CHAPTER 14 – THE PAST IS THE PAST THE TIME IS NOW

TWENTY MINUTES LATER

LINDSAY

I am picking up my things. She seems to have calmed down a bit but is still blocking me from going upstairs to say goodbye to Gus and JR.

“Mel please!” I plead tearfully but she just stares coldly at me.  

There’s a beeping at the door and Ben and Hunter come out of the kitchen. “Can you give me a lift? Mel and I are having difficulties at the minute.” I beg them.

“No guys, don’t do that.” Justin comes out. “Just go and we’ll explain tomorrow.” He turns to me, “Be grateful that Brian is the father of Gus because believe me, I would be suing you!”  

“Justin…” I begin.

“No, shut up! I don’t want to hear it right now!”

“Where are we going to go?” Michael whines, still rubbing his cheek. Mel’s handprint is slowly fading.

“Get out before I call the police!”  Mel snarls.

“And as for you Michael, you are banned from Kinnetic!” Justin declares heatedly.  

“You can’t do that!” He yells, looking at Brian.

“In fact, you are both banned!”

“Brian! You can’t let him…”  I protest.

“As co-owner, he can and I will. I think it’s an excellent idea.”

“Co-owner?” I echo incredulously. “When…?”

“Hello police, this is Melanie Marcus. I have two people who won't leave my property. Can you send someone around to help them to leave? I have two children under five in the home.  Yes the address is...”

“For God sake, Mel!” I wail. “There’s no need for that... we’re leaving! Michael, come on. Let's let them cool off then we can speak rationally.”

Mel scoffs before pointing at the door. “The only irrational people are you two!  And if you try to come back before I say so, I will have you arrested! You and Michael can have the same charge! Now fuck off!”

As soon as we step outside the door, it is slammed shut and locked.

LOUNGE

MEL

We exchange stunned looks. “I can't believe Lindsay was so determined that she did that.”  Justin looks so sad. “Was she ever my friend?”

“I don't honestly know. But I am.” I give his hand a squeeze and there’s another beep. I frown but then realise, it’s most likely Ruth. I look out the window and it is, I unlock the door and call her in.

“Hey guys, any of those cook...what’s wrong?” She asks, looking around.

When she’s caught up, she shakes her head. I am truly stunned when she tells me who she is to Brian and what she did.

“There is one thing I haven't told you guys. I think I might be the reason she got suspended.”

“What?!” I stand up but she holds up a hand.

“Mel, did Lindsay ever tell you about meeting Michael at Bloom?”

“No.” Then it hits me... they were in it together! “Oh my lord. Just tell me.” I sigh and when she’s finished I can feel the headache pounding.

“How did you overhear that?” Justin looks at her in awe.  

“I was outside one of the meeting rooms. Had to pick her up and she was running late. In the car, she told me to put the partition up but I left the intercom on and sent Miles Stanhope a warning email. I didn’t…”

“This is not your fault. If they hadn’t done what they did, you wouldn’t have to have done what you did.” I sigh and rub the back of my neck. “Shit and double shit!” I exclaim.

“What?” Ruth asks, making a call at the same time.

“WASP revenge. I bet you anything she will use Gus against me!  Against us!”  I sigh heavily.

“How? Isn’t this her child? What possible benefit does that have?”

“Although currently unemployed, she will simply refuse to look after Gus until I come around to her way of thinking. And of course, there’s the money that Michael owes me. He won’t pay.”

“I’ll pay you back, Mel. How much is it?” Brian starts but I shake my head.

“He’s relying on you to do that. He yearns for you to come to his rescue once more! Christ what a mess!”

“He yearns for him period but a mess this isn’t.” Justin smiles. “You don’t need Lindsay to look after Gus. Because of her, I have a lot of free time so…”

“So what?” I’m too tired for cryptic right now.

“I can look after him. He can stay with me either in the loft or I can come here. I used to babysit him, remember? And he is going to be my stepson…” That million-dollar smile is on his lips.

I just stare at this remarkable man and then at Brian, who looks justifiably proud of him.

