CHAPTER 52 - WHINING, FINE DINING AND REDEFINING THE PLAN

DINER - TUESDAY, A WEEK LATE, MORNING

EMMETT

I shake my head, hoping I had heard wrong but apparently not as Manny is still sitting there looking like he had seen his mother fucking Santa Claus and Rudolph. “I don't understand why David would want that?!”

“Tell me again, this time slowly, what you just said.”

“His boyfriend said that they want to hire me back as their personal chef. So I went around to discuss this with him and that’s when I saw what I saw. Clutter everywhere...on the walls, the stairs and just everywhere!”

“And this was just downstairs?”

“Yes!” Debs puts the water down in front of him and retakes her seat. “It's not just the fact that is clutter; it’s the fact it is ugly clutter! And another thing, David is not here. He is away on a course!”

I fight the urge to ask how he knows that!

“What am I going to? I can't work in that! It is even in the kitchen! And he seems to think that chef means that I wash up after him! There is a dishwasher! You do not need both hands for that. There are six bowls in the sink and he moved in on Sunday!”

“So you have keys to his place as well?” Debs asks.

“Yes. Only from the last time when I was there before. I haven't used them since, I swear!”

“Manny, calm down!” I pat his hand reassuringly. “Now give them to me. It cannot be as bad as you say!”

DAVID’S CONDO - TWO HOURS LATER

DEBS

“Oh Ems, it's not bad...it’s worse! It looks like his former store threw up in here!” I turn around to make sure that Ems is still behind me as he is so quiet. He is leaning against the door, clutching his throat with his mouth and eyes wide open in shock.

“We have to fix this! Immediately, if not sooner!” He manages to gasp out. “The point is to make himself a desirable roommate not whateverthafuck he was going for here!”

“We can’t!” I realise. “We aren't supposed to know! Let alone be here!”

“Oh holy fresh fucking hell! Upstairs quick!” He shuts the door then grabs my hand and starts to drag me up the stairs.

“Ems, what the hell?!” I shout trying to get free of his grip.

“Michael is coming!” He whispers frantically. Within seconds, I pass him and fling us into the nearest room and shut the door!

“Wow Debs! Do you do that to Carl?!”

“Ssh... praise me later!” I hiss then smirk. “And yes!” I chuckle quietly, well quietly for me, and crack the door open slightly.

It seems to take forever for Michael to open the front door and when he does, we see why. He is carrying a huge box with that end of Superman in it!

“Hell Mary no!” Ems whimpers.

“Okay, can you put the rest of the stuff by the stairs and I’ll sort it out?”

We watch as box after box comes through the door followed by three cases. When his phone rings, he heads to the back garden and we take that opportunity to make our escape.

DINER - AN HOUR LATER

DEBS

Seriously, what the fuck are we going to do?!” I sigh. “When David comes back, he, like any somewhat stable man, is going to feel invaded!”

“What we need to find out first and foremost is what David said to Michael to make him think he could move in with all of his things, especially when he’s not there!” Ems declares. “Ah here comes the man himself!”

“Hi Ma, Emmett! How are you both?” He beams at us. “Can’t stop long; just wanted to check what you guys and the rest of the gang are doing this weekend?”

“Uh nothing as far as we know. Why?”

“Great, because David and I are throwing a dinner party and we’d like you all to come.”

“Wow you’re at the dinner party stage already, how sweet!” Ems trills. “How does David feel about that and where is he, by the way?”

“He feels great! He suggested it. What a question. And he’s on a course back on Thursday night. I can’t wait to see him! Anyway, must dash.”

“Must dash...must fucking dash.” I scoff when he’s gone. “If he doesn’t watch himself, he’s going to be, to quote Veri, dashed right outta him yard!”

Ems looks and me before we both burst out laughing. “That has got to be the worst Grenadian accent have ever heard!”

“I know!” I cackle. “I promise never to do that again!”

JUSTIN’S HOUSE - WEDNESDAY NIGHT

LOUNGE

BRIAN

I arch my back as the ice cream drips on my nipple and the contrast of the warmth of his tongue as he licks it clean is blissful.

