Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Author’s Comments: Okay, so I probably should have ended this story with the last chapter, but I wanted to leave you with just a hint of things to come... as you get you ready for the sequel. Consider this a preview (smile)…enjoy!
Chapter 76 – A Change Of Pace Sunday Evening…(Day 50) “I was beginning to think that you weren’t coming back,” Adam Lyons said into his cell phone. “Does this mean that you missed me?” Spyder teased. “I just got in. My plane landed a few hours ago, but you know what a nightmare getting back into town from the airport can be. What’s up?” “What are you doing right now?” “ I was just about to wade through the messages on my cell phone. I did notice that you’d called.” “You know you couldn’t have picked a worse weekend to disappear from New York. We’re definitely going to have to work on your timing. You missed all the excitement.” “Adam, what are you babbling about? What excitement?” Adam let out a sigh of exasperation. “Look, Spyder, can we get together for a nightcap? I’ll even spring for one of those disgusting sandwiches that you like.” “The nightcap sounds like a good idea. But this must be really big if you are willing to feed me too. Gee, I’m definitely going to have take more trips out of town.” “Don’t start being difficult, or I’ll rescind all my offers!” “So the fact that I might be exhausted from my trip probably won’t deter you from your appointed rounds, will it?” “What makes you think that I’m on a mission?” “Well, aren’t you?” “Okay, maybe... Now can we get together?” “All right. Where would you suggest? Where are you calling from?” “I’m at the Brass Monkey. Why…” “Adam, you’re just around the corner. Why don’t you just come here? You can keep me company while I unpack. And we can order something in later. How does that sound?” “I’m on my way.” “Good. I’ll see you shortly.” Spyder hung up the phone and shook his head. He couldn’t figure out what on earth could be so important as to produce the strange behavior in his friend. Adam had never been known to be a high strung individual…but during this conversation, Spyder got the clear impression that Adam was bubbling. Spyder couldn’t resist laughing at the image. While he was waiting for Adam to arrive, Spyder once again scrolled through is voicemail log. He noticed that there were no messages from Justin or Brian. He didn’t think there would be since he knew they had houseguests for the weekend. He then dialed Justin’s cell phone, and his call rolled over into voice mail so he simply left the message that he was back in town. Spyder was curious about how Brian and Justin’s weekend in Pittsburgh had gone with all those out of town guests. He couldn’t help wondering about the pair’s planning ability. His musings were interrupted by a knock on the door. He opened the door for Adam, who stood there smiling, carrying bags of take out. “You know, we could have ordered all this for delivery later,” Spyder teased. “I know, but since I wasn’t that far away, it was just as easy to get take out.” Spyder took the food into the kitchen while Adam settled down in the living room to wait. Spyder poured two glasses of Beam and carried them into the living room. “Ok, Adam, now what exactly can’t you wait to tell me? You have my undivided attention,” he said, handing over one drink. Then he made himself comfortable on the couch across from Adam. Adam reached for the Sunday paper lying on the table. He quickly noticed the plastic wrap had not been remove so he now knew that Spyder had not had a chance to read the paper. He was pleased for this meant that he would be the first to deliver the news. Adam immediately found the Arts and Entertainment section of the paper. He made a great show as he rifled through the paper until he found the page that he was looking for. Once he found it, he folded the other pages back. Completing this presentation drama, Adam then folded the paper in half and ceremoniously handed it to Spyder. Spyder took the folded page that Adam handed him without looking at the page, and let out a sigh. “Okay, when did you become interested in the A&E section of the paper? What new show is in town that you’re going to try to con me into going to with you? What am I supposed to see?” Spyder questioned. “Will you stop rambling? Just look at the fucking page!” Adam insisted impatiently. “Oh, all right! You don’t have to get so testy.” Spyder finally looked at the page. There was the picture of Brian and Justin together followed by the article about their legalized partnership. Spyder just smiled as he silently took his time reading the article. Adam was getting impatient. “Well?” “Don’t disturb me, can’t you see that I’m reading?” Spyder replied, looking up just long enough to make his point and then immediately returning to reading the article. “You don’t seem to be particularly surprised by this?” Adam complained. “Why should I be? You’d have to see Brian and Justin together to understand.” “I’ve