Caribbean Lullaby-4
Author: Elsa Rose
Plot and considerable input – Miss Judy
Brian quickly finished up his business with Cynthia. He left her, Molly and Jeremy in his sitting room while they argued about some theory that only Molly and Jeremy seemed to know about. He decided that the shower was the only place he could find some peace and quiet. Why in hell they had to use his cottage as a headquarters, he didn’t know. It made no sense; they all had their own rooms not to mention the fact that the resort had many private and secluded areas. And to make matters worse, everywhere he turned Jeremy was behind him, like some kind of annoying puppy. If Cynthia hadn’t been Jeremy’s sister, he would have been chewed a new one.
“Brian looks tired, Sis,” Jeremy said. He had barely taken his eyes off of the man since he’d appeared beside them earlier.
“He looks okay to me,” Molly commented. Jeremy’s interest in Brian hadn’t gone unnoticed by the young girl. It was kind of pissing her off. She’d earmarked Brian for her brother. “Maybe if you left him alone for a second he could rest up.”
Jeremy glared at his friend. He knew she was on to him. They’d discussed it frequently. “Maybe if you did,“ he retorted. “ He’s barely been back three hours and you’ve done nothing but ask him questions about his days with the ‘artiste’.” Jeremy turned and looked at his sister, “You know Cynthia, a man of Brian’s intelligence needs someone his equal to have a relationship with. That’s probably why he’s never found the right man before. “
“I know that most men’s brains are in their cocks, but I’m not so sure that’s why Brian has been interested in that part of the average guy’s anatomy,” Cynthia said with a laugh. “Of course, I could be wrong.”
“You’re such a jerk Jeremy,” Molly huffed. “Hey Brian, she said as her hero appeared. “Are you coming to the big beach party tonight? It’s going to be awesome.”
“I never turn down a party,” Brian laughed and gave her a hug. “Want to be my date?” he asked.
“I’m going with Jeremy,” Molly said and blushed. “But you can come with us.”
“I think I’ll be fashionably late.” Brian was planning on packing tonight. He’d had enough of the Caribbean, blond boys and sand. It was time to get back to reality. “Now ladies and you too Jeremy, get the fuck out of my cottage. I need some beauty rest before this shindig tonight.”
“Want me to tuck you in?” Molly offered. “I can tell you a story.”
“Another time Princess.” Brian smiled as he waited for all of them to leave. Finally, he had his cottage to himself. It was about time he thought. Brian thought about having a drink and then realized he could hardly do that. He’d all but preached abstinence to Justin. It was the least he could do if he expected him to do the same. Instead, he called room service and ordered a pitcher of ice-cold fruit punch before booting his computer up. He flipped through some of his programs and then loaded the pictures from his camera. He watched as the pictures came into view and realized he was lucky enough to have (get) a few of the elusive artist. Justin didn’t mind photographing anything that moved or even stood still for a moment, but damned if he wanted to see himself in a photo.
While he had plenty of photos of the blond, none had been posed; all of them had been taken surreptitiously. Brian scrolled through the photos; he had more than fifty that included Justin. Not bad considering he had to disguise what he’d been up to. The next two hours were spent cropping and adjusting each of his photos. Brian barely noticed the delivery of his juice, but was grateful for it as he worked. At the end of the pictures was one he’d persuaded Justin to actually pose for. It had been taken on the boat that was bringing them back to the île de Mystère. A fellow passenger had obliged the two men and snapped the photo. Brian studied the two men in the pictures. Both of them looked almost like strangers to him. He could see that his own face didn’t have its characteristic mask in place, but rather he looked at Justin like he could eat him up. The blond on the other hand looked almost haunted. Gone was his quick smile and dancing eyes, instead Brian saw apprehension and fear and he wondered just what the young man was afraid of.
They’d spent hours discussing everything from their childhoods to what was happening in their lives now. They’d laughed together and cried together as one by one demons were exorcised. Brian had thought that Justin had understood that when they both returned to their everyday lives, there would be time to get to know one another in that environment as well. He didn’t want to rush things. It was too important to him because he knew that the decision he was going to be making would be one that had to endure the rest of his life.
