Coming Out

Chapter 1

Brian was dreading going to work today. He loved his job but had a bitch of a headache. He’d spent his day finishing up his finals at school, wishing he was graduating instead of preparing for his senior year. He couldn’t wait to get out of his hometown and head off to college to make something of himself. He would kill himself before he let himself follow in his father’s footsteps. There was no way he would end up working a low paying job, married to a woman he hated, with children he had no use for. Well, he wouldn’t end up married to a woman no matter what. He’d known since he was ten years old that he was gay. Ever since he realized that the football players on the TV were more interesting then the cheerleaders. He had kept the information to himself for all these years and made his plans for a better life.

As he took his shower and got ready to leave, he thought about the night ahead of him. He worked at Ryder Advertising part time. It was a great opportunity for him. In the beginning of the school year, everyone had to attend an assembly on career choices. It was the school’s way of helping kids decide what they wanted to do with their lives. To Brian it was just another step towards his goal of becoming someone. Listening to the owner of Ryder talk about his job, Brian couldn’t help but be fascinated by the man and his accomplishments. He knew immediately that it was what he was looking for. After the assembly was over, he’d approached the man asking question after question. Mr. Ryder seemed to be impressed with his enthusiasm and asked if Brian would like to come to the agency and have a tour. Things just fell into place from there and the next thing Brian knew he had a job. He worked three days a week, including Saturdays. He was just an errand boy for now, running copies and cleaning up work stations, but he vowed to one day become an executive with his own office. It may have seemed like his expectations were high, but he was determined to turn his dreams into reality.

As he reached the top floor of the building complex where the agency was located, he was once again surprised at the feeling of excitement he always felt when he walked in. He couldn’t wait till he could begin his life as a career man and put his past behind him. Marty Ryder approached him the minute he stepped away from the elevator.

“Brian, glad you’re here. How did the finals go?” he asked with genuine interest.

It still floored Brian that Mr. Ryder showed interest in his life when his own parents didn’t give a shit. “Great, I think. Although I’m glad it’s over. Now I can try to enjoy the summer before I start my last year of high school. I’m looking forward to starting college and moving on.” Brian said. He’d spent many hours talking to Ryder about his goals, so the man knew how important college way to the boy.

“Well, Brian. I hope you don’t have too many plans for the summer. I was hoping you would consider working here full time for the next few months. Seeing as though I will be losing you when college starts, I thought you could spend the summer here, working as an apprentice. The pay is better and it’s never too early to start learning your trade. What do you say?” Ryder asked with a smile on his face. He knew what Brian’s answer would be. He never met a boy with such determination and drive before. Although Brian had never discussed it before, Ryder knew that Brian didn’t have a happy home life. The whole town knew of Jack Kinney and his love of the bottle. Rumor also had it that he had a love for beating on his family when he had too much to drink. Ryder grew up in a similar situation until he was able to escape on a full scholarship to Brown University. It was an opportunity of a lifetime and Ryder made the most of it. Now he wanted to give that opportunity to others, and Brian was definitely worthy of it. Ryder’s thoughts were interrupted by Brian’s reply.

“Wow, really? That would be great Mr. Ryder. I would love to work here full time. When can I start?” His enthusiasm was bubbling up.

“You can start on Monday, 8 o’clock. But first, I need you to train your replacement. His name is Justin Taylor. He’s an aspiring artist, looking for a career in advertising. I figured he could start out as an errand boy, and maybe eventually work his way into the art department.” Ryder replied.

Brian just shook his head. “Mr. Ryder, forgive me for saying this, but you take in more strays then the local animal shelter. You’re a good man and the first person I’ve met who takes an interest in someone other than themselves. I just want to say thank you for all you’ve done for me. You give me hope that one day I can be something more than my father.” Brian spoke in a hushed tone. He would miss the man a lot when he went away to school.

“Who says I’m not being selfish? Maybe all I want is to recruit early so when you graduate you’ll feel the need to come back here and work for ridiculous pay. Think of all the money I could save,” Ryder replied, uncomfortable with the praise he was receiving.

