Silent Night-7 By Elsa Rose Plot Bunny by Amanda “No Jasmine, we’ll stay and wait until everything’s typed up.” Justin smiled at his lawyer across her desk. “Brian can entertain me. He can tell me stories about Gus, his son.” “Justin, we’ll be at least three hours. There are a lot of transfer papers to be arranged and now that Brian has requested that you have equal status with his own holdings…. “ she let the sentence go unfinished. “Why not have the wills done up and the power of attorney, we’ll come back later to sign everything else.” Brian suggested. He had been holding Justin’s hand, his thumb constantly moving, rubbing, offering reassurance. “Brian, you don’t know my dad. I remember everything. I don’t want to leave this building until there is absolutely no way that he can get anything from me without dealing with you.” “You think I’m that tough do you?” Brian asked with a laugh. Jasmine looked at the two of them. “I’d say that Justin has a good point Brian. From what I understand, Craig Taylor is a formidable enemy. I’ve done some research on him since you and Justin were here last.” “You mean when we had Justin’s name changed?” Brian asked. “Yes, the whole story rather intrigued me and I had my research team look him up.” Brian stared at her not sure what to say. Justin giggled. “You were looking out for me. That’s so cool.” Brian stared at him, one eyebrow raised. “You’re my hero too Professor.” He reassured Brian. Justin leaned against Brian glad that their chairs were close together. “But please can we stay here until all the papers are signed?” “Yes dear.” Brian replied in falsetto. Jasmine and Justin both laughed. “There is an atrium on the top floor and the cafeteria is one floor down. Why don’t the two of you get yourselves something to drink and relax under the trees? Justin I have your cell number, I’ll call you when it’s time to come down and sign the papers.” Jasmine stood up and walked to the door, showing them out. “Take the elevator at the end of the hall. The atrium isn’t a public one.” “Thanks Jasmine.” Brian brushed his old friend’s cheek with his lips. “I’ll take my partner up to the trees.” “Partner, I really like the sound of that Professor.” Justin beamed at both Brian and Jasmine. “Even if you don’t really think it’s a real commitment.” “Sunshine, any time I sign over half of my worldly goods, and make someone the major benefactor in my will, that’s a fucking commitment.” “I know.” Justin all but danced. “I think it’s amazing and the one good thing my dad has ever done for me. I wonder if he knows?” “We can tell him together.” Brian’s arm was around Justin’s shoulder as they walked toward the elevator. “You know, now you’re more than just a ‘wanna be’ Kinney, you’re the real deal.” “I was always the real deal Brian.” Justin replied. “Yes, I guess you were.” Brian pushed the button to call for the elevator. They were ascending when Justin’s cell phone rang. “Do you think Jasmine is done already?” Justin asked as he pulled the phone from his pocket. “Oh, it’s Dorian’s mom’s number.” “Well answer it.” Brian shook his head. He held the elevator door open for Justin to step out into the atrium. “You talk to Dorian; I’ll go get us something to drink.” “Hey,” Justin said into the phone. He nodded his approval to Brian. “Get food too.” He whispered loudly before turning his attention to the phone. “Dorian, what’s up?” “Jus, like it’s not good. I’m giving you a heads up here. Max is knocked up. Mom is freaking and dad is just kind of sitting there.” Dorian was whispering. “Max says she’s giving the baby up for adoption and you aren’t supposed to know anything about it. But I had to call you. The plan is that Max is going to live in the apartment until she starts to show and then she’ll move home. She’s going to keep going to school though. As soon as the baby is born it’ll go to the adoptive family. I think you should have some input, that’s why I’m telling you.” “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Justin sat down under a tree. “My life just keeps getting better and better” he murmured into the phone. “What the fuck am I going to tell Brian?” “I don’t know.” Dorian whispered. “Look, I’m going to push for them telling you, but I don’t know if it’ll work.” “I have to think. My brain feels like it’s going to explode.” He shook his head. “Fuck Dorian, I can’t look after a baby, but I can’t give it away either. What am I going to do?” “Talk to Brian, you have to talk to Brian.” Dorian’s whisper was harsh with emphasis. “He’ll help you figure it out.” “I can’t. I’ve already disappointed him enough.” Justin choked back a sob. “I can’t have my baby