Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Chapter 47 – We Have News, Part 4 (Sidebar) Late Afternoon…(Day 47) Jennifer’s day was winding down, because she was about to leave to pick up Molly. She was supposed to be finishing up some last minute paperwork, but instead Jennifer was sitting in her office daydreaming about the recent changes in her family. Brian and Justin had found a way to bind themselves together. They had legalized what everyone already knew…that they were a couple. Justin was happy, and that was really all that mattered to her…well that and Brian was now legally her son-in-law. Jennifer’s thoughts were interrupted as her cell phone rang. She noticed the caller ID, so she cheerfully answered, “Hi Debbie.” “Jennifer, can you believe it?” Debbie asked breathlessly without explanation. “What do you mean?” Jennifer hesitantly asked, wanting to be absolutely sure what Debbie was talking about and not being willing to give away any unnecessary information. “You can cut the bullshit. I know! Brian and Justin were just here at the Diner, and they told me what they did. The little shits made it legal.” “Then you know?” “Yes, they told me and then fucking told me not to tell anyone.” “Are you going to be able to do that, Debbie?” Jennifer asked the question and tried to make it sound credible. “Only because Brian told me I could call you. He said that we could talk to our hearts’ content. I think those were the exact words he used. So I’m calling.” “Debbie, why are you so surprised? You know that they wanted to get married last year. Brian was ready. Justin said yes. They just couldn’t make it happen then…events seemed to intervene.” “Leave it to Brian and Justin. You know they could have had a ceremony so you and I could have been there. In fact, I wouldn’t put it past those two to go through all this legal mumbo jumbo just so I couldn’t watch them tie the knot,” Debbie insisted. “Now Debbie, how could you think that they would do such a thing? You know how they feel about you? Brian and Justin wanted to make sure that it was done and legal. You can understand that. I think you can finally stop worrying about them now. They will truly take care of each other. I must admit, I’m really very happy.” “Of course I’m happy. But how the fuck am I going to keep this secret?” Debbie admitted. “This is really big news!” “I know, I feel the same way,” Jennifer confirmed. “But it’s important to them, so I think we’re just going to have to honor their wishes. I’m sure they’ll find a way to tell everyone over the next week if we just give them this time.” “I know, but at least I can talk to you,” Debbie said. Jennifer just smiled. When she thought about it, she and Debbie had been through a lot together over the last six years. “Of course you can. We’ve been sharing Justin for a long time now, you and I. Now we get to share Brian too.” “Sharing Justin has been easy. Brian now is another story. But the two of them together will make for a roller coaster ride. I can see it already.” “C’mon Debbie, they’re good together,” Jennifer said with a laugh. “You have to at least admit that.” “But Jennifer you should have seen them. They’re so cute together. They act like fucking newlyweds, in spite of the fact that they aren’t calling it a marriage. They never do what you expect them to. I have to wonder what the fuck they’re up to next.” Jennifer had to laugh because Debbie knew them so well, but Jennifer wasn’t about to let that perception go unchallenged. “Whatever they’re up to, they’ll eventually tell us. Haven’t they shown us that?” “Maybe. But I’m never going to be able to rest, waiting for whatever crazy thing that they’re gonna think up next.” “Debbie, you’re going to have to relax. Everything will be all right. Somehow we’ll all manage to get through this.” “I’ll be ok as long as I have you to talk to,” Debbie quietly admitted. “I’ll be right here,” Jennifer whispered, “Debbie, I have to go. I have to pick up Molly. We’ll talk later.” “Ok, Jennifer, bye” Debbie said just before she hung up the phone. Jennifer hung up the phone and thought to herself, ‘Oh Debbie, you have no idea how right you are. Hang on, dear friend, we’re about to go on one very wild ride!’ *** Kiki arrived at the Diner and greeted Debbie. “Thanks for coming in early to relieve me,” Debbie said to Kiki. “We’re having house guests, and I still have a few things left to do.” “So who’s coming?” Kiki asked, not wanting to miss out on any juicy gossip. “My granddaughter is coming to visit, along with Melanie and Lindsay. You remember them don’t you?” “Who could forget them, and your adorable granddaughter? Michael must be thrilled.” “Of course, he always looks forward to seeing his daughter. I’ve missed her too. It’s been a month since she was last here. I bet she’s really grown since I last saw her. You know how kids are at that age, they grow so like weeds.” “I’ll have to take your word for that,” Kiki remarked with a smile. Debbie returned her smile. “I