Still the One

Chapter 3

February 2025

“Brian, we weren’t expecting you,” Cynthia exclaimed as the head of all things Kinnetik strode into her office then helped himself to the chair in front of her desk.

“Haven’t I taught you to always expect the unexpected when it involves me,” Brian smirked.

“Yes, yes, you’re a gift from the gods,” Cynthia snarked, unimpressed by Brian’s bravado.  “Why are you here?  Shouldn’t you be home planning a wedding?  It is in less than four months.”  Brian had already shared his intentions with certain important people in his life including Cynthia and Ted.

“I’m sending Gus to Kinnetik Isles for two weeks.  He’s done some great work with their clients.”

“And some of their contracts are up for renewal.  Gus would be giving them the personal touch if he sat in on the negotiations.  Great idea, but you could have arranged all this from home,” Cynthia scowled at Brian.  Brian heaved a heavy sigh.  “Brian, what’s wrong and don’t bullshit me, we’ve worked together for too long for you to get one over on me.  You’ve been spending a lot of time in the city lately.”  Cynthia stared at Brian for a moment then gasped, her eyes widened.  “Please don’t tell me you and Justin are having problems.” 

Brian shook his head.  “No, we’re not, but I am.” 

Cynthia rushed to Brian’s side and clasped her hands around his biceps. “Not the cancer?” she whispered.

“No, I’m clean.” 

“Thank God!  Then what?” 

Brian briefly described to his friend and closest colleague some of his confusion over the past several months. 

“Is that why you’ve been spending time at the loft?”

“You know?”

“Not really but I have spies everywhere,” Cynthia teased to lighten the mood.  Brian smirked.  “There’s no reason to hide this.  Lots of people need help to get things straight in their heads.”

“But not me,” Brian angrily spat out.  “I’m Brian Kinney, for fuck’s sake!” 

“Why not you?  You’re still human, sort of.  Justin needed help when he was hurt.  Ted needed help to get over his addiction.  I...”

“You?” Brian asked with surprise and curiosity.

“Yes, me.  A while ago I lost confidence in myself and I couldn’t figure out why.”

“Cyn, did I...?”

“No, it was nothing you did or didn’t do.  It really had nothing to do with Kinnetik.  I needed a little time off to get my head screwed back on right, and you gave me the time.”

Brian hugged her close.  “If you ever need something from me, ever, I don’t care what, you promise to tell me,” he murmured into her hair.

“I promise.  But this isn’t about me.  I’m here for you.  If you need time away from Kinnetik then take it.” 

“No, this is the one part of my life that’s in control, but I do have a couple of concerns.  One of them is Mad Max Jacobs.  I don’t know what his game is but I know I don’t like it.  The second is Gus.  I want him on our team but we seem to be fucking up his love life.”

“You take care of Mad Max and let me deal with Gus.  Is Ray going to meet Gus in London?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll put him on retainer.  Let him get a taste of working for us.  Maybe we can hire him full time then the boys can work together.”

“They’ll either love it or kill each other,” Brian snarked.

“At least they won’t be able to complain about not spending enough time with each other,” Cynthia remarked as Brian stood to leave her office.

Brian walked into the safety of his own office, shook his head then looked up toward the ceiling, silently thanking the gods for all the great people in his life.

*****

Ray walked through the terminal at Heathrow.  He was nearly vibrating with excitement not only to be in London but to be seeing his boyfriend after weeks of being apart.  Ray packed light but he was prepared for any occasion including business.  He still couldn’t believe Kinnetik put him on retainer.  According to Gus and Cynthia, this was a working vacation.  Ray was to primarily observe and learn, but he was free to contribute his opinions at any time.  He was excited and a little concerned over the confidence being shown in him but he made up his mind to do the best job he could.

A placard with his name on it waving around brought Ray out of his thoughts and into the here and now.

“I’m Raymond Mann,” Ray said as he showed the driver his boarding pass.

“Welcome to London.  I’m instructed to deliver you to your hotel then to Kinnetik Isles,” the driver said.

“Um, what time is it here?” Ray asked.  He was unsure of the time changes but fortunately he slept for most of his flight.  If he took a quick shower and grabbed something to eat, Ray felt sure he could handle practically anything.

“Almost ten.  Plenty of time for a bit of a nosh before I drive you to the office,” replied the driver with a smile, as he grabbed Ray’s bag then escorted him to the car.  Ray smiled when he saw the fancy car.  Kinnetik didn’t play when it came time to impress.

The driver opened the car door for Ray, and within minutes they were on the road heading for the hotel.  When Ray checked in there was a packet of instructions waiting for him.  About an hour later he was heading for Kinnetik Isles.

“Ray!” Gus shouted as his partner was shown into the main room of Kinnetik Isles.  Similar in shape to the brownstone where Ray’s family lived in New York, Ray felt quite at home in the small-ish rooms of the listed building.  He smiled at the incongruence of modern computer equipment in the Victorian built home.