going to strangers. It’ll kill me.” “Justin” Brian’s hand was on his shoulder. He’d approached from behind his partner. “Hang up the phone. We need to talk.” “Brian.” Justin turned around, the phone dropped. Brian bent down and picked it up. “Thanks Dorian for the information. I’ll take it from here.” Brian flipped the phone closed not waiting for an answer. “I thought you were getting coffee.” Justin stood up and stepped away from Brian. “I came back to ask you what size you wanted. It’s a good thing I did. Do you want to tell me what all this is about?” Brian stepped over to Justin, with his hand on Justin’s arm, he directed him to a bench where they sat down. “You heard, Max is pregnant and she’s giving the baby up for adoption. They aren’t telling me. They’re going to hide the baby like some kind of dirty little secret. My kid is going to be out there somewhere and I’ll never know him.” Justin stared into space. “And the worst thing is, there isn’t much I can do about it. I mean it’s not like I can go to school, be an artist, run the damn stuff of grandpa’s and look after a baby. “ “Justin, I’ll take the baby.” Brian astonished himself with his statement. “I can take the baby to Pittsburgh. We have a good day care at Kinnetik for the employees. So the baby will be with me more or less all day. I mean I can stop in and visit. And whenever we can, we’ll fly down here so that the two of you can bond.” “What do you know about babies?” Justin asked the question, but there was hope in his voice. “Not a hell of a lot.” Brian admitted. “But Lindsay will set me straight, pardon the pun. And I’m sure Debbie will help. The novelty alone of Brian Kinney raising a child should give the queers of Pittsburgh gossip fodder for years.” He tilted Justin’s chin up and looked into his blue eyes. “Why don’t we go down and talk to Jasmine about your parental rights and about me adopting the baby so that we can raise him together.” “Gawd she’s going to be surprised.” Justin stood up. “Brian, we’ll do it together. I think we can do almost anything.” “I don’t know about you Justin Taylor Kinney, but I’m about surprised out. Can we keep things calm for a few months?” Justin smiled, it was wavery, but a smile none the less. “I’ll try.” Brian held him close, breathing in the scent of Justin’s hair. He shut his eyes as his mind whirled with the consequences of what he’d agreed to. Life with Justin was certainly taking him to the next level of excitement. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The room at the Ashton’s was heavy with anger and resentment. Justin and Brian sat on the sofa. Max and her mother sat across from them on a love seat. Mr. Ashton paced the length of the room and Dorian tried to stay out of sight by blending as best he could in a chair by the drapes. “Who told you?” Max asked(,) her resentment evident in the tone of voice she used. “Does it really matter Max?” Justin said quietly. “I know and Brian knows.” “I’m giving it up. I don’t want a kid, not now, and not ever.” “Then you can let us adopt the baby.” Brian said quietly. “I’ll take the baby to Pittsburgh while Justin finishes school and recovers his strength.” He looked at Justin, whose hand he held. “Justin and I both agree that when you feel you want to, you’ll always have access to the baby. The baby will always know you’re the mother, if that’s what you want.” “I don’t want anything.” “Max, you’re upset right now.” Her mother began. “Brian and Justin are offering a solution that will allow you to be part of the baby’s life someday.” “I don’t want this ‘thing’ inside me to ever get near me once it’s out.” The argument went back and forth until finally. “THAT’S DAMN WELL ENOUGH.” All eyes turned to Max’s father. “Justin and Brian are responsible adults. They care a great deal for each other and Justin is the baby’s father. You didn’t just do this on your own Max. And yes I know how you tricked Justin. I’m ashamed of you, but I still love you. Your mother and I are not at the time of our life when we want to take on another child. But we do want to see our grandchild. This baby is part of you, it’s part of me and your mother. I agree, you’d make a lousy mother in the mental state you’re in. But we’d make great grandparents and Justin and Brian would make great parents.” He looked at Brian and Justin. “Dorian tells me that the two of you signed partnership papers. And that you’re as good as married. Well, we’ll have our lawyer draw up papers giving you both custody of the baby with visiting rights to Max if she wants them and to ourselves. Will that be alright with the two of you?” “That’s what we wanted.” Brian said quietly. “Max, is that alright with you?” “I suppose.” Her voice was sulky. “I can’t believe I ruined my whole life.” Tears started down. Brian stood up and went over to her. He put his arm around her. “Hey Max, it was a stupid thing to do. But now it’s done you have to make the best of it. Justin and I are going to become daddies. I guess like most babies, they don’t always come at the most convenient time. But I promise you this; the baby will be loved and raised in a loving home. You and your parents and family will be welcome always. How you feel right now and how you’ll feel in a couple of years, will change.” He kissed her cheek. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian was meeting with his contractor when Michael knocked and walked into his loft. “Hey Brian, I’m glad you’re back.” He looked at the man Brian was talking to. By the man’s appearance, it was obvious he wasn’t a trick. “Hey Mikey, I’ve back a few days as I’m sure the other gang members reported. I saw Em at the diner yesterday.” Brian smirked. “If you’ll get yourself a drink, I have a few more things to go over with John.” Michael headed toward the refrigerator for a beer, but he couldn’t help but overhear the last of Brian’s conversation. “The completion date is important. I don’t want even one thing left undone. I’ll have my lawyer go over your contract. There will be penalties if you don’t finish on time.” Brian shook hands with the contractor. “From now on, we’ll meet at Kinnetik. You can also email Justin Kinney for instructions if I’m unavailable. You’ll find his email and phone numbers in the package.” Brian indicated the brown envelope the contractor held. “Don’t worry Brian; everything will be done in time.” John grinned. “And can I offer my congratulations?” “It’s early yet John, a lot can happen, but thanks for the congratulations.” Brian walked with him to the door. “Brian, did I hear you say Justin Kinney?” Michael demanded. “Who in hell is that?” “None of your business Mikey,” Brian helped himself to a beer. “Now what was so important that you had to come over today?” “You haven’t been to Babylon in ages. In fact you hardly ever even show up at the diner. What’s going on?” “I’m busy. I have a business to run.” Two businesses he thought, but that’s another story. Tomorrow he was going to the offices of Taylor Enterprises along with Ted and his assistant. There were going to be a few changes happening in more places than his loft. “Too busy for your friends?” Michael spat out. “What are you having done to the loft?” “I’m having a few renovations done. I thought maybe I’d make a separate room for the kid so I’m opening up into the other loft on this floor. I also need a room with lots of light, the back loft faces north. Great light for painting.” “He said something about a bathtub. You never have a bathtub.” “Well, let’s say I’ve recently learned the value of a good soak in a tub.” Brian grinned. “It relieves stress.” Michael nodded, it made sense to him. He loved long hot baths, but Brian had never seen the point in them. “The Big Q has some nice bath salts. Mom likes the musky rose one. It’s in the awesome plastic bottle made to look like crystal. She has a whole collection of them.” “Fuck Mikey, don’t you dare bring that shit into the loft.” Brian shuddered. “My skin would fall off in a stinking puddle of goo.” “Gross, Brian, you’re such a drama queen.” Michael finished his beer. “Are you going to come to Babylon with us tonight?” “No can do Mikey, I have a big day tomorrow and I have reports to read before my first appointment.” Brian sat on the sofa and stretched his long legs out in front of him. “You can phone for dinner if you want. I don’t feel like going out. We can have dinner and watch a movie, but then I have to work.” “Sure, do you want Chinese or Thai?” Michael asked. He knew Brian usually ate one or the other. “I was thinking of pizza. I have the urge for a veggie pizza. One with a thin crust from the deli on the next block.” Brian surprised Michael with his answer. Pizza always made him think of Justin, it was rather comforting. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From: JTKinney@kinnetik.com To: BKinney@kinnetik.com Subject: Strange happenings Professor, did you ask someone to keep an eye on me? Because I think some guy is following me. I’ve seen him too many times for it to be just a coincidence. It’s kind of creeping me out. So if it was you, will you call him off? Luv ya JTK ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From: BKinney@kinnetik.com To: JTKinney@kinnetik.com Subject: body guards No I haven’t asked anyone to follow you. But I will now. I’m sending Ronny to you. He’s going to be your constant companion until I find out what’s up. Ronny may look like a dainty little fag, but he has so many black belt awards for martial arts, that I can’t count them. So don’t judge a book by its cover. And he’s in a long term relationship and he's straight as an arrow, so I know he’ll keep his hands off your cute bubble butt. I’ve started the renovations we discussed. The contractor has your number and your email so that you can keep in touch with him and he with you. I’ve had the initial meetings with the powers that be at Taylor Enterprises and to say they were surprised that I’m taking over was an understatement. My friend Ted and his firm of accountants are reviewing the books there at the moment. Ted will put in place people he trusts before he leaves. Your father’s position in the firm has been eliminated. I’ve offered him a good severance package like you suggested. He said he would see me in hell before he took your handouts. But money talks, I’m sure he’ll change his mind. I had him escorted from the building and had the locks reprogrammed. It’s going to take some time, but with the right people in place, the company should go far. So what I’m trying to say is concentrate of becoming the artist I know you are. I’ve sent a selection of colors for the new room by Fed Ex. Let me know what you decide – remember – nothing way out there. I’m a conservative kind of guy. LOL Do you ever get the feeling we are on some kind of fast moving roller coaster? I must say Sunshine; you have taken the hum drum out of my life. But in a good way. How is Max doing? Keep me posted. Brian ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin sat in front of his computer and read Brian’s email. He had been worried about the guy following him more than he’d let on to Brian. Especially after his brakes failed on the car the other day. Justin shook himself. It had to have been an accident. He was letting his imagination run away from him. “Hey Dorian,” Justin looked up at his friend who had been curled up on the sofa watching television. “How’s Max doing?” he asked. “I’m emailing Brian and he asked.” “She’s a bitch.” Dorian grinned and turned back to the television. “But that isn’t anything new.” Justin giggled. “I’ll tell Brian. I wish she’d let me visit.” “Hell she won’t even talk to me. All she does is go to school, come home and lock herself in her room. I think she eats in the middle of the night, but I’m always sleeping.” “You know we need to find her a love interest. One that’s straight.” Justin said. “Do you know any single guys?” “Ha, ha.” Dorian said. “That would be a no.” “We need to get her out of her room.” Justin stood up. “Why, it’s more peaceful this way.” Dorian shrugged. “Good luck, I’m going to stay up here and finish this movie.” Justin waved and headed down to the apartment below. He let himself in and looked around. Nothing much had changed. Taking a chance, Justin made a pitcher of iced tea. He put it on a tray along with two glasses filled with ice and a plate of sugar cookies. Carrying the tray down to Max’s room, Justin knocked on her door. “Hey Max, I brought you something.” He said to the closed door. “What?” she asked. “Iced tea and cookies.” Justin said and in a few seconds he heard the door lock click open. Max held the door ajar. “Come on in Jus” she said and headed back to her desk. “I’m working on a paper.” “I was too, but Brian emailed me and I kind of have a problem.” Justin set the tray on the dresser and poured her a glass of tea. “It’s passion flower tea.” He giggled. “The color is the best part.” It was rosy pink. “How is Brian?” she asked. “He’s really hot.” “Yeah.” Justin giggled. He sat on the edge of her bed. “Have you noticed a big guy, kind of ugly hanging around the building?” “No I don’t think so.” She answered. “Why?” “I think he’s following me.” Justin shrugged. “Brian’s going to send me a body guard.” “Cool, a body guard.” She giggled. “Is he cute?” “How do I know, I’ve never seen the guy yet. But Brian seems to only know cute guys.” Justin admitted. “Hey good cookies.” He ate another. “I made them yesterday.” “Dorian says you’re hiding out in your room and you only come out at night.” Justin looked at her. “What’s with that?” Max looked away. “I was stupid and I guess I’m kind of embarrassed. I didn’t want to run into you.” “I’m here now.” Justin said. “I know, I didn’t know how to say no to you.” She admitted. “Max, I liked having you as my friend.” Justin admitted. “I miss that. I miss your laugh. I miss having you make your special pizza.” “I miss you too Jus.” She turned and looked at him. “I want