Summer in the City

Chapter 14

In the fashion of true New Yorkers and because Brian did not want to drive into Brooklyn, the Kinney-Taylor clan decided to take the F train to Brooklyn. The train’s last stop, Coney Island, and home to the New York Aquarium. So much had changed over the years. Joan, who had visited the landmark area as a child, mourned the loss of the famous playgrounds and boardwalk. All that was left was the Cyclone Roller Coaster and the Wonder Wheel; the original Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs still stood on its original corner. They arrived a little after ten in the morning.

“Dada, can we have hot dogs for lunch?” Bree asked her father as they stepped out of the Coney Island train station just across the street from the famous eatery. Brian gazed upward looking for some divine guidance. Briana certainly was her father’s daughter; they only finished breakfast less than two hours prior.

“Squirt, if we’re all in agreement, and it’s okay with your Daddy, yes we can have hot dogs for lunch,” Brian said, already experiencing heartburn in anticipation.

“Well said,” Justin whispered as he gently poked Brian in his ribs. They had done some research about the aquarium and knew it had a cafeteria. They were sure they were going to be eating there. However, what was a trip to Coney Island without eating a famous Nathan’s hot dog?

“Hands,” Brian called out as they approached the busy intersection. Bree automatically stretched out her hands, her fathers took one each as they crossed the street. Joan and Gus were close behind.

As they walked past some of the arcades that still remained, Gus heard the thumpa thumpa music of the ‘disco’ bumper cars. It was dark inside, the music loud and for grown ups only. And it had a game room, just the place he could meet Cole if Gus could sneak away. Gus made a mental note to call Cole later when he had a minute alone.

“Keep up, Sonny Boy,” Brian growled as he noticed Gus lagging behind as he stared into the window.

“Yeah, sure, Pop,” Gus answered quickly then fell back into step.

They passed through the main entrance to the aquarium and entered into a world of darkness. Brian felt Bree sidle close as their eyes adjusted to the dim light.

“Dark, Dada,” Bree said meekly, unaccustomed to being in such a dark place. Brian reached down to pick her up. Bree hugged her Dada tight. Brian kissed her cheek and murmured reassuring words to his daughter.

“It’s okay, Squirt. It won’t be dark for the whole thing. It just makes it easier to see the fish if we’re in the dark.”

“Are the fishies scared?”

“No, they like the dark.”

“I don’t think I want to be a fish, then.”

“That’s all right, but you can be a girl who studies fish if you want to be, when you grow up.”

“There are people who study fish?”

“Yes, they’re called marine biologists and they study....”

Even in the dark, Justin and Joan exchanged loving and knowing looks as Brian carried Bree throughout the first part of the exhibit, explaining to the child all about the fish. Bree seemed fascinated as she pointed out fish and crustaceans to her Dada. Brian’s knowledge appeared never ending and what he didn’t know, he read to Bree from the placards that accompanied each exhibit window. Even Gus, who was convinced that he was too old for the aquarium and was quite prepared to be bored, was beginning to enjoy himself. When they made their way through the first building, Gus took over for his father. He took Bree from Brian’s arms, even though they were back outside. Riding tall on her brother’s shoulders Bree had a great view of the penguin pool, seal pool and sea otter pool. Bree squealed with delight as playful otters swam about then plunged under the water.

Buying a few bottles of water, Justin joined Brian as he rested on a bench. Joan was standing next to Gus and Bree as they watched penguins sliding around in their enclosure and diving into the water.

“You know you never cease to amaze me, big guy,” Justin said nonchalantly as he sipped his water.

“What do you mean?’

“All that stuff you were telling Bree, you weren’t making that up, were you?”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“I watch Animal Planet all the time and even I didn’t know half of what you were talking about.”

“Well, it doesn’t take a genius to figure that stuff out and you saw me reading.”

“But you made it sound so fascinating. If I wasn’t an artist, you would have convinced me to try marine biology!”

Brian laughed at Justin’s admission. “I’m not called the greatest adman that ever was for nothing, Sunshine,” Brian quipped, getting another poke in the ribs. “Seriously, Justin, I always had a thing for the sciences and I love seeing all of this through Bree’s eyes. I only wish I had spent more time with Gus when he was Bree’s age,” Brian said wistfully.

“Brian, you more than made up for it and Gus knows it. He was never deprived as you think he was. Look at them,” Justin said as he indicated Gus and Bree near the seals. She was still riding high, Gus holding her firmly. “They’re loving every minute together and so is Joan. You did it, Brian; you have the family you deserve.”

