Almost Perfect
Chapter 7
“Hey Pop, how’s the trip going?” Gus said when he answered his phone.
“Good. Joe says hello. Why didn’t you tell me you were building websites for him?”
“Um, I wasn’t sure if his client was going to like it. I didn’t want to disappointment you.”
“That’ll never happen. So when are you going to work for Kinnetik? Our IT department could use a boost. Have you spoken to Anwaar? Websites and ads are a major part of the business; he could use your insights.”
“We talk, Dad.”
“All right, I won’t push,” Brian said when he heard Gus’ tone. “I just called to let you know that so far we’re on schedule. Your mother and I fly out tomorrow night. I’ll text you when I’m settled in the hotel and have figured out the time change.”
Gus laughed. “Okay, Pop. Please be nice to Momma.”
“I’m always nice.”
“Sure you are,” Gus teased. Brian snorted. “Bye, Pop. I love you.”
“Love you too, Sonny Boy. Take care of yourself and that boyfriend of yours. Keep him happy so he’ll let you out to play at Kinnetik.”
“Daaaad,” Gus warned.
“Later,” Brian said.
“Later, Pop,” Gus said as he hung up, shaking his head.
“What’s your dad up to now?” Ray asked as he walked into the living room.
“He really wants me to work at Kinnetik,” Gus said with a sigh.
“Of course he does,” Ray said as he wrapped his arms around Gus’ waist. “Did you think you could keep your contributions a secret from him forever? You know he reviews each ad Kinnetik produces; he was bound to find out that you had a major part in some of them.”
“I guess so. I just wanted to prove myself before I step in and take over.”
“I don’t think he’s ready to hand over the keys to the castle just yet. He’s not ready for retirement.”
“I don’t think he’ll ever retire.” Gus moved out of Ray’s arms to walk over to the window. The sun was streaming in; he turned his face toward it. It felt warm against his face.
“You look like a big sunflower,” Ray commented with a smile.
“A what?” Gus gave him an incredulous look.
“A sunflower, one of those really tall ones. The way you always seem to find the sun then soak it up.”
“Must be all the gar-gar I did with my dad and Bree. There’s an open meadow on the lane, a few of them actually. He decided they needed a few sunflowers. The birds, squirrels and chipmunks love the seeds and wind up spreading them. We’re surrounded by lots of sunflowers.”
“Sounds nice.”
“You’re nice,” Gus said as he gave Ray a hug. “I love you.”
“I love you too. Gus, I promise wherever this relationship takes us, geographically speaking, we’ll make it work. Do you know how lucky we are? We have parents that love and support us. So many gay kids never get that. We’re also in the unique position of actually being able to do the work we love and not just taking jobs because we need to eat and pay the rent.” Ray held onto Gus tighter, making sure he heard what he was saying.
“I get it. I need to chill, so I’m chilling. Now what do you want for lunch?” Gus asked as they got on with their daily routine.
*****
“Hi,” Mel said into the phone when her call was answered.
“Hi, yourself. How’s the trip so far? How’s Los Angeles?”
“Good. Better than good. It’s rather amazing, actually. The people are so nice. The company is the same but they have such a different outlook. A different…”
“Perspective?” Lindsay offered with a chuckle.
“As silly as it sounds, that’s exactly what they have. I thought when I’d meet them I’d see a Kinnetik clone or something like Part Deux. But Perspectives it so different and yet they have the same values as Kinnetik. The same drive and the same meticulousness. I find it fascinating.”
“How’s Brian treating you?”
“Like a human being.”
“And you’re surprised by this?’
“A little. He’s so professional and very charming. You’d never guess he could be such a bastard.”
“Mel,” Lindsay warned.
“You’re right. I’m blaming him for perceived wrongs that occurred over twenty years ago. I’m being so unfair to him when all he’s ever been was honest. Honest about himself and honest with me. And he’s given me this wonderful opportunity to do the work I love. I should be grateful.”
“You should be telling him this, not me.”
“You’re right again. And I will, eventually, but this trip has just started.”
“And you want more evidence before you eat crow.” Lindsay laughed as Melanie cursed. “I know you Melanie Marcus.”
“Yes you do. But I promise, if this trip turns out the way I think it will, I will tell him. And I’ll thank him.”
“For what?”
“For giving me this chance, for giving me a home and for being there for our children. Gus is his blood, but JR, he treats her no differently than his own.”
“And he’s made an allowance for her in his will. He didn’t have to do that,” Lindsay reminded Mel.
“I know, I’m an idiot.”
“No you’re not. And I’ve realized over the years that I didn’t help either.”
“What do you mean?”
“I think I could have given you more support. Maybe I defended him too much. I’m not sure,” Lindsay admitted.
“Let’s call it a draw. We both made mistakes. Let’s not beat ourselves up for stuff in the past.”
“Maybe we’ve both been given a second chance?”
