What A Difference A Year Makes
Chapter 4
"Mom, Mom! Oh Mom, please don't make such a fuss. Okay, okay. This Saturday. I'll ask him but you know he hates stuff like that. Fine. Whoever you want to invite. I love you too, Mom. See you Saturday night."
Justin hung up the phone and grumbled as he turned to face his partner who was quietly typing away at his computer.
"So, what did Jennifer want?"
"She wants to throw me a big graduation party."
"How big?"
"Very big. Big enough to rent the ballroom at the Plaza."
"That is big. Why didn't she ask me? I would have given her Babylon."
"It was kind of last minute decision. One of her clients decided instead of having a wedding reception, they'd take that money and plunk it down on a house."
"That's a win/win situation. Jen sells a house, gets the commission and then grabs the just vacated ballroom. And her commission probably can cover the cost. Very slick, your mom."
"Yeah, she said she gets that from hanging around you. So, are you going to join in all the fun?"
"Does this mean I get to parade around in one of my best suits and shmooze with your relatives?"
"Yeah and the gang. She's inviting them too. Oh and the Anderson-Morrisons."
"That's a hell of a lot of homos at the Plaza. Think your relatives can handle it?"
"Yeah, I think so. But I may ask Carl to slip Debbie a tranquilizer. I'm not sure if my seventy-five year old maiden aunt can handle her. You didn't answer me. Are you coming?"
"Don't I always come with you, Sunshine?"
"Brian, I'm serious. I want you there. You're my family, my partner."
"Justin, answer a question for me then I'll answer yours. Why didn't you want to go to your graduation ceremony?"
"Did you go to yours?"
"No, but then I didn't have half a million relatives. Jack and Joan never gave a shit. Jennifer was disappointed."
"Brian, I have what I want. I have my diploma. I made it through PIFA, mostly thanks to you and your faith in me. And your help with my tuition. Besides, it's not really over until I complete my internship. When I finish that, then I'll celebrate. So? Are you going to be there with me?"
Brian got up from behind his desk and encircled Justin into his arms. "Nothing will keep me away." He felt Justin relax and smile in his arms.
"Good," Justin murmured into Brian's chest.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
"Hello?"
"Hunter, it's me, Nick."
"Hi, I thought you changed your mind. I haven't heard from you in days." Hunter hoped he didn't sound as desperate as that came out.
"I'm sorry, baby. I haven't changed my mind. My father had a minor accident and you know it's the planting season. I had to help out or we'd be too far behind. Then I was an idiot cause I lost your cell number. Thank God, Ms. Anderson's number is listed. I missed you."
"You...you missed me?" That goofy grin was back on Hunter's face.
"Yeah, I did. Um, can we meet tonight? Have you had dinner?"
"No, not yet."
"It's pasta night at the Honey Bear? I can pick you up in half an hour."
"You can? I mean, yeah. I love pasta night."
"Okay, so go put on some cool duds and I'll be there in thirty."
"Oh, yeah! I mean, cool. See ya."
"Yup."
Hunter hung up the phone then leaned against the wall. Claire walked by and giggled.
"Earth to Hunter," Claire remarked as she waved her hand in front of the boy's eyes. "Are you in there?"
"Huh? Yeah, I'm here. No. I'm supposed to be changing. Shit. Nick will be here soon."
"You have a date? With Nick?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, the Honey Bear. Dinner. Hell, what am I going to wear?" Hunter looked panicked as he glanced up the stairs toward his room.
"Come on. I can help. Let's go look in your closet."
"What do you know about men's clothes?"
"Hunter, live with gay men, you learn a fashion tip or two."
"You mean, Brian."
"Yes. Let's move. Nick will be here soon." Hunter and Claire sprinted up the stairs.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
Hunter and Nick entered the Honey Bear and found a quiet table for two situated near the fireplace. Hunter ordered a coke, Nick ordered a beer. They sipped their drinks while leaning in close so they could talk.
"So, you really missed me?"
"Yes, I did, baby. And I apologize again for not calling. Ever since I decided to go to med school, every time someone gets a hangnail in my family, I'm the first one they call. Old Doc Adams must be wondering why we haven't seen him lately. What's with the silly grin?"
Hunter blushed, took a sip of soda then whispered. "That's the second time you called me baby."
