All I Need – Is a Little More Time – 2


Three months later – 

Justin lay in his bed and watched the clock. It was nine o’clock in the morning and he refused to get up. After three months of rising at five and being on the job by six, working twelve and fourteen hour days, he was ready for some relaxation. It was always that way with him. Once he had a job, it became his life until the job was completed to his satisfaction. 

He knew Daphne was pissed with him because of it. Emmett understood to a point, but he had some fences to mend with the both of them. They didn’t understand what it was to be driven by needing to be the best at what he did. And as a retail designer, he needed to devote his time exclusively to the job in order to achieve his goal. After all, he was working with dozens of different trades. All with their own agenda. It required considerable skill and diplomacy and more often than not, hands on dealing with them to bring his jobs to completion.

Today was going to be a day of doing not much of anything. He thought maybe he’d find the Liberty Diner and have a late breakfast and then maybe look for more furniture for his loft. It was still furnished with what he’d bought the day he met Emmett and Daphne and he needed a few more things. 

Turning at the sound of his phone ringing, Justin picked it up. “Taylor” he answered, still in work answer mode. 

“Justin Taylor, you answer the telephone properly.” His mother began. 

“Hi mom.” He groaned as he rolled on his back. “What’s up?” 

“I know you’ve finished your job. I think it’s about time you came back for a visit before you start with another one. I knew that this was going to happen. You moved so far away, we’re never going to see you. Jacob keeps asking where you are.” 

“Uh, mom, I moved to get away from all of you. Say hi to Jake for me. But considering he’s three, I doubt he really cares where his Uncle Justin is.”

“Of course he cares. I still don’t understand why you couldn’t have continued working for Philippe and stayed right here in the city.” 

“Because I wanted to get away from you’all.” Justin laughed. “I’m pretty sure I explained this to you more than once.” 

“Have you met anyone yet? Some nice young man you can bring home to your mother?” 

“No, I’ve been working.” Justin laughed at the way his mother always managed to change the subject to yet another annoying one. “Daphne says hi by the way.” 

“I’m sure you’ve barely seen the girl. I know how you are when you’re working.”

“We have lunch every now and then.” Justin defended. He got out of bed and padded to the kitchen to turn on his coffee maker. 

“The reason I called, I wanted you to know that Molly is dropping Jacob off at your place today. We’ve decided to take that trip to Venice and you know your father can’t cope with Jacob.”

“For fuck sake mom, you guys can’t just drop off a three year old on me like he’s a dog.” Justin’s teeth were clenched. “The kid is going to be traumatized, not to mention what in hell am I going to do with him. I have a one-bedroom loft apartment. It isn’t suitable for kids and I fucking work mom.” 

“Jacob can sleep with you, he doesn’t take up a lot of room. Molly and I just have to get away. It’s hot here in Atlanta and your father is working all the time. Maybe this little trip will make Molly forget about little Jacob’s daddy. It’s about time she put all that behind her and found herself someone.” 

Jacob, Justin’s three-year-old nephew was the only regret he had about leaving Atlanta. Ever since he’d been born, he’d been with Justin almost daily as Molly and his mother did their southern genteel lady thing. Their life style left little room for a small boy who was all rough and tumble boy.  Justin had thought that leaving Atlanta would have forced his sister and mother to have a relationship with Jacob, other than as casual care givers on the way to shop.

He was about to start another rant when his intercom rang. “Just a minute mom.” He said and answered the intercom. “Justin.” 

“Uncle Jus, it’s me, Jake.” 

“Come on up. I’m on the top floor.” Justin buzzed the door to let his sister and nephew in. 

“For fuck sake mom, they’re here already. I can’t believe you guys. You could have at least given me some time.”

“Justin dear, you haven’t answered our calls in weeks. It just didn’t seem like something we could put on your voice message.” His mother simpered. “I’ll let you go now.” 

“What’s taking them so long to get up here?” Justin mumbled to himself, hanging up his phone and heading to the loft door. He could hear something on the stairs. “Molly, Jake is that you?” 

“My suitcase is too heavy Uncle Jus.” Jacob panted. 

Justin rolled his eyes and jogged down to where his three year old nephew was struggling with a heavy suitcase. He’d managed to reach the second floor. “Where in hell is your mother Jake?” he said to the small boy. He kissed him on the forehead and took the heavy case from him. 

