Fantasy Season 5

Anytime

Anthony Massey took a sip from his first morning cup of coffee as he thumbed through the pages of the latest edition of “Crain’s Chicago Business” magazine. There listed on the inside cover index was an article entitled “Hot Stock or Overheated?”. Tony turned the page to read more: “The meteoric sizzle of Brian Kinney’s “Kinnetics” already appears to be fizzling out.  Last week Kinnetics took a direct hit when Neo Pharmaceuticals rejected its bid to promote their new male enhancement pill. The coveted contract went to Gardner Vance’s “VanGuard” agency. If that wasn’t bad enough, VanGuard now threatens to take a lion’s share of the Kinnetics market by installing a team specifically to court gay consumers.”

Tony’s trick strolled over, and took a seat next to him at the café-style table, located on the balcony of Tony’s master bedroom. “Anything interesting?” He asked, and poured himself a cup of coffee.

Tony leaned over, and gave last night’s lover a kiss. “It’s just business princess.” he said.

Business indeed. Kinnetics was in serious trouble. Tony’s first thought was to go to Brian, and offer him an second investment loan that could be paid back in installments just like the first one. Such a move could buy Kinnetics time until the end of the year when several of VanGuard’s major contracts would expire, thus freeing them to jump ship to Kinnetics. That idea however was quickly dismissed. Tony knew that what seemed like a simple solution to him, would not sit too well with Brian. There was no way the Kinney pride would accept a charity loan. Tony’s second thought was to impose a few personal favors on his associates, and encourage them to throw some business Brian’s way. That idea was also scratched. It was way too crude, and insulting, not to mention how many personal favors it would take to equal a mammoth account like “Neo Pharmaceuticals”. No. What Kinnetics needed was one more cornerstone account. Kinnetics needed Neo Pharmaceuticals. Brian knew that, and there was no way he would have blown that deal. Tony concluded that something underhanded had taken place.

The blonde haired stranger from last night reached over, and traced his hand along Tony’s inner thigh. “It’s still early. Let’s go back to bed baby.” he suggested.

Tony leaned over once again, and gave the young man another kiss. “We’re going to have to make it for another time princess. Something has come up. I have to make a few phone calls, and fly to Pittsburgh this morning.” he said.

It didn’t take long for Tony, and everybody else to find out why Marvin Telson had rejected Kinnetics bid for the Neo contract. Kip Thomas had no problem spreading the word about the sexual harassment case that he was blackmailed into dropping thanks to Brian Kinney’s then underage boy toy. It was divine reciprocity that Gardner Vance would recruit him to work for VanGuard, and that Kip would be the man to steal a major account from the man who fucked him, then refused to recommend him to be a senior partner when they both worked for Ryder. It was even sweeter to know that there was now discord in the Kinnetics camp.

Rumors travel fast, especially when it’s about the boss’s boyfriend. Tension was running high as blame for loosing the Neo account had fallen squarely onto Justin’s shoulders. Brian’s three other graphic artists were now quick to point out Justin’s flaws. His colors were too bold, his style was too abstract, his graphics were unsuitable for advertising. Indeed the only thing the little blonde troublemaker had going for him was a bubble butt that Brian Kinney could often be caught unconsciously admiring. Even though their accusations of sexual favoritism wasn’t without its merit, Justin was still determined to prove himself as a serious artist who was worthy of remaining as part of the Kinnetics team.

Brainstorming for Kinnetics latest account was well underway by the time Justin arrived after school. “It’s good of you to join us Mr. Taylor.” Brian’s head artist Wyatt Gillian said sarcastically.

Justin hurried over to where the other three artist had gathered around a computer graphics screen. “I’m sorry I’m late. I had a project that was due today, and…”

“Please, spare us your collegiate details.” Wyatt dismissed Justin’s excuse, then turned back to his other associates. “As I was saying before we were interrupted, “Duds” is a hip new clothing line. We want colors that will convey youth, and energy. I would go with this red.” Wyatt double clicked the mouse, and changed the background behind the model on the screen to red.

“Too fire engine.” Another artist commandeered the mouse, and once again changed the background color. “This red with more orange in it is better.” he said.

“That looks great.” The third artist expressed her approval.

