CHAPTER 1 - HOMECOMING

 

BRIAN KINNEY’S - FRIDAY EVENING

 

BEN BRUCKNER

 

I look at the building and smile. Only Brian Kinney could live here! I head inside take one look at the elevator and decide to take the stairs. As I approach the door it is pulled open abruptly.

 

“You may be a great fuck but you’re a lousy person!” A half dressed man shouts as he stumbles out.

 

“You don’t know how great a fuck I am...since I did the fucking!” I laugh at the familiar but not heard in a long time drawl.

 

“You didn’t waste your time!” He glares at me.

 

“Just fuck off will you?! I need to shower your stank off of me!”

 

I watch the guy tear up and dash down the stairs pulling on his top as he goes.

 

“Door’s still open!” I shout and wait.

 

“What?!”

 

“I said...Kocky...that your door is still open!” I shout back stepping inside.

 

“Holy fuck no! It can’t be!” He yells and the next thing I find myself being embraced by a laughing Brian Kinney, my best friend of many years!

 

“Oh jeez, seriously shower!” I shout and shove him in the direction of the bathroom. “Where’s the Beam?” He continues to stare at me incredulously. “Over there Bucky.” He points at the cart. “Won’t be long! Unless you want to join me?”

 

“Yeah why not.” I smirk and follow him to the bathroom.

 

An hour later I am sighing as he, yet again, tweaks one strand of hair. “Can we get going?”

 

“Yeah. Yeah, I’d fuck me!” He laughs and grabbing his jacket we head out. “But no tricking tonight. Deal?”

 

“Deal.”

 

WOODY’S - TWENTY MINUTES LATER

 

MICHAEL

 

“What time is Brian getting here?” I ask Emmett who shrugs a shoulder.

 

“You know the Stud, he will get here when he gets here and you’ll know when he does.  Hey Teddy! Over here!” He yells and waves at Ted. I still don’t get this relationship the three of them have. Okay Ted and Emmett I get because they’re Ted and Emmett but why Brian socialises with Ted outside of work is just odd. He is the most boring man in the world, he’s an accountant after all!

 

“Hey sweets, how is that gorgeous daughter of yours?” Emmett kisses his cheek.

 

He smiles. “Adorable and this is for you…” He hands him a clumsily wrapped package.

 

“She spoils me!” He squeals and puts it carefully in his bag. “Stud’s here and…” Emmett stops talking. In fact everyone has stopped talking as Brian comes in with an equally hot man beside him. “...who the fuck is that?!”

 

“Evening boys.” Brian drawls as him and his friend saunter up. “Hey Ems. Thought you had the Master Dinner tonight?”

 

“The bitch has moved it again, but this time not at the last minute!” Emmett hisses and Brian sighs. “I know, I know but there you go.”

 

“Kocky, table’s free.” His friend announces and walks over to it. “Want to play?”

 

“Oh Kocky is it?” Emmett trills smirking at Brian who just rolls his eyes and then heads to join him.

 

I have known Brian for years, since we were 14. We’re not best friends but we are very close, well I think so. I follow them over and watch as he and his friend set up the table.

 

“So Kocky this is…” Ted smirks and I wonder if Ted wants to keep his job.

 

“Fuck off Schmidt. This is Bucky, or Ben Bruckner. These reprobates are Emmy, Ted and his partner Blake and that’s Michael.”

 

“That’s Michael?” He asks just as a guy stops in front of me. “You sure?”

 

“No, he is definitely not Michael!” Emmett laughs...he laughs! “Where’d...oh there you are! This is Michael!”

 

“Oh yeah that’s more like he described him!” Ben laughs and everyone joins in...I smile but while part of me seethes on the inside; I feel smug that he’s described me to one of his friends!

 

“So why does he call you Bucky, Ben?” I ask.

 

“Because he bucks.” Brian replies with a smirk.

 

“Bucks what?” I ask again.

 

“The trend and that’s all you’re finding out for now. I need to get to know people first before I give away my secrets.” Ben replies and scowls as Brian jolts him causing him to miss the shot.

 

“So how do you two know each other?” Ted asks.

 

“Went to college together before I transferred to Penn State but I have come back to teach Gay Studies on Carnegie. Don’t start for the next two months, so am crashing at Kocky’s until I find a place.”

 

“What?!” I laugh. “Clearly you haven’t been in touch with Brian for a while. He doesn’t share his loft!”

 

“Are we going to Babylon? I need to dance away my misery!” Emmett exclaims.

 

I roll my eyes at his dramatics and then grimace as Cyril, my boss, comes up to me. “Ah Michael, you’ve recovered I see.”

 

“Recovered? What was wrong?” Ted asks.

 

“I had a headache...I’m better now.”

 

“Clearly, well that means you can do manage the breakfast shift tomorrow morning. Since Miley has done five night shifts in a row. See you bright and early at six!”

 

“Well…” Brian looks at his watch. “Come on boys let’s show Bucky here how we do things, you coming Michael?!”

 

“I should really go home…”

 

“Okay see ya.”

 

And with that they leave me standing there.

 

BABYLON - AN HOUR LATER

 

TED

 

Brian and Ben have attracted inquisitive and admiring looks...admiring because they are both beautiful...but inquisitive because they are turning down trick after trick. Ems has been rendered temporarily muted, before he can bear it no longer!

 

“Okay what’s going on...Michael! I thought you went home!” Ems gasps.

 

“Changed my mind.” He retorts.

 

Ah he had to queue again!

 

“Well anyway, what is going on with you two?” Ems demands.

 

“What do you mean Emmett?” Michael frowns.

 

“See! That’s the 12th between the two of you! Explain immediately!”

 

“Wanna dance Bucky?” Brian grins and hauls Ben to the dance floor by his belt.

 

The other dancers part and Ems clutches his pearls to his throat as Brian loops his arms around Ben’s neck and Ben puts his hands on his hips; and they dance in perfect rhythm with each other and the music.

 

“Oh my!” Ems gasps and grins before finishing off his Cosmo. “Well there’s a first, wonder how long it has been.”

 

“What?” Michael demands still looking incredulously at Brian and Ben.

 

“You don’t dance like that, unless you’ve got jiggy with it!”

 

“Brian and him! No way! He’s not even his tricking type!” He shakes his head vehemently.

 

They head back towards us and it doesn’t take a genius to work out what Michael is going to say.

 

“Brian. Emmett reckons that you and Ben have messed around, as in with each other. I call bullshit! You don’t fuck your friends.”

 

They exchange looks and Ben shrugs. “You’re right Michael, I don’t fuck my friends…” Michael looks smug. “But he’s my best friend and him I have fucked. Ready to go?” Ben nods and with matching smirks they amble out, with Ben holding onto Brian’s back pocket.

 

“I can’t believe it!” Blake snickers.

 

“Told ya so!” Ems crows and orders another Cosmo. “That seems the way to get fucked by the Stud and stay in his life, become his best friend!”

 

“Michael where are you going?” Blake calls at Michael’s retreating back but he doesn’t answer.

 

THE LOFT - AN HOUR LATER

 

BEDROOM

 

BEN

 

We laughed all the way back to his place.

 

“Did you see their faces?!” He guffaws lighting up and handing the blunt to me.

 

“Yeah. So what’s Michael’s deal?” I hand it back. “He...um... is cute is a boy next door kinda way.” He looks thoughtful before shrugging. “You know he’s kinda keen right?”

 

“On who?” He smirks with eyes closing “Want to finish?” He snickers.

 

“Come on.” I order taking the blunt off him and carefully putting it out. “Get in and try not to snore or do that wheezy thing you do!” He slides under the sheet and then grabs my wrist. “No funny business.”

 

“Who me?!” He waggles his eyebrows and I climb in.

 

LIBERTY AVENUE FAST FOOD - SATURDAY MORNING

 

MILEY

 

“Finally! Where have you been?”

 

“I overslept. My headache came back.” He grumbles putting on his badge.

 

“Of course it did.” I snipe and grab my stuff, smiling as I think about the mess he will have to clean up as there is nobody else in at the minute, and Cyril will watch over him like a hawk while he does so!

 

LIBERTY AVENUE

 

“Hey gorgeous boy!” Kiki calls out and I wait for her to catch up and when she does, she frowns. “Oh don’t tell me you pulled a late one last night again?”

 

“He had a headache!”

 

“Of course he did. It’s such a shame that Deb moved away, as much as I love Vic, he doesn’t have her firmness where it comes to Michael. He’s too nicey-nice...oh wow!”

 

“What?” I look where she’s looking.

 

“They’ve got a buyer for it!” We stare at what used to be Liberty Diner but with the retirement of Debs and then the new owner sacking Kiki, because she wouldn’t dress as a man during her shifts, people boycotted it and it eventually closed down.

 

“Hopefully this next owner has a more enlightened attitude.” Kiki sighs. “God I miss working here. Wonder what it’s going to be.”

 

“Fine dining diner.” A voice pipes up from behind us and we turn around and there is a pretty as a China doll young woman. “My brother and I bought it…”

 

“Hate to burst your bubble darling, but fine dining is not going to work here.” Kiki smiles kindly at her.

 

“You’ve not tasted my brother’s cooking. High class trash food! We’re going to have this side for the families and the other side for the adults. I’m Molly by the way.”

 

“Kiki and this is Miley.”

 

“Kiki!” A familiar voice bellows and we both grin at the gangliness that is Gus running down the street, he is still to grow into his legs! “Hey!” He kisses Kiki on the cheek and grins. “So I was…”

 

“Honey I have asked, there is nobody hiring for weekends only.”

 

“Worth a try thanks anyway.”

 

“Can’t tempt you to…”

 

“No. God no! Miley you are a men among men working with him!”

 

“We’re hiring, how old are you?” Molly interrupts. “If you know of anyone else who…”

 

“Me! Me!” Kiki cries out. “I used to work here when it was the diner.”

 

“Really?!” Molly grins and then grabs her hand. “Consider yourself rehired!” Then she frowns. “Um are you going to dress like that all the time?”

 

“Yes. Why?” Kiki bridles.

 

“Come on let me show you something.” She lets us into the diner, which has been redecorated and looks incredible! “Take a seat I will be right back. I bet he’s been moving things again!”

 

There is a squeal of triumph and she comes out with a roll of material. “So you’re going to need this!” She plonks it on the table and we just look at her. “This is what the uniforms are going to be made out of, we’ve got men’s and girls but you’d obviously be better placed to do your own uniform.”

 

“Oh. I thought…” Kiki looks a little tearful. She strokes the roll of black silk with an iridescent sheen to it with awe. "So beautiful, so beautiful."

 

“What? What? Have I done something wrong?”

 

“No.” I smile at her. “You’ve done the best thing in the world.”

 

“And that is?” She hands Kiki some napkins.

 

“Accepted her for who she is. I’m Gus by the way and I will be your weekend busboy.”

 

 

CHAPTER 2 - HOMECOMING PART 2

 

 

 

MOLLY

 

 

 

I smile at Gus and shake his proffered hand...gotta admire his confidence! “Can you vouch for him?” I ask Kiki and she grins.

 

 

 

“He’s the kid of the Stud of Liberty Avenue so yeah, I can!”

 

 

 

“The Stud of…” I begin and wonder where Gus is disappearing too. “Um, where are you going?”

 

 

 

“Oh sorry, force of habit! My grandma used to work here and I wanted to see what you had done with the kitchen.”

 

 

 

“Your grandma?” I question.

 

 

 

“Debs Horvath nee Grassi or Novotny depending on the day.” Kiki chuckles. “She virtually brought Brian, his dad, up. He went to school with her son, Michael.”

 

 

 

“Oh okay, but what’s that look for?” I ask.

 

 

 

“Not a fan of her son at all. Always expects too much, but never gives enough to deserve it.” Miley explains, sourly. “Five night shifts I had to work because of various emergencies/illnesses that came up!”

 

 

 

“Yikes! Justin would not like that! He’s a very hard, but fair taskmaster.”

 

 

 

“Since Debs moved away, he’s gotten worse. Vic means well, but he doesn’t have the toughness that Debs had. He uses the I don’t have a father and now Ma’s left me excuse every damn time!” Kiki grumbles. “But enough about that and him! When do we start? I need time to rustle up my dress!”

 

 

 

“Well Justin will be here on Monday. He’s going to do about 10 days of testing before we open the weekend after next.”

 

 

 

“No offense doll, but how old are you? You are a little young to be having a business…”

 

 

 

“I’m 22 and Justin is 25. We...uh, came into some money and he’s always loved to cook. So when this place came up for purchase, we leapt at it. It helped us to move round here, too. We’ve bought the old church off Tremont and we’re finally ready to move in.”

 

 

 

“Oh my! Things just got interesting! Working for the enemy, eh Gus?!” Miley laughs.

 

 

 

“Sorry, what?” I ask.

 

 

 

“His dad wanted to buy it, but got outbid. He’s not that much of a sore loser!” Kiki chuckles but when I frown, she’s quick to pat my hand. “No honey, honest. He’s a great guy, once you get past all of that bluff and bluster.”

 

 

 

“Okay.” I say, uncertainly.

 

 

 

“Right, come on, my Miley. You’re with me. I need help with my measurements!”

 

 

 

“Oh, I suppose so!” He grumbles good-naturedly.

 

 

 

“Once it’s cut and sewn, I shall bring the outfit in for approval.”

 

 

 

“Thanks!” I grin as they go out arm in arm, chattering excitedly about dress patterns.

 

 

 

“You need me to help with anything, boss?” Gus smiles at me.

 

 

 

“Well, if you happen to know someone we could go to for advertising ideas that would be really great. I mean, word of mouth is one thing, but that will only take you so far. Justin’s food is incredible and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.”

 

 

 

“I know someone who can help with the food approval. You get him on board and you get the best advertiser in Pittsburgh. But let me speak to my friend, first.”

 

 

 

“Okay! Want to see the kitchen?”

 

 

 

“Oh yeah! Wasn’t allowed back here through fear of getting botulism or something. The prior chef was not the greatest or cleanest!” He shudders for emphasis.

 

 

 

THE LOFT

 

 

 

KITCHEN

 

 

 

BRIAN

 

 

 

“What the fuck is that shit?!” I look at the sludge he has in his glass. “Tell me that wasn’t in my fridge?!”

 

 

 

“No, oh precious one, it wasn’t!” He retorts, flicking a tea towel at me. “So where we going today, then?”

 

 

 

“I shall show you the daytime points of interest. One of which is Kinnetic and Emmy’s Food. Kinnetic first, then CG and then to LAFF for…”

 

 

 

“Laugh?” He looks confused.

 

 

 

“Spelt L-A-F-F, stands for Liberty Avenue Fast Food. The food is not too bad, though it’s still a shame about the diner.”

 

 

 

“Are you seeing Gus this weekend?”

 

 

 

“Yeah, tomorrow. Going to pick him up at his mother’s. Want to come with? You can see how the mighty has fallen!” I snicker.

 

 

 

I know I shouldn’t be mean about Lindsay's’ life as it is now, but she brought it on herself. Not that I would change having Sonny Boy as he is my world. But everything else she’s done, has backfired on her. She refused to have an abortion and I refused to be forced into a shotgun marriage to her, much to the annoyance of my parents and hers. Especially when I decided to come out at the same time! Then, in a last ditch effort to save face or be shipped off to some distant spinster aunt, Lindsay brought home her parents’ worst nightmare! An overweight mechanic with a lisp, who most definitely didn’t fit in with the cunt-ry club set! She only did it because it would annoy her parents but then at 20, she got pregnant by him and that was it. She was married off to him and they gave him enough money to set up his garage and for her to buy a boutique. That was the last they saw of her parents. I feel sorry for Edna-Fanny, first for the name - jeez what was she thinking - and secondly, Lindsay is trying to make her into a mini version of herself. One stuck up, but broke former-debutante is enough!

 

 

 

“Did she ever find out about you and me?” He asks, smirking.

 

 

 

“Nah. She knows I went running when I woke up but not to who or where! If she starts being a bitch again, I might drop that nugget of information in her ear.”

 

 

 

“What do you mean bitch again?” He demands. “She milked you dry in college. You didn’t have to pay a dime, but you did the decent thing!”

 

 

 

“Cool it, Bucks. She wanted me to do some free advertising for her boutique and her husband’s garage, but I said no. So she tried to stop Gus from coming round for a spell until she realised that he was climbing out the window and coming to see me anyway! Now come and see what my Sonny Boy stands to inherit...well work his way up from post boy to inherit!”

 

 

 

“You are a bastard, you know that Kocky?!” He laughs and I am so pleased my best friend is back in Pittsburgh.

 

 

 

LAFF - THREE HOURS LATER

 

 

 

MICHAEL

 

 

 

At least Ted and Emmett are here, so I have someone to talk to. This place is dead on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone is either getting ready to go out or recovering from the night before. I was really pissed when I saw how the bathrooms were this morning! Miley could’ve cleaned them instead of leaving them for me.

 

 

 

I sigh and think of how my life was before that snotty Andrew took over as joint manager at the Big Q. Life was good! I was in my element, able to boss people around and test the stock when they came in. I was in the basement so much that I moved my desk down there. But then Andrew couldn’t understand why I wasn’t more of a presence on the floor in the office near customer services. As the customer needs to be reassured that there is a manager to immediately tend to their needs! It was fine for a while, but I missed my freedom and my stocktaking began to get noticed. Yeah right... more like he told them! I was warned, but didn’t think in a million years, they would fire me! I had been there for years!

 

 

 

Then on top of that Ma moved to help Carl look after his aged mother. So I was jobless, about to be homeless as my flatmate wanted someone who could pay their rent and it was only through Uncle Vic that those two didn’t stay that way.  Ma was going to sell the house, but he moved in and I moved in with him. He also knows Cyril from the good ole days and got me this job.

 

 

 

I’m surprised to see Gus coming in and he heads straight to their table.

 

 

 

“I’m going to take my break now!” I tell Cyril and he nods curtly. He’s still pissed at me for getting shit on his shoes this morning. It’s not my fault he stood so close!

 

 

 

“What are you doing here, Gus?” I ask as I sit down.

 

 

 

“Yes, Sonny Boy, what exactly are you doing here? Thought I was seeing you to…”

 

 

 

“Uncle Ben!” He shouts, leaping into Ben’s arms.

 

 

 

“It’s okay, it’s only me. You know, your father. You did spring from my considerable loins and all!”

 

 

 

“Dad!” “Kocky!” Gus and Ben shout together, but he just grins.

 

 

 

“Seriously, what are you doing here? You okay?”

 

 

 

“Fine. I got a job!” He declares, excitedly.

 

 

 

“Where? Is this going to…”

 

 

 

“No dad, it’s not going to interfere with my schooling. It’s only on Saturdays, during the day.”

 

 

 

“Okay. So where is it?”

 

 

 

“Where else? The former haven that was Liberty Diner. As a busboy. They’re still looking for people, too!”

 

 

 

“They’ve found someone for that place?!” Emmett pouts. “If only I had the capital, and he wasn’t such a sleazy ass over Kiki, I would’ve jumped at it. But I refused to line his pockets!”

 

 

 

“Taking principle lessons from me...I’m honoured!” Brian drawls.

 

 

 

“I don’t really see what he did that was so wrong. He just asked Kiki to dress appropriately.” I add.

 

 

 

“But it was the way he asked and the fact that he waited for Debs to retire because he knew she would raise shit. And you’re hardly one to say anything regarding appropriate behavior, aren’t you?” Ted snickers.

 

 

 

“Anyway, Auntie Ems, can you come and meet them?” Gus asks.

 

 

 

“Who’s them?” He asks.

 

 

 

“The new owners. Molly and Justin, though I didn’t meet Justin yet. But if their tastes in shirts is anything to go by, the food is going to be great!” He pulls out a shirt and shows it to them and I would wear that on a night out! “You should see the place; it’s fantastic! They’ve split it into two parts. One side is going to do fine dining and the other is going for food porn...”

 

 

 

“Food porn?” Emmett repeats and starts to gather his things. “Come on, let’s go!” He orders.

 

 

 

“He hears porn, he’s out the door!” Ted laughs. “Actually, my curiosity is getting the better of me. I’m coming, too!”

 

 

 

I start to get up to join them, but then Cyril clears his throat. “Your lunch is over, Michael. And we have a queue....”

 

 

 

As I trudge back behind the counter, I decide to go and see this Molly person after my shift. She will surely want to hire the son of the legend that is Debs Novotny!

 

 

 

LIBERTY AVENUE FINE DINING - FORTY MINUTES LATER

 

 

 

EMMETT

 

 

 

“So Miss Molly, when exactly is your brother in town?” I am looking at the menu they have drawn up and I have to say I am impressed!

 

 

 

“On Monday and like I said to Gus, he’s recipe testing for ten days before we open.”

 

 

 

“Hmmm. Honey, this Chef’s Special... what is it?”

 

 

 

“Duck confit Reuben.”

 

 

 

Instant silence!

 

 

 

“Did you say Duck Confit Reuben?” Gus demands, snatching the menu out of my hands and almost giving me paper cuts.

 

 

 

“Yes.” She sighs. “He makes a duck confit and then puts the Reuben fixings on top of the shredded duck meat. Heaven!”

 

 

 

“Okay, what you need to do is this: tell him to prep one of everything on Friday, including three DCRs and myself, Teddy and Gus will be here to taste them at 3pm sharp.”

 

 

 

“Can we make it four DCRs? Effy has a free period…”

 

 

 

“Even better!”

 

 

 

“Um, Effy?” Molly looks confused.

 

 

 

“My sister. She adores a lot of things, but among her top ten is cooking and Auntie Em.”

 

 

 

“I am number 1, thank you very much. Emmett Honeycutt does not come number 2!”

 

 

 

“And we love you still!” Ted quips.

 

 

 

MICHAEL

 

 

 

Cyril made me clean the fucking grills down so that by the time I got to what was the diner, it was closed. I was and still am so fucked off! My mood didn’t improve when I turned up at Babylon to find, yet again, Brian and Ben...or Kocky and Bucky as they keep calling themselves... in their own little world! They’re not a couple! So why are they behaving like they are?! But the good thing is that I got a bit of information about Molly and her brother, James...Jacob...whatever his name is and I shall see her on Monday. By the evening, I will be the new maitre’d and can tell Cyril he can fuck right off!

 

 

 

LIBERTY FINE DINING - MONDAY MID-MORNING

 

 

 

JUSTIN

 

 

 

I look around our new place and smile. It is perfection! I got here last night and Molly has been catching me up with everything. As well as the food thing on Friday, we have got to interview for a couple of chefs and some more wait staff. We’re having a soft opening and then we go hell for leather after that. This Emmett character sounds like great fun to be around, if Molly is to be believed. But then again Molly is a great judge of character. After all, she did get the true measure of Hobbs.

 

 

 

I look down at the feel of a cold wet nose on my hand and ruffle Hero’s ears. “Hey boy, I’m fine.” He settles back down under the counter with one more wary look. Ever since I got Hero, he’s been, well a Hero for me. I recovered from the bashing, but I still sometimes get anxious especially when stressed. When Molly found out about therapy dogs and made me go to a meeting, it happened to be a day when they had new puppies. We took one look at each other and that was it...love at first sight! The fact that he’s a Husky with one brown eye and one blue eye also helps!

 

 

 

I am startled by someone hammering on the door and I go to answer it. Whoever this is, is fucking rude in my opinion. If you don’t get an answer immediately, you wait. Quietly!

 

 

 

“Hello, can I help you?” I ask, opening the door to a short dark haired man.

 

 

 

“Yes blondie, I want to speak to Molly. Can you get her for me?” The man demands, impatiently.

 

 

 

“First, my name is not blondie and secondly, no.”

 

 

 

“Look, I don’t have much time! I have to go to a swap meet soon…”

 

 

 

“What is it that you want to speak to Molly about?” I ask.

 

 

 

“That’s between her and me. I’ll come in and wait.” Before I can say anything, he pushes past me and comes in.

 

 

 

“What the fuck do you think you are doing?!” I shout at him, even though my insides are quaking.

 

 

 

“Coming into wait, obviously. So Mr Blondie, will she be long?” He sneers. “I suppose I could...what the fuck is that ugly ass thing?!” He glares at Hero.

 

 

 

With a soft click of my tongue, Hero looks at me but doesn’t move from his spot.

 

 

 

“He’s my dog.” I reply, getting behind the counter to put a bit of distance between us. I can feel the sweat starting to trickle down my back and see the hackles start to rise on Hero’s neck. I try to slow down my heartrate and breathing.

 

 

 

“Well, a dog should not be in this place. When Molly and I are running it, he and you will be the first things to go! In fact…”

 

 

 

His imperious rant is stopped when Hero gets up and sits right in front of him and stares....and then growls long and low.

 

 

 

“Get that away from me!” He demands. “Move your precious dog or I shall…”

 

 

 

Hero stands up and is baring his canines...not much, but enough.

 

 

 

“Wh...what makes you think you and Molly will be running this place?” I stutter as I ask, but start to feel better, after taking a few more calming breaths.

 

 

 

“Mr Blondie…” His tone has lost a little of his snark, but not by much! “First, move the fucking dog! Now!”

 

 

 

“No!” I snap back.

 

 

 

“Then I will do it!” He spits and makes a move for Hero’s collar, who immediately takes a snap at him. “I will have your ass...correction, fat ass for that! I’m the son of the legend that is Debs Novotny, the Mother of Liberty Avenue. Molly and I are going to make this place great again! She will, of course, see the merits of hiring me as the maitre’d. I know the Avenue and people worship me and…”

 

 

 

My snickering stops his genuflecting at his own altar. “Worship you?” I splutter and Hero starts to stand down.

 

 

 

“And why is that funny?!” He retorts.

 

 

 

“One of the first things you do when coming in for an interview, Mr Big Mouth, is research. There’s no way in fuck that you are ever working here!”

 

 

 

The door opening brings in Molly, who has her phone clamped to her ear. She gives me a wave and heads to the office.

 

 

 

“Well since that’s Molly and we’ve talked already, I’d say you are wrong, Fat Ass!”

 

 

 

“Yes that’s Molly but she’s my sister, so I say get the fuck out of our diner! Hero...assist!”

 

 

 

Immediately Hero is back in protect mode and there is no doubting his intentions. Slowly, the idiot starts to move towards the door. “You are bullshitting! I will see Molly tomorrow and you along with that fucking fleabag will be gone!”

 

 

 

MICHAEL’S APARTMENT - AN HOUR LATER

 

 

 

MICHAEL

 

 

 

I am livid! That fat ass has to be lying! One way to check, I grab my phone. “Emmett, it’s me. This new dining place...what? What do you mean? Well yes, I went there to try and get a…” I start to cringe. “Well how was I supposed to know that...Emmett, stop shouting at me! How does it affect you what I did?! Yes, I said that I know people on the Avenue, how is that not true?! Emmett? Emmett? Hello! Hello!” I shout, but he’s hung up.