“She said she had to get going.” Jake panted. “This is a cool building.” Jacob Taylor was a precocious three year old going on thirty. He was taller than most kids his age. His father had been almost seven feet tall. A football star in high school, Molly the home coming queen. They’d decided to consummate their relationship on the night Max shipped out to Iraq. He never knew he had a son as he’d been killed three months later. 
Jacob’s IQ was off the charts. Consequently he was more than a challenge for his mother and grandmother. 

“Your mother is a cunt.” Justin mumbled. 

“I heard that Uncle Jus, don’t be talking about Miss Molly like that.” Molly had refused to let him call her mom. She said she was too young to be a mother.

“She is though.” Justin sighed. “I guess it’s just you and me Jake.” 

“I like that.” Jake grinned at his Uncle. The boy had beautiful coffee colored skin, eyes as green as grass that were outlined in kohl black lashes, and blond curls. He was a beautiful combination of his father and Molly. “I’m starving Uncle Jus, they don’t feed you good on airplanes.”

“I don’t have a lot of food in the cupboard right now. Let me take a quick shower and we’ll go out for breakfast. We need to shop for food and a bed for you.” 

“Can I have a big boy’s bed?” Jacob asked. “Miss Molly said my old baby crib is good enough. She took the side off though.” He looked gloomy. 

“Of course you can have a big boy’s bed. Hell Jake, you’re almost as tall as I am and you’re only three.”

Jacob giggled. “No I’m not, I’m almost four anyway and you’re waaaaaaay bigger than me.” 

“Not by much, you’re going to be as tall or taller than your daddy.” 

“Tell me about my daddy again Uncle Jus.” Jake asked.

“Let me have a shower. We’ll talk when we walk to the diner.” 

It wasn’t long before Justin was showered and in the kitchen. Jacob had found himself an apple to keep him from starving and now was lying on the sofa staring out the window. “I like this place Uncle Jus.” He said. “It feels like a happy place.” 

Justin’s thoughts instantly went to the nights filled with loneliness that happened when ever he fell asleep on the sofa. “It can be a happy place.” He smiled at his nephew, “Especially now that you’re here.” 

“I thought maybe we could make you your own space over by the brick wall, just past the table. We’ll get you a bed and a desk. Maybe even a couple of fancy assed screens so you can have some privacy.”

“Cool.” Jacob grinned. “Can we go eat now?” 

“You are ruled by your tummy.” Justin laughed.

“I’m a growing boy, Miss Molly and Miss Jen said so.” 

Justin grimaced at the names his mother and sister were called. They were such asses. “You are definitely a growing boy.” He pulled on his tee shirt. “You’re going to like this place. They give you lots of food.” 

Jacob and Justin walked down the street toward the diner. Jacob continuing to chatter about everything he was seeing. He stared into the window of Emmett’s store loving the colors that were displayed; happy when Justin said they’d go there after they ate. 

Walking into the diner, Justin saw Daphne, Emmett and Michael sitting at a booth with another man and a young boy. “JUSTIN” Daphne and Emmett squealed. “Come and sit with us.” 

Justin walked over, Jacob hid just behind his legs, suddenly shy when he spotted the young boy. “Hi guys, this is Jacob my nephew, he’s staying with me for a few weeks.” Justin introduced the boy. “Jake meet my friends Daphne and Emmett. Oh and that’s Michael.” He looked at Brian and Gus. Holding out his hand he said. “I’m Justin Taylor.”

“Brian Kinney,” Brian said shaking Justin’s hand.

“I’m Gus.” Gus grinned at Jacob. “I’m three.”

“I’m three too.” Jacob smiled back. 

“You’re too big to be three.”

“No I’m not. I’m just me.” Jacob looked to Justin.

“Jake takes after his daddy.” 

“My daddy is dead, but he was really really tall and he was a Marine.” Jacob announced climbing up beside Gus.

“Sorry to hear about your dad Jake.” Brian said. 

“That’s okay, he died when I was in Miss Molly’s tummy. Uncle Jus says he was very brave and that he loves me from heaven.” He looked around. “I’m starving to death, Uncle Jus only has apples in his fridge.”

“Well, well, who is this fine young man?” Debbie came over to the table and handed Justin a menu. “Hey Sunshine, it’s nice to see you so early in the day.” 