“I’d like that,” Mel said. Lindsay could hear the smile in Mel’s voice. “Let’s talk some more when I get back.”
“I’d like that too. But you need to get some rest. You have a long day ahead of you.”
“That I do. And Lindsay, thank you for encouraging me. I’ll call you when we’ve landed and checked in.”
“Sounds like I plan. Good night.”
“Night, Linds.” Mel hung up realizing that she was happy. She hadn’t been this happy in a very long time.
*****
“Hey.”
“Sunshine! I was just thinking about you.”
“And what were you thinking?” Justin asked. He could only imagine.
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe I was thinking about your tight little ass. Or maybe I was thinking of how perfect your cock is. Or maybe…”
“I get it.”
“You’ll get it a lot when I come home.”
“Promise?”
“Yes. How’s Bree?’
“She’s good. Lots of projects for school and soccer practice has started.”
“Fun. How’s the masterpiece?”
“Almost done. Lindsay is arranging for the shipping. I’ve been sending pictures of my progress to both Lindsay and Chaarles. They both love it.”
“Of course they do. It’s a beautiful painting, just like the artist.”
“You’re being ridiculously romantic again.”
“I’m getting soft in my old age.”
“You’re never soft,” Justin quipped. “I miss you,’ he said after a moment. “Bree misses you. It’s been a while since you went on a trip without us.”
“I know, I keep expecting you and Bree to be here. Instead all I’ve got is…”
“Don’t say it, Bri,” Justin warned.
“I love you, Sunshine,” Brian said sincerely, conveniently ignoring Justin’s warning.
“I love you,” Justin whispered warmly into the phone. “Be brilliant, but hurry home.”
“I will. Kiss the Squirt for me and keep our bed warm.”
“I will. Later.”
“Later.”
*****
Jacqueline came out of the bedroom yawning and looking around. She saw JR sitting at the counter that separated the kitchen from the rest of the loft. JR was staring at the fridge and cradling a mug of coffee in her hands. She looked like she needed the heat of the dark liquid to warm her. To Jacqueline’s eye, she seemed lost and far away.
“Hey, Babe,” Jacqueline said softly as she approached JR. She didn’t want to scare her.
JR jumped slightly and turned to look at her lover. “Hey,” she whispered softly in reply.
“What’s wrong?” Jacqueline asked as she slid onto the stool next to JR.
“The same thing that’s been wrong ever since I met you.”
“Your father.”
JR nodded as she reached for the coffeepot and filled a mug for Jacqueline.
“This is the best coffee. Where do you get it?” Jacqueline asked.
“Uncle Brian. It’s his favourite blend.”
“Mm, your uncle has good taste.”
“He always did.”
Jacqueline searched for another line of conversation to distract JR, but she couldn’t come up with anything that didn’t sound asinine.
“Too bad some of Uncle Brian’s good taste didn’t rub off on my father,” JR mumbled. “Uncle Brian likes you.” She shook her head as she thought about the father who was supposed to love her unconditionally, and instead was making her life miserable. She should be so happy, having found a woman she loved. But her father was ruining all that.
“Your Uncle Brian wants my business,” Jacqueline said matter-of-factly.
“He does, but I also know he respects your abilities, and he told me that I should be careful about you and your reputation.” Jacqueline made a face at that comment. “Then he said that he could see how you were around me, and … and it made him think of him and Justin.”
“It did?” Jacqueline asked truly surprised at that statement. Kinney and Taylor’s love was legendary in the gay world. She wondered if she and JR could ever live up to that. However, Jacqueline decided, she was going to give it a try.
“Why can’t my father be like that? Why can’t he give us the benefit of the doubt?”
“I don’t know, Babe.” Jacqueline put her arm around JR’s shoulders and pulled her close. “I wish I had some answers for you.”
“Me too,” JR sighed.
Jacqueline held her girlfriend close for a few minutes. “Want to talk some more about it?” she asked after a bit.
JR shook her head. “Talking isn’t going to solve anything.”
“Neither is not talking,” Jacqueline advised. “What brought on this funk today?”
“I had a phone call from Auntie Emm,” JR said slowly. “He and most of the family have been getting calls from my father asking them to get me to return his calls.”
“You knew he wanted to talk to you,” Jacqueline said reasonably.
“I know, but I kept hoping he would miss me enough to change his attitude.”
“And he hasn’t,” Jacqueline stated.
“Auntie Emm asked him point blank, and he said he hasn’t changed his mind.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You shouldn’t have to be sorry; it’s all on my father.”
“Maybe you should talk to him face to face,” Jacqueline suggested.
“What good is that going to do?”
“You never know,” Jacqueline said hopefully. “Maybe lightning will strike and he’ll see reason.”
“And maybe lightning will strike and set him on fire.”
Jacqueline laughed out loud. “That’s my girl,” she said hugging JR again. “Any news on the job front?”
“I’ve been offered a highly sought after counter position at Starbucks down the street,” JR replied sarcastically. “I have to let them know today, so I’ll probably take it.”