 

 

 

I sit down, feeling sick to my stomach because I am now stuck at LAFF...and all because I didn’t ask a fat ass blonde his fucking name!

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 3 - HER ASPIRATIONAL LIFE…AND HERE’S EFFY AND AMY

 

 

 

NORM AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - MONDAY EARLY EVENING

 

 

 

LINDSAY

 

 

 

I look at Edna-Fanny in dismay. Once more she’s wearing jeans, a tee shirt and scuffed trainers. “Edna, can’t you wear something else? We’re going to an early dinner with Brian, after all. He will most likely take us to Chelsea Grille, I have always wanted to go, and that’s hardly appropriate…”

 

 

 

“We’re going to Burgatory, mom!” Gus shouts. “Ted and Blake are coming with and bringing Amy, remember?!”

 

 

 

Norm smirks. “Tho what thee’s wearing is perfect Lindth. But you might want to conthider changing.”

 

 

 

“Norm is right. Burgatory and silk don’t mix well.” Gus says as he comes in. “Dad’s here, ready Effy?”

 

 

 

“Gus, I do wish you wouldn’t call her Effy. Her name is…”

 

 

 

“I know what her name is mom, which is why I call her Effy.”

 

 

 

“Ready, Gus.” She replies and stands at the bottom of the stairs.

 

 

 

I glare at Norm until he stops chuckling and Gus goes to open the door.

 

 

 

“Uncle Brian!” She cries out, launching herself into his arms.

 

 

 

“Hey beautiful!” He kisses her cheek and carries her into the lounge. Even though she’s 12, she is small for her age and that combined with her social awkwardness, makes her even shyer. Luckily, she and Gus go to school near each other so he can protect her from, no doubt, her many brickbats. “How are you?”

 

 

 

“Fine, thank you. Who’s that? Is he your boyfriend? You’ve never brought anybody round before.” She peers at a man I vaguely recognise.

 

 

 

“This is my best friend, Ben Bruckner. Ben, this is Effy and you remember…”

 

 

 

“Ben!” I gasp. “I haven’t seen you in years. What are you doing here?!”

 

 

 

“Lindsay. I moved back to teach at CG.” He smiles. “Staying with Kocky until I start. Placement comes with accommodation.”

 

 

 

“Kocky?” Edna frowns. “Why do you call him that?” She asks, still in Brian’s arms.

 

 

 

“Want to get that, Bucky?” Brian smirks.

 

 

 

“No, thank you, Brian.” Ben shakes his head.

 

 

 

Kocky? Bucky? What is that about?

 

 

 

“Oh, where are my manners?! This is my husband, Norman and this is Gus. Gus this is…”

 

 

 

“I know Uncle Ben, mom. We’ve spoken loads of times.”

 

 

 

“You have? When?” I look at the three of them, confused.

 

 

 

“On the phone and I met him when we visited him a few years back.”

 

 

 

“Nice to meet you, Norman.” Ben extends his hand.

 

 

 

“Pleath call me, Norm.” He smiles and inwardly I sigh at his distinctive lisp, which I swear he over emphasises sometimes, just to be annoying. He doesn’t normally lisp that much!

 

 

 

“Before we go, has Gus told you about this job he’s got?” I ask, sitting down and straightening my skirt. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. It’s not as if he has to work...” I say, looking meaningfully at Brian.

 

 

 

“No, I don’t need to do it, but I want to do it. It’s only one day over lunch.” Gus trots out his age old argument.

 

 

 

“I think that it’s a great idea. Nothing wrong with wanting to work.” Norman, once again, doesn’t back me up.

 

 

 

“Oh, that reminds me. Remember, I’m going to take Effy to work so that she can do some tastings with us…”

 

 

 

“Really Gus? When?” She looks excited.

 

 

 

“Oh Edna-Fanny, we’ve got a girl’s afternoon at my boutique this Friday afternoon, when you have your free period.”

 

 

 

“That’s when.” Gus sighs and then goes to the laptop. “Mom, you haven’t put that in, which is why I told my soon to be boss and Emmy that she was coming. I can’t not turn up with her. It makes me look stupid.”

 

 

 

“Gus, perhaps you should’ve cleared it with your parents first.” I point out smartly.

 

 

 

“He asked me and I said it was fine.” Norman tells me...no lisp, I notice!

 

 

 

“But I have closed the boutique especially.”

 

 

 

“In that case, you can come in and do some admin for me at the garage. Since you’re going to be free for the afternoon and all.”

 

 

 

“Sorted.” Brian is definitely smirking. “Okay, Ted’s set off. We should get there at the same time if we go now.” Brian remarks as he reads a text on his phone.

 

 

 

“Are you sure you don’t want to change, mom?” Gus inquires.

 

 

 

“No, thank you.” I tell him firmly. “And Edna-Fanny, try not to eat too much. We want you to grow up, not out.” I smile.

 

 

 

“Wow PAM, mom?!” She retorts and glares at me.

 

 

 

“What does that mean?” I ask as Gus tugs her outside.

 

 

 

“Passive aggressive much and the answer to that is much too much!” Brian glares at me.

 

 

 

“You’ve not changed one…” Ben begins, but then stops when Brian shakes his head.

 

 

 

“What did I do? She knows I’m just teasing her!” I object.

 

 

 

“That’s the thing, Lindth. She doesn’t find your brand of teasing funny.” Norman gripes. “After you all, I need to lock up.”

 

 

 

BURGATORY - AN HOUR LATER

 

 

 

GUS

 

 

 

I lead them to the table and wait for them to stop their conversation with Amy. They adopted her before they found out she was slowly going deaf. At first, her school thought she was being obstinate when she wouldn’t follow directions. But once they realised the issue, they began to teach her ASL and she came along by leaps and bounds. Man, she is scarily intelligent! She and Effy adore each other despite the age difference and Effy took up ASL especially. She’s going to teach us, but until we’re up to speed, we use notebooks. Seems that Ben has a bit of a fan in Effy, as she practically flings herself into the seat next to him.

 

 

 

“First my son and now my Effy!” Dad grumbles, but he’s smiling as Amy clambers onto his lap. After her daddies, it’s Uncle Brian she loves. “I am very well, Amy. Thank you for asking.” Dad writes. “This is my friend, Ben. Ben, this is Amy.”

 

 

 

We watch amazed as Ben signs hello to Amy and she’s thrilled! She then introduces him to her daddies; even though he has met them before.

 

 

 

“What is she saying?” Mom asks, closing her notebook and facing away from Amy. I see the flicker of annoyance cross Ted’s face.

 

 

 

“Lindsay, please do not turn your face away from her. It’s rude.” Uncle Blake tells her.

 

 

 

“Sorry.” She says tightly and I catch the look that Norm gives her.

 

 

 

Now I have to admit to being surprised by my stepdad, Norm. I mean, I love the guy, not as much as dad obviously, but he’s been a complete surprise to me. He doesn’t understand the gay lifestyle, but he’s never shitty about it. Unlike mom, who is a rank hypocrite. If she thinks I don’t know about Melanie, she’s got another think coming! That’s the thing about being a kid, especially a kid with the Stud of Liberty Avenue as a father. They assume you know everything already! I have to admit that I would love to have met Leda. She sounds like a real pistol. She called mom on her shit time and time again until mom told Mel to choose...and she was surprised when Mel chose her best friend. Not in that sense, but because she, according to sources, gave Mel the confidence to go do what she wanted to do, which was go work for the United Nations. So she left both of them, but Emmy Lou says that she and Leda are still in touch.

 

 

 

“She was just asking how come I know her favourite Uncle. And checking that I am being nice to him.” Uncle Ben replies and then signs some more. “I just said that I knew him from big school and I promise be very kind to him.”

 

 

 

“Uncle Ben, can you help teach us sign language? Please!” Effy signs. “I’m trying to teach everyone, but we will get further with you and me doing it, won’t we?” Amy almost nods her head off and does the pretty please face.

 

 

 

“Well since I am not going to do much for a couple of months, why not.” Uncle Ben signs back and I have never seen two girls smile so hard! “Do you want me to order for everyone so that…oh sorry Blake, Ted, I didn’t mean to…”

 

 

 

“No, it’s absolutely fine. Carry on.” Uncle Blake laughs.

 

 

 

Amy is in her element as Ben asks her what she thinks people should have. Dad glowers as he knows that he asked for salad and that’s not what Uncle Ben told Amy. This was confirmed when a burger the size of a mountain arrives. At first, I think that dad is mad, but then Amy tells him that she ordered it so that she and he can share. Mom looks a little pissed off when she gets a salad and that’s it! I noticed that Effy was trying not to giggle!

 

 

 

BEN

 

 

 

I try not to laugh as Lindsay picks at her salad. Effy signing that Amy chose it because she didn’t want to get her blouse dirty, was a stroke of genius! And after her comment earlier, it was totally justified! We decide to get some more drinks and after making sure our seats are saved by our girlfriends, we head to the bar.

 

 

 

“Jesus!” Brian suddenly mutters looking across the room.

 

 

 

“What did you spot, Kocky?”

 

 

 

“A 12 o’cock blond.” He murmurs back.

 

 

 

“Blond is not normally your type.” I quirk an eyebrow.

 

 

 

“You’re more of a dirty one...” He returns.

 

 

 

“12 o’cock or 12 o’clock?” I lean against the bar.

 

 

 

“More like 3pm...what an afternoon delight that would be!”

 

 

 

JUSTIN

 

 

 

Molly and I are on recon for all the restaurants in the surrounding area, but I got stuck looking at two guys at the bar. I’m trying to work out if they are together as in a couple. They were both sitting with adorable girls on their laps, but I don’t think they came in with them. They are definitely close judging by the easy way they are with each other. As I look back up, I watch the brunette hoist the little girl into his arms and then check behind him before allowing her to take a tiny sip of his beer. And I think to myself...Hero would love him!

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 4 - PLOTTING, TASTING AND TESTING

LAFF - WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME

MICHAEL

Miley is cosied up with Kiki at a corner table, heads together whispering and giggling. Occasionally, they look over at me and I glare back.

“You heard the diner is going to reopen next weekend?” A twink tells his friend. “Can't wait! It’s a soft one so half off! And they are looking for wait staff. I might apply, but it might interfere with my social life.”

Emmett and Ted come in then join Miley and Kiki. Emmett is still cross with me after what happened with the new owner. I sigh and realise that I have to actually apologise… Then I have an idea, remembering something Brian said. I decide to make myself the most attractive option and start to think of some people, who would be perfect for them to meet!

KINNETIC

BRIAN’S OFFICE

BRIAN

“Hey Sonny Boy, great timing! Just got back into my office. How’d you do on your test?” I dump my suit bag and stretch out on the sofa. “Good. Uh yeah, I’ll be in the office on Friday afternoon. Why do I get to share in the tasting?” I smile at his enthusiasm. I am so proud of him for his determination to do this. “Do I get to find out...okay, it’s a secret. Got it. Alright, speak to you later, love you too.” I sigh and look across at my desk. “Fuck this! Let’s see what Bucky has been up to in my absence.” I mumble and grab my stuff and go to find my bestie.

LIBERTY FINE DINING - THURSDAY MID-MORNING

MOLLY

“Kiki, that is incredible!” I look at her 50s style dress with a dark purple netting underneath and matching purple and black pumps. “Justin!” I shout and he comes out of the kitchen with a frown. I raise my eyebrows but he gives me a small smile of reassurance, which tells me he doesn’t have a headache. “This is Kiki and her new dress. And Kiki, this is Justin, my brother.”

 

“Hi.” He smiles wider at her and then clicks his tongue. “And this is Hero.”

“Oh, what a darling boy!” She beams and hunkers down to his level and Hero tilts his head, giving a slight thump of his tail.

“Oh, I like that colour.” Justin smiles. “So a woman as beautiful as you can only be our hostess. Isn’t that right, Molly?”

“Host…” Kiki stammers.

“Yes. We most certainly need a hostess. I’m the baker and Justin is the chef.” I explain. “And with your history and knowledge of the Avenue, it’s a no brainer.”

“Wow, I mean, just wow!” She wipes away a flood of tears.

I hand her a napkin with a smile. “Is that your way of saying ‘yes, I accept your offer to be the hostess for Liberty Fine Dining?’”

“Absolutely!” She smiles. “Oh it’s tasting day tomorrow, isn’t it?”

“Yes and you have to be here.” Justin orders. “You know Emmett, right?”

“Everyone knows Emmett!” She laughs. “Don’t worry, honey. Your food and that cute smile will have him onside in no time flat!” She carefully puts her dress away. “Oh, a quick question: do you want me to sit in on the interview process for the wait staff?”

“Yes, that would be great! Thank you!” I squeal in relief. “You can weed out the idiots.”

“When do you start interviewing?”

“Monday and Tuesday with the final selection on Wednesday. Training will be on Thursday and Friday.”

“Wow, those are some business heads on those shoulders! See you tomorrow, darlings!”

THE LOFT - EVENING

BEN

“How the fuck is that checkmate?!” I demand, staring at the board.

“It just is, so suck it up, Buck!” He laughs, stretching out to his full length.

“Tired?”

“A bit.” He murmurs.

“This is why you need a bathtub in here. You could soothe away those aches and pains.”

“Mmm.” He replies.

“Get it off your chest.” I order.

He sighs. “Lindsay. I could be reading too much into it but…”

“No, you’re not. You do not, as a decent human being, tell anyone, especially your own child that they are getting fat! It’s fucking horrible! Effy is a sweetheart; she needs nurturing, not undue criticism. And when she turned away from Amy... I just wanted to throttle that shrew! She’s a six year old, who’s deaf. She is not going to understand why you did what you did, only that you did it!”

“What’s that?” He points at a the pack I was reading when he got in before he sucked me into a chess marathon.

“Oh yeah, I want to talk to you about this. There’s going to be a school opening for inner city youth in Shadyside and they need a business partner.” He screws up his face. “Read it before you diss it. It’s run by a family and yeah, they’re cunt-try. But they’ve got a centre in New York, San Francisco and other places in Cali…” He takes it from me and starts to flick through. “So…”

“Promising nothing. But scope it out and we go from there?”

“Great. Now come on shower and then bed. You look done in!”

“You gotta a date?”

“Yeah, with a chess tutorial website. There is no way that was a fucking checkmate!” I gripe.

He gets up and ruffles my hair. “Of course, it wasn’t...night!”

FUKOWSKI GARAGES - FRIDAY AFTERNOON

OFFICE

NORM

She’s got that smug look going on! She’s raised a valid argument, but I hate that she’s going there with the sole intention of cramping their fun.

“So we will see you later then. I’ll take the Mercedes, I think. Bye now.” She flicks her hair as she closes the office door.

“Bye.” I mutter and think back to our previous conversation.

Start of flashback

She glares at me. “I can’t believe you are objecting to me going to support my children. I’ve not seen where he’s going to be working.”

I roll my eyes. “While that’s true, you don’t actually want him to be working, remember? Besides, you don’t have to go today. He doesn’t start work until next weekend.”

“Well, I’ve changed my mind about him working. Brian raised a valid point; there’s nothing wrong with working and...”

“I raised that point, not Brian. And your change of heart has nothing at all to do with the pile of admin that you don’t want to do, now would it?”

She narrows her eyes at me. “No, Norman it doesn’t…”

End of flashback

Well Mrs Peterson-Fukowski, two can play that game! I smirk to myself then grab my phone to place a call.

JUSTIN

I am so nervous! These last few days of testing and tweaking have been good. I still can’t believe we have this place, considering where we were a few years ago.

“Molly!” I call out impatiently and she comes in carrying a plate of mini fondant fancies. “How many of those can I have?” I eye them keenly.

“All of them!” She grins.

“Oh, thank god!” I put two of them in my mouth and sigh contentedly.

“We’re all set, right?” She asks. “You got the take out box that Emmy wanted? Justin! Slow down; I’m not going to take them away. I made them for you!”

“Sorry. Just nervous, I guess. How long do we have?”

“A couple of hours. It will be fine. You and I both know how good you are.” She gives me a huge hug. “I am going to check the florentines...and no, you cannot help before you ask!”

OUTSIDE GUS’S SCHOOL

GUS

Oh that is not a happy face on Effy. I guess Norm called her, too.

“You heard, huh?” I give her a squeeze.

“About mom coming to the tasting? Yep.”

“Do you know why?!” I grouse.

“He said she’s being supportive of your job choice, but reckons she doesn’t want to do the invoices. I’m going to get her to take me ho...”

“What for…?”

“She’s going to ruin it for me, with her little jokes. Any time I am around food, she gets that look on her face.”

“You are coming!” I tell her, firmly. “And if mom starts, I’m sure your boyfriend will sort her out.”

“Gus, I don’t have a boyfriend. I doubt I ever will.” She sighs sadly.

“Effy, you are only 12. You’ve got plenty of time for that, but there’s nothing wrong with a little practice…” I smile and turn her around. She gasps when she spots Ben. “Ma’am, your carriage awaits.”

“Gus?” She looks back at me for an explanation.

“When Norm called, I called my dad and Ben was happy to be your plus one. Now let’s go.”

LIBERTY FINE DINING - AN HOUR LATER

EMMETT

Okay, he is as sweet as my Aunt Lula’s apple pie and as beautiful as all get out! If he cooks as good as he looks, this place will be packed to the rafters! I look round the dining room and it’s an intimate space, seating only for 20 people. “Perfect.” I murmur and then head to the diner part of this fine establishment and chuckle.

“What’s wrong?” Justin looks worried.

“Nothing, sweetie. Just that Debs, who was the mother of Liberty Avenue, would love this. A lot of people miss her and she would love you two to death.” He breaks into a smile. “And she would call you Sunshine!”

“Oh wouldn’t she, though.” Kiki chimes in. “Seriously, when this place opens, we have to send her a picture. I mean, can we send her a picture?!”

“Yes.” Molly laughs and gives Kiki a hug of reassurance.

“Oh, that’s what I meant to say. Now, what about the wine list? May I have a look at that?” I peruse it carefully and something is not quite right. “Let me just call someone; won’t be long.” As I step outside and wait for Vic to answer, I spot Gus, Effy and Ben coming down the street and wave at them. “Hey Vic, what are you doing right now? Can you come down to the diner? You can, great! See you in a few.” As I head back in I see Lindsay, making her way down the street, but she doesn’t see me as she’s on the phone. “Lock the door..quick!”

Molly rushes to do as I tell her. “What’s going on?”

“An uninvited guest! Now my darlings, I need one of you to harness that inner WASP I know you have and act accordingly when she arrives. Okay?” They both nod.

“Emmy. That’s disgraceful...funny, but disgraceful.” Ben laughs.

“What? What’s happening?” Gus asks, frowning.

“Watch and learn little darling, watch and learn. And you two in the kitchen quick!” I order Gus and Effy. I smile as Vic and Lindsay arrive at the same time and Vic waves through the window.

“Who is she and why am I being a WASP?” Molly asks.

“She’s our mother and we don’t really want her here.” Effy explains, slightly shamefaced.

“Then here, she will not be. Stay back there.” Molly grins and heads to open the door. “Hi there, you must be Vic? I’m Molly, come in, come in. Oh and you are, ma’am?”

“I’m here for the tasting. There’s no need for such formality, please call me Lindsay. I’m the mother of Gus and Edna-Fanny.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly do that. I was brought up to be respectful to my elders, ma’am. I’m Molly, and I bought this establishment with my brother, Justin. But unfortunately, this is for staff only. Proprietary reasons, as a woman of your longstanding business acumen would appreciate, I’m sure.”

“Long...but Emmett and Ben are there and also Vic…” She bridles.

“Yes, like I said staff only. But as for Ben, he’s our delivery boy for the day. Now if you would excuse me...”

“What about Edna-Fanny? Is she your delivery person, too?” She asks tightly.

“No. After Ben makes the delivery, they are going to be having an ASL session. Now really, I must go. You’re more than welcome to come back and collect Gus, in about 3 hours.” She smiles sweetly and firmly shuts the door. She turns back to us. “That what you had in mind?”

“Yes!” I chuckle and laugh harder at the outraged expression on Lindsay’s face as she looks through the window. And then have to turn my back to it as Molly walks over and pulls the blinds down!

VIC

“Right, shall we begin?” Molly asks, eyes twinkling. “And if she asks when you get home, your phones were on silent...as they would be if you were in school...”

“So what am I here for?” I ask, shaking my head at the audacity of Molly.

“Here. The wine list looks a bit off. Cast your expert eye over it, will you?” Ems hands it over then Justin and Molly give me a tour. After I check out the food menu, I shake my head. “Okay, I would source more New World wines for this menu…”

“Oh, we don’t have much experience with wines, apart from drinking. We just got the ones we spotted on other restaurants’ websites.” Justin worries at his lip.

“You are bringing a completely different concept of dining to this area, especially, so the wines need to match them. When do you open?”

“Soft opening next weekend and then opening properly the following Tuesday for the diner, 24/7, but the fine dining area will open for 3 days from Thursday evening.” He replies, his brow creasing with worry.

“This is why I called Vic. He was a sommelier in New York for years and can give you some guidance.” Ems explains and two pairs of big blue eyes lock pleadingly on me.

“Alright since I’m not doing anything, except watching trash TV. Give me your contact details and we start to tomorrow, okay?” I get kissed on both cheeks in response.

“Now can we taste the food?” Gus pleads.

“Yes. And Ben I need you to do me a favour... Take that, that and oh that to Kocky...what’s that smile for? I smell gossip...dish!”

“No. Sorry Ems, this one stays with me until the right time, but you are going to like it when it gets out.” Ben tells him mysteriously. “Now come on, Effy. Let’s go...um, I think we will go out the back way!”

BEN

As we drive to Kinnetic, I marvel at the small world we live in. When I got in and was introduced to Justin, I could not believe it! I can’t wait to impart that bit of news.

“You want to wait in the car, Effy? I’m just going to drop this off and come straight back. Then we can go back to the diner or…”

“Can we do some ASL instead please?” She asks hopefully and I get a megawatt smile when I nod.

“Want to come with? You get to see Uncle Brian…” She almost forgets to undo her seatbelt.

BRIAN’S OFFICE

“Hey, what you guys doing here?” Brian grins in relief and pushes the papers aside. “Wait, what the fu...hell is that smell? It smells so good!”

“I have been charged with delivering this by Ems, but I’m not telling you where it’s from. Nor will you get it from Effy.” I wink at her and she nods firmly.

“Oh okay, be mean like that.” He takes the box off her and peers cautiously inside. “Wow, that looks great! Am I supposed to eat all of that?!” Effy peers in the box then looks at me and I smile. “They are the biggest chicken wings I have ever seen. Oh Christ, what is that meat ladened thing...I can feel my arteries protesting! Oh well, at least there’s a salad, I suppose.”

“When you have quite finished queening! Could you share it out so we can eat!” I order, but he searches in the box. “Now what are you looking for?! The food is getting cold!” I am getting exasperated and hungry!

“Napkins, cutlery...I am wearing a Zenga suit.”

“Let me get them for you Uncle Brian!” Effy runs out to the break room and is back with the necessary things. “Shall we sit over by the sofa?”

“Yep. Now come on before your Uncle Ben passes out with starvation!” Kocky teases me.

Ten minutes later, there is no sound in the office but our content groaning as we eat the food. “Want to sleep on the landing, Bucky?” He asks, narrowing his eyes and I shake my head frowning. “Put the turkey wing down and that won’t be an issue…”

“They are really good, aren’t they! Now what do you think of the salad?” I put the wing down and he moves it to his plate.

“I could have those on a regular basis. Now that sandwich, is definitely a once a month followed by a good hard session thing. I’m trying to figure out what the meat is…”

“Can I tell him?” Effy pleads and again, I get the smile when I nod. “It’s a duck confit reuben.”

“Oh...I was thinking goose. So good!” He sits back and rolls his eyes, handing me the wing in annoyance. I knew he would do that once he found out what was in the sandwich. “What are you guys up to now?”

“ASL.” I reply, noting his pout as I suck the bones clean.

“Did you drive?” I nod. “Want to use one of our meeting rooms? I’ve got a couple of hours of work to do here, then we can drop off our princess before we go home.”

“Done.”

“I’ll go find a room, Uncle Brian! Then I’ll come and help clear.”

“You are such a sweetheart, Effy.” I tell her and she goes pink with pride. As the door closes behind her, I turn to him with a self-satisfied smirk.

“What?”

“You know your 12 o’cock blonde?” He nods. “Turns out he can cook as good as he looks.”

“You’re fucking with me? You’d better not be fucking with me!”

“Nope. I was as stunned as you are!” I stand up and watch Effy start to skip back down the corridor with a tray. “Oh and Justin looks even better from the back. As Ems said, his ass looks as sweet as two candy apples and…”

“Ready, Uncle Ben?” Effy comes in.

“Yeah!” I laugh as he signs fucker at me and follow her out.

LINDSAY AND NORM’S HOUSE - EVENING

LOUNGE

NORM

She is still pouting about the uppity little madam, who refused her entry into the establishment. She has a good mind to forbid Gus from working there, but when I pointed out that she wouldn’t be being very supportive like she claimed, she soon abandoned that idea! Gus has not stopped raving about the food and she was further aggrieved when she found out that Kiki is going to be the hostess and Vic the sommelier.

“Norman, are you listening?” She cavills.

“Yeth dear.” I reply and watch her eyes widen.

“So you agree with me then?”

Immediately, I am wary. “About what?”

“Going to the restaurant for Gus’s first day…”

“Um, he’s going to be nervous enough. Perhaps not on his first day…” I reason.

“But then it’s a whole week... No, I’ve decided we’re going to do this! Don’t tell him though. I want it to be a surprise!” She smiles and heads to the kitchen.

“Oh fuck!” I grumble and reach for my phone the 2nd time today to stop her exacting revenge by using Gus as her unwitting vessel!

“Brian, it’s Norm...what are you doing next Saturday?”

 

CHAPTER 5 - THEY MEET

WOODY’S - EVENING

BRIAN

I don’t know who to kill first, Lindsay for trying to play Lady Muck or Bucky for telling me what he told me! But at least I know what his name is...Justin...yeah, I could growl that!

“Hi Brian!” Michael’s whine interrupts my lustful thoughts. “You okay? You had a funny expression on your face.”

“Yeah, just thinking about the circumstances that make coincidences happen.” He looks confused and I understand more why we drifted apart. “So what have you been up to?”

“Not much, have to pull an…” He pauses. “Never mind, are we going to Babylon?” I quail on the inside, at the idea of just me and him, and take a large swig of beer. “Oh, there’s Emmett! Hopefully, he’s calmed down now.”

“Why what was he…”

“Hey-hey! Well what did you think?” Emmy comes up, ignoring Michael.

“I hate you.” I retort, smiling.

“So...will you help?” He looks worried.

“Didn’t I say I hate you?”

“Oh, thank you!” He throws his arms round me and kisses me on the side of my neck.

“This is your baby, okay?” I tell him firmly and his eyes fill with tears. "Honeycutt, stop leaking!”