"I'm sorry. I'll stop if you don't like it." Nick frowned just a little.
"No, no, I love it. No one has ever thought of me that way." Hunter beamed back.
"I find that hard to believe."
"Nick, this is only my second real date that I've ever had. I never got to the 'baby' stage." They got a little quiet and then Hunter posed the question. "Um, Nick, I know you've been helping out on your farm but have you had time to do your research?" Hunter asked hopefully.
"Yes, I have. I used to do some volunteer work at the hospital. It helped me to make up my mind about med school and I knew just what I wanted to specialize in."
"What?"
"Infectious diseases. Now, don't get that look. My decision was made long before we met. This is just a coincidence. I made some good contacts and I spoke to some doctors. They all agree that with the proper protection, a sexual relationship with someone positive is possible. Especially if I top. I guess I should have asked. Are you a top or a bottom?"
"I...I really don't know. I guess I'm a bottom but I'd like to … you know."
"I know. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. No pressure here. I really like you and I want to get to know you better." Nick saw Hunter visibly relax as the waiter brought another round of drinks. They ordered dinner then moved in a little closer. Nick reached out and took Hunter's hand. "Hunter, I think you've told me almost all about you, would you like to hear about me and my family?"
Hunter smiled and nodded.
"You have a pretty smile." Hunter's smile grew wider as Nick began to tell Hunter all about himself. Hunter felt himself drowning in liquid chocolate and sighed contentedly. So far his date was going just fine.
After hours of talking and dancing, Nick brought Hunter home. Sitting in Nick's car in the lane that ran between the farm and the cottage, their conversation continued.
"Nick, are you going to take some summer classes?"
"I was considering it. I'm close to finishing up at Harrisburg. I'll transfer to Penn next year. But I'm needed at my farm. You?"
"Same here. Steve needs the help and then there's another batch of lost boys that will be here soon. I want to be there to help."
"So, aside from work we have the whole summer to learn about one another," Nick said with an ear to ear grin.
"Yeah."
"I think I'm going to like my summer vacation."
"Me too!" Hunter said as he captured Nick's lips. Before it went too far. Hunter said goodnight then hopped out of Nick's car. Before Nick drove off they made another date for the next night. Hunter waved as Nick turned his car around and drove down the lane.
Hunter watched the car disappear then instead of going to Claire's he went to the cottage to see if John and Bobby were home. Smelling the scent of the fireplace burning, Hunter knocked on the door.
"Hey Hunter, what brings you here?" Bobby asked as he opened the door to let the young man in.
"Am I interrupting anything?" Hunter asked with a leer on his face.
"No, kid. You're not, not yet anyway," Bobby said as he showed Hunter into the living room.
"Hi, Hunter."
"Hi, John. Guys, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, park it and ask," John replied. Hunter sat on the couch.
"When you two met, was it love at first sight?" Hunter asked the partners.
"Hunter, is there something we should know? Have you met someone?" John asked.
"Yeah, I think so. I hope so. He rings my chimes."
"Rings your what? Hunter, I do believe you've been talking to my mother."
"Yes, I have. Now answer the question."
Bobby spoke up first. "You know I met John several weeks before we 'officially met.' And I knew I wanted to get to know him a lot more but he was still living the het life. The second time we met I was momentarily floored by Brian."
"Yeah, he'll do that to ya."
"Justin put a halt to that and fast."
"Blondie is a possessive little shit."
Ignoring the dig at Justin, Bobby continued, "Brian and Justin gave John a little push and the rest as they say, is history. I can't imagine me with any other man." Bobby gazed languidly at his lover and smiled.
"What about you?" Hunter queried John.
"After I got over my initial shock, I guess I had an epiphany. I grew some balls and called Bobby the next day. I woke the poor boy up. But we made a date for that night and we've been together ever since. So, what's his name and where did you meet him?"
"His name is Nick and we had the same psych class. He's a couple of years older than me and he's pre-med. He wants to go to Penn. He lives not too far. We had our second date tonight."
"Pasta night?"
"Yeah."
"Hunter?" Hunter knew what Bobby wanted to ask.
"Yes, he knows. I told him on our first date. I wanted to be honest with him. I told him everything."
"That was very courageous of you," Bobby told the boy as he gave him a hug. "You must have been scared."
