The Wedding
Gus clung to his father’s neck, innocently unaware of the importance of the ceremony taking place between his two mommies. He was more concerned with the shiny clip on dada’s tie. Brian sat on the end seat of the second row, waiting for Gus’s big moment. The toddler had been practicing for weeks, and was prepared to deliver the black velvet box containing the rings to Melanie. It was Brian’s job to cue the toddler when the time came. Gus stood on his father’s lap. He looked over Brian’s shoulder at the sea of unfamiliar faces. There were a few that he recognized, like Debbie who sat three rows behind him. Gus attempted to begin a game of peek-a-boo with her. She smiled, and blew him a kiss. Brian put his finger to his lips. “Shhh.”
He turned Gus around, and placed him on his lap. The toddler sat quietly for all of one minute before returning to his search mission on dada’s shoulder. This time he spotted Justin, who had arrived late, and taken a seat near the back of the church. “Baby!”
“Shhhh.” Brian listened for Gus’s cue. He glanced over at Michael, who was sitting with Ben on the other side of the church. The two best friends hadn’t spoken since the incident at the loft, when Brian had in anger fucked Michael, then threw him out. Brian later admitted to himself that it wasn’t one of his better decisions, but then again decisions made in the heat of anger rarely are. At the time the only thing on Brian’s mind was Justin. Michael had deliberately hurt him, and nobody hurts Justin.
Michael watched Brian from the corner of his eye. Even though his friend had finally given him the fuck he’d always dreamed of, Michael’s fantasy was still unfulfilled. Michael didn’t want to be just another trick. He wanted Brian’s eyes to light up when he entered the room, the way they did when Brian saw Justin. He wanted Brian to talk to him in whispers, share sly looks, and secret touches underneath the table, the way Brian often did with Justin. Michael wanted to be Brian’s lover, but Brian had coldly reminded him, he wasn’t Justin.
“May we have the rings please?” the minister requested.
Brian removed the black velvet box from his breast pocket, and handed it to Gus. “Take it to mommy.” he said. All eyes watched as Gus took the box, and bolted to the back of the church. The assembly of well-wishers broke out in laughter as Gus delivered the box to Justin.
Justin attempted to coax the toddler back to the front. “No, take it to mommy.” he whispered. The teen’s face blushed beet red as Gus loudly protested Justin’s refusal of his gift.
“Could we have the rings please?” the minister repeated over the roar of laughter.
Justin stood, and picked up the reluctant ring bearer. He carried Gus to the front of the church amidst the applauds of the assembly. “Give it to mommy.” Justin whispered. Gus handed the black velvet box to Melanie.
The estranged lover’s eyes met momentarily, as Justin delivered the toddler back to Brian before returning to his seat. “Dada, Baby.” Gus told his father.
Brian placed his finger to his lips. “Shhh.”
The ceremony ended with a traditional kiss, and a standing ovation from those gathered. Gus enthusiastically patted his hands with the others as Mel, and Lindsey exited the church to their awaiting limos, compliments of Emmett’s lover, George. Michael watched from across the room as Brian, and Gus made their way to Justin. It had been over a month since the White Party Showdown, the argument that opened a floodgate of pain that Justin had been harboring. Brian approached with caution. “Hey.”
Justin was equally as careful. “Hey.”
Gus on the other hand was quite animated. He fell over into Justin’s arms, and began to talk to him in toddler lingo. Brian and Justin laughed. “I’m glad you came.” Brian said.
“I couldn’t miss Lindsey, and Mel’s big day. And you, what am I going to do with you?” Gus giggled as Justin tickled his belly.
“Are you coming to the reception? You could ride with us.” Brian offered.
“Thanks.” Justin smiled.
Lindsey and Melanie, along with a private donation from Brian had spared no expense with their formal, sit down dinner reception. The Pump Room at the newly renovated Plaza Hotel was decorated in shades of pastels. Yellow roses adorned white linen tables, set with gold trimmed china, matching flat wear, and crystal glasses. The dinner menu offered surf & turf, and garden salad, along with an assortment of appetizers, breads, and pastries. Their three tiered wedding cake was decorated with dozens of yellow flowers, and flanked by two dove ice sculptures. The champagne fountain flowed freely, and the bar was open to those who prefer harder spirits.
