Brian seemed to have no more problems with Geoffrey at least that he was aware of.  The man was civil and seemed to harbor no hard feelings about the way Brian had put him in his place.  He appeared as usual for their meeting the next day.

Brian felt compelled to ask him about the invitation.  "Why did you send up that long overdue invitation yesterday?" Brian asked when
they had finished the more mundane part of their meeting.

Geoffrey looked thoughtful as he hesitated for a moment.  "I originally thought you wouldn't want to go.  You'll probably end up in the newspapers again if you do.  There are always society reporters covering that kind of thing."

"And you don't think I should be in the paper?" Brian probed.

"I don't like the consequences.  It's not very pleasant making my way through protesters to get into the building."

"Can't you come in through the parking garage?" Brian asked wondering again at this man's arrogance.  He should have known it
would have to do with Geoffrey's convenience, not his.

"I don't drive," Geoffrey said bluntly, just as he had responded about not dancing.

Brian wanted to ask him what planet he had just arrived from, but he bit his tongue.  "So let me get this straight," Brian said.  "You didn't give me that invitation because you would have to walk through protesters to get into this building."

"Yes," Geoffrey said.  Brian wanted to slug him.  "But … I also know that those protests would be directed against you.  I thought maybe you had had enough … shit to deal with lately.  I was trying to protect you."

Brian almost swallowed himself when Geoffrey said 'shit'.  Maybe this guy wasn't so bad after all.  "That was … considerate of you, Geoffrey," Brian said stifling a chuckle.  "But I like to make my own decisions about these things."

"I understand that now," Geoffrey responded, and Brian thought that he sounded like he really meant it this time.

"I think we've had quite a productive meeting.  Is there anything else I should know about?" Brian asked pointedly.

"I'd say we've covered everything," he replied.

"Will you be attending the Black and White Ball?" Brian asked suddenly.

"Oh my, no.  I never go to those kinds of things."

"But you were at the inaugural ball."

"Yes, but I was working.  I'm in charge of protocol, you know."

Brian stifled another laugh.  "Yes, I do know.  So, I won't be seeing you at the ball?"

"No, sir.  Are you going?"

"Looks that way."

"I see.  Well, I hope you have a … lovely time."  Geoffrey stood up and made his way to the office door.

"So do I, Geoffrey, so do I."

Brian watched him go out and close the door behind him.  He wondered what the fuck Geoffrey did with his free time.  He certainly wasn't a party animal.  Maybe it was better if he didn't speculate.

                                                                -----

Brian read and reread Frank's proposal about the old hotel.  He really liked the idea.  They could provide almost one hundred rooms for people who were now on the street.  They would have a small bed-sit type of arrangement each with its own bathroom, and they could live there permanently.  Those who were on pensions or disability would be asked for a small percentage for rent leaving them enough to live decently.  Those who truly were destitute would also be accommodated.  This would give them an address if they were applying for jobs.  Frank had proposed setting up a counseling office and employment center right in the building.  It wouldn't make money for the city but it could be close to self supporting.  He was going to push to have this done.  

From his advertising days he knew he needed something catchy to grab the councilors' attention, and turn them away from just thinking about the monetary outlay.  He would have to do that over the weekend.

He thought about taking Justin to the Black and White Ball.  He smiled as he realized how much he was looking forward to doing that.  He wanted to find out if Frank and Maria were going.  Maybe they could sit at a table together.  It was always nicer to have someone you knew to sit with.

The Black and White Ball would be a far cry from the homeless people that he would be trying to help at Monday's council meeting.  Being mayor certainly provided a study in contrasts – rich and poor, working and unemployed, decent kind men like Frank and fucking criminals like Kip and Stockwell.

                                                              -----

The limousine approached the William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.  Chuck carefully negotiated through the crush of cars and people as they drew closer.  It looked like the Black and White Ball was going to be packed.

