Chapter 10

After Dan left, Brian roamed the house for an hour.  He went out to Sunshine’s studio and cleaned up some of the mess Justin had created.  He wasn’t sure what he was doing but he put the brushes in the cleaning solution and then went to work on the floor.  When he found the shirt covered with paint he picked it up and breathed in deeply. It smelled like him. There was a paint smell but underneath he smelled Justin.  It was an earthy scent he knew he could never live without. 

He pulled out his phone and called the hospital just to be told there was no change.  He was doing fine. He was adjusting to his location. Yes, the doctor planned to call him later today. Brian was polite because he knew it was not the attendant's fault but he needed to  hear something.

Justin sat in a rocker in his hospital room.  He had asked the nurse where Brinn was and the nurse said the doctor would tell him later.  Why did the doctor know where she was? Did she know where Brinn was? Brinn was gone. Only Tina knew where Brinn was. She had given her to him.  She didn’t have any right to her. But he should have given in. He should have let them talk. He should have…..Justin’s mind drifted off to his baby girl. He felt her in his arms and rocked her to sleep.    

Shelby worked on dinner and thought about her conversation with Bella.  She knew what she had to do and she wasn’t happy about it but she knew she had to learn to deal with it. Eventually!  Gus texted her he would be home in an hour. She put the meal in a low oven and went upstairs. She looked through her closet and found a dress, well it was barely a dress.  She hadn’t worn it since before the kids were born but she was going to see if she could get into it. It took a bit of tucking and pulling but when she looked in the mirror she was surprised how good she looked.  Her breasts were definitely larger than they were before she had the kids. Did Gus still like her breasts? She turned and saw her ass looked good, too. She knew he liked asses. She quickly did her hair and makeup and looked at herself.  If this didn’t get his attention they may as well get divorced now.

Gus pulled into the garage and took a deep breath.  He had almost stopped by Seth and Bella’s just for support but he needed her blessing and he needed Seth. For just a moment he thought about Seth in his office and the gentleness of the kiss on his cheek.  Gus shivered as he got out of the truck and walked to the door. He missed his kids so much. He couldn’t wait for them to be back. He walked in distracted by his thoughts of the kids but as he turned the corner he glanced up and saw her. He could barely breathe.  The silk, midnight blue mini dress left very little to the imagination. The plunging neckline barely covered her breasts and the hem rested about two inches below the curve of her well rounded ass. His mouth hung open as he stood there, watching her walk over to him.

“I had to make sure you still were attracted to me.”

“God, Shel, you don’t doubt that do you?” his hand slid around her waist on the cool, smooth material and rested on the small of her back pulling her close and watched for a cue that he could kiss her. She tilted her head and pressed against his lean body. Gus’ hand slid downward and rested on her ass as he pulled her close and brought his mouth to hers. In moments his hand had landed on her thigh and began slowly to move upward under the skirt, only to find out she wasn’t wearing anything under it.

Gus moved his hand and took a deep breath, “As much as I want to taste every inch of that,” he kissed each of her breasts, “breathtaking body, I think we have some things to talk over before I hope you will let me do just that, taste every…” his thumb brushed over her nipple making her tremble.

“You’re right.  Before anything happens we need to talk.  You pour the drinks. I didn’t make anything fancy.  I just threw a stew together and baked some biscuits.”

“Shelly, it smells great.  Anything you make is good.” He looked over her shoulder and kissed her neck, letting his hands run down her sides, making her shiver. She turned and put her arms around his neck. She brought her lips to his and kissed him sweetly, before gently pushing him away.

As they ate their meal, they talked about their kids and about Justin and Brinn until Gus couldn’t stand it.  “Shelly, your lunch with Isabella? I have got to know what you talked about. I know I hurt you. I know I lied but I didn’t mean to, I mean I just didn’t want to hurt you.”

“I know, Gus.  Talking to Isabella helped.  Gus, you may see Seth but I have some rules for you.  If you can’t agree to them I can’t agree to you two seeing each other.”

“What kind of rules?  It’s fine but what are they?

