The Midas Touch

Brian and Gardner Vance leaned back in their seats to watch as the crown jewel of Vanguard Advertising studied their latest proposal. Anthony Massey quickly glanced through the latest stack of photographs the male modeling agency had sent over. “Is this all that you have?” Tony asked.

“Of course not Mr. Massey, we could use another agency if you like.” Gardner said.

“What EXACTLY are you looking for?” Brian asked.

“My “Justin” fragrance has overtones of verbena. It’s crisp, clean, sharp, I need a model who can convey those qualities.” Tony pushed the stack of photos away. “These won’t do.” he said.

“We could have another set of photographs for your viewing tomorrow morning, or even this afternoon, couldn’t we Brian?” Gardner looked at Brian.

“I’ll have another set for you to go over tomorrow Tony.” Brian said.

“Excellent. I’ll see you in the morning.” Tony said, and stood to leave.

Gardner waited until his prize client was well out of hearing range before waving his arms in frustration. Everything he had heard about the millionaire entrepreneur was proving to be true. In all of his twenty-two years in the business Gardner had never worked for such an unyielding visionary. This only explained further why everything Anthony Massey laid his hands on turned to gold. Indeed, Tony had the Midas Touch.

“I’ve never met such a difficult person in my life.” Gardner anguished. “We must have shown him hundreds of photographs from the top agencies in the country. What in God’s name is Mr. Massey looking for?”

“The fuck if I know.” Brian said.

“Well you’d better find out.” Gardner snorted. “We can’t afford to loose this account. I heard from our attorney yesterday. Leo Brown rejected our latest settlement offer. He’s still suing us thanks to you, and your indiscretion......”

“Here we go again.” Brian rolled his eyes.

“What in heaven’s name were you thinking? You’re suppose to be gay for Christ sake! What on earth would possess you to fuck the wife of the senior partner of our most important client, then beat the shit out of HIM?”

“She was hot?”

“This isn’t a joke Brian!”

“Who’s joking?”

“I’m done talking about it. I don’t even want to think about it. It’s over.” Gardner decided yet again.

“That’s what you said before. ” Brian reminded him.

“All we can do now is hope that the lawyers can come to some kind of agreement. This time Brian will you please, please keep your dick in your pants?” Gardner Vance implored his senior partner, then exited conference room one.

Brian gathered up the discarded photos, and walked the long hall back to his office. He breezed past Cynthia’s desk, and slammed the door shut behind him. Fucking Anthony Massey, who the hell was he trying to fool with his bullshit about clean, crisp, and sharp? Brian knew exactly what Tony was looking for. He was looking for someone young, someone blonde, with the bluest eyes he’d ever seen, and a smile that could take his breath away. He was looking for Justin. Brian flung the rejected photos into the trash. If that old coot thinks he’s going to send his baby on a nationwide promotion with him to peddle his goddamn cologne, then he needs to have his Alzheimer's meds adjusted. Justin’s angry lover took a seat in his executive chair, and vented his frustration with a hard kick to a nearby file cabinet. “SHIT!” He swore out loud when an unexpected sharp pain shot through his foot. Brian kicked off his shoe, and leaned down to massage the now throbbing part.

Cynthia hurried through his office door, and took a seat in the chair across from her boss’s desk. “Sooooo, have you found out anything?” Brian’s eager assistant asked.

“Anything like what?”

“Is there a Mrs. Massey? Where does he like to hang out? Surely you two must have talked.” she pried.

“We talked about business.” Brian winced.

“Or course you did, but what about.....”

“Cynthia please.” Brian interrupted her. “Scheming women.” He grumbled, and continued to rub his foot.

“Scheming? I’m not scheming, I’m merely interested that’s all.” Cynthia said innocently. “You can’t blame a girl for keeping her eyes open. How many gorgeous, rich, eligible men am I going to meet?”

“None if I can beat you to them.” Brian sat up straight in his chair, and squeezed his foot back into his shoe.

“Come on Brian, I thought we were friends.”

“Who told you that?”

