj Donovan right here in this city. Brian thought. “Later Bertie” Justin heard him say and then the door shut. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian walked down the sidewalk carrying his suit. His hotel wasn’t far and he didn’t bother to hail a cab. He was surprised to see a silver Lamborghini parked a block from Humberto’s. Brian looked around trying to decide just where Justin could be. But the area he was in was filled with shops and office buildings. Justin could be in any one of them. Taking a chance, Brian headed to the sidewalk café across the street. He’d sit and wait. Maybe he would see where Justin had been. It might give him an insight into the blond’s habits. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Nitsuj, are you alright?” Humberto asked when Justin came out of the back of his shop. “Was something wrong with your fitting?” he fussed. “No, everything is fine. My allergies are acting up, that’s all.” Justin brushed his hand across his eyes. He knew they were reddened from crying. Sometimes he hated being so fair, every fucking thing showed on his face. “Can I get you something? This is terrible. You’ve never had a reaction before when you’ve been here?” “Humberto, don’t worry about it. It happens. I’ll stop at the pharmacy on the way home and pick up my medicine.” Justin just wanted to get away from the fussing man. He needed time to think, to breathe. “Let me walk you to your car. I’ll have the suits delivered later today. Anything for such a good customer. You missed Brian Kinney, I would have introduced the two of you. Perhaps you’d like to come to dinner on Thursday evening?” Humberto had his arm around Justin and was walking him along the sidewalk to his car. “Humberto you are a good man. I’ll let you know.” Justin opened the door of the car and got in. “Are you coming to the opening tonight?” “And miss seeing that beautiful fantasy man of yours in glorious color?” he laughed. “Of course I’m going to be there. Paul has already requested I find the perfect one for the foyer of the house. Not too much skin though, we don’t want to shock the guests.” Justin laughed. “I’m sure there is one or two there with all the nice bits hidden. Thanks for being such a good friend.” He closed the door and started the car, soon heading out into traffic. Humberto stood on the sidewalk and watched him disappear around a corner before walking back to his store. Brian sipped his coffee and thought about what he’d just witness. Justin had been in Bertie’s store. He wondered if the blond had heard any of their conversation. He recognized Justin’s tear filled blue eyes and was sure that he’d convinced Humberto that it was an allergy attack. Nothing changed when it came to Justin being emotional at inopportune times. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin barely made it to the estate before giving way to heartbroken sobs. Brian had been so close. He was such a coward; he should have stepped out of the fitting room and confronted him. He should have let him see the ruin of his face so that Brian could leave the memory of Justin, the perfect blond twink as a memory and gone on with his life. Finally he pulled himself together. Instead of going into the house he headed for his studio. Pictures of Brian and himself surrounded him on the walls. Pictures he would never sell no matter what Mishi said. Stripping out of his good clothes and standing naked before his easel, Justin began to paint his fantasy man once again.