Cost of Love – Priceless 3 
“Brian, you brought Gus. And who’s this?” A brazen and burnished waitress rushed over to give Gus a kiss and pinch Brian’s cheek.

“This is my neighbor, Justin. We decided to take a break from the GLC’s show and have some ice cream.” Brian smirked, “Justin this is Debbie.”

“Brian Kinney eating ice cream?” Debbie laughed. “Well we do have some vanilla.”

Justin burst out laughing. “He wants sprinkles on it.”

“I want chocolate mint.”

“You never eat chocolate mint, as long as I’ve known you it’s been vanilla.”

Justin could barely contain himself. “I think the man is ready to live dangerously. Do you have chocolate mint?”

“Of course.” Debbie said, curious as to the relationship between Brian and Justin. “And what about you sweetie?” she asked Gus. 

“Me want choclate” Gus said “with sprinkles”

“And a cherry, Gus should have a cherry” Justin said. “Maybe Brian would like a cherry on his as well.” He stuck out his tongue at Brian who actually blushed much to Debbie’s amusement. Justin looked at Debbie. “I’d like strawberry with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.”

“Coming right up.” Debbie said with a smile. Brian showed the three of them to the rear table. 

Gus climbed up onto the seat and when Brian tried to slide in beside him “No daddy, Jusn’ sit side me.”

“Tell you what little guy, you let big old daddy in first and then you next and I’ll sit beside you. It’ll be a Gus sandwich.” Justin poked the boy in his tummy making him giggle.

Brian rolled his eyes but obediently moved Gus and sat next to the wall in his usual spot. Gus kissed Brian’s cheek and then Justin’s, pleased to be in the middle.

“Here you go boys.” Debbie set the three dishes of ice cream down in front of them. 

Gus squealed with delight at his cherry and reached over and grabbed it, popping it into his mouth. He then took the one on Brian’s ice cream and gave it to his father. Brian started to protest.
“Take it Brian, how often do you get the chance to take some young boy’s cherry?” Justin giggled.

“More often then you might imagine.” Brian lied. He reached over and picked up the cherry on Justin’s ice cream and popped it into his mouth. “Now I can tell everyone that I had yours.”

Both Gus and Justin laughed, though for different reasons. The next few minutes were spent with each of them eating their ice cream and periodically feeding spoonfuls to one another.

They all wore the evidence on their faces of missed spoons of the three flavors of ice cream and all of them were laughing when Michael and Emmett walked in the door of the diner. The two stood for a moment watching the antics of Brian, Gus and Justin, barely believing their eyes.

“Hey Brian” Michael said as they walked over. He slid into the seat opposite the three and Emmett soon joined him.

“Hey Mikey” Brian said, barely getting the words out when a spoonful of ice cream from Justin filled his mouth. Gus reached over and licked the dribble on his dad’s chin. 

“Me clean you up like a kitty.” He crowed.

“And who might this delicious morsel be?” Emmett asked.

“Oh that’s Gus and Brian, they’re father and son.” Justin replied with a giggle. “They don’t get out much; you’ll have to excuse them.”

“No sweetie, I meant you.” Emmett said with a laugh.

“I’m Justin Taylor, I’m doing my community service by taking these two out for ice cream. Aren’t they just the sweetest pair?”

Brian burst out laughing at the look on Michael’s face. He was all but purple with rage.
“Justin is my neighbor guys.”

“Well, I’m Michael Novotny, Brian’s best friend and this is Emmett Honeycutt.” 

“Briiiiiiiannnn,” Justin whined. “You said I was your bestest friend.” Justin confided in the two men opposite him. “Brian fell ass over teakettle for me at first sight.” He looked at Gus who had finished his ice cream and was playing with the empty dish, scooping him up, he turned to Brian outraged. “You had better have a good explanation when I get back Brian Bear; Gus and I are going to get cleaned up.” Looking totally pissed, he turned and flounced to the restroom carrying Gus.

