Jennifer laughed as Liam talked to her about his imaginary friend. She could see that the boy was very smart with the conversation he would have with his friend. Brian was watching the interaction with a smile and Justin was stuffing his face. They had left earlier so that they could have breakfast and then Liam would get a haircut. “At what time is the appointment?” Jennifer asked. “At nine,” Brian told her and looked at his watch. “In half an hour.” Jennifer nodded and looked at Justin. She was happy that her son was eating healthy. “Do you need anything else?” Brian asked and grabbed a piece of bacon. “Put it back,” Justin hissed. Brian smirked. “What?” “Give me my bacon back!” Justin told him raising his voice. Liam arched his brows. “Papa, don’t want to share?” Justin looked at his son. “Daddy doesn’t want the bacon, do you Brian?” Brian put the piece of bacon back on the plate. “I wasn’t even hungry.” Jennifer was amused at the whole thing. “You should be at home, sweetie.” “I’m tired of being home,” Justin informed him. “If I had to stay a minute longer in there I would have exploded.” “We’re going home as soon as Liam gets his haircut,” Brian informed them. Justin rolled his eyes and kept on eating. “I want to go to the zoo,” Liam informed them. “That sounds like a good idea,” Justin quickly said. “For a short while at least, maybe we can go after your haircut.” Brian was going to open his mouth to say something but Justin shot him a glare that silenced him. Jennifer smirked and focused her attention back on Liam. When it was time to go they got up and went to get Liam’s haircut. That’s when the battle started. “Come on,” Jennifer tried. “Sit down in the chair.” Liam seemed to grip Brian’s collar harder. “No!” Justin had never seen Liam so scared in his life. Brian had told him that each time they took Liam to get a haircut it was a fight but he didn’t imagined anything like what was happening. They had been standing there for about ten minutes with no progress at all. “I’ll buy you a toy,” Brian said. “Hey,” Justin protested. He didn’t want his husband blackmailing their eldest son. “I want a toy,” Liam said. “Then sit here,” Brian informed him and Liam sat on the chair. “I get my toy,” Liam proclaimed. “When we get out of here,” Brian assured him. “Let’s start then,” Jan said ready to cut Liam’s hair. He grabbed the boy’s hair to see how much he was going to cut when Liam started screaming. “Don’t touch!” Liam yelled. “Liam!” Brian said sternly. Justin rolled his lips inside him mouth trying really hard not to laugh. He had to act like a parent and look menacing. “Stay put,” Brian said to Liam when the boy started fidgeting. “No!” Liam yelled as he put his hands on his hair. “My hair!” “Great,” Brian muttered. “It’s too long Liam. We have to cut it.” “No!” Liam retorted and kept his hands firmly planted on his hair. “Please,” Brian told him. Liam shook his head. “Come on, Liam,” Jennifer tried to say. It was always the same with the boy. Since he was a little boy it was a fight to give him a haircut. “I don’t want to,” Liam informed them. “You’re going to get a haircut,” Brian told him as he pushed Liam’s hands away. “That’s an order mister.” Liam looked at Justin and used what he had. He let the tears flow. “Papa, tell them no. Papa!” Justin frowned and walked over to him. He quickly picked the boy up. “Justin,” Brian protested. “He doesn’t want a haircut,” Justin said. “I don’t want him crying.” Brian sighed. That’s just what he needed. The Justin he knew would have remained like a stone, telling Liam that he needed a haircut. He looked at Justin caressing the boys back and telling him that it was okay. “We should go then,” Jennifer pointed out. “To the zoo,” Liam said happily. “We can’t go to the zoo,” Justin replied Liam started pouting. “Why?” “Because you didn’t get your haircut,” Justin answered. “That was the plan. We would go eat and we did and then we came here to get a haircut for you but since that didn’t happen we can’t go to the zoo.” Brian grinned seeing what Justin was doing. Liam’s face scrunched up as he looked at his father. He looked back at Jan and then back and Justin. He seemed to be making a life and death decision. Jennifer was the one who was trying not to laugh now. “Okay,” Liam whispered. “I get my haircut.” “Are you sure?” Justin asked. Liam nodded slowly. Justin put him in the chair and Jan finally was able to do his job. Brian threw his arm around the blond and smirked. Justin smiled happily that he had convinced his son. “Nice, Sunshine,” Brian whispered to the man. “Really nice.” Justin beamed and replied with that unique sunshine smile. *** Melanie was coming out of the day Spa feeling refreshed. She had refused to go but Emmett had insisted that she needed it. And now that she felt like she was walking on air she knew he had been right. She wasn’t looking where she was going and unfortunately bumped into someone. “Hey,” the guy that Melanie hit said. Melanie was going to fall back and she grabbed him by the shirt but only succeeded in ripping part of the sleeve. He saw her falling and quickly grabbed her by the waist. “Oh god,” Melanie gasped when she was back on her two feet. “Are you okay?” he asked her. “I’m okay,” Melanie informed him a bit dazed. “I’m sorry.” “No, it’s okay. I’m Stuart by the way and you ripped my favorite shirt. I guess Dan’s going to be happy about it.” Melanie