Yet, looking at the picture of the two of them standing against the rail on the boat, Brian could see that Justin was still uncertain and afraid. Maybe not making love to him had been a mistake but sex had ruled Brian’s adult life. He’d used it for a dozen different reasons and none of them the right one. He didn’t want his relationship, if he was going to have a one with Justin to be just about sex.
Satisfied with the editing of the few pictures he had of Justin and he from their days on the other island; Brian closed down his computer and did what he’d told Molly and the gang he would do. Brian lay on his bed, letting the netting surround him like some kind of hazy cloud. He stared up until his eyes became tired with the nothingness of it all and gradually closed.
Molly had left Jeremy and Cynthia at the door to their rooms. She was worried about her brother, despite what she’d indicated to everyone. Justin seemed to be retreating into himself the way he had when he was younger and their dad had been so mean to him. She didn’t remember too much about the time, but she did remember Justin closing himself off from her and everyone.
Her father had moved Justin’s room to the basement of their house. His old room had been large and filled with light but the new room didn’t even have a window. It was small and scary from what Molly could remember. Justin only had a tiny reading light that he’d managed to find in a box of discarded items. She didn’t realize it at the time, but he hadn’t been allowed any form of light and the reading light was one of his prized possessions. Every day before leaving for school he made sure it was well hidden so his father wouldn’t find it. It had been a sad an unhappy time in the Taylor household. Molly often thought of this time as being over years, but in reality it was barely a month before Jennifer Taylor had packed up her possessions including her two children and moved into a condo that had an open floor plan and plenty of windows everywhere. And best of all, there was no basement.
Molly could see Justin lying on his bed as she entered the cottage. His eyes were shut but there was something about the way he held his body that told her he wasn’t sleeping. “Hey Justin,” she said softly in case he had been sleeping.
“I’m sleeping,” he mumbled. “Go away.”
Molly ducked under the netting and crawled on his bed like she used to when she was younger. He held out his arm automatically and she snuggled close with her head tucked under the crook of his arm and resting on his chest. They lay like that for a long time, both of them reliving their younger years when She had added her love for her brother to his space thus keeping him sane.
“Justin?” Molly asked after a while, her voice cautious.
“What.”
“Don’t be scared of what you’re feeling for Brian.”
Justin didn’t answer his sister. He knew she was right. They lay silent again, both of them digesting Molly’s comment.
“It’s just that I think he’s going to be important in my life. I feel things for him that I’ve never really felt before. One minute I think he feels the same and the next minute he’s joking with me, or ignoring me.” The words tumbled out of Justin.
“Maybe this is just as important to Brian as it is to you. You guys must have at least talked when you were over there.”
“We talked,” Justin admitted. “About everything. I think Brian’s younger years, you know when he was growing up, were kind of as bad as mine, only in a different way.”
“That makes sense in some weird way,” Molly giggled. “I’m glad you shared with him about when you were little. I hated dad then, I still can’t feel things for the man the way a daughter should. He’s always been good to me, but I keep remembering what he did to my big brother and it hurts me.”
“Molly don’t let his anger with me affect your relationship with him. I know that a girl looks up to her father more than she usually does with her mother.”
“Maybe, but not now. I don’t like him very much; I don’t think I ever will like him. You know Justin, I feel sorry for him. He’s never going to know my children; his grandchildren, or yours if you have any. He’s never going to be part of our lives, or our families.”
“Sucks to be him,” Justin attempted to joke.
“Yeah, Justin, it does,” Molly sighed and Justin tightened his arm around her offering what comfort he could.
“What about Jeremy, you haven’t told me about your handsome vacation boyfriend.” Justin attempted to change the subject away from Brian and other things that hurt.
“Jeremy is okay. I honestly think he’s gay and sooooo in the closet. But he’ll be a good friend to have when I’m at Dartmouth. He kind of thinks he’s sort of special because he’s a genius. Like he’s the only one on the planet. I didn’t want to tell him that my SAT’s were higher than his. I just let him think he’s right.”
“I guess he’ll find out the hard way,” Justin giggled. His sister had this kind of rivalry with male students since kindergarten.
“Don’t they always,” Molly chuckled. “Just because I’m blonde and not hard on the eyes, they always assume that I’m brainless.”