“Hey Deb.” Justin ducked his head blushing. He was usually in the diner at midnight just before he headed to bed. “Meet Jacob, I’ve told you about him. He’s staying with me for awhile.”

“Hey there Jacob, your Uncle Jus has told me all about you. My name is Debbie.” 

“Hey Miss Debbie, do you have milkshakes here?” Jacob asked. “You have pretty hair Miss Debbie, it shines and sparkles.” 

“Why aren’t you just a sweet boy?” She kissed his cheek. “I’ll get you a milkshake right away.”

“Strawberry.” Jake said, “Please Miss Debbie.” He looked at Gus. “I can share, do you want some?” 

“Sure, I love strawberry.” Gus grinned.

“Why don’t you two boys sit at the counter? That way you can talk to me while the grown ups chat.” Debbie offered. 

“Can I Uncle Jus?” Jacob asked.

“Can I daddy?” Gus asked.

Both men gave their permission with a nod of their heads. The boys scrambled out of the booth and ran over to where Debbie was setting their places at the counter. 

“Justin, I’m glad you’re finished with that job. Maybe now you’ll find some time to party.” Daphne said. “Emmett and I have missed you.” She looked at the others at the table. “Justin is the worst person to have as a friend when he’s working. He focuses on his work and ignores the rest of the world. I mean, who really needs to work sixteen hours a day.”

“Actually Daphne, I often work that long.” Brian drawled. “So Justin, what do you do that keeps you away from Babylon?” 

“I’m a retail designer. I just completed three stores at the Goldman mall north of the city. I did the pet store, the ladies wear and the jewelry store for them.” 

“I was over there the other day. I understand you’re up for a design award for the pet store.”

“Yeah, it’s silly, it was a basic design. I’m not sure why in the world they think it’s better than most.”

“You underestimate yourself, I understand from the owner that they’ve more than doubled the walk through traffic since they reopened with your design. The sales have increased by thirty percent as well and this isn’t the prime sales season.” Brian smiled. “I understand you aren’t affiliated with any architecture firms in the city.” 

“You’ve been asking about me?” Justin smiled. Debbie set down his usual breakfast in front of him. It was nice being known.

“I discussed your work with the Goldman’s, yes.” Brian admitted. “I’m building a mall just west of the city. It’s about three times the size of the one you were working on.”

“Sounds like quite the project.”

“Hey you guys, this isn’t a business meeting, it’s breakfast.” Michael whined. “Brian, I thought you were going to Woody’s with us tonight? How come you have Gus with you?”

“Sorry Mikey, but I’ve been working some long hours and Gus hasn’t been over much. I promised myself I’d devote this weekend to him.” 

“Same here Daphne. I wasn’t expecting Jacob. I don’t think it would be very nice to stick him with a sitter even if I knew of one. He’s been dropped off on me without any warning. It has to hurt the little guy.” Justin looked over at Gus and Jacob. Both boys were chattering away to each other at the counter. “It’s going to be a bitch just organizing some kind of preschool for him. I don’t know how long his mother plans on leaving him with me, but knowing my sister, it’s going to be a long time before she gets her ass back here for him.”

“Honey, that really sucks.” Emmett patted Justin’s hand. “The kid must feel awful.” 

“We were going over to your store. I was hoping you might have a bed for him. He can’t sleep on the sofa.” Justin finished up his breakfast. 

“Mikey get Justin some more coffee.” Brian asked. “I’ll have some too.” 

“I’m not your fucking servant.” Michael barked, but got up to get the coffee pot. His mother was leaning on the counter talking to the two boys. 

She silently passed him the pot. “Give table three a refill too, will you honey?” she said as he turned away. 

Michael’s face grew red, but he did what he was asked.

“You’d make a good waiter.” Justin grinned up at him. “I completely suck at it. I tried once, figuring I’d make decent tips. But I barely made it through one shift before I was fired.” He giggled. “But on the upside, I was asked out on three dates. My social life for the next couple of weeks improved.” 

Emmett and Daphne laughed. Michael glowered and Brian only smiled as he leaned into the corner of the booth, watching the boys and his friends.

“Uncle Jus, can Gus come with us to pick out my bed?” Jacob stood beside the table. “Please Uncle Jus.”

“I don’t see why not Jake.” Brian smiled. “I was wondering what to do with myself this morning. Shopping in Em’s store seems like a good idea.” He looked at Justin, “that is if you don’t mind.” 