to be friends again.” She patted her belly, which was barely rounded. “Little guy wants that too.” “Is it weird, having a baby inside?” Justin asked. “Yeah, it gave me the creeps for a long time. It’s like having some parasite growing inside. But I’m used to it now.” “It’s kind of exciting for me. I mean I never thought I’d ever have my very own kid.” Justin smiled, his eyes on her belly. “I think Brian is excited about it too. He has his son Gus, but Gus lives with his mothers. Brian didn’t know how much he loved the little boy until he had him. He’s really looking forward to raising ours.” “Do you think he’ll be a good father? I mean, he’s kind of old.” “He’s not that old.” Justin laughed. “Don’t let Brian hear you call him old. He’s very sensitive about his age.” “I can make pizza for diner tonight.” She offered. “Is that okay, I mean with you pregnant and everything?” Justin looked worried. Max laughed out loud. “I’m not sick, just knocked up. I feel fine. When is this body guard of yours getting here? Is he going to live upstairs with you? You know you can move back down. No more weirdness, I promise.” Justin lay down on the bed after putting his empty glass on her bed side table. “I think he’s coming tomorrow. Brian didn’t say, but you know Brian, if he wants something to happen, it happens. I never thought about where he was going to stay. Maybe I will move back downstairs, that way he can stay up in Brian’s place. That would be better than having a stranger living here. His name is Ronny by the way.” “Cool, I like that.” Max grinned. “It sounds kind of gay though. I wish you guys could find some straight boys.” “I was just talking to Dorian about that. And you don’t know if Ronny is gay or not. I mean just because he’s Brian’s friend doesn’t mean he’s gay.” “Yeah, right.” She rolled her eyes. “Get your shoes off my bed.” She stretched her leg out and kicked Justin’s shoes. “Sorry” Justin said, but only moved his feet a little. “I wish Brian was here. My dad is being a prick. Do you think that (REMOVEthat he’s made)(HE HAS …) that thug follow me?” “Who, your dad?” Max asked. “Why would he? It’s not like he really knows where you are or anything.” “No, but dad kind of thought he’d get all of grandpa’s money. I bet he thinks that with me out of the way it all comes to him.” “Geeze some family you have there.” “They aren’t all like that.” Justin shrugged. “I’m nice.” “Yes you are.” Max joined him on the bed, lying beside him. “Do you think our baby is going to hate me? I mean I just can’t deal with a baby now. I know that’s really selfish, but I just can’t.” “The baby won’t hate you. Brian and I will make sure of that.” Justin reassured her. “I’m glad.” She sighed. “I’m having an ultra sound next month. Do you want to come with me?” she asked. “Sure I’ll come. I wish Brian could be there too.” “Call him, maybe he’ll come down. I can ask for it to be done on a Saturday so that Brian can see too.” “You’d do that?” Justin asked. “Why not, it’s his kid too.” She smiled. “Thanks for not hating me Justin. I really am sorry and not just because of the kid.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Ronny are you sure you’re okay with this?” Justin asked his new body guard. “I told you before, it’s my job. There’s no point in being sneaky. I’m going to just hang with you. Besides, I might learn something. It’s been a few years since I was in a University.” Ronny Mah smiled. “Besides, it’s a great way to meet some hot women.” “That’s another thing I don’t understand. How come you and Brian are friends? I mean you aren’t gay.” “Brian and I met when he was doing graduate school. I was in my first year. He actually thought he was coming to my rescue when some macho thugs were bent on bashing me. I guess they figured because of my size, that I was gay. Anyway, Brian wades in like some kind of superhero. I ended up beating them all off and saving Brian. They broke his wrist. I took him to the hospital to get it set. We became friends after that. He’s employed me a few times over the years and sent a lot of business my way. I have a, well not actually a body guard service, but something like that. It works for us. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian?” Lindsay poked her head into Brian’s loft that seemed to be a hive of activity. “Brian?” she called out louder. “Hey Linds, what’s up?” Brian asked. He was sitting on the floor amidst what looked to be pieces of a crib. A rather expensive oak crib, but still, a crib. She handed Gus over to him and sat down beside him. “Hey Sonnyboy.” Brian kissed his son on his forehead. He smiled at the giggling response from the baby. “Brian, why are you putting a crib together? You know we always bring over the portable crib when Gus comes over.” Brian didn’t want to point out that it was two cribs. Though from all the pieces strewn around it could have been half a dozen of them. “I just thought it would be a nice thing to have around.” He stood up and carried Gus away from the pieces of crib and over to the window. Lindsay followed much to Brian’s relief. “You’ve got a lot of workmen here. I’m surprised you’re hanging around with all this chaos.” “Yeah, well I’m expecting a phone call so I thought I’d put the crib together while I wait.” Brian tickled Gus and the boy giggled. “Well Linds, are you going to tell me why you stopped by for a visit?” “We’ve missed you. You hardly every come by. Gus needs to see his daddy once in awhile.” “I don’t expect Mel misses me much.” Brian looked at his old friend. “I thought you and your wife didn’t want me to be part of Gus’ life. Wasn’t that one of the reasons why you insisted that I sign my parental rights over?” “That’s not true Brian. I always wanted you to be part of Gus’ life. But you know that it’s easier if Melanie and I both have guardianship over Gus.” Brian’s phone rang and they both looked at it. “I thought you were expecting a call?” she said. “They’ll call back.” “Of for heaven sake, answer the damn phone or I’ll do it.” Lindsay turned to the phone but Brian had picked it up before she reached it. “Hey” he said into the phone. Gus gurgled a hello too. “It’s true, honest to gawd Brian if I’d known I never would have let you get into this.” Justin began. “I knew it and I’ve got it covered.” Brian whispered into the receiver. Gus made a lunge for the phone and Brian managed to keep it away from him. “But Brian.” Justin began. “There’s no way you can deal with this.” “Strange as it may seem to you, people have been dealing with this very thing for thousands of years and I have an advantage a lot of them don’t have.” Brian grinned into the phone, his voice had softened. “I have money to pay for help.” “But Brian.” “Sunshine, I know that with all your education you can come up with something else to say. How about telling me how much you miss me.” Brian had walked as far away from Lindsay as he could and his voice was low. “Brian, you know I miss you. I hated that you couldn’t stay after the ultra sound. But wasn’t it the coolest?” Justin breathed the words into the phone, still mesmerized by the vision he’d seen on the small monitor. “I saw enough.” Brian laughed. “More than enough, your birthday is coming up. Do you have any requests?” “I just want you.” “You’ve got that.” Brian thought for a moment. “The weather’s still pretty good up here in the Pitts, why don’t you fly up this next weekend. You can see our loft renovations and we can shop for furniture.” “Is that all we’ll do?” Justin asked with a smile that Brian could hear over the phone lines. “Of course.” Brian replied. “After all I have my reputation to uphold.” “Professor your reputation will always be safe with me.” “I knew there was a reason I was keeping your around. Call my office and leave your flight number. I’ll pick you up.” “I love you.” Justin hung up the phone without waiting to hear Brian’s answer. Brian was grinning as he walked with the phone over to put it back. “What’s put you in such a good mood?” Lindsay asked. She took Gus out of Brian’s arms and then stood waiting for an answer. “I’m just a good mood kind of guy.” Brian answered her. “Do you want a soda, there’s some in the fridge?” “Since when do you keep soda?” Lindsay asked. She sat Gus on the floor and headed toward the fridge. “I didn’t know you’d been elected refrigerator police.” Brian was on the floor with Gus. He’d found a small car that Gus had left the last time he’d been there and he was now helping the baby drive it on the floor, both of them making the appropriate noises. “You’re good with him.” Lindsay observed. She sat on the sofa to watch. “I never noticed before how much he looks like you.” “I’m his dad, what can I say.” Brian stroked Gus’s small arm. “I just think of my own dad and do the opposite. I figure that way I can’t go wrong.” “Well it’s working.” Lindsay sighed. “Brian, who was on the phone?” “A friend.” “Do I know him?” “No. “Is it serious?” “Serious?” Brian asked, though he knew what Lindsay was trying to say. “You know what I mean.” “Actually, what I feel for my friend on the phone is no one’s business but my own. Though I don’t feel anything different for him today then I did the first day I met him.