He was giggling and so was Gus by the time the door shut on them. It didn’t take too long to clean up the small boy including a potty break. Soon they were walking back hand in hand to Brian who was now sitting at a clean table with his two friends. Michael glared at Justin, Emmett smiled at him and Brian leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I’ll explain everything later lover.” Brian purred loud enough for the others to hear. He was rewarded with a flush of red from Justin.

“Well Brian, my cute little green eyed lover, I’d better pay the bill and get Gus back to his mommies before they send out the troops.” Justin kissed Brian back, slipping him a bit of tongue much to Brian’s astonishment. Justin looked down at Gus. “Do you want to help me pay the bill Gus?” he asked. He handed the boy some money and Gus proudly headed for the cash register.

“Gus pay the bill, Deb.” He called. “Gus is a big boy.”

Justin could hear Brian trying to calm the spluttering of his friend. He watched Gus pay the bill and solemnly took the change from the boy. “Thank you Gus.” He said.

Gus turned to where Brian was still sitting. “Come on daddy, you have to come with my Jusn to find mommy.”

“Hey Gus, aren’t you going to say goodbye to me and Emmett?” Michael asked.

“Sure, bye Mikey, bye Emm, daddy and Jusn gotta go now.” Gus was tugging on Justin’s hand heading for the door. “Daddy hurry up.” 

Justin and Gus were joined by Brian. They began to head back to the GLC. Brian looked over at Justin. “What was that performance all about?” he asked.

“Performance?” Justin answered in his best innocent voice. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He was saved from answering further by the arrival of Daphne. “Hi guys, I came to see what was taking you so long. Lindsay says it’s almost time for Gus’ nap.”

Brian looked at Justin. “I can take him from here if you want to go with your friend.”

“Sorry Brian Bear, but I left with Gus and I’ll return with him.” He grinned at the surprise on Brian’s face. “Besides, I haven’t had a chance to really look at the art. I understand that some of the city’s most influential people have loaned their stuff for this show.”

“That’s fine Justin. I don’t mind you coming back with me.” Brian smiled at him. “You kind of grow on a guy.”

“Like moss?”

“Something like that.” Brian said with a smirk. 

Daphne listened to the exchange between the two of them. Justin had never been like this with anyone as long as she’d known him. He was usually much more reticent. When they all arrived back at the GLC, Justin and Brian took Gus to Lindsay. “We brought him back in one piece.” Justin said to Lindsay. “And Gus and I didn’t even mind when Brian insisted on eating all of our ice cream.”

Lindsay laughed at the look on Brian’s face. “Oh Brian, someone worthy of your rapier wit.” She patted his cheek. “Good luck”

“Yes Brian Bear was a lot of fun, wasn’t he Gus?” Justin asked.

“Daddy Bear.” Gus said with a grin. “Bear, bear, bear.”

“I am NOT a bear.” Brian huffed.

“With a cute little smile like that, you remind me of my teddy bear that I had years ago.”

“You still have that bear Justin.” Daphne chimed in.

“So I have, and doesn’t he look a lot like Mr. Kinney?” Justin purred Brian’s name and Brian flushed again. Justin bent down and kissed Gus’ cheek. “Daphne and I have to look at the paintings now Gus. Thank you so much for letting me take you and your daddy for ice cream. Both of you were very good boys.”

Justin linked his arm through Daphne’s and they headed into the large crowded room. “Justin the man is sooooo hot; I can’t believe you actually took him out.”

“He’s hot alright” Justin agreed. “Holy shit, there’s a pair of Ross Thomas’ here. Do you have any idea what they’re worth?” he stood in front of the two small oil paintings. The card on the wall next to them told him they belonged to an H. Bellweather.

“No, what are they worth?” Daphne asked. “They don’t look like much.”

“You are looking at twenty five grand each at least.” Justin answered. “I wonder who this Bellweather is?”

“He’s a self opinionated asshole who writes books and thinks his shit doesn’t stink.” Drawled Brian who had come up behind the two of them.

“Eavesdrop much BB?” Justin asked.

“BB?”

“Brian Bear – I shortened it, saves time.” Justin smirked a smirk that perfectly imitated Brian’s. He patted Brian’s cheek. “Do you have anything in the show?”

