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CHAPTER 65 - A DAY AT HOME...A DAY OF TRUTH

 

BRITIN - SUNDAY EARLY MORNING

 

MASTER BEDROOM

 

BRIAN

 

I can smell coffee. I wait for him to pad back to his side of the bed. I take a quick look at the time, its 2.30 am! This is big, their monitor hasn’t flickered once.

 

“Which one is it?” I murmur.

 

“Guyanese.”

 

“I meant Rage or Caramels.”

 

“Does it make a difference?” His voice has an edge...yeah it’s big, handle him careful Taylor-Kinney. “They are both important to me, although…”

 

“With Rage I can fuck you back to sleep so we can discuss him at a more reasonable time?”

 

He chuckles...it’s a start. “True. It’s not the Caramels either. Well, it will be eventually, but for now it’s more Gus.”

 

“Back in a bit.” Once I get back in bed he waits for me to settle with my coffee and moves closer. “So...Gus. Although I think I have a feeling I know what you’re going to say.”

 

“Okay give it your best Rage-ian shot.”

 

“You want to tell Gus about the bashing.” He looks up at me with tears in his eyes and nods. I put our mugs on the side and spread my legs. “Get in here.” When I feel the tears on my chest, I want to find and crush Hobbs! It takes him a while to calm down and I wait for him to continue.

 

“But I don’t want to tell him.” He rolls his ring on my arm. “We should tell him.”

 

“Okay. When?”

 

“Today. And by ourselves. I don’t want him to hear it from anyone else but us.”

 

“Agreed Mr 1500 SAT. There’s the clever man I know and love.”

 

“Okay let me call Mel now and get that arranged and…” He looks up at me when I hold him tighter.

 

“Brian, I need to call Mel, let go.”

 

“Mr 1500 SAT has now left the building! It’s five to three in the morning, you twat.”

 

He stops squirming. “Could you please fuck some common sense into me?”

 

“Hmm. Let me see…”

 

“Brian!”

 

MEL’S HOUSE - MID-MORNING

 

DINING ROOM

 

MEL

 

“Sure, no problem. What time? Oh okay. Yeah later.” I hang up on Brian with an angry sigh. Leda’s arms round my waist provide a bit of relief. “Brian and Justin want to see Gus.”

 

“And that generates that sigh because?”

 

“They’re going to tell him about the bashing. With Rage coming out, they’re not taking the chance that someone, most likely Lindsay or Michael, will talk about it in front of him.”

 

“Isn't he a bit young? He’s only five.” She frowns before heading to make coffee.

 

“He knows about Brian's cancer. He thinks it was an inner ouchie but it’s all fine now.” She smiles. “We had to tell him because Michael pressed Justin’s buttons.”

 

“Of course he did. That must have been a hard conversation for you all to have.”

 

“Brian told him on his own. I’m not sure that even Justin knows what he said to him. And we found out only about 20 minutes before Gus did.” I blink back tears. “Oh God, don't know where they came from!” I wipe my eyes.

 

“The realisation that Brian, your sworn enemy, is not just Gus’s daddy, but he’s also your friend...” I just nod. “And you wasted so much time and energy hating him...oh come here!” She cries and I rush to her arms. “Let it go Mel, let it go.”

 

And I do.

 

BEN AND HUNTER’S HOUSE

 

BEDROOM

 

XAVI

 

I lift my head and look down at him. He is gorgeous and right now totally at my mercy. He gives me a sexy smile. “Ah-ah-ah. Sunday is my day.” I nip his ear as hands start to wander.

 

“We have assigned days?”

 

“Not really, but this Sunday is definitely mine.”

 

“Fine. But I have to say that this lying here doing nothing is giving me flashbacks and not good ones!”

 

I snort into his neck. “He just laid there?” He nods. “Did he make any noise at all?”

 

“No, not a sound. He’d make this face like he was channelling P!NK at her snarliest, you know when she curls up her lip?” I just gape and he starts to laugh. “Towards the end, it was a relief that his enthusiasm waned.”

