What A Difference A Year Makes
Chapter 5
"Bobby, have you looked into what we were discussing?" John asked Bobby as they got into John's Navigator heading for the main house to pick up Claire, Hunter and Nick.
"Yes, I said I was working on it." Bobby said with exasperation. John was like a dog with a bone about finding a surrogate. "It takes time. Many of the women on Melanie's list are already pregnant or have stopped being surrogates. We have to be patient."
"Well, if we don't find someone off her list soon, I'm going to place an ad in the Harrisburg Daily News," John huffed as he got out of the car to open the rear doors. They were still arguing as Claire, Nick and Hunter climbed in.
"Are we interrupting something?" Claire's annoyance with her son and her son-in-law's constant bickering was made evident. They had just about recovered from last year's queenouts with the wedding preparations only for it to start all over again with the baby preparations. This was the first time in John's life that Claire appreciated that he no longer lived under her roof.
"What's going on?" Nick whispered in Hunter's ear.
"They want to have a baby. They've been looking for a surrogate."
"Oh."
"They've been driving me nuts," Claire added under her breath. They all hoped the long drive to Pittsburgh wasn't going to be filled with arguments or deadly silence.
The first half of their journey was made in relative silence but for Hunter describing the various family members for Nick and how who was related to whom. The three shared a chuckle when Hunter described Ted, a very intelligent and eloquent man until Brian gives him a sneer and he becomes a melting bowl of Jell-O.
At some point Claire insisted on a pit stop. John pulled over to a rest area and they all got out to stretch their legs and use the restrooms. Before getting back in the car Claire put her foot down.
"Jackie, Bobby, please come with me," Claire demanded as she turned and walked to a nearby picnic table. Bobby's eyes widened, John shrugged his shoulders, but they quickly followed.
"Sit. Now. Both of you." John and Bobby sat with their hands in their laps looking very contrite. "The two of you have become a royal pain in my ass lately!" Claire spat out garnering shocked looks from both men. "I don't understand how two grown, intelligent men can act like, like..."
"Assholes?" Hunter shouted out.
"Exactly." Claire agreed then flashed an angry look at Hunter. Hunter held up his hands by way of an apology.
"Jackie, having a baby is not easy, even for hetero couples. Look what happened to Mrs. Sanders' daughter. She was fit, young, healthy and it took them years to conceive. Sheila thought she'd never be a grandmother. Now, you must have patience. And you," Claire glared at Bobby who suddenly looked twelve, "you don't have to do all the research yourself. Let John help, that way he won't just be waiting for you to give him any news. And you won't carry the burden alone. Now kiss and make up. Justin is expecting his family today. All of his family and that includes us. This is supposed to be a day of celebration. I won't let your bickering ruin it."
John and Bobby looked up at Claire to see her warm smile. Her boys stood up to hug and kiss. Then they both gave Claire a hug as they apologized.
"Is the crisis all over?" Hunter snarked. He leaned into Nick and whispered loudly, "Those two are such drama queens."
"Yes, but not as bad as Brian and Justin," John quipped as he cuffed the boy affectionately on the back of the head. The family got back in the Navigator, tension all gone. They drove the rest of the way to Pittsburgh with happy chatter.
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Justin slipped on the jacket of his tux. It was one Brian had insisted on having his tailor make after the mess the tailor in Harrisburg had made of their tuxes for the wedding. He would have liked to have worn this to John and Bobby's wedding, but the suit had been fine. Besides it wouldn't have done to show up the grooms in their tuxes. Justin buttoned one button of the tux and looked at himself in the long mirror near the loft door. He looked good and he couldn't help but smile.
But he also looked different somehow. He was a graduate, an adult, a person with a career, and he was going to New York to start that career off on the right foot. He frowned. It looked like him in the mirror, but somehow it didn't. He had changed over the last couple of years. He had grown up. He wasn't the insecure little boy who had come to the loft all those years ago.
He had been frightened out of his wits that night. He knew he wanted Brian, wanted Brian to be his first, from the moment he had looked into those hazel eyes under the streetlamp. And Brian had not disappointed him. At least not then. But since then there had been so many things to deal with. He shivered at the thought. He wasn't sure they would ever survive them all. But somehow they had, and they were stronger because of it.