“Not likely that I’d let anything I’d own be stared at by potential thieves.” Brian said.

Justin peered around. “Oh, is Pittsburgh a hot bed of cat burglars? Do you know any? Can I meet them? Are there gay ones? Are there any here?”

“Asshole” Brian muttered and turned away.

“Boy you sure know how to piss him off fast?” Daphne said. “You’ll never get into his bed that way.”

“Who says I want to get into his bed.” Justin replied with a laugh. “He should be lucky to get into mine.” He continued around the room, Daphne trailing him as he mentally appraised the art on display. His fingers itched to twist the picks in the locks that hid them away and he resolved to call Jeremie the first chance he got.

Justin made his call to Jeremie later that week. He left his message with a description of what he saw and who owned them. He knew that if Jeremie was interested, he’d get in touch with him.

His next few weeks were filled with PIFA, new assignments, new school, new people. After dealing with the bus system he resolved to buy a car of some kind the next time he had the money. Nothing extravagant, but something that meant he could stop taking the bus. Justin didn’t regret giving most of his money to Jasbir and his shelter house. He knew his friend was honest and helped more people than anyone could ever imagine. Looking on line at his balance in the off shore account, Justin contemplated buying a car. He hated to all but close the account out. He was about to transfer what was left 
into his Pittsburgh account when the door buzzer rang. It was a delivery for him. The package was wrapped in brown paper with no return address. Jeremie was Justin’s first thought. He unwrapped a cell phone and he knew that he had his answer. Jeremie was interested in what he’d found.

Justin looked over the phone and was pleased to see that it had already been activated. He pressed number one. The phone rang once and a voice said, ”567 Terrance Ave, Chub security system, third floor, back bedroom, Bellweather, book signing tour 4 days beginning the fifth in New York.” The phone disconnected and Justin grinned. He’d actually missed the excitement of the hunt, his prey the modern art owned by assholes.

Putting the phone in his pocket he checked the internet to see where the address was located in relation to his apartment. He thought about taking a cab to do a drive by. Not sure if he would or not, Justin slipped on his shoes and jacket and headed out of the apartment. It was only nine thirty and the October night was mild. He paused on the front step, teetering back and forth deciding whether it was worth it or not when he spotted Brian parking his jeep. “Hey BB, long time no see.” He greeted the older man. 
Brian looked up. The blond had been haunting him day and night, but he’d taken pains to avoid him and now he was caught. “Hey Justin, isn’t kind of late for you to be out on a school night?”

“It’s a beautiful October night. Want to take me for a drive?”

“No.” Brian slammed and locked the door of the jeep.

“Come on BB, just a little drive. Don’t you feel it?”

“Feel what?”

“That fall excitement in the night air. It’s kind of a warm wind that kisses your cheeks and you just know that the cold winter is going to follow soon, but right now it doesn’t matter because the stars are shining and the moon is full.” Justin’s blue eyes glistened with fun.

Brian stood in the street beside his jeep looking into the eyes that had been driving him nuts for weeks. “Okay, get in.” he unlocked the doors with a click of his key ring.

Justin resisted a triumphant shout as he threw himself in the direction of the jeep. 

“Okay, now cut the crap and tell me where you want me to take you.” Brian said. He looked hard at Justin and couldn’t help but smile, though he was biting the inside of his cheek and doing his best to resist it.

“You say such romantic things BB” Justin leaned over and kissed Brian’s cheek. “I just wanted to drive around some of the streets. Did I tell you I grew up in the Pitts?”

“No you didn’t tell me that. We’ve hardly spoken.”

“We did go on one date.” 

“We did not go on a date.”

“I took you out for ice cream. I remember it well. We met your little buddy Mikey.”

“It wasn’t a date.”

“Well I grew up in the suburbs. I even went to the country club dances and attended Saint James Academy.”

“Well la de da.” Brian said. He turned down Terrance Ave and Justin beamed when he saw the street sign. The house at 567 was lit up like a Christmas tree. 

“Wow, looks like a party.” Justin said indicating the house.