guess I better get going. I have so much to do.” *** Debbie walked into her living room and sat down on the sofa for just a minute. She wanted to take just a moment to let the events of the day settle in. Talking to Jennifer had definitely helped, she didn’t feel so alone with her awesome burden…Brian and Justin had legalized their domestic partnership. Carl came home and was surprised to see his better-half sitting down. In the time that he’d known Debbie, she could, at best, be described as in perpetual motion. He immediately knew, something was up. “So is everything ready for the girls’ visit?” Carl cautiously asked. “Yeah, sure,” Debbie responded with some distraction. “I would think that a little more enthusiasm would be in order. After all, your entire little family will be back together,” Carl commented. “My little family, as you call it, will never be the same again,” Debbie revealed. “Why what happened?” Carl asked with some concern. “You will never believe what’s happened, so don’t even ask.” “Debbie honey, I’m still a good detective, but you wouldn’t by any chance want to give me just a few clues,” Carl teased. “I’m so much better when you give me leads.” “I can’t tell you, I’ve been sworn to secrecy. I promised Sunshine.” “Sunshine…what would Justin swear you to secrecy about? I didn’t even know that he was back in town.” “Sunshine and Brian flew back yesterday from New York. They stopped by this afternoon to see me at the Diner.” “So they’re back, huh? Has Brian talked to Michael?” Carl asked. “I know that Michael has been trying to reach him.” “Michael? I don’t know,” she said mindlessly. Then she remembered that she knew something that Michael probably didn’t know. “ Oh my god, Michael! How is he going to deal with this?” she said with alarm. “How is he going to deal with what? Sweetheart, you’re not making any sense,” Carl cautiously mentioned. “I can’t tell you. This is all fucked up. Sunshine swore me to secrecy.” Carl made himself comfortable beside Debbie and wrapped his arms around her. “Well I wouldn’t want you to betray any promises you made to Justin, but I am your loving partner and fiancé. When Justin swore you to secrecy, I don’t think he meant to include me. I just want to help, Sweetheart, and I can’t do that if I don’t know what’s going on,” he tried to reason. For just a moment, Debbie surrendered to the comfort of Carl’s arms. “Ok,” Carl said, trying to figure out his next move. He decided to begin by changing the subject. Carl released Debbie and started moving about the room. “Do you know what time Melanie and Lindsay will arrive?” “Somewhere around six, I would say. Brian got a limo so they could easily get here from the airport,” Debbie pointed out. Then her voice softened as she said, “Brian really does do nice things, doesn’t he?” Carl walked over and placed his hand on Debbie’s forehead. “Are you sure you’re feeling all right?” “Sure, why do you ask?” “Because ever since I’ve known you, you have personally blamed Brian for every moment of unhappiness that Michael has ever experienced since the age of 14. In your eyes, I thought that he was the devil incarnate. What brought about this sudden change?” “I never said he was the devil incarnate. He’s always looked out for Michael. I think that Brian is part of the reason that Michael never grew up. Brian was always there to look out for him. Michael could simply hide in Brian’s shadow.” “But that’s all changed. Michael moved on and married Ben. So taking care of Michael is Ben’s job now…not Brian’s?” “You don’t understand. Michael may be with Ben but he figured that he would grow old with Brian. How often have you heard Brian say that ‘they would be two old queens growing old in Palm Springs’? Michael still has hope.” “Hope? Hope for what? You say a lot of things when you’re kids…but then you grow up, things change. Everybody knows that.” Carl carefully pointed out, hoping this explanation would register with Debbie. “Carl, do you remember last year when Brian and Justin were supposed to get married?” “Sure, I remember. Everyone was in a state of disbelief when they first heard the news. No one could believe that Brian was ready to settle down. Michael seemed ok with things. He and Brian even made up after their long-standing disagreement. Michael was even going to be Brian’s best man. I remember that Gus was going to be ring bearer,” Carl added with a laugh. “Once everyone got over the initial shock, everyone was looking forward to their roles in the wedding. Then Brian and Justin called off the wedding, and Justin went to New York instead. But why are you bringing this up now?” “I was just thinking that Brian has been gone for almost two weeks. Michael always gets so lost when Brian is out of touch too long.” “After twenty years, you get used to someone being around all the time. You just miss them when they’re not around. Add to that, the fact that Brian and Justin have been living out at the house for the last month. I guess Brian hasn’t been