Emmett put Gus to sleep and joined Justin downstairs. He was making a pot of coffee.

 

“Is he asleep?”

 

“Yes, the poor little thing doesn’t understand what is going on.”

 

“It’s so sad,” agreed Justin. “I feel so bad for Mel, Lindsay, and Michael.”

 

“Even Michael?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“You’re a very kind person, Baby.”

 

“Why do you say that?”

 

“I’m not sure I could forgive Michael as easily as you have.”

 

“It’s more like a truce. I don’t wish him harm, but I don’t trust him. I know what he means to Brian and I can respect that for Brian’s sake. We’ll never be best friends. Luckily, his life is getting busier and he doesn’t have the time to meddle like he used to. Ben’s a great guy and he would be crazy to threaten that relationship. I personally don’t know what Ben sees in him, but it’s great that they’ve found each other.”

 

“I know. I was so disappointed in Michael when he reverted to Brian’s pathetic little shadow after you left with Ethan.”

 

“He did?”

 

“Yes, and Brian led him on a little so Michael would leave Ben home alone while he went to Babylon with Brian. They had just moved in together and Michael was off with Brian. It was awful. Ben’s such a nice guy that he understood and even encouraged it at first. Brian was so lost without you.”

 

“That’s hard to imagine.”

“It’s true,” reassured Emmett, taking another sip of his coffee.

 

“I was under the impression that Brian and Michael were having problems after the party here when Brian punched him. Brian’s not a violent person. It really surprised me.”

 

“I don’t think anyone was more surprised than Michael,” chuckled Emmett. “He wouldn’t say what happened between them that day. Then he was defending Brian. He said he deserved it. I think he finally went to far putting you down and Brian was fed up.”

 

“I hope not. I try very hard not to come between them. Michael doesn’t always make it easy, but I want to respect their friendship.”

 

“Like I said, Baby, you’re a better person than I am.”

 

“If you show me where they keep the cleaning supplies, I’ll clean up the blood before Lindsay gets home,” offered Justin.

 

“No. I’ll do that.”

 

“I don’t mind and you should get the things Lindsay needs together. You would have a better idea of where everything is.”

 

“Okay, but I’ll help after I finish that. The cleaning stuff is in the laundry room in the top cabinet.”

 

Justin filled a bucket with hot water and added some floor cleaner. He grabbed an old looking sponge and rag and some rubber gloves.”

 

Sitting on the floor he put the sponge into the water. I’m glad I have the gloves, the water is quite hot, he thought. The water, sponge, and gloves soon became a deep red color. The stain was proving to be hard to get out. After a few minutes of scrubbing, his right hand started to ache a little. He sat back and flexed it a few times. It felt better and he brushed his forearm across his forehead before continuing to scrub. He heard the front door start to open and sat up. Brian walked through the door and froze the second he saw Justin. Violent images filled his mind as he heard a bat connect with skull over and over again. It was a sound that had haunted him for about two years.

 

“Hey,” said Justin. When there was no reply, he removed the gloves and started to stand. The motion must have pulled Brian into action because he went over to Justin.

 

“Sit down. What happened? Are you okay? Don’t move, I’ll call an ambulance.”

 

“Ambulance? What are you talking about?”

 

“You’re bleeding,” Brian responded in a gulping breath, as he touched a smear of blood on Justin’s eyebrow.

 

Justin realized that Brian had flashed back to prom because of the blood.

 

“Brian, I’m okay. I was just cleaning up Melanie’s blood. I didn’t want Lindsay to have to do it.”

 

“Thank God,” sighed Brian, pulling Justin into a hug. Then he pushed him away. “You have got to stop scaring me like that.”

 

“Sorry. I didn’t realize I got some of it on me.”

 

“Here, let me do it. It’s not like you have all that much experience cleaning.”

 

“Just because we’re not all obsessively clean with a compulsion about clutter doesn’t mean we don’t clean at all,” taunted Justin.

 

Emmett was at the top of the stairs listening to them bicker. They are so meant for each other, he thought to himself.

 

“Damn! I didn’t even ask. How’s Mel?” Justin asked, as Emmett came down the stairs carrying a tote bag with Lindsay’s things.

 

“She’s stable. She lost the baby and they had to perform the hysterectomy.”

 

“Fuck. That sucks. Poor Mel.”

