Justin felt like going dancing.

"How long have you known me?  I don't do dates."

"It's not a date.  I'm asking you to come with me to Babylon."

"The answer is no.  I have work to do."

"Oh."

"Why aren't you studying for your SAT's?"

"Dancing helps my concentration.  Seriously, it releases certain endorphins so that I can study harder and for longer periods of time."

"So, Babylon's good for your health.  That's a new one."

The buzzer sounded and Justin ran to get it only to have Brian pull him back.

"Yeah?"  Brian asks.

"Hey, it's Kip."

Oh shit.  Justin must have made a face because Brian tells him, "And it is business, believe it or not."

Monkey business, Justin thought.  "Anything I can do to help?"

Justin didn't hold out much hope, but Brian appeared to be considering it.  After some thought, he shrugged and nodded.  "Get your pad.  You can work out our ideas."

Justin beamed and quickly got one of his sketchbooks and a pen.

Brian opened the loft door just as Kip got out of the elevator.  "Good, you brought your work."

Kip's greedy eyes were taking in the loft.  "Man, this is awesome."

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Yeah, you have some beer?"

Justin jumped up and retrieved a couple of beers from the fridge.

"Who's he?"  Kip asked sounding a bit peeved.

"Oh.  Justin Taylor, Kip Thomas.  Justin works in our art department.  He's going to bring our ideas to life."  

Justin beamed.  In short order, they had papers scattered everywhere.  Ideas were flying around like crazy and Justin was scrambling to keep up.  It started to get late and Justin couldn't help yawning. 

"Maybe you should send the kid home," Kip suggested.

Brian looked over at Justin then checked his watch.  "It is getting late."  He nudged Justin.  "You have school tomorrow.  Go get some sleep."

Justin nodded and pushed himself up from the sofa where he'd been working on mapping out their ideas.  He yawned again and went up the stairs to the bedroom, keeping the slats open so he didn't miss anything.

"It's after one.  Let's call it a night."  Brian suggested and herded Kip to the loft door.  "We did some good work."

Kip was craning his neck, looking over Brian's shoulder wondering where the kid was.  "Look, I was hoping we could hook up again after the kid leaves."

Brian patted him on the back and more or less pushed him out the door.  "I'll see you at work on Monday."  Then he pulled the loft door shut in Kips' astonished face.

The next day at school Justin regaled Daphne with stories of what occurred. 

"That should take care of that Kip person," Daphne tossed out and Justin had to agree.  He also told her that Brian was going to the Bahamas for work.

"Are you going with him?"  Daphne asked.

"Don't I wish," Justin said with a sigh.  "But I have school and I think Brian worries about how it would look if he took me."

***

Justin just happened to be in Woody's when Brian pitched his idea of Ted joining him in a new Ad agency as his accountant.  Ted was too distraught over his best friend to think about it.   Justin bit his tongue, knowing that Emmett's conversion to the straight side was temporary.

When Brian pinned Ted to at least look and tell him if his projections were feasible, he sighed and looked over the papers that Brian had put together.

In Ted's professional opinion, he felt that Brian would need at least two more top accounts besides Liberty Airlines.  Sadly, Brian had to agree with Ted's assessment.

***

Justin hoped up until the very last minute that Brian would reconsider taking him with him on his trip to the Bahamas'.   But no, it was not to be.  Justin decided that he wouldn't whine about it, nor worry that Brian would be tricking.  Since Brian hadn't gotten to go last time around, he assumed that Brian would.

Going to work while Brian was gone was tedious, but Justin knew that it was something he needed to do.  He worked just as hard regardless.  So, he was surprised when he got a call to report to Mr. Ryder's office.

"Mr. Ryder, you wanted to see me?"

Mr. Ryder looked up then an expression of shock crossed his face.  "You're Justin Taylor?"

"Yes, sir?"  Justin was perplexed.

"Close the door and have a seat," Ryder ordered, then got up to come around and sit his hip on his desk.  "How old are you?"

Justin wasn't sure how that was relevant.  "Eighteen, sir."

"It has come to my attention that you and Brian Kinney are in a sexual relationship."

Justin squirmed.   They had been so careful.  "Mr. Kinney was kind enough to take me in when my father threw me out because I'm gay."

"But you two are having sex?"

Justin debated lying but knew that would only make matters worse.  "Yes, sir."

Ryder sighed.  "I'm sorry, Justin.  But I'm going to have to let you go."

Justin wanted to argue, he did like his job and he was good at it too. 

"I think it best that you pack your stuff."

Justin nodded, keeping back his tears.  He got up to leave and turned back.  "What about Brian, I mean Mr. Kinney?"

"What about Mr. Kinney?"  Ryder asked.  "Now that you no longer work here there is no problem."