“D-don’t call me Honeycutt! Off for a Cosmo and...cooee Vic over here!”

“Uncle Vic, what are you doing here?” Michael seems to be complaining.

“This is a drinking establishment, I am thirsty, therefore, I am here.” He replies with a slight sneer. “So what’s with you and Bucky?” He turns to me.

“My, he has been a bit of a social butterfly, hasn’t he?” I grouse.

“Stop avoiding the question.” He elbows me and then gives me the Debbie Don’t Fuck With Me look.

“Went to college with him…”

“A little too far back. I am asking about the fucking you two have participated in recently.”

“Which one..?” I blink at him.

“You’ve fucked him...more than once?” Michael gasps just as Emmy comes back with drinks for him and Vic. “Did you know about this Emmett?!”

“Did I know about what?” He asks, his voice a little chilly.

“That Brian and Ben fucked more than once... that’s unheard of!”

“Not when you are a randy teenager, it isn’t!” Vic snickers. “Oh the times I could barely keep my eyes open in Calculus.”

“So what’s happening tomorrow with the blue-eyed beauties?” Emmy asks him.

“We’re going to New York. I still have contacts there.” Vic explains.

“So you’re not going to be here this weekend? I have the house to myself?” Michael demands, excitedly.

“Yes, so what marathon are you figuring on watching?” He smirks.

“Not sure, but I’m definitely getting the boys round..”

“You have boys to have round who aren’t us?” Emmy snipes.

“I do have other friends, Emmett!” He retorts.

“So why don’t you go play with them for a change?”

I notice the unusual fire in Emmy’s eyes and swallow down the rest of my beer. “More drinks, Ted and Blake are coming. Emmy, come help and you can find out where Bucky is.” He follows me to the bar and I turn to face him. “What’s going on with you? You’re not normally this snipy.”

He sighs crossly then tells me what Michael said to Justin and I am fucking furious! Why should he be in the diner at all? He’s not Debbie; she has more balls than him, for a start! “Look Ems…” He gives me a small smile, it’s not often I call him Ems. “Don’t let the fantasist stress you out or ruin this for you. You’re good at what you do and from what you sent me, the catering side is going to be fantastic. So call Bucky and tell him to meet us at Babylon in an hour.” He nods and I hand him my phone with a picture of a very naked Bucky on the screen. He gasps and then giggles. “Feel better?” I nudge him.

“Yes. Much! But I have a question…”

“Head fuck is what Vic means. Bucky is all about mischief! We always rescue each other when the tricking gets tough. I love the guy, he is my best friend but it was once and once only. Okay?” He nods. “Though from memory, he is one hell of a kisser. He does this thing with his tongue that you feel in your dick!”

He chokes on his Cosmo!

THE OLD CHURCH HOUSE, OFF TREMONT - MOLLY AND JUSTIN’S RESIDENCE

SATURDAY MORNING

MOLLY

“Justin!” I call up the stairs. “Come on, Vic is here!”

“Coming!” He shouts back and soon there is a thunder of steps as he comes down, ladened with more stuff for Hero.

“One night. He’s staying with her for one night!” I exclaim.

“You know how he likes his blankie and his chew toys, especially when I’m not around.”

“Molly, it’s fine.” Kiki touches my arm.

“No, it’s not fine.” I tell her quietly. “Justin, I’m sorry I’ve just realised...now if you don’t want to go without Hero just say and we can move this trip to another day. Maybe Monday? Kiki can handle the interviews, right?” She nods. “Now do you want us to move the trip?” He bites his lip and says nothing for a while before he gives a very small nod. “Right. Now go upstairs and unpack and Vic and I will sort this out.”

The relief that hits his body is like an avalanche and he belts up the stairs with Hero chasing after him.

“Can you tell me what’s going on with him?” Vic asks quietly. I jump slightly as I hadn’t realised he was behind me.

“Come on, let’s go to the kitchen. I can’t believe I forgot that!” Molly sighs.

“Let me make some tea and you can tell us what’s wrong.” Kiki suggests and I slump in the seat.

Ten minutes later, they are tearful and appalled. “Yeah, so he gets almost beaten to death by his high school bully boy. Our parents, were oh so caring, that they didn’t come to see him once, but of course threw money at the situation to make it go away. But I thought fuck that! You tried to kill my brother because he wouldn’t go down on your girlfriend! So I found a lawyer and we sued that fucking family for everything they had! Naturally, when we won suddenly our parents loved us and were so fucking proud. Well by then we could see them for who they were; nasty assed money-grabbing guttersnipes. So we packed and moved to Pittsburgh and any attempts at reconciliation have been firmly rebuffed.”

“Oh, sweetie. Do we tell him that we know?” Vic asks.

“Yes. Let me just get him.” I get up and yell for him to come down. The moment he comes in and sees the concern on their faces, he sighs.

“You told them?” Justin glares at me.

“Yes. I’m so sorry that I didn’t remember the date. It is something I always want to forget, but you never can.”

“So is today the day of the beating or…” KiKi questions.

“Yeah, today is the day I almost died.” He sniffs and immediately, Vic has him in his arms and lets him cry. I feel so helpless and it isn’t until I feel Kiki tug on my hand that I start crying, too.

Twenty minutes later, we are all cried out. “ So what are we going to do today instead, then?” Vic asks. “Michael has his friends round and I haven’t done anything bad enough to stay in the same house when he’s having a geekathon with his comic book nerds! And he wonders why he is perennially single and laughed at in the gayborhood! It took a lot of pleading and begging by Debs to get me to come back here I tell you!”

“You came back because Debs asked you?!” Kiki gasps.

“Of course! It was proving difficult to sell the house and what with Michael’s continued imbecility and immaturity, he wouldn’t have lasted seconds on the mean streets of the Avenue now that Debs would no longer be there to protect him! Wait a second...why did you gasp?”

“Because Michael said, you got fired in New York and had to come back.” Kiki growls. “Oh, that boy is such a shit-fuck liar. Anything to make himself look good!”

“You know what we need?” I declare.

“Cookathon?” Justin smiles and starts to pull out pots and pans.

“Do you want me to go?” Kiki asks and then puts up her hands in supplication. “Let me take off my heels. I do not cook in heels!”

ASPCA-PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

BEN

“Why are we here again?” Kocky grumbles.

“Because you are doing a nice thing for Effy and company for you. And you need company, when I’m gone. So stop with the bullshit bullshitting and come and see what I found!” He muttered crossly as he follows behind me, but I know him and can hear him sighing and cooing as he passes puppy after puppy. “There!”

“Where?” He demands.

I look in the kennel and point in the corner. “Right there, you idiot!”

BRIAN

I look at where he’s pointing and at first, see nothing. But then the blue eyes turn to face me and I am captivated. “Fucker.” I mumble at Bucky. I click my tongue and the first thing that comes out of the hiding place is a snout. “Come on.” I encourage quietly and the face comes into view. “Oh fuck, Bucky. He’s beautiful!” I groan. “Why? You are supposed to be my best friend! How can you take me to meet something like this while I am hungover here?!”

“Just wait.” He tells me quietly.

“Does he have a name?”

“Not yet. Want to go inside?” The vet tech asks. “See if he will come out and sit with you?”

“Please.” I try to keep from fangirling like a virgin at a Ricky Martin concert. As she lets us in, for once I think to hell with my jeans, and sit on the cold concrete and wait. I tap the floor and click my tongue, but he retreats back into his cave with those blue eyes still trained on me.

“Maybe if you move closer?” Bucky suggests and I shuffle along and get a low growl.

“Okay, boy, I’m stopping.” I look at the vet tech and she nods. We wait in silence and slowly, the tip of his snout and his front paws come out. “You’re going to have to grow into those things, they’re huge!” I turn back to the vech tech. “How old is he?”

“Five months, so he’s got a lot of growing to do!”

I keep tapping my fingers and he starts whimpering. “I won’t hurt you, I promise.” I whisper to him and stretch out my arm so that he can sniff me from a safe, for him, distance.

“Now you know why I also made you a bacon sandwich.” Bucky laughs as the puppy licks my fingers and sits up to investigate further. And when his entire self comes out from his cave, I know that I am done!

“Two things. One, get the papers sorted out and, two what exactly is he?”

“Husky and pomeranian.” Both Bucky and I look at her. “No, I have no idea either.” She laughs quietly and then gapes. I know what she’s looking at as I can feel the warmth of a small body against my thigh. “Do not move!” She whispers. “He’s come out of there but then normally goes back into his cave...I mean kennel!” With bated breath, we watch as the head slowly comes up to rest on my thigh. “Did you dip him in bacon grease or something?! He has never and I mean never done that! Be right back!”

Twenty, very cold on my ass, minutes later she’s got the paperwork and a crate. “Don’t you need to do a home visit or something?” I ask.

“No. Not for this guy.” She spits out. “I am madder than a wet hen!”

“What’s wrong?” Bucky looks concerned and then shakes his head. “Someone here wanted him?”

“Oh yes, my supervisor does, for fuck sake, and I have just found that out! That poor little guy could’ve gone to a decent home months ago, but she was waiting to fucking move! She handled all the previous viewings and visits for him...and she calls herself an animal lover! Turns out she was sending him back inside so that he would look unapproachable and nobody would pick him and there were no home visits ordered either!”

THE LOFT - FORTY MINUTES LATER

BEN

They are both asleep on the sofa. He hasn’t named him yet as he has a hangover that only sleep can cure. We didn’t mean to get so drunk last night but Emmy, who is still pissed at Michael but won’t tell me why, invented a drinking game that involved shots and then champagne!

I’m startled when the door knocks and I open it to find Emmy outside. “What’s wrong?” I whisper and then nod at the sofa. “Actually, let’s go out. Leave him to sleep.”

After I leave him a note, I grab my jacket and we head out. Ten minutes later, he’s still said nothing. “Get it off your chest.”

“Do you know who Drew Boyd is?”

“Yeah, the gay Ironman.” I reply and suddenly find myself walking alone. I turn back to see Emmy stock still, looking like he’s catching flies “Emmy!” I have to shout at him to bring him out of his stupor.

“G-gay Ironman?” He finally starts to speak.

“He came out about three or so months ago. He copped a lot of flack for 2 weeks, but then he punched a guy out who called him a faggot and suddenly all was fine. He was still the same Drew Boyd...albeit a man’s man!”

“He did? Well that explains it then.” Emmy mutters and rifles in his bag. “Here.” He hands me his phone and I start to read the many texts.

“We need to wake Kocky up!” I declare and we head back to the loft.

CHAMBERS STREET WINES, NEW YORK - MONDAY LUNCH TIME

PRIVATE TASTING ROOM

VIC

After the trying anniversary weekend, they are back to their ebullient best. Hero is with Kiki and we’re here on my old stomping ground. We have the finalised menu and I am waiting for Madeline to come back in with the food. I have known Madeline for years. Whenever I had a menu change where I worked, she was the go-to person to match the wine. We all look up as the door opens and she sweeps in.

“Who devised this menu?” She asks.

“We did, between the two of us.” Molly answers and then squirms under Madeline’s intense gaze. “Ma’am.” She adds quickly.

“Okay, let’s have a seat and get to testing!” She orders.

After two hours, the food and wine are gone and she and I are arguing the finer points over dessert wine.

“Justin, may I ask a question?” Madeline smiles at him and he nods. “Where did you study for your culinary arts?”

“I didn’t, neither did Molly. We’re both self taught and…” He trails off at her stunned expression.

“You old dog, you never told me that!” She glares at me before turning back to them. “Well my darling dumplings, I suggest you both do that at night school. This food is exquisite, but some techniques need to be honed. Okay?”

“But we’re going to keep it…” Molly begins.

“If you are going to say small and bijou, then you won’t. Sorry darling, but the food is ex-quis-ite now. With training it will be per-fect-ion when you’ve sharpened your skills. Because nothing spreads the news faster than an A-Gay...and trust me when you open, you will be inundated with A-Gays!”

“Oh fuck!” Justin groans.

LIBERTY FINE DINING - SAME TIME

KIKI

I think incredulously about the people who think that they would be suitable to work in this establishment! I have a headache that only a mallet could kill! As the bell rings again, I sigh and paste on my best smile and then almost sag in relief as it is Miley.

“What’s wrong and who is that?!” He cries out on seeing Hero, who...and I know this sounds weird...had an expression of are you shitting me...during the six interviews I have already done.

“Miley, meet Hero. Let him come to you.” I tell him and immediately, Miley pauses and sits...on the floor! “Uh…”

“Sssh.” He whispers and then I watch as he bows his head and keeps it bowed as Hero circles him, sniffing and nudging, before he chuffs a growl and returns to his spot, looking very proud of himself.

“What the hell did you just do?”

“Respected him as the Alpha Male.” He gets up, dusting down his pants. “This place is awesome! Can you show me the other side?” I nod and take him across. Then we watch as the grease monkey as I have heard Michael sometimes call him, adjust a picture here, a napkin pot there...and smile as he does so. “I think there’s someone at the door.” His words jolt me out of my thought process.

“Oh goody. Another no-mark from Nowheresville! I swear there is a conspiracy here!”

“What are you talking about?” He asks as he follows me across when suddenly he grabs the back of my dress. “Stop!” He hisses and starts to pull me back.

“What is wrong with you?!” I smack his hand away. “This is charmeuse satin. You do not mishandle charmeuse satin!”

“That  is one of Michael’s geek friends. You do not want to hire that guy!”

“Michael’s geek friends, you say?”

“Yes! They meet once a month at one of their houses and play dress up or some shit. Seriously, the way he rhapsodises about those weekends, you’d think he’s finally gotten laid, fallen in love and was flying away with Captain Asshole or whatever-the-fuck his name is! He, naturally, is the leader of the Unfuckables, which is what I call the geek gang...yuck!”

As I take that little nugget of information onboard, I nod sagely. “Stay here and out of sight.”

Pasting on a smile, I head to the door and unlock it. “May I help you?”

“Yeah, I have an interview for a busboy or waiter job.”

“Oh, I am so sorry, but the positions have been filled by the previous applicants.”

“Fine.” He grins and leaves as quickly as he arrives. I poke my head out the door and watch him almost run up the street. And lo and behold, out of the alley like the rat he is, comes Michael! I slam the door hard and call Miley out.

“Give in your notice at LAFF. He wants people to be busboys then they can work there!” I declare and snatch up my phone to call Vic.

LINDSAY AND NORMAN’S RESIDENCE - THURSDAY EVENING

EFFY

Mom has been all sweetness and light after Molly turfed her out on Friday. I just know she’s planning something, but I can’t think what it is. But that can wait since today is date night! Which means that mom and dad go out and all my uncles and Amy come over, but there’s no Amy tonight as they have a dinner...and when they come over we play poker!

“Now remember to be good for your father and uncles.” Mom looks at us as if we’re going to burn the house down.

“Yes, mom.” I reply dutifully and try not to look at dad.

“I have set the movies up. Now you know your uncles will most likely work for awhile. Try not to disturb them, okay?” Dad says and Gus looks at the floor.

“Norman, let’s go. We can’t keep the Rivermans waiting!” Mom orders before turning back to us. “Now remember, only open for your uncles or father.”

“Yes, mom!” We chorus and telepathically will them out of the door.

Ten minutes later, I hear the sing song voice of Uncle Brian, demanding entrance. When I open the door, there is no Uncle Brian but there is a puppy! “Guuuuus!” I call back and he comes up to me, grinning.

“You have a very persuasive boyfriend.”

“Wha…” I look between him and the puppy, desperate to hunker down and pet him.

“Okay, he’s not going to live here because your mother will pitch a fit. So he’s going to live with me and we could share him, right?” Uncle Brian leans against the door frame.

“Oh yes, oh please yes!” I cry.

“Well since I got him, you can name him.” Uncle Brian scoops him up and carries him to the lounge.

“Dad! He is gorgeous!” Gus follows him, trying to take him off him.

“Gus, for fuck sake calm down. He’s a puppy, not your first vibrator!” Uncle Brian says as he plops the puppy in my arms. Finally, we get to the sofa and the puppy snuggles into my lap. When he looks at me with those big blue eyes, all I can say is “Moonshine.”

“Huh?”

“You have to call him Moonshine.” I order Uncle Brian and he smiles.

“So you won’t be coming Saturday?” Gus asks.

“Coming where?” Uncle Brian asks.

“For my first day of work to show your support, as any decent, caring and loving parent would.” He sneers, sarcastically, and I look at him. “I overheard mom telling Norm that she’s going to be there on my first day. And not to tell me!”

“Oh fuck! Sonny Boy, sorry about that I forgot! I’ll  be there, but what the hell are we going to do with Moonshine? We can’t leave him alone; he’s only a baby!” Uncle Brian says as he strokes Moonshine’s head,

The room goes silent as we all look at Uncle Brian, who clears his throat. “Tell anyone I said that and I shall have you murdered!”

“Give me a second, let me call someone!” Gus declares and runs out of room.

Ten minutes pass, but Gus comes in, grinning. “Now I want you guys to go play poker while we wait for our special guest.”

BRIAN

I’m beating the house whilst waiting for whoever the fuck Gus has called. So the rest of the guys were relieved when the door knocks.

“Hey! Come in!” Gus exclaims.

I look up as I hear the soft and gentle tone of his guest. I was all prepared to dismiss him, but then my 12 o’cock blonde comes into the room and he has a Husky too!

 

CHAPTER 6 - AND HE GREETS

BRIAN

“Oh my goodness, what a beauty!” Justin gasps as he sees Moonshine, dozing on the sofa and goes to sit next to him. “What’s his name?”

“Moonshine.” Effy replies. “I’m sharing him with Uncle Brian. And this is Uncle Brian. Uncle Brian, come and say hello. You need to meet one of Gus’s bosses.”

Slight problem!

“Who is that?” Bucky comes to my rescue.

“Oh sorry, this is Hero. Hero come…”

Not helping!

Hero is immediately by his side. And is locked on.

“What is he?” I ask.

“A Husky.” He replies, frowning.

“No, what is he to you?”

He stares at me for a few seconds before sighing. “A therapy dog. How did you know?”

“Did an advertising campaign for USA Therapy Dogs and…” I tell him sheepishly.

“Really, dad! You never said.” Gus looks surprised.

“Why tarnish my asshole reputation.” I reply.

“Stop that.” Emmy chides me and I put my hand up.

“Why would anyone think you’re an asshole?” Justin asks, looking puzzled.

“Oh sweetie, don’t listen to him. He is being disingenuous.” Emmy grumbles. “He’s an absolute darling on the Avenue and he knows that, even if he doesn’t like it.”

“Moving on.” I tell him firmly.

“Fine. So what do we do about Saturday? He’s only just got Moonshine and wants to come support Gus on his first day.”

“He can sit with Hero. Can’t he, boy?” He looks at Hero and pats the seat next to a still asleep, Moonshine. Hero hops up and then chuffs at Moonshine, who stretches, yawns and opens his eyes. What happens next is incredible! He sits up very quickly, but has his head bowed. Hero then sniffs him before slumping on his side and issuing a low growl. I am about to get up when Ben shakes his head. Then Moonshine crawls on his belly to Hero’s side before burrowing into his stomach with his nose in his chest, and with his tail wagging goes back to sleep.

“Is that normal?” I ask Justin.

“I have no idea. I’ve never seen him interact with another dog before, but I’d say they are buddies now.” He giggles and once again, I have no problem standing up. But getting up from the table...yeah a problem!

“So want to play a hand?” I ask.

“What are you playing?” He asks and sits next to me when Bucky, my best friend, makes room.

“Poker.”

“I love poker! Who’s beating the house? Have you finished this hand?” We nod and he takes the cards and starts to shuffle them.

“That would be me.” I reply.

“Not for long.” Is his swift response.

Two hours later, I am very smug because he was wrong!

“They’re on their way back.” Gus tells me and looks across at Justin, who gave up half an hour ago and is curled up on the sofa. “You know the Old Church House you wanted?”

“Yep.” I reply, grabbing Moonshine’s leash.

“That’s where he lives. So can you drop them off on your way?”

“Fine. Bucky, wake them up. I need the bathroom and to say goodnight to Effy.”

I head upstairs and knock gently on her door. I get a sleepy come in. When I get inside, I see her in bed, starting to put the pile of books on her bedside table. “Come on princess, time to sleep.” She nods and slides down under the blankets. “Good night, see you tomorrow.”

“Night, Uncle Brian. Love you.” She tilts her cheek up for a kiss.

“Love you too.” I kiss her softly and head to the door and then wait as she reaches her for teddy bear and tucks him under her chin.

When I get downstairs, a still very sleepy, Justin is barely standing up. I nod at Bucky and he picks him up and carries him, unprotestingly, to the car. “See you boys tomorrow. Oh and try and get Ted and Blake there too.”

“Will do sweetie, see you!” Emmy smiles as we leave. We always leave Emmy there because he and Norm have a brandy and a chat...and by chat I mean, he helps him hone his lisp!

VIC AND MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SATURDAY MORNING

KITCHEN

MICHAEL

I look across at Uncle Vic and Kiki and can’t understand why she is here.

“So how was New York?” She asks him as she helps him with coffee and breakfast.

“Great! The food and wine is sorted and the soft opening for the dining room is tonight, but the diner is later today. I can’t wait for tonight though; I have my best suit ready.”

“You’re going to the opening?” I ask in surprise. “Why?”

“Because I work there.” Uncle Vic replies.

“Work there? What job are you going to do?” I laugh. “Be the head busboy?”

“No, the sommelier, like I was in New York.”

“And speaking of the diner, oh you should’ve seen the dreck that turned up for interviews this week.” Kiki snickers.

“Dreck? What does that mean?” I try to keep the smirk off my face.

“Garbage, crap, stuff you wouldn’t step in. Oh, they were awful. Let me set the scene…

Start of flashback

KIKI

“Sorry repeat that?” Miley asks, incredulous.

“You heard me correctly. This is what I had to contend with today; a chef told me that he only cooks his food to the Spice Girls Wannabe on repeat. A bohemian female chef, who says she will serve the entire menu on a bed of grass and claims to be a fruitarian, only eating fruit that has fallen to the ground. Otherwise picking fruit is murder! And she considers the modern Farmers Market to be the site of a vegetable massacre. Then there was the hairy bear chef, who showed up drunk, tried to make a hamburger and almost sets the kitchen on fire. Then I had the couple, who got into a fight and started throwing plates at each other before chasing each other around with meat cleavers”. I take a breath and roll my eyes.

“But oh, that wasn’t the piece de resistance. The wait staff...oh my days! I was waiting for one to come back from the bathroom and when I went to check if he was okay. He was fucking another applicant. Another refused to speak any language, except for Klingon and accused me of being a Romulan, violating the edicts of Starfleet Federation Command because he wouldn’t be allowed to wear his uniform from the Starship Enterprise. Then there was the older female applicant with a walker, who refuses to come to work without her cats, so Hero would have to go. Nor would she leave without her late husband's ashes, which she carries around in her handbag. Naturally, she decreed that he should be given a place of pride in the window as he likes to catch the sun. But it was the false teeth, which she took out mid interview and plopped in my glass that did me in. I gently, but firmly guided her out when she started to recommend lace doilies on all the tables along with vases of fake flowers to make it feel like home. I politely informed her we were not using the nursing home motif in the diner. When she asked why not, it took everything within me not to plant my size 13 pump up her snotty old ass!”

End of flashback

Uncle Vic has tears, running down his face.

“So what are you going to do now?” I ask. “It seems you don’t have any staff.”

“What makes you think we don’t have staff? We have staff. Thank god for Miley!” Kiki smiles.

“Miley? What does Miley have to do with it?”

“Well, he’s going to be our Majordomo of the Wait Staff and he’s got some friends, who he knows that are perfect. They all know what the hell they are doing and seem more than capable. So we’re all set! Now I have to go. One needs to sort oneself out in preparedness for…”

“Wait a minute! Miley is going to be your head busboy?! What about LAFF?!” I demand.

“He quit and he’s not going to be the head busboy, he’s going to be the Majordomo of the Wait Staff...something much higher than busboy! You wanted to be the sole assistant manager again and now you are. Congratulations. Though it’s a shame it’s not at the Big Q, but you can’t have everything, can you? She retorts. “Vic, see you later. I can’t wait!”

VIC

After I see her to the door, I come back to the kitchen and wait for him to say something. It doesn’t take long!

“Uncle Vic, can’t you get me a job there?” Michael whines.

“Why?”

“Because it would get me out of LAFF and I am your nephew and…”

“No. This place is not for you. Now if you want to come to lunch and support Gus then fine, but working there you will not be.” I retort, then drain my cup and leave him standing alone, with an annoyed look on his face. I know he is pissed that I won’t help him. And I really don't give a shit.

MICHAEL

I don't understand why Uncle Vic won't help me. I am his only nephew; his first loyalty should be to me! I let him live in my Ma's house, after all. Well, I have another plan in place...the Avenue, unlike him, is loyal and I know they will come to me!

LIBERTY FINE DINING - LUNCHTIME

JUSTIN

“Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god! Bag…!” I demand when I see the amount of people waiting outside. I cover my nose and mouth and take some soothing breaths and slowly, start to calm down.

“Can we open the doors now?!” Emmy demands and I nod.

“Yeah. Hero, come.” I order and get behind the counter. As the door opens, the first person comes in. “Good afternoon, welcome to Liberty Fine Dining. I’m Justin and this is Molly, we’re the owners. This is Miley, he will take you through to the diner.”  

I look across at Molly and she mouths breathe between words. And that makes me laugh and then relax a bit more. Soon, there is happy chattering and menu discussing in the diner and Gus is looking nervously for his parents to arrive.

LINDSAY

“I can’t wait to see Gus’s face. Now nobody is to make a big thing about it or even hint that we know...Brian?! What are you doing here?”

“Gus asked me to come. Is that a problem?”

“No, of course not, but who is that? I don’t think he will be allowed in there.”

“Moonshine, and he will be allowed in.” He enters the diner and we follow. “Hey Justin, how you doing?”

“Okay.” The blonde man answers. “Hang on. Hero, take.”

I watch incredulously as another dog comes out. Moonshine wags his tail and follows the other dog out of the dining room.

“I don’t think it is appropriate for an animal to be in an eating establishment.” I point out.

“They are no longer in the eating establishment.” Norman retorts. “Now come on, let’s get seated.”

I look round the place and feel chagrined. This is the food equivalent of my boutique... well it would be if Norman would give me the money to redecorate it! Even the diner is elegant and refined.

“Hi, Gus!” I trill as I pass him. He doesn’t look up and continues to discuss the menu options with a customer. “I said hello, Gus!” I repeat a little louder.

“How is this not pointing out that we know him?” Norman asks. But before I can answer, he moves me to the booth. “Sit down and stop whatever shit you are trying to stir!” He snaps.

“I’m not trying to…”

“Good afternoon, my name is Hunter. I will be your server and…”

“Thank you Hunter, but we already have a server, so…”

“But this is my section.” He says and looks across at someone, who comes over to us.

