P is for Priceless
Brian came out of the Thai restaurant that was his favorite, and Justin's too. He usually ordered in but he was picking up the food tonight for a very specific reason. Plus, he was taking no chances that they might screw up some part of the order. He carried a bag of food that included all the spicy dishes that they both enjoyed. He smiled to himself as he walked along the street headed for the loft.
For once he was giving in to convention and doing what was sort of expected of him. He thought back to that ill-fated picnic on the floor of the loft. He had refused to go along with Justin's romantic intents, and look where that had got him. He shook his head, remembering the time they had spent apart. Justin's months with the fiddler had been one of the most depressing times of Brian's life. He didn't want to repeat that again.
Tonight would mark six years since they had met under that lamppost. A lot had happened since then. Together and apart and together again. They always seemed to find their way back to each other. Brian wasn't sure why, but he had come to realize that Justin Taylor represented happiness to him. His life was always more interesting, not necessarily calmer, but definitely happier when Justin was around.
Justin had returned a few days ago from his stint in New York. He had had modest success while he was there, taking part in a four man show of artists at one of the smaller but well known galleries in New York City. His pieces had sold out, and he had gained three commissions which he decided could be better painted in Pittsburgh than in New York. He told Brian that he was totally inspired by his return to his home town. It would do great things for his creativity. Brian wasn't sure he believed all that, but he was glad Justin had decided to return. The few days since Justin had been back had been hectic and full and ... wonderful.
Brian could hardly believe he was thinking in those terms. It was so unlike him. Or ... so unlike what people thought he was, what he let them think he was. Things were going to be different this time.
Brian crossed the street. The loft was just a couple of blocks away. He looked up as he stepped onto the curb, and another memory hit him. He was in front of the stand where he had almost bought roses for Justin way back when, but he had changed hismind and put them back. He didn't want to seem too romantic, too caring. He couldn't let anyone see his soft spots at that time, not even Justin. He had to wonder what might have happened if he had made the purchase of the roses. Maybe everything would have been different. Who knew?
He was almost past the stand when he turned around.
"I'd like that bunch of roses," he said to the man who ran the flower stand. He pointed to the large red roses he wanted.
"Good choice," the guy said. "Twenty-five."
Brian paid him and hurried along the street to the loft.
When he slid back the loft door, he found the apartment empty. A moment of panic hit him. Was he too late with everything he had done tonight? Had Justin left him once again? Justin knew Brian was bringing dinner. Where was he?
"Justin," Brian called hopefully.
"In the bathroom. Be there in a minute," Justin replied.
"Don't rush," Brian said the smile returning to his face.
He set the food and the roses on the counter and took his jacket off. He glanced over to the dining room table. Justin had set it beautifully. He obviously knew tonight was special. Brian got a bottle of white wine out of the fridge and opened it. He poured two glasses and set them on the table. He was just finishing unpacking the food when Justin appeared at the top of the steps.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey," Brian replied with a smile. "I brought you something."
"I could smell it. It smells great!"
"Something else," Brian amended.
"Oh?"
Brian had been blocking the roses from Justin's line of sight. He reached behind him and pulled out the bouquet.
Justin's face lit up. "For me?" he asked.
"I don't see anyone else around that I would be giving them to," Brian half snarked. "Happy Anniversary," he added taking the sting out of his words.
"Thank you," Justin said with one of his sunshine smiles. He walked over to Brian accepting the bouquet. He inhaled their scent before kissing Brian on the cheek.
"I expect a much better kiss later," Brian said sticking his tongue in his cheek.
"Goes without saying," Justin said with a knowing grin. "I'm going to put these in water. Why don't you make us each a plate? You know what I like."
"I certainly do," Brian responded with a waggle of his eyebrows.
Justin giggled and grinned wider as he got the roses ready for the vase he retrieved from the cupboard. Brian placed the overflowing plates of food on the table.
"Ready," he said.
"So are these. They're just beautiful, Brian. Thank you so much." There was that sunshine smile again.
Justin set the roses on the back of the dinner table so he could look at them. They both sat down ready to eat.
"Happy Anniversary," Justin repeated raising his wine glass to clink with Brian's.
Brian studied the happy face before him. He was glad he had bought the roses. This night should be special ... for them both. And it was. He did some mental arithmetic. It hadn't taken much.
Thai food: $35.00
Roses $25.00
That smile: Priceless!
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