And now they were going to be separated again. He could hardly fathom that. It had taken so much for them to finally get together in some kind of stable relationship, and now they were making the decision to separate once again. At least this time they both agreed on what they were doing. Brian wasn't pushing him out the door. He wasn't cheating on Brian. A quick thought of Ethan ran through his brain making him feel slightly queasy. Enough of this thinking.
"Brian," he called. "Are you ready? We need to get going."
"Almost," Brian replied coming out of the bathroom. He had a new tux on too. He had been primping with his hair for a long time. Sometimes it just didn't cooperate and he wanted to look his best for Justin. He was rubbing cologne into his neck as he appeared at the top of the steps.
"Holy shit!" Justin reacted.
"Ditto!" Brian replied looking his lover up and down and liking what he saw, more than liking.
"You look good enough to eat."
"So do you."
"Are you ready?" Justin asked with a grin.
"Take that off," Brian ordered.
"What?"
"Take that tux off … NOW!"
"What the fuck are you talking about? What's wrong with it?"
"If you don't take it off, I'll be forced to rip it off."
"Brian, we have to go."
"No, take it off."
"Brian," Justin said shakily. Brian had unzipped the trousers of his tux and his engorged cock was on display for all to see. He meant business.
"Get up here now."
"But we'll be late," Justin said weakly. He could feel his own cock grow in his pants and he already had the jacket of his tux off. He walked like a robot up the steps shedding clothing as he went. His last coherent thought was that his mother was going to kill him.
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When the Andersons arrived at the Plaza hotel the party was in full swing. Full swing except for the fact that the guest of honor was not present. Jennifer was fuming. She had tried calling the loft and both Brian's and Justin's cell phones. All she got was voicemail every time. She left messages which got more and more scathing with each call. She was threatening to get Carl to send a squad car over to the loft when the Anderson clan walked in. Everything stopped for a moment as many thought it was Brian without his Justin. Once they realized that it wasn't Brian they got back to their chatting and nibbling on Emmett's excellent hors d'oeuvres.
"John, Bobby, Claire, I'm so glad you could come," Jennifer greeted them putting on her best country club face.
"We're happy to help you celebrate," John said, "but something tells me that by the reaction we got when we walked in, the two main players aren't here yet."
Jennifer shook her head. "I don't know how Justin could be so thoughtless."
"More likely Brian," Bobby chuckled.
"I'm sure they'll be here soon," Claire said soothingly.
"They fucking better be!" Jennifer said glaring at the doorway and willing her son to appear. Nobody noticed her momentary lack of decorum.
"Um … Jennifer," Claire said. "You know Hunter and this is his friend, Nick."
"Nice to meet you, Nick." Jennifer shook his hand. "I think Ben and Michael are around somewhere," she added glancing around the room. She wanted to start the dancing but Brian and Justin were supposed to have the first dance. The DJ was still playing innocuous background music. She hoped Emmett didn't run out of hors d'oeuvres any time soon.
"I'll catch them later," Hunter said not really wanting a confrontation and grilling by his parents, at least not yet. "Let's go get some food," Hunter said to Nick and the two boys moved away.
"What am I going to do, Claire, if they don't show up," Jennifer moaned.
"You'll have a great party. Everybody seems to be enjoying themselves. And you know Brian's always late," Claire responded.
"That's my bro'," John said as he pulled Bobby away suddenly needing a drink.
"I'm going to rip Brian Kinney's one good ball off if he doesn't get my son here … and soon!" Jennifer threatened.
Claire chuckled. She could see Jennifer doing that. Like every mother, except maybe Brian's, Jennifer would do anything for her son including dismembering anyone who fucked him over. "Try to stay calm, Jennifer. It's still early."
"Yeah," Jennifer griped. "They're only an hour late."
Just then a hush fell over the gathered throng. Brian and Justin were in the building. They had just stepped through the doorway of the ballroom. They both looked stunning in their tuxes. Justin had a certain flush to his cheeks and Brian looked more than satisfied with himself.
"Surprise … they came!" Ted called out loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I have it on good authority that they always come," Emmett added. Brian gave him a withering look.
"They've been fucking," Hunter laughed.
Everyone looked at him but they all knew that what he said was true.