“Hmmmm, I know the feeling,” Justin laughed. “I hope that it won’t be like that at my new job. I hate it when they all assume I’m dumb.”
“Yeah, that sucks,” Molly agreed. “You’ll do okay.”
“Do you think Brian will call me when we get back to the Pitts?” Justin asked the question that had been driving him crazy ever since Brian had told him he would call. “Or do you think he’s just telling me that to make me nuts?”
“From what I can tell about Brian Kinney, he’ll call if he said he would.” She smiled; Brian was special to her in her mind. He never treated her like a dumb kid, but always like an equal even if he did tease her.
“I guess we’ll find out,” Justin sighed. “Now what’s this about a party tonight?”
“The hotel does it. They do one every week. We missed the one last week because it happened the day before we arrived. It’s like a giant, fun beach party. They have a super great cookout on the beach with tons of food, music and dancing. Every one goes, even the kids.”
“Sounds like I should stay put. You know that I can’t stand crowds.”
“I know you don’t mind crowds when you’re at a club.”
“That was before. I kind of promised Brian I wouldn’t drink for the rest of the vacation. He thinks I use it as false courage; use the alcohol I mean.”
“No shit,” Molly said and then was silent for a few minutes. “Did you do that?” she asked finally.
“I think so, but I wasn’t doing it consciously. It was just easier if I had a buzz on. You know... easier to be in crowds, to be up on stage, a lot of stuff was easier. Brian says that it was a coward’s way out and that I’m better than that. I don’t know if he’s right and I don’t know if I can go out without him or without a few drinks.”
“Brian will be at the party tonight; he said he would.”
“I figured,” Justin said before going back into himself and thinking about the tall handsome man that he’d spent the last few days with.
“So… are you going to go?” Molly finally asked.
“Yeah,” Justin sighed. “I’m not sure how long I’ll stay. It’s going to freak me out and besides, I have lots to keep me busy here. I took a ton of photos.”
“I guess that someday, you’ll be known for your Caribbean work,” Molly giggled. “I hope that there’s lots of naked Brian pictures.”
“Pervert,” Justin teased, though he was careful not to answer.
Brian sat in a lounge chair, his lights off as he listened to the music. It was a typical Caribbean reggae style band complete with steel drums and he was rather enjoying his location. It was just far enough away to hear the band without the annoyance and irritation of having to deal with a crowd of people he didn’t know and who would be having fun. He didn’t particularly feel like having fun tonight. Brian looked over where his suitcases were packed and waiting; he was leaving at midnight. Cynthia and Jeremy could stay if they wanted, but he had enough. A week to unwind was longer than usual for him and now meeting Justin left him confused and certainly not relaxed.
“You’re leaving aren’t you?” Brian turned at the sound of Justin’s voice in the dark.
“I think I’d better get back. I have a company to run.” But Brian knew that he wasn’t fooling the blond.
“Am I so pathetic that you have to leave?” Justin asked, his voice so low that Brian almost couldn’t hear him over the sound of the music and laughter.
“You know you aren’t.” Brian stood up and moved to where Justin stood. “Walk with me.” The words were more of a command than a question.
“Where? I don’t want to go to the party.” Justin shivered in the dark and stepped closer to Brian. “I…. he began.
“I know you don’t like crowds.” Brian put his arm around Justin’s shoulders and pulled him close. “We’ll work on that,” he murmured to the younger man. “But later, when we’re back in Pittsburgh.”
“I haven’t had a drink,” Justin blurted out and then felt like an idiot.
“I know.” Brian smiled and bent down to kiss Justin’s forehead.
“I want you to kiss me.” Justin turned his face up to Brian. “You know I’m better than he is.” Justin’s voice was low. “At least with me you know that I want you and not your material possessions.”
Brian wasn’t sure he’d heard the blond correctly. “Pardon me?”
“I heard Jeremy you know. I heard him come on to you.” Justin did his best to keep the jealousy from his voice. “I heard him promise you everything that you desired and then some.”
“That would have been tough for him to give me,” Brian smirked. “If you heard him, then you also heard me tell him that I wasn’t interested in what he had to offer.”
Justin remained silent.
“Justin, did you hear that part of the conversation?” Brian asked. “The part where I told him that the position was filled?”
