A/N: Sorry I took so long to get this up! I had a bad case of writer's block. Thanks to Isleofyew for inspiring me when I was stuck!
Brian’s POV
It’s weird being in bed alone again. You would think that a week without him would have slightly helped me get used to sleeping alone. However, the few days with him only undid what that whole week had accomplished. I never had a problem sleeping alone. But, after he began to sleep over, way back in the early days, I slowly began to like it, I even craved it. I was spoiled with it. Now, I’m going to have to get used to going without it. But there is the comforting thought that I won’t have to be used to it for that long. Expanding is the right thing to do, if for only my sanity.
I roll over onto my side for the hundredth time, thinking that somehow, this time when I roll over I might actually fall asleep. Sadly I’m no closer to my goal. There are too many thoughts going through my head and for the life of me, I can’t stop the wheels from turning. Normally Justin would be telling me to stop brooding and give me a nice, long blowjob to silence these persistent thoughts, but I’m on my own tonight. I contemplate jerking off, thinking that it’s the next best thing, but I decide that it won’t be nearly as satisfying and would only quiet my brain for a while. I turn over again.
I’m glad I decided to take an extra day off after I got back from New York. It gave me a chance to work through the details of my next big business venture. I wanted to make sure that when I brought the idea to Ted and Cynthia tomorrow, that I had thought of all the outcomes and could be confident that they wouldn’t see it as a pathetic excuse to be close to Justin. However, I’m sure they will see through my schemes, especially since I claimed that my five day trip was a vacation with an undisclosed location and then what do I suggest when I get back from this ‘vacation’? Expanding Kinnetik to New York. Damn I’m transparent.
But who am I kidding? We almost got married for Christ’s sake. Everyone knows I’m way passed pretending he doesn’t matter anymore. So fuck it.
Finally when I realized I didn’t have to worry so much about how Ted and Cynthia were going to react to the news tomorrow, I managed to fall asleep.
I awoke to my alarm and could have sworn I had just fallen asleep. Damn my overactive mind for keeping me awake until some ungodly hour. I guess I’ll just make it an early night tonight. Wow, I am getting old.
I reluctantly get up and get a shower. The hot water is doing nothing to wake me up, but rather lulling me slowly back to sleep. Deciding it was rather unsafe to continue to sleep standing up, I forced myself to turn the water on cold. Luckily I couldn’t stand it and got out quickly, but it did the trick in waking my ass up.
I feel sluggish as I continue on with my morning routine of getting dressed and perfecting my look. I barely notice as I make my way to the kitchen and start the coffee. I contemplate making myself something quick to eat, but settle for grabbing an apple that always seem to be present. I stop myself before I start thinking about how mornings with Justin were always better.
I pour the fresh coffee into a travel cup and place the apple in my mouth as I grab my briefcase and keys. I take the stairs because it seems the longer I stay stationary, the more tired I become. I take a bite of the apple that is still in my mouth. After chewing I quickly take a big gulp of coffee, hoping that it will seep into my veins and wake me up soon.
I make it down to the ‘vette and toss my briefcase in the passenger seat along with the barely eaten apple, deciding to just stick with the coffee for now. As I slide into the drivers seat, I turn on the car and find some station to listen to. Something has to be able to wake me up. I settle for some random station that isn’t some pop shit or easy listening. I take another sip from my coffee as I pull out onto the street.
Luckily, in my current state of mind, it doesn’t seem to take long to get to the office. As I walk in, I throw the already browning apple away, that was a waste. I go straight to my office and close the door. Cynthia knows that occasionally I like to be alone in the morning, so she’ll get the hint. I go to take another drink from my coffee and realize it’s gone. I set the cup down after planning on refilling a little later. I sit down in my chair and turn on my computer and start up my laptop. I dig the papers out of my briefcase and lay them out in front of me. For a while I just stare blankly at them. I look up and see Cynthia walk in.
“Good morning. I figured despite your need to be alone, you would still need your coffee. I see you have managed to down one cup already. You know, you should look into just having it injected straight into your veins... at least it’d save me from washing all your coffee cups.”
She gives me a smile and turns to leave. I’ve always admired her for her lack of fear of me.