“So that takes away one part of Lindsay’s weaponry.” Justin then frowns. “But what do we do about JR and Michael? He won’t pay and he’ll most likely go bitching to Debs first and…”

“Oh that reminds me. One minute.” I put the call on speaker. “Debs, its Mel. Quick question, why was JR with you today?”

“Lindsay asked me to look after her for today, as Gus was being a handful. I wasn’t joking Mel. I can’t look after her tomorrow, I’m sorry...  “

“No it’s fine, don’t worry about it. Have you spoken to Michael since you left?”

“He’s left a couple of messages but I’ve been ignoring him and hiding when he tried to come around. Thank God, I had the locks changed!” She cackles. “But seriously, what do you know about the insult by Michael against Hunter and the real reason for the breaking and entering charge? Also, has he paid you back for the bail money? I want to hear the truth from someone else before I speak to him.”

“Yes, I do and no he hasn’t... well not all of it.  But I would rather do this face to face, are you about tomorrow evening?  Say about six? Can you come here?”

“Yes absolutely. I’ll see you then.”

I look around the room in surprise. “It sounded like Debs, right?”

“Yeah.” Ruth is smirking. “But with regards to JR, you do know that Heavenly Retreats has a crèche, don’t you?”

“It does?” I just stare at her.

“With fully trained nurses. Okay, long term, it’s not viable. But for a week or so it could work, right?” I just nod. “Good.  Here’s the number for you to arrange it. They’re expecting your call.”

“Thank you, just thank you.” I whisper.

“No problem. Now come on gents, let’s get you guys home.”  She orders and within minutes, they’re gone and then I cry.

THE LOFT – NEXT DAY, LATE AFTERNOON

LOWER LOFT

JUSTIN

Brian is going to kill me! I told Gus to just grab a shirt to paint in and being his father’s child, he just had to grab the Dolce & Gabbana one that Brian has yet to wear!

“What are we going to do Jussin?” Gus looks down at the paint smeared shirt.

“Um. I’m not sure Gus.”

“Maybe we could wash it really quickly before it dries and I can also make cookies to say sorry?”

“That might work. But don’t worry. He’s going to be upset with me, not you. You weren’t to know.”

“Weren’t to know what? Have you two boys been naught…?” He pauses and stares. “Justin, is that my new D&G shirt?”

“Uh yeah.”

“That I haven’t worn yet? Is that it?” I just nod. “Gus, can you go upstairs. I need to speak to your Jussin for a minute.”

“Sorry daddy, I took the shirt out.” Gus looks imploringly at him. “Please don’t be too mad at Jussin.”

He pulls me into his arms and smiles at Gus over the top of my head. “I won’t be too mad, I promise. Now take your time getting up the stairs, okay?”

“Yes daddy.”

He walks very slowly up the stairs and I feel Brian laugh. “Gus, you realise I can see your feet still, don’t you?”

“Oh, I’m going properly now. But you promise not to be too mad, okay daddy?” Gus calls down.

“I promise Gus.”

Finally his steps retreat and Brian looks down at me. “Care to explain now?” He growls, sliding his hands into the back of my pants. “Or should I wait for Gus to go home...?” I gasp and then shiver as he slides his finger between my cheeks.

“Later. Then I can apologise very slowly.”

“Good answer.” He swoops in for a quick kiss. “Oh crap, just remembered we’ve got Gus overnight because Mel and Debs are having their chat.” I groan and rest my head against his chest as his finger makes its presence deliciously felt. “This will have to do for today then.”

“Not that I’m complaining but why are you here now?” I manage to groan out between strokes and grab at his shirt while trying to keep quiet.

“No reason, just because. Don’t look so romantical twat, it’s a one off!” He grumbles but I’m not buying it!

PETERSON RESIDENCE - SAME TIME

LINDSAY

When I called my parents last night and asked if I could visit, I almost wept in relief when they said they were away for two months!  Michael and I are very happy.  We’ve decided that she should've cooled off by tomorrow and be in the mood to see reason. If not, other measures will be taken. For a start, how will Gus be looked after if not by me?  Then there’s JR... yes, most assuredly she will have cooled her jets and seen sense by the time we speak with her.