“Fine, orange red it is.” Wyatt decided.

“What about green?” Justin suggested.

The other three artist looked at each other, and rolled their eyes. “What?” Wyatt asked.

“Red is out. Greens, and blues are the fresh new colors.” Justin said.

“This isn’t a campaign for fabric softener Justin. We’re trying to sell clothing to teens. Now where were we?” Wyatt attempted to move on.

“You say that you want to convey energy.” Justin reminded him. “There’s more than one type of energy. There’s…….”

“Justin how long have you been in the advertising business?” Wyatt interrupted him.

“Well…I…”

“Collectively my team, and I have been in advertising for over 20yrs. I think that we are in a better position to decide what sells, and what doesn’t. Now why don’t you do what you do best, go and have a seat, and look pretty. We can’t afford to loose another account.” Wyatt said.

It was at that moment that Brian all but bolted through the door. “Sorry I’m late guys, I’ve been busing finishing up this afternoon’s presentation all morning.” he apologized. “All we need now is the final choice for the backdrop of the “Duds” add to present to Mr. Miller. What have you got?”

“We’re way ahead of you Brian. We’ve already selected the backdrop for the add. Orange red.” Wyatt stepped aside to allow his boss could come and view the screen.

“Hummm.” Brian studied the monitor. “Is this what everyone has agreed on?” he asked.

“Yes.” Wyatt spoke for himself, and the other two. “You said you wanted colors that pop, colors that will convey youth, and energy. I would go with this red.”

Brian looked over at Justin who was sitting quietly on the other side of the room. “What do you think?” he asked.

“I would go with green.” Justin said.

“Green?” Brian looked surprised. “Why green?”

Justin nervously cleared his throat. “Everyone uses reds to convey energy .” he said. “If we want “Duds” to stand out we need something different. Adults tend to overlook the fact that not every teen aspires to fit into the high energy gangster rap, hip-hop artist mode. What they really want is acceptance. They want to be thought of as cool. Red is out, because high energy is out. Blues, and greens are in, because being cool is in.”

Brian clicked the mouse, and changed the background behind the model to a shade of turquoise green. “Hummm, very retro.” he studied the new picture. “Very anti hip-hop, low-key energy, you’re right it does look cool. I like it. We’re going with turquoise green.” Brian decided.

“But Brian…” Wyatt, and the others attempted to once again state their point.

“Turquoise green it is.” Brian said again. “Now let’s move on.”

“No Brian, let’s NOT move on!” Wyatt objected. “We’ve been here all week busting our asses with you to make sure that everything for this presentation goes perfect. We’ve helped you select the graphics, the models, the outfit, and now you diss us on the color background?”

“I didn’t diss you. I listened to your opinions, and I decided to go with something else.” Brian said.

“You were willing to follow your team until your boyfriend suggested something else.” Brian’s other artist said.

“Justin’s an artist too, and he’s part of this team.” Brian reminded them.

“He’s a kid who fucked his way into this office. He’s already fucked us out of the Neo account, now you’re going to let him fuck us into the poorhouse.” Wyatt voiced his resentment.

“Brian, I’m sorry. Maybe I should go.” Justin stood to leave.

“Don’t you dare move.” Brian growled at Justin, then turned back to Wyatt, and his team. “Let me remind the three of you who you’re talking to. My name is Brian Kinney. I’m the founder, and CEO of this agency. That means that I’m the head son-of-a-bitch in charge. I make the final decisions. YOU are my employees. I pay your fucking overpriced salaries to do what the fuck I tell you to do. Today I’m telling you to change the goddamn backdrop on the “Duds” graphics to TURQUOISE GREEN! Wyatt, I’d like to see you in my office, now.”

Brian turned, and exited the art department door with his head artist Wyatt Gillian following close behind him. Cynthia looked up from her work as the two men power walked past her desk. “Tell Theodore to come to my office NOW!” Brian barked.

“Don’t sit down, you won’t be here that long.” Brian said to Wyatt, and closed his office door behind them. “Who the fuck do you think you are? You don’t EVER talk to me, or anyone of my staff like that. I want you out of here!”

“What the hell are you saying, are you firing me?” Wyatt couldn’t believe his ears.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying!” Brian made the clarification.