“You and I both know you don’t wash the fucking coffee cups around here... that’s what the interns are for.” I give her a smirk. “By the way...” she stops and turns around, waiting I’m sure for me to demand something. “... I need to see you and Theodore in thirty minutes.” She nods her head and continues out the door.
I look back down at the papers spread across my desk. Most of them are notes and files about our current campaigns, and then there is one piece of computer paper with some quickly scribbled down notes. That piece of paper that may look insignificant, is in fact the future of Kinnetik. I take a minute to look over it again and I get a jolt of excitement. I’m suddenly not tired anymore.
The short thirty minutes pass and I see Ted and Cynthia walk past the glass block wall and walk over to the conference table. They are idling chit chatting while they sit down and wait for me to start with our meeting. I take another brief moment to glace over the single piece of paper in my hands and then walk over to them. I stand at the head of the table and just stare at them, building up the suspense.
“Ok... this is what’s next for Kinnetik,” I say as I show them the paper with my plans. They looked at me slightly confused, waiting for me to elaborate. I stand there in all my confidence as I continue.
“I’ve decided to open an office in New York. I’ve already found a location I think would be perfect and could start working on immediately. I figured I’d leave Pittsburgh to you Ted, and Cynthia, you’d come with me. Kinnetik has been doing very well, we already have a number of clients from New York that probably wouldn’t mind us coming to them which would only encourage them to sing our praise. We could be up and running in a few months. We could split the Pittsburgh office in half, offering them the option to accompany us to New York. This way, at both locations we have a good base of people that we already trust to start off with and they would be able to teach the newbie’s how things run. We can start interviewing people here to replace the people we are taking to New York and I figured I could make some trips out there to start the interview process for the new team in New York. I figured by the time the new office is up and running, we should have both teams filled out and ready for business.” After taking a breath I look at them. I wanted to get it all out before they started with their questions. “So... what do you think?”
They just sit there for a while, I imagine they are taking in all of what I just tossed at them.
“Wait... are you serious about this Brian? A New York office?” asks Ted.
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with your mysterious ‘vacation’ you just came back from would it? And maybe a certain blonde?” Cynthia raised an eyebrow at me.
“Ooh right... why didn’t I think of that? No wonder he’s planning the big move now. Are you really doing all this to be closer to Justin?” Ted asks while giving me a perturbed look.
“Look... I’ve said it countless times before. I’ve always wanted to relocate to New York. I even came close a few times. Those times were always purely business oriented. And now that it’s my own business, I want to see it grow. And from the business side of things, it’s a risk, but one I can see paying off.” I hesitate before I start again. “And from the personal side... it’s something I have to do.” I don’t need to say more. They will see that it’s not all for Justin and it’s not all for business.
They look at me and then look at each other. I’m hoping they will be with me on this. As much as I hate to admit it, Ted and Cynthia are just as important to Kinnetik as I am.
“So does this mean you’re going to be giving me a raise? Cause from what I hear, housing isn’t cheap in New York.” Cynthia leans back in her chair and gives me a smirk and I laugh.
“Why the hell not? I guess I’ll be expected to do the same for you too Theodore?”
“Well... seeing as I’m now going to be the boss here in the Pitts, I might as well have the salary of one.”
“Well this is a cause for some celebrating... now I know you have to have some bubbly around here somewhere” Cynthia says as she goes in search of some champagne.
Ted stands up and shakes my hand. “Congratulations Bri. Never thought you’d have the balls... or ball to do it. Have you told Justin about it?”
“I’d watch the ball jokes Theodore, I could always find someone else to run things here after I’m gone.” I see a moment of panic on his face before he sees my hint of a smile. “And no... I haven’t told Justin anything.”
“So when are you going to tell him the big news? I’m sure he will be thrilled to have you there.”
“I hope so”
“Here it is! Would you like to do the honors?” Cynthia hands me the bottle and sets down three coffee cups, I guess those will have to do.
I pop the cork off with ease, even managing to not spill any of the champagne on the floor. I pour a little in each cup and we all take one.
“To expanding...” I say and raise my cup.
“To expanding,” they repeat and clink our cups together. We each take a sip and smile like fools at each other. It’s then that I get that jolt of excitement again.
Along with expanding, comes a new beginning.