“First of all, I need to know when you’ll be late.  I mean, Bella and I talked and in the past just had is that one night a week she expected him to be out so you and Seth pick a night a week.  I was thinking that Mondays would be good since the wine bar is closed. Monday evenings you come home by 10:00. That will give you about four hours once a week.  You never show any signs of your relationship other than the time you are alone. I don’t want to see it. I don’t think I could…”

“Oh, Shel, are you sure? I mean…”

“Of course, I’m not sure but Bella is right.  At least I will know who you are with and not some random stranger you find when you need someone besides me.  There was a time I made you choose between Lucky and me. Well, Bella showed me that wasn’t fair to you and if you need a man once a week, I guess Seth is as good as any.”

“Oh, Shelly, I love you.  I really do. I don’t ever want to hurt you.  I would never do that.”

“Gus, don’t ever let me see you, and you will never bring him here for sex!” she reached over and touched his face.  “I am not sure I could forgive that, not in our house, not in our bed.”

“Of course not.  I would never… This is our sanctuary, our home.It is where we are raising our children, where we….” Gus stood up and offered his hand. “Shelby, I love you.  May I show you how much?” His hand moved under the hem of her dress and his hand rested on her round bottom.

“Oh yes, Gus, I…”

Gus’ moved his hand a bit lowered and pulled her thigh up opening her dripping center to him.  He undid his fly and after pulling out his cock he sat back on the chair and pulled up her dress and then tugged her onto his lap and sighed as her wet sheath slid over his shaft. Shelby put her arms around his neck and kissed him as he thrust upward over and over until they both came and she collapsed against Gus.”

“Please, Gussy, don’t ever stop loving me, never stop being a family.”

Gus grabbed the bottom of her dress and pulled it off her.  He began feasting on her breast and nipping and licking every inch he could reach and when she was nearly ready to explode again, he picked her up and laid her on the island.  He then lowered his mouth onto her and drove her to near madness as he sucked on her clit having her cum over and over.until she screamed for mercy and yet not really wanting him to stop.

After spending the remainder of the evening in bed and the bath, they fell asleep from exhaustion but a couple hours later, Gus heard his phone ping.  It was a new sound on his phone. He had set it up just for Seth. He slipped out of bed and out of the room. He read the text, “Is everything good?”

“I will see you Monday,” Gus smiled and then went back into the room and into bed with his wife. 

“Mom, I think we need to move.  Can we go to Europe somewhere? I am tired of living in Mexico.  Or do you think we could go back to the U.S. or maybe Canada? I have slowly tapped out a little money from Dad’s account.  I know Daddy doesn’t pay attention to numbers and Dad doesn’t pay attention to Daddy’s account. I have about $5000 more in my account, now.

“Tia, what the hell are you thinking?  

Brinn was thinking her mom was hooking up with a man she didn’t trust and she was drinking too much.  Brinn didn’t like the man. When her mom wasn’t around, Miguel looked at her in a way that made her nervous.  The last time Tina had left them alone he dropped down on the sofa next to her and then he started sliding his hand up her thigh and just as his hand was nearing her crotch she had called her mom back in the room and asked her a silly question.  When her mom popped out for just a second, Miguel had looked at her and said that next time her mom wouldn’t save her.

“Mom, we have plenty of money now to move on.  I sold a bunch of those simple paintings, too. We could hire a plane and fly.  Maybe we could go someplace like Montana. I bet that would be a cheap place to live.”

“Tia, who is the parent here?  I make the decisions. I’m the adult.” Tina’s voice softened a bit when she noticed Brinn’s look.  “I’m sorry but I think I know a little better than you. How often have you been on your own? Those two control freaks that raised you never taught you how to make a decision.”

Brinn thought quickly,, “Well, maybe that’s why I want to make a choice here. You keep telling me I’m a grown up.”

“But I like it here.  Miguel is so good in….he is a caring man.”

Ya, I heard how much he cares about your pussy all night last night,  Brinn thought to herself. “Mom, please let’s leave. I bet by now Dan has a lead.  We have been here for over a month. I think that’s too long.”  

Tina looked at her daughter, “Why do I feel like you aren’t telling me something?”

“Mom, Miguel has said things to me.  He likes to...scare me. I can’t stay here.”

“I don’t think he would do anything. But trust me that man….” the smile that crossed her face made Brinn shiver. Tina noticed, “I’m sorry, honey of course he is way too old for you.  As beautiful as you are, you could get a man of your own. I mean if you want to have sex, you are almost 15. Just let me know.”

“MOM!  I just want to get out of here.  Florida, no, New Orleans. Doesn’t that sound like fun?  I bet we could blend in easily. Think of the parties we could find.”