“No, I didn’t.” Justin turned out from under Brian’s arm. “I went back to my cottage.”
“But you came back.” Brian was satisfied that some progress was being made. “I have a surprise for you. Come on.”
“I don’t want to go to the party.”
“Neither do I.” Brian took Justin’s hand and walked with him away from the bright light of the beach bonfire, the music and crowds.
“Where are we going?” Justin asked finally. They’d been walking in silence along the beach toward the marina. He almost hated to leave the beach; the sand was still warm from the sun, the waves made a pleasant sound and the moon shone down on the two of them like one that would appear on a postcard. He could stay with Brian on this beach forever.
“It’s not far now,” Brian smiled. He bent down to kiss the top of Justin’s sun bleached hair. It was hard not to just take him in his arms and ravish the young man on the beach. Shades of a Harlequin Romance; Brian chuckled out loud.
“What’s so funny?” Justin asked.
“Oh, I just thought it would be nice to throw you on the warm sand and have my way with you,” Brian replied in a joking tone, although he wasn’t joking in the least.
“Sounds scarily nice,” Justin smiled up at Brian. “I’m game.”
“Not so fast Sunshine, we had an agreement that we were going to take this budding relationship slow.”
“But I’m horny,” Justin almost whined. He couldn’t believe he had the nerve to say the words and he blushed furiously thankful for the dark.
Brian did laugh out loud at that. “There’s your surprise,” he said changing the subject.
“It’s a boat.” Justin looked at the small pleasure boat.
“But it’s not just any boat,” Brian said as he helped Justin aboard. “It’s our moonlight cruise ship.”
Justin giggled, “It’s kind of small for a cruise ship.”
“I thought you artist types had a good imagination.” Brian led Justin to a double sized lounge chair covered in a thick mattress pad. A table stood beside it with a bottle of wine cooling. “This is just one bottle. Not enough to even get pleasantly tipsy with. But I thought you might enjoy one of the island’s sangria’s. The alcohol content is low, but it’s nice and refreshing.”
“Thanks, I guess.” Justin looked at the lounge chair. “I feel like I’m being seduced,” he giggled at the thought. “Is that what you’re doing?”
Brian smiled and sat down on the chair. “Come here and find out,” he teased and patted the spot beside him. Justin had barely settled himself down when the boat pulled away from the dock. Soon they were far enough out on the water that the island was only a few sparkling lights on the horizon. Justin shivered and Brian pulled a soft cotton quilt over the two of them. “It’s cool out on the water.”
Justin snuggled close to Brian; he took a sip of the sweet and tart sangria before sighing contentedly and looking up at the star lit sky. “It’s peaceful out here.”
“We could sail around the world.” Brian leaned his head down so that it touched Justin’s.
“That would be awesome. I could paint you in every country in the world,” Justin laughed softly. “You’d be famous.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“Why are you really going home early?” Justin had to ask. “I’ll miss you.”
“It isn’t that early and I have lots to do,” Brian sighed. “I have a couple of new hires starting in a week not to mention Jordan’s Brewery will begin their new campaign search. It’s time I went back.”
“I’m starting a new job myself,” Justin declared. “It’s actually the first time I’ve ever worked for anyone other than myself. My mother and stepfather thought I should have the experience of working for another person before I got too much older.”
“I had a job of one kind or another since I was about nine,” Brian told Justin. “I can’t imagine what it would have been like to not work.”
“I’ve had jobs since I was about nine also. It’s just that I’ve never worked for another person. They’ve always been jobs that I’ve organized or done myself. I’ve sold stuff door to door, I’ve done tutoring, even did some babysitting. At some point I had a dog walking business and a house sitting business. Oh and I mustn’t forget, I’ve painted caricatures in downtown parks, done web designing, and advertising layouts. So I’ve always made money, darn good money actually. I’ve just never had a boss other than me.”
“Why did you always do your own thing?” Brian was curious.
“We lived kind of far out of the city. It wasn’t easy to find a job. But I didn’t want to ask my father for money for my art supplies. He always was... oh I don’t know, kind of mean about my art. So I found a way to get what I wanted without bothering him.”
“I have to admire your tenacity,” Brian said. “So you wanted to be an artist even then?”
