Something To Talk About

Part 3

 

The air settled on Mckinze, Braxton, and Taylor to find a battered and bruised Craig Taylor sitting alone at his desk, pondering the unfortunate event, and wishing it had never happened. “Craig, would you like some coffee?” Pat asked.

 

“Yeah, just black this morning please.” he answered.

 

Pat had been with Craig for almost twenty years. They met shortly after they graduated from college, when she became his first assistant. As time passed, and his career advanced, Craig took Pat with him. Today she was as much like family, as she was his personal secretary. “How’s the eye?” she asked. Pat handed Craig his coffee and took a seat across the desk from him.

 

“It looks worst than it feels.” Craig said fingering the bruise underneath his left eye.

 

“How’s Justin?”

 

“I haven’t seen him.”

 

“What about Jennifer?”

 

“Molly’s the only one speaking to me right now.”

 

“So that was Brian huh? Justin has good taste, he’s gorgeous.” Pat took a sip of her ginger ale.

 

“Don’t you have to go throw up or something? I’m not in the mood to talk about Brian, or Justin  right now.” Craig snapped.

 

“Well you need to talk about them.” Pat insisted. “I’ve known Justin since before he was born. He’s a great kid, crazy about his dad, and you’re crazy about him. This has got to be hard on both of you.”

 

“He made his choice. He choose Brian over me.”

 

“He didn’t choose Brian over you, anymore than you chose Jennifer over your parents. He chose a mate, just like you did.”

 

“Hardly.” Craig growled.

 

“So Justin’s gay. I personally don’t find that to be the worst thing he could be. You acting like he’s a junkie, a felon, or some drug dealer.”

 

“If he was, at least then I would know how to help him.”

 

“He doesn’t need any help, not the kind you’re thinking of anyway.” Pat took another sip of her soda. “He needs his dad to love him for who he is, a sweet, loving, talented boy, who happens to be gay.”

 

“That’s easy for you to say, you’re not a father. No father wants a gay son Pat, whether they’ll admit it or not.” Craig said. “Not to mention that damn Brian Kinney, that pedophile. He’s going to hurt Justin, I know it, if he hasn’t done it already.”

 

“Well father, you may not want a gay son, but you have one. Go get yourself some counseling, pray, join a group, chant, do whatever you have to do to deal with it, because Justin’s going to need you. As much as I hate to admit it, I have to agree with you on one thing. Brian Kinney’s going to break your boy’s heart wide open. I know a dog when I see one.”

 

Craig didn’t answer. Pat stood to leave. “Oh, I forgot.” she said. “You sent Jennifer a dozen red roses, Justin got a box of his favorite white fudge, and Brian got a dozen Cuban cigars, all along with an appropriate apology from you. I charged them to your account.”

 

“What about Molly?”

 

“Do I have to think of everything?” Pat smiled. “Now if you’ll excuse us, junior and I have an appointment in the ladies washroom.” she said rubbing her belly.

 

“Thanks Pat.”

 

“Anytime boss.”

 

The fallout from the great war was also the topic of discussion at Lindsey and Mel’s. “You should have seen them.” Mel said. “The way they looked at each other, It was like the movies. I couldn’t believe it.”

 

An intrigued Lindsey listened attentively over breakfast. “Why is it so unbelievable to you?” she asked. “I’ve always told you that deep down Brian was a very kind, and loving person.”

 

“Kind and loving, you didn’t see Craig Taylor’s face.” Mel chuckled.

 

“He was just protecting what he thought was his. I’ve seen him do it dozens of times for Michael, and I can’t tell you how many times he’s pulled some jerk off of me.”

 

“He looked so out of place Lenz. I’m use to seeing the cavalier, anything goes, kiss my ass Brian. I swear, he almost melted when Justin touched his face.” Mel said.

 

“I have to admit, I’ve never known Brian to be so taken with anyone before.” Lindsey smiled.

 

“Taken my ass. Brian’s falling head over heels in love, whether he wants to or not. I feel sorry for Justin. He should have picked an easier first love. With all the emotional baggage Brian’s carrying, he’s going to break that kid’s heart for sure.” Mel said shaking her head.

 

“How do you know it’s not Brian who’s headed for trouble? He has a heart too you know, and if anybody can break it, Justin can. It’s not going to be easy for them. Let’s just hope that love will continue to find a way.” Lindsey leaned over and gave her love a kiss.