 

“Excuse my ignorance of the female anatomy, but doesn’t a hysterectomy mean that they removed her ovaries?” Asked Emmett a little embarrassed.

 

“No… Well, sometimes. It’s actually the uterus but in some cases they have to remove the ovaries as well. Did they take the ovaries?” Justin asked turning from Emmett to Brian.

 

“No, Dr. Taylor, they left the ovaries.”

 

“Thank God! She’s so young.”

 

“You mean she can still have a baby?” Emmett asked excitedly, despite his confusion.

 

“No, but at least she won’t go into menopause in her thirties,” explained Justin.

 

“How does a gay male college student know all of this?” Emmett asked.

 

“My father always wanted me to go to business school and I always knew I would hate it. But before I met Lindsay, I didn’t really think I would be accepted to PIFA. Don’t get me wrong, I planned to apply. I just didn’t think I would get in. Knowing I didn’t want to be a businessman and that I had an interest in science, I kind of thought I might follow Daph into premed.”

 

“You were going to be a doctor? Why didn’t I know that?” Brian asked.

 

“Because, you never asked. You’re not the only one with secrets and mysteries, you know.”

 

“So, Mel can’t have another baby? How sad,” said Emmett.

 

“Lindsay is sitting with her now. What time is your first class today?”

 

“One.”

 

“I was thinking we could let Gus sleep in a bit and then take him to day care. I’ll drop you at PIFA before I go to the office. I think he’ll stay at the loft tonight.”

 

“Sounds like a plan,” agreed Justin.

 

Lindsay sat next to Melanie’s hospital bed, holding her hand. She looks so peaceful, she thought. I hope she sleeps as long as possible. I’m not looking forward to telling her the baby is gone. I hope she’ll understand and be able to forgive me. I’m not sure I would. At least the doctor’s say she has stabilized. Her color’s better since the transfusion. Lindsay was gently rubbing her thumb over the back of Mel’s hand, as she thought about all that had happened in the last eighteen hours.

 

“L-lindsay?”

 

“Hey, you’re awake. It’s good to see your eyes again,” smiled the blonde.

 

“Where am I?” Mel mumbled.

 

“You’re in the hospital, but you’re going to be okay,” said Lindsay before she kissed her wife.

 

“Why? What happened?” Mel asked. She couldn’t understand what was happening. Her eyes grew wide. “The baby? Something’s wrong with the baby.” Her hands flew to her stomach.

 

Tears formed in Lindsay’s eyes as she started. “I would do anything if I didn’t have to tell you this, but you lost the baby.”

 

Mel started to cry. “Why? I don’t remember anything.”

 

“I’m not exactly sure what happened, I woke up in the middle of the night and you weren’t in bed. I thought you were in the bathroom. When I realized it had been awhile, I got up and started to look for you. I found you at the bottom of the stairs. You fell. I don’t know when or from how far.”

 

“I don’t remember any of that,” Mel offered. “I had a miscarriage. Is that why my stomach hurts?”

 

“Are you in pain? I’ll get a nurse. I’m sure she can give you something.” Lindsay knew she was stalling, but she really didn’t want to hurt the woman she loved even more.

 

“It’s not unbearable. I know you and there’s something else you aren’t telling me.”

 

“Mel, the reason you are in pain is because you were losing a lot of blood and you needed   surgery to control it.”

 

Mel knew in that instant what Lindsay was trying to say. An emptiness opened in her that she knew would never be filled. “Tell me,” she said, determinedly.

 

“To save your life, they had to perform a hysterectomy.”  Gut wrenching sobs overtook Mel. It hurt to cry like that but she felt it should hurt. Not only had she lost her baby but also all hope of ever having another.

 

Lindsay held her and they cried together.

 

“Coffee?” Cynthia asked as Brian entered the staff room. Noticing the look on his face, she smiled. “I think I’m getting the hang of that fancy machine you guys bought.”

 

“Okay, I’m going to need it. Is Ted here yet?”

 

“Right here. I was checking my email. I got a few more information packs on insurance policies. They are printing them off.”

 

“Great. That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. After spending yet another night at the hospital, I want to make sure we all get covered as soon as possible.”

 

“Is Justin okay?” Cynthia gasped.

 

“It wasn’t Justin. Lindsay found Mel at the bottom of the stairs last night.”