Moist hazel eyes met twinkling ocean blue eyes, exchanging words of love without uttering a syllable. Brian held out his hand; Justin placed his in it. They leaned against each other, sipping their water and watching their family.

After a while, Brian and Justin took Bree to watch the walrus show. Joan joined them; however, Gus was more interested in the shark exhibit so he skipped the show.

“Cole, yeah, it’s me. Nah, they’re at the walrus show; I’m by the sharks. Yeah. Do you know the bumper car place? Yeah, that’s it. I’m gonna see if I can get into there. Can you meet me? In about an hour? Okay, I’ll try. Bye.”

Gus nervously snapped his phone shut. How the hell was he going to sneak out of the aquarium?

 

*****
 

“Hey, Cole,” Gus called as he entered the Bumper Car pavilion. He had a big smile on his face. “I’m glad you could make it…”

“Hey,” Cole interrupted as he leaned against the railing watching the cars go round.

“Want to go for a ride in the bumper cars?”

“I didn’t come here to play cars with you,” Cole stated.

“Oh,” Gus replied, the smile disappearing from his face. “I thought we could hang out for a while. Bumper cars would be fun,” he said trying to engage Cole, who seemed in a bad mood.

“I … I want to hang out with you, but I thought we could have some time alone.”

“We are alone. My family’s still in the aquarium.”

“You call this alone?” Cole asked derisively gesturing to the people inside the Bumper Car Pavilion.

“Alone, as in me and you and no family,” Gus replied with a giggle. He hoped he didn’t sound too stupid … or too naïve.

Cole snorted. Gus realized that snort would have been worthy of his father. He frowned, wondering what had caused this apparent change in Cole’s attitude.

“I’m sorry that I asked you to come here and you didn’t want to spend time with me,” Gus said slowly. “I guess I’ll head back to the aquarium.” Gus turned to walk away.

The next thing he knew he was roughly twirled around to face Cole. “I didn’t come all the way out here to be pissed off. Come with me.” Cole grabbed Gus’ arm and propelled him towards the back of the place.

“Wh…Where are we going?” Gus stammered.

“Shut up and you’ll find out.”

Cole walked them briskly through the place and into the men’s room at the back. He shoved open a stall and dragged Gus inside with him, slamming the door and locking it before Gus could say anything. His lips found Gus’ in a heated kiss that had Gus’ head spinning and his cock responding.

Gus wasn’t sure what had hit him. He tried to push away as Cole’s tongue probed for entrance, but he found himself pressed back against the door of the stall. He couldn’t move. Cole continued the kiss and Gus found his mouth opening to whatever Cole wanted to do. His hands came up to the back of Cole’s neck and he pressed Cole’s head asking him to go deeper.

When Cole finally broke the kiss, Gus was breathless and semi-stunned. He was so hard he thought he might explode in his jeans. He tried to focus on Cole’s eyes which were still so close to him that he found it hard to look at both of them at the same time. His arms still held Cole against him. He tried to get a few deep breaths but his blood was hammering in his ears and his chest felt like it was in a vise press.

“Cole…” Gus managed to get out. It sounded more like a moan than Cole’s name.

Cole responded by forcing his lips onto Gus’ once again. This time the kiss was softer at first, but the intensity grew as Cole chewed on his bottom lip and forced Gus’ head back against the door.

“I want you,” Cole panted as he finally finished the kiss.

“I want you too,” Gus gasped. “But … not here.”

“Why not?”

“Some…somebody might come in,” Gus stammered.

“They won’t know what we’re doing,” Cole said sliding the zipper of Gus’ jeans down.

“Wait,” Gus cried grabbing at Cole’s hand. “I … I don’t want to do it here.”

“You got a better idea?”

“I … I don’t know,” Gus said straining his brain to try to think of where they could go to be together.

“Then it’s now,” Cole stated as he yanked at Gus’ jeans.

“Don’t,” Gus protested. “Stop!” He reached down and pulled his jeans back up.

“You know,” Cole replied, anger evident in his eyes. “I’m getting the impression that you’re a fucking cocktease.”

“I … I’m not. It’s just that I’ve never done … this … before. I want it to be special.”

“Anything I do to you is going to be special,” Cole whispered into Gus’ ear.

Gus felt his cock jump at Cole’s words and the hot breath in his ear. “I know it will be,” Gus whispered back.”

“How old are you, Gus?” Cole asked looking at Gus with new eyes.

“Eighteen,” Gus replied quickly, hoping Cole would believe him.