“Now that sounds like it could be fun.  Do you think you can set something up there?”

“Sure, Mom.  I will try to have it ready by the end of the week.” The timing was perfect.  She was going to call Gussy on his birthday on Monday. She didn’t care what her mom thought. He was her brother.  She started planning their trip. They would be in New Orleans a week from now and away from Miguel.

The weekend had felt long for everyone.  Danny spent most of it at Britt’s house. Britt’s roommates all had gone home so they had the place to themselves. By Sunday, both of them were very sore but very happy as they spent most of their time in bed.

Brian had a rough weekend.  They still wouldn’t let him see Justin. Gus stopped by before leaving with Shelby to pick up the kids.  “Hey, Pops,” Gus hugged and kissed him, holding him for a couple seconds longer than usual. “Any news about dad?”

“All they will tell me is he is doing as well as can be expected.  Damn, Gus, I’m worried about Brinn but I think she is ok, but Sunshine…. I’m not sure he will ever snap out of this.”

“Well, let’s give them this weekend and then we can push them a little to get some answers. You could come with us.  Shelby’s family would be happy to see you.”

“No, I can’t leave.  I need to be here for Sunshine and if they find something out about Brinn.  Gus, the other night, what were you talking about? Is everything alright with you?”

“Ya, Pops, we will talk sometime but everything is good now. I just had a rough night.”  

“Oh, Gus, it’s your birthday this week.  I will …..”

“Pops, I am a grown man.  I am sure my wife and kids will have something for me.  Can we wait and have the family party when Dad and Brinn are back?” hugging Brian, he kissed him once more and left to pick up Shelby. 

Brinn bought tickets with their fake IDs they had received.  She was now 18 years old and Tina was her sister, not her mom.  Her name was now Brenna and Tina was going by Jan. The last name they were given was Sullivan, so Brenna Sullivan was old enough to get a real job and she was going to do her best to get a real job in a field she had studied.  She was hoping to get into a lab somewhere. There were lots of openings but she knew she had to be a bit careful. Her skills could be traced if she used everything she knew  

Brinn noticed her mom hadn’t mentioned looking for work.  Oh well, she was sure she would get a job. She would have to unless she planned to live in a hovel.  She didn’t dare take anymore from her daddy’s account. For a moment she thought about Justin and then Brian and her eyes filled.  She missed them horribly. She loved her mom. They had fun together but she really wasn’t sure who was in charge here. Tina wanted to be but she didn’t do very well.  She was a woman who needed a man to take care of her but her choices weren’t always the best. She hoped for her mom’s sake she found the right guy.  

Since she knew they would be moving, she brought a painting she had done and mailed it to Gus. It was of Taylor and Gage playing with blocks.  It wouldn’t arrive until they were gone and he would be talking to her brother in two days. Just the thought of it made her excited. She had it set up that the painting would first go through another Mexican city and then go to California so  she didn’t expect anyone to trace them here.  

As the weekend came to an end, Gus and Shelby returned home with the kids and spent an hour at Brian’s so he could play with them.  Gus was worried about him. He said Dan had spent time with him the last two days and told him what they were doing to find Brinn. She was just staying one step ahead of them.  Everytime his guy thought he had a lead it was a false trail again. Brinn had thought of everything.

By the time they had gotten home and put the kids to bed, Shelby and Gus just went to their room.  Gus opened a bottle of wine and they sat together on the sofa. “Shelly, are you alright with tomorrow? I feel like I have failed you.  When we got married I committed to you and our family.”

“You don’t plan on leaving us, do you?”

“Oh, no, I would never…”

Shelby laid across his lap and sipped her drink. “Gus, I should have known you would need …. couldn’t give up that side of you.  Just remember Monday evenings are yours to do with what you want but you return home by 10:00 each night. And remember, I don’t want details.  Shower before you come home.” She leaned in and kissed him, “And don’t forget where you belong!”

“Shelby, you do know I can’t live without you, right?  It’s just that…”

“I know, Gussy, I know.” 

Gus took her glass and set it on the table along with his.  He brought his mouth to her ear and said, “How about we take a bath in that amazing copper tub we have in there and maybe in an hour or so you will be tired of me making you orgasm over and over.” As he talked he had worked his hand into her pants and began to rub her.  She began arching toward his moving fingers and soon she was pulling off her own top. He stopped just before she orgasmed.

“Damn, Gus!  I just about..”