“Or someone who doesn’t know enough to turn out his lights.” Brian replied uninterested. He continued to drive. “So are you and Daphne happy in your little love nest downstairs?” Brian asked.

“Daphne’s parents bought her the place. She lets me live there rent free so that I’ll do the cooking. We’ve been best friends since grade school, but definitely not lovers. I bat for your team Brian and you know it.”

Brian pulled over under some trees and turned off the jeep. He turned to Justin and looked at him. Justin turned in his seat as well, undoing his seat belt. “What do you want from me Justin?” he asked.

“Not much, just this.” Justin put his hand behind Brian’s head holding him steady as he leaned in and softly kissed Brian’s lips. Pulling back slightly they looked into each other’s eyes that were filled with questions and no answers. Giving in to the sweetness of the night and the kiss, Brian unable to resist, gently nibbled on Justin’s bottom lip. A nibble that was somehow filled with a sensation that went to both of their cocks. Barely suppressed, a moan filled the interior of the jeep. Neither man could say for sure where it came from; both were feeling the intensity of the moment. Both refused to stop though Brian had a fleeting flash of a teenaged make out session, though he was long past the teen years. Brian was the first one to break away. He could barely breathe. Never before in all of his years as stud of Liberty Avenue or in his horniest years as a teen before that,had anyone ever affected him like this blond haired kid. 

“Some answer” Brian finally was able to say, though he inwardly winced when his voice came out with an adolescent squeak.

Justin actually giggled, the sound of which made Brian break out in an uncharacteristic grin. “Much as I’d love to sit here and neck with you Bear, I have an early class tomorrow so I need to get to bed.” Justin sat back in his seat and looked straight ahead.

Brian stared at him for a moment, shook his head and started the jeep, taking care to drive home slowly. Justin was pleased for the slow pace when they once again drove past Bellweather’s house. The jeep had barely come to a stop, when Justin quickly kissed Brian’s cheek and hopped out of the car. He disappeared through the entrance to their building before Brian had even had a chance to get out of the jeep and lock it.

Justin let himself into his apartment. Daphne was already asleep for the night. He threw his clothing on the floor and climbed into bed. He didn’t want to brush his teeth or do anything to take away the taste of Brian that filled his mouth and his senses, as he fell into a sleep filled with fantasies of the man a few floors above him.

A few days later, just after midnight, Justin slipped from his bedroom window into the alley behind the building. He was dressed entirely in black leather, his blond hair hidden by a black watch cap. Keeping to the shadows whenever a car passed, Justin walked with a strut he wasn’t aware he used when he was on a job, toward Bellweather’s home.
By the time he reached it, Justin was on his usual adrenaline high. He fucking loved this part and even though he hardly needed to continue this way of life, Justin couldn’t quit. It was his drug of choice, Brian a close second. 

Slipping around to the rear of the house, Justin made short work of the alarm system. He liked to think it was his artistic touch that allowed him to have almost a photographic memory of the wiring diagrams involved. And like the professional artist he aspired to be, Justin turned the tumblers in the lock and let himself in. He almost wished he could have some kind of signature card to leave at each job like the old fashioned cat burglars in the mysteries of the forties. He’d have to think about that and maybe come up with one. Justin raced up the stairs to the third floor gallery, silent as a cat. And like a cat his eyes lit upon his prey the instant he entered the locked gallery. In less than forty five seconds Justin was once again back on the street. The doors were relocked, the alarm reset, and two wonderful pieces of art carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and tucked into the leather artists portfolio case he carried. Strut returning, Justin headed for the mail box store where he, in the privacy of a small back room, packed up his evening’s find, carefully labeling it and adding it to the other packages ready to be shipped in the morning. The staff would never know that one more had been added. Locking up behind himself, Justin headed for his apartment. When he reached the block before the building, he stuffed his watch cap in his back pocket, shaking out his blond hair so that it would dry. The watch cap was hot and his head was drenched. Justin turned down the alley to enter his apartment they way he left. He ran head first into Brian.

“Ooomph” he said and once again he was on top of the older man, only this time they lay entwined on the ground in the alley.

“Jesus Christ Justin, don’t you ever watch where you’re walking?” Brian bitched when he could breathe.

