The Gus Diaries

Part 27

Ghosts of the Past
 

Uncle Michael had been really patient with all the visits Ken was making to the store. If I didn’t know any better I’d almost think Ken was trying to make trouble for me with Jeff, but so far so good.

When I told Jeff about Ken he was pretty cool, at first, but then the more Ken came to the store, the more suspicious Jeff got. If he was getting jealous he had no need. Ken never tried anything; he was just being a friend and fellow writing enthusiast.

A few days ago I went to dinner with Jeff at the diner. Ken insisted on walking me there, which was a little ridiculous, but he made a big deal about protecting his journalistic advisor. It was nice to be appreciated for just my brains.

After he left me safely at the diner, Jeff started in, “What the fuck is he always hanging around you for? He’s a fucking senior. You’d think by now he could write a fucking article by himself without coaching from a freshman…from another fucking school.” Jeff is far from eloquent when he’s pissed off.

“Look, I’ve told you over and over, you’re the only guy I want to be with. Please don’t get jealous about some writing-challenged asshole who’s picking my brain…” I looked directly at Jeff. “And nothing else!”

“I just don’t trust that asshole. There’s something too slick about him.” I have to admit that I could see his point. I still couldn’t put my finger on it, but there was just something not right about all this.

“Jeff, I promise that the only person I want to be with is you.”

“But you’re so much younger than me.” Then his voice softened to a whisper. “You’re bound to find a lot of other guys and get tired of me.” Sometimes Jeff can be so clueless, and we’re only two-fucking years apart in age.

“And yet, I’m so much more mature than you,” I smirked. Jeff smacked my hand from across the booth. Then he stood up, moved around to my side of the table and pulled me in for a kiss that I felt all the way to my toes.

After Jeff’s stupid insecurities were squelched, dinner went quite smoothly. Jeff couldn’t come back to Britin with me since it was a school night, but I was really looking forward to the weekend.

Dad showed up at the diner to pick us up at about 8:00 PM. “Well, hello, boys. Have you finished clogging your arteries yet?” I just rolled my eyes. Sometimes Dad can be so predictable.

“Hi, Mr. Kinney.”

“Why, hello, Master Jeffrey. How are you this lovely evening?”

“I’m okay, but I wish Gus would stop playing tutor to that asshole.”

Oh shit! Dad looked at me and I felt like he had x-ray vision or something because the glare felt like he was burning a hole through me.

“My, my, Sonny Boy, you’re tutoring and I haven’t heard about it. Sounds like we have some chatting to do on the way home.”

Jeff mouthed ‘sorry’ but it wasn’t his fault. I just shrugged my shoulders and followed Dad and Jeff to the car.

After we dropped off Jeff, I decided to beat Dad to the punch. “Okay Dad, here’s the deal…” I told him all about Ken, how I felt, how Jeff felt and even how nice Uncle Michael was to both of us when I was working with him in the back of the store.

“You know, Gus, a long time ago your Grandma Jen called me ‘this Brian’ when she spoke to Justin about me. Well, now it’s my turn. I’m a pretty fucking good judge of character, and ‘this Ken’ doesn’t sound like he has much character. Not to mention, I don’t want you taking advantage of Uncle Michael.”

“It’s cool Dad. I’m only helping him improve his writing skills.”

“Well, I hope that’s all he wants help with. Be careful.”

“I will and I won’t take advantage of Uncle Michael. He even trusts me to watch the store alone from time to time.”

“That’s quite a big responsibility for someone your age. I think I may have a little chat with Mikey soon.” I wanted to respond but I thought better of it at that point.

The conversation ended but I really wished I could talk to MJ. He always knows how to listen and how to interpret everything. The problem was that he was still spending a lot of home time in his studio. At least he’s gone back to work and is spending dinner time with us, but it’s just not enough. I know it sounds selfish, but I really wanted My Justin back.

After dinner that night I volunteered to do the dishes with MJ. I really should do the dishes more often. He immediately knew I wanted to talk.

“So Gus, the only time you help do dishes is when you want to talk to me about something serious.” I lowered my head. “It’s okay, I’ve been a bit of a hermit for a while, but soon I’ll be able to share my new collection of paintings and a fresh outlook on life with you and your Dad.” I nodded, hoping he really meant what he said.

“MJ, I don’t know what to do. There’s this guy…”

“Isn’t that always the way?” MJ smirked. And then, once again, I recited the entire story.