“What are we going to do about Brian?” Michael asks, sighing. “Raw! Can you believe that shit?! And making him co-owner of Kinnetic! We need to find out why we weren't told?  After all, this directly affects our children, his son and goddaughter, with him holding half the purse strings!”

I frown but see the merits of his arguments. “Okay, first things first... we need to call Mel and arrange to meet. Then you need to do two things but bear in mind, this is for the greater good.” He looks both puzzled and wary. “You need to pay Mel back. It shows your willingness to take responsibility and then you have to apologise to Justin.”

The explosion wasn't long in coming. “Why?! I didn’t mean it and I apologised to the person I said it to…”

“But the person you said it about knows what you said. It was heinous, Michael, no matter how angry you were, after all they’d been through.” He scowls at me but then nods, albeit grudgingly. “Then you have to try and get the charges against you dropped by Ben.” He curls his lip then nods. “As for Brian, once we’re back in Justin's good books, he'll fall into line.”

MEL’S HOUSE – EARLY EVENING

LOUNGE

DEBS

“Insect?! He called my grandson, my grandson, an insect and accused him of hustling?!”  Mel nods and I take another sip of wine.  “Right, do you know where they are staying?”

“No, but I doubt Lindsay will stay away for long. She’ll come out all guns blazing, trying to placate, cajole and subdue.” Mel’s voice is laced with bitterness.  “But she’s in for a rude awakening... very rude.”

“As is he, I think. And it’s time he woke up! Now, you’re coming for dinner on Sunday… No, that wasn't a question!”

“Didn’t think it was!” Mel laughs.

LOFT

MASTER BEDROOM

BRIAN

He lets out a breathy squeal and looks back at me. “Where’d you want me? Though I don't think you should have a choice because of earlier…”

“C-come forward a bit more.” He moans and then adjusts his position as he starts to sink onto his elbows. “Oh there, right there!” He locks his elbows and I take a handful of his hair and slowly withdraw before hitting his hot spot again.

“Oh I... oh!” I growl and kiss his shoulder before thrusting in earnest. Seconds later, we’re both shouting our release and I pull him over onto his side and move back inside him. “You have to thank Gus.” I mumble into his neck as he squirms backwards, pulling me in deeper and I groan. “I think we shouldn’t exactly say what parts of me you kissed and made up to.”

“No.” He mumbles before he starts to drift off.

“You still owe me a shirt.” I whisper in his ear.

“I know. We’ll get it next weekend.”

MASTER BEDROOM – NEXT MORNING

BRIAN

He’s got one arm across my lap as I read the company accounts. I sigh as he continues to sleep. I sigh louder and drop the papers on his arm. Three times. Nothing. I flick the sheet off his body and immediately he moves, scrambling sleepily to get covered back up.

“Since you’re awake…”

“I’m not. See? My eyes are closed.” He actually turns to face me to prove it. “I see nothing but darkness, which means I am asleep.” He flops back down on his stomach and resumes his previous position but the shaking gives him away.

“Shower twat!” I order and whip the sheet off the bed. My mouth waters as the goosebumps skitters along his back and bubble butt.

Forty minutes later, I’m applying some lotion to his body. I blame Ruth entirely for this. When we got to her place in New York, he fell in love with the products in the bathroom. After our first shower, I was surprised when he asked me to do his back and I ended up doing his entire body. Now, it’s become a regular thing we do.    

He looks at the bottle and then at me narrowing his eyes. “And you need to buy me two bottles of this!”

“Why two?” I laugh, rubbing his chest.

“There’s a lot more of you. I thought you were feeling softer…skin wise, skin wise!”  He laughs at my appalled expression.

“I should hope so too!”

BEN & HUNTER’S HOUSE

KITCHEN

HUNTER

Dad is reading the contract from Ruth and he thinks it looks okay but has said to get Mel to look at it. I don’t want to bother her with all she’s got going on. As if by magic, she calls just as I think that.

“What’s happened?” I ask when he hangs up.

