Chapter 7: “I'll let Dan show you the ropes ... then I'll introduce you to Billie who handles personnel and payroll ... get your details down ... make sure you get your first paycheck on time ...” and Ted chuckled. He'd taken to Justin right away and the younger man's references and portfolio had been first class; he was just what they were looking for in order to help with the increased number of accounts Kinnetik was currently handling. Ted left Justin with Dan Clark, who worked full time as Head of Kinnetik's small but busy art department and who'd been complaining about not having enough help to meet demand. “Good to meet you again, Justin ...” and he took Justin's hand: like Ted, Dan had agreed that Justin stood head and shoulders above the other applicants they'd interviewed and had been the obvious choice. Dan was only concerned that after having seen the young man's work, that they were too small and exclusive an outfit for Justin to want to stay with. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin spent the morning being shown around the building and introduced to everyone as well as being taken through the art department's routine and practices. Then he spent thirty minutes with Billie Johnson; giving her his social security number and personal details she needed in order to set up his file and initiate automatic payment of his salary straight into the bank. “You know ... I recognize a lot of these campaigns ...” admitted Justin as Dan then showed him the boards from the various accounts they'd promoted in the past and Dan nodded with obvious pride. “We've got a good reputation for real down to earth advertising ... less bull and more grit ... a somewhat unique approach don't you think ...” he chuckled and Justin nodded in surprise and agreement and then Dan continued. “But that ethos has to be attributed to our founder ... Bri ...” “Justin ... don't let Dan work you too hard now ... you're entitled to a break ...” interrupted Ted as he popped his head around the door, accompanied by a taller, rather colorfully dressed companion. “He's cute ...” whispered Emmett Honeycutt into Ted's ear. “Maybe he'd like to come to lunch with us ...” and he smiled at Justin. “Sweetie ... would you like to come to lunch with us?” and they saw Justin hesitate before speaking. “We all pitch in here Justin ... it's not management and everyone else ...” Ted assured him, guessing why Justin seemed reluctant to answer. Justin smiled at them both and wondered if everyone working for and associated with Kinnetik was gay, for it sure seemed like a large percentage of the staff were; from management down to the newest recruit. But then again, taking up offices in an old bathhouse wouldn't be likely by any company who wasn't particularly gay-friendly or didn't want to be associated with that community. “Sure ... I'd love to ... if that's okay ...” asked Justin, eager to fit in and he looked back at Dan. “Of course ... you're entitled to a lunch break,” answered Dan and he looked at his watch. “Shall we say be back by 1:30?” and Justin smiled as he followed behind Ted and Emmett; catching up with the taller man. “Where are we going ... only I'm not exactly flush until I get my first paycheck ...” Justin whispered: Emmett smiled and put his arm around the smaller man's shoulders. “It's my treat as it's your first day ... and there's a diner not far from here ... the food's not bad for the money ... and then there's always the entertainment ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Liberty Diner was colorful and noisy and that was only the staff. The place was heaving as it was lunch time, but the manageress's voice could still be heard over the juke box and numerous conversations taking place. “This isn't a fucking prize fight ... if you don't stop ringing that damn bell ... I'll shove it up your ass ...” she growled at the man who'd been trying to attract her attention from the kitchen and then she turned sweetly back to the table she'd been taking orders from. “... and an extra order of fries ...” Debbie jotted down and she reached out to feel the biceps of one of the young men at the table and looked at his rather well-built companion; Debbie winked. “I can see why you need to keep your strength up ...” she chuckled and she tore off the order and handed it into the kitchen as she collected the meal all ready for her to deliver. Emmett chuckled as he managed to grab a booth the occupants were just leaving. “Didn't I tell you ...” “She's pretty colorful alright ...” agreed Justin as he sat down opposite him and Ted put out his hand to stop the passing waitress. “Hi Kiki ... looks like you'll never get Debbie to retire ...” and he turned back to Justin. “We held a sort of retirement party for her a couple of weeks ago ... but she keeps coming back ...” “And thank goodness for that ... to be honest ... I don't know what we'd do without her ... the new manager didn't last five minutes ...” replied Kiki and she tried to move away but Ted stopped her. “Can we give you our order?” Emmett rolled his eyes. “Just because you have the same thing every lunch time ... the rest of us have to make a decision ...” and he handed Justin a menu. “There you go, sweetie ...” Kiki shook her head. “Well ... you'd better take a number hun ... we're running off our feet today ...” and before Ted could speak further, Kiki managed to escape. But eventually, everyone having decided what they wanted to eat, Emmett managed to catch Kiki as she raced by and placed a hand on the waitress' arm and she stopped. “Kiki ... we don't have long ...” and Ted looked at his watch. Kiki sighed but looked at the newbie at the table and Justin gave her a huge smile. “Okay ...” Kiki relented and getting out her order book. “How could I say no to a smile like that ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Over the next few weeks, this became the general routine and Justin ate at the diner most working days and couldn't believe how friendly and welcoming everyone was there as well as at his place of work. He was also starting to get more involved than he could have hoped for in the various campaigns Kinnetik was handling and amazed at how soon Dan began to trust his judgment. “You've got a great eye, Justin ... for both color and form ... I can't believe you're settling for a part time job in a relatively small concern like ours ...” Justin turned away from the workbench and smiled at him. “Thanks Dan ... but this suits me just fine ... it allows me time to do what I really love ... I mean ...” and Justin frowned, not meaning to be rude or thoughtless, but Dan slapped him on the back. “So ... we're just a stop-gap are we?” and he could see how embarrassed Justin looked. “Sorry Dan ... I didn't mean to sound ungrateful ... it's just I'm trying to be an artist ... but ...” “But you need to eat ... I understand ... and I'd love to see some more of your work some time ...” “You would?” Justin asked him and Dan nodded. “Of course ... I admire you ... that you're really trying to make a living out of something you love to do ... I'd loved to have been a full time artist ... but I'm afraid I didn't have the talent or the determination ... but something tells me you have tons of both ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was mid-morning on one of the days that Justin didn't have to work. He'd decided to work the 20 hours over three days if he could, but on the understanding they would be pretty flexible depending on deadlines. But this way, he could have breakfast with Brian and Vic, though Vic was spending more time at Rodney's these days and then Justin would be back in time for supper. So far, Justin's movements hadn't been questioned, but that wasn't to say they'd gone unnoticed. He'd started to work on the painting of Brian and Gus again and this morning, he'd got up with the sun; his need to paint so urgent and had left Brian in bed. Brian had noticed he'd not been around during some of the days recently, but so far had resisted asking him where he was disappearing off to. But Justin would never guess that in actual fact, Brian had started to fear that the blond was pulling away from him or, worse still, that there was someone else. But coming down to breakfast, Brian noticed that today, Justin's car was still parked out front so he must be up in his own rooms. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “If I make lunch today ... are you gonna eat it?” asked Vic as he took Brian's mid-morning coffee into the study. “Hmm?” came the rather absentminded reply. “Lunch ... are you gonna eat it?” In the weeks after Gus had returned to Toronto, Brian had gradually started to come out of his depression at the boy leaving, but he still didn't eat very much and Vic had noticed that Brian looked like he'd lost weight again. “I'll ask Justin if he'd like to join us ...” stated Vic as he left the room, having not gotten a definite answer, but he hoped that the chance to eat with the younger man might entice Brian to the table. And Vic knew full well that the fact that Brian and Justin slept together didn't automatically mean that they actually conversed and any chance for talking, Vic was trying to encourage. “He is here then?” asked Brian before he had a chance to stop himself and Vic looked back around the door. “Sure ... he's here,” and he resisted a smile. “I'll call you when lunch is ready ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “If I ask you .... will you tell me?” inquired Vic as he finished laying the table. He'd called across to Justin and asked him if he'd like to have lunch and the younger man had followed on a little later. “Ask me what?” Justin came back at him. “Where it is you've been going off to ... or is it a secret ...” “It's no secret ... it's just no big deal ... that's all ...” and Justin retrieved the jug of lemonade from the fridge, but he couldn't ignore the stare the older man was giving him. “I've got a job ... it's only part time ... but it'll mean I can start to pay my way ...” “Does Brian know?” “Does Brian know what?” came the voice from the doorway and both men turned to face him. Justin blinked and scratched behind his ear; a certain indication that something was up and Vic picked up the signs. “If you'll excuse me ... we've run out of ... of potato salad and a few other things ...” and neither Brian nor Justin questioned the man as Vic made his excuses and left. “Strange time to go shopping ... with lunch ready ...” observed Justin and Brian nodded. “Especially as Vic always makes his own potato salad ...” and both men looked at each other and smiled; knowing exactly why Vic had left them alone. “So ... what was it you were going to tell me?” asked Brian eventually; and almost dreading the younger man's answer. Justin reached into his back pocket for something he'd made out just before coming over; he'd already planned on having this conversation with Brian today but he'd hoped it would be on his terms and that Brian wouldn't take it the wrong way. “Here ... towards my keep ...” and hesitating, Brian reached out and then took the check from Justin's hand and looked at it. “You can't afford this ...” “I've got a job ... it's only a few hours a week ... but at least I've got some money coming in ...” “Keep it ...” stated Brian and he held out the check, but Justin shook his head. “No ... I have to do this ... and I know it's not enough ... that it won't cover everything ... but I need to make a contribution ...” and Justin took a deep breath, wondering if he were about to overplay his hand. “It's either that or I try and find somewhere I can afford ... share somewhere maybe ... if I have to ...” and Justin sighed and closed the distance between them. “Let me do this ...” “You don't have to ...” “I know I don't ... but I want to ... I want to prove to you as well as for my own satisfaction ... that I can do things for myself ...” and then he frowned. “Do you want me to be dependent on you ... is that it?” Justin asked him and Brian shook his head. “No ... of course not ... you're right to want to do things for yourself ... and not rely on anyone else ...” and Brian looked him in the eye and smiled; in actual fact he couldn't be more proud; that Justin wanted to show he could be his own man. And even if this was a small beginning, he could see how important it was to Justin to prove himself in Brian's eyes as well as his own and Brian smiled before reaching out and bringing the younger man in for a kiss. So, Justin wanted to demonstrate his independence and the relief that Brian felt that this was all it was and not that the younger man had found someone else he'd wanted to be with. Not that he could have blamed him; Brian wasn't exactly vocal in allowing Justin to know just how much he meant to him. It didn't even occur to Brian to ask Justin who he was working for and Justin didn't volunteer any further information; the two men just accepting Justin's right to do what he felt he needed to. And the fact that lunch didn't appear to have been touched by the time Vic arrived back; hoping he'd given the two men time enough to sort out something that otherwise could turn out to be a problem between them, had left the older man chuckling to himself when he realized that in actual fact the strawberries and cream he'd intended as dessert had indeed disappeared from the refrigerator, but there were no signs of them having been eaten in the kitchen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Happy birthday, Gus ...” “Thanks Dad ... and thanks for the Ipod ... it's really neat ...” Brian sighed with relief; thankful that he'd managed to get Gus the perfect gift. “Mom and Mamma bought me a new bike ... Uncle Vic sent me some money and I got a new video game from Grandma Debbie ...” Brian smiled as he heard the excitement in his son's voice and then Gus went quiet for a moment. “When am I gonna see you?” his son asked him eventually and Brian swallowed. “I'm not sure ...” “Why don't you come up ... Mom would love to see you ... and so would I ...” “I'm pretty busy at the moment ...” “Oh ...” and Brian couldn't help but hear the obvious disappointment in Gus' voice. “But I'll call you in a couple of days and we can chat again then ...” Okay,” Gus answered; a little happier. “How's Justin?” Brian smiled; he was so pleased Gus and Justin got on well and that Gus even thought to inquire about him. “He's fine ... I'll tell him you asked after him ...” “Maybe he could call me too?” queried Gus; anxious to keep as much in touch with his Dad and the people around him as he could. Then, after Gus asked about Buttons and Brian told him how much the pony was missing him but that they were looking after him and making sure he wouldn't get lonely, their conversation came to a close and Brian sighed with a mixture of still missing his son, but also of relief and a little satisfaction. After the first couple of weeks, when Brian didn't think he could even hear Gus' voice without breaking down; he'd begun to call his son several times a week and was so glad he had. It was great to hear his voice and for the boy to tell him how his week was going and what he was doing at school. At least this way, Brian could feel like he was still part of Gus' life, even if it was at a distance. And when Brian told Justin how Gus was asking after him, Justin too was more than pleased to call the youngster, which became a regular occurrence: it looked like Gus was becoming a part of both their lives. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Alright ... I'll talk to him ...” Vic promised and he put down the phone and sighed. He'd been seeing Rodney now for nearly two years; the other man a little younger than Vic and he wanted them to move in together. Vic knew he shouldn't hesitate too much longer: he wasn't getting any younger and Rodney was getting a little impatient. Vic leaned against the counter and rubbed the back of his neck, wondering how he was going to break it to Brian. He knew how much the man had grown to depend on him, but in the last month or so, there were definite signs of improvement. Since Gus' last visit and having Justin around, Brian seemed to becoming much more independent and confident in coping with every day occurrences than he was after the accident and hopefully, this might be the final push needed to persuade him he could manage without him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin was sure he wasn't imagining it, and that Brian really was becoming more relaxed and now, instead of shutting himself away in the study all the time, he would sometimes take his laptop into the conservatory or, even out onto the patio; the weather still quite warm for early fall and, because the pool was heated, for the moment, they could still go for a daily swim. Justin found that he was really enjoying his work at Kinnetik and had been able to sit in on a few of the presentations; his opinion both sought after and respected and less than two months after he'd started, Ted made him an offer. “You know Justin ... the way things have been ... we've been way understaffed for a long time now ... if you ever want to increase your hours ... I think we could renegotiate your contract ...” Ted had popped his head around the door and finding Justin on his own, took the opportunity to run his idea by the younger man, but Justin shook his head. “Thanks Ted ... that's good to know ... but ... I have to be honest ... I don't really see that this is the direction I want to go in ... full time ...” replied Justin and Ted nodded. “Well ... thank you for your honesty ... I've been hearing great things ... and I've seen your work for myself ... so I hope we don't lose you too soon ...” Justin smiled. “Thanks ... I don't think there's any danger of that just yet ...” he chuckled and Ted returned the smile and made to leave and then he hesitated. “Oh ... by the way ... that Howard's Haulage campaign you've been working on ... we're gonna have to check out the copyright on the slogan ... it seems something like the one we thought of using might have been used before ... so don't go any further with it ... I've been meaning to run it by legal but I haven't had the time ...” “Do you want me to see if there's a problem?” asked Justin. “Then I'll know whether I can carry on or not ...” Ted smiled his appreciation; Justin was always eager to please and take the weight off. “Thanks ... I'd appreciate it ... see Josh ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Joshua Morgan had been with Kinnetik just a couple of months longer than Justin; he was tall, blond and well-built and he would have been a natural football player and though they'd smiled as they'd passed each other in the building a few times, they'd not actually had a conversation: Justin knocked on the open door. “Josh?” “That's me ...” came the reply and with a big smile, the man got up from behind the desk and held out his hand and Justin introduced himself. “I don't think I was in the office when you started ...” observed the larger man and he sat on the edge of his desk as Justin took a chair. “What can I help you with?” he asked him. After passing on the query Ted had over the wording of the proposed slogan for the haulage campaign, Justin left Josh sorting it out and went back to work, then, just before lunch, Josh came by to see him. “There's no problem Justin ... the boards can go ahead ...” “Wow ... that was quick ... thanks Josh ...” “My pleasure,” came the reply and the other man stopped in the doorway, looking like he was about to ask him something. “Look ... I'm still pretty new in town ... I was wondering ... if you ever want to go out for a beer ...” “Thanks Josh ... but I'm sort of seeing someone ...” Justin answered him and Josh held up his hand. “Sorry Justin ... I didn't make myself clear ... I'm not gay ... I just thought you might like to go for a drink ... as colleagues or friends ...” “Oh ...” came back Justin; a little embarrassed at his mistake and Josh grinned. “It's okay ... working in this place ... you're not the first guy who thought I was hitting on him ...” “It doesn't bother you ... working here I mean ... only I think us fags outnumber the straights 2 to 1 ...” Justin chuckled. “No ... I don't have a problem with it ...”answered Josh and he smiled back. “Don't tell me ... your brother's gay ...” asked Justin, but Josh shook his head. “An Uncle ... cousin?” but Josh only shrugged. “I guess I just know exactly who I am ...” “Jeez ... I wish there were more people like you ... who didn't feel threatened by us ...” observed Justin sincerely, recalling painfully just how few people did indeed have Josh's acceptance of others for who they were and Justin bit his lip: Josh seemed like one really nice guy. “So ... does that mean you're unattached ... girlfriend-wise that is?” and Josh frowned. “Why ... don't tell me ... you have a bachelor sister ...” and then the man chuckled. “No ... not a sister ... but I do have a very good friend you might get along with ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “A date ... a double-date?” queried Daphne, horrified at the prospect, when Justin called her up and she could hear the smile in his voice. “Hardly ... can you imagine Brian being in on that?” and Daphne grinned down the phone. She'd been up to the house a few times and taken up the invitation to use the pool and had enjoyed Brian's company, but picturing the man out on a normal date was something she just couldn't imagine. “I just thought that maybe ... you could drop by the office ... over lunch ...” Justin continued. “But he knows you're setting him up,” protested Daphne, exasperated at her friend's attempt at playing Cupid. “He's a cool guy ... I've told him all about you and he'd like to meet you ... and I know you'll like him,” insisted Justin and in the end, Daphne relented. “Okay ... I'll drop by to see you ... if Josh is there and we start talking ... we'll see ...” and reluctantly, Daphne agreed to stop by the offices on her next day off, once Justin had made sure Josh would be there. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the weeks that Justin had been going to the diner, he'd been introduced to Debbie Novotny, but Justin never would have connected her to Vic until the man walked in this particular lunch time. “Hi Sis ...” Justin had been sitting in a booth with other members of staff from Kinnetik and looked up at the sound of the familiar voice as Vic sat down on a stool at the counter and Debbie leaned across the counter and they kissed. “You wanna order?” Debbie asked him, but Vic shook his head. “In a little while ... I'm waiting for Rodney ... we're going linen shopping this afternoon ...” “Linen shopping ... don't tell me Rodney's going to make an honest man out of you?” she chuckled. Justin listened to the easy banter between them. So, this was Vic's sister and, presumably, Michael's Mother. Going up to pay his bill, Justin stood beside Vic and the man glanced up at him; Justin smiled and was about to speak when the look on Vic's face told him to keep his mouth shut and Vic quickly looked over at his sister, who was taking another order. “Justin ... what the hell are you doing here?” Vic whispered. “I work just around the corner ...” Justin answered him, frowning. “Why ... what's the problem ...” “Careful Vic ... I'll tell Rodney you've got yourself a new cutie ...” chuckled Debbie, who, unobserved by both Vic and Justin, had come back behind the counter and seen her brother and a young blond deep in conversation. Justin blinked, but taking his cue from the silent Vic, only asked to pay his bill. “See you Debbie,” he called out to her as he left. “He's a real sweetie ... do you know him?” Debbie asked Vic. “I've seen him around ...” Vic answered her; hating lying to his sister, but not wanting her to go off on one, if she found out that Justin was so close to Brian. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After work, Justin got back to the house to find Brian in the study and had hoped to entice the man away from his desk; kissing the back of his neck and sending tingles down Brian's spine: the older man groaned. “I have to get this finished ... they've moved things up a little ... the deadline's tighter than it was ...” “That's not the only thing that's tight ...” whispered Justin in his ear and Brian closed his eyes; willing his body not to react like it was threatening to. “Give me a couple of hours ...” “I might not be so interested by then ...” threatened Justin and he grinned at him; having worked his way around in front of Brian. He sat on the corner of the desk and, leaning forward, started to slide his hand up the inside of Brian's thigh. The older man grabbed Justin's wrist before it went any higher and passed the point of no return. “An hour ... give me an hour ...” and now Justin groaned. “Well ... don't be surprised if I haven't started without you ...” he teased and he leaned forward; just letting his lips brush Brian's and then he withdrew and Brian rolled his lips into his mouth and shook his head; trying to clear his thoughts. Damn. He had to get this part finished real quick. Going out to the kitchen to raid the refrigerator, Justin was in the process of making himself a sandwich when Vic came in the back door and Justin grinned at him. “You and Rodney get all that new linen you went looking for ... and what was that all about at the diner?” “Shh ... where's Brian?” asked Vic, quietly and worried that the man might have overheard. “He's in the study ...” Justin answered him and watched, confused, as Vic crossed the floor and closed the kitchen door. “I didn't want you letting on you knew Brian in front of Debbie ... she hasn't forgiven him for the accident ...” “This accident gets more mysterious every time I hear about it ... I can't understand what all the fuss is about ... accidents happen ...” and Justin took a bite out of his sandwich. “I wish you'd tell Debbie that ...” frowned Vic, still keeping his voice low. “Is that all?” asked Justin for it seemed to him that there was something else on Vic's mind. “Well ... actually ... no ...” “Rodney's asked me to move in ...” “Vic ... that's great news ... I'm so pleased for you ...” and Justin hugged him; still clutching his sandwich and careful not to drip mayonnaise all over the man's shirt. “Will you keep it down ...” Vic urged him and he saw Justin's expression fall. “Sorry, Justin ... thanks for your good wishes ... but I haven't said anything to Brian yet ... and I'm still not sure how I'm going to ...” “Why ... what's the problem?” “Let's just say things were pretty rough after the accident ... Brian started to depend on me for a lot of things ... I'm not sure how he'd handle it if I just said I was leaving ...” Justin sighed in frustration. “Why does everyone keep saying 'let's just say'? Lindsay said the same thing ...“ “Why won't anyone tell me what really happened ... what went on with the accident?” “I think it's something you'd best leave alone ... you can't change what happened ... so why not just think about the future instead ...” “Is that what you're doing ... thinking about the future?” asked Justin and Vic sighed. “Well ... I guess if nothing else ... the accident did teach me that life is pretty fragile and none of us ever know ...” and then he stopped himself and saw how Justin was studying the floor. “Sorry Justin ... I guess I don't have to tell you how tenuous our hold on life is ...” and Justin looked up and smiled weakly. “Which is exactly why you should move in with Rodney ... if that's what you want,” he assured him. “And as for Brian ... I'm here now and well ... maybe if it were just him and me ...” “Brian would start to think of you as a couple?” asked Vic, but Justin shrugged. “I don't know Vic ... sometimes I think I know what's going on in Brian's head ... that I know how he feels about me ... other times I haven't gotta fucking clue ...” “But maybe you need the chance to find out?” shrugged Vic. Maybe this was make or break time; for Vic to move in with Rodney, allowing Brian and Justin to be on their own and function as a couple and see how Brian coped: how they both did. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As it happened, Daphne took one look at Josh and suddenly found she spoke a whole new language; gibberish and in the end she groaned in embarrassment; Josh smiled. “It's okay ... I'm a little nervous too ...” he admitted and they both laughed. “Do you wanna have lunch?” Josh asked her and Justin couldn't miss the beam on his friend's face; on both their faces. “Sure ... I'd love to ...” agreed Daph and chatting about where they might go, they left the building, apparently both of them entirely forgetting that Justin was even there. Josh was smitten straight away and there was something about blonds that always caught Daphne's eye and it didn't get past her that in many ways, Josh was so much like Justin. But unlike Justin, at least Josh was definite boyfriend material. Suddenly, Justin realized he'd been left on his own and he had to chuckle to himself and decided he'd probably pop down to the diner and get a take-out; there didn't seem to be many people around in the office today and so he might as well get on with his work. As it turned out, there were always going to be people at the diner he knew, but he'd never expected one of them to be his Mother. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “That's the last of the flyer's Debbie ... do you need any more volunteers ... I don't mind helping out ...” Debbie smiled at her. “Jen ... we can always use all the help we can get ...” The next PFLAG family potluck had been arranged for the following Saturday at the Gay and Lesbian Center and Jennifer had been out spreading the word and helping to raise funds. “Mom?” The look of pure shock on Justin's face as he found his Mom at the Liberty Diner was met by the expression of equal surprise on Jennifer's. “Hello dear ...” and she reached out and put her hand on Justin's arm as she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “He your kid?” asked Debbie and Jennifer nodded. “He certainly is ...” and you could hear the pride in her voice, but Justin started to redden. Debbie pointed a finger at him. “Then why haven't we seen you at any of the PFLAG get togethers?” “I've been pretty busy,” offered Justin lamely. “Too busy to support your community?” shot back Debbie and then the bell on the door rang as it was opened. “Speaking of absent sons ... and where the hell have you been these past weeks ...” and Debbie's annoyance was now directed at the man in his late thirties who'd just come in the door. “Hi Mom ...” replied Michael and he reached over the counter to kiss her. “And it's not like we haven't talked on the phone at least three times a day ...” he whispered to her, but Debbie wasn't having any of it. “Just because you're off giving those lectures on gay comic book heroes ... you don't have time to come and see your Mother?” and Michael shrugged; he knew there was no way he was going to win that one. “Kids huh?” stated Debbie and she shook her head and Jennifer smiled at Justin. “So ... how's the job going?” “It's going good ... thanks Mom ...” Since having dinner that time and clearing the air between them, Justin and his Mom spoke regularly on the phone and she was relieved to hear he was starting to earn a living. She was so proud of his talent as an artist but feared how he was going to support himself; only wishing she could help out more herself. “And that guy you're seeing ... you are still seeing him aren't you? Oh excuse me ...” Justin thanked the gods as his Mom's cellphone rang, preventing him from having to answer her question; bearing in mind the conversation he'd had earlier with Vic. “That's okay, Katie ... just ring Mr. Martinez back and tell him the papers were sent off yesterday ... no ... the seller won't drop the asking price any more ... I thought I'd made myself clear over that ... what ... good heavens ... I hadn't realized that was the time ... I'm on my way ...” and Jennifer closed down her cell and put it back in her purse. “I gotta run Debbie ... I'll call you later about helping out on Saturday ...” and she turned to Justin. “Let's have lunch ... I wanna hear all about that guy of yours ... in fact ... when am I gonna get to meet him?” she asked and Justin leaned in to kiss her. “I'll call you ...” “Soon ... make it soon ...” urged his Mom and Justin nodded, but couldn't help breathing a sigh of relief as his Mom walked out the door that he hadn't been questioned any further about Brian in front of Debbie and Michael. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian couldn't help noticing that Vic had something on his mind; after all, having known the man since he was 14 and having shared the same house for over three years, Brian felt he'd got to know him pretty well. But Vic had been unusually quiet for the past few days, which wasn't like him unless he was worried or unsettled about something. Vic then announced that Rodney would be coming to dinner; not unusual in itself, but just in the way that Vic said it and Brian nodded and knew in his heart what was coming. He owed Vic so much and though the Brian Kinney of old would never have admitted it, Brian knew that without Vic's support since the accident he had no idea how he might have ended up and he didn't want the man to suffer any longer. “When are you leaving?” Brian asked Vic quietly. Vic was putting the roast into the oven and Brian was leaning against the counter and Vic looked up at him in surprise. “Did you think I wouldn't guess?” “I know how close you and Rodney are ... it was only a matter of time until you wanted to be together ...” Vic closed his eyes and gave a huge sigh of relief; how typical of the old Brian to come right out and say it; to cut to the chase and saving Vic any more anxiety. “I wouldn't leave before you're ready for me to ...” Vic assured him and then he frowned. “But it's going to have to be closer to the Pitts ... there's no way we could afford to live out here ...” Brian shook his head. “You do what you have to ... don't worry about me ... I can look after myself ...” and he saw Vic automatically raise an eyebrow and Brian approached him and put a hand on Vic's shoulder. “Despite popular opinion ... I am a grown man ... I know how to dress and feed myself ... and I can do the laundry ... if I'm forced to ... or get in a service ...” he admitted. “That sounds more like it ...” answered Vic and both men grinned. And then suddenly, Brian pulled the older man in and they hugged and Brian held on. He didn't want to admit it, least of all to Vic and make the man feel guilty for leaving, but he sure was going to miss him like hell. “Well ... I hope you've got the Champagne on ice ...” Brian informed him and when Vic shook his head, Brian went in search of a bottle to put in the refrigerator. But mostly he wanted to put a little distance between Vic and himself for a few minutes, in order to get himself together. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “To Vic and Rodney ...” announced Brian; who had stood and made the toast during dinner and all four of them clinked glasses. But Justin thought he could hear the slight tremor in the man's voice and when Brian sat back down, Justin took his hand under the table and squeezed it. “I'll be here,” he whispered in reassurance and Brian tried to smile. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Well ... the first thing we have to do is look for a house ... my place really isn't big enough for us to live in permanently ...” announced Rodney as everyone took the dirty dishes into the kitchen. For the first time in over three years, Brian had insisted they eat dinner in the dining room instead of the kitchen and the table had looked wonderful with the china and glassware, so rarely used. “And that's not going to be easy ... I have some savings ... but property prices have gone sky-high in the last few years ... we could end up in a tent in the back garden ...” Vic chuckled. “Not a good idea with winter coming on ... and your arthritis ...” reminded Rodney. “Hey ... I'm not that decrepit ...” and Vic flicked him with the dishtowel. “In any case ... I thought you had your love to keep you warm ...” grinned Brian; his head to one side and Vic threw the dishtowel at him. “I'm sure you'll find somewhere ... as long as you're together ... that's the main thing ...” observed Justin and he and Brian looked on as Vic put his arm around Rodney's waist and the two men kissed. Brian tapped Justin on the shoulder and motioned him outside; allowing the men to be on their own. “You just wanna get out of the washing up ...” grinned Justin as he followed Brian out into the hall, but Brian turned around and put his hand behind Justin's neck and pulled him in for a long kiss. “Don't tell me all this romance is catching?” quipped Justin, only half-joking. “Don't push your luck ...” came back Brian, but even he had to admit how beautiful the relationship between Vic and Rodney looked; one to be envied. And Justin thought that's exactly what he saw in Brian's eyes as the man brought him in for a second kiss. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “It's getting a little chilly out there ...” frowned Vic as he came in the back door, rubbing his hands together. It was his turn to feed Buttons, turn him out into the paddock for the day and then clean out his stall and there was already a sign of frost on the ground overnight. “Any luck on the house front?” asked Justin over breakfast and Vic sighed. “We did view a really nice house ... but it needs quite a lot of work and I'm not sure we could manage that without me finding a full time job ... and that's not going to be easy at my age ...” and Vic helped himself to the toast and scrambled egg. “Oh ... by the way ... there's new folk on the next property ... I met their little girl ... she was talking to Buttons over the fence ... seems like she's got a pony too ... her Mom came along ... really nice lady ... she asked who rode and when I said Gus only got down here during school breaks ... she offered to help exercise Buttons along with Muffin ... that's the daughter's ... do you think Gus would mind?” Brian shrugged. “I'm not sure ... I'll call him and ask ... why don't you tell us a little bit more about the house ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Justin ... it's Cynthia's birthday tomorrow and we're all going out for a drink after work ... wanna come with us?” asked Ted, popping his head around the art department door. “Sure ... thanks ... where we going?” Ted grinned. “She doesn't know it yet ... but we're going to get her along to Woody's ... they're going to lay on some food for us ... and it's a strip night ... then the guys might go on to Babylon ...” “But she's straight ...” stated Justin, a little bemused. “And what ... she's not going to enjoy seeing the guys get their gear off?” asked Ted. “Just because she can't touch doesn't mean to say she can't look ... anyhow ... Debbie will be there to keep her company ...” and Ted winked at him; obviously, they were intended on a little light-hearted leg-pulling. “Sure ... count me in ...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following morning as Justin was off to work, he remembered the invitation to join Cynthia's birthday bash. “Vic ... don't worry about dinner for me tonight ... there's a birthday at work ... they've asked me if I'd like to go out for a drink afterwards ...” “Okay ... thanks Justin ... I'm out myself ... but I'll leave a little something for you in the refrigerator ... in case you get the munchies when you get home ...” Brian was in the hallway and heard Justin call out to Vic. “So ... you're obviously fitting in well ... if they're asking you to socialize ...” observed Brian and he halted Justin's progress by putting his arm around the younger man's waist. “Going somewhere special?” “Just Woody's ... and then Babylon ...” “Hmm ... should I be jealous?” Justin grinned. “It's actually for one of the bosses ... and it's a woman ...” and Justin frowned. “I guess I should get her some flowers or something on the way in to work ...” “Uh huh ... trying to get in the boss' good books ... score a few brownie points ...” grinned Brian, but Justin shook his head. “No ... she's not like that ... she works you hard ... but she's nice ... and doesn't have favorites ...” “Okay ... you go ahead ...” and Brian sighed. “Just think of me here ... on my own ... in a cold, lonely bed ...” Justin grinned and reached up to kiss him. “You could always come with me ... I'm sure no one would mind ...” but Brian shook his head; a few years ago, he could handle a evening's drinking at Woody's and then dancing until 4:00 in the morning, with a couple of excursions to the back room to keep things interesting. But that was another life-time ago. He was a different person then. “No ... you go ahead ... I've got plenty of work I can be doing anyway ...” and Brian opened the door for him and then he called out. “Justin ... if you're drinking ... get a cab ...” “Okay ...” answered the younger man as he made his way to his car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Hi Justin ... do you know Ben?” asked Michael Novotny as he and a well-built taller man joined the group already at Woody's. Ben smiled and held out his hand and Justin took it; going into the diner regularly, Justin had seen Michael a few times now: he, Michael and Emmett were obviously good friends and had occasionally joined them for lunch. But despite the warning from Vic, it felt strange not being able to mention Brian when he knew how close he and Michael had once been. “Is the birthday girl here yet?” Ben asked, looking around and Justin shook his head. “Ted and Debbie are bringing her ... they're hoping that as Debbie's with them, Cyn won't guess where they're headed ...” “I wouldn't bet on it ...” chuckled Michael. “I met my Mom in this place more times than I care to admit ...” “Wow ...” answered Justin. “You're lucky ... there aren't many moms who are at home in a gay bar like that ...” Michael frowned; he could remember a friend saying something like that to him almost 10 years ago. “There she is ...” The cheer went up and Cynthia, a little embarrassed, but secretly pleased that so many people had gone to so much trouble to celebrate her birthday with her, reddened a little as she was cajoled through the door by Ted and Debbie. “Something tells me this was a big mistake ...” sighed Cynthia as a very large drink was placed in her hand and the music started. “You speak for yourself, hun ...” chuckled Debbie and she settled Cynthia and herself into the seats with the best view as the muscular and already scantily-clad guy jumped up on the stage to start his act. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The place seemed strangely empty. Since Justin had moved into the rooms above the garage, though in fact he never slept there now, Brian hadn't spent an evening on his own in the house and realized that Vic was spending more time away and he sighed. He knew Vic needed to move out and be with Rodney; he shouldn't stay just out of loyalty: he'd done more for him that Brian could ever have expected. The man deserved a life of his own, but Brian still wasn't sure how he would cope: especially if it was just him and Justin. Brian had never actually asked Justin to move in and a good many of Justin's clothes and possessions were still in his own rooms, but when he wasn't working or painting, the younger man now spent all his time at the house and Brian was beginning to realize just how right that seemed; a natural progression of their relationship. For indeed that was how Brian was starting to think; that maybe, just maybe he'd take a chance at a relationship with Justin. And the bed did seem big and lonely without him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just after midnight, Justin was a little surprised to find the light on the nightstand still on as he quietly opened the bedroom door; he'd contemplated just going up to his own rooms and not disturbing Brian, but when he got back to the house, he could see a light still on in Brian's bedroom window; the man looked up at him. “You're back early ...” Brian was in bed, but he had the laptop with him. “Are you working ... or ...” and Justin started to shed his clothes at the bottom of the bed; “ ... or are you logged on to some porn site ...” he chuckled. “Don't kid yourself ... I wasn't missing you that much ...” smiled Brian, but Justin could see the mischief in the man's eyes. “Hmm ...” and slipping into bed, Justin looked over Brian's shoulder. “Oh ... you are still working ...” “Don't sound so surprised ... I have a deadline ...” Brian informed him, but closed his eyes as Justin's hand started to stroke his thigh. Damn. He was hoping to get this finished tonight, but obviously the blond had other ideas. “You have a good time?” asked Brian, trying to stall for little time; and then he looked around at him. “I thought you were going on to Babylon?” Justin shook his head. “I went with the guys ... but then I realized there was nobody there I was interested in ...” and now Justin's hand went higher. “Ted and Emmett stayed though ...” and now his hand found its destination and Brian gasped. “I think you better hit Save ...” Justin suggested; seriously and then he grinned. Brian groaned; he'd get no more work done tonight and as suggested, he saved the material he'd been working on and Justin took the laptop out of his hands and carefully put it down on the floor; that was when Brian suddenly realized