Almost Perfect
Chapter 10
Gus walked into the living room to the sound of a loud catcall whistle then suddenly found himself under the close scrutiny of his partner.
“Wow, I’ve always known I have a hot boyfriend, but wow! You’re sizzling,” Ray exclaimed as he circled Gus several times.
Gus was wearing a deep olive green pinstriped suit that was so dark it almost looked black but the green shimmered and emphasized the changeable color of Gus’ eyes. Brian had ordered the suit for Gus’ graduation, his measurements so similar to Brian’s that it was easy for their tailor to get the suit ready. The suit and several others like it were Gus’ only concession to his lack of pomp and circumstance that his family had expected. All Gus wanted was to take his diplomas and go home. But his father had insisted that Gus at least go through the graduation ceremony and have the suit to go with it. Brian knew that the classically timeless suits would come in handy.
Gus blushed as he laughed then gently pushed Ray out of his face.
“I mean it, Gus, you really are one fine looking dude. By the way, where is and who is this meeting with?” Ray asked, stepping closer to Gus’ face.
Gus just shook his head. “We’ll be at N’rgy with my dad, Stacy, Mel and your father. Maybe a client or two.”
“Hmm, I better call my dad and warn him to bring a stick with him.”
“A stick?”
“Yeah, to beat them off you. Geez, between you and your dad, how does any work get done? The staff must be staring themselves blind.” Gus drew Ray close into his arms for a deep kiss.
“You’re wonderful for my ego, but you do know how much bullshit this is. But thank you. Now I gotta go because suit or no suit, if I’m late my dad will skin me alive.”
“Yeah, I have a father like that too. It’s all about setting a good example.”
“Exactly.”
“Umm, do you think you and your suit might be up for a little play time later tonight?” Ray asked, his waggling eyebrows belying the innocent tone in his voice. Gus burst out laughing, kissed Ray again then left for his meeting.
Ray watched Gus leave, pretending to fan himself.
*****
Gus waited outside of their building for less than thirty seconds when a car pulled up. The driver waved a card with Gus’ name on it. When Gus nodded, the driver immediately got out then hurried to open the rear door. Gus got in and made himself comfortable as the driver got in then took off toward the Westside Highway. Gus played with the handle of his briefcase as he watched his world go by.
“Business meeting?” Gus heard from the front. Gus nodded. “You look a little young to be going to a business meeting,” the driver commented. Gus shrugged as he nodded again. The driver smiled at him through the rearview mirror. Gus smiled shyly back then opened his briefcase to examine its contents. His laptop, notepad, sketch pad and the pencils to go with it. He wasn’t nearly as talented as Justin or Ken but sometimes Gus like to sketch his ideas out before he did it digitally.
The briefcase was Brian’s idea. While Gus had his trusty messenger bag for everyday, sometimes a man needed a briefcase. Gus’ briefcase was a compromise; it was made from supple but sturdy leather and had a long strap so if Gus wanted to he could sling it crossbody. Gus like to pull it out when he was dressed to impress, as he was today. He supposed it was working if the driver approved.
Within thirty minutes Gus was standing outside the building that housed N’rgy and members of his extended family. Gus took a deep breath then walked inside.
“Gus, honey!” Kenneth Mann cheerfully called to Gus out in the hall. “Looking good, sweetie,” Ken said as he opened N’gry’s door to guide the young man inside.
“You saw me on Sunday,” Gus said reasonably.
“Yes, but that was as my son-in-law, now you’re my very good looking co-worker,” Ken quipped as he pulled out a stick that was hidden behind the door. Gus burst out laughing again.
“He called you.”
“Of course,” Ken said with a big grin. “Between you and your father, we’re going to have to turn on the air conditioning.”
“Okay, you can stop now,” Gus begged.
“Sure, honey, whatever you say. Come on, we have time for breakfast and there’s someone here who’s anxious to see you.” Ken led the way into the small conference room where one end of the table was laid out with all manner of breakfast goodies. When Melanie saw her son she immediately went to him to give him a big hug.
“Hi, Momma. How’s your trip so far?” Gus asked.
