Still the One

Chapter 2

January-February 2025

“Will you be home any time this century?” Ray growled into his phone, he was spending the weekend visiting his brother and parents.  Ray was in his old room for some privacy.  Gus was nowhere to be seen; he wasn’t even in the country.

“We discussed this, you were the one who encouraged me to take up the challenge,” Gus growled back.  “You’re the one who told me to go to Canada and strut my stuff.”

“I know,” Ray sighed.  “But I miss you,” he said sadly, all the anger gone from his voice.

“I miss you too.  I love you.”

“I love you.  We’ve been living together for two years now.  I was hoping we could do something to celebrate,” Ray said.

“Yeah, we were a little busy last year,” Gus whispered.  “I’m not sure when I’ll be home.  His majesty is sending me to London for a week or two.  He wants me to meet more clients.”

“Fucking hell, Gus, are we ever going to spend time together?” Ray grumbled; his anger returned.

“You can always meet me in England,” Gus suggested.

“Are you serious?”

“Well, you do have an up to date passport, don’t you?  And they owe you some time off at that fancy law firm of yours, don’t they?  I can’t see your dad giving you any grief for asking for some time off,” Gus said smugly. 

Raymond was silently making calculations in his head.  “I’ll asked the minute I get into the office on Monday and I’ll ask Dad now.  Get back to me when you know the dates.”

“I’ll call my Pop now.”

“This may work!”

“Yeah!” Gus shouted.

“Gus, we really do need to spend some time together for it to be called a relationship,” Ray said seriously.

“I get that, but just because your parents were always together doesn’t mean we have to have a relationship just like theirs.  My 'rents spent tons of time apart and they’re still together,” Gus explained.

“But we’re not them,” Ray retorted.

“And we’re not your parents either,” Gus spat back.  The boys sighed.  “I don’t want to argue.”

“Neither do I.  I’m just tired of sleeping alone,” Ray whispered.

“Me too.  I’ll get those dates as soon as I can.  I love you.”

“Love you too.  Get back to me as soon as you can.”

“Tonight if possible.”  Gus hesitated then said, “Later,” before hanging up the phone.

Ray hit ‘end call’ then shoved the phone into his pocket.  He looked around his old room; some of his high school stuff was still on the shelves.  His books were neatly arranged on the bookshelf.  He wasn’t obsessed but Ray did like things neat unlike his missing boyfriend.  Brian liked to say that Gus took after Justin, a bit of a slob.  A very lovable sexy slob Ray thought.  He sat on the bed to reflect.  Ray looked up at the knock on the door, his father came into the room.

“Honey, are you all right?” his father asked as he sat beside his son.

“You didn’t have to knock,” Ray said.

“I know, Sweetie, it’s an old habit.  We always respected you boys’ privacy.”

“I know you did, Dad,” Ray said with a soft smile as he leaned his head against his father’s shoulder.

“What’s wrong, Baby, you can tell me anything.”

“I miss him.”

“Of course you do.”

“You and dad were always together.”

“And Brian and Justin are used to being separated for long periods of time for their careers.  But, Honey, it doesn’t mean they like it and they do make an effort to join each other whenever they can.”

“I just spoke to Gus.  Brian is sending him to London.  Gus asked me if I can get time off to join him.”

“You said yes, didn’t you?”  Ken pulled back to see his son’s face.

“I do have the time.”

“And your passport’s in the safe.  Come with me, young man,” Ken said as he grabbed his son’s hand then marched him to the den.  In the wall safe was Ray’s passport.  “First thing Monday morning you talk to your boss and let him...”

“Her.”

“Let her know that you deserve some time off to spend some quality time with one of the sexiest men alive.”

“Besides Brian Kinney!” father and son said together then laughed.  Ken shoved the passport into Ray’s shirt pocket.

“Let’s go down before your father sends out a search party for us.”

*****

“Brian, what brings you here?” Tom asked as he walked through the quiet Episcopal church then took a seat next to Brian.

“My Jeep,” came a snarky reply.

“Very funny.  What’s wrong?  Brian Kinney sitting in a church is not normal.”

“I’m not normal.”

“That goes without saying.  How can I help?” Tom sincerely asked.

“Do you miss it?”

“Miss what?”

“The church.”

“We’re in a church.”

“You know what I mean, the Catholic church.  You’re a priest.”

“I still am in a way, but just another kind of priest.  And yes, I miss it sometimes but God had other plans for me and I’m happier than I have been in years.”  Tom let Brian mull that over for a moment then he continued.  “Let me ask you something.  Do you miss it?”

“Miss what?"

“Tricking.  Fucking every man in Pittsburgh.”