“Raspberry nipple ice cream, how delicious!” He takes another spoonful and warms it in his mouth, it runs down my chin as I pull him in for a torrid kiss. “You want more?” His breath starts to get choppy as I brush my fingertips along his inner thighs.

“Please. Even if it does mean another hour jogging round the grounds, it will be so worth it.”

“It will indeed. Now excuse me, I have to eat from my favourite cone…”

It takes a few seconds to realise what he meant but then it’s too late. “Justin!” I squeak. “That’s fucking cold!”

“It’ll heat up.” He eye fucks me before slowly swallowing me down whole.

And he was right it did but not as much as his ass did...both inside and out!

DAVID’S CONDO - THURSDAY EVENING

DAVID

It was a long course, and an even longer journey home with traffic, but it looks like Michael is here. I have to admit that it is nice to see lights on when I come home. I hope he’s cooked something because I’m also starving!

While there is no smell of food when he opens the door for me, I do like the kiss he greets me with.

“Welcome home! I’ve missed you.”

“Missed you too. Let me put these down. So I can greet you properly.” I put my cases to the side and wrap my arms round him. His technique is improving, less tongue this time.

“Come on, do you want a glass of wine to welcome you home properly before I order some food?”

“Yes I could definitely go for that.” I follow him into the lounge, stretching out my suddenly tired limbs and then come to an astonished halt.

“Red or white?” He calls from the kitchen.

I can’t speak.

“David?!” He calls louder. “I said red or white? Are you still...David, are you okay?!”

I am brought out of my living version of hell by his touch on my arm. “Michael, can you explain to me what the fuck you have done to my condo?!”

“What do you mean what the fuck have I done?” He looks affronted.

“Why are all of your ta...things doing here?” I ask, my voice getting progressively weaker as I absorb it fully.

“You said I could move in a few things…”

“Yes but I meant a toothbrush, a change of clothing. Not all of this! And I certainly didn’t mean for you to do it while I was away!”

“I wanted it to be a surprise for you!”

“Oh it’s definitely that! Okay, let me just take it all in for a minute and make that wine a large one and white!”

It is everywhere! Captain Ass...whatever he is, is right there above the fireplace, staring at me...no not staring...smirking!

“Here you are.” He hands it to me and then sits down. “Do you want me to move out?” He asks quietly.

“Michael, could you just not speak for a minute? I need to think.” I sit back and am startled when cymbals start to crash behind me. “Well that is moving for a start!” I bark once the cacophony abates!

“David, do you want me to move back out?” He looks at me with what can only be described as puppy dog eyes and I start to feel my anger subsiding.

“No, but you have got to understand that moving in without me being present was a little…”

“But you knew I would be doing that this week…” He pouts.

“Yes, I know that. But then the course came up, so naturally I assumed you would wait for another time. It’s not as if the condo or I are going anywhere. Can we move some of your stuff back to your place?” Like all of it is what I left unsaid.

“What from here or from upstairs too?” Again with the puppy dog eyes.

“Show me exactly what you have done and we’ll go from there.” I say with as much positivity as I can!

BATHROOM - TWO HOURS LATER

Well that was fun! I pinch the bridge of my nose and sink under the water. What kind of person does that?!

“David, are you going to be much longer? I need to have a shower.” I blink at the door. “Or I can always get in with you…” He actually drops to a Barry White-esque tone as if the last two hours haven't happened!

“Won't be much longer!” I call back.

Everyone has moving in ‘teething troubles’, don't they?!

KITCHEN - NEXT MORNING

MANNY

Oh thank goodness, all that crapatatat has gone! I couldn’t breathe!

“Manny?! Did you hear me? Dr Cameron and I will have breakfast in the garden when you’re ready.” He announces and heads, presumably to bask in the sunshine.

I take a deep soothing breath and start to prepare breakfast.

“Good morning Manny...wait Manny, what are you doing here?”

“Morning Dr Cameron, Mr Novotny asked me to prepare breakfast and also wants me to talk menus with him for your dinner party.”