*****
The next couple of days are spent at the office interviewing new people or at the loft, making calls to get things started in New York. I’m closing the deal on the new office location, the one I had asked Justin about while I was there. I’ve had Ted find people to start working on renovating it. I’ve also talked to Jen about selling the loft once and for all. We still have Britin so the loft really isn’t needed. She gave me the number of a realtor friend of hers out in New York to help me find a new place. I’ve even already planned my next trip out there to interview and look for somewhere to live.
I thought about just surprising Justin with all of this when it all was done, however, after giving it some thought, I doubt he’d like that. Plus, considering he said he’d be surprising me with his next visit, I’d hate to ruin it if I happened to be out of town. Not to mention, it’d be too hard to not drop by all the time while I was out there, and he might find it odd that I just happened to be in New York all the time. He knows when something’s up.
I decide there is no time like the present and settle for just telling him now. I grab my cell and hit the speed dial.
“Hey Bri... the only time you call me this late is if you’re horny.”
“Well, now that you mentioned it, I am, but that’s not why I called.”
“So what’s up?
“Besides the usual... I’ve been practically living at the office.”
“Mmm... some big new client making you actually earn what they pay you?” he laughs.
“Brat. And no, it’s not a new client.” I hesitate before telling him, hoping that he won’t freak out.
“I’m opening an office in New York...”
There’s a long pause. I hold my breath while I wait for him to say something.
“You’re opening an office out here? Why?”
“Well, there are many reasons to expand. Business is doing extremely well, we have several clients out there already who probably would gladly help bring in some more clients, I’ve always wanted to move out there, Cynthia already said she’d come with me, Ted is more than happy to stay here and run things, and if it does as well as I think it will, I will have enough money to buy me enough designer clothes to make me puke. And...” I take a breath after my lengthy list. “... I miss you.”
“Well, seems I can’t argue with that.” I can tell that he’s smiling. “But are you sure you want to do this? I mean, it’s a pretty big risk.”
“I remember you warning me of the risks when I was first starting Kinnetik. And from the looks of things, that turned out well.”
“You’re right, it did turn out well. But New York is a big step.”
“Why should you be the only one to follow your dreams?” I say with a smirk.
I hear him laugh and I’m so glad that he didn’t overreact to the news. I could see him viewing this as my need to watch over him and I know he needs to feel independent and would probably live with that bitch of a roommate before moving back in with me just to prove he can live on his own. However, as soon as I find a place, his ass is out of that shithole and back with me.
“I’m glad I’m not the only one going after their dreams. So is that why you came out here last week?”
“Actually, no. I got the idea while I was out there. I bought that old building I asked you about. The company I hired should start renovating it soon.”
“Really? That’s great! I’ve always loved that building, it reminded me of Kinnetik. And now it will be Kinnetik... wow. So how long until the grand opening?”
“Well, with the renovating and all the decorating and getting a new team put together... I’d say a couple months. Add to that looking for somewhere to live. Luckily your mom has a realtor friend out there that’s going to help me.”
“So does this mean frequent visits?” he says hopefully.
“I believe it does. However, considering you originally had plans to surprise me with your visit back to the Pitts, looks like you will have to settle for giving me some notice. For I might already be out there, making it pointless for you to come here.”
“Best laid plans I guess. So when is your next trip?”
“Does someone miss me already? It’s only been a few days Sunshine.” I laugh but I know I already miss him.
“I was doing good until you came to visit last week, since then you’ve thrown me off and I can’t help but miss you all the time.”
“More like you miss my cock.” We both laugh.
“That too.”
“I’ll be in New York again in two weeks. Think you can last that long?”
“Probably not, maybe I’ll show up for a few days before then.”
“See... you still get to surprise me.”
“Yeah.” He lets out a sigh.
“I really am proud of you Brian. I know you will be a big, fat fucking success out here”
“So will you.”
“We’ll see. Well I have an early morning tomorrow, as I’m sure you do too. Keep me updated on things. And you never know when I might pop up,” he says in a sing song voice.
“Yeah, yeah, like a fucking jack-in-the-box. Later Sunshine.”
“Later stud.”
*****
It’s two days later and I’m hunched over at my desk, buried in a pile of papers and on the phone with the people renovating my new office. It’s been so hectic these last few days I swear I knocked off five years of my life. Luckily the contractor said that they are on schedule and there doesn’t seem to be any major problems with the existing structure so they can move forward with the changes I wanted. I just hope that in two weeks they don’t fuck anything up. That’s the only problem, there is no one out there to monitor their progress. I should set up a live feed or something, maybe I’ll have Cynthia look into it. Speaking of Cynthia, as if on cue, she walks in with more papers for me. I quickly hang up with the contractor.