frowned. “I...I’m sorry. I didn’t see you.” “That’s okay, honey,” Stuart assured her. “You can buy me a new one later.” “What?” Melanie asked. “Oh god. You’re going to sue me and take my money, aren’t you?” “What?” Stuart asked. “I didn’t mean to,” Melanie defended. “Could you relax,” Stuart told her. He laughed and shook his head. “Do you want a cup of coffee?” “What?” Melanie asked. “You need to calm down,” Stuart told her and grabbed her hand. “Come with me. I know the perfect place.” Melanie started walking with him. She didn’t want to get sued and if it meant buying him a shirt to gain a truce she would do it. She couldn’t afford to lose any money. She knew that with a good lawyer the guy could take everything she owned even if she was one of the best lawyers in Pittsburgh. “Here,” Stuart told her. “Sit down.” Melanie sat down and frowned. They were at the café. “What’s your name?” Stuart asked her. Melanie sighed. She could have gone earlier; he didn’t even know her name. “Uh, it’s Mel.” “It’s nice to meet you,” Stuart informed her. “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yeah,” Melanie said and nodded. “I’ve never seen you before,” Stuart told her. “Do you live around here?” “No,” Melanie answered. “I came here for a day at the spa. My friend Emmett gave it to me as a present.” “Emmett Honeycutt,” Stuart said. “I know him.” Melanie smiled. “Really? Wow, small world.” “He’s the sweetest person that I know,” Stuart told her. “Yeah he is,” Melanie agreed. “He has helped me a lot.” Stuart smiled and nodded. “How do you know him?” Melanie asked. “He planned my partner’s birthday party,” Stuart informed her. “Then after doing such a great job he planned a show that I did a few weeks back.” “A show?” Melanie asked frowning. “Yeah,” Stuart replied. “I’m an artist. What do you do for a living?” “I’m a lawyer,” Melanie said. “Oh, I see now,” Stuart grinned. “Don’t worry not everyone is a harsh cold asshole.” “What?” Melanie asked confused. “The thing about the shirt,” Stuart pointed out as he waved at a waiter. “I don’t care about that. You don’t have to worry.” Melanie sighed and nodded. After hearing Stuart’s remarks she stayed and enjoyed the coffee and the company. *** Chris was a bit surprised when he went to Debbie’s house, to take the kids to see their grandmother, and found his parents there. He hugged them and was happy to see them. But something was definitely odd with them. “Did you guys eat?” Debbie asked. “Yes, we ate,” Chris told her. “Good,” Debbie told him. “I’m going to go change. Honey, you didn’t want me to take care of the kids, did you?” “No,” Chris told her quickly. “We just came to see you.” “We’re going out,” Martha informed him. “Oh yeah?” Chris asked as he sat down. “Where are you going?” “To dinner,” Christopher told him. Chris nodded. “Do you want to come with us?” Martha asked raising a brow. “No,” Chris replied. “I have things to do. So what’s going on?” “What are you talking about?” Martha asked. Christopher smirked as his wife tried to play dumb. The truth was that they had gone with Debbie to the country club before and there was someone that had fallen for the woman. Debbie was oblivious and they wouldn’t push her to do anything but they wanted to see if maybe things would change once Debbie and Arthur met. “What are you two planning?” Chris asked his parents. “Us?” Martha looked at her husband. “Do you hear the accusation in his voice?” Chris rolled his eyes. “We want Debbie to have a good time,” Christopher told his kid. “She cares a lot about you and her grandsons and we want her to be happy too. She’s going to have a great time. Don’t you think she deserves it?” Chris nodded very slowly. He knew his parents very well and he knew there was something going on. They had a hidden agenda and he knew it. “He doesn’t trust us,” Martha said. Chris sighed. “That’s not true.” “Good,” Christopher said getting up and grabbing Andrew who was sitting at the floor. “How’s my boy?” Andrew giggled. Chris stayed with them the rest of the time while Debbie got ready. When Debbie came down she was looking really nice. She used make up but not so much and she had a huge smile. Chris smiled realizing that Debbie apparently had a good time with his parents and couldn’t wait to do it all over again. And as happy as he was he couldn’t get rid of the feeling that something was going on. He would find out one way or another because now that Michael wasn’t with them it was his duty to protect Debbie. *** Justin closed the door and turned to look at Brian. He smirked and shook his head. “What was wrong with this one?” Brian asked. “She’s not going to be able to deal with the kids,” Justin pointed out. “Why not?” Brian asked. “Too old,” Justin told him. “She’s seventy two, Brian. Our kids would destroy her and she will sue.” “That’s discrimination,” Brian pointed out with an amused smile. Justin rolled his eyes. “I still think that you should continue bringing them to daycare,” Brian said. “You know I love spending time with the kids,” Justin pointed out. “And after I finish classes for the day I can be with them. So if there is someone here taking care of them it’s better than me dropping by at Kinnetic and bringing all of them back home.” Brian nodded knowing that it made sense. He still couldn’t believe it some days. Justin wasn’t going to be working with him anymore. The blond was making a whole new