Justin looked over at Brian.  He wondered if the man was nervous.  Brian had never been one for dates, and this whole business of being a couple and appearing in public had to freak him out.  It certainly did nothing for Justin's digestive system.  Brian seemed totally oblivious to what was going on outside the limo and what was to come when they stepped out.

Finally Chuck made his way to the entrance of the elegant old hotel.  He stopped the car and hopped out, racing around to open the door for them.  They had both learned to wait for him to do that.  He had been most annoyed when they continually got out themselves without waiting for him.  He had told them not to do that because he needed to check out the situation before he let them out of the car.  He said none of them wanted any more unpleasant surprises.

"You look great," Justin told Brian running his hand gently down the side of Brian's face.  The bruises were almost gone and Brian looked like his usual elegant, handsome fuckable self.

"So do you," Brian replied with a smile.  "There won't be a better looking couple here tonight."

Justin beamed at him.  He loved hearing Brian call them a couple even in a roundabout way.  And he did it so casually, so easily, like it didn't scare the shit out of him anymore.

Chuck opened the door and they slid out.  "I'll be back at midnight," he said.  "Call me if you want to leave sooner."

Brian nodded and they walked through the doors into the most elegant lobby Justin had ever seen.  Huge cream-colored arches ringed the central area with a thick burgundy carpet underfoot.  Large comfortable leather chairs were scattered around.  It looked cozy and inviting despite the grand scale.

"Wow," Justin said.

"The Omni group has certainly brought this old hotel back to its turn of the century elegance," Brian told him.

"It's … magnificent."

"Let's go check out the ballroom," Brian said ushering him towards one of the arches.

They passed into a kind of reception area where a table had been set up to check invitations.  Brian handed his to the woman at the table.

"I'm so glad you could attend, Mr. Mayor," the woman said.  "I'm Leah Chatsworth.  I believe I spoke to your assistant on the phone."

"Yes," Brian replied.  "This is my partner, Justin Taylor."  Justin nodded and the woman smiled at him.  Everyone seemed so civil after some of the other receptions they had received.  "Would you know if Councilman Jankowski and his wife have arrived yet?" Brian asked.

"I believe so.  They should be inside."

"Thanks," Brian replied and they proceeded into the ballroom.

"Double wow!" Justin said.

The ballroom was all cream and gold with massive chandeliers.  Tables covered in white linen surrounded a central wooden dance floor.  Bunches of black balloons were strategically placed around the room.  An orchestra was situated behind the dance floor and was already playing.  A few people were dancing.

"Brian!" a voice called.  

Brian looked around to see Frank waving to him from one of the tables.  They made their way over to him.  

"Hi, Justin," Maria said taking his hand and rubbing gently.

"Hi Maria, it's good to see you again."

"We saved you seats right here," she said patting the seat next to her.  Justin sat down.  They were right at the edge of the dance floor.  He wondered when Brian would ask him to dance.  "You two look stunning," Maria said.  "Men are so lucky at these types of affairs.  Tuxedos are basically black and white, so you men are all set.  It took me days to find a suitable dress in black and white.  I'd much prefer red."

"Ah, the lady in red," Brian said with a grin.

"Given my druthers," Maria replied with a smile.

"I bet you look smashing in red," Justin said.

"She does," Frank agreed earning him a lovely smile from his wife.  It was clearly evident how much they still loved each other after all these years.

Frank sat down beside Brian, "I hate to bring up work at a time like this, but have you had a chance to read my proposal about the hotel?"

"I have," Brian replied.

"And…?"

Brian could tell Frank desperately wanted his support with the proposal.  "I like the idea but there are a few things I think we should consider…"

Justin heard Maria sigh.  "They're going to be talking business for God knows how long.  Men!" she said with more than a little disdain.

Justin grinned.  "Maria, shall we dance, while they sort out city business?"

"Oh, thank God, a man who likes to dance," she said and quickly got up as if afraid that Justin might change his mind.

"I hope I remember how to do the foxtrot," Justin told her.  "It's been a long time since my mother sent me to dance class."