“Jen just stopped by to drop these off. They’re lofts for sale near your future office, her friend sent them to her to give to you and I must say, they look amazing. Maybe I should get one too?”
“Perhaps, just as long as it’s not in the same building as mine. God knows you get enough of me at the office, I can only imagine being neighbors.” She rolls her eyes at me.
“I’m sure it can’t get any worse,” she sighs dramatically. “I also came to let you know it’s time for lunch. You’re meeting Michael at the diner remember? You need a break,” she says and gestures to all the papers that surround me. I couldn’t agree with her more.
“Thanks,” I say sarcastically. “Is there any meetings set up right after? I think I could use a long lunch.”
“Nope... you’re in the all clear. Should I even begin to expect you back at a certain time?”
I just give her a smirk and grab my suit jacket from my chair. I choose to leave everything as it is, I just need a breather.
I decide to walk to the diner since it’s a pretty decent day. Not to mention I’ve been sitting in a chair since eight this morning and stretching my legs seems too enjoyable to pass up.
As I’m walking I realize I haven’t told anyone else about the big move. I told Ted to keep his mouth shut if he still wanted his job and that I would tell everyone else later. I don’t think it will be too big of a shock anymore. Emmett will probably do his happy seal clap and build up a big romantic story about me moving to chase after Justin and declare my undying love in a dramatic scene in the park or some shit. Deb will probably smack me or hug me, at the moment I don’t know which is worse. Ben will probably say some Buddha shit while Hunter could give less a shit now that the lad is straight. And Michael, I think he will actually be ok with me leaving this time. We both have grown up and don’t have to depend on each other nearly as much. He’ll always be important to me, no matter where I am. Mel and Linds will probably romanticize the move like Emmett. Lindsey will probably want to have a long talk about it too.
It will be odd once I leave. Seems like our little family are all going their separate ways.
As I was deep in thought, I failed to notice a horrible, but familiar sound and as I get closer to the diner, the sound snaps me back to reality and I almost can’t believe my eyes.
There, only a few meters away from the diner is Ethan. He hasn’t changed much, still greasy as ever. I remember vaguely hearing about how he was dropped from his talent representatives a few months ago. I can only imagine why he’d end up back here and in front of the diner no less. Well, I never could pass up a worthy cause.
I dig my wallet out and I just happen to have a fifty stuffed in-between some twenty’s. He is consumed with what he’s playing so he doesn’t give much thought to the people walking by so as I pass him and let the bill slip into his open case, it takes him a minute to first realize I just gave him a big fucking donation and secondly to realize who the generous giver was. He never was too bright.
I keep walking and then I feel a hand on my shoulder. I find myself being turned around to be face to face with Ethan. I give him my best innocent look as he shoves the bill back in my hand.
“I don’t need your fucking hand outs,” he spits out.
“That’s funny, cause I thought with losing your budding career, being humiliated, returning here to glorious Pittsburgh and the streets... I figured you could use a helping hand,” I say sarcastically.
“Not from you.”
I take the bill and shove it in my pocket.
“Well here’s maybe a hand out you will except. If you’re back here to find Justin, which from the looks of your choice of begging location, you are... he’s not here.” I turn around again to make my way to the diner when I feel him turn me around.
“So I guess he finally realized what a shit you were then?” he says with a sneer.
“Not exactly.” I try again to turn around to leave, but he stops me.
“You never loved him, not like I did. You never have, and you never will”
“Why? Because I didn’t sit on the floor and play picnic date? Because I didn’t serenade him with some sappy violin music? Because I didn’t promise him a bunch of bullshit lies? Which was it? That’s all you were Ethan, a dip in the pool of romantic bullshit.” I give him a teasing smile. I can almost feel the anger pouring off him. But that doesn’t stop me. “Oh and I can’t forget your poor excuse for, what did you call it? ‘Love making’? You should stick to fondling your violin...”