“Oh, sorry Brian, I thought I heard a noise out here, I was just checking it out.”

“Well if it was someone up to no good, you would have scared them away. It was probably just a cat.”

“How come you’re hanging out in the alley?” Justin asked still on top of Brian.

“I am NOT hanging out in the alley; I was walking home and took a short cut.” Brian defended, “Now get off of me.”

“I kind of like having you as a bottom Bear.” Justin said with a smirk. “And for a bottom you are awfully bossy.”

“I am NOT a bottom and you know my name.” Brian struggled out from under the heavier than he looked blond.

Justin stood up reluctantly and dusted his knees off. “Turn around, you have alley dirt on your ass.” he reached behind Brian and began to swat the dirt off of Brian’s pants.

“Would you stop that?” Brian said and jumped away. His eyes flashed at Justin who giggled. 

“If you promise to play nice, I’ll give you a beer.” Justin said. “I have some nice cold imported ones in the fridge.”

“You buy imported beer?” Brian asked as he began to walk toward the front of the building.

“Sometimes,” Justin admitted.

“Of course, I forgot, you’re a country club brat.”

“Apparently someone forgot to tell my folks.” Justin said. “Cause as soon as they found out I batted for the other team, I was an out on my little brat ass.”

“No help from mommy and daddy?” Brian asked. He held the door for Justin to enter.

“Not a nickel.” Justin said. He fished in his pocket for his keys and then remembered he’d left by his window. “Uh, Brian, I left my keys inside.”

“So, get your little friend to let you in.”

“She had a headache, she’s having her period.”

“More than I wanted to know Justin.” Brian said grimacing.

“Hey, don’t worry, it’s a simple lock and the deadbolt isn’t on.” Justin pulled a lock pick out of the lining of his leather jacket. He’d had the jacket made with this special hiding spot. In seconds he was inside the apartment. “Cool, she’s still sleeping.” He said softly ignoring the incredulous look on Brian’s face.

“Did you just pick the lock to your apartment and break in?”

“It’s my apartment. I can’t break in to my own apartment.” Justin whispered reasonably. “I merely opened the door without a key. It’s no big deal.”

Brian looked at the blond and shrugged. “Well, keep your tricks to yourself. I don’t want to see you in my place unless you’re invited.”

“Of course I wouldn’t go into your place unless I was invited. That would be rude.” Justin walked to the fridge and pulled out two bottles of beer. He twisted the top off one and handed it to Brian. “Do you want a piece of lemon with it?” he asked.

“No.” Brian answered and took a long swallow. “Not bad.” He looked at the bottle. “What kind of beer is Moosehead?” he asked.

“It’s a Canadian beer; I told you it was imported.” He paused, “and Brian, watch it, it’s a lot stronger than you’re used to.”

“It’s only beer and I’ve been drinking beer before you were even born.” Brian drained the bottle. Justin handed him another one and took one for himself. 

“Have a seat Brian.” Justin indicated the sofa. “Do you want to listen to music or watch a movie?”

“Why don’t we just sit quietly and have a beer. I’m sure you’ll be running off to bed soon, it is a school night.”

“So true, and a work night for the grownups.” Justin said with a smirk. He clinked his bottle against Brian’s and offered a silent toast. For Justin the night had gone smoothly and was filled with excitement. Having Brian close to him at the end just made it that much better.

“Can I get another beer?” Brian asked.

“Sure, you know where the fridge is?” Justin lay back on the sofa, relaxed. He never drank more than one bottle of beer and when Brian brought back two Justin let his sit on the coffee table. “So Brian, I haven’t seen you in few weeks. Have you been hiding out?”