 

“Oh, no! Is she okay?” Ted asked.

 

“She’s going to be okay.”

 

“And the baby?” Cynthia questioned.

 

“She lost the baby and had to have a hysterectomy to stop the bleeding.”

 

Ted closed his eyes trying to will away the tears that had formed. “Fuck,” he whispered.

 

“That’s awful. She told me at the painting party that until last year she believed that she couldn’t have children. She thought this baby was a blessing to lose it now, and also any chance of having another, it’s heartbreaking,” offered Cynthia, obviously touched.

 

“What happened?” Ted wondered, not realizing he was saying it out loud.

 

“We’re not sure. Lindsay woke up and Mel wasn’t in bed. Thinking she was in the bathroom, she went back to sleep. When she woke alone a little later, she was concerned so she went to look for her. She found her at the bottom of the stairs in a puddle of blood. Emmett wasn’t home so she had to take Gus with them in the ambulance. She called me to come get him. She was almost hysterical and couldn’t remember Michael’s number.”

 

“How’s Michael taking it?” Ted asked.

 

“He’s heartbroken, too. Poor Deb, she looked like she did when Vic was sick.”

 

“Can Mel have visitors? Will there be a funeral? How far along was she any way?”

 

“Last time I checked in with Lindsay, Mel was still sleeping. I’m not sure about a funeral. She was almost twenty weeks. At what, point do they have funerals for unborn babies?” Brian asked Cynthia.

 

“I’m not sure. At twenty weeks, the baby would have been pretty well formed.”

 

“Was it a boy or a girl?”

 

“I didn’t ask. Lindsay didn’t ask the doctor right away and I didn’t want to push the issue,” Brian replied. “Are there any campaigns that need work done today? I want to discuss the medical insurance choices and do a little work, but I am leaving early today. Gus didn’t get a good night’s sleep and is probably very cranky. I’ll pick him up from day care early.”

 

“The campaigns are good for a couple of days. We were going to discuss who to pitch to next, but we have enough to keep us afloat for awhile. I’ll do the grunt work for the rest of this week. You need to be available to Gus as much as possible because Linds and Mel aren’t going to be up to it,” said Cynthia.

 

“Okay, thanks. Ted, what have you learned about our insurance choices?”

 

Ted opened a file and started to organize what he wanted to say.

 

“Theodore, would you mind making this a little more visual. I didn’t get much sleep last night either. It would make it easier for me to understand.

 

“Sure.” Ted went over to the white boards and grabbed a black erasable marker. He wrote the words- medical, drug plan, dental and optical across the top. Then he wrote the name of seven insurance companies down the left hand side of the board.

 

“I have eliminated some companies because they didn’t offer as much for the same price as these. Some of these ones are in our price range and some are more. All of these cover dental and optical,” he said, as he made check marks in those columns. “These four cover it for offspring too.” He added another check mark to those columns. “Spouses are an additional cost, but it’s not that much.”

 

“Since none of us have spouses, it shouldn’t be a problem,” smiled Cynthia.

 

“Ted, this looks like it’s pretty confusing. What are the three best plans?” Brian asked, trying to make this easier.

 

“This one, MediLife, offers the best extras. It includes a lot of preventative medicine. Things like chiropractors, physiotherapy, even some holistic type treatments are covered. It has full medical including hospital stays. All prescriptions are ninety percent covered, except for medicine for chronic diseases, which are fully covered.”

 

“How do they classify chronic?” Cynthia wondered.

 

“There’s a chart in their policy book. For example, AIDS and HIV would be chronic but most cancers aren’t until a year after diagnosis.”

 

“That’s a little subjective,” said Brian. “But if they cover the rest for ninety percent that’s great. Actually better than my plan at Vangard.”

 

“So, this is the best one. How close to our budget is it?” Cynthia asked.

 

“It’s almost double,” sighed Ted.

 

“Tell us about the others,” suggested Brian. “So we can compare them. Will all of these cover Justin, Vic, and you?”

 

“Yes, all the ones listed on the board will.”

 

“Good, continue.”

 

“This one is very good for the basics, unfortunately, the extras aren’t there.” Ted paused not sure where or how to continue. Will Brian want to hear my idea, he thought, as he shuffled papers around. What the hell, here I go.

 

“I have an idea, but I might be overstepping my bounds.”