The next thing I know, Ethan throws a punch, surprising even him. He knows as well as I do that I could kick his ass in my sleep, I must have hit a nerve. I slowly bring my hand up to my eye to assess the damage. Fucker probably gave me a black eye. I go to lunge at him when seemingly out of no where Michael grabs me from behind and is holding me back from beating the shit out of Ethan. He must have saw us when he came by to meet me for lunch.
Michael is muttering something to me, probably trying to get me to calm down but all I see is red. Ethan and I just glare at each other, he knows better than to try and get another hit in.
“Get the fuck out of here! Just go!” I hear Michael yell.
Ethan gives me one last parting glare before he turns away and packs up his violin and walks off. After Michael sees that I won’t make a mad dash and chase that fucker down, he let’s go of me. I’m breathing rapidly from the anger and the adrenalin and I just keep staring down the sidewalk where Ethan disappeared. I look down and straighten out my clothes, Michael must have had a death grip on me it appears.
I take a quick glance at Michael and he has a sympathetic look on his face. I see him slowly reach up to touch my eye, I bat his hand away before he even gets half way there. And as soon as I see him about to say something I hold my hand up to stop him. I don’t want to talk about this right now, what I need now is some fucking ice for my eye so this thing doesn’t bruise too badly.
“I think I’m going to skip lunch today,” I say as I walk away before he has a chance to argue. I head back to the office and decide to order in. So much for taking a long lunch.
I quickly make it back to the office and I’m walking through the door, Cynthia gives me a confused look. I tell her to not ask, just get me some ice and order in some lunch. I make my way back to my desk and am greeted with the pile of papers I conveniently left and it takes every ounce of will power not to throw them off my desk. I take my jacket off and toss in on the sofa, I loosen my tie and sink heavily down next to my jacket. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm myself down.
Cynthia comes in with an ice pack and tells me that my lunch should be here in twenty minutes. I thank her and she gives me a look of concern, but doesn’t say anything for which I am thankful.
I place the ice pack over my eye gently, it already hurts like a motherfucker, but nothing I can’t handle. And to think that this used to be a regular thing when I was growing up, actually, it was worse. I almost forgot what it felt like.
Luckily no one bothers me during my lunch. Cynthia must have warned people off. I’m just glad that Michael hasn’t stopped by or called to make sure I was ‘alright’. I’d rather just forget the whole thing. Ethan isn’t worth the time or energy to think about.
My luck didn’t last the rest of the day, but rather I had to constantly dodge all the questions and worried looks I got from everyone. Finally at around four, I couldn’t take it anymore and packed all my stuff up and headed out. I can finish the rest of the stuff from home, without all the questioning glances.
I get home and completely ignore the phone and it’s blinking light telling me I have messages. They can wait. I shed my clothes quickly as I make my way to the shower. When I get there, I turn the water hotter than normal, between being hunched over my desk all morning and being tense all afternoon, my muscles are as stiff as rocks. As soon as the water hits my back, I feel my body slowly starting to relax. I close my eyes and enjoy the thick heat as it seeps in. I take a deep breath and let out all the tension. After several minutes of just purely enjoying the hot water, I quickly wash up and get out. As I’m drying myself off I walk over to the mirror to see how bad my eye looks. It’s not as bad as I thought. Thank god Ethan has a shitty right hook. However, it’s still noticeable which will only cause more questions.
I leave the bathroom and get dressed in some worn jeans and a wife beater. I then go into the kitchen and get a beer, I could use something harder, but decide against it. I think about throwing myself back into work, but realize that will probably just make me tense again and if I have any hope of getting any sleep tonight, that can’t happen. I give up trying to think of something and end up just sitting down on the sofa.
I contemplate calling Justin, but he will know something’s up and I am not telling him about what happened today. And as much as I know talking to him would be the final thing to fully relax me, I can’t do it. He’ll get all motherly and want to come back and find Ethan and that’s just drama I don’t need. I lean my head back against the sofa and consider getting a joint, but my body is too lazy to get up and get it. I take a big gulp of my beer.
Seems like hours go by when all of a sudden my door opens and I see Michael walk in. I look at the clock and see it has been hours. He comes in and I see he has a bag of take-out. Food seems to be the last thing on my mind right now, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to eat something.
“Thought you could use some dinner,” he says.
“Thanks.”
“So... Cynthia told me you left work early today. Were people noticing your shiner?” he tries to joke to lighten the mood.