“That’s quite an interesting situation. Gus, this guy who’s spending all his spare time with you…does he have a name? I’m just curious.”

“His name is Ken.”

“Does Ken have a last name?”

“Thomas, his name is Ken Thomas.”

MJ continued to rinse the dishes and then suddenly froze and looked out the window, but I wasn’t sure that he was actually seeing anything specific. “Fuck!”

“What’s the matter?”

MJ looked like he’d seen a ghost. “Does your father know the whole story?”

“Yeah.”

“Does he know this kid’s name?”

“Yes.”

“His whole name?”

“No, I don’t think I told him. MJ, what the fuck is wrong?”

“Gus, promise me something.”

I looked at MJ and saw that he was practically panic stricken. “What is it?”

He started pacing back and forth and rubbing his wet hand from rinsing the dishes through his hair. “Just promise me you’ll never get into a situation where you’re alone with this kid. Okay, promise, you have to promise.”

Something told me that if I didn’t promise MJ might actually collapse. “Sure, sure. I’m never alone with him anyway.”

“Good. Gus, could you finish the dishes, I need to talk to your father and it can’t wait.”

“Sure. MJ, are you okay? You’re kind of scaring me. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Not seen a ghost, but maybe just heard the name of the ghost’s nephew.”

I really wasn’t following Justin so I just started doing the dishes as he dried his hands and left the room. I wasn’t in the kitchen for long when I heard Dad and MJ yelling in the media room. Well, Dad was yelling and MJ was just agreeing with him.

“I can’t believe you did that! Were you out of your fucking mind?!?”

“Brian, I was seventeen years old and all I could think of was that no one seemed to know how to get you out of trouble. Then when that asshole just walked into Woody’s, alone, I had my chance.”

“Why the fuck would you do something so insane? You didn’t know anything about him other than he worked with me and he was a sleaze who didn’t get his way so he got revenge instead.”

“I know; you’re right. It was stupid, but I was blinded by how much pain I saw you in. Fuck, most of the family thought you’d actually done something to warrant getting screwed by that asshole.”

“But I didn’t! You know that, don’t you? I would have won my case.” At this point I couldn’t help but look into the room.

MJ walked up to Dad and leaned into his chest and put his arms around his waist. “Of course I’ve always known you didn’t do it. I just didn’t want you to have to go through a messy court case and be suspended from work indefinitely.”

“You little twat. I could kill you for putting yourself in a room alone with that lying piece of shit.”

“Brian, that was fourteen years ago. I’m here, I’m okay, but I’m worried about Gus.”

Dad pulled away a bit and looked somewhat confused. “What does Gus have to do with this sudden moment of confession?”

“That kid who’s been stalking Gus under the guise of getting advice on his writing technique…”

“Yes…”

“Well, his last name is Thomas and he lives with his single uncle in a big apartment near Liberty Avenue.”

“Do you know how common a name like Thomas is? Sunshine, I think you’re putting two and two together and getting twenty-two.”

“Ha, ha,” MJ deadpanned. “Let’s just say it’s intuition.”

“Women’s intuition…now I’ve heard everything. You’re not that effeminate, Justin.”

“Brian, stop joking, I’m serious.” Dad was looking directly at MJ and holding him almost at arm's length. “Please just check into it. For my piece of mind.”

Dad pulled MJ in for a kiss and held him tight, “Okay, I’ll see what I can find out.”

Dad looked over and saw me by the entranceway to the room. “I didn’t mean to spy, but you guys were pretty loud.”

“Come here, Sonny Boy. I have a little story to tell you about how irresponsible behavior can get you, and sometimes the people you care about,” he glanced at MJ, “in trouble.”

Dad told me this incredible story about some peon who worked for him when Dad was a top exec at his first advertising agency. I had a feeling he glossed over some of the details for my benefit…and MJ’s. The guy’s name was Kip Thomas. What a stupid name!

“MJ, that guy must have left town years ago. It can’t possibly be the same guy.”

“I hope you’re right, Gus.” MJ seemed to be punishing himself for something that happened when he was just a couple of years older than me. Fuck, everyone knows kids make big mistakes on a regular basis.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

The next day at school I told Jeff the entire Kip Thomas/Ken Thomas story. I thought he’d laugh and talk about what a drama queen MJ can be, but instead I was shocked to see that he nodded.