Ted opened the door to Brian’s office, and stepped into the rain of fire.

“Brian, you sent for me?”

“Get Wyatt Gillian’s account in order. Write him a check for his salary, and

his severance.” Brian ordered.

“You can’t fire me.” Wyatt hissed. “I’m the best graphic artist in the business, and you know it. That’s why you recruited me for Kinnetics! You think you got all of those VanGuard accounts on your smooth talking alone? If it wasn’t for me Gardner Vance would have never made senior partner. Now you’re willing to throw that kind of relationship away, and drive this agency into the grave for a piece of blonde boy ass.”

“Ted, hurry up with that goddamn check before I choke this motherfucker!” Brian struggled to control his anger..

“I wish you’d try.” Wyatt sneered.

Ted’s fingers were working frantically on his calculator. “I’ll have those figures in a minute.” he said.

“I can’t wait to get back to VanGuard.” Wyatt continued. “I can’t wait to tell him he was right. Kinnetics will be dead within the year.”

“TED!”

“I’m almost done Brian!” Ted scribbled his name across the bottom of the check, and handed it to Brian.

“Now get the fuck out of my office, and you’d better not take an ink pen, or sheet of paper with you.” Brian passed the check to his ex-employee.

Wyatt snatched the check from Brian’s hand, and counted the zeros with a smile. “Don’t worry Brian, I wouldn’t have the heart to take anything from this office. Before it’s over you’re going to need everything to pay off your bankruptcy.” he said.

Ted waited until Wyatt Gillian had left Brian’s office before he attempted to speak. “Brian are…are…are you sure that was a wise decision?” he stuttered.

Brian stood stunned for a moment. Wyatt was right, Kinnetics days were numbered. With Gardner Vance’s iron tight hold on all of Pittsburgh’s major accounts, the advertising monster that Brian had helped to create was now threatening to devour him. Even the Massey account wasn’t enough to carry the entire agency on its own, and there was no way that Brian was going to go to Tony for more money. Without reinforcements Kinnetics was already poising itself to go belly up. “We’re not going down without a fight.” Brian said out loud, and headed back to his art department.

Justin, and the remaining two artists had gathered around the computer monitor. All three of them looked up when Brian reentered the room. “I think the turquoise might work.” Lisa, Brian’s second in command artist said.

“Wyatt is no longer with us?” Brian announced. “Does anyone else want to leave?” The silence in the room gave Brian his answer. “We have less than an hour before the representatives from “Duds” will be here. I want the conference room set up, and ready for my presentation in thirty minutes. Does anybody have a problem with that?”

“No.”

Brian turned, and headed back to his office. Once again he power walked past Cynthia’s desk. “Brian….Brian!” she called to him.

“I don’t have time now Cynthia.” Brian stormed into his office, and slammed his door shut.

“Having a bad day?”

A startled Brian turned toward the unexpected voice. “Tony!”

“I’m sorry for popping in at a bad time. I’ll be brief.” Tony said. “I just wanted to stop by, and give you a heads up on the Neo account. I spoke to Marvin Telson this afternoon. He agreed with me that putting his “down-low” urges before his professional opinion was not such a good idea, especially when MRS. TELSON was on the same Chicago Art Institute board of trustees that I’m on. You should be getting a visit from Marvin some time today with your new Neo contract. I have a feeling that the old closet queen is exercising his 30 day cancellation option with VanGuard as we speak.”

Brian stood breathless, and in search of his voice as Tony stood to leave.  He had almost forgotten how stunning the older man was, and how Tony’s very presence ignited forbidden desires that Brian had finally learned to suppress. “Tony.”

Tony paused before opening the office door. He had almost gotten away, just like he had almost forgotten the fire that surged through his body when he looked into Brian’s hazel eyes. “Yes?”

“Are you going to be in town for long?” Brian asked. “Maybe we could get together for dinner, or drinks.”

“Maybe another time. My car is waiting to take me back to the airport.” Tony turned down the offer, and once again started to leave. “How’s Justin?”

“He’s fine, in fact he’s here. Would you like to see him?” Brian asked.

“No.” Tony declined. “I’ll see you Brian.”

“Tony wait.”

“Yes precious?”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.” Tony smiled.

Return to Fantasy Season 5