“Would you stop judging me in silence?” Justin exclaimed.

He was busy packing for the business trip Brian had dropped on him. It wasn’t that Brian favored him, but everyone in the art department had been talking behind his back ever since Brian had announced the people who would accompany him to Chicago. Justin had barely been with the company for three hours when Brian had told them he was taking the newbie with him.

The other two people who were coming along were Susan and Garrett. Susan was the content producer and Garrett the brand strategist. It made sense for Justin, the image manipulator, to be part of the team to accompany Brian, but not when he had just been hired.

He became the hot topic at the water cooler.

So the last thing he needed was Daphne judging him in silence after he told her about getting hired at Kinnetik. Then he told her about joining Brian on the business trip, and she kept dropping hints about being careful and that orange wasn’t Brian's color. Justin liked to think he possessed enough self-restraint and common sense not to cave to Brian, but he knew that eventually, he wouldn’t be able to deny his attraction.

Daphne shook her head, making her ponytail swoosh. “Was Evan okay with this idea?”

Fuck if I care, Justin thought to himself. “He didn’t say anything at the meeting. I guess he’s okay with it.”

“I’m just worried. That guy could have Brian followed.”

“That’s illegal,” Justin muttered. “Besides, nothing is going to happen.” He zipped his suitcase, hoisting it up and placing it by the door. “I’m going to Sunday dinner at Debbie’s tonight.”

“Have fun!” Daphne beamed, giving him the thumbs-up.

“I’ve only run into Michael, aside from Brian and Ted, and that was by mistake. It’s going to be a long night.”

“It will be fine. I know you miss them.”

“I do, but there will be questions. It’s enough Brian dragged me to lunch on Wednesday and played one billion questions with me. It left me drained. I’m not ready to go through that again.”

“Then don’t tell them. Just enjoy the time with them. I’m sure they’ll respect your privacy if you don’t want to talk about Eric or what brought you back.” Daphne hopped off the bed and went over to Justin. She hugged him tightly. “I’m really happy you’re here.”

“Me too, Daph.”

.

.

.

Justin had yet to decide on a car. Besides, he was waiting for his paycheck to see what he could afford. He hadn’t told Daphne, but he planned on moving out of her apartment in a month or two.

He needed his independence and intimacy. It was awkward to bring someone to her place. He had done it only three times, and every time, he had run into her. The last guy said he didn’t mind a threesome with his hot roomie.

Justin checked his phone as he turned the corner for Debbie’s street. He was ten minutes late, only because the bus had changed its route, unbeknownst to him.

“Fashionably late? Can’t say I didn’t raise you right,” Brian commented from behind him.

Justin stopped, and turned to see Brian near the dark blue Merc that he knew belonged to Evan.

“The Blue Line changed the route for 42,” Justin explained.

“If it isn’t our new star,” Evan said, joining them. He wrapped an arm around Brian. “How is it that if I leave you alone for a minute, you’re surrounded by hot guys?”

Brian scoffed, pushing him away. “The last time, and only time, was at Babylon. I’d be worried if the hottest guys didn’t gravitate around me.”

Justin blatantly ignored being addressed as hot. “Did your husband scare your tricks away?”

Brian met his eyes, but Justin wasn’t sure what he should read in there: incredulity, amusement, pride. “Sadly, news travels fast on Liberty Avenue. Everyone knows I’m married, and they steer clear.”

“I didn’t hear you complaining about the lack of tricks,” Evan joked.

Justin stared at his shoes, glad they were in front of Debbie’s house by then. In that moment, he was acutely aware that Brian was actually sleeping with Evan.

Before any of them could knock, the door swung open. Debbie engulfed Justin in a tight hug, shouting about how much she had missed him. She barely acknowledged Brian and Evan, as they shuffled inside.

“I missed you, Debbie.” Justin smiled, feeling at home back inside her house.

It smelled of her famous lasagna, and he could see the rest of the gang scattered around the living room. Michael and Ben were on the sofa, embroiled in a deep conversation about the reality show playing on the TV. Emmett and Ted were in armchairs by the window, chatting animatedly. To Justin’s surprise, Blake was perched on the arm of Ted’s chair, one of his hands playing with Ted’s hair, as he listened to their conversation. He had forgotten about Blake being back in Ted’s life.