“Oh trust me in a couple moments,” he pulled her pants off of her and then stood up with her in his arms.  He carried her to the bathroom and set her on the counter. He put a leg on each of his shoulders and began to slowly lick from her bud to her clit and soon her entire body was trembling and then it began  Her entire body was out of control and as he thrust his tongue into her She screamed and then collapsed on top of him. He picked her up and gently set her in the tub. As the water began to fill the tub he undressed and slipped in behind her and as the relaxed together, they both went into their own thoughts.

Shelby had triggered a thought.  Where were he and Seth going to meet?  The office wouldn’t cut it. They needed a big, comfortable bed and he better start stretching if he wanted to feel Seth deep inside, his cock began to wake up.

“Well it feels like someone woke up.” Shelby turned and Gus  moved forward so Shelby could slide onto him and wrap her legs around his waist but as they had sex, Gus could only think about Seth and what they would be doing tomorrow evening. And where would they be doing it!”

Shelby was with the kids when Gus got up so he took advantage of being in the bedroom by himself and looked for a large plug that he could deal with all day and not give it away.  And where the hell were they going to meet? After he found what he was looking for and had lubed the plug, he had inserted it. He then dressed and texted Seth. “Where are we meeting? Any ideas?”

Moments later he got a response. ‘We are good for tonight but will need to come up with a regular place. See you at your office at 6:00.  G, can’t wait.’

The day took forever and every time Gus moved he remembered what was to come.  He arrived at the office at 5:00 and got in the shower, removing the plug and did a quick rinse inside and out.  He put on some fresh jeans and a long sleeve T in a deep wine color. At 6:00 p.m. there was a knock on the door.

Dan pulled up at Brian’s house.  He brought a pizza with him, knowing Brian would be drinking his dinner.  He had let Marcus know what he was up to and he agreed Brian needed him. Danny and Hannah would keep Marcus company, even if he needed to stay the night.

Dan questioned him, “Red, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“Darling, I know you love me and our family.  If Brian needs a little something, I know you’ll come home to us.  You will always love Brian but you come home to me and our family because you love us differently.”

“How did I get so lucky?  God, I love you, Red. You know me and my friends so well.  Kiss our little girl for me and tell Junior to study, if he can sit after this weekend,” Dan had to laugh a bit.  He remembered what it was like when he had his first real relationship. “God I love our kids. And I really love their dad.”

“I love you, too, Darling. I will see you in the morning unless I get thrown out of here, which is possible.”

Dan walked in with the large everything pizza.  “So, Bri, I got the food and I know you got the drink.” He put the pizza on the counter and walked over to Brian and offered him his hand and pulled him to his feet.  “Come on, buddy. I totally understand why you are upset but falling apart isn’t going to help Justin in anyway. And when I find Brinn, do you want her to see you in this state?”

“Fuck you, Dan! You don’t seem to be doing very well finding her, now do you!”  He grabbed a piece of pizza and ate it. 

Dan walked behind him and began to rub Brian’s shoulders, “I think you need to relax a bit and forget your troubles.” Dan kissed his neck and then reached down and pulled off his shirt.  Now with his hands on skin, he began rubbing tight muscles.

“Dan, really, you don’t have to …. Go home to your family.  I’ll be fine. Thanks for the pizza,” he got another piece.

“My family knows where I am and Red told me to stay here.”

“What did you do to piss him off?”

“Nothing.   He just told me my friend needed me tonight and he got me the rest of the time.”

Brian turned into Dan’s arms and kissed him as he started unbuttoning Dan’s shirt.  He reached for Dan’s fly and Dan took his hand, bringing it up to his lips, kissing the knuckles.  “Brian, we aren’t going to fuck. We can do anything else but I just can’t have you screw me.”

“Is that what Marcus told you?”

“No, I respect my husband and I am his but that doesn’t mean I can’t …” he moved his hand into Brian’s fly and gently stroked his cock.  “Let’s eat another slice. We are going to need our energy tonight. We are going to get very creative.”  

Gus went to the door.  Why was he so nervous? He was like a kid on his first date.  He opened the door and there stood Seth. He liked everything about this man. Even if he didn’t know him he would know he was a musician just by his look.  Seth laid a large hand on the side of Gus’ face as he took a step closer and then brought his lips down to meet Gus’. They melted together as Seth’s other hand came around and rested on Gus’ lower back pressing him close.  