“Is there a problem, Hunter?”

“Um, Miley, this is my section but this lady says they already have a server…”

“Oh, I see. Can you get them some water and I shall sort this out?” He reassures Hunter before turning back to me. “Ma’am, who do you think your server is?”

“That young man over there. His name is Gus.” I tell him. “He’s my son.”

“Oh, I see. I’m Miley, the Majordomo of the wait staff. Ma’am, the thing is, this is Hunter’s section so he will be serving you today. But if you wish to be served by Gus, then I’m afraid, you will have to vacate this booth. But as of now, his section is full, so you could be in for a long wait.”

Everyone turns to look at me. “Hunter will be fine. Thank you, Miley.” I answer through gritted teeth.

“And thank you ma’am, for your understanding.” He replies before signalling Hunter to come back with the water. “I shall leave you in his more than capable hands.”

“May I take your order?” Hunter asks.

“Can I have duck confit Reuben with shoestring fries?” Edna-Fanny asks.

“Of course you can, princess.” Hunter smiles at her and I baulk at his familiarity.

“Excuse me, but why are you calling my daughter, princess? Have you two met?”

“No ma’am, we haven’t but that’s what’s on her pin.” He replies and points at Edna-Fanny’s lapel.

“Which Brian gave to her.” Norman clips out.

“Oh, I didn’t know that.”

“Can he take the rest of our order now?” Ben asks.

“Yes, of course.” I reply.

“Not yet. You need to apologise, Lindsay.” Norman orders.

I feel my face heat in embarrassment, but mutter my apologies.

“Tha…”

“No. Sorry, Hunter.” Ben interrupts. “Don’t say it like you have a dick in your mouth. Say it like you mean it...you know enunciate, Lindsay.”

“I apologise Hunter.”

“Thank you, ma’am. So the rest of the orders?”

“Can I have the Buffalo Bleu Cheese hotdog with the vinegar chips and fried pickles, please?” Norman asks.

“Do you have a chef salad?” I ask and he signals for Miley.

“Hunter, why don’t you take their beverage order and I shall help Ma'am decipher the menu.” Miley smiles and I look at him in surprise. “This menu is called Trashy but Classy. So the food here is not all that healthy, but it tastes damn good. So the salmon, for example, will come grilled, but it will also have garlic butter cream sauce with onion rings and deep fried garlic chips, negating the healthiness of grilling it.”

“So what kind of establishment is this where you can’t have a simple salad?” I demand. These people clearly don’t know anything about haute cuisine!

“Lindsay, stop it now!” Norman growls low in my ear. “I mean it.” He smiles at Miley. “She will have the grilled Caesar salad and the grilled cheese sandwich. Ben, what is it you want?”

“Definitely the duck confit Reuben. I didn’t get much of the last one I tried!” He laughs.

“Brian, what do you want?” Norman asks.

“Beam smoked turkey wings with the ginger apple chutney, definitely and can we split some fries, Bucky?”

“Yep.” Ben smiles at him.

“Thank you.” Hunter replies and goes to place our order and Miley moves to Gus’s section.

“Norman!” I whisper harshly. “I did not appreciate the way you spoke to me just then…”

“If you didn’t behave like that then I wouldn’t have to speak to you like that, now would I?” He whispers back just as harshly.

I turn my back on him. “So Edna-Fanny, when did Brian give you that?” I point to the pin.

“When I got 92% on my paper.” She blushes.

“Oh and what paper is that?” I ask and then look up from inspecting my nails as the table has gone quiet. “What?”

“Her history paper, which she has been studying all week for.” Norman retorts.

I am stopped from replying when Gus stops by the booth. “Sorry, I can’t stay long. You guys, okay? What do you think of it?” He rushes out.

“Yes. It’s not quite my normal fare, but we will see what it tastes like...oh, it seems to be coming now. That was quick, do they micro…”

“Mom, everything is made from scratch; there isn’t a microwave here. So that is not your food.”

After half an hour, our food comes to the table and I gawp at the Reuben sandwich that Edna-Fanny has ordered. “No Edna, you can’t have that! Think of how...” Much to my surprise Edna-Fanny gets up and rushes away from the table. “What is wrong with her?” I ask.

“Oh perhaps it was because of her mother was about to tell her that eating it was going to make her fat. Maybe that’s what she found upsetting!” Brian snarks and gets up.

BRIAN

I try to catch up with Effy, but she moves real quickly and is in the bathroom before I can get to her. “Shit!” I mutter and look round for someone suitable.

“You okay?” Justin asks.

“I am, but Effy’s not. Can you get your sister for me? Her mom has been charming and upset her and well, me being…”

“Say no more. One sec. Go back to your table. Molly can handle this.” He gives me a sweet smile and goes to find his sister.

I start to head back, but then I spot Michael across the street just glowering at the building. What the fuck is he doing? “He’s been there since we opened.” Emmy tells me. “Look, I know this is an imposition but what are you…”

“Bucky and I will be here, no problem. What time can you get us a table in this fine establishment?”

“Seven thirty.” He winces. “But Ted and Blake are coming with Amy too.”

“Just don’t serve me carbs and we’ll be there!” I grin at him and sigh in relief when Effy comes out of the bathroom, holding Molly’s hand. “Do you think Effy and Ben can eat away from the table? I know that with every bite she takes, her mother is going to…”

“Sweetie, not a problem.” Emmy grins and heads to Miley. Within minutes, Ben is with Effy and they disappear upstairs.

“Right, let me explain to that uppity little madam that you do not upset my princess!” I growl and head back to the booth. As I sit down, Lindsay turns to look at me. “Not one word...you will be quiet and you will listen! Effy is in her formative years. She is very vulnerable and absorbs everything and I mean, everything, like a sponge. You will not do this shit to her again. If she wants to eat 14 donuts in a sitting, she will do it. You have already crippled her with that godawful fucking name; giving her a fat complex is not helpful! Now let’s eat!”

“I was not giving her a complex. It was constructive criticism.”

“If you’re going to argue semantics, you are being a bitch!” I snap back.

“Here-here.” Norman intones.

“What are you here-here-ing about?” She snaps at him.

“Everything he just said. You always pick at what she does. Peck-peck-peck like some deranged chicken. Effy is not going to be tormented by you, like your mother supposedly did to you. Know this, Lindsay, that she, unlike you, doesn’t deserve it! She’s a grade A student and an absolute sweetheart, who I am very proud to call my daughter.”

“Wait, so you don’t like her name?”

“That’s what you fucking heard?!” Norm growls. “But since you ask, no I don’t like her name. It is too old fashioned for a child of this era.”

“But you never said anything at…”

“Because you had already registered her birth so it was too late. But know this, if she wants to change her name to Effy before she’s 18, then I will let her...and so will you!”

“But…”

“We are going to eat, then we are going to go home. Then you and I going to have a long talk...and when I say talk, I mean I talk, you listen Lindth!”

 

CHAPTER 7 - THE TALK AND DINNER

LINDSAY

“Now excuse me.” Norman glares at me. “I would like to enjoy the rest of my meal with my daughter. Brian, can you tell me where Effy is?”

“Sure, let me call Bucky and he can come down.” Brian pulls out his phone and within minutes, Ben is down and Norman is heading upstairs.

After a few minutes, I clear my throat. “I have to say something.” I begin.

“Of course, you do. You always find a way of justifying your behaviour time and time again, no matter how wrong that behaviour is.” Brian retorts.

“With all due respect Brian, you do not have a child and…”

“He doesn’t have a child? Did you just say he doesn’t have a fucking child?! What the fuck do you call Gus? An Immaculate Conception!” Ben growls. “Get over yourself! I tried, I really did but I can stay silent no longer, Kocky. Lindsay, listen to me...are you listening?  Know this, after you it was me.”

“What was you?” I don’t understand the statement, let alone why he is talking to me the way he is.

“The man that Brian made slow, sweet and tender love to, right after he rinsed his dick off from being with you...it was me.”

I just stare at him. “You? But... but you’re his best friend!” I state weakly.

“Did he kiss you?” Ben demands.

“What?”

“When he fucked you, did he kiss you?” He repeats.

“I can’t remember. It was…” I begin, but I know I sound a bit hollow.

“The answer is no. Not once.” He sits back.

“Well I’m sure he didn’t kiss you either!” I hiss back.

“Kocky, did you kiss me when we made love?” Ben asked Brian smugly and I just want to slap him.

“Yes. I did.”

“Prove it!” I hiss, my voice sounding bitter to even my own ears. “Kiss him now!”

“Why? So you can put it into your spank bank for replays later?” Ben snaps.

“Tell Norman that I have gone home. I seem to have developed a headache.” I retort and gather my things.

“He’s still going to rip you a new one when he gets home and not in a life affirming positive way.” Ben snarks.

BEN

I wait for her to leave before I turn to face, what I think will be a furious Brian, but I find him just smiling at me. “You complete bitch!” He laughs.

“Oh, come on. It was either that or hit her and I’m a Zen Buddhist, remember?”

“Thanks.” He mutters, resting his head against my shoulder. “For what you said. I can’t believe she said that though.”

“Like I said, she’s a bitch. I’m going to go and get Norm and Effy so we can have a nicer time.”

A few minutes later, a much happier looking Effy is downstairs and is clutching her phone. “Uncle Ben, which one should be the contact picture for Uncle Brian?” She shows me the numerous pictures she has of Moonshine.

“This one, definitely this one.”

“Great! That’s my favourite, too. Look, Uncle Brian!”

Brian smiles softly. “That, like yourself, is perfection, princess. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different.”

LAFF - THREE HOURS LATER

MICHAEL

Thank fuck Cyril is off this afternoon so I am now in control! I can’t believe how many people were outside that Fat Ass’s place! But that will all change, very soon. I look round at my friends and comrades in arms, now that we are all assembled, and smile.

“Gentlemen. Are you ready for my grand plan?” I ask and as always, they look expectantly at me.

“Yes, oh Captain.” Heathan smiles at me the way he does. Not that he’s my type, but there is nothing wrong with having an admirer.

“As you know the Mother of the Avenue has hung up her wig and we have a usurper in her place. Some residents have forgotten how she helped them and have displayed their gratitude by supporting said usurper, so I am going to reintroduce the infamous Novotny name to the Avenue…”

“How?” Albert asks and I look at him. “Sorry, my Captain. How, my Captain?”

“Better, you must remember that when we convene in meetings that I must be addressed correctly. As to how, first I shall conduct some recon this evening to see what they are doing and report back. But the plan is for LAFF to be turned into the old diner with me at the helm. The Avenue will return to their rightful home, leaving his place to fail.”

“What can we do in the meantime, my Captain? I mean, you can’t take on all the work yourself.” Stanley asks.

“We need uniforms, so get waistcoats and pins like my mom used to wear. Oh shit, I thought he was off for the rest of the day.” I gasp as I see Cyril, crossing the road. “Evasive manoeuvres, my men!” I order.

Heathan goes back to the grill, Stanley moves to a corner table and Albert and Royston go to the bathroom.

“Thought you were out until tomorrow.” I comment as he comes in.

“If you don’t want me to cover the evening shift so you can support Vic and Emmett tonight, I’m more than happy to go back home.” He replies.

“Goodness is that the time!” I exclaim and quickly run out.

CYRIL

Jesus, that man is a total moron! I think to myself as I head to my office. I take out the surveillance disc for the day and watch him have yet another MOTU...meeting of the unfuckables...as Vic and I have taken to calling them. Normally, I would just delete them but there’s something off about the way he’s talking. It’s almost reminiscent of those old fire and brimstone televangelism programs from the 80s. I might show this to Vic and see what he thinks, but I wonder if the imbecile remembers that this place is surveilled all day...Hmmph, I’ll bet he doesn’t. See? Total moron!

I went to the new Liberty Fine Dining and my god, the food is gorgeous! We serve a purpose here, so we can co-exist, and I love my old time clientele. But that is a much better fit for Miley. I was sad to see him go, but understood completely. I’ve never met a more ambitious or deserving young man than him so it wasn’t hard to cut the apron strings and wish him the best so he can soar.

I put the night disc in and head to my shift.

LINDSAY AND NORMAN’S HOUSE - SAME TIME

LOUNGE

NORMAN

So the cure for her headache, wasn’t to take to her ass to bed like any normal ill person. No, instead she’s gone to her boutique. Well it’s that to her, but really it’s an uppity five and dime store with low rent Big Q merchandise to the rest of us! The way she swans about like the Queen of Sheba, advising the ladies of the county how to dress is sickening! The one time she gussied Effy up, she refused to come out of the changing room, let alone the shop!

“Norman, are you home?” She calls out and I don’t answer. “Oh, thank God. Hopefully he will have...Norman!” She shrieks as she comes into the room. “Why didn’t you answer when I called? You startled me!”

“Was in mid-swallow.” I reply coolly raising my beer. “And no, I haven’t.”

“Haven’t what?”

“Calmed down about your behaviour earlier towards Effy. Please sit down and listen.”

“Norman, I’ve…”

“I will follow you all over the house, having my say so you might as well be comfortable!” I snap and she grudgingly sits down. “How were your teenage years?”

“You know how my teenage years were. After I disgraced the family by falling pregnant and then Brian refused to marry me…”

“Because he’s gay. But he did support you and Gus as much as he could as a teenager and still continues to do so.”

“And then there was their disapproval of you and subsequent disownership. Why are you asking about that?”

“Because the things that happened in your teenage years were a result of your actions. Effy is not 16, she’s 11, and more importantly she’s not you. She’s smarter than that and still has some growing up to do and…”

“I am trying to make sure she grows up properly!” She snaps.

“Grows up properly? What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!” I demand.

“I mean that she learns how to be a lady and not a gee...” She stutters to a halt.

“Geek? That’s what you were going to say, wasn’t it? And what’s wrong with being a geek?”

“Okay, geek was the wrong word, but you have to admit that she is somewhat socially awkward and I want to correct that. Give her the best chances in life that she can get and she…”

“Wow, you just open your mouth and keep digging! I repeat, Effy is still growing into her personality and finding her true self, not the self her overly vain mother wants her to be. Back off on this shit, Lindsay or you will regret it. It’s at times of great need you find out who your friends are! I hope I have made myself clear!”

“Yes, I shall try and moderate my language for Edna-Fanny’s…”

“Please do not be a bitch and finish that fucking sentence! This is your last warning, Lindsay. Leave Effy alone.”

“How dare you call me a bitch?! I am your wife and I will…”

“I didn’t call you a bitch, I said do not be a bitch; and I call it as I see it. And as for wife, try behaving like that too!”

“It’s sex, isn’t it?! That is what this is really about? Well Norman, if you looked after yourself more I would be more inclined to be intimate with you!” She spits haughtily.

“No it isn’t, but whilst we’re on the subject... It’s a little difficult to be motivated when I know you’re thinking of pussy and not dick, and if you are thinking dick it’s not about mine! That ship has sailed, he fucked you and moved on, rather quickly I hear!

“Uh guys! I could hear you outside!” Gus yells, silencing the row. “Thank God Effy didn’t hear any of that. Now quit this shit the pair of you!”

He storms up stairs, shaking his head and muttering about immature loudmouths. I feel like crap, so I quickly follow him and wait for him to grant me access to his room.

“Gus, I’m sorry. Hey, what’s the matter?!” I gasp as I see tears in his eyes and his body is shaking. He stops me from giving him a hug and then I realise why...the little fucker is laughing!

“Which bit?” I chuckle.

“When you said, a little difficult to be motivated when I know you’re thinking of pussy and not dick, and if you are thinking dick it’s not about mine!” He’s rolling on his bed, holding his sides.

“Yeah, had to admit I did enjoy that zinger!” I snort.

“I know it’s your job as a dad, but thanks for what you said about Effy. Mom really has a knot in her knickers about her.”

“A knot in her knickers!” I guffaw. “And someone has to save her from her harridan-ness, and that person has to be me Super-Dad!”

“Well come on, Super-Dad! Got some leftovers downstairs; I can heat them up for you. The N'awlins Cajun roast beef will do wonders for your figure!”

“As is the beer I am going to have with it!” I snort.

VIC AND MICHAEL’S HOUSE - AN HOUR BEFORE FINE DINING OPENING

MICHAEL

Jesus, I didn’t think he would ever leave! I head to the attic and find a box of Ma’s old tee-shirts. She left them because Carl didn’t think his aged mother would appreciate them. I didn’t appreciate him taking my Ma away from me...still can’t believe she just upped and left like that, but when I restore the Avenue to its former glory maybe I can persuade her to come back and retake her crown!

I find the perfect tee and slip it on and then put on my shirt, I shall take it off once we are seated.

My alarm going means I have to hustle if I want to meet them in Woody’s first. I’m sure that’s where we’re meeting before dinner.

WOODY’S - HALF AN HOUR LATER

TED

I am so looking forward to this evening. Amy is with Effy at our place, they were originally going to be at theirs but Lindsay had such a headache that she couldn’t bear the thought of a noisy child in the house. I had to almost sit on Blake when she said that, as Amy doesn’t speak that much and when she does she’s very soft spoken!

Michael comes rushing in looking weirdly dapper for him. No comic book tee and proper shoes. Brian has an odd expression on his face but just shakes his head at my questioning look. I check my watch. “Come on guys we’d better get going.”

“But I have just got here, I haven’t had a drink yet.” Michael grouses.

“They do sell beers there you know.” I point out and grab Blake’s jacket to help him into it.

“Yeah but they’re most likely going to be so expensive!” He raises his voice.

“Why are you shouting?” Ben asks after draining his beer.

“Wasn’t aware that I was.” He replies giving Ben some serious side eye, which does not go unnoticed.

“And what was that look for?”

“You sounded like you were telling me off, I didn’t like it.” He snipes. “You’re not in school now.”

“First, it’s you’re not in university and I know I’m not there, as I’m here having this inane conversation with you. Which ends now.” Ben’s death glare for emphasis has the desired effect. But that also means we have a sulking Michael in residence!

“Girls stop it, come on we’re going to be supportive, so let’s get our asses over there, and we can’t be late.” Brian points out and grabbing Ben by his buckle tows him out.

“Why does he keep doing that?” Michael bitches.

“What?” Blake asks making Michael go ahead of us.

“Grabbing him like that. They’re not fucking still are they? You know he’s fucked him more than once? You can ask Emmett.”

“Michael, Michael, Michael...yes they are fucking...they are fucking with your head. Now watch where you’re going and stop dawdling!”

LIBERTY FINE DINING - DINING OPENING

KIKI

Oh my goodness, the great and the good of the Avenue are here. We’re just waiting for the boys, they have the VIP Chef’s table reserved. And here they come!

“Good evening gentlemen, welcome to Liberty Fine Dining, my name is Kiki and I am your hostess for this evening. May I take the name of the reservation please?”

“Ted Schmidt.” Ted replies grinning and playing along.

“Thank you, Mr Schmidt. This way gentlemen.” I smile back.

Molly is talking to a food blogger about the menu. Emmy and Justin are behind the bar and Emmy has to stop himself from waving and running over to the table. Justin looks a little bit more relaxed when he sees us, but on seeing Michael he tenses up slightly but when Emmy whispers in his ear he relaxes again.

“This is your waiter Miles, I shall leave you in his capable hands.”

MICHAEL

I look around and still can’t believe what this fucker has done to the Novotny legacy! I can’t see Uncle Vic anywhere, I need him to be here for the full effect.

“Good evening gentlemen.” The waiter interrupts my thoughts. “May I get some water for the table?”

“Isn’t it customary to introduce yourself to the table first?” I demand and he frowns. “You’re our waiter right? Waiters have names, so what is yours?”

“Miles, as Kiki said when he was introduced to us when we sat down.” Blake tells me.

“Oh. Well Niles you can get me a beer... what do you have on tap?”

“Well sir, we have…”

“Wait Niles, aren’t you going to show me the drinks menu? I want to make sure you have it correct…”

“Miles, can you give us a moment please?” Ted asks and he steps away, but before he can say anything Uncle Vic comes up.

“Michael a word with you right now!” He orders, I am about to say something but he’s looking at me like he’s never looked at me before, so I follow him outside.

VIC

“What the fuck were you thinking with that tee-shirt?!” I snarl at him.

“What’s wrong with the tee-shirt? This is Liberty Avenue or has everyone forgotten?! Did the poor new restaurant owner feel offended?”

“Justin didn’t say anything, it was another patron who told me about your eat my cock sartorial misstep! And as for the way you are behaving to Miles, it’s disgusting and Debs would be ashamed of you! Now, if you want to continue to eat in here go to the bathroom and take the tee off and clean up your fucking manners! And bring your loyalty to your family and friends back with you...and as you seem to have forgotten, let me remind you who that is, it would be Emmy and me!” I open the door and glare at him. “What’s it going to be? In or out?”

He looks like he’s going to storm off but goes inside and straight to the bathroom. I shake my head and follow him in.

MICHAEL

Loyalty! He has the nerve to say that after not helping me! I stalk back to the table, slump down crossly and wait for someone to say something, but nobody does.

“That was so unprofessional.” I state and they, finally, turn to look at me.

“Yes it was, considering you are in the same profession. For you to be so discourteous was very unprofessional. We’ve ordered our appetizers already, so you might want to get yours in.” Blake retorts.

“I’ll wait for the main. I’m just going to have beer.” I signal Niles and order a beer in a clean glass...as I’m aware how many teething problems new openings can have. The beer when it comes is perfectly chilled and, much to my annoyance, really good! And when their appetizers come they look really great. And now I’m starting to get hungry.

“These are perfect!” Brian mumbles round a mouthful of oysters. “For god sake Bucky, if you wanted them then you should’ve ordered them! Stop it! No, I am not sharing!”

“It’s not as if you need their powers! Just one!” He begs...so unbecomingly...Brian shakes his head and moves the plate away. “Be like that. Miles, can we have another lot of oysters please!”

“Of course right away sir.”

They take ages over their appetizers each sampling the others! I am starving here! Finally, after what seems like an hour they are finished and Niles comes back to take our mains.

“What the hell is oxtail?” I demand.

“The tail of a cow. I’d have thought that was obvious.” Brian retorts, seems that Bucky has pissed him off!

“Sounds revolting. Isn’t there any pasta?” I look expectantly up at Niles.

“No sir there isn’t, but…”

“Can’t a special order be made up? Or…”

“Miles, sorry can you give us a few minutes. Thank you.” He turns to me with his death glare look and leans in closer. “Cut this the fuck out!” Brian snaps and I frown. “I thought you were going to behave now that you’re back here and without that tee-shirt on. Now either order what is on the menu or fuck off! You haven’t got the job here, get over it and grow the fuck up!”

“How did you know about the tee?” I demand feeling my face flush as they are all glaring at me, including Emmett, Fat Ass is nowhere to be seen. “Did Uncle Vic tell you?”

“No, I could see it through your shirt and told him to get you to take it off.”

“You told…” I gasp.

A woman comes up to the table. “Excuse me sir, but could you please leave?”

“Me?” I gasp at the nerve of this woman.

“Yes you, you are ruining a wonderful dining experience for everyone here, if you want to be a fucking barrow boy find a gutter to do it in.”

“Who the hell do you think you are?”

“Annalise Gordina Isabelle Stroud at your service and…”

“Why should I care about that?” I snap my voice rising.

“Because I am the partner in this business. As is normal restaurant practice, management and partners reserve the right to refuse service. Consider yourself refused!” She barks and the room goes quiet and people start to come out from the diner side to gawp. “Now here is your coat, there is the door, please use it.” I look around and hold my ground. “I can easily carry you out. And I will.”

“Well I wouldn’t want to eat here anyway!” I snap and snatch my coat and stalk out.

BRIAN

“Wow, thank you for that.”

“You’re welcome, interesting friend you have there.” She smiles.

“Right now I’d say more acquaintance, a very distant one!” I chuckle. “So when did you partner up with Justin and Molly?”

“I didn’t. But if you say something with enough confidence people, especially lame brained dickless wonders like him, believe you.” She looks round the table. “So do you know Justin and Molly personally?”

“Yes why?”

“Could you get me an intro please? I’ve got a Youth Education Program opening in Shadyside and have teamed up with the GLC to host a fundraiser. Am wondering if I could use them for the food. This is seriously good.”

“Of course. Hang on. For catering, the person you need to speak to would be Emmett Honeycutt.” I wave at him and he comes quickly over, looking worried, but relaxes when I wink at him. “You got a business card on you?”

“Of course why?” Emmett answers warily.

“Give it to this lady, she is Annalise Gordina Isabelle Stroud, she needs a caterer.” I order him gently.

“Pleased to meet you, this is my card. May I have your number so that I can recognise it when you call?”

“Sure, here you go. And I don’t suppose, you know Brian Kinney or anyone in Kinnetic at all?” Annalise inquires.

“Yeah I do.” I smirk and she chuckles.

“For real?”

“For real, give me your card. Wait Shadyside...this the thing you were telling me about Bucky?” I ask Ben.

“Yep.” He nods around a mouth full of food.

“Why don’t you join us?” I indicate Michael’s vacated seat.

“I can’t am with the ‘rents, and they are already mad at me for intervening. I’d better get back. Nice to meet you all, I’ll definitely call you tomorrow Emmett.”

As she heads back to her table, I hear Ted’s oft heard at work oh my god intake of breath and turn to him. “What’s up?”

“This is her and her A-Gay stock index is stratospheric!” Ted spills enthusiastically.

I take his phone off him and start to read. “Honeycutt, arrange a firm afternoon time for a call and then come to the office, we’ll do it there.” I command.

“Don’t call…” He pauses. “That big?”

“Yeah that big. Pull this off and you will have New York and Cali at your fingertips.”

“Fuck me!” He breathes.

“Been there, done that!” I snicker and Blake chokes on his wine.

 

“Bri!” Ted exclaims clapping him on the back and handing him some water and a napkin. “Stop that! Blake, he’s kidding!”

“Oh I see.” He croaks out.

TED

“Besides…” Emmy smirks. “There can only be one King in bed…”

“King in bed?” Miles asks and then blushes. “I’m sorry but…”

“That’s okay sweetie, this is Brian Kinney, the Stud of Liberty Avenue or the King of the Tops and I’m Emmett Honeycutt, Top of the Bottoms...the need to dominate would be too much.”

“I see.” Miles replies, just staring at the two legends of the Avenue in awe. “My boyfriend is not going to believe this!” He mutters as he goes to get Blake another glass of wine.

“Think we should fuck with Michael’s head some?” Bucky grins evilly.

“Oh please!” Molly calls out and the dining room erupts with laughter.

 

CHAPTER 8 - LET THE HEAD FUCKING AND HEART MENDING BEGIN

VIC AND MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SATURDAY NIGHT

MICHAEL

Uncle Vic is still not talking to me. He says that my behaviour was abominable and he’s ashamed of me. I have kept out of his way and now finally he’s gone to, and I use the word loosely, work. The door knocking heralds the arrival of my comrades in arms.

