Sweet Little Lies - 2 Plot bunny: Judy Dedicated to: Judy Three weeks ago, Brian was surprised to see the résumé of a Tyler Taylor on his desk for the position of senior art director. Ty had a reputation among advertising agencies of being the best in the business. He was surprised for a couple of reasons; one being the position hadn’t been advertised yet and the other one was that Ty Taylor, one of the Taylor twins, both of whom were Pittsburgh celebrities of sorts, was willing to leave New York and return to the Pitts. Brian hadn’t seen either Justin or Tyler since the night a few years back at the country club. He was there with a client when his attention was drawn to the dance floor. A schmaltzy waltz from the fifties was playing and on the dance floor was Justin Taylor and the man he’d been with at the restaurant the night before. Daphne was dancing with Ty and Molly was dancing with her father. It was quite the scene and one he’d never forget. If he shut his eyes now he could see the light shining on the blond hair of Justin as he threw his head back to laugh in joy at something his dance partner had whispered to him. Getting Ty Taylor to head up the art department of Kinnetik would be a coup, but he’d have to see the man first. It had been a long time and he hadn’t really known the Taylor twins other than by chance meetings over the years. Brian sat back and looked over at a painting he had on his wall. It was a Taylor painting, Justin’s he presumed though he’d never asked. The Taylor twins were identical in a lot of ways including their artistry. It was one of their signature themes to never let a patron know for sure who had completed the piece of artwork. A whole school of thought went into the deciphering of each piece. Lately, the things Brian had seen on the market that were Taylor’s, were dark and unsettling, like the one on his wall. The pain of loss sometimes seemed to scream out and yet at other times he could see an underlying love shown. It was a contradiction of life on a large piece of canvas and it had drawn him in from the moment he’d seen it. Now, Ty Taylor worked for him. He was the best art director he’d ever employed not to mention the best looking. It was too bad the man was straight. Brian had thrown out a few hints but nothing had happened. After the fiasco years before with Kip Thomas, Brian knew better than to pursue the issue. He was attracted to Ty, but there was something missing. He couldn’t quite put his hand on it, or lips for that matter, but definitely something was missing. It was too bad because for the first time in his life Brian could feel that he needed more and it wasn’t money; he had lots of it. He also had a good family with Lindsay and Gus and the rest of the gang, but he wanted to settle down. To find someone to love like a storybook romance. Not that Brian would ever voice these wants but they were there nevertheless. “Brian, sorry to bother you, but the only flight I can get you lays over in Phoenix for a few hours.” Cynthia knew Brian was going to hate the idea. “Reschedule my appointment and book me into a hotel in Phoenix. I’m not hanging around a damn airport. I might as well relax in a hotel room for the night.” “Fine, I’ll reschedule for the next day and book you into somewhere nice.” “Make sure it’s near a club. I feel the urge to go dancing.” “Yeah, on some hot guy’s butt,” Ted said as he walked through the door. “If I wanted comments from the peanut gallery Theodore, I’d ask,” Brian couldn’t help but drawl. Ted ignored Brian; it was better that way and much less stress. Brian stood up. “I need to see Ty, what do you want Ted?” “I need you to approve Ty’s expense account.” Ted put a folder on Brian’s desk. “Why, is he buying flowers for his lovers, expensive lunches for twinks, a Beemer?” Brian glared at Ted. “No, it all looks like legitimate expenses. It’s just that he’s only been here two weeks. I thought you should make sure that he’s not…… well doing anything untoward.” “ That’s your job Theodore,” Brian said before heading for the door. “Unless there’s a charge for a lap dance at the Roxy, I don’t want to see it.” “But Brian,” Ted began picking up the folder. Brian raised his eyebrows and said nothing. It was enough of an answer for his accountant and Ted flushed. After he dismissed Ted, Brian headed over to the art department; maybe he’d ask Ty to lunch. The art director may not be available but he was damn good to look at, as well as being an intelligent man. It would be nice for a change to have a conversation for once that didn’t involve speculating as to who was gay and who wasn’t in the celebrity crowd which seemed to be all that his friends could think of. “Hey Ty,” Brian said as he entered the art department. Everyone made sure they looked busy when they’d seen him approach. Ty