Gus moaned loudly when he felt Seth’s cock through the fabric of two layers of jeans. When they separated, they were both flushed. 

“Hi,” Gus said, and then felt childish but this man instantly made him feel young and without a care in the world.

“Come with me.” Seth took his hand and led him to the staircase.

“Seth, we can’t do this in your apartment. I just can’t be comfortable knowing Isabella is…”

“Isabella is on a buying trip with Molly tonight in LA.  It is just you and me tonight. But you’re right, we need to find a place for us.  The last time I had a relationship, he had an apartment in town due to his business.”

“I have a place.  It will be ready next week. Shelby had a couple of stipulations.  I need to leave by 9:30. I told her I would be home by 10:00 and we will never do anything at my place.”

“That sounds very doable although letting you go at 9:30 ….” They had reached the apartment and Gus leaned into Seth’s body. “I never asked if we eat before or…”

“You hungry?” Seth asked as he nuzzled Gus’ neck.

“Not at all!” Gus was so close Seth could feel every inch of Gus’ hardening dick  He moved his mouth near Seth’s ear, “I have been prepping all day. You see I have an itch that is so far up my ass that I need a large, hard dick jammed so far up…”

“Well, let me take care of that for you.” Seth led him to the bedroom. Both men were a bit desperate.  Clothes flew and then, Gus was bent over the bed and Seth prepared to enter him. He reached around Gus and softly touched Gus’ cock, making Gus shiver.  Seth started adding pressure and was thrilled when he could tell, although not comfortable, Gus was accepting him steadily without a lot of pain. Just feeling Gus around him had his dick getting larger and he had to start moving.  With each movement, Gus’ vocalized his pleasure, and as Seth began to lose total control, his hand kept up his matching strokes and he swore he felt parts of Gus open that had never opened before. As Gus’ legs buckled at the feel, he exploded and Seth followed, holding Gus up with an arm around his waist.

Seth began to move but Gus grabbed at his hips.  “Please, not yet. I just want to know you’re still there.”

Just hearing that made Seth begin to get hard again. “Damn, G, I have never….”  He began to move slowly in and out again.

Neither really knew how they managed it but they were laying on the bed still joined and Seth was kissing Gus’ neck as his hand stroked Gus’ chest.  He felt Gus’ body tremble.

“You Ok, G? Are you sorry you agreed to this?”

Gus did his best to get even closer to him.  “Oh, no, Seth. I am…. I’m feeling…. Complete.  I feel like the one thing that was missing in my life is now here.”  Gus moved his head so their lips could meet. 

As time went on, Gus and Seth changed positions.  They couldn’t seem to get enough of each other and as their time together dwindled, it was obvious to both of them this is what they both needed in their lives.  They showered and dressed before Seth made a sandwich for both of them. Gus had to stand next to him just to touch him. He could still feel him or at least the effect of him. He kissed his neck and touched his fly, trying to distract Seth from his task.

“Damn, G, I’d take you right back to the bedroom if you wouldn’t get in trouble with your wife.”

Gus grabbed the sandwich and turned to Seth one last time.  “I will let you know where to meet next week. I have a place.”

“Oh, damn, G, I just remembered it’s your birthday tomorrow.  I have something for you but I’ll put it on your desk tomorrow if that’s alright.

“I think you have given me more than enough,” Gus kissed him. “I’ll be in touch.”

“I want to touch….” Seth pulled him in for one more kiss. “G, I think I lo…..”

Gus was out of the door before he could hear the end of Seth’s sentence.

Dan and Brian undressed and got in bed.  Brian leaned against Dan and Dan put an arm around his shoulder.  “Brian, I know I’m not Justin but I also know your sex drive. Let me help                          at least relieve a little bit of your stress.” Dan reached down and began to stroke Brian, “Lay back, and forget for a few minutes, Brian.”  Dan brought his mouth down and took him in his mouth.Marcus crossed his mind but he felt sure Marcus knew this would happen and had given his blessing.  He was not doing anything behind his husband’s back. His mouth went to work and Brian was soon making guttural sounds and as Dan’s hand wandered to Brian’s balls he felt them tense as Brian released into his mouth. Dan swirled his tongue around Brian’s now limp penis.

Brian didn’t say anything but they switched positions as Brian laid his head down in Dan’s lap and Dan put his hand on Brian’s head.  “Brian, I promise, I will find your little girl. I promise and then your Sunshine will come back to you.” A tear ran down Dan’s cheek as he felt his leg getting damp as Brian cried silently.