“I’m serious. My biological clock is ticking.”

“No one cares about your clocks, now go away.” Brian scowled, and turned on his computer.

Cynthia stood, and began heading for the door. “Tony will be back tomorrow morning. I think I’ll wear my red suit. Men are always attracted to red.” she grinned.

“Scheming women.” Brian grumbled again.

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Justin sat impatiently outside of dean Rice’s office. The last time he was summoned there was when the dean had informed him that his tuition for the next three years had been paid in full by one Anthony Massey. When Justin informed his former part-time lover that Brian would be paying for his classes Tony insisted that Justin should keep the refund check. It was hard enough keeping the secret of his hidden emergency fund from Brian. What in the world had Justin’s eccentric fairy godfather done this time?

The last thing Justin needed was to aggravate an already acrimonious situation. To say that Brian was in a foul mood these days would be an understatement. After finding out about the violent incident that happened between Brian and Kevin, Justin feared that Brian would loose his job for sure. Given Tony’s influence in the business world, the young man made a desperate call to the one person that he knew who could help him, Anthony Massey. Justin expected his former lover to talk to Leo Brown. Instead Tony pulled out his big guns, and charged to Brian’s rescue with a new multi - million dollar account. While Justin was certain that Tony had only the best of intention in mind, his action had come to be a mixed blessing. Once again Brian was the darling of Vanguard Advertising, but he was now indebted to, and resentful of the new hand that was now feeding him. Worst yet, Brian suspected that it was Justin who had called upon that hand.

“Mr. Taylor, please come in and have a seat.” Dean Rice greeted his honor student before rounding the big oak desk to return to his chair. “As you know, all P.I.F.A. students are required to complete a semester of internship in their chosen field. Sense you’ve chosen commercial graphic arts as your major, you will be required to learn not only the creative side, but also the business side of the commercial art world. I’m happy to inform you that you have been selected to do your internship at Vanguard Advertising.”

“Vanguard?” Justin smiled.

“That’s right, I spoke to Gardner Vance this morning, everything is all set. You’ll be excused from classes tomorrow for orientation. You’re to report to Mr. Vance in the morning at nine o’clock. After that you’ll report to Vanguard on Tuesdays, and Thursdays for the remainder of the semester. Mr. Vance will be assigning you to one of their senior partners.”

“Vanguard, thank you dean Rice.” Justin still couldn’t believe his ears as he stood to shake the dean’s hand.

“I’m sure you know what a honor this is. I trust you’ll take advantage of this privilege, and represent P.I.F.A. well.” Dean Rice stood and returned Justin’s handshake.

“Yes sir, I will sir.” The ecstatic young man assured him.

Justin was still floating on air when he left the dean’s office. Of all of the internships offered in the Pittsburgh area, Vanguard’s graphic arts department laid claim as the most coveted. Such a prestigious appointment was usually offered to the top student in the class. While Justin’s ranking was among the top ten, he was certainly not ranked number one. No, this kind of luck had clout written all over it. The kind of clout that could only come from one man, Brian. Such blatant nepotism surely could not go unrewarded.

That afternoon Justin made a detour to Delano Jewelers before heading to work at the diner. The old shopkeeper remembered the young man with the exquisite diamond pave neck chain, and the beautiful medallion his lover bought for him. As customary Mr. Delano offered to inspect, and clean the merchandise that had been purchased at his shop. While polishing Justin’s medallion the old jeweler noticed there was something different about it. There was an engraving on the back that he didn’t recall putting there. “This tiny heart is a lovely touch. Where is the beautiful chain you originally wore this on?” Mr. Delano asked as he handed the buffed piece back to Justin.........................

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Tony reached into his top desk drawer, and picked up a small blue box. He opened it, and pulled out Justin’s necklace. “I had the chain fixed for you, and they polished your medallion too.” he said.

Justin took the necklace into his hands, and slowly slid Brian’s medallion off of Tony’s chain. “I don’t think Brian will let me keep this. You keep it for me.” he said.

Tony smiled, and allowed Justin to fasten the glistening piece around his neck..................