He just stares at me for a while. “And Mr Novotny is where, exactly?”

“In the garden. Shall I bring breakfast now?”

“Not yet. Can you give me a few minutes?” He gives me a small smile and heads to, no doubt, have a chat with Mr Novotny…oh to be a fly on that bush!

GARDEN

DAVID

I clear my throat to get his attention as he is reading yet another comic!

“Hey. Isn't it a gorgeous day?”

“Yes. Michael, can we talk about Manny?”

“What about him?”

“Why is he here? And why is he calling me Dr Cameron instead of David like he was before?”

“I thought him calling you by your first name was a little over familiar, so I corrected it. As for why he is here, for the dinner party tomorrow, remember?”

“Yes, of course I remember. Manny! Can you come here for a minute please?!”

“Yes Dr…”

“Stop that. My name is David and his is Michael and you will address us as such when you're here. Now come and join us for breakfast so we can discuss menus. That’s alright with you isn't it, Michael?” He just nods but I can tell he’s pissed off. Well tough shit! Looks like he's going to learn a few lessons by the end of the weekend!

BRITIN - SATURDAY AFTERNOON

BRIAN

“At the risk of sounding obvious, why do we have so much booze?”

“Where are we going and who's the host?” Mel asks, strapping Ruby in and then Gus, whose words are resonating in my brain…

Start of flashback

MASTER BEDROOM - EARLY SATURDAY MORNING

BRIAN

“Come on in Sonny Boy!” I call out as he taps on the door and he does so with a very serious expression on his face. Justin and I exchange concerned looks.

“Daddy, papa I need to talk to you.”

“Okay, want to sit between us?”

“Please daddy.”

We wait for him to clamber onto the bed and settle between us. “I’ve been thinking. I should really stay at home today because of the hair.”

“The hair?” Justin looks over Gus’s head and starts to smile and I shake my head. “Can you explain a bit further, Gussie?”

“Yes! You see I have been playing with Rhubie and Custard and they slept with me last night and then I brushed them really early this morning! So I have lots of hair on me and that will make Uncle Michael go red and itchy. Therefore, I’m going to be very growed up and stay at home to look after them.”

“Wow that is very grownup of you Gus but I just need to check some things. You’re going to stay here by yourself when we go to see Uncle Michael?”

“Yes.”

“And you are going to feed and water them?”

“Yes daddy.”

“And let them out when they need the bathroom?”

“Yes papa.”

“How are you going to open the back door?”

“Uh, you will have to give me permission to do that for today daddy.”

“Yes of course. But what I mean is how are you going to actually open the door? The latch is really high up remember.”

“Oh, I...oh a chair! I can stand on a chair!” He exclaims...oh you are so my Sonny Boy!

“And food?” Justin asks.

“I have fedded them before papa.” Gus looks peevishly at him.

“True, but I meant you. What are you going to have to eat? And how are you going to get it? And then cook it because you need to have hot meals?”

“I...well...if...fine, I’ll go but just so you knowed, I am not happy about this!”

“Neither are we Sonny Boy but we have to go.” I laugh.

“Brian!” Justin giggles.

“But why do we have to if nobody wants to?” Gus asks. “Why do we always have to say yes to his silliness?”

“Because sometimes it’s easier to say yes to some people than no.” Justin explains.

“Why? If you keep saying yes to people, they never stop asking for stuff.” He yawns hugely and starts to squirrel under the blankets. “Grown-ups can make life so difficult for themselves sometimes. Can we have a Gus sleep sandwich please?”

“Yes you can Gus and we will always say yes to that.” Justin tells him.

We turn on our sides and Gus snuggles into my chest then we wrap our arms around each other and we go back to sleep.

End of flashback

DAVID’S CONDO - SATURDAY EVENING

MICHAEL

I can’t believe we did it! Well mostly me because David got called in and Manny had another client across town and couldn’t come and help me!

“Come in guys!” I open the door and everyone troops in. “Go on through to the lounge, right ahead!”

“Hello! First things first, drinks for everyone. Help yourself and…”

“Actually, David is there somewhere I can put Ruby’s…”

“Of course! If you put it under the stairs but please, may I have a hold of the gorgeous girl?”