 

Debbie fumbled through the kitchen cabinet in search of her favorite mug. “I wonder how Brian’s feeling this morning.” She said as she poured her first cup of coffee.

 

“Something tells me Justin took most of the pain away.” Vic said smiling into his cup.

 

“Did you see that kiss, and the way they looked at each other?” Debbie swooned. “Did you hear the way Brian called Sunshine “baby”? Tell me those two aren’t in love.”

 

“They’re in something.” Vic laughed. “Who would have thought that the coldest queen in Pittsburgh would have his heart melted by a boy.”

 

“Sunshine’s no ordinary boy.” Debbie said. “He reminds me of Brian when he was that age, determined, head-strong, always sure of himself....”

 

“Smooth, young, gorgeous.” Vic interjected.

 

“Oh Vic, get your mind out of your pants. Where’s your sense of romance?”

 

“My sense of romance is in the same place Brian’s is.”

 

“Love changes people.” Debbie insisted. “I can see the change in Brian. Can’t you? He smiles when he’s with Justin, and he takes care of him the way he takes care of Michael.”

 

“Mikey should be so lucky.” Vic said.

 

“How long do you think it’s going to last Vic?” Debbie asked.

 

“Who can say? Brian reminds me of my Roberto, he may mean well, but he’s been “out there” for so long. He may not be able to settle down. I feel sorry for Justin.”

 

Debbie and Vic finished their coffee in silence.

 

Jennifer was busy with her Wednesday morning routine when she was interrupted by the doorbell. Molly called from the front door. “Mom, there’s someone here to see you.”

 

“Brian.”

 

“Hi Mrs. Taylor.”

 

“Please, call me Jennifer.” she said.

 

“Jennifer.” Brian began again. “I just wanted to stop by and give you this.” He handed Jennifer an envelope. “It’s the money for...” Brian looked at Molly then rephrased his sentence. “It’s the money I owe you. Thanks for helping me out.”

 

Jennifer took the envelope. “Thank you Brian.” she said.

 

“What happened to your face?” Molly asked.

 

Brian smiled. “I got into a fight.” he said.

 

“Did you win?”

 

“I think so.”

 

“Molly, shouldn’t you be getting ready for school?” Jennifer intervened. “Brian would you like to come in? I just made coffee.”

 

“No thank you. I have to get to work.”

 

“Bye Brian.” Molly said.

 

“Bye Molly.”

 

“Is that Justin’s boyfriend?” Molly whispered as Brian walked away.

 

“You’re going to be late, and what did I tell you about snooping around when adults are talking?” Jennifer said, gently pushing Molly back inside.

 

“Well is it?” Molly insisted.

 

“If you must know, yes it is.” Jennifer hoped the conversation would end at that.

 

“He’s cute. Why doesn’t dad like him?”

 

“Your father doesn’t dislike him.” Jennifer lied discretely. “He just doesn’t think he’s right for Justin.”

 

“Why, because he’s old? Dad’s older than you.”

 

“That’s not the reason Molly. It’s almost seven thirty.”

 

“Then why?” Molly pressed. “Because he’s gay? Justin’s gay.”

 

Jennifer could feel herself being backed into a corner she wasn’t certain she could get out of. No one had discussed the issue of Justin’s sexual orientation with Molly, or even knew she was aware of it. “Molly, your father’s not too happy about Justin being gay.”

 

“Why? He’s still Justin.”

 

“I know sweetheart.”

 

“If Justin likes Brian, and Brian likes Justin, why can’t they be boyfriends?”

 

“It’s complicated Molly.”

 

“Oh, it’s one of those “guy things” you told me about.” Molly said.

 

“Yeah.” Jennifer smiled. “It’s a “guy thing”.”

 

“I know you said it takes them longer to grow up than us, but how long is it going to take dad?”

 

 Jennifer gave a frustrated sigh. “I don’t know honey. Soon I hope. Soon.”

 

“Has anybody heard from Brian?” Ted asked.

 

“He wasn’t at “Babylon” last night. How about you Michael?” Emmett asked.

 

“I talked to him at work today. He didn’t mention anything about going out tonight. Maybe he’s still hurting. He took quite a beating.” Michael said.