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” Lindsay demanded. “What ever you want it to mean.” Brian stood up. “I have work to do.” He walked to the door and opened it. “Goodbye Sonnyboy, goodbye Linds.” “Don’t be rude Brian.” Lindsay stood up. “I’m concerned about you.” “Don’t be Linds, I’m a big boy.” Brian leaned down and kissed first Gus and then Lindsay’s cheek. “I’ll call you next week.” When the door shut behind Lindsay, Brian walked over to where the construction crew was working behind a floor to ceiling plastic sheet. He needed to make a change to the plans. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Justin, are you sure?” Max asked for the tenth time. “Yes I’m sure, now sit still.” Justin was busy sketching. Max was posed on chair draped in white satin. She was had her arms up exposing her nude body ripe with child. “I’m almost done. This is going to be one of the best I’ve ever done.” “Yeah, girl with baby moose inside, that should be the title.” “I was thinking more, mother with litter.” He grinned and she threw an upraised finger at him. “Honestly, you look amazing.” Justin made a few last strokes and then picked up her robe and threw it at her. “Here, put it on.” “Can I see?” Max asked, she put on the robe and belted it shut over her large belly. Walking over to Justin she looked at the sketch he was working on. “You’re really good.” “Of course.” Justin nodded his thanks of her praise. “This is for my mid term. I’m going to do it in acrylics too.” “Will it be part of the Christmas show?” she asked. “Cause I don’t really want my naked out of shape body up there for everyone to see.” “You’re not that big.” Justin said with a laugh. “You aren’t even due for another six months.” “Cripes, I’ll be as big as a house by then.” She glared at her belly. “And no you can’t sketch me then.” “You’re no fun.” Justin laughed. “I have a couple of sodas in the fridge, do you want one?” “No, I get heart burn.” She sighed. “this is going to be a long six months.” “I want to finish up my first year and be started the second before the big day. I’m going to go to Pittsburgh and help Brian for a couple of weeks.” “You guys have a strange relationship.” She observed. “But I guess it works, you seem happy.” “I am happy.” Justin said “And Brian’s happy. We can’t live together. He thinks I’m too young and I have to live in the heat for a year or so. It just isn’t working out for us to live together. Not to mention that Brian was kind of a stud in Pittsburgh, his reputation will be shot all to hell if I lived with him.” Max started to giggle. “And pushing a baby carriage is going to add to his studly image?” “There’s no way Brian is going to push a baby carriage.” Justin shook his head imagining the heads of all the queers on Liberty exploding with the image. “Hey Sunshine, Max.” Brian walked in the door of Justin’s studio and kissed Justin’s cheek. “You both are looking good.” “Geeze Brian, you’re always sneaking in here.” Justin griped. “This is my loft Sunshine.” Brian dropped his overnight bag on the floor and flopped onto the small love seat. “I’m not sneaking into my own place.” Justin sat on Brian’s lap and wrapped his arms around the older man’s neck. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s a nice surprise.” “My client needed me and I needed a dose of Sunshine.” Brian kissed Justin’s hair while Justin nuzzled his neck. “I also need you to sign a few things for a meeting I’m having at Taylor Enterprises next week.” “And I thought you were here only for me.” “I’m getting you next weekend birthday boy.” “No I’m getting you.” Justin said tongue in cheek. “I’m going to go now guys.” Max said from the door. She shook her head, they weren’t paying any attention to her, both of them were so wrapped up in each other. A fleeting thought of wanting Justin to act like he did with Brian, only do it with her, crossed her mind. She shook her head to clear the thoughts from her mind. It wasn’t ever going to happen. “I think we’re alone.” Brian said. His forehead and Justin’s touching each other as they took in the fact that they were together sooner than expected. “I missed you.” “I’ve missed you too. By the way your emails suck.” Justin kissed Brian on the nose. “I mean sometimes they sound like you’re writing a letter to a client. Other times like you’re sure I’m the same age as Gus. And yet other times they’re X rated. I never know what persona I’m going to be.” “I get distracted, besides, at least I write something you don’t write as often as you should.” Brian let Justin nuzzle his neck. He rather enjoyed it. “Maybe my emails are designed to elicit a response from my errant ‘ward’.” “They do, I don’t write back.” Justin giggled. “I phone and I bitch you out.” “Ahhhh, yes, you