 

“Do you regret meeting him?”

 

“No, surprisingly enough I don't. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be about to beg my partner to stick his very large dick up my very tight ass.”

 

“It will be my immense pleasure!”

 

CARMINE’S HOUSE

 

KITCHEN

 

HUNTER

 

I taste the sauce, it’s perfect. Reading my assignment notes again, I smile and start to decant it into catering boxes. I love Sunday testing day. In addition to my classes, Emmy sets me a catering assignment task once a month. I have to prepare for a meal or a dinner party from the surprise box he sends me. Then I send them to him for tasting.

 

“And what delicacies have we got today?” He rests his chin on my shoulder.

 

“An Indian meal. Bone-in green chicken masala with naan. Gulab jamun or fried donuts to you and me and watermelon fresca.”

 

“And that’s going to Emmy? Can we keep some of it? I’ve never had Indian food before.”

 

I turn around in his arms and frown. “You’ve never had an Indian meal before?” He shakes his head and looks a bit embarrassed. “In that case, it will be my great honour to show you how to cook it.”

 

“Great!” He kisses my shoulder and then pauses. “Is it very spicy? I see chillies.”

 

“Okay, let’s start with a dopiaza. That is more fragrant, with hardly any spice.” He looks dubious. “I promise! One the soul of my little Gumdrop. Now grab that apron and stand there. We will first start to chop onions.” After he puts on the apron, he takes a spoon out of the drawer and sticks it in his mouth. “Okay why?”

 

“So I don’t cry when chopping onions.” He replies, putting it back in.

 

“Not heard that one before. You look ridiculous... hot, but ridiculous!”

 

LINDSAY’S APARTMENT

 

LOUNGE

 

LINDSAY

 

This is interminable! It is taking forever to sort my phone out! It’s times like this I wish I still had the services of Ginny, so she could do this shit! After JR put my phone in the shit box, I had to cut my visit short so that I could get a replacement. Neither, Mel or Leda were impressed but Gus accepted my explanation that I had to get it fixed. So why couldn't they? I said I would see him later today, when we have an early dinner, for a change, at Debs for goodness sake!

 

Another source of irritation is the Rage images. Turns out they were only selectively released to their inner circle, which for now, I am not a part of! But Marie, the viper, apparently is! There was a gleam of malice when Mel looked at me; so I’m desperate to see them. There hasn't been a single thing on it that hasn't come from Justin or Ginny. I understand that the film is based on what happened to him at the prom. But to tell us, as in the family, nothing is daft! We saw what they were going to do at that party at Babylon so why the big mystery now?! They are even using Kinnetic to promote it!

 

“A break is definitely called for!” I grouse and head to the kitchen. I am feeling a little peckish so as well as the glass of fizz, I make myself a small sandwich. “Need to go shopping, Delicious Foods here I come.”

 

As I head back to sort out this fucking phone, a small smile plays on my face, before I think aloud. “He can't really argue about me using the household account to replace my phone. After all, it was because if his daughter that I had to get a new one!”

 

I check the account again and there is plenty of money in there. Then my account and that is also looking very healthy. I sigh as I remember the joy of having access to the support money, being able to dip into it whenever I wanted. It did get a little tricky when Ted demanded receipts. But I objected so fiercely on the grounds of trust that he backed off, especially when I reminded him about his own past behaviour. The fact that I did it in front of Mel and Brian added power to my argument and it humiliated Ted to boot. Always a bonus!

 

I’m startled when my phone rings but my heart sinks when I see it’s just Michael calling. “Hi Michael, how are you? I’m just on my way to your mother’s, so can this be quick?” I roll my eyes at his indignant huffing. “Michael please, I really need to get going...what did you say? Well at the risk of sounding obvious Michael, wouldn’t you do the same thing if you were in the same position? If someone’s child had caused damage an item of your property you would expect compensation, correct? And she is your child still, isn’t she? Then why is it different for me? You know I would do the same if Gus caused damage to your property…” I dig my nails into my palm trying not to laugh! “Michael, I have to go. Was this all you wanted to discuss? It such a shame though. Because of that little mishap, you missed out on seeing your Honeybun as a Rose...bye now!”