on the other hand had his feet up on his desk and was leaning back in his chair studying some contacts. “Hey there Mr. Kinney,” he grinned at Brian and continued to look at the contact sheet. “Want to check these out?” he held one out to his boss. “I think the second one from the end on the forth row is the winning print.” Brian took the contact sheet and picked up a magnifying lens from Ty’s desk. He looked at all the photos and then back at the one Ty had indicated. “I agree, we’ll go with that one. See if you can find two more alternate poses that are suitable, but this one will be our main focus.” “So, did you want something or were you just slumming?” Ty asked as he put his feet on the floor and began to work efficiently and quickly putting together a layout. “I thought maybe we could go out for lunch,” Brian said. “I’ll buy.” “I’ll go out with you for lunch only if I buy,” Ty grinned at him. “After all this is the perfect opportunity for me to suck up to the boss,” he hesitated. “That’s suck up, not suck,” he clarified and laughed out loud at the look on Brian’s face. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that,” Brian laughed back. “I could use a free lunch every now and then. Where do you want to go?” “Well since it’s on me, how about the country club. I still have a family membership there and the food isn’t bad.” Ty stood up and stretched. “If you want to free up the rest of your afternoon, a work out at the gym,a massage and steam sounds good.” “That it does,” Brian smiled. He wondered just what Ty was up to. It would be interesting to find out. “I need to be at the airport by six, but I’m sure it won’t take all afternoon.” “Oddly enough I need to get to the airport as well, though my flight leaves at five. So we’ll make sure we’re out of there.” “Going somewhere special?” Brian asked as the two of them walked out the door. “Daphne, my roomy, and I are heading south for a couple of days. I’m sure I left you a memo about it,” he grinned. Daphne would kill him if she heard him calling her his roomy, but he wasn’t ready to call her more than that. Yet, she was very much more than just a roommate. “I don’t read shit like that. Cynthia does, she would have told me eventually,” Brian shrugged. He didn’t care what the guy did on his own time as long as Kinnetik was looked after. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Geeze Ty, nothing like leaving things to the last minute,” Daphne griped as she drove her car through the rush hour traffic. “Why the damn country club, couldn’t you have taken him to lunch at Burger King or something?” “Bunny, you’re pretty when you’re pissed, Ty said and laughed. He loved to make Daphne blush. “We’ll make our flight, don’t worry,” he assured her. “Besides, I was schmoozing Kinney for Jai’s sake. It’s not like he’s my kind of lover,” Ty leaned over and kissed Daphne’s cheek. “I love you Bunny,” he said softly. “Damn you, I can never stay mad at you,” Daphne laughed. She took the turn off for the airport. Ty had been right; they were going to make the flight. “Are you okay with staying at Jai’s with me if we can get him to agree to take my place?” it wasn’t the first time Ty had asked this question. He still couldn’t believe that Daphne loved him. He’d been such an asshole for so many years. “You know I’m okay with it, I still don’t know how you’re going to get him to agree to this.” Daphne thought the whole plan was a stupid one but she’d do anything for both of her friends; she loved them both, but in different ways. “I can talk Jai into anything. I’m the oldest don’t forget,” he laughed “But apparently not the brightest,” she teased. It was going to be an interesting twenty-four hours. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Jai,” Daphne yelled and threw herself into Justin’s arms knocking him backwards. “Damn Daphne, would you calm down?” Justin laughed. “Hey Twin how do you put up with this woman day in and day out?” he said referring to their living arrangements. He never could figure out why Daphne and Ty had continued to share a loft after University but apparently it worked well for the two of them. “I have to put up with her or she’ll be mean, real mean,” Ty teased. He grabbed his brother in a bear hug. “Damn you look good Jai,” he commented as he looked his brother up and down. He’d have to have his hair styled differently, but other than that, they would still be able to pass for one another. “You don’t look a day over twenty eight.” “Asshole,” Justin said good naturedly. He linked his arm through Ty’s and Daphne’s. “How many bags do you guys have?” he asked. “Should I have rented a van?” “Straight boy here, I don’t need a lot of things. Daphne on the other hand makes up for what I didn’t pack.” “I hope you both have something hot to wear for tonight. You’ve got me in