“It wasn’t so much want as the fact that I was. It was part of me like breathing or the fact that I liked boys better than girls,” Justin shrugged and sighed. “I guess we all have our reasons for wanting to earn enough money to escape in one way or another.”
“Yeah, I guess we do. I wanted to make enough money to escape my parent’s life. I knew that I’d need to go on to college in order to escape. It sure wasn’t in the cards as far as my parents were concerned. So I worked and made it happen.”
“That’s like me. My father refused to even buy me a box of crayons. He said it was sissy stuff. My mother didn’t dare go against him, so I figured it out early that if I wanted something I damn well had to get it myself.” He wiggled closer to the man beside him, “I want you.” The words were quiet yet seemed loud in the silence between the two men.
“Want me for what?” Brian asked, his voice serious. He really did want to know.
“To love me and for you to let me love you. To spend the rest of my life with you.”
“To have my babies?” Brian laughed brokenly. He felt Justin tense beside him, “Don’t pull away. I was joking. That’s what I want too; you know we talked about it.”
“It’s nothing to joke about Brian. I think this week has been some kind of a dream. I meet the man I could fall in love with and he kind of feels the same about me, yet we have this weird ass hands off relationship and frankly it’s driving me crazy.”
“We’re going for the more important things here, Sunshine.” Brian smiled and pulled Justin tight, letting his arms and the strength in them lend themselves to Justin. Eventually, the blond relaxed. “Now let’s enjoy the hour or so we have left out here on the water; I want to hold you in my arms.”
Justin wasn’t actually sure of what he was supposed to say or do. He’d never felt this way about anyone and it just figured that when he managed to find that someone; the guy had to be Brian Kinney. A man who was more complex than any other man on the planet. Realizing that it would be the last time for a while that he’d be in Brian’s arms; Justin let himself relax and enjoy the moment.
The next two hours flew by. They were out on the water when the fireworks the hotel had scheduled went off and they laughed as if they were children at the beauty that unfolded.
By that time the bottle of sangria had disappeared and the music had faded, the two men had come to a silent understanding that they would eventually be together. It wasn’t anything either of them said; it was a feeling that each one had when they were together and the emptiness they felt when they were apart. Nothing was going to change the inevitable.
Jeremy paced back and forth along the sand. He’d watched Brian and Justin get on the harbor cruise boat and he seethed with anger. Brian shouldn’t be with someone like Justin; he was such a loser and a wimp. He was an artist for gawd sake. From what he could tell from Molly, her brother had issues with damn near everything. Talk about not even close to Brian’s level. The older man needed someone like Jeremy in his life. It was just too bad that he had to leave in September for Dartmouth. It barely gave him six weeks to snag Brian Kinney, the catch of Pittsburgh as far as the gay community was concerned.
“Will you settle down?” Cynthia said for the tenth time. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Jeremy. Ever since you disappeared earlier, you’ve been nothing but a pain in the ass to have around.” Cynthia poured herself another glass of strawberry daiquiri from the frosty pitcher.
“I thought Brian and Justin were coming to the party,” Jeremy answered as he looked around.
“I told you Justin probably wouldn’t come. He hates loud noises and crowds.”
“It didn’t bother him the other night when he was performing at the club,” Jeremy sneered. “I heard all about it from some of the guys. Your brother is quite the little singer. He gives boy bands a whole new meaning.”
“Justin was drinking, he isn’t anymore. Cut him some slack Jeremy. You’ve been performing yourself tonight,” Molly glared at her new friend. “You’re being a pain you know. Let’s dance.” She pulled on his hand. Jeremy gave a token protest before allowing himself to be led onto the dance floor that had been placed on the beach.
“Sorry Molly,” he tried his best to smile his reassurance. “I was hoping to dance with Brian.”
“Brian isn’t interested in you Jeremy; you might as well give up on that dream.” Molly started to dance and smiled, “We’ll find you someone at Dartmouth. Someone who is amazingly hot and who maybe has a straight brother.”
Jeremy realized that he wasn’t going to get anywhere acting like a jerk. He put his arms on Molly’s shoulders, gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Together they began to dance.