 

“Go ahead. I’m more than willing to listen to your ideas. You’re the one that has done the research.”

 

“The bottom line is MediLife is the best, especially with our particular needs. It’s the only one that would cover Justin’s physiotherapy for his hand. It also has a very good maternity program, should you decide to have a baby,” Ted said to Cynthia.

 

“I wish we could afford it, Ted, but at twice the price of the others, I don’t see how we could swing it,” sighed Brian.

 

“I did a little investigating and found out that they aren’t happy with their advertising campaign. Maybe you could try for that account. Then when you get it, offer reduced rates for the agency in exchange for a cut to your advertising fee.”

 

Cynthia smiled. Brian sat and stared at Ted for several moments.

 

“Brian, I might have gone too far. It was only an idea,” Ted said self-consciously.

 

“It was a great idea. If it works, we’ll have them give it to us for like fifteen or twenty people.”

 

“Do you really think we’ll grow that big,” gasped Cynthia. “I kind of like that we’re small.”

 

“No, maybe a receptionist and possibly someone to help Justin with the art stuff. What I mean is Emmett or even we could hire Hunter part-time so he could get insurance. We could find out what everybody’s insurance is like and if this is better, we could find a way to get them covered with us. Cynthia, maybe your sister. Or Deb. Hell, Michael is self-employed. If we could get him to work a day a month, maybe he could be eligible.”

 

“Brian, that a great idea. You are such a good person,” smiled Cynthia.

 

“That would be great. I do Deb’s taxes and her insurance isn’t that great. She deserves a break. I can’t tell you her private information, but she sacrificed a lot to help Vic out a couple of years back when he was very sick. I worry about her with such a physically demanding job as she gets older.”

 

“I know what you mean. I’ve tried many times to help her out, but she won’t accept it. This would at least be something we could do to help.”

 

“This has been a very productive meeting. We have decided on the insurance and established what our next pitch is going to be. Brian, you go get Gus and spend the day with him. Ted and I will research MediLife today. Tomorrow morning we can brainstorm while Gus is at day care.”

 

“Okay, sounds good. Thanks guys. Ted, I am very impressed. See you tomorrow.”

 

Brian and Gus made their way through Brian’s own personal version of hell- a suburban mall. Packing for Gus, Brian realized that he needed some new clothes. The boy had grown quite a bit over the last few months and needed new shoes as well.

 

Trying to make things easier on Lindsay, who was obviously going to have her hands full for awhile, Brian decided to bite the bullet and take care of it himself. It was his first solo shopping trip with his son and it was turning out better than he had anticipated. It was a weekday afternoon so the mall wasn’t overly crowded. Gus fussed a little when they measured his feet at the Kiddie Kobbler, but quickly got over it when Brian let him choose which sneakers he wanted. Brian had been impressed when the boy chose a pair of Nikes. Intellectually, he knew it was probably because of the bright red swoop on the side but part of him wanted to believe that Gus knew quality when he saw it. He had also bought his son a pair of black lace-up shoes.

 

Not realizing that someone was following them and watching their every move, they took a break so Gus could have a snack of frozen yogurt. Then they proceeded to Old Navy. Looking over the racks of toddler clothes, Brian was surprised that there were some decent choices. He knew that he could no longer afford to buy designer clothes for someone who would outgrow them in a couple of months.

 

“What do you think, Sonnyboy? Do you like these cargo pants? They’re just like Justin’s.”

 

“Jus?’ Gus said, excitedly.

 

I am going to pay for saying that, thought Brian. “No, Justin’s not here. Do you want the same pants as Justin?”

 

“Ya.”

 

“Okay, now how the fuck am I going to figure out what size you wear. It can’t be by age because the clothes you just outgrew are size two.”

 

Puzzled, he looked at the clothes and then to his son. The man who was watching them stood at a distance but could still hear Brian and smiled. It’s about time you realized that you don’t know everything, he thought. You messed with the wrong guy and I can’t wait until I knock you down a peg or two. Or maybe, you will fall into the abyss of a man who has lost everything.

 

“It looks like you could use some help,” came a familiar voice. Brian turned to see an attractive blond standing there smiling. “I thought it was you, but wasn’t sure because this doesn’t strike me as your kind of store.

 

“Jennifer, what are you doing here?” Brian groaned.