Justin let out a sigh of relief.   As he left Ryder's office, the first person he saw was Kip Thomas, a sneer on his face, standing at the water cooler.  He pulled himself up to his full height and walked past Thomas without looking his way.

"What are you doing?"  Justin's supervisor, Roger, asked as he began packing his stuff into a box.

"I was fired," Justin whispered.

"What the fuck for?"  Roger was incensed.  "Let me talk with him."

"No!"  Justin didn't want anything to ruin the job for Brian.  " I appreciate that you want to help but I think it for the best that I go."

There wasn't much for him to pack so he said goodbye to the people he'd been working with and headed out to the reception area.  Cynthia, Brian's secretary was there to hug him.  "I just heard.  This is so unfair."

When she pulled away, he noticed her eyes narrow, so he looked over his shoulder.  There was Kip Thomas with a big smirk on his face.  Justin held his head high and walked out of Ryders for the last time.

He caught the bus at the corner and headed for Daphne's house.  Once he got there, he knocked on the door.  Luck was on his side as Daphne answered.

"Jus, I thought you'd be at work!"

Tears started to well up in his eyes.  "I was fired."

"Oh, no.  Why?"  Daphne asked, pulling him into her arms.

Mrs. Chandler came up behind Daphne, shocked to find her daughter's best friend crying and asked what the problem was.  Daphne mouthed.  'He lost his job.'

"Take him up to your room and I'll be up with some hot chocolate and cookies."  Mrs. Chandler ordered.

Justin wiped his eyes and laughed before following Daphne up to her room and flopping on her bed. 

"So, what happened?  There wasn't anything like this the first time was there?"  Daphne asked.

"No.  This guy, Kip Thomas, the one that could have cost Brian his job saw me at Brian's and told our boss that we were having sex."

"Well, that was a shitty thing to do!"  Daphne said indignantly.

Justin nodded his agreement as Daphne's mother brought in the hot chocolate and cookies, patted Justin on the head then left them in peace.

"Does Brian know?"  Daphne asked.

"No, he's still in the Bahamas.  I'm not sure how to tell him."  Justin munched on the homemade cookies and took a welcomed sip of the hot chocolate which Daphne's mom had loaded down with whipped cream.

"Damn, who would have thought that that guy would come back to haunt you.  I thought you'd manage to spike what happened.  What are you going to do about a job?"

Justin shrugged.  "I guess I could see about working at the diner."

So that was how Justin ended up at the diner pointing out the help wanted sign in the window.

Debbie, her arms crossed over her bust, looked down her nose at him.  "Do you have any experience?" she asked.

Justin blinked.  How to answer that?

Kiki rolled her eyes and shoved a dishpan into his hand.  "Deb, what the fuck, hire him already."

It was like riding a bike, Justin was soon back in the swim of things.  He smiled, he laughed, he endured pinches.  Deb always seemed to be checking up on him and he was surprised at the end of the day by how few tips he'd received.

The next day started the same, but as soon as people left, they would brush up against him and he'd find money in his pockets.  He was puzzled until Kiki pulled him aside. 

"Word has gotten around that your tips are not getting to you," Kiki muttered, looking at Deb who was checking the table that had just emptied and coming up empty.

Deb started bitching that her customers were being tightwads.   Kiki looked at Justin and snickered.  The rest of the week continued much the same and any new customer was soon brought in the link.

Ted and Michael came in and went to sit down while Deb rushed over and began berating Michael for something he'd done.  Justin was clearing a table close by and couldn't help hearing what was said and wondering what it was all about.

"What the fuck is the matter with you?  Lying to David, telling him I was sick?  I didn't know what to say!"  Deb yelled.

Michael slouched in his seat.  "Alright I made a mistake."

"You're damn right you did.  And you keep this up you're gonna blow it.  You hear me?"  Deb shook her red painted and extremely sharp fingernail in his face.

"I saw Emmett last night with this woman.  At least that's how she purported to represent herself."  Ted seemed to be trying to redirect the conversation.

"He really is going straight," Michael confirmed.

Justin couldn't resist.  "But doesn't he know that every psychological study done within the past twenty-five years emphatically states that a person's sexual orientation is determined by the age of six - sometimes even before birth.  It's completely unalterable."

Ted looked encouraged but not Michael.  "This is a private conversation so but out."

Justin backed away hurt by Michael's words.  Kiki came up and squeezed his arm in sympathy before suggesting he take a break.  When he came back the day was made longer by Deb appearing to dog his every move.

He climbed the stairs to the loft counting his tips, too tired to wait for the lift.   He opened the loft door then slid it shut.   He hadn't taken more than two steps in when he noticed Brian sitting on the sofa and stopped short in trepidation.