Gus, Brian, and Justin greeted the newlyweds in the reception line, before taking their seats near the bridal party table. George, and Emmett were already seated. Ted soon joined them, while Michael and Ben took a seat at Debbie and Vic’s table.
“Michael, is there something wrong between you and Brian?” Ben asked.
“Of course not. Why do you ask that?”
“You haven’t said anything to him all afternoon, and you didn’t sit at his table. Come to think of it, I don’t recall hearing the two of you talk on the phone this week. You’re usually inseparable.”
Michael leaned over, and gave his lover a kiss. “I’ve been busy spending my time with you” he said. “As for today, Brian’s got his babies with him, he’s playing dada today.” Michael said sarcastically.
“Aren’t they adorable? They look like a Norman Rockwell post card.” Debbie grinned.
“Two gay men, with a kid is not Norman Rockwell ma.” Michael corrected her.
“I never thought I’d live to see the day when Brian Kinney would actually become domesticated.” Vic said.
“Don’t let him fool you uncle Vic, he hasn’t changed, he’s still Brian. Just wait until some cute waiter comes along.” Michael assured him, or so Michael wished. He couldn’t allow himself to believe that the hottest stud in Pittsburgh was settling down. As long as Brian was still making his rounds, there was still a chance that one day he would come to his senses, and realize that they belonged together.
The formal dinner was served, and the cake had been cut when the traditional wedding took a very contemporary turn. Lindsey and Melanie had bypassed the band, and chosen a spin doctor. The music, and the party had heated up to full blast when an unexpected guest strutted across the crowded dance floor.
“Tony! Is that you?” George called over the music.
Anthony Massey turned around. “George, it’s good to see you my friend. How long has it been?”
“Too long.” George said as he extended his hand.
Tony returned the handshake. “I didn’t know these people were friends of yours.” he said.
“I’m here with my friend Emmett.” George made the introduction. “Emmett this is Anthony Massey, entrepreneur extraordinaire. Tony, this is my dear friend Emmett.”
“Hello Emmett.”
“I’m very pleased to meet you Tony. Are you a friend of Lindsey and Melanie?” Emmett smiled as he shook Tony’s hand.
“No, I own “The Plaza”. I just stopped by to congratulate the happy couple.” Tony said.
“That’s very kind of you.” Emmett grinned.
“I like what you’ve done with the place.” George said.
Tony surveyed the room. “We’re very proud of the results. This is our first affair since the renovation.”
“I should have known you were involved in this. This place has your flair written all over it.” George said.
“I heard you were leaving, going to do some traveling abroad.” Tony said.
“Emmett and I are going to tour the world. We’ll be leaving at the end of next month.” George said smiling at Emmett.
“Excellent, you deserve it. Excuse me for a moment, I think I see the newlyweds. It was nice seeing you again George. If I don’t see you before you leave, have a wonderful, and safe trip. Once again, it was my pleasure meeting you Emmett.”
Emmett and George watched as Tony proceeded to the bridal party table. Emmett’s jaw dropped. “Who was that?” he asked.
“Only the most eligible gay man on the planet, and one of the most brilliant businessmen that I’ve ever met.” George said. “I’ve seen him take floundering companies, turn them around, and resell them at over a hundred percent profit. He recently sold his interest in “Babylon” for what I’m told was an astronomical amount of money.”
“That’s where I remember seeing him. I think he’s a friend of Brian’s.” Emmett recalled.
“Of course he would be. He’s a very attractive man, and a very dangerous one as well. Tell Brian to be careful.” George said.
“Lindsay, Melanie, my name is Anthony Massey. I’m the owner of “The Plaza”. I’d like to offer you my very best wishes for a long, and happy life together.” Tony said.
“Thank you so much.” Melanie smiled at the handsome stranger.
“That’s very kind of you.” Lindsey added.
“I trust my staff is serving you well.” Tony said.
“This place is beautiful, and we’re more than satisfied with everything.” Melanie said.
“I’m glad.” Tony smiled.
“Mommy!” Gus dashed past Tony’s legs, weaving his way to Lindsey.
Tony looked down at the toddler, then at the man chasing him. “Brian?”
