Hormonal Shift

Chapter 3

JR walked into the diner.  She glanced around the space looking for a certain face.  That face wasn't there.

"Hey," Lacy said.  "Your order isn't ready just yet.  Give us a couple more minutes."

"No problem," JR said sitting down on a stool at the counter.  "I know I'm a little early, but I needed to get out of the shop."

"Coffee?" Lacy asked as she picked up the pot.

"Sure, I might as well," JR conceded.

Lacy poured the coffee into a cup and set it in front of JR.  "Why did you need to get away from the comic book shop?"

JR rolled her eyes.  "You know who my father is..."  She didn't feel the need to say more.

Lacy chuckled.  "Oh, I should have known.  Is he giving a hassle about your ... interest in girls?"

"Of course he is," JR said emphatically, "but mostly about Jacqueline."

"Have you been in touch with her?" Lacy asked, an edge of worry in her voice.

"I called her once," JR admitted.

"So, did you two hook up?"

JR shook her head.  "I'm a little scared of her.  I've heard about her reputation and I'm kind of new to this whole thing," she admitted.

"Good girl!  Take your time and don't let her force you into anything you don't want to do."

"I won't," JR stated.  "But I wish I knew what I did want her to do."

Lacy placed her hand over JR's.  "It doesn't have to be Jacqueline, you know.  There's lots of other girls on Liberty Avenue."

"I know, but she ... she's really ... something," JR stammered.

"That she is, but as attractive as she is, there's more to a relationship than good looks," Lacy advised.

"I know, but..."

"Nuff said.  You do what you think is right, and if it's Jacqueline, so be it!  I need to fill some coffee cups," Lacy said as she grabbed the coffeepot and hustled off to serve her customers.

JR sipped her coffee, thinking about what Lacy had said and about Jacqueline.  She had hoped Jacqueline might be in the diner, and maybe they could have a brief conversation.  JR wanted to know more about this girl, this ... woman.

She was lost in her thoughts when she felt a hand on her shoulder.  She turned expecting it to be Lacy with some more advice.  Her eyes grew wide as she took in the visage of the very person she had been thinking about.

"Hey," Jacqueline said as she plopped down on the stool next to JR.

"H...Hey," JR replied trying to stop her mouth from hanging open.

"How's it going?" Jacqueline asked.

"Um, fine.  How are you?"

"Peachy."

JR giggled in spite of herself.

"What's so funny?" Jacqueline asked with a deep crease in her brow.

JR could tell she didn't like to be laughed at.  "It's just that I know someone who answers that question just that way.  It usually means that things are not really so ... peachy."

"Is that right?  Whoever this person is must be pretty smart."

"He's very smart," JR replied.

"I thought you might call again after our chat the other day."

"I ... I've been busy."

"Or scared," Jacqueline said knowingly.

"I ... I'm not scared," JR lied.

"Like you have any experience with this kind of thing," Jacqueline scoffed.

"How ... how do you know?"

"I asked around."

"You did?" JR asked pleased that Jacqueline was interested enough to do that.

"There's something about you."

"Really?"

"Really."

JR smiled and batted her eyelashes.  She felt her face flush with pleasure.  "I..."

"JR, here's your order," Lacy said not quite slamming the bag of food onto the counter.  "You better get it back to your father before it gets cold."  She glared at Jacqueline daring the woman to contradict her.

"Yeah," JR agreed, "I better get going."  She stood up and picked up the bag.

"Call me," Jacqueline ordered.

JR smiled and walked out of the diner.

"Can I get you something?" Lacy asked Jacqueline pointedly.

"I've lost my appetite," Jacqueline said as she decided it was time for her to leave too.

Lacy watched her go out the door.  She hoped JR was smart enough to handle this one.

"Order up," cook yelled, drawing Lacy back to the business at hand.

*****

Emmett looked at the pile of papers in front of him.  He was sitting at his special table in the bistro.  He shuffled the papers giving a cursory glance at his preliminary ideas for a St. Patrick's Day wedding.  The bride and groom were both Irish American.  This was a second marriage for each of them, and they had decided to do it up proud.  A rollicking Irish wedding should be a lot of fun, but Emmett wasn't finding it much fun at all.