bring back fond memories of my childhood.” Brian said tongue in cheek. “Bitch, bitch, bitch.” “You are such an asshole sometimes.” Justin shook his head. “Are you really only here until tomorrow morning?” “That’s what I said Sunshine. I’ll be flying back right after my meeting.” “Can I go to your meeting with you?” Justin tried not to sound as needy as he felt. “You can come as my assistant, but you have to behave and you’ll have to read my reports tonight in case the client asks you a question. I don’t want my assistant to be a blond stereotype.” Brian lifted Justin up over his shoulder so that Justin’s head was half way down his back. “BRIAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Justin cried while Brian walked. “If you have to ask, then you really are rather blond and naïve.” Brian chuckled. “I haven’t had an afternoon nap in a long time. I thought you might like one too.” “It’s evening.” “Close enough.” Brian placed Justin gently on the bed. He stood over him until Justin held out his arms wide. Grinning broadly Brian let himself drape over his lover until he covered him with his body. Leaning on one elbow, he traced the outline of Justin’s face with his finger, gently caressing Justin’s full lips before covering them with his own. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “I tell you Michael, Brian is putting together cribs in his loft. And I’m sure that he’s building more than a bedroom for Gus. I peeked behind the drop cloths and that’s a hell of a lot of space he’s bought.” Lindsay paced the length of the Comic book store. She’d been there ranting at Michael for almost an hour and Michael was getting sick of the same old thing being said over and over. “First of all it makes no sense that Brian would be putting together more than one crib, or any cribs for that matter.” Michael was trying to be reasonable. “I think you saw something and misinterpreted it.” “Michael, I know what I saw.” Lindsay said stubborn to the end. “Brian keeps asking to have Gus for the weekends too.” “Well why wouldn’t he want him? He is the boy’s father after all.” “For the weekend Michael? Give me a break. Since when does Brian Kinney give up a weekend of sucking and fucking to look after a kid? It doesn’t make any sense.” “If I wasn’t hearing you say this, I’d swear it was Melanie you were channeling. For cripes sake Lindsay, Brian loves Gus. He had a bitch of a childhood. He wants to make sure that his own son doesn’t have the same kind of childhood. He wants to be the father he never had.” Lindsay was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know what to think Michael. Why don’t you come over to the loft with me and see for yourself?” “I can’t leave my store.” But just then Hunter walked in the door. “Hey Pops.” He said with a grin. “Can I have five bucks?” “Sure, but you need to earn it. Watch the store, Linds and I have an errand to run.” Michael took Lindsay by the arm and steered her out the door. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, hitting a speed dial number. “Can I speak to Brian please?” he asked the receptionist at Kinnetik. “I’m sorry sir, but Mr. Kinney is out of town.” “It’s his best friend Michael, can you just put him on.” Michael figured it was a ruse. “I don’t care who you are, Mr. Kinney is with the other Mr. Kinney and he says that he can’t be reached unless it’s an emergency.” She hung up. “She hung up on me.” Michael said staring at his phone. His mind was trying to suck up the part about Brian visiting the ‘other Mr. Kinney’. We might as well go to the loft.” Lindsay and Michael walked quickly over the three blocks to Brian’s loft building. He put his key in the outside door and let himself in. They took the elevator up to Brian’s place, neither one speaking. Michael pulled out his keys once again and tried to open the door. The lock wouldn’t move, in fact the key was too large for the bright and shiny mechanism. “It’s not working” Michael said. “Let me try.” Lindsay took his key and tried. “This isn’t the right key for this lock.” She pulled out her own set of keys and located the one to Brian’s loft. It was apparent that she had the same one as Michael. “He’s had the locks changed.” “They were okay the other day. I was just here.” Michael replied. He looked puzzled. From the noise inside, it was obvious the construction was still underway. They knocked repeatedly, but no one answered. Both Lindsay and Michael were shocked at the revelation that Brian had changed his lock. Neither one had any idea what to say. Instead they turned and walked down the stairs together both of them determined to find out what Brian was up to.