“Wonderful, although your father is a slave driver. I barely got to see anything of LA or London,” Mel complained. “But he promised me a return trip soon.”
“And he doesn’t lie,” Mel and Gus said at the same time. Mel grimaced as Gus cracked a grin.
“Where is he?” Gus asked, not seeing his dad around.
“In the larger conference room with Stacy going over a few prime accounts,” Ken replied. “He’ll be out in a few minutes.”
Ken paused for a moment to look Gus over, using his artistic eye to see the similarities and more importantly the differences between Gus and his dad. Ken smiled to himself. He and Simon enjoyed their Sunday dinner with the boys. And were witness to just how much Gus and Ray loved each other. He couldn’t be happier for his son or more proud of all three boys.
“What are you grinning about?” Brian growled out as he strode into the room. He headed straight for the coffee pot to top off his mug. “Sonny Boy!” Brian said as he put down his mug to give his son a bear hug.
“Lookin’ good,” Brian said with a cat ate the canary grin as he picked up his mug again.
“Of course I do,” Gus quipped sounding a lot like Brian. Gus picked up his own mug then father and son toasted each other. Mel and Stacy rolled their eyes as Ken chuckled.
After a few minutes of shooting the breeze, Brian grabbed his son’s wrist to check the time. “Let’s get down to business,” Brian announced in his CEO voice.
*****
“Hey,” Justin said into the phone with a smile on his lips.
“Hey yourself,” Brian answered just as tender.
“We miss you.”
“I miss you. How’s the squirt?”
“She’s fine. We’re all good. But what did you do to John?”
“Moi?”
“Oui, vous. He’s been like a dog with a bone, sniffing out the best place to bury it. He’s taking measurements, staking out space between the B&B and Emmett’s cottage. Bobby’s not very happy with you. He swears you’re feeding into John’s cottage obsession.” Justin giggled.
“You say that like it’s a bad thing, Sunshine.”
“It’s not bad but John has made Patrick his second in command.” Brian laughed.
“So Bobby’s become a cottage widow.”
“Uh huh. You’re so evil.”
“I’m sweet!” Brian crowed. “I miss you,” he whispered. “I miss you and our home.”
“When will you be back?”
“Maybe a week; maybe less. We’ll see if Toronto is promising and then we’ll come home. I want to see how Gus and Mel work together.”
“Makes sense. Listen, I spoke with Lindsay earlier. Depending on when you leave New York, she’d like to fly in and spend a day or two with Gus and Mel.”
“I know. She sent me a text. We’re in no rush. Why don’t you and the Squirt come with her? I took a suite big enough for all of us.”
“Are you serious?”
“Like the plague. I miss you, Sunshine, and I miss the princess too.”
“What about school?”
“Get her assignments from her teachers and we’ll visit a museum or two. Maybe make a project out of it for extra credit.”
“You’re so smart,” Justin declared with a smile in his voice.
“I know!” Brian agreed.
*****
“Hi!” Ray greeted Gus when he came home. “How was N’rgy?”
“It was great. Watching them work was great.”
“Watching who work?”
“My dad, Mel, Stacy. And your dad, he’s so good, just like Justin but different. Ya know what I mean?”
“Yes, I do,” replied Ray.
“I understand why you want to be a lawyer. All those big words,” Gus teased as he wrapped his arms around Ray. “It was fascinating to watch. Mel breezed through the contracts as Stacy wowed the clients with her ideas. Your dad worked up a quick sketch as she spoke and the client loved it.”
“What was your dad doing while they were making their pitch?”
“Observing, I think. Checking out how Mel fit in with Stacy and Ken.”
“And did she?”
“She did. She’s so confident; they all are. I hope I can be that confident in my work,” Gus said pensively.
“You will be. You are already, in so many ways, but the real confidence comes with experience. Gus, you really should consider your dad’s offer. Even if you start out at N’rgy and then move on to Kinnetik, it’ll be worth it.”
“I know. And what if this Canadian thing works out? I’ll be working in another country, for fuck sake!”
“Yeah, but at least it’s in the same time zone.” Ray grabbed Gus by the ears to bring his head down for hot kiss. “You want to fool around?” Ray asked with a mischievous grin.