Ray smiled brightly then was treated to a very big passionate kiss.  He blushed when he was finally let up for air and heard a cough.  Shane smiled at the pair.  “Oh don’t mind me, I enjoy living vicariously through others,” Shane stated with a soft accent.  “It’s good to see you,” he said as he extended his hand.  “When I first met you lads, you were just young pups.  Now look at you, all grown up and working for the man, so to speak,” Shane teased.

“I’m just temporary,” Ray tried to explain.  Shane wouldn’t hear of it.

“When Brian has a grip on you, he won’t let go.  But enough of that, let’s get down to business,” Shane said as he handed out copies of the contracts that were up for renewal.  Sensing play time was over, the boys got serious.  Their reunion would have to wait until after work and for a more private setting.

*****

“Wow, I’m really glad that my dads insisted on my studying a few types of law.  The contracts weren’t as cut and dry as I thought they’d be,” Ray said.  His head was spinning from all the legalese he had read through for most of the day.  The boys were holding hands as their driver took them back to the hotel.

Gus agreed.  His business degree barely prepared him for doing business in other countries.  But Shane had been doing this for several years and had everything under control.

“Would you boys be needing the car tonight?” the driver asked as they slowly drove up the circular driveway to the hotel entrance.  Both boys shook their heads, no.

“Maybe tomorrow night.  I think the jetlag has finally hit,” Gus remarked.  Ray was looking a little glassy eyed.

“Very good.  I’ll be here bright and early to take you to the office.” 

Gus thanked the driver then led his tired partner to their suite. 

After a light dinner, Ray was ready for bed.  Gus figured their real reunion would have to wait a little longer.  He wasn't too disappointed.  After being apart for so long, just being able to sleep with Ray in the same bed was worth the wait.

It was too early for Gus to sleep so he carefully got out of bed to do a little work.  When he did all the work he could do for the present, Gus shut everything down then crept back into bed.  He made himself comfortable around the sleeping form of his partner then inhaled deeply.  The scent of his partner filled Gus with a sense of well being and of home.  Hugging Ray close, Gus finally drifted off to sleep.

*****

"Carl!" Debbie called.  There was no answer.  Debbie felt her jaw tighten.  Where could the man be?  The cottage was small enough that he could hear her from anywhere in the house.  "Carl!" she said more loudly.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Carl muttered as he came out of the bedroom.  "What is it?"

"Why is your drill in the living room?" Debbie demanded.  "You know that things need to be in their place in this small house.  You shouldn't leave them lying around."

"Well pardon me, but I was going to put up that extra hook you wanted in the front closet, but nature called," Carl stated firmly.  "I'm entitled to a bathroom break, aren't I?"  It was obvious that he was not pleased by Debbie's criticism.

"Oh," Debbie replied.

"That's it?  Oh!  What about a 'sorry, Carl, I didn't realize' or 'okay, I know you'll put the drill away when you're done'?"

Debbie made a face.  She didn't like to be wrong, and liked it even less when it was pointed out to her.  "Okay, I'm sorry," she said reluctantly.

"Thanks a shitload full," Carl said picking up the drill.

"I think I'll go into Bridgeton," Debbie said out of the blue.

"Why?"

"I don't want to listen to your drill all morning."

"It will be five minutes," Carl explained.

"I'm going, and I think I'll have lunch there too," Debbie stated defiantly.

"Enjoy the time with your boyfriend at Cornercopia," Carl said sarcastically as Debbie grabbed her coat and purse.  He started the drill whirling to drown out the sound of any response that Debbie might make to his comment.

*****

Debbie opened the door of Cornercopia and entered the shop.  Immediately she found Jacques in front of her, and she couldn't help but smile.

"Madame Horvath," Jacques said kissing her hand and smiling at her.

"Please, call me Debbie," she replied blushing.

"Debbie, it's so lovely to see you again.  Are you here for lunch?"

"Yes, please," Debbie said, and Jacques proceeded to show her to a table.

"Will your husband be joining you?"

"Not today," Debbie replied curtly.

Jacques stifled the smile that threatened to reveal itself at her brusque answer.  "I'll send your waitress right over," Jacques said.

Debbie slid her coat off her shoulders and over the back of her chair.  She took a deep breath and picked up the menu.  It was rare anymore that she went out without Carl.  It felt kind of funny being on her own in a restaurant. 

"Have you decided, ma'am?" a young waitress asked her, having set a glass of water on the table in front of her.

"What's the soup and sandwich special?"

The waitress proceeded to tell her all about the soup, the bread used for the sandwich and her choice of fillings.  When Debbie had made her decision, including the pot of tea she wished to have, the waitress picked up the menu and headed for the back of the shop.

Debbie took a sip of the water on her table and looked around.  Jacques was bagging an item that some woman had just purchased.  He was fawning all over her, much the way he had with Debbie when she had first arrived.  Debbie was nobody's fool, but Jacques seemed to be an interesting man, and it was nice to have someone make a fuss over her.  Lord knows, Carl had stopped doing that a long time ago.  Since they had moved into the little cottage, it had become even more obvious since he and Debbie were home together a lot more than they had been in Pittsburgh.  She sighed heavily and mentally kicked herself in the ass.  Carl was a good man and she shouldn't be so critical.