career and it scared him. He thought that somehow he was going to lose the blond and never see him. He had a lot of things to think about when it concerned the blond. He needed a break from everything to clear his mind. The bell rang and Justin smiled. “That’s the last one for today.” “I can’t do this any longer. I’m tired of the interviews,” Brian said using it as an excuse. “I’ll be in my office.” Justin nodded. “If I like her I’ll get you so you can meet her.” Brian nodded and left. “Hey,” Justin said when he opened the door and a guy was standing there. “Who are you?” “I’m Jill,” he told him. “I thought you were a girl,” Justin replied. “Is me being a guy a problem to possibly being hired?” Jill asked. “No,” Justin told him quickly. “Come on in.” Jill stepped inside and looked around the house. “It’s a nice house.” “Yeah,” Justin replied. Just then Illona came running towards them with Keefe hot on her heels. They were laughing their hearts out as they ran. Illona went around Justin and kept on running to the den, her brother followed her. “Wow, they’re cute,” Jill pointed out. “Are they the ones I’m going to be taking care of?” “Yes, and two more,” Justin informed him. Jill arched a brow. It was only part time from seven to twelve. It would be good money for his pockets and thankfully he had patience when dealing with kids. “Is that going to be a problem for you?” Justin asked. “Not at all,” Jill answered. “Well, you read in the paper that it would be during the morning,” Justin explained. “I go to school.” “I go to school too, at night,” Jill informed him. “I really need the money.” “What are you taking?” Justin asked him. “Law,” Jill told him. “It’s really expensive.” Justin nodded and as he looked at Jill he was sure he had found the person he was looking for. “Have you dealt with kids before?” “Yeah,” Jill answered. “I have two sisters and when my mom had to go to work I would take care of them. When I was fifteen I started to take care of the kids around the place I live and I could ask for references if you want.” Justin smiled. “I would like that. My husband would like to see them and verify your references.” “Fine,” Jill replied. Justin noted how Jill seemed to be okay with him being gay. “Why don’t I give you a tour of the place?” Justin asked. Jill shrugged and nodded. The two of them walked around the house. At some point they interacted with Illona and Keefe again. Jill got to meet the terror of the house and what he would be dealing with. He also got to see Fiona. “He has an attitude,” Jill said smiling as he talked about Sheridan. “I think he’s cute though.” “Don’t let him fool you,” Justin said. “Hey,” Liam said as he walked to his father. “Where is daddy?” “He’s in his office,” Justin told him. “What do you want him for?” “I want to color,” Liam said pouting. He learned when he was a kid that when Brian was in his office it was because his father was working. “This is Liam,” Justin told Jill. “Hey there,” Jill said extending his hand out to Liam. Liam watched the man and then shook his hand. “Hi.” “Do you think I can color with you?” Jill asked. Liam smiled and nodded. “I’m going to see what Brian is doing,” Justin told them. He walked to Brian’s office and knocked before he went inside. “You’re giving up for the day?” Brian asked looking up. “Nope,” Justin told him smiling. “God, I’m starving.” “What do you want to eat?” Brian asked getting up. “We could go out.” “Jill is still here,” Justin informed him. “I think I like this one.” Brian was happy to hear that. He was tired of hunting for someone that met all of Justin’s requirements. “Want to meet him?” Justin asked. “It’s a guy?” Brian asked frowning. “The name threw me off too,” Justin told him. “Come on.” The two of them walked to where Justin had left Liam and Jill. The two of them were talking about cartoons. Liam jumped on his feet and ran over to his father. He grabbed Brian’s hand and pulled him down so he could join them and color. “It’s nice to meet you,” Brian said as he looked at Jill. Jill nodded. “Do you mind staying a while longer?” Justin asked the man. “I think we should get to know you a bit better.” “Does that mean I got the job?” Jill asked. “No,” Brian replied. Jill shrugged and looked at Justin. “Okay, I’ll stay.” Justin smiled happily. “I’m going to order something,” he said and went to do that. “How much would I get paid doing this?” Jill asked Brian. “You don’t have the job yet,” Brian informed him. Jill nodded. “Okay, then how much would you pay me if I was offered this job?” Brian smirked. “We know how much the kids can drain a person. We’ll pay you accordingly.” “So, when do I find out if I get this job?” Jill asked. “Pretty soon,” Brian assured him. He liked the guy and if things went okay for the next couple of hours they would give Jill a chance. The brunet wanted to help Justin out whoever he could. He had thought things through and he wanted Justin to be happy with whatever he wanted to do. He knew they loved each other and they were meant to be together no matter what. He would just have to get used to not seeing the blond at all times like he had been used to. Justin was on the kitchen smiling that he had found someone. He couldn’t wait to start school and learn all about the writing process. He was so happy that Brian was there for him backing him up with everything. It was one of the reasons why he loved the man so much.