“You know, Newbie, I wouldn’t be surprised. This Ken has always seemed to have ulterior motives and I was just never able to put my finger on them. Maybe this is it.”

“That just sounds too crazy for words. Why now? It’s fourteen fucking years later and what’s the big deal? Ken has never done anything to bug me.”

“Okay, but just watch your back.”

“I thought that was your job.” I winked at Jeff playfully.

“Oh yeah, it’s definitely my job to watch your back, your front and all the parts on both sides…and I don’t share that job with anyone.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

It was Friday afternoon, and all I kept thinking of was my weekend with Jeff as he started kissing my neck and then onto my cheeks and then my mouth, at which point I forgot about everything else.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

I got to the comic shop and Uncle Michael put me to work emptying a new shipment of Wonder Woman comics. Every lesbian and even some guys, mostly gay, would be flocking in the next day to get their copies.

“Hey, Gus.”

“Yeah, Uncle Michael?”

“Could you watch the store for a few? I need to get to the bank and get a shitload of change for the register.”

“Sure, I’ll listen for the bell and come out when it rings.”

“Thanks a lot. It’s great to have you working with me. It reminds me of when Hunter worked here, on and off, when he was nearing the end of high school.” Uncle Michael gave me a big hug, kind of like Grandma Deb might give, and then left.

Soon thereafter I heard the bells ring over the door. “I’ll be right there,” I yelled as I finished opening another box.

“No problem, kid, I’ll be happy to wait.”

Shit! There was Ken standing at the doorway to the stocking room. I’d promised everyone I wouldn’t be alone with this guy, and was going to tell him our lessons were finished anyway.

I took a deep breath to feel more secure as I stood up. “Hi Ken, how’s it going?”

“It’s going great. I saw your uncle taking off as I was coming around the corner.”

“Right, well, that means I need to stay at the counter. I was just heading out there.”

“No problem I locked the door and turned the ‘Closed’ sign around.”

Fuck! “Why the fuck would you do that?”

“Because I think it’s time that I paid for all those lessons.”

“I never wanted any pay. Now get out, I’m working.”

“No, I don’t think so. I think it’s time for you to pay for your fathers’ sins.” He had a strange look and stood partially blocking the way into the main store.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” It couldn’t possibly be true. This couldn’t be Kip Thomas’ nephew, and if he is, why the fuck go after me?

His face had this really determined, almost menacing look and it started to scare me. I decided to pretend I wasn’t scared and approach him as if I was going to go straight to the door and unlock it.

Instead he grabbed my arms and slammed me against the door frame of the stockroom. “Listen carefully, little Kinney. It’s time for payback, and payback’s a bitch.”

He lunged forward, still holding my arms and started to kiss me. I wanted to puke but instead remembered I am smart AND an athlete. I lifted my knee with all my might and got him right in the groin.

He grabbed his balls and just as I was approaching the door I saw Dad there with some other guy banging on it really hard. Then Uncle Michael ran up to the door and unlocked it just as I got there at the same time.

Dad held me close and he and Uncle Michael seemed to be wearing the same kind of panicked face MJ was wearing the other day.

“Sonny Boy, are you okay? I’ll fucking rip him to shreds if he hurt you.” I wasn’t sure who was shaking more, me or Dad.

I held onto Dad then looked at him. “I’m fine. I’m actually pretty good at taking care of myself.” Then I looked at Dad and Uncle Michael. “But I sure am fucking glad you both showed up when you did.”

Dad looked at me, “Have you ever known me to back off from a challenge? Justin challenged me with his crazy idea and it turns out it wasn’t so crazy. It didn’t take long to find dear old Kip and when I told him what his nephew was doing he insisted we get here right away.”

I looked over at Ken, who was sitting on a chair, leaning over with his head in his hands while the guy who must have been his uncle was talking to him in a voice that bordered hysterical. “What were you thinking? Are you out of your mind? Why would you do something this outrageous…and that’s the least of it?”

“How can you ask that, Kip? This guy kept you away from Dad and Mom for five years and by the time you finally were able to get work in Pittsburgh again they died only three months later.”

This whole scene seemed surreal. I couldn’t figure out how this asshole’s mind worked.

“Ken, I was a twenty-four year old asshole who tried to climb the ladder of success the easy way…by using people. It didn’t work and I got caught in my own web of lies by an underage kid. I fucked up, not Kinney.”