The party was dying down. Molly was tired and so was Jeremy. It was time to go to bed. Jeremy had forgotten about Brian for the moment; he had been having too much fun dancing and making friends with some of the people Molly seemed to gather. Cynthia had already disappeared to her room about an hour before.
“Jeremy are you and Cynthia going to stay after Brian goes back to Pittsburgh?” Molly asked. They were walking along the beach toward her cottage.
“No, I doubt it,” Jeremy shrugged. “My sister works when Brian works, which is all the damn time. I can’t see her staying after he leaves. Besides, I’m going to be working at Kinnetik for the rest of the summer. Cynthia got me a job in the office.”
Molly giggled, “Somehow I can’t see you working there. I mean what will you be doing?”
“I don’t know something ‘officey’ whatever they want me to do, Jeremy laughed. “It’s just a temporary job. I’ll pick up some money for school and as a bonus, get to be near Brian.” He looked at her and asked, “What are you doing for the rest of the summer?”
“Moving into my condo near the university, buying furniture stuff like that,” Molly grinned at him. “A lot more fun than what you’re going to do.”
“Hey, we could share your apartment, we could be roomies,” Jeremy ventured.
“And this would benefit me how?” Molly laughed. “I don’t need a roomie thank you very much.”
“I could be your rather handsome and debonair houseboy. I actually like doing housework you know. It’s one of those quirky gay boy things.”
“You haven’t found yourself liking dorm life I take it,” Molly laughed. “I would have thought all those semi-naked guys living together would have been rather interesting.”
“Maybe for you, but I’m going to school to get a degree. I don’t think that continually drinking and playing loud music is the way to do it,” Jeremy shrugged. “I was hoping to hit up my parents into getting me an apartment. But I know that would cost too much. I could get a real job, but you know that with a double major there’s no time to breathe let alone work. I could share your expenses and do all the house work in return for a place of peace and quiet “
“I’ll consider it,” Molly said. “Give me a few days.”
“I have your number. I’ll call you when you get back home.” Jeremy smiled down at her, “Don’t disappear too quickly on me.”
“Never,” Molly smiled up at him. “Maybe having a handsome roommate might have its perks.”
Justin knew the moment Brian had left the island. He was sure he could feel the absence of the other man even though he knew it was a foolish notion. Brian had danced with him under the stars on the boat and he’d laughed with him. They had shared the bottle of sangria that to the both of them was nectar to the Gods, despite its twist off cap. It had been an unspoken ending or it could have been a beginning; it all depended on what one wished for the future.
He’d been busy working on his computer as well creating and sketching on his tablet. Rendering the image of Brian Kinney immortal on his hard drive. Unable to resist any longer, Justin hit the button for his email carrier and wrote a long and involved email to Brian only to hit delete rather than send it. The feelings he had were too new; too tender to risk.
Justin kept busy all day working on the sketches he’d done since he’d arrived; until finally he couldn’t look at the image of Brian any longer. It was then he went in search of Molly.
“Hey,” he said finding his sister stretched out on a chaise near the ocean’s edge. “I thought you’d be at the pool.”
“I’m avoiding people. Go away,” Molly said without looking at her brother. Her sunglasses remained in place and the book she was reading stayed upright.
Justin sat on the sand beside her. “Brian’s gone back to Pittsburgh.”
“I know,” Molly said and with a sigh she closed her book. “Is this where I have to listen about your broken heart?”
“You’re such a bitch today,” Justin laughed and reached up to flick her sunglasses off her nose. “No, I’m not broken hearted. I think that Brian and I might even have a chance of a relationship when I get back to the Pitts. He’s going to call me.”
“Where have I heard that before?” Molly quipped. “Don’t call me, I’ll call you.”
“Brian wouldn’t have said it if he hadn’t of meant it. You don’t know the kind of feelings we have.” Justin hated having to sound so defensive.
“Sorry, but I haven’t had a lot of luck with guys. Even Jeremy is fucking gay and by the way he’s after Brian.”
“I know. It won’t happen though, Brian turned him down.” Justin smiled up at his sister, his smile almost shy. “Jeremy seems like kind of a jerk anyway.”
“Hey, he’s a friend.” Molly glared and settled back on the lounge. “Now, go away.”
“It’s almost time for us to leave. I want a couple of days with you as my model if you don’t mind. I can’t just have pictures of Brian. I need something else in my portfolio to develop for the show.”