Eventually, they laid down, Dan protectively holding his friend who so rarely needed protecting. “Sleep now, Bri.  I love you.”

“I love you too, Dan.  Thank you.” Brian relaxed in his old friend’s arms and slept soundly for the first time in weeks.

Gus arrived home at 9:50.  Shelby was folding laundry in the kitchen.  He walked up a little stiffly, and kissed the curve of her neck. “Umm, you smell great.”

“I smell like kids and sweat probably,” she said a little stiff.

“Shelly, I always love the smell of you,”   his arms went around her waist but she didn’t relax against him.  He softly said, “I’m sorry you aren’t comfortable with this, Shel. I promise, I am not different than I was.  We are no different than we were. I love you as much as I ever have, maybe more.” 

“So you and Seth….”

“Shel, this is new to both of us.  I don’t know what you want to know or what you don’t want to know. I mean if you want details I will give you the details, but  I don’t think that will make you feel better. But I am sure I can make you feel better,” his hands slipped under her shirt and as he expected she didn’t have a bra on. With his thumbs and forefingers, he began to tweak her nipples almost painfully but not quite. As he rubbed against her he could almost feel her pulse begin to race.  “That’s it, my love. Relax. Let me love you.”

With that she turned around and crushed his mouth pulling it down to her own lips.  “I want you to prove to me that what you have with Seth won’t take away from what we have.”

“Never, I promise! I have a boys’ night out once a week and the rest of the time you and the kids have me.” He picked her up and her legs went around his waist.  He scaled the steps and deposited her on the bed. They undressed and made love. Gus focused totally on Shelby doing all her favorite things, bringing her to multiple orgasms.  But as she turned to talk to him, she found him already sound asleep.

“Sleep, my prince.  You have proven yourself for tonight,” she kissed him and he instinctively pulled her close.  That said as much to her as any words he could say.

Shelby woke early and made Gus’ favorite breakfast.  The kids were still in bed when he came down. Food had never smelled so good.  The amount of energy he had used last night had left him starving. He promised he would be home early so he could have a party with the kids and Shelby said she would do her best to get Brian to come.

Gus pulled her into his arms before leaving, “Shelly, nothing has changed between us.  I am just getting the very small part of me satisfied that has left me needing something.  You’ll see, it benefits you and the kids.” He kissed her, leaving her no doubts he enjoyed her company and then he left for work. 

Gus stopped at the office and found a package on his desk.  It was small and very light. There was a card attached and he opened it. It was a standard birthday card but the handwritten note got his attention. Obviously, it was from Seth. “G, what did I do before you?  I was not whole until I met you. I hope you like the gift. It’s the reason we found each other.” It was signed with a simple Love, Seth. He slowly opened the paper and then the box. Nestled in cottony layers was a sealed, clear plastic pouch and in the pouch was a guitar pick which had been signed by Jimi Hendrix.  There was an authenticity card included with it.  “Holy shit!” He had to stop himself from going upstairs and thanking him.  Seth knew him so well and he had to have spent thousands of dollars for this. He couldn’t afford that. God, he loved that man.  Wait, what did he just think? Did he love Seth? Yes, he did. He was in love with Seth Greyson! Shelby could never know. He loved them both.

There was a small stone house on the far edge of the vineyard.  Brian had talked about having it cleared but Gus had looked at it and fell in love with the little place.  He had spent a couple Saturdays there just clearing out some damaged wood and replastering some of the stonework.  Gus had decided it was his birthday and after touching base with the managers on his worksites he went to the stone house.  He was just pulling the truck to a stop when his phone rang. It was an unknown number and he almost left it go to voice mail but decided to answer it.  Maybe it was one of his moms calling from a work phone.

“Gus Kinney!”

“Happy Birthday, Gussy.”

“BRINN, oh god, Brinn!  Are you alright? Where are you? Are you with Tina?”

“Oh, Gus, I miss you.  I miss my daddies.”

“Brinn, then come home.  Our dads want you back no matter what!  Oh Brinn, you don’t know about Daddy.”

“Daddy? What about Daddy?

“Brinn, Dad is in the hospital.  You know he was a little shaky just thinking about you seeing your mom.  Well, when you left he totally lost it. We finally had to commit him. It is killing Pops. He’s a mess, too.”