In fact, nothing was much fun these days.  Drew was still away doing god knows what.  He seemed more distant than ever, even though he called everyday.  Something was seriously wrong, and Emmett was very scared that what he feared the most might be happening.  Drew was having an affair.  That seemed like the only plausible explanation.

Emmett pulled out one of the sheets from the pile on the table.  It showed shamrocks and leprechauns as part of the table decorations for the wedding.  There would be a pot of gold (chocolate coins covered in gold foil) on each table.  If he was in a better mood, Emmett would have smiled and been pleased with his creation.  As it was, he tossed the drawing back onto the pile of papers and heaved a dissatisfied sigh.

Emmett stared into space wondering how things had gone so wrong.  He and Drew had seemed happy.  Drew had been very attentive lately ... before he went on this trip.  Then he had become secretive.  Yes, that was the word for it ... secretive.  He called faithfully everyday, but he never really told Emmett anything about what he was doing.  There were no interesting stories or cute anecdotes about who he had met or things that had happened.  It was almost like he wasn't really on a press junket.  It was like ... he was having an affair.  So that was the conclusion that Emmett had arrived at.

Emmett sighed again.  Was there anything he could do to turn things around?  Could they get past this?  Emmett wasn't at all sure.  He had to wonder who Drew might be screwing around with.  It was probably someone who was traveling with Drew on this trip.  Probably someone young and cute.  Emmett had a fleeting thought that it might be a woman.  They had met when Emmett had been planning Drew's engagement party ... to a woman.

But that was all in the past, wasn't it?  Emmett had been so sure that Drew loved him, but he had to admit that he was no longer the man Drew had chosen.  He was older and he had a little paunch around his middle.  All the tastings of food for his events had taken their toll. 

Emmett realized his birthday was coming up soon.  He was getting old.  He thought back to when he had contemplated getting a butt lift.  Maybe it was time to do that.  He had to do something if he wanted to keep his husband.  But what could he really do if Drew no longer wanted him.  No butt lift would change that.

Drew had been a little withdrawn before he left, like he was worrying about something.  Emmett wanted to cry.  His life had been so good the last few years.  He had finally found the right man after so many failures and casual encounters.  Now it was all going to hell.

Just then Emmett's phone rang, and he snapped out of his reverie to see who was calling.  Drew's face greeted him from the screen of the phone, a smile on his face.  Much happier days, Emmett mused.  With a sigh he answered the call.

"Hello," he said.

"Hi, Babe."

"What's up?" Emmett asked.

"Just checking in."

"You don't have to call everyday if you don't want to," Emmett said petulantly.

"Of course I want to," Drew replied.

"So, what are you doing today?"

"Same old, same old - another city, another meeting, another stadium."

"Which one are you in today?"

"I'm not sure," Drew laughed.

Emmett didn't find that funny.  Maybe Drew wasn't even on a trip.  Maybe he was shacked up somewhere with his whore.  "Anything interesting happen today?"

"Not a thing."

"Well, if that's the case, I guess I better go.  I'm working on a St. Patrick's Day wedding."

"That should be fun."

"Yeah, fun."

"I'll call tomorrow," Drew said before he cut the connection.

Emmett pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at the screen.  This call had been just like all the others since Drew left.  Something was definitely going on.  Yes, something was happening and Emmett didn't like it one little bit.

*****

Lindsay waved Justin over, indicating he should take a seat while she completed her call.  He began to unwrap the scarf from his neck and take off his coat while she talked.

“Okay, I’ll email you with the flight number.  She you in a few weeks.  Me too,” she said with a soft smile then hung up the phone.

“Planning a trip?” Justin asked with curiosity.

“Yes, back across the pond,” replied Lindsay with a smirk.

“To see Chaaarles?” Justin teased.

“Yes, among other things.  His gallery is sponsoring their version of an emerging artist show.  I want to take a look to see if I can bring back something of interest.”  Justin made a face.  “What’s with the face?”