the mood for dancing,” Justin grinned. He felt emotionally better than he had in months. Ty was right; this was just what he’d needed. Maybe it was time to remember the good times with Tomas and move on with his life. “We have bought you a great outfit for tonight. We’ll all be HAWT,” Daphne laughed out loud. “You two do remember that we’re going to a gay club don’t you?” Justin asked. “Have I finally converted you to the dark side, Twin?” Justin kissed his brother’s cheek, “Welcome.” “No you haven’t converted me asshole,” Ty laughed. “Daphne and I will keep each other safe and pure at the club tonight. You on the other hand are welcome to fly as high as you want.” “You do know that I’m well aware that you’re buttering me up for something?” Justin winked at Daphne. “I’m not going to do it whatever it is you want me to do twin.” “Jai, Jai, you crush me,” Ty pretended to die. “How can you think something like that of me?” “I don’t want to talk about whatever it is until tomorrow. Let me have tonight to have fun.” Justin shook his head no when his brother started to speak, “I mean it Ty, I don’t want to hear it.” “But you will let me at least discuss it with you?” Ty said. “Do I have a choice?” Justin laughed. “No,” Daphne said for Ty. “You know he’d wear you down.” She looked at the luggage carousel, “Hey that’s your bag Ty, grab it quick.” The bags were soon collected and the three of them piled into Justin’s car thankful for the air conditioning when they walked out of the airport;Phoenix was definitely not Pittsburgh. “I’ve put together a great dinner,” Justin told them when they had finally loaded the luggage and were on their way. “I thought we’d go out for our birthday celebration,” Ty said. “You shouldn’t have to cook.” “I’m not, you are,” Justin laughed. “I want one of your spaghetti dinners with Daphne’s garlic bread. I bought everything we’re going to need.” “Geeze Jai, garlic. We’re going out clubbing.” “So brush your teeth and use a mouth wash,” Justin laughed. “Besides, you will be with Daphne and she’s going to be eating garlic too. I know that the two of you are a couple now, so don’t deny it.” “You shit, how did you know? I wanted to tell you,” Daphne hit Justin on the arm. “Ouch,” Justin yelped and rubbed his arm. “Suck it up Daphne; Ty can’t keep anything from me. I’m on to him. It’s a twin thing.” The drive in from the airport was filled with chatter about everything they’d missed living apart. Phone calls and emails weren’t the same as being together in person and Daphne especially had missed Justin’s ready wit and quick smile. Ty had known that it was only misplaced slightly and he had plans for making sure that it was soon going to be firmly back in place. Finally arriving at Justin’s home that was located just outside the city limits, Daphne and Ty could relax. “We’re going swimming ,” Daphne announced. “You are going to unload the car first,” Justin responded. “We’re guests,” Ty said, but he lifted a suitcase out of the trunk. “Come on there Bunny, grab one of these cases.” “Bunny?” Justin said and burst out laughing. “Because she has big ears or because she fucks like one?” “JUSTIN TAYLOR, THAT IS SOOOO NOT FUNNY,” Daphne yelled at him and flounced toward the house. “You can carry in everything yourself you shit.” “Hmmmmm, same wonderful sense of humor,” Justin joked. He took two of the cases out of the car trunk and slammed it shut. “Hey Daffy, I’m sorry, but Bunny?” he snorted. “It’s a pet name okay?” she huffed. “I like it, it’s kind of cute and Ty...Ty makes it sound so sexy,” she kissed Ty on the arm as he walked past. “Okay, okay, Bunny it is, but if you don’t mind, I’ll stick to Daphne,” Justin grinned. “Don’t I get a kiss?” “No,” Daphne turned her back on him still miffed. “I’m making your favorite chocolate mousse for dessert,” Justin bribed knowing Daphne never could resist chocolate. “In that case, you’re forgiven,” she smiled and kissed his cheek. “You know I never noticed before, but Ty is much more kissable than you are.” “I think we’re identical in kissableness if there is such a word. But it’s guys who like to kiss me, not girls.” “I like to kiss you, but I like to kiss Ty better,” she giggled. “Remember when we were in high school and we taught each other to kiss. Ty was being such a shit and he was out tom[-]catting all the time. He wouldn’t tell us how to do it. You actually found a book in the library that had pictures.” Justin laughed, “Yeah, I remember that. I also remember Ty punching me in the eye when he caught us practicing. I had the worst damn black eye and I had to make up a stupid story about falling in gym class.” “You weren’t supposed to be kissing Daphne,” Ty said, he still bristled about that afternoon. He should have known then that Daphne was the one for him. “You’re a freak Ty. You were