Blasts From the Past

Chapter 3

“But I confirmed our flight and the seat assignments earlier today! How can this happen?” Drew growled at the attendant at the airline desk.

Emmett and Drew were booked on the shuttle from Pittsburgh to New York City. It wasn’t a long flight but Drew thought he had confirmed two seats side by side.

“I’m sorry, sir, but there appears to have been some sort of mix up,” the attendant tried to explain. Drew wasn’t hearing any of it. He was huffing and puffing and looking every bit of the big football star he once was...an angry, big, football star.

“Then make the mix up disappear and find two seats together,” Drew growled once more.

“I do apologize, sir and I am authorized to compensate you both for the inconvenience; however, this flight is completely booked. I have no more seats to juggle.” The young woman was doing her best to remain calm so as to not aggravate the situation any further. She could see the steam rising from Drew’s ears.

“This is unacceptable,” Drew said as he slapped his ticket on the counter.

“Sir! I will have to ask you to...”

“Excuse us, honey,” Emmett said sweetly and calmly to the woman as he firmly took hold of Drew’s elbow and led him away from the ticket podium. He pushed Drew up against a pillar then spoke low, clearly and in a tone that would brook no argument.

“Drew, sweetheart, our flight to New York is what, maybe an hour long? By the time we take off and level off, it will be time to descend. I do believe that we can stand to be separated for that amount of time. I may not like it but I am quite able to manage on my own for that long.”

“But Emm, that’s not the point.”

“And I understand that; however, we have only two choices. We either take the seats as they are now or we take our chances on a later flight. I know your meetings aren’t until tomorrow, but we don’t want to lose our hotel reservations, now do we?”

“No, Emmett.”

“Then I suggest that we take the tickets and get on the fucking plane.”

“Yes, Emmett.”

“Good. Now, while I’m dealing with our luggage, you call the hotel and reconfirm. Also make sure they’ll hold the room just in case we’re delayed.”

“Okay, Emmett.”

“There’s the Drewsie I know and love.” Emmett gave Drew a discreet peck then went back to the ticket counter. Drew dutifully took out his cell phone to call the hotel.

 

*****
 

By the time they checked their luggage and made their way to the gate, Emmett and Drew only had a few minutes wait before boarding. During that time, Drew was pleasant and cordial to the fans that recognized the retired quarterback. He signed autographs, shook hands and posed for pictures as Emmett looked on and smiled approvingly. Drew was seated in the back of the plane so when his row was called, he nodded his temporary goodbyes to his spouse then boarded the plane quietly.

“Welcome to Delta shuttle flight 101 to New York’s Laguardia airport. My name is Dijon,” the familiar air steward greeted Drew. “If you have need of anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me.” Dijon flirted shamelessly. Drew remembered Dijon when, as part of the Ironmen, the team would fly out of Pittsburgh to their away games. More often than not, Dijon was the steward on their flights. Dijon had a certain reputation that at one time, Drew might have had the desire to take advantage of. But now the thought of being with anyone except for Emmett, was abhorrent. Drew was fiercely loyal and totally in love with his queen. Drew proceeded to his seat towards the back of the plane and prepared for take off.

“Welcome to Delta shuttle flight 101 to New York’s LaGuardia airport. My name is Dijon, like the mustard,” Dijon repeated to Emmett as he smiled at the premiere party planner. “I can be very spicy,” he murmured as Emmett walked past toward his seat. Emmett recalled just how potentially spicy Dijon could be. This was going to be a very long flight.

Halfway through the flight, Drew got up to use the lavatory. Since the flight was a short one, no refreshments were served. However, Dijon was stationed at the back of the plane if he was needed.

“Can I get you anything?” Dijon asked as Drew opened the lavatory door to return to his seat. Dijon gently placed his hand on Drew’s massive chest. Drew was startled but was quick to recover. He firmly gripped the hand that was trying to fondle his chest. He removed the unwanted hand from his person.

“No thank you,” Drew said confidently. “There are only two men on my team; I have no need for replacements.” Drew returned to his seat leaving the steward and his offer behind.

 

*****
 

“We’ll be landing soon; please fasten your seat belts,” Dijon said as he loomed over Emmett’s seat. Dijon reached down for the seat belt, grazing Emmett’s crotch in the process. “Pardon me,” Dijon said with a syrupy leer.

“Don’t let it happen again,” Emmett retorted seriously. Emmett no longer feared nor was attracted to the handsome and compelling ‘Dijon, like the mustard.’ Emmett twirled the simple gold band on his ring finger. Its symbolism was foremost in his mind. He knew no matter how near or far Drew was physically, he was always in Emmett’s heart. There would be no usurper. However, that didn’t stop Dijon from trying.

“If I can be of any assistance while you’re visiting the Big Apple, please don’t hesitate to ask. I can be very accommodating,” Dijon insisted.

“I imagine you can be, but I already have a personal assistant who fulfills the job very thoroughly and completely. I’m not looking for any replacements.” With that, Emmett closed his eyes, effectively ending any further conversation.