 

“I was just returning a sweater I bought for Molly. Apparently, pink is ‘too babyish’ for her now. The better question is what are you doing here?” She smiled at Gus as she talked.

 

“Gus needs some new clothes.”

 

“Where’s Lindsay?” Jennifer asked, looking around the store.

 

“I guess you haven’t talked to Justin or Debbie today.”

 

“No, why?”

 

“Mel lost the baby last night.”

 

“How awful! Will she be okay? Physically, I mean?”

 

“Last I heard, yes. She had emergency surgery last night, a hysterectomy.”

 

“How terribly sad. I know what she is going through. It’s not easy.”

 

Brian just looked at her. He didn’t want to pry.

 

“I had four miscarriages between Justin and Molly,” she explained.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

“It’s okay now. I have two beautiful children. They’re perfect as far as I’m concerned,” she smiled.

 

“For the most part, I agree. Although Justin is a little stubborn for my taste,” Brian admitted.

 

“So, is Gus going to stay with you?”

 

“Yes, for a few days. I noticed that he’s outgrown a lot of his clothes so here we are.”

Perfect, the watcher smiled to himself. This new development will be the perfect addition to my plan. I couldn’t have hoped for a better opportunity to fuck with the arrogant bastard.

 

“Let me guess, you can’t figure out what size he needs?”

 

“I thought it went by age, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

 

“I know. I don’t know who invented the child sizing system, but it doesn’t make any sense,” smiled Jennifer. “What size was he wearing before?”

 

“Two.”

 

Jennifer held out her hand and Gus looked to his father.

 

“It’s okay. This is Justin’s mother,” Brian reassured his son.

 

“Jus mommy?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Gus took her outstretched hand and smiled.

 

“What a sweetie you are,” gushed Jennifer. After a few minutes, she turned to Brian.

 

“I think size 3T would be best for him. Even size 4 would be okay. Might be a little big but that’s the style of some of this stuff and he’ll grow into it.”

 

“I really appreciate it, Jennifer, I was scared I was going to have to ask one of the perky teenage salesgirls,” Brian said, with a shudder.

 

Jennifer laughed. “We can’t have that. I would also suggest that you try and get elastic waist or Velcro fastenings on the pants. These cargo pants are perfect they have Velcro.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Potty training. Easy access really makes a difference.”

 

Brian thought about all the times he was thankful for the easy access that the Velcro on Justin’s cargo pants had afforded him. “Great. Thanks, I wouldn’t have thought of that.”

 

“No problem,” smiled Jennifer. I learned the hard way with Justin. He was very independent even then. He never wanted any help. How is he doing? I worry about him.”

 

“Things are better now that Daphne and I are checking in with each other about his schedule. I have warned him that I will fire him from ADvantage if he lets it get out of hand again.”

 

“Are you in a position to do that?”

 

“No. Which is all the more reason to make this work. I hope you know that I will do whatever I can to keep him safe and well.”

 

“I do believe that, Brian. You have more than proven your intentions to me. I might still have my doubts about your relationship, but I will not interfere. Just so you know, I am just as concerned for you as I am for him.”

 

“Thanks, but things are much better this time.”

 

Jennifer smiled. She didn’t know how to tell this man that her son wanted different things and could end up hurting him. It’s none of my business, she thought, and seeing him with Gus makes me see what Justin sees in him.

 

“Jen, I really appreciate your help, but I’m sure you have better things to do than help a clueless father shop for his son.”

 

“It’s okay. I was just killing time before my appointment at the salon.”

 

“Hot date?” Brian teased. He smiled when he saw her blush. “Good for you. Justin didn’t mention that you have started dating.”

 

“Tonight is the first time I’ve been on a date since I married Craig. Justin doesn’t know yet.”

 

“Great. You have a lot to offer. Just make sure that whoever you get involved with does too. You deserve better than Craig. Justin and Molly are lucky that you have sacrificed for them and have always been there for them. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mother like you.”

 

Tears formed in Jennifer’s eyes. She was genuinely touched by Brian’s kind words, but also by his inadvertent reference to his abusive childhood. “Thank you,” she answered.

 

The man who was lurking in an adjacent part of the store smiled. His plan was really going to work far better than he ever could have dreamed. Now that he had all the information he needed, he quickly left the store before Brian spotted him.

 

“Poor Mel,” said Daphne sadly.