Jennifer immediately went to greet the two men with a big hug. The bright smile on her face didn't hide her anger. As she pulled Brian and Justin in close to give them both a kiss she murmured low enough for their ears only. "I will deal with you both later."
Brian and Justin had the good sense to look embarrassed with Justin blushing enough for the both of them. As Jennifer pushed her son toward their guests, Brian took her aside.
"Jen, don't be angry with the boy. If you have to blame anyone, blame me. Everyone else does. Look at him. He's so beautiful, and all grown up. He'll be gone in another week. I couldn't help myself." Brian gazed down at Justin's beautiful mother with moist eyes. They had gotten close over the years, developed a mutual respect with one common denominator, their love for Justin.
Jennifer smiled warmly up at Brian, discreetly wiping away a tear from his cheek. "Come on, we're waiting for you two to have the first dance. And I think we've eaten all of Emmett's hors d'oeuvres. Go dance with my son so we can start dinner." Brian nodded, straightened his shoulders then sauntered off to find his boy to dance him around the floor.
Claire joined Jennifer as she watched Brian sweep her little boy onto to the dance floor.
"So is Brian's one remaining asset safe?" Claire asked Jennifer.
"For now." Jennifer responded. The two mothers linked arms and laughed their way back to the tables.
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The evening was going so well, now that the guest of honor and his consort had arrived. Jennifer, Justin and Molly were adept at mingling, combining the more aristocratic members of their family with the more flamboyant. Even Justin's seventy-five year old maiden aunt succumbed to Brian's charms and consented to a dance. Although he was forced to make a quick getaway before she had the chance to hook him up with a distant cousin.
The waiters began bringing out dinner; the busboys were refilling the water glasses. The music was now lowered to invite conversation. Emmett cooed over Nick.
"Hunter, my boy, now who is this gorgeous young man?" Emmett's southern drawl became more pronounced as he said the word 'gorgeous.'
"Emmett, this is my boyfriend, Nick. Nick, this is..."
"I'm his Auntie Emm. Fairy godmother to little gay boys and party planner extraordinaire," Emmett exclaimed as he shook Nick's hand then swished the poor boy over to his table. Nick gave Hunter a pleading look and Hunter quickly followed in hopes of saving Nick's virtue.
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Justin was still up and mingling when dinner arrived. Brian gave him a lascivious grin and gestured toward the men's room. Brian had a sudden need for a little Sunshine. Justin attempted to look affronted, feigning a 'no.' But his own need to touch his lover took precedent over the festivities and soon the lovers were in a stall kissing madly.
"Justin, I don't think I can wait till we get home."
"You're going to have to, Kinney. My mother will kill us both if we ruin her party. As it is I'm going to have to suck up to her for the next few days."
Brian looked disappointed but he conceded Justin's point and settled for some passionate kisses to hold them until they were back at the loft. Giggling they left the stall and were about to exit the men's room when they ran into someone neither man ever wanted to see again.
"Hobbs! What the fuck are you doing here?" Brian growled out as he stepped in front of Justin.
"That's none of your god damned business!" Hobbs shouted back. "What are you and your little whore doing here?"
"Why you fucking little toe rag, I'll..." Brian was about to thrash Chris Hobbs when Justin shoved him aside and got right into Hobbs' face.
"Hobbs, why don't you run away and bully someone else. My partner and I don't have the time to waste on an insignificant little shit like you." With that said, Justin grabbed Brian's hand, brought it to his lips and kissed Brian's palm. Justin then led his partner back to the party, leaving Hobbs regretting the day he ever laid eyes on Justin Taylor. No further mention or thoughts were wasted on Chris Hobbs. As they sat at the table to enjoy dinner, Brian took Justin's hand and returned the kiss.
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"Hunter, aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?" Ben asked his son.
"Ben, this is Nick. We met in my psych class. Nick, this is my father, Ben."
"It's nice to meet you, sir," Nick said as he shook Ben's hand. "Hunter tells me you're a college professor."
"Yes I am. I focus on homosexuality in literature. What's your major? And please call me Ben. Only my students call me sir." Ben put Nick at ease with his quiet gentle way.
Hunter knew that Ben would befriend Nick and Nick spoke enthusiastically about his plans for med school. Hunter was more worried about Michael's reaction. Michael had finished chatting with Debbie and was heading back to their table. Hunter took a deep breath and waited for the fallout.