“Tony.”
“This is a surprise. Are you related to the newlyweds?”
Lindsey picked up Gus, and placed him on her lap. “This is our son Gus. Brian is Gus’s father.”
Tony looked at Brian and smiled. “I didn’t know you had children Brian.” he lied.
“I don’t, Gus is my only child.” Brian said.
Tony leaned over, and shook Gus’s hand. “Hello Gus.” he said. “He’s a beautiful boy Brian, just like his mommies.” Tony flirted.
“Brian, Gus is gone again. I can’t find him anywhere.” Justin said.
Tony stood up, and turned around. “Speaking of beautiful boys, hello princess.”
“PRINCESS?” Brian said to himself.
Justin’s face went pale. “Hello Mr. Massey.”
“Please don’t be so formal, call me Tony. How’ve you been Justin?”
“I’m fine sir.”
“I’m glad to hear that. He’s still as beautiful as ever Brian. You’re a very lucky man.” Tony said without taking his eyes off of Justin.
“Yes I am.” Brian said.
Tony turned back to Lindsey and Mel, who were now practically swooning under the smooth talking stranger’s charm. “Ladies, please allow me to pick up your liquor tab.”
“That’s very generous of you Mr. Massey. Please feel free to come and join the party.” Melanie offered.
“Only if you call me Tony.”
“Tony.” Lindsey smiled.
“It would be my pleasure. Any friends of Brian, are friends of mine.” Tony grinned. “I have a few things to attend to first. I’ll join you later.”
Tony and Brian had a momentary stare down as they shook hands. Something was vaguely familiar. Tony’s cologne, it was the same one that Justin was now wearing. Brian watched as Justin’s eyes unconsciously followed Tony’s departure.
“Gorgeous, charming, and rich, I might have know that he’d be a friend of yours Brian.” Mel said. “Looks like you might have some competition Justin.” she teased.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” Justin turned to look at Mel. Brian turned, and walked away.
Anthony Massey returned to his office. He poured himself a drink, and took a seat in the black leather chair behind his desk. Knowing about Brian had been one thing, but seeing Brian with Justin was another. He hadn’t been prepared for the wave of jealousy that swept over him. Justin had made it very clear from the start. He was in love with Brian. His arrangement with Tony was to be discreet, and of a sexual nature. It had been amusing at first, but now Tony was becoming increasingly unwilling to settle for his number two position. Justin should be his. Brian would have to go.
Brian exited the hotel through the fire doors. He needed air. To suspect that Justin was seeing someone was one thing, having that suspicion confirmed was another. Worst yet, Justin was seeing Anthony Massey, the one man who could rival Brian for Justin’s attention, a man who boasts that he never looses. Tony had been right. What the hell was he thinking? Did he really think that Justin would conform to his ways, and be content following him to the baths, and backrooms of Pittsburgh? Justin had gone along with Brian’s game just to please him, and now Brian was on the brink of loosing his baby, if he hadn’t lost him already.
“Bri, are you alright?”
Brian didn’t turn around, he recognized Lindsey’s voice. “I’m fine.” he said.
“So that’s him huh?”
“Who?”
“The man Justin’s been seeing, it’s Anthony Massey isn’t it?”
“I guess.” Brian instinctively reached inside his jacket pocket for a cigarette. Damned nicotine gum.
“Handsome, successful, charming, I can see how Justin would be attracted to him.”
“Thanks for making me feel better.”
“Justin may be attracted to him, but he loves you.” Lindsey said with most certainty.
Brian looked up into the early evening sky. “I don’t know Linz.” he sighed. “I’m a shitty boyfriend. I couldn’t blame Justin if he did go to someone else.”
“Justin’s not going anywhere.” she assured him.
Brian looked at Lindsey. “I know Justin, he wouldn’t have continued to see Tony if he didn’t have feelings for him. Massey must be giving him something that I can’t.”
“If that’s the case, then you find out what Justin needs, and you give it to him.”
“It’s not that simple Linz.”
“Not anymore it isn’t, but who’s fault is that? Until now you’ve had exclusive rights to Justin’s affection, and you’ve taken that for granted. You can’t fuck your way out of this one Brian Kinney, you’re going to have to fight for him.”