around too much. I’m sure it’s hard on Michael.” “I know. But I bet Brian could talk some sense into Michael. Make him forget about his crazy idea of moving to Toronto,” Debbie said emphatically. Carl breathed a sigh of relief. So Debbie was simply concerned that Michael and Ben might move to Toronto, and that was the reason for Debbie’s peculiar behavior. Okay, he could deal with this. He would have to do a little more work to figure out how Justin fit into all of this. He would just have to be patient while he figured out how to get the remaining details. This was going to take all his skills as an interrogator. “Michael was just spouting off,” Carl proposed as a way of explanation. “He just misses JR. I’m sure that once she visits this weekend, he’ll regain his perspective. You’ve got to admit, Melanie and Lindsay have been really good about making sure that he gets to see his daughter at least once a month, even when they really didn’t have to.” “I know. I would hate to see a replay of their original custody battle start up again.” “And you think that might happen?” “Yes, I do. Melanie is very protective where JR is concerned. Michael is always pushing for more; he never appreciates what he has. He’s a greedy little bastard in that regard. He always tries to push for more until things blow up in his face. Then he’s always so hurt when he feels left behind.” “I think you worry too much. I know you wish the girls would simply move back here. Michael thinks that things could be the way they once were. But when you think about it, what do they have to come back to? Melanie and Lindsay have said that their relationship is recognized in Toronto. They have a chance for a different life…a chance to raise their kids in safety, or at least that was the premise for the move.” “Well, let me finish fixing dinner. I know everyone will be hungry when they finally get here.” “I’ll be your assistant since Em seems to be out,” Carl volunteered. “Yeah, he’s been really busy with his clients. He had a last minute dinner party yesterday, and he’s been busy most of today too. Ok, Carl, you’re hired.” “Oh thank you, great one,” Carl teased, “Now what would you like me to do first?” Carl gently pulled Debbie into the kitchen with a kiss. Together they began working on dinner preparations. Carl was cutting up veggies after detailed instructions from Debbie. Carl suddenly had a new respect for the patience of Emmett, but he said nothing and simply did as he was told. “You know, Debbie,” Carl cautiously began, “I’ve found it’s sometime easier to keep a secret if you share the burden with someone.” “I know and talking to Jennifer has definitely helped. Otherwise, I’m sure I would have blurted everything out by now,” she responded. “I see,” Carl said, admitting defeat. “It’s because we aren’t married yet that you don’t want to share family secrets with me. I do know how to maintain confidentiality you know. It’s part of my training to be on the force,” he knew he was laying it on a bit thick, but he didn’t like to see Debbie in this much distress, and he really did want to help share the load of Justin’s secret...whatever it was. “Ok Carl, I’m going to tell you, but you’ve got to promise not to tell a living soul. I really do need to tell you because I need you to be there for me, so I can be there for Michael. Michael isn’t going to take this well.” “What on earth could Justin do that would effect Michael?” Carl asked, now stopping his vegetable cutting to give Debbie his undivided attention. “This morning Brian and Justin legalized their domestic partnership. They are legally a couple.” “A lot of couples are doing that these days,” Carl said nonchalantly. “Carl you don’t understand, Brian and Justin didn’t just mindlessly sign a few papers. Let me see, how did Sunshine put it…He and Brian gave each other every thing that they have at this moment…and everything that they will have in the future. They are equal partners forever and ever. Their union is recognized as completely legal.” “That’s pretty significant…but, why the secrecy? Brian and Justin have been a couple every since I can remember. They have declared themselves to be partners for ages. They were going to get married. Why should anybody even raise an eyebrow at their new status?” “Michael’s not going to take this well. It will truly mean an end of an era for him. This has been Michael’s biggest fear since the day Brian first fucked Justin. He’s always been afraid that they would totally commit to each other. And somehow Brian would change. And if Brian changed…than Michael’s relationship with Brian would change. And on and on.” “But Michael went on to build a life with Ben,” Carl rationally pointed out. “But Michael always knew that Brian was out there waiting for him…always available to him. But somehow, Brian changed in the process of making this decision about Justin. I sat across the table from a different Brian Kinney. This new and improved Brian knew exactly what he was doing and