“Two things: you need to email the contract to her and apparently Lindsay and Michael are coming over today. She thinks we should be there.”

“Why?” I frown.

“No idea but I think we should too. Now get that over to her.”

ANGELCARS – AN HOUR LATER

RUTH

“Greg, you seen Carmine?” I can’t help the smile on my face.

“Yeah, garage. He’s going through his checks as he has a pick-up of his favourite couple.”  He smirks.

Frowning, I make my way down and find Carmine, lost in making sure the Lexus is up to his standard.

“And whom are we picking up that’s getting her gussied up?” I whisper in his ear.

“Jeez, must you ninja creep?!”  He yelps, clutching his heart.

“I do not ninja creep; I merely approach in a quiet manner.” I laugh in the face of his indignation. “However, something tells me you are going to like what I have come to tell you.  But before you find that out, who you picking up?”

“Ben and Hunter.” He replies, going a little pink.

“Ah, he’s going to be working part time for us for a couple of months. So you’re going to be training him.”

“Who he?”  He asks.

“Hunter.” I reply and watch him quickly wipe the smile off his face. “I saw that.” I tease him.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” He mutters and goes back to sorting out the Lexus.

I head back to my office smiling, then an email pings through from Lindsay. She’s demanding that I pick her and Michael up this evening and drop them off at Mel’s! My immediate thought is to ping a fuck off back at her but then have a better idea…it worked the first time, maybe it will work again.

OUTSIDE PETERSON RESIDENCE – AN HOUR LATER

RUTH

I wait for the idiots to get in and true to form, she behaves like a princess and again it’s up with the partition. I listen to them talk about Justin as if he’s the devil incarnate and Mel as if she should be grateful for Lindsay’s attention.

MEL’S HOUSE

LOUNGE

I put the wine down and watch them stride out like they haven’t done anything wrong.  Lindsay takes out her key but the deadlock is on so that’s not going to work! After a few seconds, she realises her misconception and I watch her struggle to contain her temper as she rings the bell. I take my time to answer.

“Mel…”  She leans to kiss my cheek but I step back. “How have you been?”

“Fine, where are you staying?” I reply coolly.

“We’re both at my parents’ house. They are away for a couple of months.” She lets that hang in the air.

“Let’s get this done, shall we? I have better things to do with my time.”

“Where’s Gus and JR? I would like to see my children.”

“Funny, I would’ve led with that. And as you well know, they are in bed now. You chose this time.” She blinks at me in surprise. “So, what do you want to speak to me about?”

“Want to speak to you about?!”  Michael looks incredulous. “You can’t…”

“Where is my money, Michael?”

“I can get it to you…”

“Now. You will get it to me now.”  I order. “This is for your daughter, after all. And you want to be seen as a responsible father, don’t you?”

Ten minutes later, he’s paid me back! Oh this is definitely a Lindsay move! There is no way he would’ve done this without her pushing.

The front door opening surprises them both with Ben and Hunter coming in. “Hi guys.” Ben leans down to kiss my cheek. “Want a top up, Mel?” He indicates the wine and I nod.

I catch the incredulous expression on Michael’s face and the pinched look on hers.

“Dad, can I have a glass please?”

“No!”  Michael automatically replies.

“I was asking my dad.” He retorts and looks at Ben.

“Actually, you can’t…”  The smug look on Michael’s face is unmistakable. “At least, not until the food arrives; we ordered Japanese. Should be here by eight. This…”  He looks dismissively at the pair of them.  “Will be over by then?”

“True. So, what is it that you two want?”

“Something to drink would be nice.” Lindsay’s imperiousness is beginning to show.

“Being nice to you got me here.” I retort.

“Right. Since you are determined to be recalcitrant, I shall come to the point…” Lindsay snipes. I can almost see the foot-stomp she is trying her damndest to suppress. I don’t care. She still isn’t getting her way.

“Finally! The point of this pointlessness. Oh, by the way Michael, recalcitrant means having an uncooperative and stubborn attitude. You should have that tattooed somewhere.”