“Don’t take it if you don’t want it,” Jacqueline stated.
“I need a job.”
“I know, but it should be something you want to do.”
“I want to work at the comic book store, but that’s not going to happen.”
“Talk to him,” Jacqueline advised. “I have to get to work.” She slid off the stool and headed for the bathroom. She didn’t envy JR’s position, but other than taking on Michael Novotny herself, she didn’t know what she could do to help her girlfriend. And taking on Novotny would probably just make matters worse, especially when she knocked out his front teeth.
*****
JR approached the comic book shop. She stopped far enough back that she couldn’t be seen from the front window of the store. Drawing in a deep breath, she dropped onto a bench at the bus stop near the store. She sat silently, letting her thoughts run free. She knew she had to have this out with her father once and for all. She just feared that this confrontation might truly be the end of their relationship … forever.
She ran through a bunch of scenarios of things she might say, the tone of her voice, the way she would look at her father. There didn’t seem to be any right way to do this. It was probably best just to walk in and confront him. How he reacted would tell her if she should stay or give up once and for all.
She glanced at her watch. It was almost five p.m. She had spent the day stewing over what she should do. Now it was time to make her move.
JR stood up and straightened her shoulders. She walked with purpose to the door of the shop, turned the knob and pushed it open. The bell tinkled above her head. She glanced around the shop, noting that it was empty. She turned the sign to “closed” and locked the door just as her father came out of the office.
“JR!” he said with a big smile. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Are you?” JR asked with no hint of a smile. She willed herself to stay calm and keep her voice level.
“I’ve been wanting to talk to you,” Michael continued.
“There’s no point in talking if nothing has changed,” JR said flatly.
Michael looked at his daughter. He couldn’t tell her that things had changed, because they hadn’t. He wanted her back beside him at the store, but what could he do about that woman?
When her father didn’t answer her implied question, JR decided it was over once and for all. “I’d like my final paycheck, please.” JR said in her most sophisticated and cool voice.
“Final paycheck?”
“You heard me.”
“But … does that mean that you’re never working here again?” Michael asked in bewilderment. He couldn’t believe that things had gone this far.
“That’s usually what final means.”
“Have you got another job?”
“I’m looking around.”
“But, Honeybun…”
JR scowled at her father. “How many times do you have to be told not to call me that? Wait! I could tell you a million times, and it wouldn’t make any difference to you, as it obviously hasn’t. Once you get an idea in your head, you’re the most stubborn man in the world. And this time it’s going to cost you. I want my check and then I’ll be on my way. You won’t have to deal with my unreasonable requests anymore.”
“Jenny Rebecca…”
“My check!”
“Can’t we talk about this?”
“What’s to talk about? You hate Jacqueline and I love her. End of story.”
“You love her?”
“That’s what I said.”
“I … I thought this was just an … infatuation, an exciting and dangerous … fling,” Michael said uncertainly.
“If you had listened to me, you would have known it was much more than that,” JR declared. “But then you never listen.” She shook her head at her father’s stupidity.
“I should have listened,” Michael admitted.
“It’s too late.”
“Please, Honeyb…, Jenny Rebecca, give me another chance,” Michael begged.
“What good’s another chance when you still hate my girlfriend?”
“Has … has she been good to you?” Michael asked.
“She’s been wonderful, which you would have found out, if you had taken the time to talk to her.”
“I could talk to her, and get to know her,” Michael said slowly.
“Why couldn’t you do that before? That’s all we asked,” JR said. “How do I know you’ll give her a chance. I can’t go on the way things were.”
“Because I promise I will, if … you’ll give me another chance.”
JR stared at her father. He sounded genuinely contrite and sincere, but could she trust him. She didn’t want to be devastated another time when he let her down like he always seemed to be doing.
“Daddy, I want to believe you, but I don’t know if I can,” JR said as she fought back tears.
“I’ve missed you so much, Honeyb…, JR, please, please, give me a chance to show you.”
“Are you willing to meet Jacqueline … properly, and not judge her until you get to know her?” JR asked.
“I’ll do my best,” Michael promised. “I can’t guarantee that I’ll like her, but there must be something good about her if you love her. You have good judgment.”
“Just like Bree said I did,” JR said with a smile through tear filled eyes.
“That little brat is too smart for her own good.”
“I wouldn’t be calling her a brat. She’s liable to unleash a world of pain on you.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Michael admitted.
“And if you don’t behave, my girlfriend will do the same,” JR informed him. “Do I make myself clear?”
Michael nodded. “Does this mean we’re good?” he asked hopefully.
“Far from it, but I will give you a chance to prove that you’ve turned over a new leaf. You better not let me down.”
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Michael said as he stepped toward JR.
She didn’t turn away or back up or hold out her hand to stop him, so he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.
“I love you, Jenny Rebecca.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
They stood that way for quite a while as tears ran down both their faces.