“Enter quickly. We have many plans to make!” I order and we settle down. They look expectantly up at me. “It is as I feared. The Avenue has turned its back and is being led by, of all people, my uncle.” They look at me astonished. “Yes, we have a true traitor in my family, but I have a plan. Did you bring your laptops as I ordered?” They nod. “Then we must commence our reviews.”

For the next hour, we submit review after review slating the place. We feel good. Liberty Avenue will soon be restored to its former and glowing glory!

ALLEGHENY RIVERFRONT PARK - SUNDAY MORNING

BRIAN

It is so beautiful and peaceful here. Moonshine is going nuts, stopping and sniffing everything. As I watch the world go by something catches my eye and that something is a highrise bubble butt blonde.

“Morning, Justin!” I call out and regret it because he almost falls over in surprise and Hero is immediately in defensive mode.

“Jesus, Brian!” He gasps. “Don’t do that! Down Hero!” He orders.

“Sorry, I’m sorry. What are you doing here apart from loo...jogging?”

“This is our favourite park. I love the water and they do the best, and I mean the best, hot chocolate down there.” He points somewhere ahead and all I can think of is how great he would look covered in chocolate! Or just one part of him covered in chocolate followed by that part being swallowed by my hot mouth and...oh shit! I immediately look up to his face and then look down again. He frowns at my expression. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re peeking out your shorts.” I say as quietly as I can and he opens and then closes his mouth before going as red as autumn leaves. “Just step close for a second.” I order and he’s so mortified, he does as he’s told. “Now adjust.”

“Thank you.” He mumbles. “That was so embarrassing!”

“Oh, I don’t know. A man likes to see what he’s going to get, doesn’t he?”

“Going to get?” He echoes just staring up at me in confusion.

“Hmm, in order for us to play fuck with the dumbass, it has to be somewhat convincing, does it not?”

“How the hell are you two friends?” He snorts...which my dick hears loud and clear!

“We were close once, but not anymore. I like to use my intellect for good. Can he go off lead?”

“Yes, but not here. He’s got his favourite spot, just down there, rather conveniently near the hot chocolate stand!”

“How fortuitous.” I laugh and cock my elbow and he slides his in. “Shall we?”

“Indeed, we shall.”

As we walk, we just talk about this and that but keep chuckling as Moonshine trots dutifully at Hero’s side. Anytime Moonshine wants to go and sniff something, all it takes is a yip or a low growl and he’s back in line instantly.

“He really likes him.” Justin says quietly.

“Reckon so.” I look down at him and he looks tired. “You glad it’s over?”

“Huh?”

“Soft opening?”

“Yeah, it was great. But, I am bushed. Oh here it is. Do you want anything?” He looks up at me with those tired, but beautiful blue eyes and I steer him to a shaded table to make him sit down. “Thanks. Hot chocolate with a coffee shot and extra cream please.” He responds to my questioning look. “Can you take him off the lead please? Moonshine will be fine to be off, too.”

I do as he asks and then go for our drinks, but there is a bit of a queue. By the time I come back, he’s barely keeping his eyes open. “Justin. Justin.” I gently nudge him and he takes the cup gratefully and scrapes the cream off. “Okay why…”

“Hero loves cream.”

“Too easy!” I snicker and he pokes out his tongue at me, then yawns. “Okay, that’s it. Come on.”

“What? Where are we going? Hero, heel!”

“Home.” I reply and pull out my phone. Ten minutes later, the car pulls up. “He’s got little legs!”

“You are so whip…”

“Get in and be quiet!” I order. As I watch him clamber in and sink back into the seat, within minutes he is sound asleep with Moonshine on his feet and resting his head on Hero...I have never been so jealous of two dogs in my life!

YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM, SHADYSIDE - MONDAY MORNING

ANNALISE

“And you are worried about this because?” Mom asks as she looks round the large rec room.

“You know what I am like. I just want it to be perfect.”

“And honey, it will be. You wouldn’t have sites in New York or Cali if your blueprint didn’t work.” Dad calls over his shoulder. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about them...all three of them, in fact.”

“Who...no mom, that’s not quite dry!” She quickly stops herself from leaning against the window sill.

“Brian Kinney, Emmett Honeycutt and Brandon Jurgenson.”

“Heard or snooped?” I ask with a grin at my still overprotective dad.

“Snooped.” He replies with no shame and his boyish smirk. “What time are you call...okay, dad is backing off now!”

“Thank you, darling. Leave her to it.” Mom softens her glare. ”She’ll holler when she needs help.”

“I know but…”

“But nothing...have you not seen Leda! Now if there was one woman who, and I am quoting you directly, would be perfect for my princess if she would just lower her drawbridge.  They love each other greatly and I do believe, it was Leda who asked Annalise out and look where they are now. Now stop your fetching and carrying on. But I do agree, the community has to support and put towards, too. Hopefully this meeting with Kinnetic will pay off.”

KINNETIC - SAME TIME

BRIAN’S OFFICE

BEN

“So where were you last night?” Kocky teases me and I grimace. “You had to tooth-check-him, didn’t you?”

“Yeah! First rule of blow jobs...cover your fucking teeth. Which in his case seemed to be filed to a point. It was like putting my dick in a meat grinder!”

“You know that Michael is called Batter-up Boy?”

“Batter-up Boy? What on earth for?”

“Because his tongue bats at a dick like a cat does a string. Apparently, it’s neither pretty to feel and definitely not to see! One time I was against a wall, watching him do his thang and the guy yawned. He yawned! I would be beyond mortified and be honing my skills immediately. Anyway, I know that Emmy is going to be pissed. But I have an idea that is completely nothing, well almost nothing, to do with their past relationship. What is the one thing that fags love?”

“Fucking?” I reply.

“Out of bed and covered in fur, you idiot!”

“Dogs.”

“Right. I have to run an ad for Therapy Dogs of the USA. Was thinking of, using Hero as say like a teacher, telling the new puppies how they have to behave, like a drill sergeant …”

“I like it. He says things like, do not drink out of the big white bowl; no chewing the shoes...wait! Why would Emmy be upset?”

“We need a celebrity to be the voice of Hero and…”

“Boyd?”

“Yeah. But right now we need to concentrate on Stroud. Emmy is...here!”

I turn round to see a very flustered Emmy, rushing into the room. “Brian!” He squeals and throws his phone at Kocky before flinging himself onto the sofa. Kocky manages to catch the phone and I go to calm him down.

“What’s happened?” I manage to get a sobbing Emmy into my arms.

“Reviews are in. Holy fuck!”

BRIAN

As I read them, I can’t believe that this is the same place we were in compared to whomever left these reviews. They are fucking nasty!

“Have Justin and Molly seen these?” He shakes his head. “Hang on a second!” I stalk out of to find Cynthia and when I do, I ask her to get our IT geniuses on standby because I want to find out who left these fucking reviews! When I get back into my office, Emmy has calmed down. “Has Vic seen them?” Again, he shakes his head. I keep scrolling through to see if I can spot anything and I notice that one review says that they were unceremoniously thrown out by management because they dared to question the ability of the cook to make a pasta.

“Michael!” I growl.

“What about the dumbass?” Bucky asks, handing Emmy a tissue.

“Read this.” I say as I join them on the sofa and Emmy sniffs into my shoulder.

“Is he actually fucking kidding? How did he think he would get away with that?!” Bucky growls.

“What? What’s he done?” Emmy looks up.

“He’s left a nasty review and I am betting that he’s got his band of Unfuckables to do the same. We need to call Vic and let him know.”

An hour later, Vic is in the office with Cyril from LAFF and we are watching the surveillance disc in furious and astonished silence.

“I’m going to kill him!” Vic growls.

“No, don’t! Let him think he’s going to succeed in whatever it is he’s planning.” Bucky smiles grimly. “It will make the headfucking so much sweeter when he realises! Now tell him.”

I jostle Emmy gently so he’s sitting up. “Ems, I have to do my Therapy Dogs ad this year and we want to use Hero…”

“And you want me to ask Justin?” He queries.

“No, I’ll ask him. It’s the voice over. We want to use someone high profile and butch and…”

“Drew?” He asks quietly.

“Yeah. If you want we…”

“No, Brian this is your business. His stock is high and we would cross paths at some point, so it might as well be sooner than later. At least, it won’t be a surprise when we do.”

“Okay, go get yourself cleaned up and bring your Honeycutt A-Game!”

“Don’t call me Honeycutt!” He gives me a watery smile and heads to the en suite.

TWO HOURS LATER

ANNALISE

I am so going to kill her! We, as in Brandon and I, are walking into Kinnetic with Blue, my suddenly new Chow-Chow. I am going to kill Leda! I smile at the receptionist.

“Hi, my name is Eva and you must be Annalise Stroud and Brandon Jurgenson.” She grins at us.

“Ah a heads up has been given, I see.” I laugh.

“Yes. Let me take you two to the break room first. You can meet Moonshine and settle...oh, what’s his name?”

“Blue.” I reply, following her and marvelling at the rawness of the office. I like this place; I like it a lot.

“As if it could be anything else! Here we are.” She opens the door carefully and Blue is immediately wriggling to get down and investigate this new being! An hour later, he and Moonshine are buddies and sleeping happily in a puppy pile!

“Are you ready, Ms Stroud and Mr Jurgenson?” Eva pops her head in.

“Oh yes, thanks. Lead the way.” Brandon replies.

BRIAN’S OFFICE

JUSTIN

They told me what Michael did. And while I’m unsurprised, I am fucking furious! I was all set to go round and give him a taste of my temper, but was persuaded not to. I was also persuaded to allow Hero to appear in the ad that Brian does for the Therapy Dogs. I look up as the door knocks and Annalise comes in, smiling. For the next hour, we discuss the sponsorship and agree that Kinnetic will sponsor, Liberty Fine Dining will provide the food and GLC will spread the word.

And nobody says anything about Ben’s interest bucking up when he’s introduced to Brandon!

ASPCA-PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN - A WEEK LATER

BEN

 

“What are we doing here again?” Blake signs to me as Amy is with us.

“Picking puppies or small dogs for the Therapy Dog ad.” I sign back.

“Hi guys!” The same vet tech greets us. “I’ve got some really cute…” She pauses and then looks around before signing. “Who is deaf?” Amy puts up her hand. “Okay.” She signs. “I have some really cute dogs and puppies for you to choose from. Let’s go see them.”

Kocky hasn’t said a word since we got here. Two hours later, I understand why!

“I hate you, Kinney. I hate you with a passion!” Ted grumbles as Amy beams from ear to ear and carefully totes Oscar to the car:

Next out, being licked to death is Vic! “How, just how, am I holding Shiitake?!”

Justin is laughing at Molly’s outraged expression. “You are not calling him Buttface! He’s going to be called Nigel. He looks like a Nigel.”

As we head back to the cars, Emmy looks sad. “What’s up, buttercup?” I nudge him.

“I just wish I got one, but all the dogs are just a tiny bit too big.” He sighs, but then smiles a little. “But I know my perfect pooch is out there somewhere!”

Again with the Kocky Kinney smirk.

“Will this princess do?” A voice asks and everyone stops as out of a car comes Drew Boyd, holding a very little but very cute teacup poodle.

Nobody says a word. “She’s a peace offering, that’s all. I know you always wanted one. I’m sorry for the way I treated you, I truly am. But don’t take it out on her.”

Emmy, even though he is slack jawed in shock, reaches out to take the poodle from Drew’s arms, then clears his throat. “I would never do that and as peace offerings go, she’s adorable. But you are still on my shit list and have a lot of work to do to get off of that! Now hold Princess Daisy for a minute!” Drew obediently takes her and Emmy stalks back into the center.

As soon as the door shuts behind him, everyone turns to Kocky, who glares at Drew. “Fuck it up with him again and they will never find your body.”

“I won’t, I promise. I love him.” Drew replies softly.

BRIAN

I look down as Amy tugs at my hand. “What’s up, darling girl?” I sign.

“Why didn’t Uncle Ben get a dog?” She signs.

 

“His top dog came a few hours back; he’s just not collected him yet. But he will.” I sign back and snicker as Bucky goes bright red.

CHAPTER 9 - PLANNING

JUSTIN

I have seen Captain ScatsHisPants, stomping round the Avenue. He keeps looking at me like I’ve taken away his favourite toy. Well if he thought he could do a better job, then why not buy it, oh I don’t know, when it came up for sale? It was on the market for months before Molly and I bought it. So he couldn’t have been that fucking devastated!

“Hey, Justin!” I hear someone call and turn around. I am still not used to people’s voices... well at least not all of the male ones!

“Hey Drew!” I wait for him to catch up. “How are you?”

“Fine. You on the way to the GLC?” I nod. “Mind if I walk with you?” I shake my head.

It’s been a week since he showed up. I haven’t asked Emmy what happened between the two of them, although I am dying to know. So I am surprised when he starts talking.

“I was with him for a while and engaged to be married to a woman. In fact, we almost did get married but I fucked up. Literally and figuratively. I picked up a guy, fucked him and he took pictures. He threatened to go to the media if I didn’t pay. I told Sierra, the ex. It turns out she was behind it, that she knew all along. She wanted hush money on top of what was in the pre-nup and she threatened to expose Emmett and ruin his business. I couldn’t allow that so I dumped her and came out. But then I had to admit to Emmett what I had done, as in fucking around, while with him. He rightly dumped me.”

“Wow.” I murmur. “Were you telling the truth? Do you love him? In the short time I have known him, he’s a very sweet guy and I like him a lot, not like-like...like you do. But if you are...”

“Yes Justin, I love him. Plain and simple. I thought I could just blow him dumping me off and be fine. But when I came out and it all calmed down, the fame hungry flamers came around and I took what I wanted, but….”

“Missed what you needed?” I ask and he nods. “Brian is not kidding when it comes to him. When I first met them, I thought it was Ted on the Avenue as his best friend, I mean. Bucky, who’s Ben, is his true best friend. But Emmy, on the Avenue is his equal but opposite. And even though he doesn’t think I know, Brian, put up the money for Emmy to come into partnership with us.”

“So…”

“Yes, I will help you get him back.” I grin at him. “Even though you are on his shitlist, it was small, but it was there...the spark he still has for you.”

“Thanks! Oh wait, where is Hero?”

I bite my lip. “I have to try and walk around without him and I didn’t think it was this far from home to the GLC. I have to admit that I am glad you’re here. I was on verge of turning back.”

“You help me, I help you...deal?” He puts out his hand and I shake it. “Good.”

NORM AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - SATURDAY MORNING

LINDSAY

I can’t believe Norman! All it would take is about $15,000 to refurbish my boutique and he’s refusing! This is the third time he has said no and I will not have it! I storm down the stairs to find him in the lounge, reading the paper.

“The answer is still no. I am not putting in all the money. If your boo-tique is making money, why not put in half? That’s what the profits are for, you know? For spending on things you like.”

“I have plans for the money! Putting some of that…”

“Oh now it’s some? It’s not all like it was two nights ago?”

“What?” I glower at him.

“When you first mooted this idea, you said you had only made $16000 profit this quarter.”

Fuck! While Norman may look like a corpulent imbecile, he is a savvy and smart business man. His garage has boomed since he started it. My boutique was a little slower to flourish. Some women of the county were not getting my vision!

“Norman…” I begin, but am interrupted by the knock on the door. “One minute! I’ll just get rid of them so we can talk properly.”

He just shrugs and goes back to his paper.

I open the door and find Brian outside with his dog and another dog. “Brian, what are you doing here?” I frown.

“Ready, Norman?!” He shouts, completely ignoring my question. Then I see Ted, Blake, Amy, Vic and Emmett by the gate and they all have dogs. What is going on?

“Hang on!” He shouts back and then I hear giggling and shuffling. “No peeking! Are you peeking?”

“No Norm, we are not peeking!” Gus laughs.

“Dad, come on! What is it?!”

“Excuse me, Lindsay.” He is guiding our blindfolded children out of the door and Brian is backing up towards the gate. “Not one word!” He growls over his shoulder at me.

“Wait, move Gus to the side a bit.” Brian orders and then nods.

“You can take the blindfolds off now.” Norman laughs.

They rip them off their heads and just look at Norman. “Eyes front, idiots!” He chuckles.

“Oh my GOD! What is it?!” She gasps, dropping to the ground to investigate the dog next to Brian’s.

“This is Blue and he is a Chow-Chow.” Brian explains.

“Effy, Effy...Effy, look at the gate!” Gus is jabbing her in the shoulder.

“In a minute! He is so beautiful. Not as beautiful as Moonshine but oh…” She trails off as Gus takes her head and lifts it so she is looking at the gate. “Wh...what? Where? How do you…?”

“You know how persuasive your Uncle can be?” Ted signs. “Let’s start with us, shall we? This is Oscar. Oh, what is it sweetheart...oh okay. Amy wants to introduce the rest. Then we’re going for a walk just to the park over there. Right, continue Amy.”

“This is Shiitake and this is Princess Daisy. You’ve got to meet Nigel, who belongs to Aunt Molly.” She signs and Blake speaks.

“Um Brian, who is the Chow for?” I ask warily.

“Blue is mine.” A voice calls out and towards the gate comes a woman...not just a woman, a very beautiful woman! “Hi. I’m Annalise Stroud. Who are the pretty girls?” She signs and speaks, both Effy...Edna-Fanny and Amy are just staring.

“Hi, Annalise.” Brian signs. “This is Effy and this is Amy. And the gangly teen, doing a guppy impression, is Gus.”

“Dad!”

“What? You were locked and loaded in seconds. But, she’s on our team.” Brian smirks and I cringe at his crassness.

“But thank you kindly for the interest.” She smiles at Gus. “So we going to the park? How far is it? These heels…” she points to her feet. “...might need to be changed.”

“Oh definitely!” Emmett laughs.

“Okay, be right back.”

The heels as she casually described them are Louis Vuitton from about three seasons back but look brand new. “Let me just get my jacket!” I call out and dash into the house. This is a lady I want to get to know! Despite my hinting, Edna-Fanny refuses to let me take Bloom and she is holding one of Annalise’s hands and Amy is holding the other.

“Blue.” Norman says in my ear.

“What?” I turn to him.

“His name is Blue, not Bloom and you’re about to...too late.” He snickers and I look down and want to throw up. “Well stepping in shit makes a change from you creating it.” He laughs and walks on to leave me to clean it up as best I can. These trainers are going in the bin!

An hour later, I am exhausted! I sink gratefully onto the bench. I thought it was going to be a gentle stroll, but no they were running about! Well Emmett and Princess Daisy weren’t as they mostly sat with Norman.

“Okay, I am officially too old for this!” Annalise flops down on the bench next to us.

“Oh, I don’t know you can’t be more…” Her phone ringing interrupts my compliment.

“Hey momma...oh boy, that’s your pissed voice. What’s he done?” She listens intently. “Oh for fuck sake! I’ll be there in an hour! Sometimes he can be the most dooftastic man!” She hangs up, shaking her head and smiling.

“Everything okay, sweetie?” Emmett asks and I cringe slightly. It is obvious that Annalise is not a woman to whom you say sweetie!

“Yeah, my delightful, but stupid, father asked my mom to renew their vows…”

“And that makes him dooftastic how?” Norman asks and inwardly I groan.

“He decided to recreate the way he asked her the first time and has wrenched his back...trust me you don’t want to know!” She laughs. “So I’ve got to go look after him until mom comes back from her conference.”

“What does your mother do?” I ask before Norman can ask that question.

“She runs her own medical practice out of Sewickley, with her business partner Dr George Cannon-Miles. Such a fucking pompous ass, you have never met! And he will bitch and moan if she’s looking after her husband not keeping her eyes on the ball of the practice. But her business, her choice. Look, I have got to go. Blue! Come!” She shouts and my heart hammers in my chest. She leans down and kisses both Emmett and Norman...but shakes my hand...before she says goodbye to everyone else.

“Wait up, sweetie! Princess needs her nap! I’ll go with you!”

“Come on then Ems and while we are walking, we can talk vow renewal catering!” She yells back.

NORMAN

“What’s that look for?” I ask a stunned looking Lindsay.

“I know her…”

“Annalise? Where from?”

“My childhood. I didn’t mix with her…”

“I’ll bet.” I comment dryly, but she ignores that.

“But if I am right, that is Annalise Stroud of the Hooper-Strouds…”

“And…” I say slowly.

“She’s someone that Effy and I definitely need to make friends with.” She tells me and then gets up calling Effy’s name.

“Ah now that she serves a purpose she’s Effy, is she?” I grumble as I start to follow her. “You are not using my daughter for your social climbing. You can fuck right off with that!”

CLUB ONE GYM, EAST END - TWO HOURS LATER

BEN

I can see why Kocky comes here. It’s fantastic and you don’t get hit on! The guys are here to work out and that’s it. I am trying to figure out if I want to do speed bag or wall climbing, but as there seems to be a bit of a queue for speed bag, wall climbing it is. I grab my stuff and head to the wall.

“Wanna race?” I am asked and then faced with Brandon; I swallow hard.

“Best out of?” I rally some chutzpah.

“Five. Loser buys the winner dinner.” He smiles and my head almost bobbles off I am nodding so hard. About as smooth as rubble! “I have very expensive taste.” He smirks.

“So do I. Hope you don’t have to smash too many piggy banks.” I counter.

An hour later, we have a table booked at Liberty Fine Dining for official opening night on Thursday and have exchanged numbers. As we head to our respective cars, I wait for him to drive away, then punch in a familiar number.

“Who do you need rescuing from?” Kocky laughs.

“Nobody. But we need to do your other favourite thing, which is go shopping. I won a bet with Brandon and don’t have I want to fuck you dinner clothes!” I am almost hyperventilating.

“Calm down, you lummox! When is said date?” He laughs.

“Thursday!” I squeak.

“Wow! You are actually squeaking! Okay, get here in one piece and I will take my vestal virgin shopping!”

“If I didn’t need you for this, I would tell you fuck off!”

“But you do, so you won’t!” He snickers and cuts the call.

 

CHAPTER 10 - COCK...OOPS THAT SHOULD BE COOK OFF

LAFF - THURSDAY MID-MORNING

MICHAEL

I just don’t understand it! The place is still packed to the gills. In fact, if anything, it is even busier!

And on top of that Uncle Vic has acquired a fucking dog! Shit-something or other. When he brought it home, I pointed out that this was my childhood home and I should’ve been consulted. His snarky response of but I bought this home and that makes it mine and I can bring in who I please, really irritated me! Although he does have a point. I didn’t want to say anything else as I am staying there rent free.

“Michael!” Cyril clicking his fingers in my face, brings me back to my reality. I can’t wait to leave here and take over that spot!

“The toilets are backed up again.” He hands me the plunger and I grimace. “Maybe you should speak to Heathan about putting less ass clogging fat in the burgers, hmm? Now off you go and then you can clear the tables up. Actually do that first and then the toilets.”

“When are we going to get someone to replace Niles?”

“When I find a suitable candidate. And his name is Miley, not Niles as you know. Now hurry! We open in an hour.” He retorts.

GLC - SAME TIME

ANNALISE

Brian and I exchanged unimpressed looks. Tannis and Twitface are blathering about making the cook off on Saturday, more family friendly.

“Maybe, appeal more to the families. You know those…”

“Let me stop you there again, Tannis. The whole point of this cook off is to raise money for YEP, not to provide day-care facilities.” I repeat for the fourth time. “You agreed to this being a young teen and adults event and that is what we are sticking to. Now let’s move on to where the tables are going.”

“But Annalise, you aren’t from around here. You don’t…” Tannis swings at simpering and hits sycophantic...I hate sycophantic!

“Where do you think I was brought up?” I ask.

“New York.” She states confidently, earning a sickening look of pride from Twitface.

“Shadyside. Had my sweet 16 on Liberty Avenue. I may travel the country for my philanthropic work, but I haven’t forgotten where I came from. Now about the tables... Brian and I have another meeting to get to.”

She goes red and leads us to the area that she has sectioned off and I sigh. “Obviously, this will be taken down and changed.” I demand.

“Now!” Brian orders, grimacing at the family focused banners, face painting...fucking face painting...stall and it is half the size.

“Pardon?” Twitface blenches.

“And why do we only have half the hall?” He demands.

“For fuck sake!” I explode. “We paid for the whole hall!”

“We were going to have a small event for a council member, who wants to promote her philanthropic side too, but hers is more family focused. Same sex couples with children and...”

“Wasn’t that the fundraiser you approached me for last year?” Brian demands.

“Yes.” She shifts on her feet. “We just thought...I mean, I was approached by a council member, who is going to be here on Saturday to cordon off a little area for an event and since it’s along the lines of…”

“That is a fee based program, as in the parents of the children support it, correct? And it is funded for the next two years? YEP is not run like that. This is for disadvantaged youth, not children who already have access to the education system, a roof over their head with a warm place to sleep and caring parents. Have you seen the YEP building?” She shakes her head. “It’s not just somewhere for them to get out of the cold. It is a school, a counselling and medical service and a live-in facility.” Brian explains like he is talking to a goal post. It is obvious he does not like the GLC trolls and thinks very little of their collective intelligence.

“I see, but if you could…”

“No. Give me my money back and we will go elsewhere!” I almost shout as this twat and twit have worked my last nerve.

“Ah there’s no need for that!” She rushes out.

“Then we are in agreement that Saturday is for my event and your buddy will have to find somewhere else to put a pep in their step?!” She nods blushing. “Is there anything scheduled between now and Saturday?”

“No, there is…” She winces as she realises what I am going to be asking of her.

“Then you can lock it up and give us the keys...after you have taken this crap out, of course. We will decorate it ourselves.”

“Yes, of course.” She mutters and then goes to fetch some staff to remove the offending items. Within an hour, it is cleared and we have the blank canvas we need.

YEP, SHADYSIDE - SAME TIME

TEACHER’S LOUNGE

BRANDON

I really like what she’s done with the place. I was surprised when she called me to ask if I would like to work with her considering we only met once, at a charity event, being hosted by my then boyfriend. What a dick he turned out to be!

“Brandon Jurgenson speaking.” I answer my phone without looking at the caller id, and there is silence, I look at the display and frown. “Who is this?”

“You mean you’ve not saved my name and number?” A slightly familiar voice drawls. “I hope you at least remember what I look like, even if I will be wearing clothes and my hands won’t be covered in chalk dust…”

“Ah Mr Bruckner. Good afternoon…” I settle back in my seat. “...are you phoning to say that you did indeed cheat on the last climb and we go Dutch.”

“Nope. I didn’t cheat; you lost fair and square. Reason for the call is to tell you that Liberty has had to change the booking to half seven.”

“Oh okay. I shall see you in there, Mr Cheater.” I smile.

“Later, Mr Bad Loser.”

LIBERTY FINE DINING

BEN

Oh dear God! He looks good in that suit! I clear my throat quietly and wait for him to saunter my way.

“Mr Cheater.” He laughs and indicates the beer and I nod. “This looks great. Has it been open long?”