“I don’t mind.” Justin laughed. “But I’m sure you’ve got better things to do.”

“Brian, you’ve never even been in my place.” Emmett gasped. 

“There’s always a first time.” He smirked. “What do you say Mikey, do you want to come?” 

“I’ve got better things to do.” Michael glared. “I’m going to work at Buzzy’s. He’s got a new shipment coming in.” 

“Mikey works at a comic book store.” Brian explained. “He’s hoping to buy it someday.”

“That’s a great idea. I’ve got every edition of Captain Astro right up to the last one. Most of them are mint.” Justin grinned. “Did you go to the last Comic Con in Atlanta?”

“I couldn’t get away. Did you go?” 

“I was there for the whole four days. I had to call in sick for three of the days; it was the only way I could get off work. I bought two of my best comics there.”  

“There’s a Comic Con coming to Pittsburgh next spring.”

“Cool, I’m so going to be there.” Justin grinned. “I’ve tried to get Jacob to read comics, but I’m afraid he likes books with more of a plot.” He stood up. “I guess I’d better get going. I have a lot of stuff to buy to make Jake comfortable. I wasn’t expecting him.” 

“You just come on along Sweetness.” Emmett stood up. “You too, Brian.” 

“Justin and I will follow with the boys. I’m sure you have a few things to do at the store to open up.” Brian drawled. 

Emmett was happy with that. Daphne jumped up and kissed Justin’s cheek. “I’ve got to get ready for work. I’ll stop by tomorrow and see how Jacob’s room turns out.” 

“Sure, why don’t you come over for dinner, you too Emmett.” Justin offered. “I do great take out.” 

“Honey, I’ll come over early and cook.” Emmett grinned. “I’ll call later and we’ll discuss the menu.” 

Brian was sitting beside the two boys while everyone was milling around organizing their day. “Jacob, have you decided what kind of bed you want?” Brian asked.

“I want a big boy’s bed. One with a place for my stuff. Uncle Jus said I could have whatever bed I want.” He looked around and then whispered. “I want one that isn’t red or any weird color. Uncle Jus likes weird colors.” 

Brian laughed. “I think we can find you a bed that doesn’t melt your eyeballs.” 

Both boys giggled. “I want a teddy bear too. Miss Molly says boys don’t have teddy bears but I want one.” Jacob looked at Gus and Brian as if afraid they’d laugh at him. 

“I got a leather bear.” Gus declared. “He’s my best friend in the whole world.” He looked at Brian proudly. “My daddy gave him to me when I was a baby.” 

“You know what Jacob. Let me make your teddy bear my project for the day.” Brian said. “I have a couple of great ideas that will be perfect.” 

“Really and truly?” Jacob asked. 

“Really and truly. I’m an expert at finding best friend bears for boys. Isn’t that right Gus?” Brian grinned and ruffled Gus’ hair. 

“Daaaaddddyyy” Gus wiggled out from under his father’s hand. “You’re messing up my hair.” 

“My hair is always messy.” Jacob grinned. “It’s the best thing in the whole world about having curly hair. You never have to brush it, ever.” 

“I bet your Uncle Justin has something to say about that.” Brian laughed. 

“He said he was going to shave it all off if I don’t brush it.” Jacob laughed. “I don’t care. Hair is a dumb thing to worry about.” 

“Okay boys, are you ready to walk to Emmett’s?” Justin asked. 

“No.” Brian laughed. “Are you sure you want to look there? Emmett has a rather eclectic stock of furniture and I suspect Jake likes things less, well let’s say he likes normal furniture.” 

“Jake can pick out what he likes, but I did promise Em I’d start with his store.” Justin grinned. “And I’ll have you know color is good for the soul.”

“But too much can make your eyes bleed.” Brian teased as he held the diner door open for Justin and the two boys. 

“Your daddy is funny” Jacob whispered to Gus. The boys ran a few feet ahead. Gus knew where they were headed. 

“Thanks for coming along.” Justin began. “Jacob needs a friend his own age. He doesn’t have any back home. My sister lives at home with mom and dad and the house is in a remote area. Jake doesn’t often get a chance to meet other kids.”

“You said you weren’t expecting him today.” 