“Yes indeed.” Mel says and takes her out. “Here you go, all yours.”

“Hello Mr David.” Gus looks up at him. “You have a pretty house.”

“Hello Gus, thank you very much. What would you like to drink?”

Drink?

“Do you have an orange juice please?”

Shit I knew I forgot something!

“Uh David, we don’t have juice. But we have...uh water.” I whisper to him and he looks at me.

“We have fruits so make him a smoothie.” He replies quietly.

“Do you want me to take her?” Mel asks him and I hear him say no and something about baby smell.

I try to think what Ben did and remember there was peaches, bananas and I think some red and green fruits...I search in the fridge and find what I need in there. It doesn’t take long to do and when I come back out they are all chatting away.

“Here you go Gus.” I hand him the glass and he takes it before putting it on the table. But David, who is still holding Ruby, doesn’t say anything about the coaster, like he does to me.

“So Michael, that looks familiar.” Emmett points to one of my pieces.

“Yes.” I crow. “I wanted mostly everyone to be here when I made the announcement...I’ve moved in!”

“Oh honey that’s great.” Mom tells me. “When did that happen?”

“Sunday and...oh Christ!” I cry as Ruby promptly brings up whatever it was they have just given her on the sofa. “Mel, do something about that!”

“Michael, it’s throw-up not battery acid!” Ma tells me.

“Yeah, overreacting much?” Leda snipes and gets up. “Where’s the kitchen?”

“Michael, just get a cloth.” David sighs and hands Ruby back to Mel and follows me inside.

KITCHEN

DAVID

“What are you doing?” I hiss at him. “You are behaving like a princess with your friends. Stop that!”

“She threw up on our couch!” He hisses back.

“She’s a baby; that’s what they do! She, unlike you, has no control over what she does right now!” I take a breath. “Now can you plate up the starter, I won’t be long.”

When I come back five minutes later, he’s moving slowly and sulking, but I refuse to bend like before. So I head to the dining room and then to the lounge and do a headcount.

“Michael? How many people are eating tonight?” He shrugs. “Well there’s 14 of us and the table is set for eight. Where are the other six going to eat?” That gets his attention and he goes pale. “Please tell me you’ve cooked enough food for 14 people?”

“The recipe said serves 8 and Manny said to follow the recipe. And if you had been here helping me…”

“Let’s argue when they’ve gone!”

FRANC

“Gus, you okay buddy?” I ask as he makes a face when he tries his drink.

“It tastes funny and feels furry.” He whispers.

“Let me taste it, sweetheart.” He comes over holding it like it’s going to explode. I take a sip and blech. “Holy mother of...goodness me!” I actually shudder. It is so sharp with a bitter aftertaste.

“Brian, would it be okay to give Gus a Pepsi tonight?” I call out when I spot it.

“Yeah of course. What’s wrong with the smoothie?” He asks, reaching for it but I pull it away from him.

“Um…” I check for little ears. “It will put funk in your junk and not in positive life affirming way for Justin.”

“Take it away immediately!” Justin calls out.

I head to the kitchen but knock before entering as I can hear low hissing tones, like angry snakes. “Uh guys, can I get a Pepsi for Gus? He doesn’t like this I’m afraid.”

“Pepsi? We had Pepsi? Of course you can, let me get you a clean glass.” David takes the smoothie then looks through the cupboards.

“What was wrong with it?” Michael asks.

“Just a tiny bit too sharp for him. What did you put in it as a matter of interest?”

So I know never to ever make that shit again!

“Bananas, peaches, redcurrants and gooseberries. I got the recipe from Ben.”

Like fuck did you!

“Redcurrants and gooseberries?” David echoes before pouring it down the sink. “I will make sure he gets an extra slice of dessert for that. Here you go, one glass. Oh, is that too big?”

“That’s fine. Makes room for the ice. Something smells really good in here, looking forward to dinner.”

I head back to the lounge and get Gus his drink. “Daddy, I’ve made a ring. Will Mr David be cross?”