 

I sink onto the sofa, chuckling. Yes, having an easily manipulated idiot for a friend does have its amusing moments!

 

ANGELCARS - LUNCHTIME

 

RUTH

 

“Arno...!” I shout as he drives away, waving out the window. “DRIVE SAFE OR YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO GET A BLOW JOB AGAIN, MORON!” The car comes to an immediate halt and starts to reverse. I am so mad, he knows better. You do not...do not...take a new car out until we have double and triple checked it! But truth be told that’s not what’s bugging me. When Brian called to ask me to pick Gus up, I asked why and when he told me my heart sank. It’s going to be so tough and when they asked me to stay for it, I said yes, of course. I want Arno with me, but he just snatched the keys and ran before I could ask him. When he stalks to me in all his almost righteous indignation, I hold my ground!

 

“What?! Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with you?! You are all over the place!” He yells at me.

 

“They’re telling Gus about the bashing and want me to stay. I want you to be with me. But you took one look at the new car and ran. I know you didn’t know what was happening but...”

 

“You’re right, I am a moron. I’m sorry. Let me call Baba.” He replies quietly and heads to the office. Five minutes later, he’s back with a piece of paper. “First Delicious Foods and then we go...text Brian, no Justin and tell him that we’re making a Torta Cokolada. Rather appropriate for them, no?”

 

Ten minutes later, we are leaving and Justin replies that we have missed a ‘c’ out of the cake name but Brian will still like it!

 

DEBS AND CARL’S HOUSE - TWO HOURS LATER

 

LINDSAY

 

I stare at Carl’s bemused expression. “Why is there no dinner?” I try to step in but he steps out.

 

“As I said because, Debs is with Jen. Brian and Justin are with Gus and the Caramels and everyone else is at their own homes. We did call, once Brian called this morning to say he wasn’t coming.”

 

“I never received a call nor a message!”

 

“We got your voicemail and a message was left. I also texted you. Now excuse me, I’m going to the lodge.”

 

As he takes my elbow, gently but firmly, I seethe. When he drives away, I sit in my car for a while before reversing up the road and waiting. I wait for half an hour and nobody comes in or out. Maybe he was telling the truth? Disconsolate and hungry, I head home...vowing to make Mel pay for this, too!

 

BRITIN - AN HOUR LATER

 

KITCHEN

 

BRIAN

 

As greens go, it’s not bad! Mel sent me pictures of him as a tree and Gummy as a Rose and I did squinch a bit...I have to remind the twat not to say that around people. I do not want people to think that Rage squinches!

 

“So what we do now is we beat…” I catch Justin’s eye and nod down at the bowl that Gus is using to make the torte and lick my lips. His eyes widens and he goes pink...and that’s one of the reasons why I love him so much! Inopportune primness!

 

“Gus...the point of this torte is to get all of the ingredients in the...Justin!” I growl as he slowly sucks the mixture off the spoon and eye fucks me...I want to be that spoon!

 

“Now what do we do, papa?” Gus bounces on his stool. “Is this the same as the one that Ruthie made?”

 

“No Sonny Boy, this is a torte that was a mousse cake. And daddy and I want to keep that one to ourselves, so we are making this one so that we can all share instead.”

 

“All share?” He frowns. “But the Caramels are small and have no teeth. Oh! Do you think Hunner will make them popsicles like he did for Gummy?”

 

“Of course he will, he’s Hunner and he loves them.”

 

I finish feeding Harper and Ruth comes to collect her. As she leaves, she closes the door.

 

“Sonny Boy, can you come and sit down for a minute? Papa and I need to tell you something.”

 

My heart, squinches...hey I can say it...as Justin gets him cleaned up and totes him back to the table. “Do you remember when I told you about my stomach owie?”