“Yes, what we did was wrong and we’re sorry for it…”

“Calling Hunter an insect and lying to everyone about what you said at the party for years, you merely dismiss that as wrong? You are so blasé about it! The only person that can carry off the no apologies no regrets mantra with aplomb is Brian and that’s because when he makes a mistake, he owns up to it. Unlike you.” I glower at Michael. “And as for you Lindsay, what did you hope to achieve by doing what you did to Justin? He has told you time and time again to leave him to manage his career. Now, your continued interference has cost you your relationship, your career and…”

“Now just a minute! Are you saying we are over?” Lindsay gasps.

“Nice of you to catch up.” I sneer. “So now, we’re done.”

“No, we are not done! How are you going to manage with Gus and JR while you work without my help?”

“Justin will be looking after him and JR is in the crèche. So I have no childcare issues that require me to use your bail-and-call-Debs-when-the-going-gets-tough style of help. I can do bad all by myself, but I won’t!  After all, I’m not you. And still Michael, you haven’t said sorry to Hunter or Justin.”

“I’m going to!” He objects.

“He’s less than 20 feet away and the only word you’ve said to him is no!” I snap. “And another thing, the hustling comment you made, do you actually know who he was with?” He shrugs. “It was Ruth and he was at his home to get a necessary pill that he had forgotten.”

With a huff, he gets up and heads to the kitchen.

MICHAEL

Ben and Hunter are just talking like they always did at home, leaving me out.

“Yes?” Ben looks coldly at me.

“I need to speak to you, Ben, about these charges. This will ruin me and…”

“You know we can hear, right? You are supposed to be in here apologising to me about what you said and still you won’t do it.” Hunter declares. “And the person you need to speak to about the charges levied against you, is me. As the homeowner, I decided to press charges against you, not dad.”

“Hun…”  Before I can finish, the doorbell goes.

“That must be take-out. I’ll get it.”  Ben walks out.

“How’s your craw feeling? Is something sticking in there?” Hunter sneers as he walks passed me.

I follow him back to the lounge, my stomach rumbling and hoping they will change their mind about not letting us have food. I am stunned to find Brian and Justin, settling down on the sofa.

“What are you guys doing here?” I ask, noting that Lindsay looks as surprised as I am.

“Mel invited us for dinner so here we are.” Brian replies, not even looking at me. “No, you can’t have that. It makes you taste funny.

“Really?” Justin peers at something and Brian nods. “Same way as Mountain Dew?”

“Exactly like that but with a fishy hint!” He immediately puts whatever it is down.

“Are you seriously going to eat and not offer us anything?” Lindsay demands.

“Yeah, there’s nothing left to talk about. You…”  Mel begins.

“Actually, there is one other thing.” Brian finally turns to me. “As you know Michael, you and I are in partnership for your store, which I have no problem with but I don’t have time to dedicate to overseeing the partnership. So I have delegated that to someone who does.  And he’s come up with some sterling ideas. Justin, do you want to tell Michael what your plans are for the store?”

Why the fuck is he doing this?!

“Sure. We’re going to sell it. With us being the majority stakeholders, we absolutely can, before you ask. Obviously, whatever cash that is made will be split as per the agreement.  But selling it is the only viable option.”

“We want to eat and you two are unwanted and unneeded. So leave. Now!” Mel orders.

“You will regret this, Melanie! We shall sue for custody of Gus and JR and…” Lindsay begins but my laugh cuts her off.

“Then you’d better find a lawyer that can work quickly before your parents come back. Let me see... being an unemployed gallery assistant, who was fired for gross misconduct bordering on fraud is suing for custody with a soon to be former comic bookstore owner, who is facing breaking and entering charges that temporarily live with her parents… the courts are going to see you two as quite the catch. Such a stable environment!” She pulls out her phone. “And then of course, there’s what could only be seen as harassment because this will be the second time I’ve had to call the police to get you to leave…”

We can’t believe it when we are on the other side of the door.  As we head towards the car, Ruth gets out but instead of opening the door she heads to the house, but then pauses.

“Do anything to my car and breaking and entering will be the least of your worries. Now excuse me, I have lobster rolls to eat. Goodnight.”