“Okay, I said I would and I will. But later if you don’t mind, I want to finish this.” She held out the textbook for Justin to read the title.
“Where in hell would you find something like that here?” Justin asked with a laugh.
“I brought it with me.” Molly carefully found her place and with a tilt to her head began to read. Justin knew when he’d been dismissed. It was time for him to get on with his working vacation. Brian would have to wait until he was back to the real world.
Moving away from his sister by a few feet, Justin picked up his sketchbook and began to pencil in his sister’s reclining form. He might as well start now.
Brian had spent an uneventful week since he’d returned from the island. He didn’t go back to Kinnetik right away. There wasn’t much point since Cynthia wasn’t back. Instead, he decided to find his friend Michael. He wanted to ask him about Justin Taylor. It would be interesting to get his take on the blond that was becoming so ingrained in his life.
“Brian, you’re back,” Michael said when Brian walked through the door of the comic book store.
“Hey, Brian,” Hunter said barely looking up from the book he was reading.
“A Hallmark moment boys, father and son working together,” Brian joked and ruffled Hunter’s hair.
“Leave the hair alone jerk,” Hunter said pulling away, still engrossed in his book.
Brian laughed and headed for his friend who was filling a shelf from a box of new comics. “Mikey, I didn’t know you were thinking of making your own comic book.”
“I’m not,” Michael said and went back to work.
“But I heard that you and a certain young artist have considered it.” Brian picked up a comic and then put it down.
“Yeah, so, we like to dream, what can I say.” Michael looked hard at Brian. “How do you know Justin?” his voice was almost accusing. “You better not have been putting the moves on him. Justin’s been through a lot and he doesn’t need some Romeo to break his heart. “
“Another lame duck Mikey?” Brian asked his friend.
“Not hardly. Justin is okay and he can look after himself. He’s proved that but he isn’t used to your kind of guy. He’s been kind of sheltered. I know it sounds dumb, but that’s kind of what his life’s been like. He’s been focused on working and school and he hasn’t really had time for boyfriends. Although, for awhile there I thought maybe he’d fallen for one of the other students at PIFA.”
“I met him when I was on vacation. We were at the same resort,” Brian volunteered.
“Fuck tell me you didn’t…..” Michael left the thought unspoken.
“No, I didn’t,” Brian smirked. “Although, he’s pretty hot looking and he sings like an angel.”
“You should hear him sing at Christmas. Ma loves listening to him,” Michael laughed. “She’s always wanting me to bring him over so she can bug him to sing Christmas Carols with her.”
“I saw him perform with a band.”
“Yeah, those guys are assholes. They use him all the time. Justin was just an easy source of money for instruments and front money. It took me a couple of years to make him see what they were doing.”
“I wondered about that,” Brian’s voice was quiet. “Has Justin always used alcohol as a crutch?”
“No more than you used to,” Michael shrugged. “He doesn’t drink all the time. But he does when he’s upset or has to do something he doesn’t want to do.”
“I noticed,” Brian sighed. “Mikey, I’d like to get to know him better.”
“So what’s stopping you Dude?” Hunter piped up from his spot behind the counter. “Ask him out.”
“I’ve been out with him,” Brian admitted.
“Brian Kinney has fallen for someone, will the wonders never cease,” Michael laughed. “Well you couldn’t find anyone better than Justin Taylor, but he does have a few demons to beat back. I’m warning you, loving Justin Taylor isn’t going to be easy.”
Brian walked back to Kinnetik, his mind on what Michael had told him about Justin. His friend was a little more graphic than the blond had been about his treatment by his father. He let himself into his locked office and turned on the light. A pile of file folders sat in the center of his desk. Brian figured they would be the files on the new hires. He was supposed to have reviewed them before he’d left for vacation, but hadn’t had time. He supposed since they were starting in a week he’d better do it now.
He pulled off his jacket and sat down picking up the top folder, only to have the name on the one underneath catch his attention. Justin Taylor stood out starkly against the white label.
FUCK, Brian couldn’t believe his eyes. Justin never said a word about working for Kinnetik. What the fuck was going on. Was the last week with the blond nothing but a fucking lie?
Tbc.