Brian thought about that for a minute, but knew Ryder was just trying to save his reputation as the heartless bastard he wanted everyone to think he was. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone what an old softy you are. Your secret is safe with me.” Brian said in a whisper.

“Justin will be here in an hour. Show him around and make him feel welcome. Let him know what we expect of him. It’s Wednesday. I need him to be ready to fill in for you by Friday so you can start in your new position come next week. I’m leaving for the day. I have an appointment across town. If you have any problems, just go to Cynthia. She can help you out,” Ryder replied and left to get to his meeting.

Brian spent the next hour running copies for Cynthia. She was another one of Ryder’s strays. She was only 17, just like Brian, but had been working there for three years. Ryder took her under his wing when her parents were killed in a car accident. They had lived next door to Ryder and his wife, and since they didn’t have any children, they took her in and gave her a home. Now she was working in the office as a floating secretary of sorts, filling in when needed, but would eventually move up in the business once she graduated from college. Cynthia and Brian developed a good friendship over the last seven months and shared secrets about their hopes and dreams. She was the only friend Brian had that knew he was gay.

“Hey Kinney, what are your plans for the summer? Got any hot guys lined up to fill all those long lonely days?” She asked with a laugh.

“What’s the matter Cyn, jealous?” he asked teasing her back.

He loved the easy camaraderie they had together. If he was straight, he could definitely see himself falling for her. But their friendship meant a lot to him, and it was nice to be out to someone other than the occasional trick.

“What do I have to be jealous about? So you find all the hot guys, so you have a social life and I don’t. Who cares? Okay, I am completely green with jealousy. Who knows? Maybe this new stray will be big, beautiful and straight. He could be the one for me,” she replied.

Brian already figured that this new kid would be straight. After Ryder had told him about Justin Taylor, he and Cynthia had gone to personnel and looked through his file to see what they could find out about him. He was seventeen, from the country club set, and went to school at St. James Academy which was one of the most prominent schools in the state. He sounded like a breeder through and through. ‘Oh well, better luck next time’ he thought to himself.


His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone approaching. Turning around he found himself face to face with one of the most beautiful boys he had ever seen. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Brian Kinney? Do you know where I could find him?” the blond asked.

Brian had to clear the thoughts that ran through his mind as he looked into the most incredible blue eyes he’d ever seen. “I’m Brian Kinney, and you must be Justin Taylor? Ryder told me to expect you. Welcome to Ryder Advertising,” Brian said, knowing that what he read pointed to the fact that Justin was straight, but hoping to God he was wrong. He caught a glimpse of Cynthia approaching from the corner of his eye.

“Hi Justin, I’m Cynthia. Welcome. I understand that you’re an artist. That must be wonderful, to be able to put your thoughts and feelings into pictures,” Cynthia said, trying to flirt with the boy in front of her. ‘God,’ she thought to herself. ‘Please let him be straight’

“Thanks, guys. I appreciate the welcome. As for being an artist, well, I don’t think anyone can be classified as an artist until they actually sell their first piece. But I hope to be one someday,” Justin said, trying to calm his rapid heartbeat.


When Justin had gotten his first look at Brian Kinney, his heart actually skipped a beat. Brian was incredible. He had beautiful hazel eyes and a wonderful smile. Justin knew in that minute that he was in trouble. Having always known that he was gay, Justin made the decision to keep that bit of information to himself till he could get away from Pittsburgh and his family, knowing that his parents would never accept him or his lifestyle. Growing up in the upper class community, spending years in the country club set, Justin knew that being gay was not accepted well among his parents’ friends. He didn’t want to cause any pain or embarrassment. He figured he could keep his little secret to himself and make his parents happy until he went off to college. Now, looking at Brian standing in front of him, he wasn’t so sure of his decision anymore. Then he smiled to himself. Chances are that Brian was straight anyway. He didn’t think he really had anything to worry about.

“Well Justin, let me show you around. I have a feeling you are going to enjoy working here.” Brian said, ready to let the training begin.


End of part 1.
 

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