After hanging up from talking to Justin, Lindsay felt that the teen was hiding something. He had seemed distant for some reason. Usually he would have jumped at the chance to come and visit, but this time had been different. From the way he’d said that he had to speak with Ethan before making a decision sounded suspicious to Lindsay. Almost as if Justin had to ask permission from the other man. She pursed her lips and decided to bring it up to Melanie when she got home that evening. “Mamamamamama.” Gus called from his playpen. Lindsay smiled at the boy. He smiled back and she was struck once again by Gus’ resemblance to Brian. He would definitely be a heartbreaker when he grew up. The girls or boys would be lined up around the corner for his attention. She smiled and walked over to pick him up. “Hey, buddy boy.” Lindsay said and nuzzled the toddler’s neck causing him to giggle and squirmed away. “Jutin.” Gus said. Lindsay smiled sadly. “You miss your Justin, don’t you baby.” “Want Jutin, Mama.” Lindsay just shook her head and held Gus close. He tangled his hand in her hair and gave her wet sloppy baby kisses. -- When Melanie got home at 6:30, Gus and Lindsay were in the kitchen. Lindsay was finishing dinner as Gus sat banging on the tray of his high chair with a wooden spoon. “Hey, Baby.” Gus immediately turned toward Melanie and gave her a big grin. “Mamel.” Gus squealed. Melanie tousled Gus’ hair and kissed him on the forehead. “Hey Baby, baby.” Lindsay said crossing the kitchen to plant a kiss on her partner’s lips. “How was your day?” “Long.” Melanie said. “But, I am totally clear of work until Monday morning which means that I will be able to help you get ready for the barbeque Saturday no problem.” “Great.” Lindsay said. “Dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes, so why don’t you go change.” “On yeah.” Melanie sighed. “I have been dreaming of getting out of these clothes all day.” “Nice dream.” Lindsay said suggestively. “Oh, promises, promises.” Melanie said waggling her eyebrows. Lindsay mocked a swat on Melanie ass and she left the kitchen laughing. After dinner as Gus sat on the floor playing with his see-n-say, Lindsay decided to bring up the topic of Justin. “I called Justin earlier to see if he and Ethan would want to come Saturday.” Lindsay said as non-chalantly as she could. “Really.” “Yeah, I mean, we haven’t seen him or Ethan in a while and I thought that they might like to come over. Gus misses Justin.” As if on cue, Gus turned in the direction of his mommies and called for Justin. Melanie frowned. “You know, it’s not like Justin to not come see Gus more often.” Melanie said. “I wonder if it has something to do with Brian?” “I don’t think so.” Lindsay countered. “But, there was something strange about him when I called.” “Strange how?” “Well, he seemed to get all nervous when I mentioned he and Ethan coming to the barbeque. It was almost like he needed to ask Ethan’s permission.” “That’s ridiculous.” “Is it?” “Of course, you know Justin. He has always done exactly what he wanted. I doubt that Ethan has *that* much control over Justin’s life.” “But, you didn’t hear him. He sounded so sad. He said that he would talk to Ethan about it, but I got the distinct impression that Justin didn’t think that Ethan would want to come. Or let Justin come.” “I think you’re reading too much into this Lindz.” “I don’t. You remember Rachel and Joanne. Everyone thought they had the perfect relationship. Remember how surprised every one was when Joanne sent Rachel to the ICU. Turned out that Joanne had been abusing Rachel for almost 4 years.” “But, that was different.” “How? Because they aren’t men. Please.” “Well, unless Justin comes to us, what are we supposed to do about it?” “I don’t know.” “Aw, cheer up, Baby.” Melanie said. “Why don’t you put Gus down and meet me in the bedroom?” Lindsay smiled and nodded. “Okay. I’ll be up in a minute.” Before Lindsay picked up the dozing baby, she picked up the phone. She dialed Brian’s number from memory. “What?” “Bri. Lindz.” “What is it? Is Gus alright?” “Gus is fine.” Lindsay began. “I tried to call earlier, but your cell was off and so was your machine.” “Yeah, I had a brain fart. Left the cell phone at work and the machine got unplugged by accident.” “Oh, well, I was wondering. Mel and I are having a barbeque Saturday and I wanted to see if you could make it.” “A barbeque? Christ.” “Everyone is going to be here. Mel and I just want to try out the new brick barbeque pit Mel and Leda built out back.” Lindsay could hear Brian roll his eyes. “Oh, come on, Bri. It won’t kill you.” “All right. I’ll try to make it, but I am not making any promises.” “Great. See you Saturday.” She hung up quickly before he could argue that he hadn’t promised to be there. She knew that she could have always used the ‘for you son’ trump card, but decided to hold it in case he tried to balk later. With that taken care of, she picked up a dozing Gus and headed up stairs.