“No I won’t be cross Gus, its fine.” David smiles at Gus and then puts his glass on a coaster and I mouth apologies at him, which he waves away.

Yep starting to feel a bit guilty about this now!

“Right, we are ready to eat. But apologies, my table only seats 8 so six of you will have to eat in…”

“Oh honey don’t worry about it. We’re a dinner tray family. Need some help serving up?”

“A dinner tray family?” David looks confused.

“You eat your dinner off a tray in front of the TV, or whatever your preferred mode of entertainment is.” Emmy smiles. “I’m with Debs, can I help? Oh wait, what’s the time? Vic, are you okay?”

“Actually, I really do need to eat something soon.” He admits.

“Vic, why didn’t you say?!” David exclaims and dashes to the kitchen. He’s back within minutes with a plate of food for him. “Will that be enough for now?”

“Thank you David. That’s perfect.”

“Oh! How’s Hunter? Has he been discharged?”

“He’s fine. He’s been Blake’d, Nathan’d and Daphne’d to bits, but he’s loving it!” Debs laughs.

“David, can you come and help me please?” Michael calls out.

“Coming.” He replies and with a sigh, heads back into the kitchen.

“Papa, I’m a bit hungry.” Gus snuggles into Justin’s lap.

“Oh, this is ridiculous!” I sigh but make myself remain in my seat.

“The starter is served!” Michael come in smiling...actually smirking. “Now I thought it would be best if Ma, Uncle Rodney, Uncle Vic, Gus, Franc and Markus were in here and the rest are at the table.”

“Mind your backs!” David calls out as he and Ben come in with a massive table top.

“David, what are…?”

“Will this do Debs? One big tray for everyone. Emmy, can you do me a favour? We haven’t cooked enough food. If we have the main and the starter as a starter combo, do you know…”

“Leave it with me sweetie.” Emmy is already pulling out his phone.

“Honey, that’s perfect!” Debs laughs. “Now lead the way!”

Twenty minutes later, we are all sitting round the table top on the floor. David is, once again, holding Ruby but this time feeding her.

“You’re really good with her.” Mel smiles.

“She can tell I’m not a paediatrician!” He grins. “You two really do make the most beautiful babies.”

“Do you want kids, David?” Vic asks.

“I do, but I’m wary of what could go wrong. If the mother wanted to keep the baby, I would be devastated…”

“You can’t live your life with what ifs!” Rodney interrupts. “Look at Carl and me. We both went on the cruise because he was heartbroken and I felt safe and look what we ended up with. I’m getting married and he’s got a girlfriend!”

He nods. “I think she’s going to sleep. Buggy or we can put her upstairs on the bed?”

“Oh, her buggy is fine.” Mel replies. “Want to put her in?” He goes all sappy and totes her gently to the buggy.

“Michael, can you get that?” He calls out from under the stairs.

The doorbell rings again and still Michael doesn’t move. He continues to eat. “You are nearer!”

“He also has his hands full of baby for goodness sake!” I hiss at him, finally losing control of my temper.

As I stomp to the door, it hits me. I think we have made a huge mistake and if so, we have to fix it!

OUTSIDE ALLEGHANY HOSPITAL - WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

DAVID

Michael and I didn’t speak for the rest of the evening when they left. In fact, he sulked so much that he spent the night in his collectibles room. But we seem to be back to normal now.

As I go to the car, I spot Markus and Franc in a passionate embrace and feel a twinge of envy. As he heads inside; he spots me, smiles and waves.

“Franc!” I shout and she jogs towards me. “Hey, how you doing?”

“Great. You?” She grins.

“Oh fine.” I smile. “Actually do you fancy some lunch?”

“Yes, he’s in there for the rest of the afternoon and he’ll be dropped off at mine when done. So I have all the time in the world…”

“Me too...where are you parked?” She points not far away. “Okay pull up round the corner and follow me.”

“Done!” She jogs back to her car.

SOCIAL HOUSE 7 - 40 MINUTES LATER

FRANC

I regard him carefully and decide that a direct approach is called for. “So how big was the row when we left?”

