The Gus Diaries

Part 162

Marry Me? VII

 



Gazing at the scene in front of me, I wanted to punch out the guy putting his hand on my boyfriend’s shoulder. Who the fuck did he think he was! Then I got the surprise of my life when he turned around.

It was a good thing I hadn’t stomped up to the two of them like some jealous maniac. Looking down the line-up at the bar, there were actually five men including my partner hanging out together. Jeff had been talking with Drew. Standing next to him was Uncle Emmett, and beyond them stood Uncle Ted and Blake. It would have been pretty embarrassing if I’d gone off all caveman and tried to send a right hook across Drew’s face... not to mention he was still truly fit and strong enough, despite retiring from football, to lay me out with one punch.

Babylon was beginning to feel more and more like a family dinner rather than a romantic Valentine’s Day for Jeff and me. I found it pretty damn strange that my whole family seemed to be popping up in the same place at the same time.

Making my way toward Jeff, I smiled. He looked so fucking hot. He was wearing a fitted black T-shirt with the dog tags I’d given him years ago hanging around his neck. The outline of the ripples of his six-pack could be seen through the shirt and I felt my cock getting hard at the mere sight of him.

Coming up from behind, I whispered in his ear, “Hey stud, are you looking for a horny partner to fill your dance card, among other things.” The line was a bit cheesy but it got just the reaction I was hoping for.

Jeff turned around and planted a whopper of a kiss on me. His lips parted and I tasted the beer he was drinking as his tongue hungrily explored my mouth. I nearly went weak in the knees which doesn’t happen too often, and it wasn’t from the alcohol.

“Hey, Newbie, I’m sorry our day got sidelined for a while. I promise the rest of the night will be all about us.” Jeff’s ear to ear smile was beautiful. I just had to lean in for another kiss.

After another toe-curling moment of passion, Jeff pulled back. “Whoa, tiger. Let’s take our time. We have the whole night together and I guarantee you won’t want to miss any of it.”

Before I could protest, Uncle Emmett turned around. He and Drew came right up to us. “I’m so proud of you, sweetie. You’ve done your daddies and mommies proud. Not to mention you became the youngest jock in our family, joining my honey in the world of gay athletes.” He then placed a very simple, full size glass vase on the bar and placed two red roses in it. “These are from Drewsie and me. Happy Valentine’s Day!” With his usual flourish, Uncle Emmett wrapped his arms around me and gave me a kiss on each cheek.

Then Drew came up and gave me a firm pat on the back. “Go get ‘em, slugger.”

I was completely confused, wondering what this was all about, but before I had a chance to question Jeff, Uncle Ted and Blake quickly moved into the place formerly occupied by Uncle Emmett and Drew.

Uncle Ted spoke first. “You were a terrific kid and you’ve become a really great man. Blake and I know, and understand, the challenges you’ve had to face, especially recently, and we couldn’t be more impressed with how you’ve handled everything.”

Moving a little closer, I noticed Blake add two more roses to the vase. “Gus, I’m both happy and proud to be a part of this incredible family, and you’re one of the reasons. Happy Valentine’s Day from Ted and me.” Each one squeezed one of my shoulders simultaneously and moved away before I could return the good wishes. They disappeared into the crowd of dancers, along with Uncle Emmett and Drew.

Uncle Michael and Uncle Ben appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, right after them, and before I could ask any questions, although I was pretty damn curious about this entire scenario.

“Although Ben is usually the one who manages all the words in our family, I’m going to give this one a try.” Uncle Michael took a deep breath. “I was there the night you were born, and from the moment we saw you, your dad, pop, and I knew you would be so important in all our lives. You may not be my son, but you’re pretty damn close and I’ll always be here for you.” Uncle Michael was tearing up and Uncle Ben started to rub his back.

“You said that beautifully, Michael.” Uncle Ben looked at me. “We love you, kiddo.” Each of them put one rose in the vase and we had a tight three-way embrace.

Before we got interrupted again I turned to Jeff. “Do you know what this is all about?” I saw a small smile creep across his face but before he could speak up, Marci and Rick came up to me.

“Happy Valentine’s Day to the best friend a girl could have!” Marci was practically bouncing and Rick stood unmoving next to her. He didn’t say anything. He placed his arm around her and nodded as he handed Marci two more red roses to place in the vase.

Marci embraced me and planted a huge kiss on my cheek. “I love you, Gus. You deserve the best of everything,” she whispered in my ear.

Holding Marci’s hand as she stepped back, Rick guided her back toward the dance floor.

Soon after Grandma Jen and Tucker added two more roses as Grandma gave me a warm hug and a kiss and Tucker hugged me too, both giving me loving wishes, with Grandma adding, “You’re my first grandchild.” She touched my cheek softly with the tips of her fingers.

