Lois, thank you for the beta...you are the greatest!
Chapter 11 - Old Friends Early Afternoon…(Day 17) In the offices of the ad agency, Dunbar and Smith, two old friends were reunited. “Jason, it’s so good to see you. You haven’t changed a bit,” Justin said with a smirk. “Well you sure have, I like the look of the longer hair. It fits with the new image of you as a mad painter,” Jason teased, running his fingers through Justin’s hair “How’s Paul?” Justin asked. “He’s fine. He’s in a meeting right now, but we’re to stop in after your tour.” “How’s Brian? I can’t believe he let you fly all over the country without him,” Jason teased. “Jason please, I’m not a little kid anymore! For the last year I have been living in New York, all alone, trying to build a career in the art world. Brian’s still lives in Pittsburgh running Kinnetik. I have been pounding the sidewalks in New York, trying to get my work shown at various galleries. I guess, all things being considered, I’ve been pretty successful. Various small galleries outside of New York have asked to exhibit my work. I’m not an elitist. I’ll show my work anywhere people want to see it. So I did a show in Santa Barbara. I got so much press, not to mention commissions, that I was finally able to secure an agent. So now someone else is working to get my work shown, and I actually have time to just paint.” “I got a chance to look at your website, your body of work is amazing. You’re still experimenting with new techniques I see. Of course, I’m still partial to your regular stuff.” Jason confessed. “The good thing about the shows outside of New York was I had a chance to experiment with new techniques, and I had a chance to get objective feedback. I like to see people’s reaction without any pressure. Usually most of my out of town shows have happened under the radar of art critics. But after Santa Barbara, I’m not sure I have that luxury anymore,” Justin said with a laugh. “Did things go well with Cincinnati Art Gallery?” Jason asked with intense curiosity. “It turns out the director’s son is a fan of Rage. I had to pose for a picture for his son. That was a real surprise,” Justin recounted laughing. “Anyway, the gallery wants me to participate in the emerging artist showcase for the opening of the new wing. I have another show in New York in three months too. That will mean two shows coming almost back-to-back. So I have to get busy painting.” “So are you on vacation in Pittsburgh? Or, did you just miss Brian, and you couldn’t stay away any longer.” Jason teased. “No Brian and I see each other every couple of weeks in New York. This is my first trip back to Pittsburgh since I left a year ago. This time Brian asked me to come back to work on a project with him.” “How does it feel to be back in Pittsburgh?” “It’s been good to see everyone. And, it’s good to be back home with Brian. Gus lives in Toronto with Melanie and Lindsay; I think I told you about that. Anyway, Gus decided that he wanted to see me so he staged a hunger strike. Let me clarify that, Gus staged a six years old’s version of a hunger strike. He refused to talk to Mel and Lindz for a day, and then refused to eat his cereal the next morning.” Jason burst out laughing as he pictured the six year old in protest. “From the stories that Paul has told me about Brian, I guess Gus is truly Brian’s kid,” Jason smirked. “I don’t know if the world can stand both Brian Kinney and Mini Me.” Both Jason and Justin had to laugh as they contemplated that dual prospect. “Michael and Ben were visiting Toronto so they brought Gus back to Pittsburgh with them. Gus is out of school this week, so he’ll be visiting until the weekend, probably.” “So how is the project going with Brian?” Jason had to ask. “Brian and I haven’t worked on anything together like this since the Stockwell campaign. That was back when I was an intern at Vanguard. I forgot how much fun and how challenging it is to work with him professionally. “ “You sound like you really loved the experience. I know that I really love working with Paul.” “I did. I would love to work with him like that again. On this project we are equals. I really liked that.” “Have you mentioned it to Brian yet?” “No, there hasn’t been time. Plus, I’m not sure what he’ll think of the idea. After all I have very little to offer. I didn’t finish PIFA, although I managed to take quite a few graphics courses, but except for my internship, I have hardly any actual industry experience. So I don’t have very much to offer Brian that he doesn’t already have. What’s the use?” “I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I came to work here. But the campaigns that Paul and I work on together are just different from the ones we develop independently. I can’t explain it, but there is just a distinct difference. I guess what I’m saying is, there may be an intrinsic value to you working with Brian. Why don’t you talk to him about it?” Jason suggested. “I think I’ll wait and see how this project actually turns out,” Justin suggested. “Justin, I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit. Remember when you and Brian were here during the time Nicky was born. Everyone in the art department talked about what a great job you did, and how much they enjoyed working with you. That has to count for something. You have even more to offer now than you did back then. So please, promise me you will talk to Brian about this?” “All right. If I can find the right time, I’ll talk to Brian about it. Geez!” “Just so you know…I saw your design website too, Justin. You could really go far in this business. I love the designs for the websites you created. They are really innovative.” “I have been freelancing in New York. I have quite a few clients. At least with the freelance work, I have been able to minimize waiting tables in the City. I’m also able to support both my loft and my studio…at least for the moment.” “Do you like living in New York? That must be exciting.” “Now that I have an agent, I can live and paint anywhere I choose. I just need to be able to fly to New York for meetings and things like that. I like New York, but I miss Brian. I’m ready for this separation to end, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to Brian about it yet. Like I said, so much has been happening since I’ve been in Pittsburgh.” “I can’t imagine Brian being any more thrilled about you staying in New York than you are to be there. But knowing Brian, he’ll put up with anything if he thinks it will make you happy. He loves you, you