Cole raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were older. You’re tall.”

“It runs in the family,” Gus said. He was glad he had lied and not admitted that he was still sixteen. “How old are you?”

“Nineteen.”

“Oh.”

“We need to figure something out,” Cole said.

“If … if you would meet my parents, we would be able to spend more time together. You just need to make a good impression.”

“And you think I would make a good impression on them?”

“I think you can do anything,” Gus said, stars in his eyes.

Cole snorted, again reminding Gus of his father.

“I should get back,” Gus said reluctantly.

“Yeah, we wouldn’t want the old man to find out what you’ve been up to.” The sarcasm in Cole’s voice was very evident.

Gus bowed his head. “No, I guess I wouldn’t,” he muttered.

“Take this with you to remember me by,” Cole said, before he initiated another kiss that left Gus weak in the knees, panting for more and unable to form a coherent thought.

Cole pushed Gus aside and opened the door to the stall. He walked out without a backward look at Gus.

“Can … can I call you?” Gus called after him. He felt like he was begging, but he couldn’t stop himself.

Cole replied, “I guess so, but next time we need to make some better arrangements.” With that he walked out of the men’s room letting the door slam behind him.

Gus zipped up his jeans and willed his cock to go down. He wanted to jerk off so bad, but he hated the thought of doing that in a public restroom. He adjusted the rest of his clothes and walked out of the stall. He went over to the sink and looked in the mirror above it. He almost didn’t recognize the face that looked back at him. His cheeks were flushed. His eyes were almost black in color. His lips were red and swollen. He looked like someone had just ravished him, and he wished that he had had enough nerve to let that happen.

Gus ran some cool water, splashing it on his face and washing his hands. He used his wet fingers to comb through his hair and get it back into some semblance of the way it usually looked. He had to get himself under control if he was going to face his father. After a couple of minutes he thought he looked more or less normal, whatever the fuck that was. He could still feel the burn of Cole’s lips on his as he left the restroom. He knew he had to have more.

A few minutes later Gus was back in the aquarium. He spent most of his money buying another admission ticket then kicked himself for not planning better. He hurried through the main building again and then back out into the main area. A small island band with kettle drums was entertaining the visitors. Gus caught a glimpse of a bright strawberry blond little girl dancing along with the music. He stopped to stare. He had grown up seeing his dad and Justin dance together and knew it was Justin who could really dance.

“She gets that from her Daddy,” Brian said in a low voice from behind his son. Gus jumped. “And where have you been hiding, Sonny Boy?”

“Nowhere, Dad,” Gus mumbled. Brian arched a brow and Gus knew he had just made a big mistake. Brian narrowed his gaze. He took in his son’s disheveled and flushed appearance; he met his son’s downcast eyes. “Dad, I...”

“Gus, before you say another word, consider this, I don’t like liars,” Brian growled as he was about to walk back to Justin.

“Dad, I met up with someone that I met at the dance,” Gus said softly.

“The same someone you snuck out of the library to meet?” Gus’ eyes grew large. “You think you’re the only teenager on the planet to sneak out to meet a lover?” A cloud fell over Brian’s eyes as he recalled a certain blond teenager who snuck out to meet his own lover.

“Dad?” Gus questioned his father, seeing the slight twinge of pain on Brian’s face. Brian shook his head.

“Never mind, Sonny Boy,” Brian murmured then looked around for the rest of his family. “Let’s go get the others. We’ll hit the souvenir shop then take a walk on the boardwalk. I’m sure your sister hasn’t forgotten about the hot dogs. You and I need to talk.” Gus nodded then fell in behind his dad.

Bree was allowed to pick out one stuffed toy and one special book to remember the day. The Kinney-Taylor clan then left the aquarium to walk along the beach.

 

*****
 

Brian leaned against the railing to watch Bree and Justin run on the sand to the edge of the water. Sensing Brian needed to have a private word with his son, Joan walked a little further down the boardwalk to a bench. There she sat, sunning herself in the early summer weather.

“What’s his name?”

“Cole.”

“And he was at the dance?”

“Yes.

“And how old is he?”

“Nineteen.”

“And how old does he think you are?”

“Oh, Dad.” Gus got the eyebrow. “Eighteen. You mad at me?”

“No. I guess I should be happy that you’re normal.” Gus managed to arch his own brow making Brian laugh. “Normal for us. Gus, Justin told me about your talk last night. Do you have any questions?”

Gus shook his head then found his sneakers very fascinating. Brian lifted his son’s chin with a finger.