“Only the gay half and not all of them, I do have standards,” Brian stated with a straight face.  “Sometimes, there are a lot of good looking men out there, but they’re not Justin.  I take my promises seriously.”

“I know you do.  You’re an honorable man.  But you haven’t answered my question.  Why are you here today?”

“On New Years Eve I asked Justin to marry me, officially; marriage license and everything.  He finally said yes.”

“Finally?  As in he didn’t jump all over you the minute that you asked?”

“Finally as in a few days later and after an in depth conversation trying to analyze my motives.  He doesn’t understand why I want to get married.  Do you think I’m crazy?”

“For wanting to marry the man you love?  I don’t think that’s crazy.  I’d say it’s about time.”

“Then why didn’t he say yes the minute I asked him,” Brian murmured, staring down at his hands in his lap.

“Did you ask him that?” Tom gently asked.  Brian nodded.  “What did he say?”

“That I took him by surprise and he wanted to know why after all these years together that I asked him now and not when it first became legal everywhere.”

“Legitimate reasons,” Tom said.  Brian shrugged.  “He said yes.  Does it matter that it took a few days?”

“It shouldn’t but it does.  My shrink and I are working on it.”

“Your shrink?  If you don’t mind me asking, how long has that been going on?” 

Brian stood to stretch his legs and walk around a bit.  “If I minded I wouldn’t be here.  To put it simply I’ve been feeling out of it for a while so a few months ago I called the only shrink I trust.  He’s been helping me to clear my path, so to speak.”

“And is it clearer?” Tom asked as he walked closer.

“Not yet but a lot less foggy,” Brian smirked.  “Padre, will you do the deed?”

“Perform the ceremony, you mean?”  Brian nodded.  “Of, course I will.  Just name the date and time.”

“The date will be the same just fifteen years later.  The time is to be determined.”

“Brian, I’m available to you and Justin any day, any time.”  Tom reached out to touch Brian’s arm.  Brian turned away, not ready to deal with the emotions.  “You and your family have done so much for me.  I’ll always be there for you.”

Brian reached his hand back.  Tom took it and gave it a squeeze.  He thought it a good sign when Brian squeezed back.

*****

The doorbell rang on the little thatched cottage on the lane.  Debbie hurried to the door.

"Claire!" she gushed.  "It's so nice that you called and wanted to come over.  Come in, come in," she ordered ushering Claire and her husband into the house.

"I'm sorry it took so long to come visit you, but the weather has been atrocious lately.  I baked an apple pie," she said handing the box in her hands to Debbie.

"You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did.  I hope you enjoy it."

"I'm sure I will.  I've had your pie before and it's delicious.  How are you doing, Steve?" Debbie asked.  "Let me take your coats."

"We thought you might like to go into town and do a bit of shopping.  The gift store called Cornercopia which is at the main intersection in Bridgeton, well, really the only intersection in Bridgeton," Claire chuckled.  "They're having a sale.  They always have the most interesting things.  Very eclectic and unusual stuff, a little bit of everything," Claire explained.  "And the gentleman who owns it is very interesting."

"I'd like to see what you've done with John's thatched cottage," Steve suggested as he took off his coat.

"We'd love to see your place first," Claire agreed, " if that's all right with you, Debbie."

"Of course.  Carl!" she bellowed and Carl appeared immediately from the bedroom, buttoning his shirt.  "The McNally's would like to see the house.  Could you show them around while I put the pie in the fridge."

Claire unbuttoned her coat and Carl led them around the small space explaining what they had done to incorporate their belongings.

When they were done with the short tour, Claire suggested again that they all go into Bridgeton together.  Steve could drive and they could have some lunch in town.  Soon they set off on their adventure.

*****

Brian answered the phone at the cottage.  "What?" he snapped.  It was someone from Kinnetik, most likely Theodore, and it probably was something he didn't want to hear.

"Brian, I...um...I...."

"Spit it out, Schmidt," Brian commanded.

"You're not going to like it," Ted replied.

"I already figured that out.  Just tell me."

"A little while ago a huge flower arrangement was delivered here.  It's sitting on the reception counter."

"And...?"

"You'll never guess who it was from."

"Max Jacobs," Brian replied almost in a whisper.

"Yeah, but...?"

"How did I know the flowers were from that arrogant sonofabitch?"

"Yeah."

"I had hoped being rude to him last November would have given him a hint that his interest in Kinnetik is not wanted.  But when you have an ego as big as his, you don't take 'no' for an answer."

"How...?" Ted asked.

"My ego is almost as big as his," Brian chuckled.  "But I'm not nearly as obnoxious,"

Ted almost choked.  "Not anymore," he mumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing, boss, nothing."

Brian debated pursuing the point as he had heard Ted's words, but he decided against it since Ted was right.  Brian wasn't as obnoxious as he had once been.

