Lois, thank you for the beta...you are the greatest!
Chapter 16 - Encounters The Next Morning...(Day 19) Brian awakened to three strange sensations…one and two were his favorites, that of finding his nose tickled by blond hairs and Justin curled up in his arms…the third was a complete surprise…he heard singing. Brian tried to look around the room to locate the source of the sounds. It took a moment for Brian to figure out that the singing was Gus, and the sounds were coming though the monitor. Brian smiled. He gently kissed Justin awake so he could listen. Justin smiled. Brian thought back to his own childhood, and he could never remember a morning when he woke up singing. Yet here was Gus singing away in his room. Brian put on sweatpants and quietly crept across to Gus’ room. There he saw Gus still dressed in his pajamas…singing and dancing around his room…with his oversized teddy bear as a dancing partner. Not wanting to disturb the scene before him, Brian quietly made his way back to tell Justin what he had seen. Justin smiled. “I’m so glad Gus is happy,” Justin said with a laugh. Then he yawned. “What are your plans for today?” Brian asked, once again snuggling into Justin. “I have some ideas I want to work on in the studio.” “Don’t tell me you’re going to finally paint?” Brian smirked. “Ouch!” Brian grimaced as Justin hit his arm with back of his hand. “You know my studio here at the house is so much bigger than the one in New York. I was thinking maybe it time for another large scale canvas,” Justin pointed out. “By the way, have you decided where you want your painting to be hung?” “I was thinking in my office downstairs. That way I can look at it whenever I want to, but I don’t have to answer a lot of questions about it, at least not yet. What do you think?” “I’ll see if I can get Thomas to help me hang it today.” “I guess I’d better get ready. I have a couple of meetings today.” “And be sure you take a look at the boards. I left everything in your office. I’ll be back in the art department on Monday to make any changes. But now, I guess Gus and I will hang out in the studio for a bit,” Justin explained. “Do you want breakfast?” “I thought I smelled coffee when I went in to check on Gus. Teres must have made coffee for Thomas.” “No, that’s the new coffee maker. It will start to brew automatically at the same time each morning. I set it last night before we went to bed.” “Well, you’re just full of surprises are you?” “Nothing will match my surprise of last night. Did I thank you?” “Many times,” Brian smirked, leaning down to give Justin a kiss. “I guess I better get a shower and get dressed. I have a meeting this morning and I need to allow extra time for the traffic.” Brian took a quick shower and got dressed. He then walked to Gus’ room to kiss him goodbye. Gus found out that Justin was awake, and he immediately followed Brian back to the bedroom to join Justin on the bed. Brian kissed Justin goodbye and said, “I’ll see you two this evening.” “Later.” “Later.” When Brian left, Justin and Gus made plans for the day. Justin announced to Gus that he would be in his new studio. Gus got excited because he really wanted to finger paint, and now he would have a chance to do that in a real studio…like a real artist. So Justin and Gus got up, showered and dressed. They stopped in the kitchen for cereal before heading to the studio to take advantage of the morning light. *** Later that morning...(Day 19) Having only a cup of coffee before leaving Bri-tin, Brian decided to stop at the Diner to grab breakfast before starting work. Of course, everyone was there in the usual booth: Michael, Ted, and Emmett. “Debbie, you have to release me I can’t breathe,” Brian uttered as a pair of loving arms engulfed him as he entered the Diner. Debbie finally released him. “Where’s Sunshine?” “At home, painting I hope.” “You’re both coming to dinner tomorrow?” “Do I have a choice?” “Not really.” “That’s what I thought.” “Now that we’ve got that settled, what would you like to order?” “Three egg white omelet, dry toast, coffee and juice, Deb. Thanks,” Brian ordered. “That’s a big breakfast for you. Are you all right, Sweetie?” Emmett teased. “ I have a lot of things going on. I have to keep my strength up,” Brian quipped with a smirk. “We know that Justin’s in town. You don’t have to be a smart ass,” Michael remarked. “How is Justin doing, by the way?” Ted asked. “I heard you moved into the house. So I guess no one will see ever Justin again. Huh?” “Justin is fine. He and Gus are painting together today in Justin’s studio. Emmett, you did a wonderful job furnishing the house. Thank you.” “Do my ears deceive me? Did I actually get a compliment from his royal badness? Will wonders ever cease?” Emmett