“Yeah,” Gus murmured as he pulled out the stick that was hidden under his jacket. The boys laughed then raced to their bedroom.
*****
JR wrapped the tissue paper around the bottle of wine and tried to tie a bow with the ribbon she had purchased just for this occasion. Her thumbs and fingers just wouldn't cooperate.
"Fuck!" she said as she undid the ribbon and began over again.
"How do I look?" a voice from behind her asked.
JR dropped the ribbon and turned around. "Wow!" she said. Her eyes skimmed over Jacqueline's body as she took in the sleek royal blue pantsuit, the high heels and the touch of makeup. "You look fabulous. How come you don't dress like this all the time?"
"Too much effort," Jacqueline laughed.
"But you look so good!"
"Thanks, and so do you." Jacqueline spun her lover around looking at the slim skirt and frilly shirt that JR was wearing. "You look good enough to eat," Jacqueline said softly.
"Later," JR laughed. "Can you help me with this frigging bow?"
"Sure, what's the problem?" Jacqueline grabbed the ribbon, wrapped it around the neck of the bottle, and in a trice had tied a neat bow around the top of the bottle of wine.
"Hey, you can make all the bows from now on."
"I would have bought a bag for the wine and then there would be no need for this conversation."
"Smarty," JR said, kissing Jacqueline's cheek.
Jacqueline pulled her lover close and hugged her hard. "Do we really have to do this?" she asked in a soft whisper.
"We don't have to do anything," JR whispered back. "If you don't want to go then we can stay home. I'll call my father."
"Wait," Jacqueline said. "As much as I don't want to do this, I think we should go. We have to give your father the chance to show that he's changed."
"Or that he hasn't," JR added making a face.
"Hey, you took the words out of my mouth." Jacqueline grinned like a Cheshire cat and then her face sober. "Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and see what happens."
"Is this Jacqueline Archer talking?" JR asked, her eyes big as saucers.
"I believe in facing things head on. We do this tonight and we'll know one way or the other where we stand in your father's eyes."
"You're so smart," JR said hugging Jacqueline harder.
"So are you."
"Thank you for saying that."
"I'm not just saying it. I mean it," Jacqueline stated. That earned her a glorious smile.
"Let's go do this," JR said as she wiggled out of Jacqueline's embrace and went to get their coats.
*****
Michael moved some of the flowers in the arrangement at the center of the dinner table. He studied them briefly and then put them back the way they had been. After another quick study of the flowers, he turned the vase trying to find the side that looked the best.
"The petals are going to start falling off if you don't leave those flowers alone," Ben cautioned.
"I just want them to look ... perfect."
"Nobody's expecting perfection, Michael."
"I am."
"Michael, can't we have a nice, friendly, informal dinner with our daughter and her ... friend?" Ben asked.
"Is that what you think this is?" Michael asked an edge of sarcasm in his voice.
"That's what I was hoping it would be."
"Well, it's much more than that," Michael stated. "This is my chance to get JR back. I want everything to be ... perfect."
"Michael, listen to me," Ben said staring at Michael. "Are you listening?"
"Why does everybody say that to me?" Michael asked annoyed.
"Maybe because we're never sure that you are listening," Ben grumbled.
"I listen," Michael said indignantly.
"Okay," Ben conceded, "but you need to stop putting so much pressure on yourself ... and on everyone else."
Michael's face fell. He opened his mouth and his lips moved, but nothing came out.
"What is it, Michael?" Ben asked, a worried look on his face.
"I really, really need this to work out tonight," Michael said, his voice hardly above a whisper.
Ben stepped toward his husband and pulled Michael into an embrace. "Things will work out as they're supposed to," Ben promised. "Try to relax. If you enjoy yourself, then everyone else will enjoy themselves too."
"I'll try," Michael said.
Just then the doorbell rang.
"They're here," Ben said releasing his husband and heading for the door.
"Wait!" Michael commanded.
"What?"
"Do I look all right?" Michael smoothed out the sweater he was wearing.
"You look fine."
"Just fine?"
"You look great," Ben amended.
"What about the house? Is everything okay?"
"Michael, let me answer the door or it won't matter what you and the house look like. They'll have left."