“Oh, Gussy, I’m sorry but I… Happy birthday.  Tell Dad and Daddy I am fine and that I love them both.  I love you, too, Gussy. And Shelby, and your kids.” Her voice was thick with emotion by now.

“Brinn, please come home.”

“I’ll be in contact.”  and the line went dead.

“BRINN, NO!  Damn, Damn, Damn!”  Gus quickly called Dan.

“Dan!”

“Hey, Gus, happy birthday.  You sound excited.”

“Brinn!  she called me.  Just a minute ago.  We talked about four minutes.  Will that help you find her?” He could hear Dan typing already.                      

“Gus, you did well.  I will contact you if we find anything but knowing your sister she bounced the call all over the world. We’re on it.”  Dan was gone. 

Gus called Brian next, “Hey, Pops.”

“Happy Birthday, son.”

“Pops, can you come over?  I need to talk to you.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m at Stone House.  I decided to have a fun day since it’s my birthday.  I’ve wanted to work here for months.”

“Gus, I was planning to go see Sunshine.”

“Don’t you mean you were going to go badger the doctor and try to see Dad?”

“Damn it, Gus.  It has been 2 weeks.  How am ….I can’t….”

“Pops, come over.  I’ll call and see if they will give me anything.”

“I’ll be there in half an hour.”

Gus called the hospital and got the same response as Brian did.  Justin could not see anyone he felt responsible for. It would be too hard on him however Gus was surprised when the doctor said a friend might be able to visit.  It had to be someone Justin felt no responsibility to but trusted and cared about. Gus thanked the doctor and said he or Brian would get back to him later today.

Gus knew it had to be Marcus.  They were super close and Justin knew he did not have to take care of him in any way, shape, or form.  Dan took exceptional care of his family or he should say Marcus and Dan to exceptional care. Gus continued to work on the house while he waited for Brian.  He was going to make sure the fireplace was working and he was going to have someone come in and clean this week. Then he would pick out a sofa and bed and have them delivered.  He wasn’t sure he should get them from Molly but he could come up with some reason. He could even just talk to Isabella. He may as well just do all of it. He would get new appliances, too. In the back of his mind he wondered if he would be needing it sometime.

Gus had just written down the measurements for the appliances when he heard a car.  He walked to the door and opened it just as Brian walked up. “Hey, Pops, thanks for coming over.”

“Well, it sounded important and I knew I would be talking to a brick wall trying to see Justin.”

“I might have some news about that.”

“What kind of news?”

“I talked to the doctor and he said Dad is ready to see someone, just not us.”

“What the hell? A stranger can see him but not his family and why didn’t the doctor tell me this?” 

“Well, my guess is you wouldn’t listen to him no matter what he was trying to say.”

“Fuck him!  Why can’t we see him?”

“Because Dad, if he is at all responsive will go into Dad mode.  He will want to help us instead of himself. What about Marcus? He loves Marcus and Marcus loves him.  You trust Marcus. He will only do what’s best for Dad.”

Brian was quiet for a minute and then nodded.  “If we can’t see him, at least Marcus could tell us how he is doing.” He walked to Gus and hugged him, needed contact with someone he loved.  “Now, what did you call about in the first place this morning?”

“Pops, Brinn called me this morning.” He waited for it to sink in.

“You what?  Why are we just sitting here?  Dan needs to know!”

“Dan has been on it for almost an hour already. I tried to keep her on the line so he had more of a footprint to follow.  But, Brinn is so smart. Dan thinks she probably bounced the signal all over the globe. He’ll let you know when he has anything.”  Gus got quiet. He walked over and poured himself some water out of a jug he had brought along. Brian turned it down when he offered it to him and he took a long drink.

“So, I know I have been really out of it and Sunshine is the one who notices everything but something is going on.  Did I hear you correctly in my drunken stupor the other night? Did you and Seth Greyson fuck at the festival?”

“Pops, I don’t want to pull you into something.”

“Gus, give me something else to think about, please. Something I can take care of.”

“Well, I don’t need you to take care of anything but Seth and I are in a relationship.  Shelby and Isabella know about it.” Gus talked about the festival and the attraction between them.  “So Gus proposed our current agreement. He had a relationship like this before. We are getting together one night a week.  Pops, I love my family but I have missed men. Isabella and Seth showed us that at least this way I don’t have to go out and find a random lover a couple times a year.  He is really a great guy, Pops.”