rambled on. “Thanks for the compliment anyway.” “You really earned it.” “So Brian, are we ever going to see Justin again?” Debbie asked as she started to clear the table. “Or are you going to try to keep him all to yourself?” Brian rolled in eyes in disbelief as he wonders when they will stop asking THAT question. “I plan to let him loose just long enough for dinner tomorrow…then I’ll lock him back in his studio again. How’s that?” “I’m sorry I brought it up,” Deb said with a sigh. “What are you doing here Mikey?” Brian asked. “I thought you and Ben had JR?” “She’s with Lindsay and Melanie. I’ll pick her up this afternoon. It’s been great having her this week. I’m going to miss her when she goes back to Toronto.” “You’re a good dad, Michael,” Brian commented. “So are you,” Michael responded. Ted and Emmett did a double take on hearing that comment. Both wondered what had come over Michael to produce this change in attitude. “Thank you, Michael,” Brian said with some surprise. “Well Theodore, I think it’s time we get to work. You have a very demanding boss. So it’s a good idea not to piss him off by being late.” Ted became slightly flustered. “Late. No. Never. I’m leaving right behind you, Bri. I’ll see you at the office.” “I’ve still got it,” Brian said aloud, realizing he can still momentarily strike fear in the heart of Ted every now and then. *** Early Afternoon… (Day 19) “Brian, Lindsay is here to see you,” Cynthia said, showing Lindsay into Brian’s office and making a quick exit. Lindsay took a seat in the chair opposite Brian’s desk, and waited while he finished what he was working on. Brian eventually looked up and acknowledged her presence. “Ok Lindsay, what do you want?” he abruptly asked. “Well hello to you too,” she responded sarcastically. “I don’t have a lot of time. I’ve had enough of dealing with you and Melanie, and we still have dinner tomorrow to get through. So what brings you here?” “I came to apologize.” “Oh! For what?” “Melanie and I overreacted to the camping thing. We should have heard you out before we jumped to conclusions. I just stopped by to tell you, Melanie and I are sorry.” “Sorry is bullshit. Let it go,” he suggested. Lindsay got up and started to pace around the office. “Is that all?” Brian asked solemnly. “No. I came here because I need to talk to you about something else too.” “What?” “I need to talk to you about something, and I need you to promise not to say anything to anyone about it.” “I can’t make you that promise. Justin and I don’t keep secrets from each other.” “You used to keep secrets. Why did that change?” “Lindsay, Justin is my partner. I promised him no secrets. I’m not going to even think about breaking that promise to him. So if those are your terms, I guess we have nothing to discuss.” “Why are you being so harsh with me? We’ve been friends for a long time. I thought we would always be there for each other.” “Lindsay, I will do what I can to help…whatever it is. But I’m not going to keep secrets from Justin. So do you want to tell me what’s going on or not?” “Melanie and I are working through some issues. So we’re seeing our old counselor here in Pittsburgh. We have seen her every day this week. I’m starting to see some things more clearly now.” “Well that’s good. I hope you and the dragon witch can work out your issues. But what does that have to do with me.” “We need to come into town one weekend per month to meet with the counselor. I was thinking that Gus could visit you that weekend, if that’s all right.” “Not a problem, you know Gus can visit me anytime. Now you know, he even has his own room at the house for when he visits.” “And I was wondering if you will pay for my plane fare, as well as for Gus, to travel back and forth here to see you?” “I don’t have a problem with that. I have always said I would cover travel costs for you and Gus to visit me, haven’t I?” “Yes, you have. I just wanted to be sure you haven’t changed your mind.” “And I don’t really care what you do while Gus is visiting me. I hope you and Melanie can work through whatever you problems there are. You know I want you to be happy.” “Thank you.” “But Lindsay, as much as I love seeing Gus, I’m not going to allow you to use Gus as a pawn in your schemes with Melanie.” “I understand.” “Once Gus and I start seeing each other on a regular basis, I want to know that you’re not going the pull the rug out and suddenly disappear again. The last time we worked out an arrangement like this, you and Melanie decided to move to Toronto. Then you decided you didn’t want me to see Gus, because you wanted him to adjust. He and I were out for touch for almost a year. I’m not going through that again.” “You won’t have to. I promise.” “Lindsay, I want Gus to be able