Endings and Beginnings Chapter 18 When word got out that Justin had gotten the job Deb insisted on holding a family dinner. Melanie and Lindsay suggested a pot luck, so it was only a matter of hours before the family members had all descended upon Vic and Deb’s casseroles in hand. Vic made a special cake while Jennifer brought champagne. The food was great. Everyone was sitting around the table laughing and talking. Gus was busy trying to help Justin feed Stephen while Melanie actually entertained everyone with a ridiculous law suit her firm turned down. Brian felt something warm and familiar sitting at this table. Justin was once again by his side. Brian tried not to let his mind get ahead of him. He knew it would be long time before Justin would be ready to engage in anything more serious than their renewed friendship, but just having him back in his life made getting out of bed easier each morning. “So when do you actually start?” Lindsay asked pulling Brian back into the conversation. “I’m meeting with Max tomorrow to iron out some of the responsibilities of the position. They didn’t really have the position description finished when I interviewed.” He fed Stephen another bite of applesauce. “That was so weird the way you two ran into each other.” Melanie threw Lindsay a side look “Weird is the right word.” Justin rolled his eyes. “One minute he was hitting on me and then the next he was interviewing me for a job.” He took rag and wiped Stephen’s face. The table suddenly went silent. “What?” Brian asked the question that everyone else held on the tip of their tongue. Surely he had heard Justin correctly. Justin turned to him and threw him a smile. “It was pathetic really. I was in this art supply store looking for resume paper and I noticed this guy cruising me. He was following me—well you know.” He shook his head turning to the rest of the gang to include them in the story. “I had Stephen so I am thinking perv. Then as if to confirm that suspicion the guy starts asking about my son.” Justin made a face indicating that he thought Max was a creep at that point. “You’re kidding.” Vic stated. Justin shook his head still marveling at Max’s inept approach. “What did he say?” Brian was trying to hide the bit of jealousy he was feeling. For some reason the thought of this Collin’s guy approaching Justin and Stephen made him uncomfortable. “Oh I don’t remember exactly.” Justin paused to think. “It was something like what a beautiful baby you have? Or he looks just like you. I just looked at him like he was a freak. Then he said his name and I realized who he was. When I told him mine he seemed embarrassed that he had been hitting on me.” He turned back to feed his impatient son. “Then he asked you to lunch?” Lindsay asked rising to get more rolls. “Well yeah I mean first he offered his sympathies and I thanked him for postponing the interview. He then asked if I had my portfolio which I did and I gave him my resume. He said he hated formal interviews so we had lunch. It was no big deal.” Justin said turning back to Brian to reassure him. Brian nodded and concentrated on his food. Michael took in the situation and wasn’t sure what to say to make his friend feel better. He still believed that Brian was setting himself up to be hurt again. “Do you need me to watch Stephen for you tomorrow?” Jennifer offered. Justin’s face looked a little sadder as he shook his head. “No, but thanks. He needs to get use to their day care so I thought I would take him tomorrow and see how it goes. I shouldn’t be long and maybe if I ease him into it he’ll adjust alright.” He reached out and touched his son’s nose affectionately. Leaving Stephen was just one of the many sacrifices that Justin now had no choice about. “So how much money is in the account now? Any idea?” Melanie asked hoping to lighten the conversation. Ted smiled and paused in order to get the proper dramatic effect. Justin threw Brian a look knowing that he had tricked him into a confession earlier. Brain gave him his best whateverthefuck look and kept eating. “Well, “ Ted began smiling. “ I called the bank around five. I had made one deposit from the ticket sales but they reported to other sizable donations. One I knew about. Someone donated 25 thousand anonymously.” He waited as everyone gave Brian a knowing look. He rolled his eyes and refused to reveal anything. “There was also one for five thousand more. So with that alone we are over thirty thousand.” There was a round of applause. Jennifer was amazed. She was still waiting to get the appraisal back on her engagement ring. Once she had that she was determined to sell it and donate the money to the cause. Like everyone else, she suspected the huge donation came from the silent brunet sitting next to her son, but she wondered who could have made the other donation. Justin certainly had a lot of friends. “Whoa.” Melanie smiled. “That will go a long way towards winning your case.” Justin met her smile. “I have to win.” Justin said determinedly. “I have to.” There was a moment of silence as all eyes were on the little blond in the high chair now trying to share his bites with Gus. Justin did have to win. He just had to. ****************************** Jennifer was putting on Stephen’s sweater when the phone rang. “Molly can you get that?” She called. Molly raced to the receiver in the living room. “Hello?” She said breathlessly. “Hello I’m trying to reach Justin Taylor.” “Ok well hold on a sec.” Molly covered the receiver. “Justin!’ She hollered. “What?” Justin called from his bedroom. “Telephone!” She called to him. “Ok just a second.” ‘Shit’ Justin said under his breath as he ran his fingers through his hair. He took one last look in the mirror debating once more if he should have gone with the shirt and jacket instead of the sweater. Realizing he didn’t have time to change clothes again anyway he headed for the living room. “Hello?” He answered. “Justin? It’s Ken.” Ken paused wondering if the man would hang up or allow him to say his piece. “Ken. I don’t know—“ Justin began wondering why on earth Rachel’s lover would be calling him. “Justin I wanted to talk to you. Rachel is seeing a lawyer today.” “Ken I really don’t think you should be telling me this. I mean this is going to get ugly.” Justin glanced at his watch. This was the last thing that he needed before heading in for his first day on the job. “I know. I know you are probably right but I was just hoping we could maybe keep it from getting ugly.” Ken offered. “I won’t just go away Ken.” Justin said angrily. “No no Justin that’s not what I was suggesting. Rachel and I have had a couple of very heated discussion about her decision to go after custody of Stephen. Her concerns seem to center around this Kinney guy.” There was a long pause before Justin spoke again. “Look Ken she made some inappropriate assumptions about Brian and I, but that aside I don’t answer to Rachel. No, even more importantly, I won’t answer to Rachel. Stephen is my son. I have been there for him for almost two years and I don’t have any intention of having Rachel dictate who else I have in my life. She either trusts me or she doesn’t.” His voice was firm and determined. “I don’t think Rachel was the only Gold who had trust issues with you Justin.” The words were out of Ken’s mouth before he could stop them. “I’m starting a new job today Ken. I really can’t do this. “He said sounding like someone had just punched him in the stomach. “Justin look I’m sorry. I didn’t call to make this worse. I want to help.” Ken was filled with regret. He had added to the man’s pain. That had never been his intention. “I have to go now Ken.” Justin hung up the phone. “Who was that dear?” Jennifer asked coming into the living room with Stephen. “No one important.” Justin said not wanting to get into it with his mother. He didn’t have time. Stephen reached for him and Justin smiled. He felt his heart twist as he found himself wondering how much longer he would have his son with him. “Thanks for getting him together for me. I will have to get better at this.” He kissed his mother on the cheek. “It will get easier.” She smiled up at him. “What would I do without you?” He asked. “You would do just fine, but I’m glad I can help.” Jennifer leaned in kissing both her son and grandson on the cheek. “Well we are off to the GLC.” He felt so guilty taking his son to daycare. His mother had always been home with he and Molly. He had never even thought about putting Stephen in daycare but then again he had never thought about being a single parent. “Good luck sweetheart.” She waved to him as he headed out the door. He was using her car for the day. He knew he was going to have to work something else out. He had to find a car. He pushed that worry aside for a moment. One thing at a time, he had to get through his first day of work then he would think about the car. Everything was happening so quickly. The air was crisp and cool outside. Justin paused taking in the grey clouds and stark trees. Ethan always loved days like this. They would pile up on the couch and make love while Stephen napped. Ethan would play for him while he sketched. Ethan would always say the same thing on cold days. He would glance out the window and say “Too cold to go outside.” Then look over at Justin smiling wickedly and admit “Too hot to stay in.” Justin felt a lump form in his throat. Glancing in the rearview mirror he met his son’s gaze. Sometimes he wished that Stephen had resembled Rachel more. He would have liked for his son to have looked more like his lost partner. Maybe then it wouldn’t feel like Ethan was so far away. Returning his attention to that task at hand Justin put the car into gear. “I miss you Ethan.” He whispered as he pulled out of the driveway. *************************** “I called and Michael is ready to let the apartment go as well.” Emmett explained on the phone. Ted felt a wave of panic. He flipped his phone from speaker to hand held and headed for the hall so that he could talk some sense into his soon to be roommate. “Do you think that that is wise? I mean what if this all ends terribly then well—“ He began. “Where will I lay my head?” Emmett asked. He was hurt that Ted seemed to have already decided that they wouldn’t work out. “Yeah I mean no but yeah.” He said awkwardly. “Ted are you sure you want to do this?” He asked almost afraid to hear his answer. “No but yes.” He