Brian startled at Justin’s blunt question, both because of the question and because it hit the nail right on the head. Brian’s answer was to chug his beer. Justin moved the other bottle close to Brian’s hand and took away the empty. Brian sighed and laid his head back on the sofa. It had been a long and tiring day. Justin could see the exhaustion on Brian’s face and in his whole body. He put his hand behind Brian and began to massage his neck. The other man relaxed into the firm touch of Justin’s expert fingers, his eyes shut, the empty bottle of beer beginning to slip from his fingers. Justin managed to catch it before it hit the floor. He continued to rub Brian’s neck, alternating with combing his fingers through Brian’s hair at the back of his neck. Brian began to snore lightly. Justin smiled to himself. Carefully he managed to lay the taller man down on the sofa. He found a soft quilt and covered Brian with it before locking up, turning out the lights and heading for his bedroom. 

A few minutes later Brian woke up. He was disoriented and feeling very light headed and drunk. He wasn’t sure where he was but he could hear the quiet whispery breath of someone sleeping. Standing up he almost fell over but managed to catch the back of the sofa in time. He slipped off his shirt and dropped his pants before heading in the direction of the sound. Brian passed one door, but it was closed, the second door led to a bathroom, illuminated by a Mickey Mouse night light and he gratefully relieved his bladder. The third door led to the sound of the sleeper. Brian could see the outline on the bed and headed toward it. For some reason he thought it was probably his friend Michael. The apartment was laid out the same as Michael’s and it wasn’t unusual to find himself there sleeping off his overindulgence from Babylon. He slipped between the covers and found himself immediately wrapped in a warm comforting embrace. Brian’s eyes shut and he drifted back to sleep.

At six thirty in the morning, a rather pissed Daphne threw open the door to Justin’s room and tossed the clothing that had led a path there in on top of the sleeping men. “Justin Taylor you pig. I told you not to leave your stuff all over the apartment. It took me all day yesterday to clean up your shit.” Daphne looked at the two bewildered men who now stared back at her. “Oh, hi Brian.” She said sweetly before backing out the door. “I’ll put the coffee on.” She shut the door.

Justin looked at Brian surprised to see him in his bed. Brian’s morning wood was poking into Justin’s leg. “Geeze Brian, I know you like me, but sneaking into my bed is kind of forward.” Justin said with a shit eating grin.

“I did not sneak into your bed.” Brian replied, though he didn’t actually remember getting into bed with Justin.

“Well, apparently you’re here.” Justin smirked, “and a certain part of you seems to be quite glad to be here.”

Brian rolled his eyes. “Asshole.” 

“Not this morning dear, I have an early class.” Justin rolled out of bed. He stretched making sure that Brian could see what he was missing. He pulled on a pair of sweats, grabbed a towel and headed toward the bathroom.

Brian lay back stunned for a few minutes listening to the water in the shower before getting out of bed himself, finding his pants and pulling them on. He picked up the rest of his clothing and headed up to his loft.

Justin smiled to himself when he heard the apartment door slam. He gave his cock one last tug letting the spunk hit the shower wall before rinsing off and getting out of the shower.

He darn near walked into Daphne when he opened the bathroom door. “Geeze Daphne, lurk much?” he bitched.

“Tell me everything. When I went to bed you were working on your computer. How did you manage to get Brian into bed?”

“I met him in the alley last night. I was out for a walk and I knocked him over. That seems to a trend with him and me.” Justin giggled. “I invited him in for a beer and he fell asleep. I guess he must have gotten lonely, because believe me I wouldn’t have been sleeping if I’d known he was in bed with me.”

“Me either, Brian would have been breakfast.” Daphne laughed. “You’ll have to do better the next time.”

“Next time I’ll be in Brian’s bed.” Justin said with a grin “And trust me, Brian will be breakfast and lunch and maybe even dinner.”

The two friends laughed, before separating to get ready for their busy day at school.

Meanwhile Brian showered in his loft. He couldn’t get the smell of Justin out of his head; the very essence of the young man filled his senses despite the fact that he used his sandalwood body wash. Even though he’d cum twice in the shower, his cock was still semi hard. Waking up with the blond in his arms had been amazing despite Daphne’s rude arrival. Sighing heavily, Brian dressed and headed for the office.

A week later, Jasbir called Justin. “Hey JPO” he said. “I had a surprise deposit. That wouldn’t have been you would it?”

“One never knows.” Justin said with laugh. “Hey Jasbir, I heard you needed a new roof.”