to talk to me when he needs to. I want us to have weekly father/son chats on the phone. I want him to be a part of my life, and I want to part of his life. That’s all there is to it.” “You don’t have a problem there. Gus wants you to be a part of his life. Can’t you see that? Look, our son inherited your stubborn streak. He staged a hunger strike to see Justin. Gus thinks of Justin as HIS JUSTIN. Gus loves Justin. I realize that he needs both you and Justin in his life, especially as he grows older. Melanie and I really can’t do it all, and I really want to do what’s best for our son.” “We both want the same things. I just wish that you and Melanie would stop treating me like the devil incarnate.” “I already know that. Justin has already reamed me out about the fact that Melanie and I can’t seem to acknowledge the changes you’ve made. According to Justin, we seem to be stuck in the past.” “Lindsay, you and I have been friends for a long time. Open your eyes and see who I am…not who you want me to be…not who I was…but who I am. I love Gus and Justin and will do everything in my power to protect them both. I mean that.” “I know that. Speaking of Justin…what about Justin’s career?” “As I told you before, Justin is doing what he wants with his art. His has two shows coming up in three months…one in New York, one in Cincinnati. He has an agent and everything. So he’s painting at the house. It’s what he wants to do.” “And you’re just going to support his decision when he has so much talent.” “Lindsay, I’m only going to say this once. It’s Justin’s talent. It’s Justin’s life. He isn’t a teenager anymore. He gets to make decisions about his life and his talent and what he wants to do with them. My job as his partner is to understand that and to support him in those decisions.” “But how can he do what he needs to do, when he’s tempted by things like you and the house and money and stuff?” Brian just laughed. “Lindsay, do you really think that Justin is with me because of the things I have? Do you really think that Justin cares about my money? Do you think that the house sways Justin? I can’t believe that you’re that deluded. You’ve watched Justin for the last six years. I can’t believe you don’t see the obvious. One of the constant struggles between Justin and me has been that Justin wants to make his own way in the world and I love taking care of him. But when I lost everything: my job, my money, my possessions…when I had nothing, Justin still stood proudly beside me as my partner. No Lindsay, Justin doesn’t care about my money. If being in Toronto has caused you to think that, you’re more fucked up than I realized.” Brian continued with a sigh. “You know I don’t know why I’m explaining things to you. I have finally reached the point where I no longer care what you or anyone else thinks about my relationship with Justin. It’s enough that he and I know exactly where we stand.” “It’s just that he has a chance at a future…” Brian held up his hand to cut her off. “Lindsay, be very careful. I won’t let you try to live out your failed career fantasies through Justin. I won’t let you manipulate Justin’s career. I also won’t let you drive a wedge between him and me. You managed to get away with it once. That’s not going to happen again. Do I make myself clear?” “I understand.” “Well I need to get ready for a meeting; so I guess I’ll see you at dinner tomorrow?” “Melanie and I are thinking about driving back to Toronto after dinner. That way there should be less traffic, and the kids should sleep all the way back home.” “No problem. We’ll pack Gus’ things and bring them with us to Deb’s tomorrow.” “Next month the trip should be easier because we’ll fly rather than drive. Thanks for everything, Brian.” “Justin and I have enjoyed this time with Gus. And you’re right…Gus is crazy about Justin. Right now Gus seems to be happy. I want him to stay that way as you and Melanie work through your problems.” Brian said finally, with a completely relaxed tone to his voice. “How bad are things between you two?” “This isn’t like before. We’re not breaking up. Melanie and I still love each other. We’re working things out. We’re really talking to each other. So there’s no reason for you to worry.” “Do you need anything? Is there anything I can do? Do you need money?” “No. And, I don’t want you to worry,” Lindsay said quietly. “Everything will be all right; it’s just going to take some time.” Lindsay leaned over to gently kissed Brian goodbye. “I’ll see you at dinner tomorrow.” “Bye.” *** Later That Afternoon…(Day 19) As Brian returned to his office from a meeting, Cynthia greeted him with a smile. “You have a visitor waiting in your office.” “Who?” Brian asked. “Susan Weaver.” “You’re kidding me?” Cynthia started