“I’ve pretty much raised Jake. My mother and sister are useless when it comes to Jake. He’s all boy and well, they’re always playing the part of southern gentlewomen. The two don’t mix.” Justin sighed. “I was hoping that by leaving Atlanta, they’d be forced to act like a mother and grandmother. I didn’t forget him for the last three months. I talked to him on the phone every day. He’s the only one of the family who has my cell number.” He laughed. “I don’t need to talk to the rest of them.” 

“How long do you think he’ll be with you?” Brian asked, they were getting close to Emmett’s store.

“I have no idea, but I think maybe I’ll see if I can keep him full time. The thing is, I need to change my lifestyle if I do keep him. I need to stop working night and day and I’m going to need some kind of good day care or maybe hire a housekeeper. I’m not sure yet. I have to see how it goes.”

Brian took a business card out of his pocket. “I would like to talk to you about that mall I’m designing. I think we might be able to do business together.” 

Justin looked at the card and then put it in his pocket. “I’ll give you a call, but I’ll be truthful, I’m not looking for work right now. It’s important to me to make sure Jacob is okay.”

“I understand.” Brian said as he opened the door to Emmett’s store. “The boys seem to be good friends already.”

“It must be nice to be three and without prejudices.” Justin laughed as he walked through the door. He was rather pleased that Brian held the door for him.

“Uncle Jus, we found the coolest bed.” Gus ran up to Justin. “Daddy you should see it.” 

The two men walked to the rear of the store. Jacob was sitting up on top of a bed that rose in the air. Underneath there was a built in desk, bookcase and dresser. It was a burnished walnut and looked substantial. 

“You’ve got good taste Jake.” Brian said. “And it isn’t red.” 

“That’s the best part.” Jacob giggled. “Come on up Gus, we’ll both fit. This is a big bed.”

“It does seem to be bigger than most bunk beds.” Justin said eyeing it up. 

“It looks like a double.” Brian ducked underneath and sat on the desk chair. “It’s very well constructed.”

“But it’s so big.” Justin whispered. “Where in hell am I going to put it?” 

“How about the nook where the desk you bought is. You can move that to the back wall. The alcove with the desk can be screened off.” 

“You know a lot about my apartment.” Justin looked at Brian for a few seconds before he rolled his eyes up. “Damn you used to own it. I remember Emmett said something about it.”

“Yes, it was what I bought with my first bonus.” He smiled remembering. “I loved that place. 

“Why did you sell it then?” Justin asked. He was listening to the two boys who were giggling above them. 

“I needed more room.” Brian shrugged. “I thought about keeping it, but after a year of it sitting empty, I figured I might as well sell it. And along came a little southern boy who bought it all up.” He smirked at Justin who grinned back at him.

“Whatever.” Justin laughed. “Hey Em, we’ll take it. Can you get the same guys to deliver it today?” 

“No problem honey.” He grinned. “Where are you all off to now?” 

“I need to buy some bedding and I’m going to need some kind of screen. I could use the guys to move the wall unit too.” He explained to Emmett just what he wanted to do. 

“You give me your key and I’ll have it all done by the time you get home.” Emmett offered. 

“Justin, did you ever change the locks?” Brian asked. 

“Not yet, I keep forgetting.” 

“Then use your own key Emmett.” Brian said. “I bet it’s still on your ring.” 

“Oh, yes, I forgot about that.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his key ring. “It’s the one with the purple hat on the end.” He looked at Justin. “Brian always wears a hat.” He winked. “I thought that it was appropriate.” 

“A hat?” Justin looked at Brian’s head and then down to where Brian was pointing at his crotch. “Oh, that kind of hat.” He looked from Emmett to Brian. “Just how many keys are out there for the loft?” 

“Not many.” Brian shrugged. “I’d suggest you get the locks changed on Monday though. Today it works out that you didn’t.” 

“Justin, I have the perfect thing for you.” Emmett came over. “I know it’s not usual, but I think it could work.” 

“What?” Justin asked. 

“Office dividers. I have three of them. They’re a soft grey ultra suede but you can have them recovered in anything you want. What’s even better, Jake could put pictures up on his side, you know personalize his space. And you can do the same for the other side.” 

“Actually that sounds kind of cool.” Justin admitted. “Okay, I’ll buy whatever you think I need.” 

“Uncle Jus, I need blankets too.” Jacob leaned over the mattress, barely hanging on. 

“Geeze Jake, don’t do that.” Justin gasped. “We’ll go get blankets from the store down the street. I saw some cool ones there when I bought mine.”