“Not anymore, someone topped up the roof fund this week.” Jasbir laughed. “The surprise deposit put it over the top. Construction starts tomorrow.”

“Great. How’s your sweetie?” 

“We’re thinking of getting married.” Jasbir admitted. “Will you and Daphne come for the wedding?”

“Of course.” Justin said.

“I’d like you to be my ‘best man’” 

“What, the token white boy in the wedding party?” Justin laughed.

“The token ‘short’ white boy in the wedding party asshole.” 

“In that case, I’d be honored.” Justin laughed. “Are you going to invite Jeremie?”

“We’ll invite him, but he won’t come.” 

“I’d like to see him again.” Justin admitted. “And I’d love to hear his story. I bet it’s interesting.”

“I’m sure it is. Now that you’re back on your home turf, have you met anyone interesting? Should we have an extra seat for your ‘guest’ at the reception?”

“That depends on when the wedding is. I just might have a guest.” Justin said with a smile as he thought of Brian.

“That’s great Jus, ‘cause I was getting worried about you.”

“You just thought I was after your ass.” Justin said and he giggled.

“And a mighty fine ass it is.” Jasbir said. “I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know that we appreciated the donation and ask you to be my best man.” He paused “And Justin, don’t get cocky and take chances. That little word of advice comes from both me and Jeremie.”

“Advice noted.” Justin replied touched by his friend’s caring. He hung up the telephone and then checked for messages on his cell phone. There was only one. “657 River Road – Stockwell – Fall Charity Ball – no alarm – security patrol – class 7 locks. The disembodied voice disconnected and Justin erased the message.

Justin knew of some publicity about the Fall Charity Ball, but he wasn’t sure of the date. It had been held at the Country Club for as long as he could remember so he called the familiar but long unused number to find out the date. The Ball was going to be held the weekend before Thanksgiving. That would give him plenty of time to check it out. Stockwell was the police chief and Justin didn’t want to take any chances. Not to mention that once his painting was missing, there would be a major hue and cry.
Meanwhile at the offices of Vanguard Advertising, Brian was sitting in his partner’s office receiving some not too welcome news. “Brian I don’t care about whether you are gay, straight or asexual you have to attend this Ball in my place. I’m going to be in England for the entire month and it is vital that our company be represented. Oh and Brian, the company purchased two tickets. Take a date.” 

The sound of Vance’s pompous English accent made Brian want to retch. It grated on his nerves more than usual today. “I don’t have a partner, you know that don’t you?”

“So, find someone. It’s only one night; surely you can scare up a date for one night.”

“I don’t do dates.” The words as he said them, sounded weak even to Brian’s ears. He might as well give in now. He knew he was going to do it. Maybe Lindsay would like to go to a Ball.

“I’ll expect to hear that you’ve made at least a few good contacts from this.” Vance said as he opened his office door. 

Brian sighed as he got up out of the chair and moved through the door. He continued his day with Vance’s request rarely out of his mind. Brian hated attending these kinds of functions and up until now, his boss and business partner had been more than willing to represent the company at any and all of them.

The night of the ball was fast approaching. Brian had asked Lindsay, but she had refused to attend without Mel. He was about to go do something crazy like ask Cynthia to attend with him, when the lady in question knocked on his office door. “Brian, there’s a Mr. Taylor to see you.” she said.

“Mr. Taylor?” Brian questioned. 

Justin poked his head in the office peering over Cynthia’s shoulder. “Hey Brian, I brought you lunch.” He said as if this was an everyday occurrence.

“Justin?” 

“Yeah, it’s me, remember, the blond you woke up beside a few weeks ago? Great conversationalist, likes to snuggle in bed, blue eyes?” Justin continued as he walked past Cynthia who couldn’t help but snicker, though she tried to cover it up when she saw the glare Brian directed at her. Justin turned to Cynthia. “How’s his schedule for the next hour?”

“He’s got the rest of the afternoon clear.” Cynthia replied.