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“I still have the chain. I don’t wear it all the time. I’m afraid I might loose it.” Justin lied to the old jeweler. The young man looked at the B/J inscription inside the circle of pave diamonds, then flipped the medallion over to its smooth side. For the millionth time Justin ran his thumb over the tiny, secret heart Tony had engraved on the back of Brian’s gift..................................................

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Tony stroked his fingers through Justin’s hair, down the side of his face, and along his shoulder. “I love you princess. When the time is right, I’m coming back for you.” he whispered. “Until then I’m leaving my heart right here.”......................................................................................

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“It would be a shame if you lost it.”

“Sir?”

“The neck chain, I said it would be a shame if you lost it.” Mr. Delano repeated himself. “What can I do for you today?” he asked.

Justin quickly returned to reality. “I’m looking for a gift.” he said.

“What kind of gift?” Mr. Delano asked.

“Something beautiful and rare, to give to someone beautiful and rare that I love very much.”

“Hummmmm, something beautiful, and rare.” The old jeweler tapped his chin, and looked around his shop. “I have just the thing.” he smiled.

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Weary of sifting through the ever growing pile of photographs on his desk, Brian now focused his attention on the latest samples of drawings Vanguard’s graphic arts department had sent over. Like the model who would represent his new fragrance, Tony was just as meticulous about its packaging. The bottle had to be classic, yet youthful. Elegant, but not snooty. Tactile and perceptive by touch, but not tacky. Brian picked up a sketch of a promising crystal container, and held it up to the light of his office window.

“Brian.” Cynthia stuck her head inside his door.

“What now, more photographs?” Brian continued to study the sketch.

Cynthia slithered inside. “Forget the photographs! Guess who Gardner is on the phone with right now.” she whispered.

“I don’t know Cynthia.” Brian sighed.

“Forbes Magazine. They want to interview you!”

Brian put the drawing down, and looked at his assistant. “Me?”

“Yes you!” Cynthia grinned. “They want to do an in dept interview with Vanguard’s new golden-boy of advertising, We’re going to be famous!”

Cynthia was right. By midweek of Tony’s decision word had leaked out that Anthony Massey was launching a line of men’s toiletries, and he was looking for a fresh face to represent his new “Justin” cologne. Within hours Vanguard Advertising had been bombarded with hundreds of portfolios from budding male models across the country, all hoping to land the job of a lifetime. At that same time Gardner Vance’s phone began ringing off the hook as well with inquiries from potential clients all seeking the services of the man who landed the lucrative Massey account. When Forbes Magazine caught wind of the Cinderella story they began calling with inquiries of their own.  The business journal wanted to do a feature story on the lucky young senior partner who had come under the influence of Anthony Massey’s Midas Touch.

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...............Tony gently stroked his fingers through Brian’s hair, then down along the side of his face. “Precious, is that what that son-of-a-bitch did to you?” Tony asked. “It wasn’t your fault. You were just a baby.”...............

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“Brian, are you listening to me?”

“What?”

“You haven’t heard a word that I’ve said.” Cynthia snapped.

Brian quickly returned to reality. “I heard you. We’re going to be famous.” he said.

Cynthia danced around to Brian’s side of the desk, and gave her boss a kiss on the forehead. “I don’t know how the hell you did it, what magic strings you pulled, but Vanguard has arrived, and we all have you to thank for it.” she grinned.

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Justin turned off his computer when he heard the steel door of the loft slide open. “What, no hello kiss?” He smiled at the figure soldiering past him.

Brian detoured briefly to give his lover a gratuitous peck on the mouth. “What are you doing home, why aren’t you at the diner?” he asked.

“I came home early to spend some quality time with my boyfriend.” Justin said.

“Your boyfriend is exhausted.” Brian snorted, and proceeded to the bedroom.

Justin followed and stood in the doorway. He watched as Brian removed his jacket and flung it onto the bed. “Bad day?” The young man asked.

“I must have shown that son-of-a-bitch a hundred head shots, and he barely looked at them.”  Brian fussed as he struggled with his tie.