known Brian Kinney for years. This is so out of character for him.” “The article indicates that they registered their union here in New York as well as Pennsylvania. I guess that answers one of your questions, doesn’t it?” “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. That means that Kinnetik is going to try to take on New York. This isn’t simply about him visiting his partner from time to time, is it?” “Adam, the announcement of their union was in the Arts & Entertainment Section of the Times, not the business section. Why do you seem so concerned?” “Spyder, if I’m going to have to do battle for accounts against Brian Kinney, I need to know. He isn’t someone who can be trifled with. He’s a fierce competitor and he’s good. He’s won several awards.” “So he’s going to give you competition both here in the city and internationally, what’s the problem?” “Not internationally? You forget that no matter how good he is…he’s only has a tiny Pittsburgh agency.” “With connections to Rudolpho Silvestri…” Spyder reminded him. “Rudolpho Silvestri, who just so happens to know everyone in town. Silvestri Holdings is a major international firm. Fuck!” Adam complained. “What’s the problem? This is New York. You’ve had competition before.” “Kinney will hit this town like a whirlwind. And with his partner and their recent union…the couple is going to be like rock stars. It’s going to be a media circus for a while. I can see it all now.” “Come on, Adam, Taylor is a serious artist.” “Justin Taylor, who just so happens to be the darling of the art critics, has got a show coming up at The Thornton, which everyone was already scrambling for tickets to attend. Now the well-connected and the curious will blend together for the sake of art,” Adam pointed out. “Already? My…my! I wonder if Taylor knows about all this,” Spyder said with a laugh as he considered the possibilities. “How can you be so nonchalant?” Adam protested. “You forget that Taylor is my business partner.” “Oh sure, meaning you have nothing to lose…unless Kinney decides that he doesn’t want his partner working for a letch like you.” “Contrary to popular opinion, Taylor handles Brian Kinney very well. For the moment, my partnership is safe,” Spyder added confidently. “But what about me?” Adam asked hesitantly. “It might mean you’ll have to earn your accounts again. From what I’ve heard, you’ve been coasting for a while now. I guess now your free ride may be over, but I have every confidence that you’ll be just fine,” Spyder remarked, walking over to gently pat Adam on the back. Afterwards, Spyder backed up a little before he did a slow spin and struck a pose. He continued these motions until Adam interrupted, “What do you think you’re doing?” “I was just practicing. I guess I’d better dust off my tux,” he added joyously. “I think I’m going to need it.” “Why?” “With this announcement in the paper, I think that the New York social season is about to begin. I need to get ready to show off my partner and his new partner. Oh, I’m so looking forward to this.” “You know this will thrust you into the limelight?” Adam cautioned. “I bet the press is going to follow them everywhere!” “Maybe it’s time for me to come out of the shadows,” Spyder quipped. “Just think, while you’re out partying, I’ll be slaving away at the office,” Adam couldn’t resist, still looking for a modicum of sympathy where none could be found. “Such a pity,” Spyder responded with a smile. “Can I get you another drink?” “I see that you’re enjoying my agony,” Adam complained. “I came here for sympathy.” “And I’ve given you all that I have. Now, what can I do to cheer you up?” “I guess food would help. Unless you were planning to ask me to accompany you to those upcoming parties.” “Are you thinking of going to work for Kinnetik?” “Not a chance. But I think that Kip and I can quickly send Kinney packing back to Pittsburgh, where he belongs. Let’s see if he’s really ready to play with the big boys,” Adam proclaimed, trying to sound confident. “Now that’s the ruthless bastard that I know and love,” Spyder teased, as he got up to get the food. Adam followed him into the kitchen. “You’re just going to sit back and enjoy whatever is about to happen, aren’t you?” “How did you guess?” Spyder asked with another laugh, leaving Adam shaking his head in disbelief. Spyder put the food on plates and handed one to Adam. “Here, you’d better eat this. If you’re going to take on Brian Kinney, you’re going to need all the sustenance you can get.” Then Spyder and Adam looked at each other and shared a good laugh together. Adam tried to conceal his growing concerns, and Spyder tried to hide his amusement at it all…both of them, secretly curious to see how this will all play out… Complete.
Author’s Comments: This is the end of Between Now And Then. Thanks to everyone for reading this story, and a special thanks to everyone, who chatted with me through comments and emails. Look for the sequel And So Moving Forward to begin posting in a few weeks.