“Terrific, hold his calls.” Justin shut the door behind her, making a show of turning the lock before looking at Brian. He wasn’t sure why he had decided to do this today other than it was a crisp cold November day and he didn’t have any classes that afternoon. He also was missing contact with the hazel eyed enigma from the top floor of their building.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Brian asked. His eyes widened as Justin proceeded to put a linen place mat on his desk adding a plate with a sandwich, a wine glass and a bottle of wine. He placed similar things on the other side of the desk and then sat in one of Brian’s chairs. 

“Would you like to open the wine or should I?” Justin asked. “I do have a lot of practice; the restaurant where I worked in the summer had an extensive wine cellar.”

“This is my office,” Brian began.

“You’re kidding me right?” Justin said. “And here I thought it was a place that all the big boys went to hang out during the day. Sort of like a pool hall for guys in Armani.” He uncorked the bottle of wine and filled Brian’s glass. “I think you’ll like this one. It’s full bodied and yet light.”

The bouquet of the wine filled the air and Brian sniffed appreciatively before taking his glass and sipping. “It’s not bad.” Brian admitted grudgingly. He peered at the sandwich. It looked like his usual turkey on whole wheat. He was hungry; he hadn’t stopped for even so much as a coffee all morning. Taking a bite he was surprised at the moistness of the turkey and the flavor and density of the bread.

“Do you like the bread?” Justin asked. “I made it this morning; it’s a twelve grain recipe that my grandmother gave me.”

Brian took another bite, nodding his approval and Justin couldn’t help but smile as he also began to eat.

“Is there anything you don’t do?” Brian asked when he’d finished his sandwich.

“Sure, lots of stuff.” Justin admitted. He poured Brian another glass of wine finishing off the bottle.

“Like what?” Brian was curious.

“I don’t play football, but I do dance. In fact I took lessons from the time I was five until I was sixteen.”

“Interesting.”

“I play chess, but I hate to lose.”

“Me too, we’d better not play chess together.”

“I hate to wear pink and I never dress in drag.” Justin smirked.

“Damn and I needed a date for the Fall Charity Ball on Saturday night.” Brian teased. “That’s too bad. I was hoping my date would wear pink. It’s formal you know.”

“Of course I know about the ball. It’s like one of the biggest events at the Country Club. My parents will probably be there.”

“So I guess you wouldn’t want to go.” 

“What, are you asking me on a date?” Justin couldn’t believe his ears. ‘Fuck, fuck, fuck,’ he thought. I have the Stockwell job that night.

“Well, I do need a date and even though you refuse to wear pink and dress in drag, I’m sure you could come up with something presentable by then.”

“Will a black tux do?” Justin asked. He’d already had one fitted and ordered for Jasbir’s wedding. He figured he would get some use out of it in his career as an artist.

“You own a tux?”

“Don’t you?”

“Of course, but I wasn’t expecting that you would.”

“Why not? Is there some kind of rule about who can and can’t own a tux?”

“Justin, do you always have to argue about everything?”

“No, but you make it easy.” Justin stood up and began to tidy Brian’s desk. “Will you buy me a corsage?”

“Asshole”

“There you go, fixated as usual on assholes. Really Brian, there is a time and a place.” Justin impulsively kissed Brian’s cheek before taking the basket and heading for the door. “Well I have to go; I have a million things to do before Saturday night. I need my hair done, my nails, I was thinking maybe a pedicure and definitely a facial.” Justin grinned at the look on Brian’s face. “What time are you picking me up?”

Brian could barely get the words out. He couldn’t believe he’d asked this blond kid to go to the ball with him. Vance was going to shit a brick when he heard about this. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“If you’d like Brian, you could pick me up at seven. We can have dinner at the Country Club, my father might not speak to me, but I do still have privileges.”

“Fine, seven it is.” Brian stated.

Justin blew the older man a kiss and quietly left the office. He gave Cynthia a kiss on his way past her desk. “We’re going on a date.” He whispered. “Saturday night.”

Cynthia laughed. “Not the Charity Ball?”

“The very same.” Justin smiled at her cheekily.

Cynthia couldn’t help but smile back. “Well, have fun. You must call on Monday and tell me how it went. You can be sure Brian will never say.”

Tbc.