Lois, thank you for the beta...you are the greatest!
Chapter 29 – Aftermath, Part 1 Friday, A Little Later…(Day 26) Brian, Cynthia, and Ted continued to have their impromptu meeting in the conference room to go over a few issues. While they were still meeting, Justin returned to relay how excited the art department was about the prospect of the Belluss Occhiali/Eyeconics campaign, and how eager everyone was to get started. “All right, we’ve all been patient. We’ve tried not to pry, but Justin, tell us about Signor Marani,” Ted insisted. “C’mon Justin,” Cynthia added. “You can tell us! We want to know everything.” “Now. Now. You mustn’t pester, Justin. He’s had a really hard day,” Brian tried to add to deflect their questions. “You didn’t tell them?” Justin asked with some surprise. “No, I told them they would have to get the story from you,” Brian explained in his own defense. “So it’s up to you whether you tell them or not.” “Justin, just tell me why the Director of Pinacoteca Ambrosiana wanted to see you,” Ted pointed asked. “It’s really a simple question.” “We’re listening, Justin,” Cynthia added her comments again. Justin looked at the inquisitive stares on their faces and decided to relent. So he let out a sigh and then, began to relay the story. “Signor Silvestri felt he behaved badly during our meeting. So he felt an apology was in order. So he called his childhood friend, Signor Pietro Marani, to act as an intermediary. Signor Marani was to come here and deliver said apology on Signor Silvestri’s behalf,” Justin explained, while Brian sat there smiling. “I accepted the apology, and all was forgiven.” “You mean he had Signor Marani come all the way from Milan to Pittsburgh, just to apologize to you? How could you not accept such an over the top apology?” Cynthia said with a smile. “Exactly. So, now all is forgiven.” “That’s quite a story!” Cynthia added. “We could all see that the Silvestris are extremely fond of you, but who would have expected this? I’ll say one thing Justin, with you around things are never dull.” “I’ve often said the same thing myself,” Brian interjected with a smirk, and received the appropriate glare from Justin in return. “Justin, Signor Silvestri had the director of one of the most prestigious art galleries in Milan to come to the US, just to make an apology to you?” Ted asked, seeking confirmation of what had just been told to him. “Yeah, it’s unbelievable isn’t it?” Justin confirmed “That’s some story.” Cynthia said with a laugh. “Then why was he so focused on your paintings?” Ted persisted, being one to never leave any small detail unresolved. Justin let out another sigh. “Because after seeing my paintings and looking at my website, he offered me the opportunity to apply for the emerging artist exhibit that’s held in Milan this summer. I’m very honored to be asked to apply…it would really be something if I was accepted for the exhibit.” “Oh, please Justin, you’re very talented,” Cynthia reassured him. “You couldn’t have survived this year in New York if you weren’t.” Justin smiled at the supportive vote of confidence from Cynthia. “Well, the New York art scene and Milan are two entirely different levels. Milan would give me international exposure. I’m still growing as an artist, and I’m still pretty young. It’s an honor to be asked, but don’t expect too much.” “Nonsense!” Ted remarked. “You’ve been painting since you were in the crib, I’ve heard you say that many times. So artistically that makes you a mature painter. Right, Bri?” “Now Theodore, don’t go pulling me into this. I’m already envisioning a painting of me or my body parts hanging in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana,” Brian said with a laugh. “Brian! You’re no help,” Justin said, gently hitting Brian on the arm. “Of course, you realize that if I’m accepted, it means that you have to take me to Milan this summer.” “Milan, home of Armani. I think that trip could easily be arranged.” Brian quipped with a smile. “Well, I guess I should get going,” Justin indicated as he proceeded toward the door. “My studio awaits.” “Not so fast! Let me buy you lunch before you drive out to the house. That way at least I’ll know that you have eaten. Besides, it’s the least I could do for your all help on the campaign.” Brian decided with Cynthia and Ted nodding their agreement. Justin considered for a moment and then said, “Sure.” “Cynthia…Theodore, we’ll see you later,” Brian said as he stood up to leave. “Besides, you two have your work cut out