“Had a soft opening last week.” We clink bottles and he frowns.

“What’s on the other side?” He peers intently over my shoulder.

“Diner, that’s open 24/7. This is just the evening, Thursday through Saturday. Justin calls the menu Trashy but Classy.”

“Oh I like the sound of that…” He snickers.

“But it’s the chef special that is to die for. Duck confit Reuben. With string fries...oh my.”

“And that gets served which side?” He grabs the menu.

“Both, and I have already put in an order for it.  He doesn’t make too man…”

“Excuse me, can I order the duck confit Reuben please?” He interrupts me and I have to laugh.

“Of course, sir and you are very lucky. You got the last one.” Miles laughs.

“Great! Now what do you want for a starter?” He asks. “Are you going for the cliché and say oysters?”

“No, but they are very good. Shall we go for the grilled Caesar salad to share?”

“Perfect.”

“Gentlemen…” Vic grins at me. “Your table is ready.” He leads us to a semi private table and waggles his eyebrows at me.

“Subtle.” I mutter and feel a slight heat to my face.

“Yeah, like a brick.” Brandon smirks. “So, come on tell me about yourself.”

“Well as you know I’m an excellent wall climber…”

KINNETIC - FRIDAY MORNING

BRIAN’S OFFICE

BRIAN

Lindsay is trailing in my wake. She turned up this morning with that look. She wants something. I wait for her to take a seat and begin her spiel.

“Brian, it’s about Annalise. I can’t believe this, but I…”

“No.” I interrupt and she looks bewildered. “If you are going to ask me for her number, the answer is no. She’s a business contact and I don’t give out numbers without their permission.”

“I’ve known her since childhood and…”

“Really?” I stare at her, remembering the conversation between Norm and me after the dog walking. “As a matter of interest, why do you want her number?”

“Like I said, I’ve known her since childhood. My parents and her parents were close and I wanted to find out how her father is.”

“Her father is fine. Apparently, it wasn’t as bad as they thought. Now if you can excuse me, I have a meeting with Emmy in 10 minutes.”

“But Brian…”

“No. And Emmy won’t let you have it either. They’ve bonded.” I smile sweetly. “Besides, they haven’t moved so you can just pop round and see them. Can’t you?”

She stands up swiftly and sighs. “Yes, I may well do that. But I didn’t want to be unannounced. May I use your en-suite?”

I wave her away just as Emmy comes in with Princess Daisy. She really is kinda cute. “Break room, Emmy.” I order as he tends to get a bit distracted with her there.

“Fine!” He grumbles, standing up again. “But we will be discussing YEP in Shadyside and the recipe you want immediately! Saturday at the GLC is going to be fun! Can’t believe Annalise has got so many A-Gays and blue bloods out for this! Won’t be long!”

As he sweeps back out again, Lindsay comes out smoothing down her hair. “Well, I’ll see you later Brian. Have a good day.” She smiles.

“Yes, I do believe I will be seeing you on Saturday.” I mutter at her retreating back.

Ten minutes later, a frowning Emmy comes back in. “She had that smile…”

“Lindsay?” He nods. “Yeah, she was in here trying to get a number for Annalise, but you inadvertently told her where she was going to be this weekend. So no doubt, she will turn up there.”

“Like I said, Saturday is going to be fun!” He chuckles.

GLC - SATURDAY MID MORNING

JUSTIN

Well so far so good; the turnout is fantastic! She certainly knows some people. Oh fucking hell! I tense up as I see the two people I never want to see ever again! What the fuck are my so-called parents doing here?! I look around for Molly, but she’s on the other side and I would pick today of all fucking days to come without Hero!

I take a couple of breaths, but my hands are so clammy and I feel cold and sweaty. I know I am about to have a panic attack.

“Not here, not now!” I mutter to myself. “Just breathe, just breathe!” I try to think of my breathing exercises, but my mind has gone blank. All I can think about is how they were and now they’re gladhanding and smiling. Dad has spotted me and I try not to shrink back.

“What is it?” I hear Brian’s voice and immediately turn to him. “You look like you are freaking out. What’s happened?”

“My p-par-parents...here!” I manage to gasp out and feel myself starting to shake.

“Okay, look at me. Just look at me, nobody else.”

BRIAN

His eyes are filled with tears. I brush his cheek and give him a small smile. “In for the count of 8, okay?” He nods. “Okay, on my count, 1, 2, 3…you can hold my hand if you want...5, 6, 7 and 8.”

“S-sorry for sw-sweat.” He snatches his hand away and quickly wipes it before taking my hand again.

“In again…” I order gently. “And out.” For the next few minutes, we just concentrate on his breathing. Slowly he begins to regain some colour and the trembling is easing a bit. “Now swallow.” I wiggle my eyebrows and he snorts. “I like a man that swallows...so swallow.”

“Ne-need water.” He mutters and I signal Bucky, who then nods. “Oh god...They’re fighting, aren’t they? I can hear them!” He starts to shake again, but then takes the water and inhales it instead of taking the sips I was going to suggest.

“Am I getting rid of the two people Molly is talking to?” Bucky asks and we both nod.

A few minutes later, a mortified Annalise comes over. “Oh Justin, I am so sorry! How are you doing? Do you need to go to the office for a few minutes?”

“Please.” He says weakly and I virtually carry him out. But before we even get to the office, he stops walking. “Brian, stop. I can do this.” His voice is somewhat stronger and I wait for his next move.

“But we just want to talk to them!” The woman cries. “Molly, please!”

“You’ve been asked to leave, so leave!” Bucky growls.

“Justin! Oh Justin, please…” The woman shouts at us.

He swallows hard and shakes his head. “I don’t ever want to see you two again. You abandoned me when I needed you most. But it’s the way you treated Molly that I will never forgive you for. You have no...children!  Now...fu-fuck off!

“You will not speak to your mother like that, Boy!” The man yells, starting to advance but is stopped with one hand in his chest by Bucky.

“Yo-you’re right, I’m not speaking to my mother; I’m speaking to a woman I u-used to know and th-the same goes for you!”

“You have been asked to fuck off and you will, either under your own steam or by my foot in your ass!” Bucky growls and after a moment’s hesitation, he starts to leave before he pauses.

“We did what we thought was right!” The man said. “The scandal was…”

“He said fuck off! Bucky is telling you to fuck off and now I’m telling you!” I start to walk towards them, but he tightens his grip on my hand. “I will be advising Justin and Molly to get restraining orders against you. Expect the papers by the end of the week!”

“Justin! You wouldn’t!”

“Yes, I would! Now go!” He shouts. I try not to wince as his nails dig into my hand. Bucky follows them out and Molly comes rushing towards us. Instead of distressed, she looks...proud.

“Well done! You did it! You finally said what you needed to say!” She beams at him and pulls him into a fierce hug.

I smile as Justin rubs ruefully at the half moon indentations on my palm. “You’ve got quite a grip there. So has that been a long time coming? What you said to them?” He nods. “How’s it feel?”

“Freeing. I’ve finally closed that chapter on my life. Now let me get cleaned up and make some money!” He grins...it’s small, but it’s there!

LINDSAY

It took some white lying, but I got out of the other fundraiser so I could attend this one. Like Emmett said, the A-Gays and bluebloods are here in droves.

“Lindsay, do you know who that is?!” Norman gasps as he looks at Dusty and the well built man she’s talking to.

“No idea.” I reply.

“That’s Drew Boyd. The Ironman. I would love to meet him. Do you think you could introduce me?”

“No, it wouldn’t do. Celebrities don’t like to be interrupted at these kinds of events. Maybe wait until…” I stop and stare as Dusty turns around. “She’s judging?!” I gasp.

“Who is?”

“Dusty is judging the cook-off food! Her of all people! If anyone, it should be me...excuse me, Norman!”

I walk over as calmly as I can and paste on a winning smile. “Dusty, good morning. How are you?”

“Oh hi Lindsay, fine just fine. You looking forward to the tasting after we judge them?”

“Oh no, I couldn’t have such calorie ladened fare. Some of us want to watch our figures. May I be introduced?” I say as I eye her ugly sack shaped dress.

“Uh...oh of course, Lindsay Fukowski, this is Drew Boyd. Drew Boyd this is…”

“Lindsay Peterson-Fukowski, nice to meet you, Mr Boyd. I understand you’re an Ironman. What brings you to this event?”

“I’m one of the judges, favour for a very dear friend. Actually, can you excuse me? I have just spotted him and need to have a quick word.”

“Of course.” As he walks away, I turn swiftly back to Dusty. “You kept this quiet?”

“What?” She replied, sipping her water.

“The fact that you are a judge on this. I would…”

“You were on the other fundraiser, at your own insistence. So don’t play the woman scorned, and that passive aggressive comment, is not the way to get me to hand it over. Now excuse me. I have to speak with the rest of my fellow judges. You may know them, Emmett Honeycutt and Vic Grassi.”

She leaves me standing alone and smarting. It’s not like her usual dumpy, frumpy self to be that observant.

“Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen the judging of the cook off challenge will commence!” Annalise calls out and for the next hour, they taste and confer and I seethe with resentment as picture after picture is taken! Finally, the winners are announced. I barely pay attention, I am so incensed. But then I hear laughter and look up the stage to find Brian standing there, looking smug and Norman is shaking his head and laughing.

“What happened?” I demand.

“Brian won a prize, for best dessert…”

“How fortuitous.” I drawl.

“It was a blind tasting so nobody knew who cooked what.” He retorts.

“...sorry Mr Kinney can you repeat the name of your winning dish please? I don’t think I quite heard it right.” A voice calls out once the laughter dies down.

“Of course. They’re called Stud Spunk Cupcakes, I made them all by my widdle self. They have a rich and delicious mix of chocolate, stout and Irish cream...the cream was made fresh by me this morning!” He smirks and there is more laughter. I take a furtive look at Annalise and she doesn’t look as mortified as I feel. In fact, she’s laughing the hardest. “So what’s the prize then?” He asks.

“A cooking lesson by the chef of Liberty Fine Dining” Dusty answers and Brian turns to Justin.

“Really? And what would we be cooking?” He asks.

“Anything you want that’s on this list?” Justin replies as he hands him a brochure.

“Chicken, I have always wanted to be able to cook a good roast chicken.” He replies.

“Okay, come on then. Let’s get started!” Justin declares and I look confused.

“He gets the lesson now…” Dusty smirks. “Now as a committee member, you are required to help.”

“Help with what?” I don’t like the way she’s looking at me.

“Help to distribute the remains of the food to the kids in the rec room.”

“But I’m not here in that capacity.” I bristle.

“You are if you don’t want me to tell anyone that Gus and Edna-Fanny aren’t really sick.” She smiles.

“They are sick. They both…”

“Are talking to Norm. Kids seem to have amazing powers of recovery these days, don’t they? Now come along, let’s go.”

JUSTIN

Of all the people to win, it had to be Brian. I am so glad he chose chicken, I love roasting a bird. As we stand the bird on its rear end, he looks at me and snickers. “What’s so funny?” I ask as I take out some string and cut it into appropriate lengths.

“What’s what you’re about to do called?” He asks as he takes a pat of butter in his hand and adds it to the bowl of herbs and fresh garlic.

“Trussing.” I reply as I bring its legs together. “Always truss so that it’s tight to the body so it cooks evenly, you don’t want its legs splayed out and…”

“Oh I don’t know. Being splayed out can be fun, but the trussing is intriguing. It reminds me of Kinbaku…”

“What’s that?” I ask just watching his fingers mix the butter and herbs carefully.

“Japanese art of tying someone up in thin ropes. Personally I would use silk, in intricate patterns…”

I swallow hard and go back to trussing, wishing I never asked! “Oh, okay. So if you c-could rub the butter mix over the chicken…”

“Sure, slide it over here. Do I just slap it on, you know like lube, or should I massage it into the skin? I do like to lube my meat.” I am just mesmerised as he rubs the bird inside and out and a part of me wants to be that chicken so bad! “Justin? Justin? Where do I stick this?” He holds out an onion.

“You need to peel it and then stick it inside the chicken.” I reply, wishing he would behave as Ben can clearly hear him and is finding my embarrassment amusing.

“Cut up or whole like a ball gag?” He blinks at me.

“Like a ball...I mean whole!” I swiftly correct myself and watch him slowly slide the onion inside. “Now can you wash your hands and we will start on the side dishes! And before you ask, no we are not doing carrots!”

“Pity. I am very good at peeling and carrots have a great mouth feel.” He smirks and follows me to the sink and I try and think of anything but that or poultry porn!

NORMAN

I have just spoken to Emmy and they have raised a lot of money for YEP. I enjoyed helping with the food and could’ve wept when I saw some of the kids that were there. A couple were immediately admitted as they were so banged up. Gus and Effy are back from walking Shiitake and pushing Princess Daisy. Now, they’ve got to walk Moonshine and Blue. As I come out of the rec room, I am furious, for talking to Gus are Lindsay’s parents!

“Lindsay!” I call out sharply and she shakes her head as she is talking to someone, presumably, important. There is always the other way to get her attention. “Lindth!” I hiss louder and she is immediately over.

“What is it?!” She snarks.

“Recognise anyone here?” I ask.

“Apart from the great and the good of society? What are you getting at? I have to go back to…”

“Gus is talking to his grandparents. They either have changed their tune or is this a place to be seen?”

“Oh my God. I am going to kill him! He must have done this deliberately!” She whispers harshly and scans the room.

“Who must have?”

“Brian!” She stalks over to him. I quickly follow and get to her just as she taps Brian hard on the shoulder. “How could you?” She demands quietly.

“How could I what?” He asks, crunching on a carrot that seems to render Justin mute and glassy eyed.

“Invite my parents!” She fumes. “That is such a betrayal of…”

“I didn’t invite your godawful parents. They are the last people I would expect to see here. I don’t know if you remember the last thing I said to them, so let me remind you...I wouldn’t piss on you in a forest fire. They and my parents weren’t impressed.”

“Lindsay, Brian didn’t invite your parents; my parents did.” Annalise interrupts and Brian does little to hide his smug look. “They’ve actually contributed about $2000. Is there an issue between you and them?”

“Nothing that can’t be smoothed over.” She stammers.

“Where are they any...oh fuck no!” Brian snaps and immediately heads to Gus.

BRIAN

“Gus, can you go and check on Effy for me please?”

“Uh okay, dad. These people were asking for directions to….” Gus starts to say, but I shake my head.

“It’s okay, Sonny Boy I know exactly where to send them. Go make sure that Effy is not giving Moonshine meatballs.”

I wait until all three of us are alone for realisation to dawn. “Yeah, you’ve been talking to your grandson! And you have a granddaughter in case you were wondering what Lindsay had.”

Nancy goes pale and Ronald narrows his eyes at me. “Let’s not cause a scene.” He whispers.

“Fuck off then and there won’t be one.” I growl back just as quietly and they turn to leave. “I will stand your donation, take it back. We don’t accept money from homophobes!”

“This is a charitable foundation. It has nothing to do with being...like that!” Nancy whispers fiercely.

“You know that Annalise is gay, right?” I sneer and she flinches. “Ah, you didn’t. You just saw the name and the cache it could bring you.”

“Ah Nancy, Ronald how sad that you’re going so soon.” The woman’s voice is cold. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Leda, Annalise’s girlfriend, and as he has so rightly pointed out, you are leaving and taking your donation with you!”

“But…” Ronald stammers.

“Out of my baby’s premises!” She hisses.

They scurry away before she can advance further and then turns to me. “You’re Brian Kinney, nice to meet you.” She extends her hand.

“Leda.” I repeat and then gape at her. “As in Mel’s best friend, who Mel chose over…”

“Yeah. That one!” She laughs. “Now do you happen to know where my oh so gorgeous girlfriend is right now?”

“Let me take you over. I am not missing this reunion for the world!” I lead her over and Justin looks up in concern. “Tell you later. In the meantime, everyone this is Leda. She’s Annalise’s girlfriend. This is Justin, Bucky - also known as Ben - and Norman, Lindsay’s husband.”

“Hus…” This time she gapes at me and I nod.

“And here comes the lady of the hour.” I can’t help the smirk. “Keep your back to me.” I whisper and she nods, chuckling.

“Brian, about earlier…” She pauses, admiring the back of Leda. “Who’s that?” She asks me.

“Oh, where are my manners?” I drawl and tap Leda on the shoulder. “Lindsay, this is…”

“Leda!” She gasps and steps back so quick she stands on Norman’s toe, causing him to yelp.

“Watch it, Lindth! You’re not ath light ath you think!” He grumbles, hobbling away.

“Hi Lindth, interesting shortening of your name there. How have you...baby!” She squeals and rushes past us.

“You! You are in so much trouble!” Annalise giggles. “I am going to beat you black and very Blue. But before that, come here!” She growls and pulls her into a fierce, judging by the grinding, panty wetting kiss…I thought it was hot; lord alone knows what Lindth thought!

“Yeah. I think Annalise may have missed her girlfriend. What do you think, Lindth?” I smirk.

 

CHAPTER 11 - REACTION AND ACTION

GLC HALL

LINDSAY

I’m in shock! I cannot believe that selfish, low class bitch is with a woman of Annalise’s calibre! How she split Mel and I up remains a constant thorn in my side and I still, to this day, don’t believe that Mel was ever faithful with me during our relationship! Especially with an obvious lesbian like her. At least, I was discreet!

As I watch them finally disentangle themselves from each other, I slap a smile on my face. But before I can say anything to her, Edna-Fanny is rushing over. “Miss Annalise! Come quick, he’s freaking out!”

“Who is?!” She demands. “Show me!” She grabs Edna-Fanny’s hand and allows herself to be pulled out. “Mom!” She shouts over her shoulder and we all follow her out.

REC ROOM

BEN

I take in the situation and it is clear that Hunter is having some form of attack. “Everyone!” I say low and quietly. “Be quiet!” The room goes silent. “Hey, Hunter. Hunter, I need you to look at me, okay? Brian, come here. Right here.”

“Hunter, I know where you have gone but I don’t know why you have gone there. Can you tell me?” Brian asks soothingly, but Hunter shakes his head firmly.

“Okay, can you tell me what happened before you went there?”

“Him. He wo-wouldn’t stop hitting me! I s-said I was sorry, but he wouldn’t stop.” He is trembling.

“Who is him?” I ask.

“Father.” He is trying to get himself into the smallest possible space in the rec room.

“Ben, please move. Hunter, I need you to listen. Nobody is going to hurt you now. Do you remember me? I’m Annalise’s mother, Diana.” He slowly nods. “You said ‘father.’ Whose father?”

“His.” He points at Justin.

“Mine? What did he do?”

“Kept hitting.” He sobs. “He kept hitting.”

“Hunter, I am…”

“No, Justin. Don’t!” Diana orders quietly. “Association by touch, will not help bring him down. And we need to bring him down. Everyone one that is not either Brian, Ben or me please leave.”

NORMAN

Jesus! That was awful! Everyone is quiet as we head back to the hall. “That poor boy... is there something we can do for him?” Some guy asks and I just think lipservice!

“You’re doing what you can by being here.” Annalise says. “We only have room for 40 children. But there are millions of children out there, who simply because they are gay, trans or just not what their parents deem acceptable are cast aside to fend for themselves. If you want to help on a personal level, check out the foster care system. But on a business level, apprenticeships are what’s most needed. They want to learn to take care of themselves so they’re never put in this situation again.”

Ted clears his throat. “Confucius once said, if you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach him to fish, he eats for life. So teach them to fish. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but something to build on.”

“What about an automotive internship? I own a garage.” I pipe up.

“Seriously? You would do that? That would be wonderful!” Annalise beams at me. “So what would you offer?”

“I could use someone for basic auto repair and office admin.” I blush at her fulsome praise.

“I could use an office assistant in the paralegal department in my law firm.” A man calls out.

“Okay, we have two! Who else?” Annalise looks round.

Brandon raises his hand. “I haven’t filled my teaching assistant position yet.”

Soon all the so called A-Gays and high falutin society peeps are fighting over themselves to get internships for these kids.

“Wait, what about the girls?!” Lindsay calls out. “I could offer an internship at my boutique. I have always wanted to pass on my extensive knowledge of haute couture!”

“Lindsay, these internship offers are for both sexes, not just the boys. Plenty of girls like working on cars and boys are interested in fashion.” Leda huffs as she gives Lindsay a gimlet eyed stare.

“I am more than aware of that, thank you Leda. And that tone wasn’t at all necessary!” She snaps back, silencing the room.

“No, your tone just now was unnecessary, Lindsay! I apologise on behalf of my fellow council member for her rudeness.” Dusty glares at Lindsay. “As I know she won’t do it herself and if she does, she won’t mean it. Now let’s move on from here and back to the matter in hand. Internships…” Lindsay’s face is a picture of humiliation and fury. “Does your offer to have one of the kids work for you still stand Lindsay, regardless of their sex?”

“Of course.” She replies tightly.

The door opening brings in Diana. “He’s feeling a bit better but Brian and Ben are taking him to YEP to get him settled.” She turns to Justin. “It wasn't your father who attacked him; it was the shouting that triggered the attack.”

“Oh, thanks. Although if it was, I would encourage him to press charges.” Justin asserts.

“So back to the matter in hand...” Lindsay interjects.

“Still all heart, I see.” Leda mutters, but only I hear her and chuckle quietly.

For the next hour, more internships are settled upon.

“What about the Vaseline Tower.” Effy asks.

“What about the what?” Annalise looks confused.

“I was speaking to one of the boys, who was taken to YEP. He was worried about what little he had being stolen. It’s in the Vaseline Tower. Apparently it’s where every homeless kid starts off when they get here…” She trails off embarrassed as everyone is looking at her.

“Where is this place? Did he tell you?” Leda asks.

“Just outside of town, but close enough to the local hotspots.” A kid tells her as he comes out of the other room. “Are you guys serious about helping us with those internships? Or when the press goes, will they go with them?”

“I, for one, am very serious. My name is Gavin Peacock. I run Peacock Real Estates...you have my word and you can quote me on that.”

“Me too.” Drew nods. “We have free sports scholarships, set up via my charitable foundation. Can you take me to this Tower? First thing we do is get those in there into a hotel…”

“Oh Drew.” Emmett sniffles and Drew gives him a shy smile.

“MW Hotels will have availability….”

“How so?” Dusty asks.

“I own the hotel chain. Darling…” He turns to the woman next to him and she just waves him away, already on the phone. “Come on, those who are coming and let’s get them out of there.”

The kid stares and a lone tear slides down his face and he just whispers. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank us for being human and doing the right thing,” Annalise asserts. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Charlie.” He sniffs, wiping his nose on his sleeve before taking the proffered tissue. “Got kicked out when my stepfather moved in.”

As the men start to follow a still sniffing Charlie, I start to go with them. But Lindsay calls me back, wringing her hands. “The Vaseline Tower is a grim place full of…”

“Which is why we are getting them the fuck out of there!” I rebuke her. “I’ll see you later.”

YEP, PARKING LOT - TWO HOURS LATER

BEN

Hunter and the two other kids, one who turned out to be a girl, are now resting. Kocky looks contemplative. “Have you had any since the last time?” He shakes his head.

“Justin’s was so close to what I used to suffer, but you...”

“That’s what best friends do.” I interrupt with smile and nudge him in the ribs. “Come on. You need a nice wet tongue on you.”

“Huh?” It’s not often I catch him off guard, but this time it is understandable. The nightmares he used to suffer from after the abuse from his dad carried on through college. It was the whimpering and curling up into a fetal position that ripped my guts.

“Moonshine, needs to lick daddy’s face.”

“Yeah, he does. Ben...” He stammers to a halt.

“Come here, Brian.” He’s trembling as I wrap my arms around him. “Breathe through it. It’s not happening anymore, so just breathe through it. Come on, let’s get you home. I’ll call Brandon and reschedule.”

“No, don’t do that. I’ll be…”

“Quiet and get in the car. I’m driving.” I order and he does as he is told.

An hour later, we’re back at the loft in bed, with me spooned behind him, and Moonshine resting on his feet.

VASELINE TOWER

DREW

Jesus, this place is horrendous! It should be condemned and then levelled! The kids look wary, but after Charlie explains that we are really going to help them, they couldn’t gather their meagre things quickly enough.

“Get everyone’s stuff and we’ll make another journey back and wait. Is there a place that you hang out when you’re outside...um…” I trail off.

“Hustling.” He supplies simply. “You gotta do what you gotta do to survive. In answer to your question, the old parking lot is where most of us hang out when being in here gets depressing.  I can’t believe that we’re…”

“Going to a better place now.” I interrupt him. “So come on, let’s restart your life.”

NORMAN AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - 4 HOURS LATER

LOUNGE

LINDSAY

I am still smarting from the treatment by Dusty and Norman suddenly deciding to be a saviour to the homeless! And as for Leda!

“So that’s okay, isn’t it mom?” Gus asks. “Norm has already said yes, but he said to make sure you put it on the calendar.”

“What? I wasn’t listening. I’m concerned for your father.” I look again through the window.

“Why? He’s going to be fine. He may be on the large side…” I snort derisively, but then look apologetic when he frowns at me. “But he can handle himself.”

“Handle himself? What kind of phrasing is that? I’ve never heard of it.”

“Self defence mom.” He replies sighing. “So can Effy and I volunteer then?”

“Volunteer for what?”

“You really weren’t listening, were you?” Edna-Fanny sighs. “We’re going to volunteer at YEP once a week. We can help before Gus goes to work in the diner with Hunter.”

“Are you sure that won’t be too much for you, Gus?” He shakes his head. “Let me speak to your fathers about it. I’m not sure that this won’t...”

“Dad’s home.” Gus interrupts and goes to let him in. “Was it really grim?” I hear him ask.

“Yeah, awful. Absolutely awful! But the majority of them are at the hotel now. Some were reluctant to come, but hopefully they will change their minds. Drew is determined to get everyone out of there. Did you tell her about volunteering?”

“I have a name, Norman.” I point out. “And I am not sure that this won’t be too…”

“Nonsense. He works the lunch shift on Saturdays for 2 hours, then the rest of the day is free to do what he wants. He, I mean they, want to do this so I said yes. Besides Annalise can do with all the help she can get.”

“Can she now?” I murmur and slowly start to nod. “Okay, they can do it.”

ANNALISE’S RESIDENCE - SUNDAY MORNING

BEDROOM

LEDA

“So…” I take in some much needed air, my body still trembling. “You still mad?”

“What do you think?” She giggles, flicking my nipple. “He’s so adorable! Did I tell you about the ad?”

“You did. So aren’t you curious?” I roll her onto her back.

“About you and Lindsay’s past history?” I nod. “Not really. It’s exactly that... your past. Though she is a strange one. I can’t see her and Mel together at all.”

“Oh, you have no idea how bad it was in real life!” I laugh. “She would walk up the street with Mel, ostentatiously holding hands as if to announce, look at us, we’re dykes!  Always wanted to go to straight bars and to draw attention to herself and Mel. Mel hated it but Lindsay craved, and still craves, attention. Especially from you.”