didn’t give a shit about what anyone else thought, except for Sunshine. I’ve never seen Brian like that before. And you should see the way Brian and Sunshine look at each other. Brian’s not hiding his feelings anymore.” “And Brian hasn’t told Michael?” “Not yet. Brian and Justin want to tell everyone themselves. So that’s the reason for the secrecy.” “Well I promise you that I won’t tell anyone. But I want you to know, I’m here for you and Michael if you need me,” Carl said, moving over to gently kiss Debbie. Then Carl smiled, “So Brian and Justin are legal partners now. They must have really reached a new understanding. But you know, I couldn’t be happier for them.” Emmett entered unnoticed while they were talking, “What do you mean that Brian and Justin are legal partners?” “Oh Hi, Em,” Carl said, “We didn’t hear you come in.” “Obviously,” Em said sarcastically. “But now that I am in, are you going to tell me what’s going on with Brian and Justin?” “It’s supposed to be a secret,” Debbie admitted. “Need I remind you that there are no secrets here? So dish!” “Em, I can’t. Brian and Justin swore me to secrecy,” Debbie tried to protest. “Well I guess I’ll just go and call Justin directly and ask him what’s going on. If you’ll excuse me?” Em said, making a move to go upstairs. “I’m sure he’ll be interested in the conversation here that triggered my call to him.” “No, Em…” Debbie called out, “You can’t!” “Emmett, wait a minute,” Carl insisted, casting a pleading look at Debbie. Debbie took a deep breath. “All right, I’ll tell you, but you can’t say anything to anyone.” “Ok, Brian and Justin are a fucking couple,” Debbie said simply. “Of course they’re a couple,” Emmett said with a laugh. “Have you not been paying attention? They’ve been a couple almost since they met,” he pointed out. “So you’re going to have to do better than that.” “Promise me you won’t tell anyone?” Debbie insisted. “Because if you do, I swear to god I’ll tie your balls in a knot. Do I make myself clear?” “Sure Debbie, calm down. There’s no reason to get hostile,” Emmett tried to say. “Brian and Justin went to their lawyer this morning and signed the necessary papers to formally legalize their domestic partnership. To quote Sunshine, they are equal partners forever and ever. They went the whole way and legalized their union.” “So Brian finally got Justin to take that final step,” Emmett said. “I think it’s wonderful, but why the secrecy?” “Brian wanted to have chance to tell everyone over the next few days. When they finally tell you, you’re going to have to act surprised. Can you do that?” Debbie asked. “Oh please, after all the movies I’ve seen. Of course, I can act surprised. I promise that I won’t say a thing. Does Michael know?” “Not that I’m aware of,” Debbie professed. ”That’s what Carl and I were talking about when you came in.” “Oh my god, he’s not going to take this well. He never figured that Brian would go through with this,” Emmett exclaimed. “Oh come on, Emmett, he has to know how Brian and Justin feel about each other. They were going to get married a year ago, we all know that.” Carl interjected. “Michael always said that Brian would never go through with the marriage. So when it was cancelled last year, Michael felt vindicated and could say, ‘I told you so’. No one really knew that Brian and Justin were still a couple. Michael thought the relationship was over. You remember how he was when he received his painting from Justin. So I’m sure he was surprised a month ago when Justin came back into town, and then Brian and Justin moved into the mansion together. Now this…I don’t know,” Emmett revealed. “I wouldn’t want to be the one to tell him this news.” “And you won’t be. I have your promise, Em. You let Brian handle this with Michael. The two of them will have to work it out together.” “My lips are sealed. Although you have to admit, this is the news of the century. This won’t stay buried for long.” “Melanie and Lindsay are coming here in a few hours. I also don’t want you to say anything to them either. You let Brian handle this in his own way. Do I make myself clear?” “Perfectly,” Emmett said, “I won’t say a word. You have my promise.” Emmett went into his room and closed the door. He couldn’t help wondering why Justin didn’t mention this when they had lunch this afternoon. He played back in his mind the entire lunchtime conversation. ‘New roommate’…‘need a bigger living space’…‘moving to a better neighborhood’… “Of course, Justin needs a new place to live because he and Brian are moving in together. Not only are they moving in together, they’re moving to New York. Wait until I get my hands on that little blond. He knows better than to deliberately mislead me. Ok, Justin, I’ll give you a few days to come clean. But you have a lot of explaining to do!” Emmett said aloud to himself. Then he couldn’t resist a laugh. Emmett sat down and began to plot the punishment for Justin…just in case a certain blond neglected to come clean in the allotted time.