“Are you telling me this or trying to convince yourself?”  

“I know I’m a little over excited but it is new and we are still setting boundaries.”

Brian was silent for a minute. “And this is where you are going to meet weekly?”

“That’s Ok, isn’t it?  You told me I could use this place however I wanted.”

“This is a great place.  I can almost see your mind work as you stand here.  Make sure you get a nice rug for in front of the fireplace.  It will come in handy and I am sure you will use it.”  

Gus couldn’t stop himself he hugged his dad tightly.  “Oh thanks. Pops, I…. I guess I was a little worried about telling you.  I made a commitment to Shelby.”

“Yes, and I was almost sure at that time that you couldn’t keep that because you need a man in your life, even though I know you love your family.  I do wonder how Justin will take this when he is well enough so for now we know. How is Shelby doing with this?”

“She wasn’t happy about it obviously however Bella talked to her and after she thought about it, and after setting the rules, she agreed to it.”

“So what are the rules?”

“They are very understandable.  No public displays of affection. She never wants to see us touching besides a pat on the back any buddies would do.  Oh, and I am home by 10:00 p.m. on Monday nights.”

“Get her to change that last one.  At least once a month you need to spend the whole night here.”

“I don’t think she will go for that.”

“If she doesn’t you will disappoint her. You will need a night or two a month where you can fall asleep together.”

“This from the man who never let someone stay overnight until Dad.”

“But you are a mix of all of us and I know you, my son.  You need that in any relationship. Even if Seth goes home, you need time to process your life. Now tell me, is he good?”

“God he is amazing and he has a cock that,” Gus shivered thinking about it.  I hope I can adjust to it. For now I’m wearing a plug during the day so I can take him that night.”

“Does that mean you take turns topping?”

“Yes.”

“Maybe alternate that, too. I know, none of my business and you two will work it out.” Brian looked at his son and locked eyes, “Gus, be careful.  I have a feeling your heart is already involved. I am guessing you know that already.”

“Pops, the gift he gave me for my birthday, he knows me so well.  I, “ Gus stopped.

“You were going to say you love him.”

“I think I do.  I don’t think of it as the way I love Shelby and the kids but … I have feelings for him beyond sex, yes.”

Brian’s phone rang stopping the conversation.  “Hey Dan, I’m with Gus so I know you are on a lead.”

“Brinn covered her trail but she wasn’t as careful this time as she was when she called Danny.  My guess is that she has already or is moving as we speak. I know what region of Mexico she is in and actually, a good idea what city she is in.  Tyler is on his way down there right now. I am hoping that soft-hearted of your daughter seeing a family member might draw her in. Gus said she sounded homesick.  I hope he gets there before she flees or that he can follow the trail.”

“Thanks, Dan.  I hope so, too.  Are you at home?”

“Well, I’m at the office but I guess that means I am home, sort of.”

“Is Marcus home?”  

Dan flipped on the house intercom and heard Marcus singing to Hannah.  “Yes, he is with Hannah.”

“I’m coming over.  I have to talk to him, well both of you, about Sunshine.”

“I’ll let Marcus know you’re coming.  You might as well have lunch with us. I know he has something cooking for us.  Maybe you can watch Hannah while we have a quicky.”

Brian had to laugh.  “I would love to. As long as Tyler is on his way to Mexico, I could take Hannah to play with Taylor and Gage for the afternoon.”

“Oh, don’t tempt me.  I could use an afternoon in bed, in…. “ Dan’s mind was wandering.
“Damn, I love that man.”

Brian was quiet for a second, “Ah, shit, Brian, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.  I’m glad you are happy.  I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Brian turned to Gus, “Well, it sounds like I am babysitting while my best friends have a nooner.

Gus had to laugh, “Go for it, Pops.  I love you.”

“Happy Birthday, Gus.  Do whatever you want to the place and put it on my card.  I’ll consider this your man cave and my birthday gift to you.”

“Thanks, Pops.  Let me know if you hear anything about Dad or Brinn.” For a moment Gus swallowed hard and put his arms around his dad.  “I miss them both so much.” Brian held his son for a few moments. “Thanks for being here for me, Pops.”  

“We are here for each other.” Brian drove off hoping he gave Gus the right advice even though he knew Justin wouldn’t have had the same opinion.  Gus was a bisexual man who needed both sexes in his life and now it appeared he had them.