“Hmm,” Dijon muttered as he continued on to the next traveler. ‘No replacements’ appeared to be a recurring theme for the day.

Due to some inclement weather, the plane circled the airport for the next hour but eventually landed and its weary inhabitants deplaned to go their separate ways.

“Thank you for flying Delta shuttle flight 101, the flight crew and cabin crew hope you have a pleasant visit here in New York and for those passengers who live here, welcome home,” Dijon said with practiced rote.

As the last of the passengers departed, Dijon followed, curious to see if his two gentlemen of interest were going to be met by a loved one. Making it to the luggage carousel first, Emmett stood by watching the bags come out the main chute. He was soon joined by his husband. Drew smiled lovingly at Emmett as he affectionately bumped shoulders by way of a greeting. Emmett smiled broadly.

“Hmm,” Dijon murmured sadly as he turned to return to the plane to prep it for the next flight. His departure did not go unnoticed.

“A friend of yours?” Drew asked Emmett.

“Of sorts … in another lifetime. You?”

“Same, same. As I recall, he was always trying to be very helpful to the team when we flew his flights.”

“Were you ever the recipient of his help?” Emmett asked out of curiosity and not out of jealousy. Emm realized that both he and Drew had a past. Taking a page out of Brian’s book, there were no apologies or regrets. The past was what it was. It was the here and now that mattered to Emmett; the rest could stay where it belonged.

“No, I was too busy living up to my macho straight image back then. But I did know a few that the mustard man had enticed over to the dark side,” Drew chuckled as he recalled the times.

“Dijon could be very convincing when he wanted to be. And very persistent. Not many men could say no to his offers. But that was a long long time ago in a galaxy far far away when I obsessed about the perkiness of my ass and about which scarf matched my socks. I’ve grown up and have my priorities clearly defined.”

“And I’m glad to hear it. But, Emm…” The quarterback grabbed both their bags to shoulder them as Emmett guided them out to the taxi line. "Your ass is still very perky and your scarves always match your socks,” the big man said, and in return he got the joyous toothy grin he loved.

“Oh Drewsie, you always say the sweetest things,” Emmett purred as they stepped up to the taxi. Emmett opened the door to allow Drew laden with bags, to get into the cab.

“Marriott Marquis,” Drew directed the driver. The lovers sat back for the drive into the city, twining their fingers and whispering plans.

 

*****
 

“Lindsay, we meet again,” Jamie said cheerfully as she strolled into the gallery. She had a large portfolio of pictures of her work to show Lindsay.

“Jamie, before I look at your work, I want to make something very clear,” Lindsay said sternly and in a very mother-like tone. “I’m married. Melanie and I have been together for over twenty years. We have two children. I love Mel and as pretty you are...”

“You think I’m pretty?” Jamie asked, focusing on only one portion of Lindsay’s diatribe.

“Yes, you’re very attractive but my point is that my only interest in you is that of a mentor. And possibly being your friend. There can never be anything more between us. I apologize if I gave you the wrong impression. Now, let’s have a look at what you brought me.”

Jamie appeared mollified for the present. She and Lindsay took the portfolio into the office where they could discuss it in private. About an hour later they emerged. Lindsay had selected several pieces to be entered in the Bloom Gallery’s Emerging Artists show that was now held annually. As Lindsay was showing the young artist out, Brian was coming through the glass doors.

“We meet again,” Brian snarked as he looked down his aquiline nose at the young artist.

“Be good, Brian,” Lindsay admonished the man with a gentle smack to his arm.

“I’m always good, Lindz,” Brian said as he gave Lindsay a gentle kiss. “You know that,” he added as he winked at his college lover and the mother of his son.

“Is there a reason why you’re here tormenting me?” Lindsay asked with a put upon sigh.

“Yes, I need to discuss our son, that is, if you can tear yourself away from your protégée.”

“Jamie was just leaving. Jamie, have your pieces ready by the end of the month. I realize they’re rather large...”

“You always were a size queen,” Brian murmured knowing the women could hear his comment.

Ignoring him, Lindsay continued, “So I’ll come to your studio to make my final selection.”

Jamie’s eyes lit up at the thought of her and Lindsay alone together in her studio.

Brian rolled his eyes. “Just asking for trouble, aren’t you,” he mumbled as Lindsay showed the young woman to the door.

“Brian,” Lindsay growled in her best displeased mother voice as she returned to his side.

“Lindsay, that woman wants to get her hands on your twat and wherever else she can get hold of. I don’t understand why you’re encouraging her. You and Mel are finally in a good place. Why the fuck are you taking the chance of ruining it?”

“I’m not taking any chances. She’s a young artist with potential. I just want to make sure she gets a chance.”

“A chance for what? To get you alone and seduce you with the biggest strap-on she can find. Lindsay, I love you, I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I won’t, Brian, I promise. She means nothing to me,” Lindsay whispered softly. Brian drew her protectively into his arms.

“Lindz, Melanie may not be my most favorite person in the world but she does love you and she tries, I know she tries. Don’t fuck up your marriage for a bit of perky young tits and ass.” Brian hugged Lindsay close, kissing her soft blond hair.