"Yeah, I was, but I can't lie about something as important as this. He says if we're careful we shouldn't have any problems. I mean, look at Ben and Mikey. They've been together for years."
"Yes, they have." John said as he moved closer. "Bobby's right, you are very courageous. And we'll be here for you. You can discuss anything you want."
"Thanks guys. Claire is, well you know. Sometimes a guy needs to talk with another guy."
"We know and our door is always open to you. Now scram. I know Steve is expecting you early and we both have early meetings," Bobby told Hunter as he escorted him to the door. "Oh, and keep this Saturday night open. Jennifer is throwing Justin a graduation party. We're all going to Pittsburgh. Why don't you invite Nick? You'll know one way or the other if he's serious about you ."
"Yeah, especially when the 'rents' grill him. I'll ask him. Thanks guys, and good night. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Hunter called out with a chuckle as Bobby shut the door behind him.
A couple of days later Hunter met Nick at the diner in Bridgeton. They were going to have breakfast together. When Hunter walked in the door, Nick already had a booth and was getting coffee from the waitress.
"Get one for me too," Hunter called as he approached.
"You got it, sweet cheeks," the waitress said. She had black hair and big boobs. Hunter smiled at her.
"I already ordered the hungry farmer special," Nick said. "Want one?"
"Sounds good. I'm really hungry."
"That makes two of us."
"I've missed you," Hunter said letting his hand rest on top of Nick's. He was leery of too much public affection between them in a place like this.
"We've just about got all the crops in … at last. I should have more free time this weekend."
"That's good."
"I'd say it was very good … for us."
"What do you mean?" Hunter asked.
"We can spend more time together."
"I like the sound of that. In fact, I've been invited to a party this weekend. Would you be my date?"
Nick frowned. "What kind of party?"
"Look, you don't have to come if you don't want to. It's just a graduation party for this guy I know back in Pittsburgh."
"And who's going to be there?"
"Just about everybody I know."
"So, if I go, I'll be outed?" Nick asked.
"But you are out."
"I mean outed as your boyfriend."
"Is that what you are?" Hunter grinned. "My boyfriend."
"I kind of thought that's what we were doing."
"Me too, but I've never had a boyfriend before. I'm not sure what you're supposed to do."
"Will your parents be there?" Nick asked.
Hunter nodded. "Yeah, they'll be there."
"Have you patched things up with them?"
"Kind of."
"Do you think they'll be ready to meet me?" Nick wasn't sure that he was ready for a roomful of Hunter's family and friends.
"I intend to surprise them."
"Oh, so when they go ballistic, I'll be caught in the crossfire," Nick joked.
"I don't think they'll go ballistic. They'll be thrilled that I'm gay."
"But, we still haven't taken that step yet," Nick said cautiously.
"I know, and I'm glad we're going slow. I just thought this would be a good opportunity for you to meet everyone. They'll all be there."
"So, what kind of party is this?" Nick asked digging into the huge plate of food that the waitress set in front of him.
"It's a party."
"I mean, do I have to dress up?"
"Oh, yeah, I guess. It's in the ballroom of a hotel."
"Fuck! What kind of friends do you have?"
Hunter laughed. "Until a couple of years ago, my only friends were street kids … just like me."
"But times have changed."
"I guess. I never really thought about that, but they have. Ben's a professor and Michael has his own business. Brian's rich and you know the Andersons. They're not hurting."
"Who's the party for?"
"Justin. He's Brian's boyfriend, although he's not nearly good enough for him."
"Oh really?" Nick laughed. "I bet Brian doesn't think that."
"Justin graduated from PIFA. He's a pretty good artist."
"He must be great if he got through that school."
"How do you know?"
"I had a friend in high school who could draw amazing pictures. She applied, and she didn't get in."
"Wow!" Hunter reacted. He had always taken Justin's artwork for granted. Maybe he needed to rethink that. "So will you come with me?"
"I'll have to check out my one and only suit, but yeah."
"I'm wearing the suit Brian got me for John and Bobby's wedding."
"I bet you look wonderful in it."
"I hope I do," Hunter smiled.
"I hope they like me."
"Who cares? I like you, and that's all that matters." Hunter reached over and gave Nick's hand another squeeze.