“Dad hated being so far away from you for so long. He was always depressed. Then when he was finally beginning to be happy, when we were all finally beginning to be happy again, he was gone. It was that guy’s fucking fault.” He pointed to Dad.

“But why hurt his son? He didn’t do anything to you.”

“Don’t you understand, Uncle Kip, I wanted his family to suffer like ours did.”

I didn’t realize I had tears running down my face until Uncle Michael wiped one away. Ken was so sad and pathetic. I know if I thought someone robbed me of either of my dads’ happiness I’d be pretty fucking bitter too.

But I also know I’d never hurt anyone like he tried to hurt me. I leaned into Dad and he just kept holding me tight, which was just fine with me.

Mr. Thomas helped Ken stand up. Even though Ken was a lot bigger than his uncle he suddenly looked so small. As they passed us Mr. Thomas looked at Dad and me. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea he was harboring this anger. It took me five years to grow up and learn to take responsibility for my own destiny and my own actions. If I promise to get him help will you keep this between us?” He was pleading with Dad, Uncle Michael and me. I was numb.

Dad nodded. “Just get him help and never let him near me or my family again.”

Mr. Thomas nodded and guided Ken out the door.

We were all seemingly frozen in place until Jeff flew in less than a minute later. “Hey, Newbie, what’s with the ‘Closed’ sign? Are you getting out early today?” Then he noticed Dad. “Hi Mr. Kinney, are we heading to your house earlier than usual today? I have the afternoon off.”

Dad and Uncle Michael passed some glances back and forth. “Yes siree, Jeff. Gus almost singlehandedly unpacked every Wonder Woman comic in the store so I thought we both could use a Friday night break.”

“Cool!” I laughed and walked over to Jeff and gave him a huge hug and kiss to match. I was exploring his entire mouth with my tongue. When I finally pulled away he looked at me. “Whew, this is going to be one fucking amazing weekend.”

“You said it.”

Dad looked at me and nodded so Jeff and I started walking towards the car. Then I realized I’d forgotten my backpack in all the commotion. I told Jeff to wait by the car and I’d be right back.

The door to the store was propped open slightly and I heard Dad talking. “Mikey, if you ever fucking leave my kid alone in the store again, without locking up, I’ll never forgive you.”

“I know, Brian, and I’m sorry.”

“Sorry’s bullshit. Too little too late. Don’t fuck up again. I love you, Michael, but I’m older now. I have only two priorities in my life.”

“I know, Justin and Gus.”

“You can fucking say that again. No one else comes close.”

“Message received loud and clear.”

“Good.” As Dad started towards the door I ran into the store pretending I’d just arrived.

“I forgot my stupid backpack.” When I returned to the front of the store Dad had already walked out.

Uncle Michael looked at me. “You heard.”

“I couldn’t help it.”

“He’s right. I fucked up and took advantage because you’re so damn smart and because you’re family.” I nodded. “It’ll never happen again.”

“Thanks, I love you, Uncle Michael, and I’m not quite as smart as I thought. I still have a lot to learn, especially about people.” Then I left the store.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

When we got to Britin, Dad and I told MJ and Jeff everything. Jeff started acting like he was going to search out Ken and kill him, but Dad told him to cut out the macho bullshit and just be glad nothing happened.

MJ looked at Dad. He approached him. Dad seemed to be half in the room and half somewhere else. MJ gently touched Dad’s cheek with the palm of his hand and turned him so they were looking into each other’s eyes. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not your fault.” Then MJ put his arms around Dad’s neck and pulled him close. The two of them started to kiss briefly but remembered they were in the living room with me and Jeff.

Jeff and I left them alone and went upstairs. As we passed MJ’s studio I gently touched the door and it pushed open easily. I was so tempted to see what had possessed MJ for the past few weeks but decided that he’d tell me when he was ready. I owed him that much.

From the looks of it in the living room, he was just about fully back to us, which is really good since Dad and I really need him. And let’s face it, his fucking intuition saved me. I wonder if all parents have some of that intuition where their kids are concerned.

All I know is that My Justin proved once again why he’s such an incredible father. I just hope I can be a good and supportive son to him. It’s not always easy, especially when he disappears into his studio. I need to develop the same patience Dad has with MJ. I know it’s worth it because he’s so worth it!

Now it’s time to tend to Jeff who’s showing signs of being done with his homework. I have a totally different project in mind for him now. I think I’ll encourage his macho side and let him be my protector.
 

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