replied. Emmett understood he was nervous as well but knew that they had to give it one more shot. He loved Ted. It wasn’t the hearts and roses romance that he had always dreamed of but they were good and caring friends. All marriages eventually became what he and Ted already had, so they could just skip all that sexual excitement and jump right to the stable relationship. They’d already had the hot and heavy relationship, this time around it was all about stability and friendship. “Well I don’t see why I should keep the apartment, but if you would prefer for me to hang on to it for a couple of months I guess I could.” He offered. He didn’t want to start things off with an argument especially over something as stupid as an apartment. “That’s fair. Thanks Em.” Ted said softly. He loved how well they understood each other. It was such a comfort to know that even without telling him, Emmett always seemed to know what it was that Ted was feeling. “Well I have to run. I am heading over to the GLC to talk to Teresa at the daycare. She and I are coming up with some ideas to use to decorate for the dinner.” Ted smiled hearing his friend’s excitement. “Well have fun and I’ll see you tonight at Babylon.” “See yah.” He ended the call. He was really excited about getting the decorations lined out for the dinner. It had to be perfect. He wanted it to be happy and sunny. He wanted the people to remember why they were there. He wanted Justin to see how loved and supported he was just by walking through the door. Time was flying by though and they were now down to a week and a half to get everything made. Emmett pulled up in front of the GLC ready to get down to business. ************************** “Carol Myers.” She answered still sorting through the file in front of her. “Carol. Hi it’s Melanie.” Carol smiled. “Hey you, how’s life?” She asked setting aside the file for the moment. “We’re good. We’re good. I’m calling to ask you for a favor.” Melanie began waiting to see if Carol wanted to hear more or not. “Shoot.” She said. “Well did you read in the paper about the musician that was killed in the auto accident a few weeks ago?” Melanie asked. “Yeah, Ethan Gold right? I actually attended one of his performances in New York.” She said. “Why?” “Well his partner is a dear friend of mine and—“ “His partner? Are you telling me that he was gay?” Carol practically choked. “Yes.” Melanie admitted. “Ethan was gay. And his partner has moved back to Pittsburgh since Ethan’s death. Justin, my friend, and Ethan had a son. Ethan’s sister, Rachel Gold, is the biological mother.” Melanie paused giving the woman a moment to process all that she was saying. “Rachel called Justin earlier this week and informed him that she wanted custody of the baby now that Ethan is gone.” “Oh shit you’re kidding me?” Carol asked “What’s your friend name?” She asked. “Justin. Justin Taylor.” She paused again wondering if she should mention the bashing incident to jog the woman’s memory. “That name is familiar.” Carol said absently trying to place the name. “He was the teen that was bashed leaving his prom a few years back. There was a huge media storm over it.” Melanie offered. “Oh yeah, I remember that. So now he is a widower and a single parent. Nice life.” She commented sadly. “Who is in danger of losing his son.” Melanie added. “Now Ms. Gold did sign over her parental rights. I drew up those documents during the child’s first year of life. Justin even insisted that she sign an additional document guaranteeing that she wouldn’t attempt to reclaim him in the event that he and Ethan were no longer together.” “And she signed away her parental rights and the other document swearing she wouldn’t sue for custody.” Carol jotted down a couple of notes. “That’s right.” Melanie assured her. “Well that will help things but we both know that legal documents can be thrown out as easily as evidence depending on the judge.” Melanie knew this but somehow hearing Carol actually say it made it feel like a greater threat. “Carol, would you take his case?” Melanie asked. “I would have to see the documents and meet with Mr. Taylor first. “ She admitted. She liked Melanie but her case load was too full as it was. She didn’t have the time or energy for a sure lose case. “I can fax you my copy of the documents and then why don’t you come to dinner and you can meet him. How about this weekend?” She offered. “I don’t know Melanie. It might be awkward if I choose not to take the case.” Melanie knew once she saw Justin and Stephen together that Carol would definitely take the case. “It won’t be. Justin will understand. He is a very nice man Carol. You need to meet him and I owe you a meal.” She explained hoping that her friend would reconsider. “Ok. When?” She asked. “Saturday, my house, let’s say around seven?” Melanie suggested. “Make it seven thirty and you’re on.” Melanie sighed with relief. “Great. We’ll see you there and in the meantime I will get these sent to your office immediately.” “Ok Melanie until Saturday.” Carol hung up the phone turning her attention back to the file she had been working on. She caught herself thinking about the bashing she had read about years ago. It hadn’t been that long