The Gus Diaries

Part 161

Marry Me? VI

 


If you’re lucky, you’ll see me later. Why would Grandma Deb have said something so weird? It didn’t make any sense. Even stranger -- I remember the looks on my parents’ faces as she said it. They almost looked like each of them were holding one collective breath. When Grandma left the gallery I think I actually heard Pop sigh, releasing his breath.

Looking around I realized I hadn’t been to the loft in a long time. Dad still kept it after all these years in case any of us were in Pittsburgh and wanted to hang out overnight. He also insisted it was mine to do with what I wanted when I graduated from college. It’s hard to believe I’m almost done with my second year. Jeff will be graduating. I have to admit, it would be amazing to live with him here. We haven’t talked much about what’s going to happen after he graduates. All I know is he wants to work the business end of some important firm. He actually loves accounting and has dreams of becoming a CFO someday. I’ve noticed Jeff and Ted chatting more and more at family gatherings -- they can’t just be talking about accounting, can they?

It’s a good thing one of us can add. If it wasn’t for computers and calculators, I could never balance my check book. I guess I get my better skills from Mom, Pop, and Dad’s creative side. My sights are set on writing. I’d like to start by working as a reporter for the Pittsburgh Gazette, but I know there’s a book inside me just waiting to be written. Unfortunately, I think I need some more life experience before I start that endeavor.

At the moment, all I want to think about is looking terrific for the evening. Dad and Pop brought in Thai and we sat down to eat before the two of them took off for a night of romance, their style.

“Come on, Sunshine. Let’s go see how envious we can make the fags of this town. Since I still have some significant arm candy in you, we’ll make sure to hit Babylon before the night is over.”

“Still?” Pop pretended to be offended, but the smile on his face revealed his amusement and playfulness. “I am, and will always be, the sweetest of arm candy. Isn’t that why you married me.”

Dad snorted. “I’ll make sure to recommend you if TV producers ever want to explore Real Househusbands of Pittsburgh and West Virginia.”

I laughed so hard at that image that I nearly spit the soda I was drinking across the table.

Dad looked at me as he placed his fork on the edge of his plate. “It won’t cramp your style, having your dads in the same venue as you tonight, will it?”

I rolled my eyes. “Dad, you own Babylon and by now everyone who goes in there, or works there, knows I’m your son. And let’s face it, Jeff and I practically live with you and Pop when we’re not in school -- no problem for tonight.”

“Just remember, Gus--” Pop looked directly at me.

“I know -- no going into the backroom until I’m twenty-one. Got it. And when I’m twenty-one I get my entry card into the VIP room so I don’t have to mingle with the commoners.” Dad taught me the last part of that mantra.

“Got it in one, Sonny Boy.”

Pop rolled his eyes but remained silent as he ate.

“I’ve got the Babylon rules memorized. It’s a good thing I’m not some seventeen year old twink who wants to get away with a lot of shit because my parents can’t handle my being gay.”

Pop swatted me on the arm. “Smart ass.” He smiled and then turned to my dad and gently stroked his cheek. “He’s getting more and more like you every day.”

“The kid’s just lucky, I guess.” Dad pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek.

Pop tenderly kissed Dad. “Yeah, he is, and so is Jeff.”

Dad rolled his lips inward and nodded. Before they completely forgot I was in the room, I stood from the table, cleared my plate and went into the bedroom to find something to wear from the small stash I kept in the loft.

 

* * * * *
 

Walking into Babylon, I felt like a zillion bucks -- Dad has always told me never to sell myself short. He let me borrow one of his black wifebeaters. I wore a royal blue button down shirt, left open, over it, sleeves rolled up to my elbows. The icing on the cake was the new pair of black jeans I’d bought in anticipation of Valentine’s Day.

The minute I strode into the main room I knew heads would turn, a lot like they do for my dads, even to this day. Sometimes I used to think Dad was exaggerating the description of how people reacted to him or Pop, but I was beginning to understand what good eating, lots of exercise, and great genes could do for a fag in Pittsburgh -- probably anywhere.

I scanned the dance floor looking for Jeff, but couldn’t see him anywhere. Before I could start looking around the perimeter of the club to see if he was standing along the side or getting a drink at one of the bars I felt a tap on my shoulder.

My eyes widened. “What are you two doing here?”

Marci laughed and Rick rolled his eyes. “I convinced Rick that the best dancing in Pittsburgh could only be found at your dad’s club so he agreed to come here as long as I never leave his side.”

Glancing at Rick, I grinned. “I don’t blame you. You’d definitely get a lot of attention if you were alone. Let’s face it, you’re practically a carbon copy of your brother, but everyone here knows Drew is taken by my Uncle Em.”

“If you’re trying to make me feel more comfortable about being in a gay club, I’m not sure it’s working, but it’s what Marci wanted to do and I told her since it was V-Day she could pick wherever she wanted to go.”

“That’ll teach you to give Marci carte blanche to do anything. You never know what she’ll come up with.” I smiled. Rick had turned out to be really great to Marci and he respected her. I couldn’t ask for anything more for my best friend.

“It’s okay, Gus. I’ve learned a lot about Marci, and one thing I know for sure... she’s a keeper.”

Marci was bopping up and down to the beat of the music and didn’t seem to hear Rick.

“You know what, Rick. She sure is, and you’d better make her happy.”

“Now that I can promise, as long as she keeps letting me be a part of her life.” Rick leaned in close to make sure I heard him.

Looking at the smile on Marci’s face there was no mistaking how happy and comfortable she was with Rick. “I don’t think you’ll have any problem keeping her in your life. I’ve never seen her this happy with anyone.” I nudged Rick’s shoulder and he chuckled nervously.

“Hey, Marci, are you ready to get out there and have some fun?”

“You bet!” Marci gave Rick a big kiss, and with a smile lighting up her entire face, she led him onto the dance floor. They looked great together, and fortunately since it was pretty damn clear how much Rick was into Marci, no one seemed to bother them.

Now, I had my own V-Day mission to accomplish. It was time to locate Jeff.

After scanning the room a little longer I finally spotted him at one of the bars under the catwalk. Shit! He was drinking with some guy; some guy that looked familiar but I couldn’t quite make out who it was from the distance and angle of his stance. Someone was hitting on my boyfriend -- my partner -- and I wasn’t about to let that happen.

[TBC]

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