“What’s this about Gus?” Lindsay asked after a while.

“Let’s go into your office to discuss it.”

The parents of Gus Peterson-Marcus went into Lindsay’s office to discuss his future.

 

*****
 

“Ms. Marcus, you have a call on line two.”

“Who is it? You know I’m busy.”

“She said she knows you and insisted on being put through.”

“Fuck,” Melanie said with a sigh. “Okay, connect us, but this better be good.”

Melanie heard a click on the line and then said, “Hello?’

“Mel, is that you?” a familiar voice came across the wire.

“Leedz, is that you?”

“Yep, how the fuck are you?”

“Good, but to what do I owe the honor of this call. I haven’t talked to you in years,” Melanie said, remembering that day that Leda rode away on her motorcycle after she and Lindsay had told Leda they weren’t interested in a three-way relationship with the woman.

“I’m a voice from the past … not a welcome one either, I bet.”

Melanie could hear the uncertainty in Leda’s voice, yet the woman had chosen to call … twice. Melanie had meant to return Leda’s previous call, but had gotten sidetracked. “No, not at all. I’m glad to hear from you,” Melanie said quickly. She wasn’t quite sure how true that statement was, but it sounded like the right thing to say.

“I left messages for you but you didn’t respond. I wasn’t sure you would take this call,” Leda said with a hint of accusation in her voice.

“I’ve been really busy, and well, we did part under somewhat strained circumstances,” Melanie said cautiously. She hoped Leda wasn’t interested in opening up that old kettle of fish.

“Yeah, but that’s all water under the bridge now. We’ve both moved on. Or are you still with Lindsay?”

“Of course I’m still with Lindsay,” Melanie reacted.

“Of course.”

Melanie could hear the laughter in Leda’s voice. “Why are you calling out of the blue?”

“I’m in Pittsburgh … on business.”

“Business? What kind of business are you in?”

“I thought maybe we could have dinner and I could fill you in. We could catch up.”

“I … um … why don’t you come to the house and have dinner with Lindz and me? You can see the kids,” Melanie suggested. She thought that might be a safer plan than meeting Leda somewhere alone.

“Do you think Lindsay would go for that?”

“Sure,” Melanie lied. “She’d love to see you.”

Leda laughed out loud. “You’re as full of shit as you ever were.”

“Thanks a bunch,” Melanie said sarcastically.

“Look, I’m in town. I thought it would be nice to see you again. If it’s a problem, just say so.”

“No, it’s not a problem. Come to dinner tonight.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” Melanie replied.

“You still in the same house?’

“Yep, the one you renovated. Need to stay in the attic?”

“No, I have a hotel. I’ll see you about seven?”

“Great,” Melanie said before she cut the connection. Now all she had to do was convince Lindsay that this was a good idea.

 

*****
 

Brian headed out to his car. He had promised to have dinner with Lindsay at her house. It meant some time with Gus, and JR too, so that was a good thing. He stopped beside his Corvette and pulled out his cell phone. He hit one on speed dial and waited.

“Hey.”

“Hey yourself. Did Bree and Patrick get home okay?”

“Yep. The bus is reliable, Brian,” Justin informed his husband.

Brian snorted. “I’d rather drive Bree myself.”

“I know, but it’s part of life, learning to ride a bus.”

“If you say so.”

“Are you at Lindsay’s?”

“Not yet. I’m about to head over there.”

“Bree’s helping me with dinner.”

Brian smiled. “Put her on for a minute.”

“Hi, Dada,” his favorite little voice said.

“Hi, Squirt. You’re helping Daddy?”

“Yep, but he likes it better when you help.”

“He does?” Brian chuckled.

“Yep, he told me.”

“Well, it’s just one night. I’ll be home later.”

“Don’t forget to tuck me in, Dada,” Bree reminded him.

“I won’t forget. Tell Daddy I’ll be home in a while.”

“I will, Dada. Bye.”

Brian pocketed his phone and looked up. There in front of him was toupee man. “What the fuck do you want?” Brian demanded.

“I told you the last time I saw you.”

“Yes, I know and I’m not interested.”

“But … I’m back in Pittsburgh for a while, and I thought maybe we could get together.”

“You thought wrong. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a prior engagement.” Brian opened the door of his car.

“I see you’re still driving the Corvette,” Brandon said.

“It’s an old friend.”

“So am I.”

“I hate to burst your reality bubble, but we were never friends,” Brian stated.

“Friendly rivals.”

“Rivals, but not friendly.”

“You treated me like shit,” Brandon declared.

“That’s ancient history that I don’t care to rehash,” Brian said as he slid into the Corvette.

“Look, can’t we have a drink and talk? That’s all I want.”

“I’m late,” Brian replied as he started the engine. Before Brandon could proposition him any further, he stepped on the gas and peeled out of the parking lot at Kinnetik.

Brandon jumped back as the car whizzed past him. “Fuck,” was his only reaction.
 

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