“Unfortunately yes. I couldn’t stand all the sympathetic stares and questions. It’s just a fucking black eye, it will heal.”
“Yeah, but no one probably thought someone had big enough balls to take on Brian Kinney.”
“Yeah, well even Rage gets knocked on his ass from time to time.” I look away and start getting plates out and taking the food out of the containers. I hand him a beer and take the food over to the sofa. We get comfortable on the floor and put our plates on the coffee table.
“So what was that whole thing about anyways?”
I knew he was going to ask.
“Nothing. Just bullshit,” I say as I start picking at my food.
“Cut the shit. Obviously it had to be something or he wouldn’t have punched you. It was about Justin wasn’t it?”
“Well, it’s not like we have anything else in common to chat about.”
“What did he say?”
“Oh you know, the usual... ‘you never loved him, not like me’ ‘you’re such a shit that’s why he left you’ that sort of thing,” I say, mimicking Ethan.
“Did you tell him that Justin was in New York?”
“I told him he wasn’t here, if he was trying to look for him.”
“Then how did it get to the point where he would actually punch you?”
“I told him the truth. I told him that all his romance and promises were bullshit and that Justin found that out. And... I might have mentioned that he was a shitty fuck...”
“And that’s when he punched you I’m guessing?”
“Ding, ding, ding.”
“Wow... I can’t believe he actually hit you.”
“Well, the little fucker has guts. You should have let me hit him,” I smirk.
We sit there for a while in silence and just eat our food. I’m glad we got the whole Ethan encounter out of the way.
“I talked to Ted the other day, he said that when you were gone on vacation, that you were really in New York visiting Justin. How’s he doing?” Michael asks. I could kill Ted for telling Michael about my trip.
“Fine. I helped him find a work space while I was out there. His roommates a real bitch.” I pause for a moment. “I just had to make sure he was ok out there.” He nods his head.
I guess now would be a good time to tell him about New York.
“And... while I was out there, I decided to finally expand Kinnetik to New York.”
He looks shocked for a moment, then he smiles and leans forward and hugs me.
“Wow Brian! That’s amazing! You’ve always wanted to move out there and even Justin will be there with you.” I’m so glad he’s happy for me. Even though I wouldn’t admit it, having Michael approve of my moving to New York means a lot.
“Yep, in a few months the new office should be up and running. In a week or so I’m going back out there to interview new people and look at lofts.”
“This is so exciting! Have you told Justin?”
“I told him a few days ago. He’s excited too. I think he will just be happy to have my dick within walking distance.”
“Yeah... that has to be the only reason,” he smirks. “I can’t wait to tell Ma, she’ll be so happy for you.”
“As long as afterwards you keep me out of smacking distance, I already have a black eye, I think I’ve suffered enough,” he laughs.
“Everyone will be happy for you Brian. We want to see you happy,” I nod.
I get up and grab a couple of joints. I come back and sit down next to him again on the floor and hold out the joints and a lighter.
“Wanna get high like old times?”
He quickly nods and grabs one from me and lights it. He must have been too excited cause as he takes his first hit; he starts to cough. It reminds me of the first time I made him try pot. I light mine and take a big hit and hold it in as long as I can then slowly let it out and watch the swirls of smoke float around us.
It doesn’t take long until we’re both giggling like school girls and chatting about the good ol’ days. I’m going to miss this when I’m gone. I lean back against the sofa and continue to listen to Michael retell another story about our misfit youth.
*****
I wake up the next morning too tired to move. I roll over and remember I have still tender black eye when I run my hand over my face. Shit. I can’t go to meeting with this. I decide to call Cynthia.
“Hey Cynthia, yeah I’m not coming in today.”
“Why? Still too proud to show your battle wound?” she laughs.
“I can’t do meeting with this and if I have to see one more goddamn sympathetic look from the art department, I’m going to kill someone.”
“You know it probably won’t look much better tomorrow either. So are you planning on being MIA until it’s all healed then?”
“No... I’ll figure something out by tomorrow.”
“I could always come over and put a little make-up over it.”
“There is no way in hell I’m letting you put make-up on me. By the time you’re done, I’ll end up looking like a woman.”
“Where’s your sense of adventure?” she giggles.
“It died when I almost got married. That was a pretty big adventure, even if we never went through with it. Now, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Right... tomorrow.” I hear her hang up and I just shake my head at her.