Brian changed the subject. “Why are we out here worrying about me? Let’s go back inside, and enjoy your wedding.” He placed his arm around Lindsey’s waist, and walked her back inside to the reception.
Justin had returned to his seat at their table. Brian sat down next to him. The teen turned, and softly kissed him on the corner of his mouth. Brian smiled slightly, and placed his arm around the back of Justin’s chair. He moved his hand along Justin’s shoulder, and cuddled his baby closer. Justin closed his eyes, and rested his head on Brian’s shoulder. What the hell was he thinking? He knew from the start that Brian Kinney was not the kind of man who could be tied down. That Brian had agreed to any kind of relationship was itself a huge commitment that Justin should have been thankful for. The teen concluded that if he wanted to be with Brian, somehow he was going to have to accept love on Brian’s terms.
“May I have this dance princess.”
Justin opened his eyes. “Tony.”
“You don’t mind, do you Brian?”
Brian didn’t object when Tony took Justin’s hand, and lead him to the dance floor. He watched as the older man snaked his arms around his baby’s waist, and pulled him close. Justin placed his arms around Tony’s neck, and the couple began a leisurely sway to the sultry “For The Love of You”, by the Isley brothers.
“What are you doing?” Justin whispered in Tony’s ear.
“I’m dancing with you princess. That’s allowed isn’t?” Tony’s hands moved a little lower, coming to rest on the small of Justin’s back.
Brian shifted in his seat. Again he reached inside his jacket pocket for a cigarette. Damned nicotine gum. This time he popped one in his mouth, then signaled the waiter for a bourbon.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be here?” Justin whispered.
“This is my business princess. I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
“Did you have to call me princess in front of him?”
“I’m sorry, it slipped.” Tony moved his hands to the top of Justin’s buttocks, and he decreased his movements to a slow grind of his hips. Justin closed his eyes, and tried to wish away the growing erection that was now traveling the length of his pant inseam. “Ummmm.” Tony moaned.
“Stop it Tony.”
“Meet me upstairs princess, penthouse four. I’ll leave my key card at the desk for you.” Tony moved his hands over Justin’s backside, up his back, then down again, finally coming to rest on Justin’s butt.
“I can’t.” Justin whispered.
“Why not?”
“You know why not.”
“Forget that whore, you belong with me.” Tony gave Justin a soft kiss on the side of his head. Justin attempted to discreetly pull away, but Tony held him fast.
Melanie, and Lindsey had been watching the dance floor seduction from their seats at the bridal party table. Emmett, George, and Ted looked at each other, then over at Brian. Brian’s eyes never wavered from Tony, and his face remained expressionless, as he began to flush shades of red.
Ben and Michael had been observing the same action from their seats. “This doesn’t look good.” Ben said.
Vic leaned over to his nephew. “Michael, go get Brian.”
“Quick.” Debbie added.
Michael reluctantly went over, and took a seat next to his friend. “Hey Mikey.” Brian said casually, as if nothing had happened between the two of them, and without moving his eyes from the dance floor.
“Brian, I know what you’re thinking. Don’t do anything. It’s Lindsey, and Melanie’s wedding.”
Brian’s eyes squinted slightly as Tony’s hands once again spanned the length of Justin’s body.
“How long is this damned song?” Emmett asked.
Brian lifted his drink to his mouth, and downed his bourbon in one gulp. “This motherfucker must be crazy.” Melanie heard him say to no one on particular.
“We’d better do something Linz.” Mel said to Lindsey.
The song finally ended, and Tony began to walk Justin back to his table. Mel, and Lindsey watched as Brian slowly rose from his seat, loosened his tie, and unfastened the top button of his shirt. The two women hurried over to him. “Here’s dada sweetheart. Your son has been looking for you.” Lindsey lied. “He wanted to give you your slice of wedding cake. Give dada the box Gus.” Lindsey placed Gus in his father’s arms.
Gus offered his dad the small embossed container. “For me?” Brian smiled. “Thank you sonny-boy. Hold it for dada.” Brian perched his son on his left arm, then turned back to the returning couple.
Mel tried another tactic. “We’re ready to leave for the airport Brian. You’d better hurry if you don’t want us to miss our flight.”