 

“Ouchie.” Gus corrects me. “And owie is on the outside and ouchie in on the inside.”

 

“Sorry, ouchie. Do you remember though?”

 

“Yes, you were very scared and a little bit silly but you’re all better now, aren’t you?”

 

“Yes, I’m better and there is nothing wrong with me or the Caramels. This is about papa…”

 

“Papa? Papa, do you have an owie or an ouchie?”

 

“An owie.” Justin’s voice wobbles and I reach over to squeeze his hand.

 

“Where? You are perfect. That’s what daddy says, when he doesn’t think people are listening. He says you’re perfect.”

 

Justin just blinks.

 

“And papa says the same, but not. He says that you are the most con-confiding…”

 

Confounding. Most confounding.”

 

“Yes that. Confounding man in the world but he loves you more than the air that he breathes. I heard him say that to grandma Jen and she gave him a big hug.”

 

How could I have ever doubted this?!

 

“So papa, your ouchie…”

 

Justin clears his throat. “When your daddy and I danced at my prom, one person didn’t like it and he hit me. He hurt me really badly, but like daddy with his ouchie, I got better.”

 

“Somebody hit you?” Gus’s eyes are huge. “Daddy, did you hit them back for hurting papa, like I would if someone hit my Gummy or Caramels?”

 

“Yes Sonny Boy, I did.”

 

“You did? I heard he lost his scholarship through injury. Was that because of what you did?” Justin holds back tears. “I didn’t know you did that.”

 

“Yeah I did. Maybe we need to talk about it some more…. If you’re ready.  I think I’m finally ready now too.”  It takes a while for me to look back at him and when I do I see relief.

 

“My hero.” He smiles at me and yeah, I squinch.

 

“Papa, can we still see your owie like my scar on my knee?”

 

This is the toughest bit.

 

“Yes you can. Do you want to see it?” He nods and I get up to part Justin’s hair. Although it is not an angry red as it once was, it is still angry to me.

 

“He’s a slitherer…” Gus announces sternly.

 

Slitherer?” I repeat.

 

“Hmmm.” Gus nods and gently kisses his scar. “There papa. A kiss always makes things gooder.”

 

“Th-thank you Gussie, you made that so much better.” Justin is barely holding it together.

 

“Sonny Boy? Where did you hear the word slitherer?”

 

“Is it a bad word daddy?”

 

“No, not at all, it’s a very good word. I just want to know why you said it.”

 

“Well he crepted up to hurt papa in the dark and I heard that things that move around in the dark slither, so he’s a slitherer. If I sawed him now, I would kick him in his knee!”

 

“Gus…”

 

“I know I shouldn’t and I would get a time-out, but he hurt my papa and nobody hurts my papa! And Gummy would push him in a poopy tray if there was one big enough!”

 

“Poopy tray?” Justin looks at me.

 

“For Fizz and Pop. We’re not allowed to go near it as it’s stinky, so a slitherer would be perfect in there!”

 

“You are so right, Sonny Boy. Now can you do me a favour? Can you go and get Ruth, Arno and the Caramels so that we can all finish up dinner?”

 

“Yes daddy.” He jumps off Justin’s lap and runs out the room.

 

I find my lap filled with Justin but instead of the tears I am expecting, I see determination.

 

Slitherer is the perfect name for Hobbs!” He gives me a tongue filled kiss. “Can I rough sketch this out for an hour please? I’ll stay in here but I need to...”

 

“Justin, do what you need to do…” He grins. “As long as you don’t get your hair cut like last time; I like to have something to pull on while...”

 

“You said you thought it was hot!” Justin interrupts me before I can give him a full-blown hard-on, which we can’t fix until later.

 

“It was. But running my fingers through long sweaty strands of flaxen hair that I made that way is way hotter!”

 

He waggles his eyebrows and we hear the chatter of Gus and Arno. “Way?”

 

“Yes, way.” I growl

 

 

Chapter End Notes:

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