“I remember when I was an emerging artist.”

“And?”

“Now I’m old news.”

“You do know that’s bullshit, right?”  Justin shook his head.  “You haven’t had a show for a while, why don’t we do something for the Spring.  Are you working?” 

Justin nodded.  “Yes, I’ve been painting quite a lot lately.  I think that’s one of the reason’s I wanted to stay here for a few days.  I need a break.”  Justin glanced at his hand.

“Does Brian know your hand hurts?”

“No and don’t tell him.  It’s not bad and before you ask, yes, I have a doctor’s appointment this afternoon.  I figured I might as well take advantage of being in the Pitts.”

“Why are you here, exactly?”

“A few reasons besides needing a break.  Brian won’t admit it but he needs some personal involvement in Kinnetik.”

“Probably wants to torture Mel.”

“Probably,” Justin giggled as did Lindsay.  “He’s also concerned about Emmett.  So am I.”

“What’s up with him?”

“Not sure.  He and Drew appear to be having some trouble.  I guess we just want to stay close.  They’ve always been ready to help us out on the lane and you know how close Emm and Brian are.”

“Yes.  I never understood that.  You’d think Brian would hate someone as obvious as Emmett.”

“Brian rarely hates anyone unless they want to cause harm to his family.  But Brian relies on Emmett for many things so we’re here until Brian says otherwise.  What’s up with you and Mel?”

“What are you implying?”

“Nothing, just a little birdie told me that you’ve been seen together.  And looking quite chummy,” Justin said smugly.

“We are not chummy.  What we are, I haven’t a clue, but I discovered I miss talking to someone who's had similar experiences.  We share a history as well as children even though those children are all grown and all over the place.  The pain and hurt is gone.  I can remember the good stuff now.”

“I’m happy for you.  Speaking about children, how’s Candy doing?  Are she and Richie still a couple?”

“She’s doing so well, and yes, they’re still seeing each other.  Now, that’s an interesting odd couple.  Her Rage characters have boosted sales and there’s talk of a more woman focussed spin off comic book.  JR’s been involved doing research and learning about marketing.  Maybe we’ll get her to go to college after all.”

“That’s great!”

“Yes, it is.  Mel’s over the moon about that.  JR’s finding herself and where she fits in, in this world.  Richie’s doing well too.  He’s been doing some interesting designs.  I urged him to send in an application to PIFA,” Lindsay beamed.

“He’s been accepted?” Justin asked; Lindsay nodded.

“Our children are growing up,” Justin said with a sigh.

“Is something wrong with Bree?” Lindsay guessed.

“Nope, just the opposite.  She’s not a little girl anymore, she’s a young lady,” Justin said with a flush to his face. 

Lindsay laughed.  “How’s Brian taking it?”

“Surprisingly much better than I am.  I don’t know how he does it.  She locked herself in her bathroom the night it happened.  I was about to break down the door but he calmly coaxed her out and took charge.”

“Well, there’s a revelation, Brian Kinney taking charge.”

“You know what I mean.  How does Brian Kinney know about young girls and their, you know?”

“How does Brian Kinney know about anything?”  Lindsay and Justin shared a look.

“He’s Brian Kinney!” they said at the same time then laughed out loud.

“I have to go, I want to see my Mom before my appointment,” Justin said as he checked his watch then stood to bundle himself up again.

“Let me know how it goes.  And make time to see Sidney, technically he still is your manager and he misses you.”

“I’m planning on it.  I know he wants to find a warmer place to spend the winter.  I’m surprised he waited this long.”

“The weather’s been so bad that all his flights have been cancelled.  He just rebooked for next week so catch him before he goes.”

“I will, he’s next on my list.  Later!”

“Bye.”

*****

“We can have it for $950.00 a month, utilities included.  They’ll waive the security deposit because of my dad,” Ray said as he hung up the phone.

“Nine hundred and fifty dollars a month!  But that apartment is the size of an index card!”

“Gus, that index card is located smack in the middle of Hell’s Kitchen.  That’s prime New York City real estate.  We’re paying for it.”