fucking jealous, but would you admit it? Noooooooo.” Justin knew how to piss off his brother. It was an art they both worked at off and on. “Would you two stop fighting?” Daphne demanded. “I’m going swimming and if you don’t stop it, I’m going to be swimming in the nude.” “Like I’d care,” Justin laughed. “Daphne sweetie, you’re beautiful, but soooooo not my type.” “Wear a suit,” Ty said and gave her a hug. “He may be gay, but I don’t want him seeing you in the buff.” “He’s seen me before,” Daphne said. “If you boys will recall, we used to all bathe together.” “We were six,” Ty justified. He put his arm around her shoulder and began to steer her toward the main guest room. “We’ll be awhile brother dear; Daphne needs lots of help getting into her bathing suit.” “No hetero sex allowed in the house.” Justin put his hands up in mock horror. “It’ll reduce the property values.” Daphne and Ty laughed as they closed the door on Justin. As soon as they were sure they couldn’t be heard, Ty said, “Shit, he knows about us, there goes plan A, now what are we going to do?” “I told you it was a stupid plan,” Daphne said. She began to take her clothes off. “What are we going to do; we need a reason for the two of us to stay and Justin to take my place?” “Actually, I do have a reason, but I wanted to talk to you about it first.” Ty sat on the bed and pulled Daphne down beside him. “I heard about another job shortly after I signed the contract for the job at Kinnetik,” he sighed. “What job, you never said anything,” she looked closely at him. “Well,” he looked sheepish. “Remember the comic I illustrated a year ago for that Novotny guy in Pittsburgh?” “Sort of,” she said. Daphne had vague memories of Ty spending late nights with a comic book geek. There was a lot of excitement and hype about the thing and then it kind of died down, or so she thought. “Well the first issue sold out, three times. He called me to do another issue but there’s a catch.” “What’s the catch?” she asked. “I would have to go to L.A. to do it.” “That makes no sense,” she shook her head. “I mean you can draw anywhere.” “But, they are going to make the comic into a movie, an animé movie – and I should be there to make sure they keep to the original premise. I can work on the second issue at the same time. Michael Novotny is already there with his husband and kid, but he wants me there too, “he shook his head. “It’s what I was trained for and what I’ve dreamed about ever since we were kids.” “But you signed the contract with Kinnetik.” She rested her head on his shoulder as she sat by his side. “Ty, was all this subterfuge about getting Justin back into the land of living for you or for Justin?” “Daphne, how can you ask me that? I didn’t even try to get out of my contract. I called Michael in L.A. and said that I had accepted another job. He’s been trying to get the powers that be to hold off on the movie for another year. That’s how long my contract is for.” “But now that Justin knows something is up, you want to use the comic?” she asked. Her hand found his and their fingers locked. “Kind of, I mean it seems almost like some kind of sign or something. I could call Michael and ask him if the job is still open for me. We could ask Justin to fill in for the year at Kinnetik, Brian doesn’t have to know. I mean Justin is if anything better than me at that kind of work.” “Why not ask Brian if you can get out of your contract?” Daphne asked. “Because, Brian Kinney doesn’t let someone get out of a contract. That’s why he has them sign one. It’s to protect Kinnetik and it protects the employee as well. Brian is very generous with the terms of his contracts, the bonuses are more than munificent” “So you’ll be telling Justin the truth when you ask him to fill in for you,” Daphne’s voice was filled with satisfaction. “It’ll all work out.” “But now I feel so sneaky and what if Brian discovers that the guy he hired isn’t the guy he’s got working for him?” “Now how is that going to happen?” Daphne grinned. “You can talk your brother into anything and it’s not like we are going to do it just for you, it’s for Jai too. I mean this Brian Kinney is a pretty good guy, he’d be perfect for your brother.” “True, he would be. I don’t know why I’m getting a conscience about it now. I mean Justin needs to fall in love. I mean you’ve been much easier to get along with since you fell in love with me.” “Asshole, I’ve been in love with you since we were three, “she pushed him back on the bed and straddled his body. “I hope you locked the door, because I’m going to have my way with you.