"Well, let's see what you learned, young man," she said with her lovely smile.

Justin led her out onto the dance floor, and they assumed the traditional dance position.  The song was one Justin remembered from dance class and he began to guide her around the floor.  Before long they were swirling and gliding as one.  Maria was a very good partner following effortlessly everything that Justin tried to do.  When the song ended Justin dipped her ever so slightly and Maria giggled with pleasure.

He pulled her gently back to an upright position and she kissed him on the cheek.  "That's the most fun I've had in a dog's age," she said.  "Frank dances with me but he doesn't really enjoy it a whole lot.  That was pure pleasure."

"Maria," another lady about her age called, "do you share your partner?"

"Not a chance," Maria replied grasping Justin's arm like she would never let it go.

Justin swept her around and they began the waltz that was now playing.  They covered the floor gracefully, Justin managing to avoid collisions with other dancers and still maintain the elegant gait of the dance.  When the waltz ended, Maria was a little breathless.

"Let's sit down for a few minutes," Justin said.

"Only if you promise to dance with me again later."

"That's a definite yes," Justin said earning a wide smile from his dance partner.

They made their way back to the table where Frank and Brian had stopped talking.  They stared at their partners seemingly speechless.

"Have you two been having secret rendezvous to practice your dancing?" Brian asked, his tongue firmly in his cheek.

Justin blushed but managed to say, "I have a great partner.  We don't need to practice."

"I'll second that," Maria agreed.

"Do I get a dance?" Brian asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"Anytime, partner," Justin said with a big smile.

"Then let's go."

Brian stood up and Justin took his hand.  They made their way to the dance floor, people stepping back and letting them through.  Justin knew they were going to be the center of attention.  There were no other gay couples there that he had been able to see.  Brian took his hand and they began to dance to the slow song that was playing.  As the song progressed Brian stared into his eyes and he remembered their dance at the inaugural.  He stared back into the hazel eyes and they forgot about everyone else.  There was only them and the music and moving as one.

When the music stopped Brian leaned in and kissed Justin on the cheek, nothing like the passionate kiss they had shared at the end of their other dance … dances.  Suddenly they realized that people were applauding.  They looked around embarrassed.  The dance floor was empty except for them, and everybody was staring at them and clapping.

"Can we sit down, Brian, please?" Justin begged his face bright red.

Brian still had hold of his hand and he quickly led them back to their table.  They slumped into their seats to the praise of Frank and Maria.

"It was just a dance," Justin said still embarrassed.  "Why do they have to make such a fuss?"

"You two are unique in here," Frank said.

"I bet we're not," Brian said with some rancor.

"Well, you are in that you're not hiding who you are," Frank amended.

Brian made no further comment.

"I'd like to be able to dance and then leave the dance floor like everyone else does," Justin complained.  "I hate being some sort of frigging sideshow."

"The more times you dance, the less they'll pay attention to you," Maria said.

Brian realized that was exactly what Cynthia had told him.  "Ready to go again?" Brian asked Justin.

"I … don't … know," Justin said hesitantly.

"Well, I do," Brian replied and pulled Justin to his feet.  "We're going to give them their money's worth, until they're sick of looking at us."

Justin lost track of how many times they danced.  There were no more rounds of applause when they left the dance floor.  They sat out some songs, Justin danced with Maria a few times, they chatted with the Jankowskis and other people who stopped by their table, they had refreshments when that was announced, but mostly they danced oblivious to what other people thought.  As midnight approached they were both tired, more from the strain of putting on the Brian and Justin show than from the actual dancing.

"Are you ready to go home?" Justin asked as they finished up another dance.  "I am."

"You youngsters have no stamina," Brian teased.  

He led them off the dance floor and nobody paid them much attention at all.  Justin was beginning to think all their efforts tonight might actually pay off.

"We're going to head on out," Brian said to Frank and Maria.

"I had a lovely time with you both.  Thanks for the dances," Maria said to Justin.