"Hi Dad! I'd like you to meet Nick. He's my … my boyfriend."
"Your boyfriend?" Michael gaped at the two boys. "What do you mean, boyfriend?"
"Uh, as in I'm a guy, he's a guy and we're dating," Hunter sputtered.
"When do you have time for a boyfriend? Don't you have school?" Michael snarked as he looked Nick up and down searching for flaws. Much to Hunter's relief, Nick came to his rescue.
"We've completed this semester, sir. I'm taking the summer off to help out on my parents' farm. Hunter is already working with Steve and Bill at the Farm." Most of the populace of Bridgeton were well aware of the good work done at the Farm and were proud to be associated with it. Hunter gave Nick a little nudge under the table and Nick continued talking to Michael.
"Um, Hunter tells me that you own a comic book store. I used to collect a few when I was younger but now I save every penny for tuition and my books." Catching Michael's attention, Nick went on. "Maybe you can look over some of the comics I have. My dad used to collect too. He said they may be worth something someday. They're all in mint condition. I could use the money for school if you think they're worth anything." Nick gently batted his eyes innocently at Michael, pulling at Michael's heartstrings a little.
"I'd be very happy to look over your collection. I'm going to a comic convention in a few weeks, maybe you and Hunter can join me. Ben's not into it and he teaches summer classes. I'll pay your way if you two don't mind lifting and hauling all the comics that I'm bringing."
"We don't mind!" both boys said in unison. Ben gave Michael a kiss as a reward for behaving and the four dug into their plates.
After dinner and before dessert there was more dancing. Brian took the opportunity to introduce himself to Nick.
"Hunter, how the hell are you? And should I be jealous?" Brian snarked while giving Nick his best cruising once over. Holding out his hand to Nick who stood up, "Brian Kinney and I guess you can call me an uncle to the lad." Brian said waggling his eyebrows. Hunter groaned and buried his head in his napkin.
"It's nice to meet you. Hunter's told me all about you."
"All bad, I hope," Brian flirted.
"Not at all, I mean Hunter thinks very highly of you."
"He does, does he?" Brian countered and gave Hunter a wink. Nick began to sweat. He thought getting past Ben and Michael was tough. He had no idea that this gorgeous man had such strong feelings for Hunter. As Brian was all set to go in for the kill, Justin sidled by to rescue Hunter and Nick.
"Hi, I'm Justin, the graduate and the asshole's partner."
"Nick." Nick exhaled and relaxed under Justin's approving gaze.
"You'll get used to it. They did the same to me when I first joined the family. They'll pry, get on your nerves but once you're in, you're in for life. And any one of them will be there to help you if ever you need them. Just call me if you need help with Debbie."
"Debbie?" Nick questioned with widening eyes.
"Yeah, Debbie," Brian countered with a snort as Justin led him back to their own table.
"Oh, shit, Debbie!" Both Hunter and Nick began to sweat.
"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" Gus cried out as he ran across the room and straight into Brian's arms.
"Sonny Boy!" Brian gave his son a kiss and a raspberry then kissed Lindsay's cheek as she joined them.
"Where's your evil half?"
Lindsay playfully smacked Brian's arm but answered, "Home with JR. She has a cold so we thought it best for her to stay home."
"Sounds reasonable. Besides with all these blue-haired old biddies around the poor child would have gone home with bruised cheeks from all their pinching."
"Oh you." Lindsay smiled at Brian. He really was an old softy especially when it came to the kids. He might not admit it but he did love JR almost as much as he loved Gus.
"Justin? Sidney would like you to see him first thing Monday morning. He has some thoughts about your representation."
"Sure, Linds. Ten o'clock good?"
"That's fine. Brian, if you don't have a meeting, could you come with me? I really want your input."
"Sure, Sunshine. We're in this together, right?" Brian beamed at Justin.
"Right!" Justin gave Brian one of his sunniest. "Come on, Buddy, let's go talk to Daphne." Justin took Gus from Brian and went to talk to his best friend.
"How are you coping?" Lindsay addressed Brian. Brian shrugged.
"You'll be fine. You're doing this together and that's what counts. I'm so proud of you." Lindsay leaned over and gave Brian a hug. Brian clung on to his best friend for as long as possible.