I guess I fell asleep again because I end up waking up a little later and see that it’s already noon. I’m amazed that I ended up sleeping in that late. I haven’t done that since Justin used to be here. We’d wake up early and then end up having sex all morning and then falling asleep again. Then we’d only wake up because of his urgent need to be fed. I stop those train of thoughts before I get too far in and end up wasting the whole day missing him. Well, I miss him all day anyways, but actually sitting and knowing I’m missing him is a completely different thing.
I get up and take a long shower, seems I’ve been doing that a lot lately. I get dressed in some jeans and a wife beater and get my briefcase out and turn my computer on. I have to be somewhat productive today. I turn on the coffee machine because I’m still going to need my caffeine fix. I decide to grab a bag of frozen peas to hold on my eye while I wait for my coffee to finish. Although after holding it to my eye for only minutes, it gets to be too cold and I settle for just leaving the damn bruise alone. When the coffee is done I pour a big cup of it and head over to my desk for what will probably be many hours of work.
It had to have been hours later that I realized I needed a break. Every time I would try focusing on something on the screen, my vision kept blurring, my eyes ached and so did my whole body. I decide to order some food because for once I’m starving. I’m just making the grab for the phone when it rings. It’s Justin.
“Hey,” I answer.
“Hey. What’s wrong with you? You sound exhausted.”
“I am, even if I managed to sleep in till noon.”
“I’m taking it that you didn’t go into work today. You used to only do that when I was there,” he says laughing.
“Well, I’m the boss. I decided a day off was in order. And I shocked even myself with sleeping in that long without your assistance.”
“So how is everything going? I mean with the new office and all that?”
“It’s going. Cynthia has been setting up meetings for interviews for both here and in New York. The renovating is still under way. Ted already seems to be acting like the boss. Cynthia is too busy gushing to everyone she can tell that she will soon be a New Yorker. And I’m just this close to ripping my hair out.” I let out a loud breath.
“You would never rip your hair out. What would you do with all that free time in the mornings if you weren’t fussing with your hair?”
“Smart ass.” I laugh anyways. “So how is the great artist?”
“Missing his man, but other than that, working my ass off trying to get all these paintings done. Which by the way, the new work space is a god send. I still can’t believe you talked me into getting this one. This is better than where I live.”
“Then that should give you the hint. Your place is a shithole. And it won’t matter in a few months anyways. Once I get a loft set up out there, you will be moving your ass in it.”
“Brian...” he starts.
“No. I will not be traveling to the ghetto every time I want to see you. And must I remind you of the convenience?”
“You are unbelievable.” I knew he would cave.
“So I’ve been told. So, have you and... what’s her name? Grace, been out partying much?”
“Yeah, every now and then. We went to that one creepy place again last night because she claims they have ‘the best’ Cosmo. Anyways, that one guy was there again. It’s getting harder to turn him down nicely.”
I get a weird feeling after he tells me this. I know this guy is trouble and it pisses me off that I can’t be there to keep tabs on this guy. There must be more Justin isn’t telling me cause when he was telling me about him, he sounds like he’s still shook up about it. He better be coming back here soon. I want him as far away from that creep as possible.
“You’re too nice Sunshine. Just be a total shit to him, he’ll get the hint.” I’m acting calm, but inside I’m yelling at him to never go back there again.
“So pretty much act like you?” he teases.
“Whatever works.”
“I think I’ll just lay low for a while. I’ll have to convince Grace there are other places that make decent Cosmo’s. Plus, I’ll probably be too busy painting to go out for a while anyways.” I’m silently relieved.
“Let’s just hope this guy doesn’t become a stalker like you did,” I tease.
“I’ll be fine Brian.” He can tell that I’m concerned and that I’m trying to joke my way out of my worries. I must be more transparent these days.
“Well, I have more work to do, as I’m sure you do too. Maybe I’ll overnight some pepper spray?” I try at joking again but am actually considering it.
“Later Bri,” he laughs and hangs up.
I stare at the phone after I hang up. I managed to completely forget about that guy until now. And with everything else going on, I really didn’t need the reminder. I consider throwing the phone across the room but remember I was going to order some food.
I walk over and get the Beam out and drink right from the bottle. I’m suddenly not hungry anymore.