"I'll see you at the council meeting on Monday," Frank told Brian.  "Good night, Justin."

"I made him promise me another dance before we leave," Maria whispered to Justin.  "But he's not as good as you."

Justin grinned.  He followed Brian out to the lobby.  "Chuck should be here soon.  Let's step outside and get some fresh air," Justin said.

Neither of them had worn coats since Chuck had picked them up and let them off right at the door.  It was one less thing to worry about.  The winter night was cold and clear.  Their breath was clearly visible in downtown Pittsburgh night air.

"Jesus, I could use a cigarette," Brian said with a groan.  Justin smiled.  Since being elected mayor, Brian had really cut back on the cigarettes and he refused to smoke in public, feeling it would be a bad example.  Justin wondered if Brian realized how much he had changed his ways since the election.  He was becoming a fine, upstanding citizen.  Justin thought he better not mention that though or Brian would have a fit.  "It's fucking cold out here," Brian said hugging himself.

"Let me help you," Justin said putting his arms around his partner.

"I knew there was some reason I was keeping you around," Brian said and gave him a gentle kiss.

"Hey, mister, got any loose change?" a voice asked.

Brian glanced up to see a bum with his hat extended asking for money.  He was holding a sign that said 'Homeless'.  "Yeah," Brian replied.  "Just a minute."  He fished around in his pocket to see what he had.  There was no change so he pulled out his wallet.

"Hey, you!  Get out of here!" the doorman of the hotel yelled at the bum.

The bum started away before Brian could get any money out.  He watched the man hurry down the street, getting away as fast as he could.

"Those bums keep coming around whenever we have a big do here," the doorman explained.  "They figure the rich people will cough up. It's all I can do to keep them away."

"How many would there be on a night like this?" Brian asked the doorman.

"He's the third, and there'll probably be a couple more before everybody leaves."

Just then Chuck pulled up and the doorman opened the limo door for Brian and Justin.  Brian gave him the five bucks he had been going to give to the homeless man.  Chuck started away.

"Slow down, Chuck," Brian said.  "I'm looking for someone."

Chuck continued slowly down the street.  A block or so farther on Brian thought he saw the homeless man.  He ducked into an alley as the limo approached.

"Stop here for a minute," Brian said.  "I'm getting out."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Mr. Mayor," Chuck replied, but he stopped the car.

Brian climbed out and Chuck and Justin followed him.

"What are you going to do, Brian?" Justin asked.

"Stay here.  I'll be right back."

Brian disappeared into the alley.  Chuck followed but kept his distance.  Brian looked around and saw a pile of cardboard up against a dumpster.  He walked over and raised the corner of the box.

"Get the fuck away from me!" the man inside yelled.

Brian stepped back.  "I wanted to give you this," Brian said, offering him a five dollar bill.

The man snatched it from him.  "First time I ever had anybody follow me to give me money," the man chuckled, but without much humor.

"How would you like to make twice that much?" Brian asked squatting down to be more on the man's level.

"What…what would I have to do?" the man asked fearfully.

"Nothing bad," Brian said.  "Would you be here Monday morning if I came to get you?"

"Are you going to have me arrested, put me away in some god forsaken place?"  The fear was evident in his voice.

"No, nothing like that," Brian said softly.  He didn't want to scare the man.  "Why don't you go to a shelter tonight?  It's awfully cold."

"They steal everything, and some of them are mean."

"Really?"

"Yes, really!"

"So would you come and talk to me if I pick you up here on Monday morning?"

"Sure … for twenty … right?

"Twenty," Brian said and the man nodded.  "Here's another five to tide you over till then."

"Thanks, mister.  I'll be here on Monday," the man called as Brian walked away.  The beginnings of a plan were forming in Brian's head as he returned to the limo.  He and Justin got inside and Brian took his lover into his arms, to share body heat, but also to revel in the fact that they had each other and a safe, warm place to go home to.

"Get us home quick, Chuck," Brian said and kissed Justin long and slow.

  

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