what Justin had said. “Ted and Emmett?” and he grabbed Justin's wrist: surely there couldn't be that many pairs of friends with those names. “Justin ... where exactly is it you're working ... I don't think you ever told me ...” and Justin frowned. “You know ... I don't think I ever did ...” and he leaned forward and kissed Brian's neck before answering; his words punctuated with kisses as he moved down the older man's body. “It's an advertising agency ... Kinnetik ... been in business now ... for about four ... maybe five years ... it's a great outfit ... real ballsy stuff ... you know ...” and Brian nodded; he knew alright. But his mouth was dry and his heart was pounding fit to burst and it wasn't just because of what Justin was doing to him. “You like it there?” he managed to say eventually and Justin looked up nodded but as confused as hell as to why Brian seemed insistent on talking: usually words weren't necessary. “Yeah ... they're a great bunch ... Ted and Cynthia ... that's whose birthday it was ... they run the place between them ...” and Justin slid under the bedclothes and determined Brian wouldn't be capable of conversing shortly, but Brian pushed back the duvet, for despite the temptation, he wanted to carry on with this particular conversation. “Were there many people there?” Brian asked, wondering if any more of the old gang had been in attendance; like Michael or Debbie. But he never got his question answered; Justin's mouth was otherwise occupied. Licking and teasing the end of Brian's shaft with his tongue, Justin quickly found the sensitive area underneath. Encircling the base with his hands, the blond began his strokes; taking him further into his mouth and Brian groaned. Taking a breath, but still holding him with his hands, Justin looked up and made eye contact and he smiled before resuming; sucking and licking; moving his head back and forth, exploring and tasting: bringing Brian ever closer to orgasm. Brian tried to think, but was lost in a haze of pleasure; his thoughts whirling around his head. Shit. Justin was working at Kinnetik. Of all the places he could have got a job, he was employed at the very company he'd set up and, on paper, was still CEO of. And if Ted and Emmett were at Cynthia's birthday party, then there was a good chance that Michael, Ben and even Debbie had been too, but very soon, all coherent thinking became impossible. Now turned on as much as Brian, Justin rotated his tongue and varied his speed; slowing down and speeding up again; knowing from Brian's moans just how good it was feeling. Justin took him down as far as he could and, as the younger man swallowed; his throat constricting, Brian arched his back as he came; Justin swallowing willingly and eagerly. His task completed, Justin sighed and crawled up the man's body; moving sleepily into Brian. But once recovered and listening to the blond's gentle breathing, Brian was wide awake, wondering how much longer he'd be able to keep the circumstances of the accident from Justin. Because if he was mixing with the Kinnetik and Liberty Avenue crowd, it wouldn't be very long before somebody got to tell him and he could think of a few people at least who would actually find pleasure in dishing the dirt. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Having lain awake for hours, Brian fell asleep shortly before dawn; that hour of the day now getting later and later, but once awake, the short conversation of the previous night came flooding back. He'd spent so long re-living that damned accident and then when Justin came along, had started to think that was a period of his life he could finally put behind him. But now Brian knew it couldn't be long until Justin found out and that maybe he should get to him first. With a heavy heart, Brian showered and dressed and then made his way downstairs; Justin had already left for work. Going into the kitchen, Brian found a message from Vic to say he was running some errands and wouldn't be back today as he planned to spend the night at Rodney's. “Dinner's in the freezer” said the note and Brian sighed. Vic had to be one of the best friends anyone could ever have and Brian picked up the information sheet that had been left on the counter. It could be a very nice house, but it obviously required a fair amount of work, which inevitably would turn out to be quite expensive. But it was in a very nice area and taking the opportunity while he was unlikely to be disturbed, Brian picked up the phone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Though the name was obviously familiar, Brian never made any connection until he opened the door to the still attractive blonde around fifty. Brian didn't really want to go to the Realtor, but when he'd called and inquired about the property they had on their list and said where he himself lived, there was no hesitation; the Realtor was quite happy to come to him. Jennifer Taylor had all the information with her; she remembered Vic and Rodney viewing the house and thought the older of the two men had seemed familiar, but she'd been in a hurry and didn't have a lot of time for chit chat. She knew how taken they were with it, but had realized that with all the work needed, it was probably out of their price range. An independent survey had been carried out and structurally, the property was basically sound; but it required updating and decorating to taste. It was also ready for immediate possession and Brian had no hesitation; it was the least he could do. Jennifer took down the details, all the time bells ringing in her head and she shook hands with Brian; leaving the man to arrange a bankers check for speedy payment. It wasn't until a couple of days later when payment went through and she was able to notify Brian that the sale was confirmed that the pieces started to fall together. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jennifer wanted another chance to meet and hand delivered the paperwork instead of having it couriered. Brian Kinney; the man her son was involved with. Of course she knew the name, though he wasn't quite how she'd pictured him and it wasn't just because of his association with Justin. She'd handled the sale of the loft three years before and though it had been Brian's name on the deed, it had been Vic who'd arranged the sale. And, as she was leaving, she saw her son's car draw up onto the driveway. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Justin ...” “Mom ... what are you doing here?” asked Justin as he got out of the car; just coming back after his day at Kinnetik. “You've saved me a phone call ... we need to talk ...” his Mother informed him and confused about her obvious anxiety, Justin took her up to his rooms over the garage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “What the hell are you saying?” Justin asked her; running a hand through his hair. “That you're mixed up with a man whose reputation is ... shall we say ... more than just a little unsavory ...” and Jennifer paced the floor of Justin's living room. “I thought I knew the name ... and then I realized I handled the sale of his loft in Pittsburgh a few years ago ... and I heard some pretty hair-raising stories I can tell you ...” “What sort of stories?” asked Justin, confused and bewildered. “Well for a start ... that he might as well have had a revolving door fitted ... he must have had more visitors to that loft than Disney World ... every man I showed around the place ... and there was a lot of interest ... said he'd been there before ...” “So what?” asked Justin in Brian's defense. “He's a sexual predator, Justin ... he had a