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian had been in his room barely ten minutes when his cell phone rang. He glanced at it and saw that it was his long time friend Michael. “ Hey Mikey,” he said and threw himself down on the bed. It had been a long day and he’d need to regroup if he was going out clubbing tonight. “ Brian, I called the loft, but you weren’t there, Michael began. “And you’re telling me this why?” Brian said with a laugh. “I still can’t find anyone to draw Rage the way the first issue looked. It’s driving me crazy and they want me to make a decision about the movie. What am I going to do?” “How hard have you tried Mikey? I know you had your heart set on Ty Taylor, but I have him now. If I’d known you wanted him for the comic, I would have never signed him to a contract. But truthfully, Mikey, he’s the best thing that’s happened to Kinnetik in a long time. He’s more than just an art director. He had an inner feeling for advertising and I swear to God he may even be better than I am when it comes to selling.” “Yeah, yeah, Michael said. “I heard he had a twin brother. That’s what I’m calling you about. Do you have any idea where I can find him?” “No, but I can ask Ty the next time I see him. I’m in Phoenix right now. I’ll be back on Monday.” “Thanks Brian, I really appreciate it,” Michael sighed. “You have no idea how stressful its been. Ma’s been calling every five minutes, Hunter can’t keep his dick in his pants around all the California girls and Ben is bitching about the ozone layer and too much sunlight. I wish the fuck I’d stayed home, and believe me if I can get Ty Taylor’s brother and if he’s half as good as Ty is, I’m heading back to Pittsburgh.” “Don’t be too hasty Mikey, this is a chance of a lifetime for you. Do you know how few comic books get this far?” “I know, but damn Brian, I miss being at home. I miss Ma and Uncle Vic.” “Have them come for a visit,” Brian laughed. “I’m sure Debbie would look good in a bikini with a new blonde wig.” “Thanks for the visual Brian,” Michael laughed. “Why are you in Phoenix?” “It’s a stop over, I’m actually on my way to Dallas, but it worked out that I’m here. I’m planning on clubbing tonight. Tomorrow is time enough for business.” Michael laughed, “Have fun dancing. Keep away from the drugs if you’re flying tomorrow, they’ll mess you up more than you know.” “Gee thanks Mikey for the advice,” Brian tried to hold in the sarcasm. “I’ll call you on Monday or Tuesday, depending on my schedule.” “Thanks a lot Brian,” Michael was noticeably relieved. Brian could always be counted on to get him out of a jam. Brian turned his phone off after speaking to his friend. Anyone who wanted him badly enough could track him down through Cynthia, otherwise he was off the clock as far as his life was concerned. It was time to get some beauty sleep before he hit the clubs. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin did a few laps in his pool while he waited for Ty and Daphne to appear. He could feel the apprehension deep inside of him. Whatever his twin wanted from him was big and he knew it. It was one thing to start a new life with the memories of Tomas in the background and quite another to move away from his comfort zone. Yet, Justin had a feeling that Ty was going to demand it of him and once more he had a feeling that he’d agree. Justin had never been able to refuse his older brother a damn thing and he knew it. “Justin, get out of the pool, we have to talk to you right now.” Justin had been lazing on a raft and he opened one eye to glare at Daphne who stood at the side of the pool, with her hands on her hips. “Fuck off Daphne, I’m relaxing.” He wanted to avoid the ‘talk’ as long as he could. “What part of ‘we’ll talk tomorrow’ didn’t you understand?” “I don’t want to wait until tomorrow.” “Tough.” “ Ty is in the house making dinner for you.” “And he’s making it for you,” Justin grinned and rolled off the raft. He contemplated hiding under it, but then swam to the edge of the pool. “Daphne, why is it so important to you? Don’t tell me what Ty wants, just tell me why it’s so important to you.” “Because he’s wanted an opportunity like this since we were little kids. He’s dreamed of it and he’s good at it. You are good at everything, but Ty, he’s always been focused on only a small part of what you both can do; he needs this.” “Ty can make his case tomorrow. I refuse to discuss it today.” Justin hoisted himself out of the pool and shook himself like a dog to get rid of the excess water. “You’re a shit you know,” Daphne declared. “I know you’ll help him, but you want to make him suffer; you always do that.” “Daphne, I always agree to help him, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for me. If it was easy Ty would do it himself and you know it. He always asks me to do shit that he doesn’t want to do because the easy way is to not do it.” “Okay, no more discussion.” Daphne leaned over and gave Justin a hug even though he was still wet. “I’m going to swim. Did I mention that I love your brother? And that I’m so happy