“Ted, will you take them to the airport for me please?” Brian requested. He reached inside his jacket pocket, pulled out his wallet, and handed it to Michael. “Take my “Visa” card out.” Brian instructed. “Get a cash advance for my bail. You know my pin number.”
“Brian, just get Justin, and let’s go.” Michael pleaded as he searched for the platinum card.
“Michael’s right.” Ted seconded. “You don’t want to do something you’re going to end up in jail for. You’re suppose to be keeping Gus this week, remember?”
Debbie reached Brian’s table as he was placing his wallet back inside his pocket. “Brian, this isn’t the time, or place for what you’re thinking of doing.” she said.
Brian reinforced his hold on Gus.
“Brian Kinney, I want you to stop this right now. You’re not going to do this in front of your son.” Lindsey had barely finished her sentence when Tony reached their table.
“I’m returning your boy Brian.” Tony smiled. “Again I say, you are one very lucky man.”
“Yes I am.” Brian’s words were immediately followed by a blinding right to Tony’s jaw that sent a wave of gasps throughout the guests, and Tony crumbling to the floor. Gus laughed, and continued to hold on tightly to the wedding cake, as Brian grabbed Justin’s wrist, and exited the reception with both of his babies.
“You’re crazy Brian. Why did you hit him?” Justin asked as he was being lead through the hotel lobby.
“The motherfucker deserved it.” Brian said, as they exited The Plaza.
“He’s going to have you arrested.”
“That’s fine.” Brian looked both ways before hauling his babies across the busy street to the indoor parking garage.
“You’re hurting my arm, let me go.” Justin protested, as Brian dragged him between the parked cars, in search of the jeep.
Brian stopped abruptly, and turned to Justin. “I TOLD YOU, I DON’T WANT YOU WITH HIM!” he roared. His angry voice echoed through the garage.
Until then Gus had gone along giggling, and enjoying the brisk walk in dada’s arms, but Brian’s outburst had startled him. The toddler began to cry. “You’re scaring Gus.” Justin said.
Brian tightened his grip on Justin’s wrist, and continued on his mission. He located the jeep, and sat Gus on top of the hood. “Don’t you move.” he growled at Justin, then attempted to quiet the frightened child.
A garage security guard had been observing the action. “What’s wrong over there, is everything alright?” he called out.
“Everything’s fine.” Justin called back. Gus continued to wail.
“The guard pulled out his two-way, and called for backup as he walked toward the jeep. “Are you sure?” he asked.
“I’m sure.” Justin said.
“Can I see some identification please?”
Brian handed the officer his drivers license. The unfamiliar man proved to be even more distressing to Gus. The toddler cried even louder. “Who’s kid is that?” the guard asked.
“He’s mine.” Brian said, as he lifted Gus back into his arms.
“Who are you?” the guard asked Justin.
Justin handed the guard his ID. “I’m his boyfriend.” he said.
“Where’s this child’s mother?”
Two more guards began to approach the jeep. “Hold them, Mr. Massey’s on his way out!”
Gus finally quieted down, and clung to his father’s neck. Brian watched as Tony walked across the street, flanked by two hotel detectives. The three men weaved their way between the parked cars until they came upon the jeep.
“Mr. Massey, is this the man who assaulted you sir?” One of the guards asked.
Tony looked at Justin, then at Gus, and finally at Brian. He looked down at Brian’s right hand, and saw him reach for Justin. The teen entwined his fingers with Brian’s. “There was no assault.” Tony said.
“But Mr. Massey, that’s not the report we received sir....”
“Someone was mistaken.” Tony insisted.
“But sir, we were told that.....”
“I don’t give a damn what you were told. Don’t detain these men any longer.” Tony said with authority. “Mr. Kinney, on behalf of myself and my staff, please accept our most sincere apologies.” Tony extend his hand.
Brian released Justin long enough to return Tony’s handshake. “Apology accepted.” Brian said.
The guards returned to their work, while Tony, and the two detectives watched from afar as Brian strapped Gus into his car seat, and Justin took his place on the passenger side. “Mr. Massey, why won’t you let us nail this guy?” one of the detectives asked.
“No.” Tony smiled. “I’ll wait until he nails himself.”