different guy every day ... or should that be every night ...” and Justin shook his head; wanting his Mother to be wrong. “He uses them ... chews them up and spits them out ... he installed you in here ... and I can only guess what he expects in return ... until he gets bored with you ... and moves onto the next ...” “That is out of line ...” and even though it was his Mother, Justin's voice was increasing in volume. “And then there was his excessive drinking and drug taking ...” “You have got no idea what Brian's like ... or how I ended up here ...” and he stopped, for Justin was still a little reluctant to inform his Mom about Burrow's attack on him; he knew how much it would freak her out. And though Vic had said how Brian had his pick, Justin hadn't thought he meant like this; that Brian had exploited guys; fucked them and moved on without a thought for their feelings: he had to have been better than that, surely. But who was he going to try and convince, her or himself? “If you must know ... I went after him ... not the other way around ...” Justin stated; wanting his Mother to think he had at least some control; some credence in his relationship with Brian and Jennifer harrumphed; determined to think the worst and then suddenly, Justin realized something. “What brought you out here in any case?” he asked her. “That's confidential ... Brian ... Mr. Kinney actually engaged me in a professional capacity ... that's when I made the connection ...” “He's selling the house?” asked Justin, shocked, but Jennifer shook her head. “No ... buying one actually ... but that has no bearing on his relationship with you ...” “Hold on ...” Justin's mind was working overtime. “Brian is buying a house?” and Justin briefly closed his eyes. “And I bet I know whose name is on the deed ... Vic Grassi ... am I right?” “So?” asked Jennifer. “Well ... shouldn't that tell you the sort of man Brian is ... at least now ... who gives a fuck what he was like a few years ago ...” but Justin's heart ached in his chest; trying to make excuses for the man he thought he knew. “Vic wants to move in with his boyfriend ... they saw a house but knew they couldn't afford it ... so Brian's buying it for them ...” “Paying off one of his conquests?” asked Jennifer and Justin shook his head. “No ... it was never anything like that between them ... but Vic was a good friend when Brian needed one ... this is his way of saying thank you ...” and Justin sighed and closed the distance between them. “I hear what you're saying about Brian ... but that's all in the past ... that's not how he is with me ... and yes ... I don't always understand him ... but I know he'd never deliberately hurt me ...” and Justin took a deep breath; hoping his words were true. “I love him Mom ... and I think he loves me ... can't you be happy for me?” Jennifer briefly closed her eyes and then sighed. “I want to be ... but this man ... he's going to hurt you ...” Justin shook his head. “Something tells me Brian's the one who's suffered ... more hurt than he's letting on ... but I plan to change all that ...” Jennifer looked in her son's eyes and frowned. She could see by the expression on Justin's face how desperate he was for her to believe him. Maybe he was in love with Brian and that the man had feelings for him and Jennifer reached out and took Justin's hand. “I hope he knows just how lucky he is ... having someone like you falling in love with him ... but if he ever hurts you ...” Justin shook his head; desperately holding on to his hopes for his and Brian's relationship. “If ever you need a place to go ... you will call ... won't you?” she pleaded with him; looking directly into Justin's eyes and he smiled. “I will ... but you don't have to worry about me ...” and Jennifer hugged her son before he walked her down to her car. Brian was standing by the window; he'd seen Justin greet her and the likeness was so obvious, Jennifer Taylor just had to be his Mother, but the dark expression on her face as they made their way together up to Justin's rooms worried him: just like the expression on Justin's face did now. “Everything okay?” Brian asked Justin as the younger man came in the back door and let out a huge sigh and he saw Justin's hesitation. “Out with it ... I saw you talking to your Mother ...” Brian's heart was beating hard; he knew he wouldn't like this conversation and he saw Justin take a deep breath; now Brian was scared shitless. “Mom says she handled the sale of your loft a few years back ...” Brian raised an eyebrow; all he'd done at the time was sign on the dotted line: it had been Vic who'd arranged everything. “Could be,” he answered. “I didn't exactly have a total grip on reality back then ...” and Justin frowned. “She said she'd heard some stories about you ...” Brian nodded. “And they're probably all true ...” “What ... that you had more guys than Uncle Sam ... that you used and abused them ... and that you drank like a fish and took drugs ...” “Guilty as charged ...” Justin's heart was in his mouth. So those stories were true, but how on earth had Brian gone from party boy to recluse in such a short space of time? It had to have something to do with that damned accident. But another thought crept into Justin's head; could he ever trust that the old Brian Kinney would never make a come-back? And though he couldn't care less how many guys Brian had slept with, could he too be cast aside without a second thought like all the rest? Would Brian tire of him eventually? “I don't understand ... it's like you're two different people ...” and Justin moved forward and put his hand on Brian's arm. “It's the accident ... isn't it? Something happened ...” and Justin could see by Brian's expression how worried and concerned he was to have it brought up and Brian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “It was my fault ... I was driving when the car left the road and hit a tree ...” Justin frowned. “But it sounds like you came off the worst ... Michael seems fine ...” “You've met Michael?” asked Brian and then he answered his own question. “Of course you have ... if you've been working at Kinnetik and know Ted and Emmett ... then you're bound to have met up with Mikey ... at the diner?” Justin nodded. “Then you met Debbie too ... well then I'm surprised they haven't already poisoned you against me ... that you're even still here ...” and Brian pulled away. “Vic says ...” “Vic's been talking to you about the accident?” asked Brian turning back; angry and hurt that it would be discussed behind his back. “Only vaguely ... and only when I asked him ...” “He just said that Debbie hadn't forgiven you and that it was something best left alone ... but accidents happen all the time ... what the fuck was so different about this one ...” “Why don't you go and ask them?” came back Brian and leaving Justin standing in the middle of the kitchen, Brian pulled down the shutters; suddenly feeling so very tired. So what if he didn't get to tell Justin himself, he'd only hear the other version anyway; the version backed up by medical evidence. The evidence that clearly stated, however much Brian protested himself, that he was as high as a kite at the wheel of a car and nearly killed not only himself, but also his best friend: but only he had the scars to prove it. So many people would shrug it off and not give a damn and, in fact, the old Brian probably would have. But this Brian was surprised to find that he cared; that he actually cared what the younger man thought of him and that their relationship could be over before it barely began. To be continued. With grateful thanks to Lois and Judy