 

“I still don’t believe it, that he actually got into a fist fight with Justin’s dad.” Ted said.

 

“I can believe it.” Emmett said. “As quiet as it’s kept, we all know how crazy Brian is about his blonde boy. I can see him kicking anybody’s ass over Justin, including his father’s. Love makes you do crazy things.”

 

“You better not let Brian hear you say that.” Ted said. “He doesn’t believe in love remember?”

 

The three-way call temporarily turned into a two-way conversation between Emmett, and Ted as Michael’s mind drifted back to the first night Justin invaded their lives. Michael had watched Brian pick up hundreds of cute guys before, only to discard them like so many used condoms when he was done with them. Justin was suppose to be just another disposable trick, but something about the boy had touched his best friend’s heart. Maybe it was because Brian was Justin’s first, or that he was so young that somehow Brian felt compelled to watch over him. Maybe it was something magical that connected the two of them the first night they were together. Whatever it was, Michael now knew that he no longer had exclusive rights to his friend. Justin was giving Brian something that he needed, something that Michael couldn’t give him, something that made Brian fall in love with him. Michael felt a sudden twinge of jealousy.

 

“Michael, are you still there?” Emmett asked.

 

“Yeah, I’m still here.”

 

“Are we going to meet at “Woody’s” or not?” Ted asked.

 

“Sure.” Michael said. “I’ll see you around seven.”

 

 “You’re quiet.” Justin said. The teen snuggled  up against Brian’s side. He slowly moved his hand across Brian’s chest, down his to his belly, and back up again, savoring the cool moistness of  his lover’s skin just after lovemaking.

 

“Quiet?”

 

“Yeah, you’re quiet when you make love.” Justin noted.

 

“You’re loud enough for both of us.” Brian chuckled.

 

“You’re noisy when you’re fucking, but you’re quiet when you make love. Like just now, you were quiet.”

 

“You’ve been reading those Cosmopolitan magazines again. Stop trying to analyze me.”

 

“I have not been reading Cosmo, and I’m not analyzing you. It’s called being in tuned to your lover. What do you know about me?”

 

“Hummm.” Brian closed his eyes in thought “I know you’re always noisy.”

 

“Is that all?”

 

“I love it that you’re noisy. It drives me crazy.” Brian smiled.

 

“What else?” Justin asked.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Justin rephrased the question. “What do I like?”

 

“That’s easy. You like to be kissed.” Brian said. He pulled Justin closer and gently embraced his lips with a kiss. The boy responded by snaking his tongue into the older man’s mouth. “You like it when I caress you, especially here.” Brian continued. He moved his hand to Justin’s cock and began a slow stroke.

 

Justin instinctively pumped his hips, allowing his hardening dick to glide back and forth in Brian’s hand. “Ummm.” he moaned.

 

“There you go baby.” Brian whispered. “That’s what I like.” Brian rolled over onto his back, pulling Justin on top of him. He could feel his boy’s dick straining between them, rubbing against their bellies. He ran his hands down the length of Justin’s body, relishing the smoothness of his porcelain boy, before wrapping his arms around Justin’s waist. “You love it when I hold you like this, and talk to you in whispers.” Brian purred close to Justin’s ear. “But most of all, you love it when I call you baby. Don’t you baby?”

 

Justin smiled. “You know me well.” he confessed.

 

“What do you know about me?” Brian asked, smiling slyly.

 

Justin looked into his lover’s eyes. “I know that you love me.” he began. “I can tell by the way you watch me when you think I’m sleeping, and the way you look at me when we’re making love. I know you feel safe with me, because the only time you’re completely relaxed is when you’re laying in my arms. I know I make you happy, but I frighten you sometimes when I make you feel emotions that you never thought you had, and I know you love making love to me, because nobody can do you like your baby.”

 

Brian felt the color, and the smile drain from his face “You know me well.” he said.

 

“I love you Brian. You should be mine.”

 

“I am yours Justin.” Brian said with most certainty. “I am yours.”

 

Justin kissed his lover, and rested his head on Brian’s chest. They laid there for a long time, pondering the fallout of the past two days, and the difficult road ahead of them. “Justin.”

 

“Hum?”

 

“You’re not going to make me wear your class ring around my neck are you?”

 

Justin laughed. “Maybe.”

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