When Justin turned back to Debbie, who was still yapping happily into his ear, he caught a glimpse of Brian and Evan heading to the downstairs bathroom. It seemed they were arguing about something, and going out of earshot.

“Look who’s here,” Emmett cried out, ambushing Justin. “Wow, baby! Don’t you look dashing!”

“I kept telling him that he grew up nicely, but he’s been brushing me off for the past week,” Ted quipped from his place.

Justin could feel his face burning in embarrassment. Making him feel uncomfortable was one of his friends’ special quality.

“You fill this shirt nicely,” Emmett kept praising him, touching his shoulder. “I like that you let your hair grow out again.”

“Hello, Justin! It’s great to see you again,” Ben said, joining them.

Justin was relieved to be out of Emmett’s suffocating embrace. After greeting Ben, he went to Blake and Ted, smiling.

They were still catching up when Michael said he had seen Brian arrive but didn’t know where he was.

“I’m right here,” Brian answered, stepping out of the shadows behind the stairs.

Justin noticed the rough edge of his voice, but he wasn’t sure if Brian had been fighting with Evan, or doing something else in the bathroom.

As they sat at the table, Brian pulled out the chair next to him, catching Justin’s eye. Justin refused to accept the invitation, and went to sit next to Emmett. A moment later, the chair next to Brian was occupied by Evan.

Justin was grateful that the conversation wasn’t about him anymore. Debbie was worried about Brian, and kept asking if they heard anything from the assholes who got him into that mess.

Justin kept a light conversation with Michael about the bookstore, until he felt eyes on him. He became aware of how quiet everyone was, then he looked around. Everyone was staring at him. He squirmed, catching his bottom lip between his teeth.

Just when Debbie opened her mouth, probably ready to start asking questions, Brian cleared his throat.

“I think we should respect Justin’s privacy. When he’s ready to talk about his adventures, he’ll tell us. It’s clear nothing good brought him back to Pittsburgh. I mean, no sane person would return here.” Brian kept his eyes on Justin as he spoke. He knew every detail about what Justin had done since his departure for Japan.

“Thanks, Brian,” Justin mumbled. “My plan was always to come back, but not like this…” To this, Justin added in his head. He had never thought of not finding Brian available. 

“Now I’m curious,” Emmett said wistfully.

“I need some time. I promise to tell you everything.”

#

The following morning found Justin waiting for Brian at the airport. Susan and Garrett were in the waiting area, chatting. Justin was outside drinking coffee and smoking.

From his spot, he saw when Evan’s blue car parked close to where he was standing. Evan got out of the car, helped Brian with his bag, and they even kissed. It was mind-boggling for Justin to witness Brian being affectionate toward someone else.

He entertained the thought that Brian and Evan were in a business marriage, but everything pointed to the cruel reality that it was more than business.

Justin pretended to be surprised when Brian stopped in front of him. He was wearing his leather jacket, and there was a playful smile on his face.

“I’ve been a bad influence on you,” he said in greeting.

Justin offered his pack of cigarettes. Brian accepted one, along with the lighter.

“Susan and Garrett are in the waiting area. The plane is delayed,” Justin explained.

“Perfect way to start this trip.”

“I know we had that meeting on Friday, but refresh my memory. What am I supposed to do? There might have been a time when I knew Kinnetik, but now, I’m out of loop. This past week I’ve been getting used to your equipment and getting to know the team.”

“I want you to take notes, maybe sketch something and show it to Brown. Nothing big. You’ll work close with the others, so don’t panic. I’ll be there, too.”

“I know…I just feel like I’m stealing someone else’s opportunity to join you on this trip.” Justin flicked ash to the ground, meeting Brian's eyes.

“You’re the one I want there. If you weren’t part of my team, I’d have only brought Suzy and Garrett.”

The honesty in Brian's voice made Justin feel better.

After finishing their smokes, they joined the others. They talked about the upcoming meeting with Brown for dinner, and how not even Brian knew what the man wanted. It was always a surprise with Brown.