Grandma Deb and Grandpa Carl followed behind them adding their flowers. Grandma winked at me and gave me one of her infamous bear hugs. “I told you I’d see you later if you were lucky, and I guess this means you fucking are.” She laughed her big, deep laugh and it filled my heart.

Grandpa Carl followed her. He held my hand between his. “You’re a good kid, stay that way now that you’re a man.”

This was all wonderful, but very confusing at the same time.

After all that had happened, I wasn’t at all surprised to find Mem, Mom, and even Jenny pop up out of nowhere. Jenny gave my hand a squeeze and whispered in my ear. “Don’t let this get around, Gus, but I love you. You’re the best big brother a girl could wish for.” She gave me a quick peck on the cheek and moved back.

Mom and Mem stood in front of me. In the distance I noticed Marie smiling, clearly not threatened in the least by my mothers coming together for whatever the hell this was all about.

Mem held my hand. “From the moment you came wailing into the world I was in love with you and that will never stop. You’ll always be my first baby.”

I tilted my head. “What about Jenny?”

“She’ll always be my first, and most precious little girl.” Mem glanced at Mom, both of them smiling contently. “Your mom and I were lucky to be blessed with the best of both; a beautiful boy and a lovely girl. We got more than most parents can ever hope for.” Mem hugged me gently. “I love you, Gus.”

Mom was getting really weepy and just as I was about to feel too uncomfortable she hugged me. “I love you, Lambskin. You’ll always be my beautiful baby boy no matter how grown up you become and whatever turns your life takes.”

They each added an additional long stemmed rose to the vase.

At this point I was far from surprised to find Dad and Pop beginning to head in my direction as soon as Mem and Mom moved away. I noticed Mem rejoin Marie as Mom stood side by side with Grandma Deb and Grandpa Carl.

When Mom and Mem settled next to their companions, Dad and Pop sped up their approach from across the dance floor. It was amusing to watch them part the gay waters of Babylon. Despite the fact that they had both clearly been off the market and unwilling to do anything more than dance with any of the horny throngs who filled the club for a long time, guys still admired them wherever they were.

Stopping in front of me, Pop held both of their roses. He immediately placed them in the vase, now filled to capacity. He nodded to the bartender who filled it part of the way with water from the tap.

“Sonny Boy, you know flowers and frills aren’t my thing, but where you and Justin are concerned I’m always willing to make exceptions. When your other half asked me to help him complete his Valentine’s Day plans, knowing you and how you feel about grand gestures, I willingly went along with all he had in store.” Dad rolled his lips inward, then took me in his arms and held me close in a warm embrace. “I love you, Gus, and will continue to do anything and everything to make you happy for the rest of my life.”

Without waiting for Dad to step back, Pop took my hand in his. “Gus, even though I didn’t realize it, the night you were born you made me a father too. I couldn’t have wished for a better son and will always be grateful that you want me to be your Pop.”

I was getting pretty choked up but found my voice to softly reply, “I couldn’t want anything more than what you and Dad have given me, and continue to give me -- and I don’t mean all the stuff you can buy. I love you both so much.”

“Brian, I think we have someone waiting for his turn.” Dad turned toward Pop and took his hand.

Before he moved backward to lean against the bar he leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “Just remember, son, you have two more years of college.”

What the hell did Dad mean by that? I felt my brow furrow with confusion but didn’t get the chance to respond. As I watched Dad back away, he nodded to his D.J. He instantly stopped the music.

I’ll never forget the stories Pop and his friend Daphne shared about their prom. It still sends chills down my spine knowing what Dad and Pop went through just to be together. A few years ago I got to watch Dad and Pop dance to some real old song, and now that’s what the D.J. started playing. It was an instrumental version which seemed kind of strange, but it certainly got everyone’s attention. For the first time since I’d ever seen the inside of Liberty Avenue’s most notorious club, every single person in Babylon was still and silent.

Jeff walked up to me. He placed the vase of my family’s roses, each representing good wishes, front and center on the bar. Jeff then stuck his hand deep into his pocket and pulled out a small box. The shape was unmistakeable.

I was glad he didn’t get down on one knee as I was already feeling a bit unsteady.

“Newbie, Gus, I’ve loved you for a long time and I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual. There’s no one in this world I want to spend my life with except you.” He opened the box, but I couldn’t look at the ring I was sure was inside. All I could see was Jeff making the grandest gesture imaginable, all in my honor. “Marry me.”

In those two words, the ridiculous events of the morning all disappeared. I swallowed hard and gazed at all the family and friends who had been brought together to witness this incredible moment in my life and show their support in the most loving way they could think of. I was pretty sure Dad had a lot to do with all of this. He’s not known for his romantic gestures, but when he does them, he does them bigger than anyone else possibly could. It was pretty damn smart of Jeff to consult him and make this the most memorable day of my life... and the best Valentine’s Day ever.

Oh, I forgot to mention... I said YES! I’m engaged, but no marriage until I graduate. Dad’s message came in loud and clear.
 

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