ago. She found herself a little surprised that Ethan Gold was gay not to mention involved with a partner and had a child. She started doing the mental math. Justin Taylor had to be in his very early twenties at the latest. The age factor would work against him. She pushed the thoughts aside. It was too early to decide. She needed to see the papers that Melanie was sending as well as meet the man in question. It felt like a no win case, but she had been wrong before. Trying not to dwell on what this young man must be enduring right now she hoped that this would be one of those times. ********************************* “Jennifer.” Deb called as she spotted her friend coming in the front door of the Diner. Jennifer waved and made her way to the counter. “Hey Debbie.” She kissed her on the cheek. “Where’s Sunshine?” She asked. “Working.” Jennifer beamed. “I was just on my way to show a house and wanted to drop by the thank you in person for getting the ball rolling on the donations and for the lovely dinner last night.” “Don’t mention it. I love him too you know. That’s what us moms are for, right? Does he have to work all day? It sounded like a short one today.” She picked up a pot of coffee and headed for a near by table where her customers were waiting. “Yeah but he still went in early with Stephen.” Jennifer announced. “It was pretty hectic this morning.” “I’ll bet. I remember those mornings trying to get Michael off to school while still trying to get to my shift on time.” Deb shook her head remembering how hard being a single parent had been back then. “Stephen can be in their daycare so Justin can see him off and on during the day. I think that that will make it much easier for him. He is really struggling with that part of going back to work.” Deb could sympathize she had had to leave Michael when there weren’t fancy daycares. She was a working woman long before it was in vogue. “We didn’t get to talk much last night with everyone there. Are you going to tell me what has you so bugged or should I just guess?” Deb leaned against the counter and poured Jennifer a cup of coffee. “Well it’s just that Justin is so vulnerable right now. I would hate to see him hurt again.” “You mean by Brian?” Deb asked feeling defensive of the man. “Well yes.” “So it’s ok for Brian to be around when you need him to find Justin or help him move back home, but once he’s safe and sound Brian is suppose to what? Disappear? What Jen?” She asked shaking her head. “No. I’m very grateful to Brian. I just see that they are getting close again and there is no possible way that Justin could possibly be ready to start a new relationship.” Jennifer offered. “Don’t you think Brian knows that? Besides this isn’t a new relationship. Their relationship never ended.” Deb stated emphatically. “Justin was in a committed relationship with Ethan. They had a child.” Jennifer defended her son disagreeing with her friend. “So what? He had a child with Ethan but be honest Jen did he ever look at Ethan like he does Brian? Did he ever talk about Ethan the same way he use to go on and on about Brian Kinney? Did he ever seem as happy with Ethan?” Jennifer was quiet considering as she stared at the counter. Looking up she shook her head. “Why don’t you just stay out of this one? Why don’t you just let Justin handle Brian? He was gutted when Justin walked out. Oh he tried to hide it from everyone but they all saw it. He damn near killed himself the first year with drugs and alcohol. I still believe that Gus was the only reason that he stopped short of ending it all. The second year he buried himself at work. We never saw him. He just now started being a bit like his old self. Only in the last few months had he started hanging out with his friends again and then BOOM Justin comes back into his life.” Deb reported forcing Jennifer to hear the side of the break up she hadn’t witnessed. “I don’t want either of them to get hurt.” Jennifer announced. “Well they will. They’re in love. It was so obvious when they came over. Have you noticed how Brian looks at Stephen? How he looks at Justin? He loves them. Now he may be the biggest asshole that God ever put on the face of the earth but he is also fiercely loyal to the ones he loves and he loves your son.” “So what do I do?” Jennifer asked wanting to warn her son but not even sure what she would be warning him against. “Nothing. He’s an adult Jen. Trust me. Anytime I stick my nose in Michael’s life he is more than happy to tell me to get the fuck out. Just be there for him if and when he needs you. Don’t try to prevent what’s going to happen. You can’t. They’ll either find each other again or they won’t. It has nothing to do with you.” She laid her hand over Jennifer’s. They eyes met and Deb saw the concern there. “He’s being so strong. I know he is dying inside. He won’t let me in.” Jennifer’s voice broke. “Does he let anyone in?” She asked knowing the answer. Jennifer nodded. “Stop being jealousy and just be grateful.” Deb squeezed her friend’s shoulder. She wished that Michael could have just heard her defending Brian. He would have dropped dead out of pure shock. She laughed picturing her son’s expression. ******************************