“He slept in another room.” He replies rolling his eyes. “How did you and Markus do it?”

“What?”

“Move in together after such a short time and make it work?”

“In fairness, we have known each other for 3 years but not interacted together, until we got on dry land. Also with regards to living together, it did help that he was confined to bed most of the time!”

“Ah I see.” He fiddles with his napkin for a minute before stirring his food then fiddling again. “Right, I have to say something. I’m surprised that you guys were so friendly with me considering my history with Ray.”

Aha well that saved me from trying to find out how to broach that subject!

“So why…”

“He and Michael are the same in a way. I know Michael’s your friend and Ray’s your brother but they both have the same need to have their own way. But with Ray, I could understand it because quite frankly he was spoilt but with Michael, I just don’t get it.”

“Neither do I. So why did you and Ray split?”

“Okay I will admit that I was a little full on in the beginning. I did send him a lot of flowers at the start. Way too many flowers!” He gives an embarrassed chuckle. “But then he started to expect it and would point out when things weren’t delivered. And then of course, the same ole story...he went to the baths.”

“You weren’t in an open relationship?”

“God no! I couldn’t do that. Too dangerous!” He shudders. “One of my friends caught him. But didn’t tell me, said it was none of his business. At first, I was pissed but then understood why not, as they didn’t like each other. So he told me but he made it seem like it was because I was neglecting him. He said he took the advice of a good friend, who told him to strap on a pair and do something about it.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah. I tried to get passed it, I really did... and was willing to try but I couldn’t. If he did it once…”

“He’d do it again. And that’s not what I meant for him to do.”

“Pardon?” He frowns and then he realises. “You told him to…”

“No, I meant talk to you! He was complaining about the amount of things you were sending and how it was so overwhelming and calling every five minutes…”

“That was him!” He gasps in indignation, before laughing. “Towards the end, I got a burn phone just so I could get some peace during the day!” I snort into my miso soup and accept the napkin he hands me. “So, if Markus hadn’t been shot and moved in like this, what would you do…”

When he finished telling me what happened I just shake my head. “Well you were more accepting than I would’ve been. He would’ve been out the next day. That was so rude!”

“My thoughts exactly! But I did make him move some stuff back to his place....”

“Hmm. When he acted up when he worked for me, I left it for a minute before firing him because he…”

“Michael worked for you? He didn’t mention that. Why was he fired?”

“He chained himself to the store when he didn’t like the changes we were making. But he didn’t go as far swallowing the keys but did post them through the door.” He closes his eyes briefly. Time to move this onto a happier subject. “Although there wasn’t much of it, the food on Sunday that Michael cooked was lovely.”

This gets a smile. “Yes Manny did an excellent job.”

“Manny?”

“Yes, he was my personal chef, as in he would leave me a week’s worth of food. But then Michael volunteered to be my chef and the arrangement ended. But now he’s back at Michael’s behest, but between you and me, I’m relieved. Michael can cook, don’t get me wrong, but he tends to stick to what he can cook and nothing else. I have a week’s worth of meatloaf and am running out of space in the freezer!”

“You need to sit him down and talk to him.”

“There is another problem. And it is rather sensitive because I don’t think he realises what he’s doing.”

“And that’s what?”

“I don’t think he approves of Brian and Justin’s relationship. I think he thinks that Justin is a golddigger. He made a comment during the King of Babylon contest... Justin didn’t realise that Brian owned it and he asked why he hadn’t done any research. I know that Brian was annoyed and we’ve just got back to talking after Saturday, I don’t want…oh excuse me. Hi Michael. I’m just at lunch with Franc. She was dropping Markus off for his physio appointment. We are having Japanese, shall I bring some back for....not all of it is raw, no. I’m not sure how much longer we will be...oh sorry I forgot, I had a busy day this morning. No, I will head back now. Yeah, see you soon.”

“Want me to get the bill and you go and meet him?”

“I’m really sorry, Franc. I forgot that he was getting his cast removed today, said I would be there.”

I just wave him away and as he walks out, I get the feeling that the burn phone will be making a reappearance!