I could explode?” “No you didn’t mention it, but I think I know the feeling,” he looked sad for a moment. “I felt that way sometimes with Tomas but lately I think he’s telling me to get out and stop moping. You know the way he was, he hated anything gloomy. The last paintings I did for the New York show were ones that I just know he would have hated. I think when I finished them, I knew he wouldn’t have approved and that’s why I sent them all to New York before I burned them.” “You sold out, so someone must have liked them.” Daphne gave him a quick hug. [“]Think of that as your dark cathartic period and now you can come back into the sunshine.” “You always were able to find the right things to do and say,” Justin smiled at his childhood friend. “Remember the night of the prom and Billy Hanson? Damn I wanted to dance with him so badly. Of course,if I’d asked him the earth would have opened up and swallowed us whole – a la Sunnydale and Buffy.” “It worked out great all right,” Daphne reminisced. “You got to dance with Billy and me at the same time. Of course, it wasn’t the slow song you wanted, but still, it was a dance.” “Hey, you two get in here and help me make dinner.” They turned and stuck out their tongues at Ty before dissolving in giggles. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ By eleven o’clock Brian was refreshed and ready to go out. He hadn’t been out dancing in weeks. Other than a quick beer at Woody’s he’d been busy at Kinnetik. He walked into the club and almost laughed. They were all the same all over the world. The music thumped and drove itself inside his body demanding that he dance with it’s thumpa thumpa beat. Not bothering with a drink, he headed for the dance floor; after all that’s why he’d come. Brian let the music wash over him and he smiled into the eyes of a trick who’d begun to dance with him. When he made a turn, he saw a vision that made him stop in the middle of the dance floor. It was Ty and his brother, dancing with a dark haired girl. All of them were lost in the moment and it was hard to tell where one started and the other began. It was obvious that the three of them were long time dance partners. Their moves were almost choreographed as the music sounded its magic. The two men were dressed identically; in white linen pants and blue silk shirts, opened and allowing their tanned bodies to glow in the strobe lights. Brian could see a flash of gold through the filmy fabric of their shirts. Each one had his nipple pierced; one the left and the other one on the right. He grinned at that and wondered if they’d done it on purpose. Not wanting to miss a moment of the Taylor brothers, Brian smiled at the trick he’d been dancing with and headed for the bar. He’d get himself a drink and stand by and watch the show. A little later Justin broke away from Ty and Daphne, he needed a drink of water and headed for the bar. As he stood and placed his order Justin did not recognize the tall, auburn hair man beside him. “A bottle of Evian,” he said to the bartender. “Let me,” Brian said and handed the bartender the money. He passed the bottle to Justin and when their fingers met, both of them felt a tingle of electricity. Justin smiled up at Brian, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Thanks,” he murmured before draining the water and heading back to the dance floor. In a few minutes, the twins linked arms with the girl they were with and disappeared outside. Brian finished his drink and decided to head back to his hotel. Suddenly the crowded club didn’t appeal to him any longer as sparkling blue eyes reflected in his memory. The Taylor brothers might look alike to most people, but Brian would bet everything he had that he could tell them apart. The one who had joined him at the bar was nothing like his brother Ty. He wondered what his art director was doing in Phoenix .Why hadn’t he mentioned that he was coming here and why was he with his brother. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin was content to go back to his house with his brother and Daphne. The chance meeting with the man at the bar had proven to him that he wasn’t dead inside any longer. He was beginning to wonder if he could ever feel again the way he had for Tomas. And the dancing, he’d missed the dancing. He’d come into his element on the dance floor; he could almost hear Tomas laughing down at him in joy as he danced. That feeling alone had been enough to make the evening worthwhile. It was too bad he’d left his contacts out. He would have like to have met the man at the bar again but considering he was a blur, a tall blur, but a blur nonetheless, it was doubtful he’d ever recognize him again. “So Twin, did you have fun?” Ty asked. They were walking down the street, Daphne in the middle holding hands with both men and talking