"Have you placed your order?" a voice asked from over her shoulder. 

Debbie jumped, and looked to the side to see Jacques smiling at her.  "Just waiting for it to be brought to the table," Debbie said.

"May I join you?" Jacques asked indicating the empty chair on the other side of the table.

Debbie hesitated for a moment before nodding to Jacques that he should sit down.  "Aren't you working?"

"There's no one in the shop at the moment, and I can see if anyone comes in," Jacques explained as he made himself comfortable.

"It must be tricky making a go of this store in such a small town," Debbie observed.

"It's not easy, but I have regulars who come to the tea shop all the time, and I try to stock items in the shop that I know my customers are interested in."

Debbie looked around the tea room.  Most of the tables were full even though it was the middle of the week.  "I guess you're right."

"Of course I am," Jacques said with a chuckle.  "I'm always right."

"I just bet you think you are," Debbie declared.

Jacques laughed out loud.  "I see that you are not taken in by my bravado."

"Oh, is that what that was - bravado?"

"But of course."

It was Debbie's turn to chuckle.  "You are an awful flirt," she said.

"But a loveable one, you must admit."

"Must I?" Debbie asked, flirting right back.  She batted her eyelids at him, and almost laughed out loud at how silly she was being.  But somehow it felt good.

"Oops, looks like I have a customer," Jacques said standing up.  "Come see me when you're done your lunch.  I have something I'd like you to see."

"Okay," Debbie agreed, wondering what he might want to show her.

It wasn't long before her lunch arrived.  She enjoyed the soup and sandwich very much.  She debated ordering another sandwich to take home to Carl, but when she looked at her watch, she decided he would have probably made himself a sandwich by the time she got home.

She finished her lunch and paid her tab.  When she stood up and put her coat on, Jacques was once again at her side.

"Don't forget that I have something to show you," he reminded her.

"What is it?" Debbie asked as she buttoned her coat.

"Come over here and see."  Jacques headed for the counter near the front of the store.  He reached under the counter and pulled out a box that was plain cardboard, giving no indication of what might be inside.

"What is it?" Debbie asked again.

"My, my, mon petit chou, you are impatient."  Jacques said "impatient" with some kind of French intonation that really tickled Debbie's fancy.

"It's a woman's prerogative," Debbie informed him.

"Whatever you say, my dear.  Please, open it."  He held the box out to her.

Debbie carefully pulled the tabs back and lifted the lid to open the box.  She pulled out a moulded cube of pressed cardboard.  It was split down the middle and she gently pulled it apart.

"Oh my!" Debbie gasped.  "He's fucking lovely!"  She heard Jacques' sudden intake of air at her choice of words.  "Um, sorry, I get carried away sometimes."

Jacques had gotten over his initial shock.  "It's not a problem, my dear.  You like my gift?"

"Gift?"

"I thought you might like the petit chat."

"Shaw?"

"Chat, it's French for cat."

"Oh."

"You like it?" Jacques asked again.

"It's fucking adorable!"  Debbie saw Jacques wince again.  She knew some people didn't like that word, but it had been a major part of her vocabulary all her life, and that wasn't likely to change at this stage of her life.

"I'm very pleased that you like it," Jacques said cautiously.

"I love it," Debbie said, careful to avoid the "fucking" descriptor this time.  "Where did you find such a cute cat?  I love the big eyes and he's my favorite color of cat - black."

"That's wonderful.  I overheard you telling Claire that you wondered if I had any cats."

"You must have exceptional hearing," Debbie said with a frown.  She was pretty sure Jacques had been halfway across the store when she had been talking to Claire about cat statues.

"I pay close attention to my customers," Jacques said by way of explanation.

Debbie frowned.  "Very close attention," she muttered, not sure she liked him listening in to what was supposed to be a private conversation.

"Le petit chat is yours."

"I can't accept this as a gift, but I'd be happy to pay you for it.  We got rid of most of my tchatchkas when we moved.  I have just the spot for this little guy in my bedroom."

"Ah, the perfect home for him."

"But I insist on paying for him."

"But it would be my pleasure..."

"Definitely not!  How much is he?'

"Twenty-five."

That was more than Debbie had expected, but she was pretty sure she had that much cash in her purse.  "Wrap it up," she said as she fished twenty-five dollars out of her bag.

"Enjoy," Jacques said handing her the box.

"Thanks very much," Debbie replied.  She turned on her heel, and she and the box left the store.

*****

"What's that?" Carl asked as he got into bed.

"I bought it today in Bridgeton," Debbie said with a smile.  Her hand caressed the black cat that now stood beside the lamp on her nightstand.

"I thought we got rid of all the knickknacks when we moved."

"We did, but sometimes this place could use a little more character."

"Character?  That thing gives the place character?" Carl asked.

"Yes, it does."

"If you say so," Carl reluctantly agreed before lying down, and turning on his side so that he was facing away from Debbie.  He clicked off the light on his side of the bed.

"I do say so," Debbie muttered before turning off her own light.

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