“Me?” She looks surprised.

“Yes. You are sometimes a touch oblivious to admiring glances.” I chuckle. “From both men and women, Dusty is another fan.”

“I like Dusty. She seems like she’s got a good heart, but just no on the Lindsay front. She may look the way she does but she doesn’t have rock hard abs, brown hair and beautiful long legs…”

“Still can’t believe she’s married to a man. But Norm is a sweetheart.”

“Enough killing my vibe, let me rev your engine again.”

“Oh no, it’s my turn…” I growl.

“Take me.” She orders and I obey...twice!

VIC AND MICHAEL’S HOUSE - WEDNESDAY EVENING

MICHAEL

“Uncle Vic!” I call out, storming down the stairs. “Look what your shit-dog has done?!” I wave the sneaker in his face. It has been chewed beyond saving.

“Shii-ta-ke, not shit dog.  Now stop waving that in my face, it stinks. So, did you leave your closet or bedroom door open?”

“I shouldn’t have to close off my things; he should be better trained!” I lecture and look expectantly at him.

“What?”

“These were vintage Converse that your dog damaged. So you should replace them.”

“No.” He replies, calmly folding up the newspaper and standing up. “He’s a puppy and you have been told time and time again to close your doors if you don’t want him getting into your things. So now you have finally learned that lesson, right? Well, I am off to the P&P game. That’s puppies and poker to you. See you later.”

I am stupefied as he calmly walks out, but relieved that he takes his fleabag with him. I slump on the sofa and contemplate my ruined sneaker when my eye is caught by the headline on the front page of Pittsburgh Out. I snatch it up and seethe as I read about the event that they went to last weekend and didn’t invite me. Okay, I was busy but the way they are lauding up those who volunteered their services, especially him, is sickening. I need to do something to knock him off his pedestal! Looking at my trainer, I have the perfect idea!

LIBERTY FINE DINING - FRIDAY MORNING

MOLLY

I stare at the two suited men in dismay. “I can assure you that we do not have a vermin problem here.”

“We also have had a report that there is a dog on the premises. In the kitchen, specifically.” The taller of the men continues as if I haven’t spoken.

“Yes, there is a dog present but he’s not allowed in the kit…” I begin to explain.

“Why is he on the premises?” Tall Man demands.

“He’s a therapy dog.” I fix a smile on my face and a happy tone to my voice.

“Well we want to look around and…”

“Where did you say you were from again?” I interrupt him.

“Pest control department.” He replies sharply, squaring his shoulders.

“Yes, but which government office or company? Obviously, I would need to check your credentials.” They exchange looks and I now know, this is a set-up. “So your IDs please.” I hold my hand out and the shorter of the two, clears his throat. “IDs, now.” I repeat.

“Ma’am, as I said, we have had a report of a…”

“This is a new restaurant. Rivals could have sent you. So IDs or leave please.”

“We have the authority to…”

“Not without showing us IDs first, you don’t.” Justin asserts, coming out of the kitchen having originally left me to it. But now, he has his pissed expression on.

“Why make this harder on yourselves? We will only come back.” Short Man tries to step behind the counter.

“Then come back.” I tell him, blocking his path. “Do feel free to bring the police with you, if necessary.”

“Come on, let’s go. You’ll be hear...ouch! Fuck!” Tall Man suddenly yelps and doubles over. “We’re leaving now!!” He gasps and almost crawls out.

“What happened there?” Justin frowns at me as I try to contain my giggles. “Molly, what is it?!”

“I do believe he got caught in his own trap!” I snort and then clear my throat hard. “Sorry Justin, but I saw him putting a mousetrap in his pocket before he came in and I do believe it sprung!”

“Oh, ouch indeed!” He giggles. “Who do you think sent them, hmmm?!” He tilts his to one side and adopts a confused expression.

“No idea, no idea at all!” I snicker.

ALLEYWAY OFF LIBERTY AVENUE

HEATHAN

Stanley is leaning against the wall, taking in some slow breaths. “My Captain, the mission to plant failed. We have sustained injuries and are returning to base for a debrief. Yes, my captain. Don’t worry, we will prevail.” I hang up and rub Stanley’s back, but remove my hand when he glowers at me. “I said sorry.” I point out.

“I told you not to touch me!” He snarls. “Let’s go! The captain will hear of this!”

I roll my eyes behind his back as he limps back to LAFF.

KINNETIC - AN HOUR LATER

JUSTIN

I finally have a chance to catch up with Brian. He was away on business for the last few days. As I come in with Hero trotting eagerly beside me, I smile at the receptionist. “Hi, I know that Brian doesn’t take unscheduled appointments but…”

“He’s free at the moment. Please go on in, Mr Taylor. You know the way, don’t you?” I nod. “Great, Moonshine is in the break room, if you want to leave Hero in there during your meeting.”

I am unsurprised about Moonshine being in the office. As befitting a dog of Brian Kinney, the break room is very luxurious. Moonshine and Hero are very pleased to see each other. I knock on Brian’s door, feeling nervous. “Enter!” He calls out tersely and I begin to regret this idea.

“Hi. You got a minute?” I ask shyly.

“Hey, yeah come in. No Hero?” He smiles when I point to the break room. “Ah I see.”

“You’ve redecorated. I like your wall. Whose office is next door again?” I ask, looking at the glass wall behind him.

“Ted’s. Now enough about boring accountants, to what do I owe this pleasure?” He purrs and I almost feel my knees buckle.

“Um, I wanted to say thank you for talking me down on Saturday.” He waves at the sofa and I sit down. But when he joins me and his leg touches mine, I am taken straight back to his teasing of me on Saturday. “So how thick is the glass?” I ask, getting up. “Can Ted see through to in here?” I cup my hands round my face and peer through.

“No.” His voice is rich and soothing...and right behind me! I keep facing the wall, unsure what to do.

“Oh. Yes, so Saturday, I hope that…”

“Justin, turn around. As lovely as the back of you is, I would rather see your face...for now.” I slowly turn around and fiddle with the cuffs of my coat. “You want to take that off? You look a little hot.”

“I would, thank you.” I murmur and allow him to slide the coat off of me. He throws it across the desk and steps towards me. “How is your hand?”

“Why don’t you check for yourself?” He holds both hands out and I check them carefully. “Do they pass muster?”

“Yeah.” I nod and watch him entwine our fingers then lift my arms over my head. He takes both wrists in one hand and holds them there.

“Problem?” He whispers, leaning in closer.

“No.” I whisper back.

“Oh good.” He groans and then smashes his mouth against mine, while pressing me back against the wall. His other hand is gently holding me round the waist... not that I have any plans to move from him! His tongue is hot and sweet tasting as it chases mine and I can’t help the groan as he slides it in deeper into my mouth. I’m surprised when it is removed swiftly. “No gag reflex...how divine.” He presses his hips against my stomach and I can feel how divine he finds that.

“I…”

“Sssh.” He orders and again claims my mouth. I feel so aroused, it is ridiculous! I tug at my wrists and he lets go. I bury my hands in his hair as he grabs one leg to wrap it round his waist. Slowly, we start to slide to the floor, rubbing against each other. I pull up his shirt to touch his bare skin and get an appreciative moan. He pulls off his jacket to give me better access and pushes his knee between my legs.

BRIAN

We’re in a tangle of limbs on the floor. I am trying to touch as much skin as I can without stripping him naked! I feel his hands, running up my back and then I feel something lick my back and I stop in surprise. He looks puzzled and then between our faces, Hero sticks out his tongue and licks my face. I sit up and find Ted, Blake and Cynthia gawping at us. Moonshine, it turns out was the one that licked my back and has his head cocked to one side as if to ask what you doing?

“He was whimpering.” Ted blathers, going red. “Um, well you’re obviously busy so we’ll leave you to it.”

Cynthia smiles as she puts their leashes on the table before giggling. “That reminds me. Must get red wine and batteries! Thanks for the inspiration.”

I bury my head in Justin’s neck and he starts to laugh so uncontrollably that he gets the hiccups.

“I think we should get un-shevelled and take them for a walk.” He manages to gasp out while giving me a gentle shove.

“I suppose.” I gripe. “Can’t believe we were cock blocked by a couple of canines.” I help him up and reorder his clothes and then do the same for myself.

“Don’t worry. There’ll be another time.” He smirks as he palms my cock then puts on his coat.

CHAPTER 12 - NAMING THE CREW AND TAMING THE SHREW

 

COMMITTEE ROOM, GLC - FRIDAY, EARLY AFTERNOON A WEEK LATER

 

TANNIS

 

 

Dusty is also reading Pittsburgh Out. We are particularly pleased with the write up the YEP Fundraiser received. I have to grudgingly admit that Annalise did a spectacular job bringing attention to their plight. Also the owner of Vaseline Tower is being investigated.

 

 

“Tannis!” Belinda Squires stalks into the room, clutching the paper and looking furious. She slams it down in front of me. “Look at that!”

 

 

“Yes, I have just read it. It’s a good article.” I say warily.

 

 

“I said look, not read! Look carefully at those assembled!” She spits. “See anyone there that shouldn’t be?!” I look again and gasp. “Spotted her, did you? I hope you’ve got an explanation out of her, after all the fuss she made.”

 

 

“No I haven’t, but I will.” I declare. “Dusty, did you speak to Lindsay while you were there?”

 

 

She looks up. “Oh yes. I remarked on the recovery of her children and gave her a slap down for being rude to the girlfriend of Annalise. The look on her face was priceless. And you know how she is with Norm, don’t you?” We both nod. “Well he also gave her a slap down for trying to stop him from going to help at the Vaseline Tower. He was the first to volunteer an internship for the kids in the program.”

“How he puts up with her, I don’t know.” Belinda snickers. “Have you been to her boutique?” I shake my head. “Talk about delusions of grandeur. Her latest assistant quit a couple of weeks back and…”

“Pardon?” Dusty does not look happy.

“What? What is it?”

“These internships... she’s asked for two people....”

“Oh, that is so her; just has to have more than anyone else!” I grumble. “But at least that gets two more kids off the streets.”

“Of course, she’s done it for altruistic and philanthropic reasons. The fact that she doesn’t have to pay them has no bearing on the matter whatsoever!” Dusty drawls. “Oh you should’ve seen her face when she realised I was judging. The only thing she didn’t do was stamp her foot.”

“Did she make a passive aggressive statement instead?” Belinda rolls her eyes.

“Oh yes, something about calories...silly bitch!”

“Well that silly bitch left a fundraiser shorthanded. So words have to be had.” Belinda decides and then picks up the paper. “Shall we, ladies?” We nod and dutifully follow her out.

CHIQUE BOUTIQUE, HOME OF SARTORIAL PERFECTION - 30 MINUTES LATER

TANNIS

“Oh, you have to be kidding?!” I gasp as I read the name for the 2nd time. “That’s not at all pretentious, is it?!”

“No, of course not.” Belinda grimaces and peers through the window. “Oh maybe I was wrong about the assistant.”

“What do you mean?” Dusty frowns.

“She’s ordering some poor girl about. We should come back and…”

“Oh for fuck sake!” Dusty snarls as she looks through the window. “That’s one of the YEP residents. The internships don’t start for another week! Annalise wanted them to rest properly.”

“Then how is she there now?!” Belinda demands.

“Time to find out!” Dusty starts to enter, but I stop her.

“Let’s check with Annalise first. She may have said she could.” They both nod and I place the call to Annalise, who’s as surprised as we are. “Okay, so we can pull her out of there and get her back to YEP? Okay Annalise, thanks.”

Belinda is grim faced as she opens the door.

LINDSAY

“Belinda, Tannis, oh and Dusty, hello! What are you doing in my humble emporium?”

“Lindsay.” Belinda clips out. “Who are you, my dear?” She turns to the young girl.

“Odette.” She gives a shy smile.

“Well Odette, I am Belinda Squires. It is nice to meet you. However, could you gather your things and wait outside for a moment or two?” She looks panic stricken and I’m surprised at her highhandedness. “All will be explained, Lindsay. Now Odette, don’t worry my dear, you haven’t done anything wrong. You’re just being taken back to YEP, that’s all.”

“Okay then. Bye, Lindsay.” She is out quickly.

“What is the meaning of that?!” I demand.

“You should not have her working now. They are all on a two week rest programme, while they are oriented back into society. Why was she interning now?”

I have to think quickly. Knowing Belinda and Tannis, they would make sure all their ducks were in a row before shooting. “I thought it would be nice for her to…”

“Nothing to do with the free labor since you’re assistant-less after your last one walked out?”

“She did not walk out! We came to a mutually beneficial decision to…”

“She told you to fuck off and that your clothes are skanky knock-offs!” Belinda interrupts sharply. “She has a point. However, this visit was not because of that. You bailed out of our fundraiser, citing illness of your children but went to the YEP Fundraiser…”

“Oh Dusty, you are truly…”

“Be careful, Lindsay!” Dusty snaps. “Your presence at YEP was your choice. And it was because of your wish to climb back up the society ladder, that you were caught.”

“What are you blathering on about? Ouch!” I wince as the paper is shoved into my chest.

“Look at page 4.” Belinda orders and once I do, I sigh heavily.

“Belinda…”

“You are off my committee with immediate effect. And I would caution against another word, unless you wish to be removed from the GLC in its entirety! Now ladies, let us take our leave of this place. Although, being here has reminded me of the need to sort my wardrobe for goodwill.”

They leave me, mouth agape in fury.

OUTSIDE LAFF - AN HOUR LATER

HUNTER

Gus and I exchange incredulous looks. “Did he really just call him that?” He just nods, too shocked to speak. I like Gus. Over the last few days, he’s come to YEP after school just to talk. He and Effy are really kind. We just bumped into each other, but the door to LAFF was opened a bit and we got nosy.

“He really is full of himself.” Gus finally is able to speak. “Uncle Vic said he bitched about Shiitake chewing his Vintage Converse. Vintage my ass! And he wanted Uncle Vic to replace them but he said no.”

“He’s a puppy; puppies chew things!” I grumble. “Vic should really check to make sure he’s not caught anything from that.”

We walk towards LFD, as we’ve taken to calling it, as we’ve got a tasting this afternoon and Effy is most annoyed as she doesn’t have a free period like last time. When we get there, the first thing that hits us is the smell. “What’s that? Fuck, it looks wonderful.” I drool.

“Deep fried lobster and king crab spring rolls with Asian salad and citrus dipping sauce.” Justin replies, cutting it half.

“Lobster and...let me at it!” I demand and it is absolutely gorgeous.

“So how many per plate?” He asks, smiling at the expressions on our faces.

“Three if it is just one person and four if it’s for sharing. Fine Dining only, right?”

“Yes, they are such a fiddle to make. And maybe only once a week, whereas the Reuben is an everyday thing, but still limited.” Justin declares.

“Perfect. So can we finish them?” Gus looks hopefully at the plate and grabs the biggest half before I can.

“Hey!” I object, but he jams the entire thing in his mouth happily. “You meathead!” I cuss him.

“Oh, that reminds me!” Gus exclaims when he finishes chewing. “You know that Michael hangs around LAFF with his friends?”

“Yeah, the Unfuckables is what Vic calls them.” Justin snickers.

“Unfuck...wow!” I laugh.

“Well we heard them having a team meeting in there.” Gus pauses with a smile. “Do you know what they call him?”

“Oh let me tell him? After all, you had the bigger half!” I object and he bows down theatrically giving me the floor. “Captain Liberty.”

“Pardon?”

“Captain Liberty. And I’ve been thinking that he should be more appropriately named Captain Mouthyass and they are his Eunuchs of Liberty or maybe the Moronic Ugly Meatheads.”

“Who are you talking about?” Miley demands as he comes in.

“Michael and his band of friends.” Justin manages to get out between giggles.

“Oh them!” He rolls his eyes. “Never has anything been so pathetic for grown ass men. I mean I can understand Michael just because he’s a perpetual child and is stuck in Neverland. But for the rest, they work in the real world. So for them to play along with him is just plain stupid. Well apart from Heathen as he’s got the hots for Michael…”

“Ugh-ick-sick!” Gus exclaims, shuddering. “Picked that up from Effy.” He explains as we gape at him.

“So back to Captain Mouthyass’s Minions” Miley smiles evilly. “You want to know what Cyril and I call them.

“Yes!” We chorus.

“Heathen is First Mate Vermin; Albert is Ensign Scarlet Pimpleneck...seriously do something about that neck, it’s an erogenous zone for fuck sake. Stanley is Lieutenant Spider Merkin and finally Royston is Ensign GetsnoRogering.”

It takes a good 20 minutes for us to stop laughing!

DREW’S MANSION - SATURDAY MORNING

EMMETT

I look at Princess Daisy once more and know in my heart that this is the right thing to do. I remember the conversation with Justin after the fundraiser and he told me what Drew said at the centre and what he did for me. I take a deep breath and march up the path with her in my arms.

“Time to man up, Mister!” I tell myself.

I knock on the door and it is opened by Jenson, his butler. “Mr Emmett, how lovely to see you again! Come in, come in!” He enthuses.

“Jenson, nice to see you too. I take it, he’s in.”

“Yes, shall I announce you?”

“No, this won’t take long. Where is he?”

“Playing pool.” His face falls slightly. “Please come and say goodbye before you leave.”

“I will, I promise.”

GAMES ROOM

He’s bent over the table and pots the ball perfectly. It takes a few minutes for him to realise that I am standing there and he stands up, looking uncertain.

“Emmett! What are you…” He begins, putting the cue on the table.

“I can’t.” I state firmly. “And I won’t so I don’t!” I push Princess Daisy into his arms and take that opportunity of his surprise to his kiss him firmly.

After a couple of minutes, I lift my mouth off of his and smile at his confused and relieved expression. “So what I meant was I can’t believe you outed yourself to save me. I won’t ever forget what you did for those kiddies and I don’t want to resist you anymore. So let’s start again, shall we? Full disclosure and if…”

“I love you. You’re it for me.” He puts a squirming Princess Daisy down. She sits and looks at us with approval! “Nobody else, but you.”

“Good. Now I have to go…”

“Why?” His face falls like Jenson’s did.

“We need our overnight things, don’t we?” I smile at him.

 

“Yes!” He grins. “You most certainly do!”

CHAPTER 13 - LESSONS TAUGHT AND LEARNED - MAYBE?

OLD CHURCH HOUSE - SATURDAY MORNING

JUSTIN’S BEDROOM

HERO

That’s not his normal whimper. It’s different. I sit up and look at his body. This is very different. He’s not twisting and turning; he’s not reaching out for me. He’s calling for someone, but that’s not my name...I am Hero! Who is God and why does he keep saying yes? Should I get Molly? I stand up and try to see this God person, but there is nobody but us in his room. I edge closer to the bed and give a little whimper but he doesn’t seem to hear me...I edge a bit closer and rest my head on the bed and whimper louder.

“GOD YES!” He yells and then starts to shake. So I start to bark loudly and leap on the bed in protective mode. “Oooof! What the...H-Hero! Hush boy, hush…” He reaches for the light and turns it on. “I’m fine. I’m fi-fine.” He strokes my head and I feel better that he’s smiling. “Get down, boy.”

I get down and follow him to the bathroom. He’s walking funny... did he hurt himself? I sit and wait by the door for him to use the other big bowl...I’m not allowed to use the lower one.

“Come on, boy. Let’s go back to bed.”

LOFT - TWO HOURS LATER

MOONSHINE

It’s today! It’s today! I rush back to the bedroom and daddy is still not out of the big box. I sit down at his feet and give my best hurry up whine. He looks down at me and smiles. “Okay, okay Moon, I’ll hurry.”

Finally, he’s taking the leash out; I have my new coat on and we take the stairs. We walk up the street and I feel really proud because I have grown a whole inch since last week!  

“Hey, Moonshine! Moonshine!” I turn around to see who is calling me and stopping me from getting to my other happy place...Hero’s house! I wag my tail as I see Oscar coming up the street with his little mommy. “Hi! Are you excited as I am?!” He asks.

“Yes, we get to see Hero! And Blue! And Shiitake! And Nigel!” I wag my tail harder and hear daddy laughing.

“We’re almost there! Do you know what we’re doing?” Oscar asks.

“I’m not sure, but Hero is going to be teaching us something. He taught me how to walk properly off leash.” I say proudly. “In the park with our daddies. And when I went to sniff something bad, he would stop me. He’s so smart and kind.”

“Yeah, he is. Is that Shiitake?” I look up the street and it is him. Before I can greet him, daddy picks me up.

“Moon...you need to calm down, okay?” He gives me his behave look and I give a slow tail wag to let him know I will do so. He puts me down again and Oscar is also being spoken to by one of his daddies.

“Did you get told off too?” I whisper and he drops his head sadly. “Don’t worry they won’t send you back to the cold place.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I chewed on something my first night and he just said I wasn’t to do it again.”

“You chewed something?!” Shiitake comes up to us. “I chewed something and the dwarf was really mad, but daddy wasn’t and…” He stops talking and is looking up the street as someone calls his daddy’s name. “Oh, she is so pretty!”

We all look where he is staring. “Hey guys. You’re supposed to be going inside now.” Hero tells us. “What are you looking...who is that?”

“That’s Blue. She’s got two mommies.” I tell him. “She’s so nice and fluffy.”

“Hi Shiitake, Moonshine...hello, I’m Blue.” She wags her tail and I’m sure that Hero stands taller when she says that.

“Okay, who are we waiting for...oh of course Daisy.” Shiitake sits down on the steps. “Her daddy takes so long to make sure she’s perfect!”

“I like Daisy.” Oscar tells us. “She’s so tiny and sometimes mommy puts me in with her.”

“Right, come on Nigel is waiting.”

OLD CHURCH HOUSE, LOUNGE

HERO

I can’t believe how pretty she is! I must remain focused though. Daddy and Molly come in with Nigel. I can hear Daisy’s daddy talking and there is another daddy I don’t recognise with him, but everyone else’s mommies and daddies look happy.

“Hero...here.” Daddy orders and I come to his side. He hunches down and plays with my ears, I love it when he plays with my ears. “I need you to keep an eye on them for me, okay? We’re going to be talking over there, so make sure they don’t get into anything they shouldn’t.” I wag my tail and lick his chin. “Good boy...you’re my good boy.”

I watch him go over and Moonshine’s daddy touches his butt...and he smiles! I don’t understand since when I do it, he squirms away. Daddies are very strange.

“Hero, what are you going to teach us?” Moonshine asks, sitting right in front of me.

“The rules of the house. Now follow me.” I tell him and lead them out and upstairs to the bathroom. “Right, see that big bowl over there with the lid? If the lid is up and the water is yellow don’t drink it. In fact, don’t drink out of there at all, no matter how thirsty you are. Always drink from your water bowls.” They wag their tails. “Now this…” I stand in front of the bath. “Is a bath. Now there are good ways and bad ways of having a bath. The best way is to just get it over with. They are doing a good thing for you and if you’re lucky, you get an extra special rub when you’re being dried.”

“I don’t understand.” Shiitake tilts his head.

“Remember in the cold place, they’d use the blowy thing?” Oscar asks and Shiitake wags his tail. “Well, my daddies don’t. They use a nice soft towel and rub really well and…”

“My mommy has to use a blowy thing because my fur is so thick.” Blue tells him. “But she’s super gentle.”

I lead them to the bedroom. “Those who are allowed to sleep on their mommy or daddy’s bed, sit down.” Nigel, Moonshine, Daisy and Blue sit down. “Okay Oscar and Shiitake, if you think that they won’t notice that you’ve been lying on it, they will.”

“The dwarf shouted at me.” Shiitake sighs “...and threw something at me. I hid under daddy’s bed until he stopped shouting.”

“He shouts at you?” Blue sits closer to him and I feel a little put out. “That’s not nice. You have to tell your daddy. He will make him stop.”

“He keeps looking at me as if I’m a dirty he’s stepped in. I’ve never done a dirty in the house, honest!” He whimpers and his ears droop.

Hmm, I don’t like the sound of this dwarf! I wonder if he’s the same person that came to the nice smelling place.

“I believe you. We all do.” I tell him and his ears start to lift. “So what else in here should you not touch or go into?”

“Oh my bigger daddy said I shouldn’t go into the big box.” Daisy says and sits in front of the place where all daddy’s clothes go.

“Absolutely not.” Moonshine agrees. “Daddy spends so much time, staring in there. I don’t understand why he needs to wear so many coats at the same time...all over.”

“Because they don’t have fur like us.” I explain. “So if they go out without their coats, then they would get cold.”

“Hero! Come!” I hear daddy call.

“Let’s go, don’t rush!” I order and make sure that I’m in front of Daisy so that if she stumbles at least, I can stop her going all the way down as she’s so little.

When we get downstairs, our mommies and daddies are waiting with our leashes. “Hero, are we going to the park?” Moonshine asks, his tail starting to wag.

“Yes, Moonshine we’re going to the park.”

ALLEGHENY RIVERFRONT PARK - AN HOUR LATER

JUSTIN

“Does anyone else think that…”

“Oh I always think that when they get together they talk.” Vic laughs.

I watch as they trot obediently after Hero, but slow enough for Princess Daisy to keep up. I am so glad that Emmy and Drew got back together because, among other things, Drew refuses to walk with Princess Daisy in her pushchair! Every so often, there is a growl or a yip at whoever was out of line or about to sniff something he doesn’t think they should.

“Come men to arms!” I hear someone yell and freeze.

“You’re kidding me?!” I gasp at Vic, who frowns. “Captain Mouthyass and his MUMs know this place?!”

“Captain who and his what?” Brian demands and I explain to them the new names.

“Oh we have got to see what they are doing!” Blake exclaims. “Oscar, come!” He trots over obediently. Soon all the furballs, as Amy calls them, are on leashes and we follow the sound of his whine.

“What can you see?!” I demand of Brian, who is looking over the wall. He rifles through his pockets and finds his phone and then places it carefully on the wall and gets us to keep quiet. “Brian!” I hiss at him, but he waves me quiet. “But Brian…!” I hiss again.

“Justin, shush!” He orders, glaring at me.

“Don’t look at me like that!” I glower back. “I was just pointing out that we might need to be closer so we can…” I trail off when his glare softens to the same look he gave me within his office. “Being quiet now.” I mumble, not wanting to have an al fresco demonstration of his skills right now.

INNER COPSE

MICHAEL

I have taken some cushions from the house and empty them out of the garbage bag. “Right, this is basic, but these represent areas of the soon to be resurrected Liberty Diner.” I place them on the ground. “So here is where I will be, at the front. We will keep the hostess stand but get rid of Kiki, the tranny traitor. The wall between the two areas will be gone and…”

“My Captain, what about the food?” Albert asks.

“Heathan will have to learn the recipes, of course.” I retort.

“But why, my Captain? I thought that we were going to restore the diner to its former glory.”

“We need the taking back of the diner to hurt. And by keeping his food the same, but throwing him the fuck out, it will hurt and…”

“Oh no fucking way, are you doing that?!” A voice shouts and I see the Fat Ass storming towards me.