“Sonny Boy, you know I think you’re too young for sex but I also know you’re a responsible person. Use a condom if you’re going to fuck and make for damn sure he uses one if he tops. Never do it raw. I want you around for a very long time. Promise me, Sonny Boy.”

“I promise, Pop. But I...”

Brian held up his hand, cutting off Gus. “No other promises of what you will and will not do. Once you get alone with this kid, whatever other promises you make, you’re likely to break. The only one I want you to keep is to use a condom. I can’t stress that enough. I’d die if you got sick,” Brian said as he drew his son to him in a hug.

“I swear, Pop. Condoms. I swear.”

“Okay. Now let’s go get some god awful hot dogs,” Brian said, while trying to get control of his emotions. Gus went off to get Bree and Justin.

“They grow up fast, don’t they,” Joan said as she stood near her son.

“Yeah,” was all that Brian could say.

 

*****
 

Cole stood behind a fence watching Gus and what could only be his father standing on the boardwalk. The man with Gus looked very much like the young man, but was much more distinguished looking, and very beautiful, if Cole allowed himself to think about it. He had been attracted to Gus from the first time he saw him, but the kid was … such a kid. This man was something else.

As Cole watched them he could hardly stop his thoughts from wandering to what it would be like to be with Gus’ father. Cole knew that Gus’ father was gay. That was one of the first things Gus had told him when they had met at the GLC. Gus had wanted to introduce Cole to his father and his husband, but Cole had refused. He hated parents, almost as much as they always seemed to hate him.

Cole had to admit that Gus’ father was one very good looking man. He would have a world of sexual experience too. Cole was always learning about sex and all the interesting and unusual things that could be done. He wondered if Mr. Kinney might be agreeable to teaching him some of those things. Cole couldn’t think of a more attractive teacher. He felt himself grow hard as he studied Gus and his father.

Suddenly Gus ran down to the beach and an older woman approached. That must be the grandmother, Cole thought. After a minute Gus returned with a blond man and a little girl. Gus’ father scooped up the girl and kissed her cheek. The husband and the sister, Cole surmised. The whole group started to walk off together. Cole made sure he was well hidden so Gus wouldn’t spot him.

Just then Cole’s cell phone rang. “Hey,” Cole said.

“Hey,” Lex replied. “What the fuck is that noise in the background?”

“I’m at Coney Island, cuz. Can you believe it?” Cole laughed.

“No shit! What the fuck are you doing there?”

“Meeting Gus.”

“You really want this twink, don’t you?” Lex laughed.

“He’s very cute and … tempting, but very inexperienced.”

“I thought you liked chicken.”

“I do, but his old man is even better.”

“Eiw! I didn’t know you were into old.”

“I’m not … usually, but you haven’t seen the father. He’s something.”

“Oh yeah? Didn’t you say Gus was from Pittsburgh? What’s the father’s last name? Maybe I might know something about them, especially if the father is as striking as you seem to think.”

“I should have asked you when we talked before, since you live in Pittsburgh.”

“Yeah, unfortunately not all of us can live in the Big Apple.”

Cole chuckled. “Gus’ last name is Marcus-Peterson but he likes to use his father’s name, Kinney. I don’t know the father’s first name.”

“Fuck!”

“What, what did I say? Do you know them?” Cole asked, surprised by Lex’s reaction to the name.

“Gus’ old man is Brian Kinney. I should have made the connection when you said the kid’s name was Gus. Kinney is rich, man. He owns an ad agency and Babylon.”

“Babylon? That’s the club you took me too last time I was in Pittsburgh.”

“Yeah, that’s the one.”

“Fuck! How rich is Kinney?”

“Very.”

“Hm, this throws a new wrinkle into things. Gus keeps wanting me to meet his father. Maybe I should.”

“It couldn’t hurt, but … you better be on your best behavior. Kinney is notorious for being over-protective of his family.”

“Oh? Not good.”

“Cole, you’re smart. You can handle it. And maybe get something out of this.”

“Something?”

“Yeah, presents from little Gus, you know.”

“Oh, yeah! Right! I was thinking more of getting laid by the father,” Cole laughed.

“Shit! You are a pervert.”

“I could maybe have both of them,” Cole speculated.

“Don’t be greedy.”

“Why not?”

“No reason I can think of,” Lex said with a laugh. “Just be careful.”

“I’m always careful.”

Lex snorted before he hung up. Cole watched the Kinney family as the walked together way down the boardwalk. He had some thinking and planning to do.

 

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