"Okay, okay, let them in," Michael said adjusting one more flower in the arrangement on the table. "Please let this go well," he whispered to a god he didn't really believe in, but one that he might have more faith in if this evening turned out well.
"Come in, ladies," Ben said as he opened the door and began to help them take off their coats. "You both look lovely this evening."
"Did he tell you to say that?" JR asked in a whisper.
"No, he didn't. I think you both look very pretty."
"Thanks, Ben," JR replied with a smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Bruckner," Jacqueline added but no smile was evident.
"Please, call me Ben. Only my students call me Mr. Bruckner."
"You teach?"
"I'm a professor at Carnegie-Mellon."
"Oh?"
"Didn't JR tell you?"
"We haven't discussed family very much," Jacqueline admitted.
"Of course. I understand," Ben said while hanging up their coats. "Michael, come greet our guests."
"Hi, glad you could come tonight," Michael said nervously. "It's great we can finally get together."
"Yeah, great," Jacqueline mumbled.
Michael made a face, but Ben shook his head and Michael perked up. "Dinner is almost ready, but I have some cheese and crackers in the living room. Shall we?" he asked formally, indicating seats in the living room.
"We brought this," JR said handing the bottle of wine to her father.
"Wine?"
"Yes, wine," JR replied brusquely. "I am old enough to drink it, you know."
"Sure, sure you are," Michael agreed. "Um, would you like a glass of wine before dinner?"
"That would be lovely, Mr. Novotny," Jacqueline replied trying not to sound too smarmy.
"Me too," JR chimed in.
"I'll get the wine," Ben offered. "You all can sit down."
Michael and the girls sat down in the living room, Jacqueline and JR side by side on the couch. Ben returned quickly with glasses of wine. After they had each had some wine and a piece of cheese and cracker, the silence started to hang heavy between them.
"How's your bike business going?" Ben asked Jacqueline finally.
"Can't complain," Jacqueline replied.
"I ride to the university most days," Ben added.
"That's good. Are you looking for a new bike?"
"I hadn't thought about it, but mine is pretty old."
"I could probably get you a good deal," Jacqueline informed him.
Ben chuckled. "I wasn't hinting at that," he quickly commented.
"I didn't really think you were."
Michael was watching all this. He wanted to jump into the conversation, but he didn't know what to say. "I better check on dinner," he said getting up.
"Can I help you, Dad?" JR asked.
"Yes, that would be great."
They headed for the kitchen while Jacqueline and Ben continued to talk about bikes.
"Um, thanks for coming tonight," Michael said to JR as she held the bowl while he loaded it with the penne putanesca. He was glad he hadn't decided on the tuna casserole. His mother's pasta recipe was much better.
"Dinner's ready," Michael called as he set the bowl on the table.
They all sat down to the quite delicious pasta. Michael reveled in the compliments it earned him. The meal continued with small talk and generally most of the conversation between Ben and Jacqueline. When they had finished the main course, Michael made tea and coffee and they moved back to the living room where they nibbled on the remnants of the cheese platter.
"I think we should get going," JR finally said. "Thanks for dinner, Dad."
"Glad you could come," Michael quickly said. "Both of you."
"Thanks for everything," Jacqueline agreed as Ben helped them on with their coats. They were quickly out the door.
"Oh fuck! I'm glad that's over," Jacqueline said as they walked down the sidewalk.
"Me too," JR agreed letting out a long breath. "But it was all very civilized."
"Yeah, civilized and boring and stilted and uncomfortable."
"True, but nothing bad was said. That's an accomplishment."
"I guess so."
"Believe me, for my Dad that's major."
"If you say so, sweetcakes."
"I do say so, now let's go home...and relax."
"That sounds like the best part of the evening." They linked arms and hurried to the bus stop just as a bus came around the corner.
*****
"How do you think that went?" Michael asked while clearing the table.
"Very civilized," Ben replied.
"I thought it went well."
"About as well as could be expected."
"That's what I thought," Michael said with a smile. "We made real progress."
"Yeah," Ben agreed even though he didn't think much progress had been made at all. Only time would tell, and until proven otherwise, he wanted Michael to be happy.