“Our parents are paying for it until we both get better jobs.  Actually your parents might be paying for it.  My Dad is going to hit the roof when I tell him.”

“And when will that be?” Ray asked in a not so nice tone.

“Soon.  I promise.  I want to run it by Justin first.  He knows my Dad better than anyone, he’ll know how I should approach the subject.”

“Gus, your dad is one of the best men I know.  He might get a little disappointed but he’ll support your decision.”

“I know.  I guess I don’t want to disappoint him, that’s the thing.  He really wants me at Kinnetik.”

“When we get to New York why don’t you talk to Stacy.  My Dad said that N’rgy is growing, they’re always looking for more artists including computer graphic artists.  I bet she’ll hire you freelance.”

“You think she will?  She does like my work.”

“Can’t hurt to ask.”

“True.  And it’ll give me time to work on my own website,” Gus said with a smile.  “What should we do for the rest of the day?”  Gus waggled his eyebrows at Ray.

“Down, boy.  I want to catch some sun.  Let’s lay out in the garden.  It’s finally warm enough to get a tan.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Gus said as he began looking for his shorts.  “But I demand a raincheck.”

“Deal!” Ray said with a smile as he got dressed.

*****

“Cynthia, do you have a minute?” Melanie asked from Cynthia’s office doorway.

“Sure, come on in,” Cynthia replied cordially.  “Problem?”

“Not at all.  I wanted to briefly discuss the Striker contract and get some personal feedback.”

“Feedback?”

“On how you think I’m doing,” Mel replied with some hesitation.

“Melanie, you’ve been here for all of ten minutes...”

“I know but I...”

“Let me finish.  In your short time with us, you’ve negotiated two new contracts and renegotiated six contracts that were up for renewal.  All of which are highly successful and very profitable.  You’re doing fine.  Bringing you in at this time frees me and Ted up to concentrate on other facets of the business.”

“And Brian?”

“What about him?”

“What does he think?”

“About how you’re doing?”  Mel nodded.  “Why don’t you ask him yourself?  He’s just a few steps away.”

“I don’t want to disturb him.  I guess I’ll go back to my desk.”  Mel turned to head back out onto the main floor.

“Melanie, you really are doing fine.  You’ve more than paid for yourself in the time you’ve been here.  We’re all very happy that you’ve joined us,” Cynthia said with sincerity.  “Including Brian,” she added.  Mel nodded as she left; Cynthia thought she heard Mel snort when Cynthia mentioned Brian’s name.

Cynthia stared at her empty doorway for a moment then picked up her phone to buzz Brian.  “You have a minute?”

“Yes,” came the terse response.  There was a silent battle until Brian sighed.

“You’re getting soft in your old age.”  She chuckled when she heard the phone slam down in her ear.  A couple of seconds later Brian was scowling from her doorway.  Cynthia smiled sweetly as he came in and took a seat.

“What?”

“She deserves her own office.”

“Already?”

“Yes.”

“We have room upstairs,” he growled.

“No.”

“No?” Brian said with an arch of his brow.

“No,” Cynthia stated.  This was a game; Cynthia knew when to push and when to give in.  She wasn’t giving in on this one; Brian knew it.

“Where?”  Brian had one time briefly given up his office but decided he liked it too much and he had earned the right to it.

“Not sure, I’d like to get John in here.  Let him do his thing.  She needs privacy and walls where she can hang her credentials.”

“Enough,” Brian said, his hands up in surrender.  “Do you want me to call John?”

“I’ll call Gordon,” Cynthia said as she picked up her phone and waved it in the air.

“Am I dismissed?” Brian snarked.

“For now,” Cynthia replied.  “Hi Gordon, it’s Cynthia Morgan...” 

Brian stood, looked at his business partner and friend.  He looked around the room.  Nothing much had changed since the day they renovated the old bathhouse and moved in.  That was a long time ago.

“I want to be at that meeting,” Brian said loud enough for Cynthia to hear.  She nodded and kept on talking to Gordon.  Brian went back to his office.

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