 

“I know. I feel so bad for all of them,” said Justin. “Gus is staying at Brian’s tonight so I’ll probably stay there too.”

 

“Okay. If you guys need any help, I wouldn’t mind at all. Or if there’s anything I can do for Mel and Lindsay.”

 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” replied Justin, as he went to the cupboard to get a plate for his sandwich. Noticing that there were only a couple left, he looked in the sink.

 

“Where are all the plates?”

 

“They are broken. I’ll get more tomorrow.”

 

Justin heard something strange in her voice and for the first time since getting to the apartment, he focused on his best friend.

 

“What happened?” He asked touching a small cut on her left cheek. Then, he noticed a few on her hands.

 

“Nothing. When the plate broke the pieces kind of flew around.”

 

“Why? Were you slamming them around? You have to be careful. This isn’t far from your eye.” This time he noticed something flicker in her eyes.

 

“I know it was stupid,” she answered.

 

There’s something she’s not telling me, he thought. “Where’s Dylan?”

 

“I don’t know.”

 

Justin knew then that Dylan was involved. “Cut the crap, Daph. He was the one that broke the dishes wasn’t he?”

 

Daphne turned away.

 

“What happened? Did he hurt you? Are you okay?”

 

“I’m not sure what happened. He wouldn’t hurt me. He is so gentle with me most of the time. I’m fine. I just don’t know what I did to piss him off so much.”

 

“What were you arguing about?”

 

“We weren’t arguing. He just got upset. The only thing I can think of is that I got a better grade on the exam than he did.”

 

“What an asshole! When did this happen? Why haven’t you told me?”

 

“You’ve been at Brian’s most of the time. It happened a few days ago.”

 

“Have you seen him since because it sounds like he might have a problem? Daph, I don’t like this.”

 

“I haven’t seen him since. I guess we broke up.”

 

“Good. You deserve better than that. Brian has his faults, but I know he would never put me in any physical danger. Things are much better between us since we got back together too. He’s even trying not to hurt me emotionally.”

 

“I’m very happy for you. Ethan was a self-important asshole. I couldn’t stand him. I’ve always liked Brian even when he pisses me off by treating you badly.”

 

“I know. I could tell you hated Ethan,” laughed Justin.

 

“Hate’s a strong word,” she replied. “But it fits,” she said laughing.

 

“Come and have dinner with Brian, Gus, and me. It’s always fun to watch Brian stop Gus from making a mess. Of course, it never works, but it’s entertaining.”

 

“Only on one condition.”

 

“What?”

 

“Don’t tell Brian how I got my cuts. It’s embarrassing.”

 

Justin gave his best friend a hug and kissed her forehead gently. “Okay.”

 

Jennifer was leaning against the door of her condo smiling. With an almost dizzy feeling, she started up the stairs. The goodnight kiss had left her lightheaded.

 

Nathan Proud definitely had peeked her interest. He was intelligent, funny, kind and charming. Not to mention handsome.

 

She reached for the phones as soon as she’d finished changing her clothes. Wearing silk pajamas, she dialed a familiar number.

 

“So? How was he?” Came the voice on the other end of the line. Jennifer smiled. No hello or other greeting obviously her friend was waiting for the call.

 

“Charming and funny. Very impressive,” she replied.

 

“I meant in bed.”

 

“Debbie! We didn’t sleep together. It was only a first date.”

 

“I’m just teasing you. Tell me everything.”

 

“Deb, are you sure you want to talk about this? I know that earlier you said you wanted me to call and tell you about my date. It just doesn’t feel right after what’s happened, there’s more important things to talk about.”

 

“I appreciate what you are trying to do, but I’m not ready to talk about it yet. I need more time. I’d much rather get my mind off of it by hearing about your date. So come on, tell me before Carl gets here.”

“Okay. He’s very charming. I enjoyed his company a lot. We went to dinner and then to this wonderful little jazz bar that I didn’t even know existed. We danced and had some wine.”

 

“And?”

 

“He’s very close to his children and I respect that.”

 

“Did you tell him that Justin is gay?”

 

“I didn’t have to. As soon as I said Justin’s name, he said ‘Not the Justin Taylor that was attacked at his prom?’ I was a little taken aback. I thought that he was disapproving of Justin. I thought, here I go again. But I steeled myself and proudly said, ‘Yes, my smart, wonderful, talented son was nearly murdered because he is gay.’”