for you.” Standing up to leave, Cynthia quipped, “Right away, Boss!” She turned back toward the room one more time before her exit to say, “I love my job!” Brian and Justin were standing there smiling when Ted also decided to take his leave. “I’m on it, Bri,” Ted commented. “Don’t worry about anything!” **** “Sunshine!” Debbie called out, quickly approaching them as they entered the Diner. “Hi, Deb,” Justin was able to utter, before being engulfed in a pair of loving arms. “Debbie, you have to release him. He needs to breathe.” Brian added, finally prying Justin free. “You know you are going to have to stop doing this,” Brian insisted. “Oh you,” Debbie commented as she actually acknowledged Brian for the first time. “It’s all your fault I don’t get to see him anyway, holding him prisoner at that house. It’s a good thing you got free, isn’t it, baby?” she said, once again turning her attention back to Justin. Brian just sighed and finally said, “We’ll have our usual.” “Coming right up!” she uttered as she left to place their orders, while Brian and Justin settled comfortably in the booth. **** “You two are coming to dinner on Sunday!” Debbie said as she returned to deliver their order. It wasn’t a question. “I’m not sure, Debbie,” Brian answered. “Justin has painting to do, and he has to leave for New York.” “New York?” she squealed. “You remember…city where I’m pursuing my art?” Justin teased. “But I’ll only be gone a few days…maybe a week.” “Well, I suppose that will ok,” she finally accepted but added, “But you get you butt back here as quickly as you can.” “I will,” Justin confirmed. “It’s just a quick trip. I’ll have to make them from time to time, but I’ll be back as quickly as I can.” “Well ok,” she said, kissing Justin on the cheek and finally leaving them. “Somehow a cheeseburger, fries, and a milk shake doesn’t seem like the proper sustenance for an rising international artist,” Brian teased, as Justin was taking a bite of his burger. “And the lemon bars…” Justin added. “How could I forget?” Brian began shaking his head. “I have to make sure that you’re healthy enough to step on the international stage. So I think it’s time we change your diet,” Brian insisted. “What?” “You heard me.” “I think we can depend on Debbie to make sure that I’m properly acclimated to the Italian diet, should I be accepted to exhibit in Milan,” Justin said with a laugh. “My addiction to lemon bars is another issue.” “I’m sure arrangements can be made to ship you lemon bars while you’re in Milan. So I wouldn’t worry about that.” “I’m not worried,” Justin said quietly. Brian looked up when Justin made the last remark. It was said a little too quietly. Brian realized that Justin had several moments of quiet ever since Signor Marani made his appearance. A quiet Justin was always a cause for concern. Now Brian decided to try to press for answers. “Are you going to tell me what’s on your mind?” Brian tried to inquire nonchalantly. “It’s nothing,” Justin insisted, suddenly finding the pattern of the catsup on his French fries most interesting. “Are you going to make me guess? You know how lousy I am at that,” Brian tried to point out. Justin tried to smile a little. “No, that won’t be necessary.” “Then what is it? I’m listening.” “No, that’s ok.” “Justin, I want you to focus all your energy on your painting. I know that you have a lot to do. I just want you to go ahead and do your best work…including the submission to Milan.” “Yeah but…” “And, I don’t want you to worry about anything. Ok?” “Yeah…” “And Justin, I promise you that we will come up with a more creative solution about Milan, than we managed to come up with about New York.” “We will?” “Just in case that is what you’re worrying about,” Brian suggested with a smirk. “How did you know?” “You and I may not have had a chance to talk, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been listening.” “Really?” “Really. So now can we celebrate? That campaign is going to be a major account for Kinnetik. Not to mention your chance to apply for the exhibit in Milan. I think we have a lot to celebrate.” Justin finally smiled. “What did you have in mind?” “How about dinner at Popagano’s? What do you think? How about tomorrow night? Then we’ll go to Babylon, if you want.” “All that…it seems like a DATE,” Justin teased, emphasizing the last word. “Justin, you know I don’t do dates,” Brian said, trying to sound completely serious and failing miserably. “So are you going to call your mother?” “No, I think I’ll stop by