“My Captain, we will defend you!” Royston shouts.

“NO!” I order. “Retreat to safety! I am able to take this mere human! Let him come!”

As he comes closer, I get a look at his expression and decide that maybe this was a bad idea. He looks really fucked off!

“Mere human!” He shouts as he gets closer and I start to back away, but I trip over the cushion behind me and land flat on my ass. He ends up standing above me. “You will not be taking over anything that I fucking own, you limp noodle dicked moron!”

I look around for something to attack him with and decide to kick out instead and I connect with his knee. I feel glee when he hops backwards, giving me enough space to get up and get ready to square up to him.

“Captain, look out!” Heathan shouts and I can’t see anything to worry over.

“Heel! For fuck sake, heel!” I hear a familiar voice shout and running towards me are a pack of yapping dogs. Leading the way is the dog of the Fat Ass and he is bearing down fast...very fast!

I turn to run away and again trip on the cushion, but scramble up and start to run. “Captain! This way! No, this way!” Someone is shouting, but the dogs are chasing me away from the safety of my men!

“CAPTAIN! THE WATER, THE WATER!”

I skid on some dog shit and go flying forward, sliding across the path while skinning my face. I finally stop and land head first into the lake where they wash their dogs! I take in a mouthful of water and want to vomit as I almost sink to the bottom! Thankfully it’s not deep, but it is filthy and putrid!

HERO

I was so mad when he kicked at my daddy but when I saw exactly who it was, I ordered everyone to defend him and to get the dwarf back for being mean to Shiitake. I easily passed daddy and was determined to get him. But then he slipped on a dirty and went into the muddy pool!

“Don’t you ever hurt my daddy or Shiitake again!” I bark at him and growl for emphasis. He’s standing in the water, shaking and spitting. “You’re the dirty dwarf now!” I back away, keeping my eyes on him. I can hear daddy shouting for me and with a final bark, I run back to him.

“Hero!” Daddy throws his arms round me. “Good boy! You lived up to your name!” He’s back sitting on the floor with Moonshine’s daddy, looking at his knee.

“What happened, Hero?” Moonshine asks, panting slightly. “We decided to stop the other meanies coming after you. Daisy was really brave!”

“She was?” I look at her in the arms of her bigger daddy. “What did she do?”

“She told us to go for the meanies and led the way! So what happened?”

“I chased him to the dirty pool. Then I told him to leave my daddy and Shiitake alone.” I feel my leash being put back on and Moonshine’s daddy is helping my daddy to stand up.

“Come on let’s take our heroes and heroines home.” Daisy’s daddy says.

VIC AND MICHAEL’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER

LOUNGE

VIC

Shiitake is tucking into some steak. Justin insisted on stopping off at LFD and took out some steaks for us to take home for them. I lightly fried it off and he was unsure at first until I nodded. I hear the front door open and look up and manage to stifle my laughter at the memory of him skidding into the pool.

“Hey, how was your day?”

“Okay.” He mumbles and starts to go upstairs. “Where were you today?

“Out with friends. Why?” I reply and bite my lip as he still is yet to look at me. “You okay? You weren’t wearing those when you left.” I indicate his attire.

“I had an accident at work.”

“Oh my goodness, come down and let me see!” I order.

“No it’s alright, I’ve…”

“Michael, come down here now!” I order and slowly he starts to turn around, coming down the stairs. “Holy fuck, what happened?!”

“I had an accident. But they’ve said I will be fine. Just need the scrapes to heal. Don’t worry. I am going to rest.”

“You do that.” I tell him and when he is safely in his room, I bury my head in Shiitake’s fur and laugh until my ribs hurt.

OLD CHURCH HOUSE - SAME TIME

JUSTIN’S BEDROOM

 

 

JUSTIN

“Brian…” I protest as he glowers down at me. “Fine. I am sorry that I ran at him but he…”

“But nothing!” He snaps. “You took off without any back-up and you don’t know Michael. He’s, as your knee has found out, a dirty fighter.” He sits down on the bed next to me. “Is it swelling?”

“No, but there is going to be a bruise though...see?” I roll up my jeans leg to show him my yellowing knee and I watch transfixed as he gently brushes my bruise before lowering his head to kiss it.

“Owies need to be kissed better.” He looks up at me through his lashes. “Anywhere else hurt?”

“Um…” I point to my tummy, though not sure why!

“Lie down please.” I do so slowly our eyes locked on each other. “Let me see here!” He murmurs and gently pushes up my top.

“Brian, wait.” I put my hand on his arm and he frowns. “Lock the door.”

“Good idea!” He laughs and does so before coming to lie back down. “Now where was I? Oh I see what you mean, I think there is definitely some tenderness, all that running…” He lowers his head and I squirm under the soft butterfly kisses and nips he places on my stomach.

“Th-that’s fine, it’s feeling better now!” I stammer and feel him smile before he slides up until we’re face to face. “Here…” I point to my mouth.

“Yes, definitely looking very pink and swollen.” He murmurs and as he lowers his head, my eyes start to close in anticipation. The gentleness of the kiss is a surprise; when he slides his tongue slowly into my mouth my eyes close completely...and we forget about everything but what we are doing now.

BRANDON’S HOUSE - SAME TIME

LOUNGE

BEN

“Oh holy…! Yeah….gnnh!” Brandon yelps as I deep throat him. “Ben! Pleaaaasee stop!”

The urgency in his voice makes me pause and I slowly release him. “You okay?”

“No!” He snaps and drops his head back on the sofa.

Okay what the hell?!

“And you are reacting like this because?” I ask, sitting next to him.

“I-I didn’t mean to snap. It’s just it felt so good and...”

“It’s supposed to feel good.” I point out and he gives me a small smile. “What is it?” I ask gently.

“I…” He takes a deep breath. “Apparently, I don’t taste good.” He mutters. I blink for a few seconds. “My last boyfriend took great pleasure in telling me that.” He goes bright red.

“Let me be the judge of that.” I whisper and kiss him softly and go back between his legs. I slowly suckle at his head to taste the pre-cum and think to myself his ex was an idiot! His hands scrabble in my hair and I keep my head still, letting him control the situation. Slowly he starts to feed me his cock and ten minutes later, we are grinning at each other. “Now you be the judge.” I tell him before kissing him deeply. When I lift my head, he looks stunned before he licks his lips.

“Not bad, not bad at all.” He grins and then reaches for my zipper.

VIC AND MICHAEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME

MICHAEL’S BEDROOM

MICHAEL

I look at what that fucking dog made happen! If he hadn’t been chasing me, I wouldn’t have had to run. I can still taste the bottom of that fucking pond! I hate that dog! I hate that Fat Ass bastard! I don’t care what I have to do, I am going to get him gone!

I am also fucking pissed that Uncle Vic had his fucking shit-dog eating steak! Steak! I haven’t had a proper steak for months! He’s insisted that we do our own shopping and that we have separate fridges. He fucking padlocks his!

My phone rings and it’s Heathan. I put him on speaker. “My Captain, how are you?”

“How do you think?!” I snap at him. “Sore!”

“Sorry we couldn’t wait with you at the hospital, but we all had to go back to work.”

“I told you all to take the day off so we could strategize! How was that order not followed through?!”

“Cyril said no…”

“Said no what?” I demand, needing to be pissed at someone and he will do.

“To being off for longer than I was. Sorry but I have to go. We’re really busy today.”

“You forgot to...wait...why are we busier than normal?” I demand.

“The other place was closed for today.”

“What do you mean closed?!” I demand, forgetting about his lack of addressing me properly.

“They were closed. Sorry Michael, but I have to go!” Before I can say anything else, he hangs up.

I rush downstairs and find Uncle Vic stretched out on the sofa. “No work?” I ask casually.

“No. Emmett is hosting a private event this evening so it’s closed. Drew and the Ironmen are there.”

“Emmett and Drew are talking again?” I wince as my face pulls when I frown.

“Oh yes, they are at least doing that!” He laughs.

“Isn’t it a little too early for them to be doing that?” He looks up at me. “Closing off the diner, I mean.”

“The diner is not closed; it is hired for a private event. For which he will still be paid.” He stares at me for a bit. “Same for tomorrow too. Brian has hired it for a Kinnetic event.”

“Brian has hired that place?! What’s wrong with LAFF?!”

“I’m going to watch my soaps and not answer such a stupid question! Shiitake...come boy!” I glower as that shit-dog makes himself comfortable on his chest and they turn their faces back to the TV.

 

I make my way resentfully back upstairs and seethe with annoyance. I know that I am not as close to Brian as I used to be, but why is he helping him to survive? Why?!

CHAPTER 14 - BEING THRIFTY, CHANGING GEARS AND BEING MUSCLED OUT

CHIC BOUTIQUE - WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

LINDSAY

I drum my fingers on the counter as quietly as I can as the woman in the hassock style dress thumbs slowly through my stock. I am rather keen to close up early so that I can go to the GLC and plead my case for reinstatement to Belinda’s committee.

“I’ll just take this, thank you.” She places a scarf on the counter. I hide my irritation and ring it up and she frowns. “Oh I thought it was 50% off, it was in that rack.”

“No, this is full price, so it would be $35, which is quite cheap for silk.” I smile as sweetly as I can.

“Last season’s silk though...” She scrutinises it again. “No. On second thoughts, I’ll leave it. Bye now.”

“Good afternoon.” I grind out and roll my eyes at her exit.

This is why I need two interns: one for stock control and the other to serve the sometimes great unwashed of this fucking burgh! I see someone coming to the door but manage to flip the closed sign. However, she manages to stop me from locking the door.

“Could you stay open for a couple more minutes?!” She gasps. “Won’t be long, I promise!”

“What exactly is it you are looking for? I need to do some stocktaking, you see.” I explain.

“Oh we’re not looking; we’re delivering! Come on girls, hurry!”

“Delivering?”

“Yes, this is the goodwill shop, isn’t it?” She asks over her shoulder as she gestures to a group of about five women, all carrying some bags.

“Uh…” I am so surprised by that comment that I allow myself to be pushed back and the door opened wider.

“Oh my, this has got to be one of the nicest and smartest goodwill shops I’ve ever been to. My name is Melinda Banks, and am new to the area. And these are also my committee friends, Abigail Johnston, Naomi Mickleston, Theresa Andrew-Johnson and Catherine March.” She smiles at me. “And you are?”

“Lindsay Peterson-Fu...Lindsay Peterson. But this is not…”

“Nice to meet you, Lindsay. Can we leave these with you?” This presumptuous woman asks me and I am about to tell her where to stick her stock when I spot something in the bag and decide to keep my mouth shut. If I am not mistaken that is an YSL jacket!

“But…” I protest weakly.

“Right gals, we must go. We have to meet those people from the GLC, don’t we?” She sighs.

“The GLC?” I query.

“Yes the gay and lesbian centre...” She regards me for a while. “Worthy people with their hearts in the right place, but I think there is enough room in this ‘burgh for the two groups to co-exist.”

“What group are you with exactly?” I ask.

“The MLCWC...short for Modern Lesbians Christian Women's Council. We welcome all women, lesbian or not. We’re all straight actually…”

“Why would you need to co-exist? Why not just join?” I frown.

“We’re a select group, focusing on the religious side of life. We’re all for live and let live, but there has to be a balance. Right, now we really must go Lindsay. Maybe we will see you around. Toodles!” She trills.

I shut and lock the door behind the last of them then dive into the bag with the jacket in it. “I tried to correct her.” I chuckle to myself. “Wonder what else is in here?”

Two hours later, I have almost two bags of wonderful pieces for myself and have replaced some of my stock with their donations...and mark them as pre-owned!

LAFF - THURSDAY LUNCHTIME

MICHAEL

I HATE THIS JOB! This will be the 3rd day I have pulled a double shift. But instead of being in my usual position of assistant manager and overseeing the severs, because of my face, Cyril has got me working in the back doing inventory and cleaning out the fridge, the freezer and all kinds of other shit!

“I couldn’t believe it!” I hear someone gasp as I head to do another behind the scenes shit job! “I thought Kinney had given that up?! But no, there he was in his car going at it in broad daylight!”

“Kinney? As in The Stud?” His companion asks. “And when you say going at it, what do you mean?”

“Not that! He was making out.”

“Kinney? Was making out in the proper sense of the action?”

“Yes! No idea who it was. But judging by the steam fogging up the windows, they had been at it a while. That grin on his face when he adjusted his seat and wiped down his side of the windows…”

“Michael, what are you doing?” Cyril demands.

“Just…”

“Eavesdropping?” He snarks. “The fridge stock is not going to bring itself in.”

I sigh and head outside...but smile to myself because The Stud is back!

INSIDE OF BRIAN’S CAR

BRIAN

I am so glad this is an automatic! I leer down at a squirming Justin as I change his gears while he mewls like a kitten and arches his back.

“Oh God!” He whimpers. “Brian...please! You must st…!”

“Almost there…” I growl and ignore his feeble attempt to stop me. “Almost.”

“Can-can’t hold off anymore!” He pants.

“Then don’t.” I lean down as we come up to the lights and nuzzle his nose.

“Unh!” He yelps as he comes just as the lights go green.

“There, now that should set you up for the rest of the day!” I smirk and lick my fingers. “I do like the taste of fresh cream first thing in the morning.” He just stares at me before he cleans up as best as he can. “But do feel free to call me to rev your engine again should you feel the need.”

“You’re lucky that Hero likes you.” He grumbles as he puts himself back inside his pants. “Or I would sic him on you!”

“Get out and make some wonderful food. Oh by the way, what time do you finish tomorrow?”

“About eight. Why?”

“I’ll be round later after nine then. I’ll cook you dinner.” I wink at him and swiftly take off. When I look in the mirror, he is still standing there with his mouth open.

NORM AND LINDSAY’S HOUSE - FRIDAY, LATE AFTERNOON

KITCHEN

NORM

I pour off the rest of the coffee that she made and sigh. She has done nothing but bitch about being tossed off whatever committee she was on. Naturally, she completely forgets her own actions were the cause. The thing that is getting to me is why she needs two interns. I reach for my phone.

“Hey Ted, it’s Norm. I’m not disturbing you, am I? Oh great. Look, can you do me a favour and do an audit on Lindsay’s store? We own it jointly, but she runs it. The only thing we don’t own jointly is the house. Thanks Ted.”

YEP, SHADYSIDE - 30 MINUTES LATER

REC ROOM

ANNALISE

Those who wanted to let their families know they are alive have done so and now there are 25 teens in the rec room, looking at Charlie and nodding in encouragement.

“Are you serious?” He looks at my mom. “You want me, as in me, to be a junior counsellor?”

“Yes, I do.” She smiles. “You have a very calm and reassuring manner and without you, half of these kids would still be in that hideous place. So what do you say?”

“I haven’t got a suit.” He mumbles.

“I will buy you a suit.” Drew tells him firmly.

“Okay.” He mumbles and then starts to grin. “Wow, me a counsellor.”

I look around at my hastily-on-that-day assembled board, of Drew, Mom, Leda, Blake, Marcus Wilberforce of MW Hotels, Gavin Peacock of Peacock Real Estate and smile. The only person missing is Norman. “Okay, anybody else?” I call out.

Slowly a hand at the back comes up. It’s Odette, the young girl that Lindsay attempted to take early. “Yes, Odette.”

“I don’t want to work in that shop.” She rushes out. “But I do like, well I did like, to cook.”

“Maybe Justin could take you on as sous chef?” I look across at Emmett, but he’s shaking his head. “Why not?”

“There’s just about room for him and Molly in there.” He replies. “The Health and Safety Commission would have a field day.”

Her shoulders slump in disappointment, but then Vic clears his throat. “I know a place where she could handle food and I know for a fact they are looking for someone.”

“Where?” Leda demands.

“LAFF.” He smiles.

“You think Cyril would…”

“Let me call him. They are really short-handed there since Miley left.”

“Wait Vic, Odette, come with me. Emmy, you and Vic too.” I order and lead them to the kitchen and her face lights up.

“A simple three egg omelette.” Emmy tells her and ten minutes later, she’s looking relieved as Vic and Emmy nod approvingly.

“Hey Cyril. It’s me Vic.” He beckons Odette to follow him. “Am coming over now. I think I have found the solution to your staffing problem.”

KINNETIC - BOARD ROOM

BEN

Effy is looking, understandably, pleased with herself. She has come on leaps and bounds in her signing. “Uncle Ben, did you get your dog?” She asks, gathering her things.

“Pardon?” I frown at her.

“Uncle Brian said when everyone else got their dog that yours hasn’t come yet so I just wondered when it was coming.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t have a dog in the place I’m going to live in when I move out of Uncle Brian’s place.”

“Oh, that’s a shame. But you can share Moonshine with me and Uncle Brian, can’t you? Would you like to do that?”

“Yes, very much so.” I smile down at this angelic little lady, who quite frankly is all her father!

“I have another question.” She looks up at me shyly and I nod. “Mr Brandon…”

“Yes, what about him?”

“He was looking at you funny at the poker game on Wednesday.”

“He was?” I take her hand and lead her back to the car.

“Not bad funny...good funny. So...um, do you like him?”

“He’s a nice man, so yeah. I like him.”

“Good, because he likes you, too.” She grins up at me. “I asked him.”

“Effy! What did he say?” I laugh.

“That you are a very handsome and thoughtful man.”

“He did?” I feel a frisson of delight.

“Yes. And he had the same goofy smile on his face like you do now when he said it.” She grins impishly at me as she does up her seat belt.

“I do not do goofy.” I protest, laughing.

“You do. I’m a geek and I know goofy when I see it... and that is goofy.” She snickers.

“Let’s go pick up Gus, you little devil!”

LAFF - AN HOUR LATER

KITCHEN

CYRIL

Heathan and Michael are looking dubious. “What is it that she’s going to be doing if she is hired?” Michael demands.

“Whatever role I see fit. She could be on the grill, cashier…”

“As long as she’s not assistant manager, then that’s fine!” He retorts.

“As I said, whatever position I see fit.” I repeat firmly.

“Where did you find her?” He whispers as Odette looks round the place, running her fingers over the table tops and tisking. “She looks like she’s crawled out of a dumpster.”

“This from a man, who looks like he has gone a few rounds with a weed whacker!” She rebukes him.

“Oh very good!” I laugh.

“I am the assistant manager! So you will treat me with the respect I deserve for a person in…”

“Respect is earned, not a god given right. And for someone of such authority, you clearly have no pride in yourself or your work. These tables are dirty, there are crumbs underneath the counter and whoever is stocking the fridge clearly has no idea what they are doing since they have put the oldest food at the back, which is obviously going to go rotten first! Don’t you know how to do a simple stock check? That is one of the duties of the assistant manager, is it not?”

“What?!” I demand while stalking to the fridges, wrenching the doors open. “Michael!”

“What?!” He barks back. “What difference does it make?!”

“We have to use the oldest food first!” I shout at him.

MICHAEL

I have had enough! “So what do you want me to do about it?!”

“Stock the fridge properly for a start! I can’t believe you did that!”

“I have always done it that way. Nobody has complained before!” I snarl back.

“You have always done it like this?!” He looks aghast.

“Um Michael, perhaps you shouldn’t have…” Heathan interrupts.

“If you want that sorted out then get her to do it since she knows so fucking much!” I bark out.

“Fine!” Cyril snaps. “Odette with me and Heathan, if you want to continue to work here, I suggest you get back to your station immediately!”

I watch Heathan scurry away and glare at Cyril.

“Goodbye Michael.” Cyril sneers. “And good luck with everything!”

VIC AND MICHAEL’S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING

VIC

I look up as the door opens and in comes Michael. “What’s got you smiling?” I ask as he comes into the lounge.

“I told Cyril off today. I was sick and tired of being treated like a leper when I’m the assistant manager with just a few scratches on my face! And…”

“How’d that work out for you?”

“What do you mean?”

“What do I mean? When he said good luck with everything, what did you think he meant?” I watch the thoughts flit across his face, until it finally hits him. “Yes...ah you’ve just caught that, have you?” I snap. “Of all the stupid things to do…! Well, what are you going to do for money? Because let me assure you that I am not going to support a grown man, who had a temper tantrum because he was caught not doing his job properly!”

“But...but...Uncle Vic! You’ve got to help me get my job back!” He wails.

“Oh no, you need to do that! And I would do it now, if I were you!”

I watch him scramble for his phone and then pace, glaring malevolently at Shiitake, as if all of this is his fault for Michael’s continued stupidity!

“Cyril, hi! It’s Michael Novot...yeah about earlier, I thought it was pretty funny when I...but I wasn’t serious! Oh, you were? But I need this job! Please Cyril, can you reconsider? We both were...oh you will! Thank you Cyril, thank you!” He hangs up looking triumphant. “Everything is just fine, just fine.”

“Of course it is Michael, of course it is!” I shake my head in despair as he goes up to his room.

BRANDON’S HOUSE - SAME TIME

BRANDON

I frown as the door knocks as I am not expecting anyone. I am pleasantly surprised when I open it and it’s Ben. “Uh hey, did we plan on meeting today?”

“No. May I come in?” He looks serious.

“Sure, come on through.” I lead him to the lounge and indicate he should sit, but he shakes his head. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t understand why you would say such a thing.” He states quietly.

“What a thing?” I try to wrack my brains as to what I could’ve said to upset him.

“That I am a handsome and thoughtful man which you said to Effy, but not to me.” He husks as he steps closer. “I mean it’s only children that say things behind other people’s back and you’re not a child, are you?”

“No, I am definitely not a child.”

“And there’s more. Apparently, as well as thinking that I am handsome and thoughtful, you also like me and get goofy when you say that.” He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me closer. We are only a hair’s breadth away from each other. “And apparently so do I when I said that about you.” He nuzzles my nose and licks my top lip.

“Mmm, good to know that we like each other.” I murmur, returning the nuzzling and licking favour as he gives a lazy smile of approval. “But there’s just one tiny thing...”

“What’s that?” He pushes my hair behind my ears. “You have the most incredible bone structure...a most handsome man.”

“Thanks.” I kiss him softly and slowly we melt into each other’s arms. He tugs on my hair and smiles at me. “So the thing is…”

“You never said that to Effy?”

“No, I didn’t.” I chuckle and he just shakes his head.

“I said she was a devil!”

“With an angel’s heart.” I whisper into his ear. “It would be a shame for her hard work to be for naught, wouldn’t it?”

“Lead the way.” He whispers back.

LAFF - SATURDAY LATE MORNING

MICHAEL

When I get there, the woman from yesterday is standing by the door. “Problem?” I ask, taking particular pleasure in startling her.

“No, of course not. Well not for me, but for you.”

“And why would I have a problem?” My tone is laced with boredom.

“Well you are going to be cleaning the windows and it looks like they haven’t been done for a while.”

“I do not do windows!” I snap, but she keeps checking them carefully. So I tap her hard on the shoulder. She turns to me with a lethal stare. “I said I don’t do windows!”

“You do whatever I, as the temporary assistant manager, tell you to do.” She taps the badge for emphasis and my guts drop to the floor. “So the windows first and then we shall restock the fridge properly. Between us, Cyril and I managed to do one last night, but the other two still need to be done.”

“I-if you’re the temporary assistant manager, then what am I?”

“The gofer…”

“Gofer?” I repeat.

“Yes. You know, go for this or go for that? Case in point, go for a bucket of water and a cloth...the windows aren’t going to clean themselves.”

THE OLD CHURCH HOUSE - SATURDAY EVENING

LOUNGE

JUSTIN

It’s well after nine, I guess he’s not coming! Well, I hope he’s okay so I can bitch slap and then ignore him for standing me up. I stare into the fireplace, feeling a bit used.

“Why so sad?”

“Oh for fuck sake!” I scream as I leap up from the floor where I had sunk into a funk. “Where did you spring from?”

“I didn’t spring from anywhere!” He laughs. “Molly left the door open for me and I’ve been watching you plotting my demise ever since!”

“I have not!” I object.

“Then look me in the eyes and say that.” I keep my eyes rooted to the floor. “My eyes are up here, Justin.”

“You wouldn’t have been totally dead...just maimed a bit.” I mutter.

“Anything important that would’ve been rendered inoperable?” I shake my head and feel his finger under my chin, gently stroking it. “Justin, I wasn’t going to stand you up. I just got a little caught up and lost track of time. I should’ve called, but I figured I would get here and explain. Okay?”

“Okay.” I mumble, embarrassed.

“So the kitchen?” He prompts and I lead him to it. “Nice, very nice.”

“What you cooking?” I ask, looking at the cool bag that he has yet to set down. Silence. I look up and he just pulls me towards him by my jumper. “Are you always this…”

“Yes.” He smirks. “But only with people I want to be always this with.”

“What exactly is this?” I ask quietly. “After what happened in the car yesterday…”

“Yes. Did you not like it? You sounded like you did.”

“Yes, of course I did. Who wouldn’t? But I don’t know where you want this to go afterwards.”

He sighs and puts the bag down. “So we’re having this conversation now?”

“Yes, because I would rather we do that than we do something, like what we did in the car, and I end up feeling…”

“Used?” He suggests.

“Well yeah.”

“Okay, here’s the thing. I have only loved one man all of my life ever since I met him and I will never stop loving him.” He gives a small smile.

“Ben?”

“Yes Ben, but I love him like a brother. That’s not how I want to feel about you.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not saying that I love you at this moment, but I do like you a great deal. Can that be enough for now?”

“Yes and ditto.”

“Ditto? What the hell is ditto?”

“Don’t tell me you’ve not seen Ghost?” I look suitably scandalised.

“Excuse me! I blew my first wad because of him, thank you very much!”

I clap my hand over his mouth. “Do not say anymore about you blowing wads please! You promise?” He nods and I slowly peel my hand away from his mouth. “So what is in the cool bag that you are going to feed me that is a food based item.” I choose my words carefully, much to his amusement.

“Cock-a-leekie soup to start, followed by roasted rack of lamb with carrot salad and then strawberry champagne jelly to finish.”

“You’ve cooked this?!” I gasp.

“Yep…. well prepared most of it.” He puts the bag on the counter and starts to take out the bounty of the county. “I just need to cook the lamb off...why are you looking so surprised?”

“You said you couldn’t cook!” I exclaim as I raid the tubs to make sure he’s not messing with me.

“Nope. I said I couldn’t cook a roast chicken very well, not that I can’t cook. At the risk of ar....” I shut him up with a kiss. “What was that for?”

“It’s my favourite cut of lamb. Not many people know that. In fact, there is only one person who knows that...and that’s me.”

He grins down at me. “But I slept with you, in your bed, with you in my arms and…” He pauses for dramatic effect. “...you recite food recipes in your sleep.”

“Oh god, how embarrassing!” I wail into my hands.

“It’s not. It just shows you are passionate about food and what you do. There’s nothing wrong with that.” He pulls my hands from my face. “Now come on and open the wine.”

“Yes, Chef!” I giggle and reach for the corkscrew.