Awkward
April 2024
“What the fuck?” Gus grumbled as he glared at the milk container in his hand and the empty package of Oreos on the counter.
Gus had flown back to New York from Toronto. He and Mel, Brian, Cynthia and Ted, in various combinations, had been taking turns going up there to work on the new office. Gus just got home to the apartment he shared with his boyfriend. He figured Ray wouldn’t be home since it was the middle of the afternoon, so Gus was counting on having a little snack then a shower and resting up for their homecoming festivities.
What he didn’t count on was barely enough milk for a sip and an empty package of his favorite cookies!
“Well this just shits,” Gus grumbled.
“What shits?” Ray said as he came through the door.
“What are you doing home?” Gus asked puzzled but pleased to see Ray.
“Since I knew you were coming home today I arranged for the afternoon off. I tracked your flight but you made it home earlier than expected,” Ray said as he put his bags on the table to properly greet Gus.
“Yeah, Pop arranged for a car and there was no traffic. I made good time,” Gus explained.
“I noticed.”
“Yeah, I also notice...” Gus held up the almost empty milk container and gave the empty cookie package a poignant look.
“Let’s take it down a notch, Bubba,” Ray sternly said as he opened his bags. “I realized there was an awkward amount of milk left and no cookies so I did a little shopping. I also bought some groceries to last for a few days.”
Ray took out a fresh container of milk and a new package of cookies, among other things. Gus gave Ray a broad smile.
“So you only love me for my cookies,” Ray stated as he waggled his eyebrows.
“That and your other more obvious attributes,” Gus said as he hugged Ray close to kiss.
The boys came up for air when they heard Gus’ stomach growl. The boys laughed, put away the groceries then settled down for a snack.
“When do you go back?” Ray asked softly.
“Not sure; maybe in a few weeks. The chapel is finished and passed inspection. The church already sent a priest. Uncle John had the rectory modified so that the passage that connects the art department to the office is no longer accessible to the rectory itself. He also modernized the rectory and made the rooms a little more liveable,” Gus said describing the improvements the builders made.
“Must be palatial compared to what the priest had before,” Ray commented.
“They’re going to have their first mass this weekend. So we all thought it best to give the neighborhood a little space so they can celebrate without us making noise and traipsing through the place. My dad has the mass schedules and school calendar.”
“So does that mean I have you all to myself?” Ray asked with a leer.
“For now,” Gus smiled.
“Good,” Ray said as he led his boyfriend to the shower.
-end-
*****
Dancing Queens
April 2024
“Let’s go dancing.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. I’m bored and we haven’t had a night out in a long time; let’s go dancing.”
“Where did you have in mind?”
“Babylon, of course.”
“Babylon?! I haven’t been there in a very long time. The last time I tried to get in the line was wrapped around the block. I finally gave up.”
“Not a problem,” JR stated smugly as she whipped out her cell phone. Jacqueline arched a brow as she watched.
“Hi, Uncle Bri!” JR said sweetly when her call was promptly answered. “I’m good. She’s good too. Yes, Uncle Bri, she treats me very well,” JR said with a smirk, giving her partner an all knowing wink. Jacqueline couldn’t quite comprehend what was going on.
“Uncle Bri, we want to go to Babylon but... Tonight. Um, ten-thirty-ish? Sure, okay. Thank you! Okay, we will. Thanks again, love you. Bye,” JR said then faced her baffled partner with a big grin. “We’re in!”
“How?” Jacqueline sputtered. “Babylon is the hottest place in Pittsburgh.”
“Uncle Bri owns it.”
“Really? How did I not know this?”
“I’m not sure if it ever came up when we first met and, if it did, we were dealing with my father for so long that it really wasn’t important. Now that things have settled down it’ll be nice to do what other couples do.”
“Such as?” Jacqueline asked with a smile as she slowly snaked her arms around JR.
“Going out to dinner, seeing friends, going to the movies and going dancing.”
“You’re right. It’ll be very nice to do all those things with you.” The girls hugged then kissed. Then JR suddenly broke away from Jacqueline with a gasp.
“What am I going to wear?” she screeched before running to the bedroom. “Oh, by the way, he’s arranging a car for us and we have a VIP box!” JR added before she stuck her head into her closet.
“Unbelievable,” Jacqueline murmured as she contemplated her own outfit for the night.
*****
“Who are they?” Jacqueline asked as she stared down onto the dance floor from one of the VIP rooms.
“Who?” JR asked as she got up from the sofa to join her partner by the window. Brian not only arranged for a car and the room but he also arranged for champagne and several platters of delectable things to nibble on.
“Them,” Jacqueline pointed down. “They’re hot, for men,” Jacqueline said. JR looked down then broke out into giggles as she agreed wholeheartedly with her once again baffled partner.
*****
“Thank you,” Justin whispered into Brian’s ear as they slowly swayed to their own music. Brian scrunched down more as he hugged Justin closer.
It was one of those rare occasions when the boys both had business in Pittsburgh at the same time. Brian had just returned from Toronto and was needed at Kinnetik for a few days. Justin came to the city for a small exhibition and to spend time with Brian. They were staying at the loft when Justin suggested dancing. He assured Brian that in spite of his ‘advancing’ years Brian would still be the hottest man at the club. Brian trusted Justin’s opinion.
Brian took the opportunity to look over the books and reconnect with his Babylon family of employees. His partner was forever grateful for the opportunity to shake his still youthful bootie and dance with the ex-stud of Liberty Avenue. Still the hottest man in Pittsburgh.
The gay half.
-end-