"So, dump the fucking flowers in the nearest wastebasket and pretend they never arrived."

"There was a note with them," Ted added before Brian could hang up.

"What words of wisdom did Jacobs care to impart?"

"It says that he's prepared to increase his offer substantially.  He will have Kinnetik, it says."

Brian snorted.  "Over my dead body."

"Don't say that, Bri.  He just might take you at your word."

"I'm not afraid of the fucker, and you shouldn't be either."

"Okay, okay," Ted agreed.  "Flowers in the garbage.  It's a shame because they really are beautiful."

"Wait!" Brian ordered.  "I just had a thought."

"What?"

There was silence on the line for several seconds.

"Keep the flowers.  The staff at Kinnetik might as well enjoy their beauty.  Send a message back to Jacobs."

"Okaay," Ted said uncertainly.  "What message?"

"Take this down word for word," Brian said.  "Thanks for the lovely flowers.  We would be prepared to receive such beautiful bouquets every week until Hell freezes over, which is when you will get Kinnetik."  Brian couldn't help but smile.  "Oh, and sign it, 'Brian Kinney, Still owner and CEO of Kinnetik'."

"Are you sure?"

"Very."  Brian cut the connection.

*****

"Don't you just love the ambience of a small town?" Claire asked as she and Debbie strolled along the main street of Bridgeton.

"Yeah, right," Debbie said looking around at the meagre selection of shops and restaurants.

"We had all this on one block in Pittsburgh," Carl said.  He and Steve were walking a little behind the ladies.

"You'll get used to small town life," Steve informed him.

"I'm not so sure," Carl replied feeling a sudden longing for the hustle and bustle of Pittsburgh.

"This is the shop I was telling you about," Claire said as they approached the main intersection of the town.  "Let's go in."

They all trooped inside where Claire was greeted warmly by a nicely dressed gentleman who kissed her on each cheek.

"Oh, Jacques, you're such a flirt," Claire said blushing.

"Mais oui," Jacques said with a charming smile.

"You know my husband, and these lovely people have just moved to Edna's Treasures Lane.  This is Debbie and Carl Horvath," Claire introduced them.

"Charmed," Jacques said taking Debbie's hand and kissing it.

"Hey," Carl said, suddenly paying closer attention to what was going on.

"Mr. Horvath, you have a lovely wife.  You're a lucky man."

"I know," Carl said annoyed.

"Are you here for lunch?" Jacques asked Debbie.

"Why yes, do you have a table?" Debbie asked clasping at the neck of her coat.  She felt all warm and fluttery inside.

"Maybe we should go somewhere else," Carl suggested.

"They have lovely sandwiches here in the tea room," Claire said.

"Oh yes, a sandwich sounds wonderful," Debbie gushed staring at Jacques.  "And a cup of tea."

"Since when do you drink tea?" Carl demanded.

"Since now!" Debbie spat out in reply.

"This way please," Jacques said.  "I have a delightful table for you, and please have a look around later.  We have some interesting objets d'art."  I'll send the waitress right over," he added and headed toward the back of the shop.

"What the hell are objay darts?" Carl asked.

"Trinkets, artisan pieces..." Claire said.

"I wonder if Jacques has some cat statues," Debbie mused.

Carl made a face but didn't say anything.

"He probably does," Claire informed her.  "I've found the most unusual things here."

Their waitress arrived and they placed their orders from the small sandwich menu.  While they waited for the food Claire and Debbie went to look around the shop.  Carl watched as Jacques immediately appeared to show them around and talk way too much to Debbie.

"I don't think I like that fella very much," Carl observed.

Steve chuckled.  "He's okay, just likes to flirt with the ladies."

Carl did not find Jacques' attentions to his wife at all amusing.  "Do they serve beer here?" Carl asked.

"Afraid not, just tea and coffee," Steve replied.

"Too bad," Carl said.  "I could use a tall one."

"Here's the food," Steve said as their sandwiches were delivered.  He waved to Claire who pulled Debbie away from Jacques and back to the table.  They ate in silence for most of the meal, with Claire making the occasional comment.  When they were done with the sandwiches, Jacques appeared to offer dessert.

"We have a fine array of cakes, pastries and pies," he said, his attention directed towards Debbie.

"We have Claire's wonderful pie at home," Carl said emphatically.  "We should go home and have some of that."

"But..." Debbie began.

"Home," Carl repeated giving her the evil eye.

"I guess we're going home," Debbie agreed not liking Carl's attitude.

"Please come again another day," Jacques said as they headed for the door.  "I'd love to see ... you all again."

"Certainly," Debbie said with a smile.

"Not bloody likely," Carl muttered as they headed out.  He had developed quite an aversion to this shop and its far too attentive owner.

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