about their evening. The car was parked a couple of blocks away from the club and the night was warm and filled with magic. “I had an amazing time,” Justin admitted. “Thanks you two for talking me into going out. I won’t be such a party pooper the next time you ask.” “We told you so,” Daphne couldn’t resist saying. “I want chocolate, dark dreamy chocolate,” Justin said. “That’s Daphne, but only I get that chocolate,” Ty laughed. “For you Twin, we can stop off at Death by Chocolate and have something filled with calories and carbs and utterly sinful.” “Sounds like a great way to end our birthday,” Justin laughed. He dropped Daphne’s hand and ran ahead to the brightly lit storefront of the dessert shop. “You know, I think from now on I’m going to wear my contacts when I go out dancing.” “You never have before,” Ty said as he and Daphne caught up with Justin. “You always said it made the beer buzz more fun, Daphne laughed. “That was then, this is now, Justin smiled mysteriously. “Now I want to see the world around me when I’m buzzed. You just never know who you’re going to meet.” “I don’t suppose you’re going to tell us why you’ve come to this decision. I’m sure we didn’t let you out of our sight long enough to have that Cheshire smile on your face.” “I have my ways, Justin said with a grin. He held the door to the dessert shop open for Ty and Daphne. “I’m going to have a double chocolate rapture cake and I’m not sharing.” “I’m having a white chocolate cheese cake, Daphne said pointing to a delicious looking picture on the wall. “I’ll share with you,Ty said. “No you won’t; get your own,” Daphne laughed and kissed him. “Hmmmm, you’re delicious, maybe I don’t need any dessert, I have you.” “Get a room you two. No lovey dovey stuff when I’m doing without.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Two days later, Justin found himself on a plane heading for Pittsburgh not sure why exactly he’d agreed to this subterfuge. It was the biggest lie ever though Ty still referred to it as a ‘sweet little lie’ their code for switching when they were kids. The day before had found Justin being quizzed and taught everything he needed to know about Kinnetik and the people he’d be working with. Ty even had pictures of everyone so that he wouldn’t make any mistakes. Justin sighed heavily, if it wasn’t for the fact that Ty actually had that job in L.A. and that it was a job he’d known his brother had coveted forever. Justin would never have agreed to this lie no matter what kind of bribes his brother had used. The plane ride to Pittsburgh was uneventful. The ride in the cab to Daphne and Ty’s apartment was one spent in reflection. It had been a long time since Justin had been in Pittsburgh. He hadn’t really planned on going back so soon but it would be nice to see his parents again. They hardly ever had managed to visit him in Phoenix and Justin could understand that. He was tired and was trying to adjust to the cooler air temperature by the time he reached the apartment building. He paid the cabbie and headed into the building. It was a long trip and he wasn’t looking forward to the next day. “Hey Ty, I’m glad I caught you. I dropped over to run over the Anderson boards with you. They want some changes and I didn’t think you’d mind if I came over with them.” Brian Kinney beamed down at the man he knew was Justin Taylor. This was going to be interesting to see what kind of plot the twins had hatched between them. “Uh, Mr. Kinney, I mean Brian,” Justin began. “Sorry, I was visiting my brother. I just got in from the airport.” “No problem. Why don’t you shower and I’ll order us in some dinner. Do you still like that Thai place around the corner?” he asked as if this was a common occurrence though Brian had never been to Ty’s apartment in his life. Justin hesitated, he hated Thai food. “I’d rather have Chinese,” he replied. He was hungry, maybe it was better just to jump into Ty’s life like this. “Okay, I can do Chinese. I’ll call while you shower. Unless you’d like me to join you in the shower,” Brian grinned at him. Fuck, didn’t this Brian Kinney know Ty was straight Justin wondered. “I don’t think so Brian,” he stammered, his face flushed a bright red. While Justin headed to the safety of the bathroom, Brian placed an order for take out. If Mikey hadn’t called him all excited about Ty Taylor accepting his offer in L.A., Brian might have been fooled by the twins. Then again, maybe not, there was something about this twin; something far more interesting than what his straight brother had. He seemed less worldly and more vulnerable than his brother. Brian sat back on the sofa to wait for Justin to appear. He smiled to himself pleased with how the initial meeting had gone. Life was certainly looking up. There was nothing he liked better than some good old fashioned fun.