and see her before I go back to the house. That way she won’t give YOU such a hard time the next time she sees you,” Justin said with a laugh. “And you have to admit, I have a lot to tell her.” “Good idea. I definitely prefer not to have Mother Taylor upset with me.” At that remark, Justin burst out laughing. Hearing Justin laugh let Brian know that everything was going to be ok. *** Justin called his mother while he was still having lunch with Brian, and she agreed to meet him at her condo. “Mom!” Justin called out as he entered the condo. “Oh honey, it’s so good to see you,” Jennifer said, hugging him in a vice like hold. Justin thought for a moment that Jennifer was spending too much time with Debbie. “How’s the painting going?” she asked as she finally released him. “Pretty well actually. It’s great having the studio at the house, so I can pretty much paint whenever I want to.” “How’s that project for Brian going?” “The final meeting was today, and it looks like they will sign the contract. So Brian’s pretty happy. Me too.” “Well that’s good.” “Brian is taking me to dinner at Popagano’s tomorrow. I just drop by to see if maybe you wanted to join us.” “Dinner is one thing. Popagano’s is something else. Well, what did you do so special that he’s willing to spring for Popagano’s?” Jennifer asked with a smile. “It’s because of my help on the project. You have no idea how hard I worked.” “That wonderful, honey. Now tell me all about it.” Justin filled Jennifer in on the original meeting with Belluss Occhiali/Eyeconics meeting, seeing the Silvestris again, Signor Silvestri’s outburst, the apology delivered by the intermediary, Signor Marani. Jennifer was impressed and amused at the same time. “Signor Marani, also looked at my paintings and my website. I’ve been invited to APPLY for emerging artist’s showcase this summer. I don’t know whether I’ll be accepted or not, but I at least have the opportunity to apply. I’m pretty excited about it.” “What about Brian?” “Brian has promised that we’ll work this out somehow. You know he’s always supportive.” “Well as long as you two are working this out. You know he really does love you.” “I know. So will you join us for dinner? I have to go back to New York next week.” “But I thought you would be here for three months. That’s why you went to all that trouble to furnish the house.” “I’ll only be gone for a few days…maybe a week. I have to meet with my agent, and she has set up some meetings with galleries. She doesn’t want everyone to forget about me, while I’m painting here.” “Well, that makes sense.” “So between preparing for the New York show and the Cincinnati show… plus working on my submission for the gallery in Milan, I’m really going to be busy the next couple of weeks.” “Just remember to take care of yourself, honey.” “Of course, I’ll take care of myself. You sound like Brian. So are you going to be able to go to dinner tomorrow with us?” “I’m going to have to take a rain check. I have a meeting that I can’t get out of.” “That’s ok. Maybe we’ll all get together when I get back from New York?” “That seems like a good idea. You’ll call me?” “Yes I promise. Look, I should probably get going. I just wanted to see you and tell you the news,” Justin said, hugging Jennifer. “You know you could invite your mother out to the house. I haven’t seen it with all the furniture in place. After all, you and Brian have to come up for air sometime.” They both laughed. “I’ll do that when I get back. You know, it’s hard to believe that we have only been in the house for less than two weeks, and already we’re so comfortable there.” “I’m really happy for you, honey.” “Me too.” “I’m glad you called me. After all, you know that you ARE pretty hard to reach.” “Mom. I don’t answer my phone when I’m in the studio. Brian even wants an intercom system installed. He’s already complaining about using cell phones to talk to each other in the house, “ Justin said with a laugh. “You’ve got to admit the house is a little large for just two people.” “Yeah, but it’s starting to feel like home.” “What about New York?” “New York is simply a place I live to pursue my art. But it’s not my home.” “You have moved around so much, I’m glad you have a place that you can call home.” “Me to,” Justin said as he hugged his mother goodbye. In the car driving to Bri-tin, Justin thought about the discussion with Jennifer about home. Justin realized a simple truth…right now Bri-tin was home…but home for him…was really...wherever Brian happened to be.