“Uncle Jus, no weird colors. I want dark blue sheets and a dark blue blanket.”

“You’re no fun.” Justin pretended to pout.

“I am so.” He giggled. “Gus has Spiderman sheets.” He looked at Brian. “Why does he want sheets with the picture of a fictional character from a badly made movie?”

“I have no idea.” Brian looked at Justin. “Why would he want sheets like that?” 

“Hell, I’d love sheets with Spiderman on them, but they never make them with a good thread count and they never make them in king size.” Justin grinned at Brian. “I actually considered making some Captain Astro ones myself, but my mother talked me out of it.”

“Geeze, what a freak.” Brian laughed. “Luckily one of you has good sense.” He rubbed Jake’s hair. “Isn’t that right Sonny Boy?”

“You’re funny.” Jacob giggled. 

“Justin, if you don’t mind taking both boys on the quest for the proper sheets, I have a bear to find that is looking for a boy.” Brian smiled at both boys. 

“I don’t mind.” Justin said. “The store is in the same block. I need a computer store as well.”

“Walk one block further and you’ll find a Future Shop. Are you sure two three year olds won’t be too much.” 

“Silly daddy, we’re both almost four.” Jacob grinned. “Isn’t that right Uncle Jus?” 

“Uh, Jacob, he’s Brian, not daddy.” Justin said. 

“He’s Gus’ daddy. Gus said I could call him daddy too.” Jacob looked satisfied. It was a logical explanation as far as he was concerned. “Isn’t that right Gus?”

“That’s right.” Gus put his arm around Jacob. “It’s okay isn’t it daddy?” he asked. 

“Well, it’s a bit unusual, but I don’t mind.” Brian laughed. “You could just call me Brian, that would work and that’s what Justin calls me.” 

“I like daddy better.” Gus said.

“Not you, I am your daddy.” Brian shook his head. “You explain it Justin.” 

“Jake, the name daddy usually means a father.”

“But daddy is Gus’ father.” Jacob reasoned. “And I’m a kid and he’s a daddy.” 

“Tell you what, Jake.” Brian lifted him down from the bed and then lifted Gus down. “You can call me daddy if you like. And some day if you change your mind and want to call me Brian, that’ll be okay too.” 

“Me too?” Gus asked.

“You too.” Brian promised.

“I’m not calling you daddy ever.” Justin snickered.

“And we’re all glad about that.” Brian smirked. “Later boys, don’t spend all Uncle Jus’ money.” 

“We wouldn’t spend all your money Uncle Jus.” Gus said his voice solemn. 

“I know you wouldn’t.” Justin said. “We have sheets and blankets to buy and then a computer.” 

“A computer?” both boys asked at once.

“Yes, I don’t want any kids playing on mine. It’s for work. I’m going to get one for Jake. The two of you can play games on it.”

“Or we could learn stuff.” Jacob said.

“Or that.” Justin opened the door. “Onward men, we have shopping to do.” 

Justin rather enjoyed walking down the street holding hands with Jacob and Gus. They took their time and window-shopped. Each boy had opinions on the various items for sale. He almost laughed out loud a couple of times when they began to discuss the merits of color versus neutrals. 

By the time they’d finished at Future Shop, both boys were tired and ready for a nap. Not that they’d admit it. So Justin hailed a cab for the ride home. Something the boys found exciting. 

“Help me carry this stuff upstairs.” Justin handed each boy a bag before paying for the cab. 

“Can we take the elevator Uncle Jus?” Jacob asked. 

“You two can, but I’m going to walk.” Justin started up the stairs; he knew the boys would be close behind. 

“Let’s take the elevator.” Gus said. “I know what button to push.”

“Okay.” Jacob ran to the elevator. “We’re going to beat you Uncle Jus.”

Justin turned; he couldn’t believe the little brats were actually taking the elevator. The thing creeped him out. He was about to head back down the stairs when he heard Brian come in. 

“Daddy,” two boys shouted. “We’re taking the elevator. Uncle Jus is scared of it, he’s walking up the giant stairs.” 

“Interesting.” Brian said. “Well, have fun in the elevator. I think I’ll take the stairs. All the big boys take the stairs.” Justin could hear him start walking. 

“Hey, wait for us, we’re big boys.” Gus yelled.

Justin couldn’t help but grin as he continued up the stairs two at a time.