to laugh. “I told her that you weren’t here. She insisted upon waiting. She seems upset.” “What now?” “I don’t know. She didn’t say.” Brian turned and proceeded to toward his office. “Well, let’s get this over with,” he whispered aloud with a sigh. Brian opened the door to his office. “Susan!” Brian said, entering his office. “If we keep meeting like this people are going to start to talk. And, I have a very jealous partner.” “Brian, I’m really sorry about this. Eyeconics just has so much riding on this deal. Everything is ready to go, as soon as we have the campaign strategy. You’re going to handle is for us, aren’t you Brian?” she asked with pleading eyes. “I told you I would. Everything will be fine. You’ll see.” “Look Brian, I hate to ask. I really need a favor. Everything is scheduled for a meeting in two weeks, but Signor Silvestri and the Belluss Occhiali team are already here in the states. They’re in New York for meetings with their distributors. Brian, I can’t live with this uncertainty for another two weeks. Can’t we meet sooner?” “If we meet sooner, will you go back to running your company and leave me alone so I can run mine?” Brian teased with a laugh. “Brian you’re so cruel.” Susan said with a matching laugh. “You’re enjoying my misery. Just wait until you have to deal with the Italian Tiger. Then, you’ll understand why I’m a basket case.” “Susan, if the deal is causing you this much discomfort, then explain to me again why you’re doing this? You could have just walked away. Why did you say that you are putting yourself through this?” “Oh no. I’m not going to give The Beast that satisfaction. As you have pointed out the designs are wonderful. The deal is a good one. It makes business sense. It’s just he problems with the ad campaign. We’re so far off schedule that it’s made me crazy. I’m sure after you meet with them, everything will be ok. Can we meet first thing Monday morning?” she practically begged. “Susan, you have to give me some time to prepare. You don’t want me to face Signor Silvestri unprepared do you?” Brian continued to tease. Brian called Cynthia to have her check his schedule for the beginning of the week. Then, Brian placed a second call. “Hey.” There was a brief pause, while Brian listened. “What’s your schedule like next week?” There was another moment of silence. “Susan Weaver of Eyeconics is here. It seems that Eyeconics and Belluss Occhiali want to move the meeting up to beginning of the week. I was checking to see if that was a problem.” There was another pause. “Yes, I saw them. They’re exactly what we discussed. Excellent job as always.” There was another pause. “Thanks. Is Gus ok?” There was another pause. “I’ll see you at home. Later.” Brian closed his cellphone, and returned to talking to his client. “Ok Susan. Monday is a bit of a stretch. But let’s say 10AM on Tuesday. That should give us all day to iron things out. Will that work for you?” Susan took out her cellphone and placed a call to the Signor Silvestri and the Italian Team. They were absolutely delighted that the meeting had been moved up and were thrilled with the Tuesday, 10 AM time slot. With everything settled, Susan Weaver started to relax. “So if we’re going to lose a full day meeting on Tuesday, I guess we had both better get back to work,” Brian said with a smile. “Don’t you think?” “Yeah, you’re probably right. Thanks for everything.” Susan stood up to leave. Suddenly, something disturbed her greatly. “Wait a minute! Wait a minute!” “Yes?” “What do you mean a full day meeting? Your presentations usually only take 2 hours…all the presentations you’ve done for us have been 2 hours or less. Brian, you’re scaring me.” “Trust my instincts on this one. Clear your calendar for the entire day. Then you can come to the meeting and relax.” Brian said reassuringly. “I’ll see you then, on Tuesday. I’ll even take care of lunch.” Susan finally nodded her acceptance. “Tuesday it is,” she said as she was leaving. *** Brian pulled out his phone and placed a call to Emmett, asking if he would cater lunch on Tuesday. Brian and Emmett spent some time discussing the particulars of what Brian had in mind. Emmett agreed to handle everything. Everything was now ready. Cynthia eventually breezed into Brian’s office. “Did you calm Susan down or do I need to set up a desk for her here at Kinnetik?” “None of that should be necessary. Eyeconics and Belluss Occhiali will be here at 10AM on Tuesday. Please be sure my calendar is clear for the entire day. Also make sure you and Theodore are available as well. The boards are ready. Justin and I have the weekend to refine the presentation. Everything should be ready to go on Tuesday.” “I’m really looking forward to this.” Cynthia said with a grin.