 

“Nathan must have realized what assumption about him I had jumped to because his face softened and he asked how Justin is. When I told him that he was fine now, he smiled and said ‘Thank God’.”

 

“He told me that he had seen Justin on television with Senator Baxter before the prom and had been very impressed.  He also said he had followed the coverage of the attack and even took his kids to one of the candle light vigils you organized. His oldest son had been scheduled to attend St. James the following fall, but Nathan pulled him out. He told the St James board that their inability to keep their students from virtually being killed and the blatant small mindedness of the school was not an environment that he wanted for his children. He said their faces turned white when he said he would discuss the issue with his friends at the country club.”

 

“Jen, he sounds like a good man. When are you going to see him again? PLEASE tell me that you are going to see him again.”

 

“Monday. He has his kids this weekend and it is way too early to involve the children. I told him that tonight was the first date that I had been on in almost twenty-three years. He said he was honored that it was with him.”

 

“You’re right very charming,” offered Deb.

 

“Deb, he kissed me goodnight and it made me feel electrifying. Like lightning had struck, I have never felt that, not even with Craig. I have a feeling I have been missing out on a lot.”

 

“HA! You probably have,” laughed Debbie. “I am so happy for you. You are a young, vibrant, beautiful woman and you deserve someone who will make you feel that way.”

 

“I haven’t in a long time, but I did a little tonight,” Jennifer admitted.

 

“Perfect.”

 

“I just hope that Molly and even Justin are ready for this.”

 

“They love you. Even if they find it hard or weird in the beginning, they love you. If you’re happy, they’ll be happy.”

 

“I hope so,” sighed Jennifer.

 

Ted stuck his head into the kitchen part of the brownstone. Not seeing anyone, he went to the coffee machine and made himself a latte. When he turned around he came face to face with Emmett who just came out of the pantry.

 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you,” said Ted. “I was just getting some coffee. This machine makes incredible coffee.”

 

“It’s okay, and I know. I am so happy that Brian split the cost with me. It makes a big difference at the dinner parties I cater.”

 

“You can take it with you?”

 

“Yes, it’s portable.”

 

“Cool. It’s great how your business is growing. You must be very proud of yourself.”

 

“My life has certainly taken some unexpected turns in the last year. Some good, some bad.”

 

“Em, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I miss having you in my life,” Ted admitted with tears in his eyes.

 

“It’s not about forgiveness, Teddy. I am very proud of you too. You faced your problem and seem to be doing well.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“I just don’t know if I could trust you again, or at least not for a long time.”

 

“I know I hurt you. It’s my biggest regret. I want you to know that I plan on paying you back for replacing Gus’ college money.”

 

“It’s over.”

 

“No, I insist. I have to for my own self-worth.”

 

“I can respect that,” said Emmett.

 

“Michael said you have been dating someone,” Ted said cautiously. He didn’t know how far he should go.

 

“Yeah, Sam. I met him when Justin and I went to get the paint for this place. He’s nice. We have fun, but it’s not serious. I’m not ready for that yet. Michael told me that Blake was at the rehab center.”

 

“Yeah, he’s actually a counselor there now. He’s my sponsor.”

 

An uncomfortable silence filled the room.

 

“I guess we know that Michael definitely inherited Debbie’s gossip gene,” chuckled Ted.

 

Hunter found Ben making dinner when he came home from school. “Where were you guys? No one was here when I left for school this morning.”

 

“Oh, sorry we didn’t leave a note. We got a call around three and had to go to the hospital.”

 

“What happened?”

 

“I really need you to be easy on Michael for the next week or so. Okay?”

 

“Sure,” Hunter replied slowly. “Did something happen to Deb or Vic?”

 

“No. It was Melanie. She fell last night and lost the baby.

“Shit! That sucks. Is she okay?”

 

“Yes, she will be.” Ben smiled. Despite all of Hunter’s crap he was a good kid.

 

“Poor Michael. I know he was looking forward to being a dad. How is he?”

 

“He finally fell asleep. He’s sad and still in shock a little, I think. Deb is very upset too. When they found out the baby was a girl, she finally let it out though, Michael is still holding it all in.”

 

In the bedroom, Michael sat at the window as quiet tears trailed down his cheeks.

 

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