Justin walked over, and gently moved his lover’s hands aside. He easily undid the sturdy knot, and slid the silky material from around Brian’s neck.

“My “Justin” fragrance has overtones of verbena, it’s crisp, clean, sharp. I need a model who can convey those qualities.” Brian mimicked Tony’s voice.

Justin smiled, and laid the necktie on the bed. He then turned his attention to the buttons on Brian’s shirt.

“Slick motherfucker.” Brian continued. “I know what he’s up to. He wants YOU to be the model for his goddamn cologne. Son-of-a-bitch, I don’t want you calling him, or e-mailing him anymore!”

“Stop it Brian.” Justin cooed.

“Stop it Brian my ass! I should have put a stop to that shit a long time ago....”

“Tony is a good friend. He’s always been there for me, and he’s been there for you too.” Justin reminded him, and tiptoed a kiss onto his lover’s exposed throat.

“I don’t need his goddamn charity!”

“Who said anything about charity? Tony hired you for your talent. Everybody knows you’re the best add man in Pittsburgh.” Justin slipped Brian’s shirt off of his shoulders, and laid it on the bed next to his jacket. He then grasped Brian by the belt buckle, and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“Fuck him, and his goddamn cologne.” Brian continued to rant as his trousers fell down around his ankles.

“Stop being such a grouch.” Justin purred, as he reached inside Brian’s briefs.

“Wait until I see that son-of-a-bitch tomorrow. I’m going to shove those goddamn pictures right down his fucking throat… ”

“Um-hum.” Justin slid Brian’s dick into his mouth.

“Gardner can kiss his ass if he wants to, but I’m not going to.”

“Um-hum.” Justin agreed, and glided his tongue along the sensitive slit.

“Ooooooh.” Brian sighed.

“Um-hummm.” Justin continued.

Brian looked down to watch as Justin’s plump red lips mapped their way along his cock. In, and out with long smooth strokes, stopping short at the base of its mushrooming head. The young man’s mouth felt like a hot lava pit burning along the granite like shaft. “Faster baby.” Brian heard himself say.

Justin obliged, now taking Brian’s cock deeper. The hot boy began to move his head from side to side with each marvelous lunge. “Oooooh God!” Brian cried out.

The young man paused briefly, and removed his lover’s cock from his mouth. “No more talk about Tony.” Justin insisted as he polished the shiny head with the palm of his hand.

“No more talk about Tony.” Brian agreed, and guided his dick back inside the hot lava pit.

After releasing the pressures of the day down Justin’s throat, Brian reclined leisurely in his baby’s arms. He yawned deeply, then closed his eyes. For now there was no Vanguard Advertising, no marketing strategies to stress over, and most of all there was no Anthony Massey.

“Don’t go to sleep yet. I have something for you.” Justin said

“Ummmmm, can I take it a little later baby?” Brian smiled.

“I’m not talking about that.” Justin grinned.

The young man reached over, and retrieved a burgundy box from the top drawer of the nightstand. Brian watched as Justin opened the velvet container, and pulled out one large black, baroque Tahitian pearl, flanked by two gold beads, on a leather cord. “Let’s see how it looks on you.” Justin said, and fastened the choker around Brian’s neck. “Beautiful. Do you like it?” he asked.

Brian rolled the precious nacre between his fingers. “I love it baby.” he smiled.

“Mr. Delano says that no two Tahitians are exactly alike. See the three ringlets on each end of the pearl?” Justin pointed. “They’re called birthmarks. The pearls also vary slightly in luster, and hue. I wanted to give you something beautiful, and rare like you.”

“Really?” Brian tilted his head back for a kiss. “What’s the occasion?”

“I just wanted to say thank you.”

“For what?”

“For the internship.”

“What internship?”

“The one you recommended me for at Vanguard.” Justin smiled.

“I didn’t recommend you for any intern......” Brian’s smile abruptly disappeared. “That fucking Anthony Massey.” he growled.

NEXT WEEK: Meet The Intern

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