know,” Jason said, causing Justin to blush. “Enough about me. Tell me what you and Paul are up to? How is Nicky?” Justin asked. “Ah, Nicky. He’s three years old. He’s a holy terror and has Paul wrapped around his little finger. He’s grown so much since the last time you and Brian were here. Of course, Nicky keeps looking at the pictures of you and Brian, so he knows who you are. Wait until you see him. Paul and I were hoping we could persuade you to stay overnight. We prepared the guest room for you. That way you could spoil your godson and spend some time with Paul and me.” “I would love to, but there is too much going on right now in Pittsburgh. Gus is visiting. We’re moving into the house. I’m working on that project with Brian. When I flew out this morning, I promised Brian I would be home this evening. Another time though, I promise,” Justin said resolutely. “Give Nicky a big hug for me.” “OK, I’ll accept that this time, but Justin make it soon. I’ve missed you. Emails just aren’t the same. We’re a lot alike, and I miss your wicked mind.” “I’ve missed you too.” “So let me show you our remodel of the art department.” Jason and Justin stood up and prepared for the tour. Jason made it a point to show Justin some of the campaigns they had worked on and the artistic concepts incorporated in each. Jason showed Justin some of the new state of the art equipment that had just arrived and some of the planned uses. Finally, Justin got a chance to get reacquainted with a few graphic artists he had previously met and to see some of their work on the various campaigns. “So before you steal all our ideas and give them to Kinnetik, we better say hello to Paul,” Jason teased as he knocked on Paul’s office door. “Paul, do you have a moment? Look who’s here?” “Justin.” Paul said softly, giving him a big hug. “So Brian let you travel into the enemy camp. Huh? Maybe I should hire you right away. That would teach him a lesson,” Paul said teasingly. “Paul! You say the sweetest things,” Justin responded seductively, complete with fluttering of the eyes. “I heard you had a meeting with Cincinnati Gallery. Are you going to exhibit here?” “It does look like I’ll be part of the emerging artist showcase for the grand opening of the new wing,” Justin explained, with a certain amount of pride. “That’s wonderful! That’s going to be real gala, black tie and all. Jason has been pestering me about advance tickets. I guess knowing that you will be part of the exhibit eliminates all my usual excuses for avoiding art galleries,” Paul teased, casting a mischievous glance at his partner. “I guess Brian will be coming here for the show. You know you guys are welcome to stay with us.” “I’m starting to look forward to the opening,” Justin admitted. “We have to talk to Brian and see what his schedule is like. He’s been really busy lately.” “Justin, if I know Brian, no matter how busy he is, he will drop everything for one of your shows,” Paul stated emphatically. “Well, we’ll see about that,” Justin stated quietly. “Besides you and Brian have to spend time Nicky. You have a godson in desperate need of spoiling. You should bring Gus with you next time. I bet he and Nicky would have a ball together.” Paul said, still pushing his point. “We’ll see,” Justin insisted. “Look, Justin and I are off to a late lunch. Then I’m going to drop him at the airport. I want to be sure he’s home in time to tuck Brian in,” Jason couldn’t resist the opportunity to get in one more tease. “I understand that Gus is visiting too. Otherwise, you know I would kidnap him and force him to spend couple of days with us?” “Have a good trip Justin. Tell Brian that I said hello.” Paul said with a smile. “I’ll do that. I’ll see you later.” Justin said. Then Justin paused for moment. “Paul, when Nicky was born you offered me a job. I was wondering if that offer is still open?” “Of course it is, right Jason?” Paul asked, directing the question to his partner. “Absolutely!” Jason concurred. “But why Justin?” Paul asked questioningly. “No reason. Just checking. You never know what the future has in store.” Justin teased. “Well just for the record, there’ll always be a position here, if you want it. I won’t even ask about your reasons. Of course, you’re so in demand right now, that contingency is highly unlikely. But if you ever want it, the job is here for you.” Paul confirmed again. “Thanks. Look, we’d better get going. I’ll be in touch, Paul. It’s good to see you.” Justin said, giving Paul a hug as he was leaving. “I’ll make sure of it Justin. Bye.” Paul responded, with a sigh before closing his office door. *** Jason and Justin enjoyed a leisurely late lunch. As expected, they spent part of lunch sketching while they talked. Both Justin and Jason share that unique skill to be able to sketch and carry on a conversation at the same time. They were both mischievous, and each spent time sketching the other. “That sketch you’re doing of me is going to be worth a fortune, once I force you to sign and date it,” Jason said with a smirk. “It would probably be, which is precisely why I’m not giving it to you.” Justin quipped. “Your sketches used to have such a rough edge to them, but now the lines are so refined,” Jason commented. “Well, now my hand is better and I have the medium of paint to resort to, so I can now be much more free with my sketches.” Justin explained. “I’m hoping that now that things are starting to settle down, that I can actually spend my time painting at our house. I’m so looking forward to being there. I’ll be there for a couple of months, so you and Paul have to promise to visit.” “We’ll see,” Jason said sarcastically. “Of course we’ll visit. We heard about that mansion a year ago, and we’re dying to see it.” “Oh Jason,” Justin practically cooed. “I should tell you the house has a swimming pool and a privacy fence. You might mention that to Paul, if he’s reluctant to visit,” Justin said seductively. “Justin, you are so wicked! So you think it’s time to relive Atlanta, huh?” Justin said nothing but simply wrinkled his eyebrow, and they both burst out laughing. “Maybe it’s time to make some new memories.” The time between friends always ends too soon, and it was time to get Justin to the airport for the trip back to Pittsburgh. The gentle banter continued on the ride to the airport, where Justin and Jason would finally have to say their goodbyes. So the two friends hugged each other and promised to see each other soon. Then Justin boarded his flight back to Pittsburgh. It had been a very good day.