Justin wasn't sure how Brian was going to take him losing his job especially when he found out why.

Brian got up and walked over to him.  "I talked with Cynthia, Sunshine, and she told me what happened.  It's a damn good thing we're starting our own company."

As it turned out it was tougher to start a new company then you would think.  This time finding the money was a real problem.  While Brian had a lot that he could pull from, Ted assured him it wouldn't be enough.  Thinking back Justin wasn't sure where the money Brian seemed to have so much of came from.  He remembered when Brian lost his job and money was tight and hoped to avoid that this time around.  It was beginning to seem like a catch 22.

And like whenever he had a problem, he went to visit Daphne.

"I don't understand.  You'd think I'd know things like this after all money doesn't grow on trees."  Justin complained as he leafed through his binder. 

"Hey, " Daphne interrupted.  "Don't you have an uncle named George."

"Yeah, my dad's older brother.  Why do you ask?"

“’cause he's listed in the obituaries."  Daphne waved the paper in Justin's face.

"What the fuck."  Justin snatched the paper from her hand.  Sure enough, Uncle George was listed.  George Taylor.  There was a long list of accomplishments and a smaller list of who was left behind.  Sadly, Justin’s name wasn't even listed as kin.  "Why are you looking at the orbits?"

"I always check to see if I've died," she grinned.  "You going to the funeral?"

Justin looked at her as if she was crazy and perhaps, she was.  He tossed the paper aside.  "I doubt they would want me there, especially my dad."

Justin headed back to the loft, no closer to having an idea of what to do to correct things then when he left.  He spent so much time trying to place his Uncle George that he missed his stop and had to walk a block back after he got off the bus. 

He raised the gate on the elevator that serviced their building and noticed Brian leaning on the open door.  He was wearing his favorite jeans, no shirt, and no shoes.  He sighed as he had thought they were beyond Brian bringing tricks to the loft.  The man standing with Brian turned away and spotted Justin and Justin saw that he wasn't Brian's type at all.

"Justin Taylor?   You're a difficult man to find."  He held out his hand and Justin being the wasp he is, took it.  "Could we talk privately?"

Justin didn't know what to do.  He didn't know this man.  However, when Brian looked him in the eye and tilted his head toward the inside of the loft Justin followed Brian and the man followed him.  Justin pushed the door shut and wondered what the hell was going on.

"Would you care for something to drink?"  Brian asked surprising Justin.

"No, thank you.  Allow me to introduce myself.  I am Mark Marcus, a close friend of George Taylor, and I'm here to implore you on his behalf to attend his funeral."

Justin was shell shocked.  Having said that Marcus moved to the door and waited for Brian to open it so he could leave.

Leaning against the door, Brian raised one brow and asked, "You going?"

Justin hesitated.  "I don't know.  We didn't know him very well.  He was older than my dad by quite a few years.  Shit, my dad won't be happy if I showed up."

Brian walked over and wrapped his arms around Justin.  "A good enough reason to show up then."

Justin tilted his head back and smiled.  He twisted around and pulled Brian up the stairs to the bedroom.

***

As it turned out, Justin was correct.  He and Daphne, along with Brian had shown up at the small chapel for the funeral. 

The moment his father spotted him, he grabbed him by the arm and hissed, "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Craig!"  Jennifer protested having rushed after Craig.

"Stay out of this, Jen," Craig insisted savagely. 

Mark Marcus turned up like magic and butted in.  "George wanted him here.  If you can't accept that you can leave."  He motioned for two men to herd Craig and Jennifer back to one side of the chapel.

Marcus led them to the coffin where George J. Taylor lay.   Justin racked his brain trying his best to remember attending his uncle's funeral.  They had never been close, but Justin had no recollection as to why.

They went and viewed his uncle, though Justin could tell Brian wasn't happy about doing so.  The man looked to be about ten years older than Craig and skinny.  Justin couldn't help wondering what the cause of death was. 

As they went to sit down, Justin noticed that while there was no weeping widow there were several people who knew his uncle.  He could feel the glare of his father aimed at him, but Mark made sure to sit so as to block Craig from his view.

Several people got up and said nice things and Justin learned a bit more about the man who was his uncle.  Things were very somber, the background songs being soft and sad.  Then suddenly the speakers played "Celebration" and people were sitting up and looking around.    A screen behind the casket lit up and the man who was lying there spoke.

"While I appreciate the sentiment.  Most of you know that what was said was bull shit.  I was no angel.    That being said, I want everyone to celebrate my life and not mourn my passing.  I briefly considered cremation,” George said jovially, before holding up a hand that looked like a claw.  "But I don't have an affinity for fire do l, little brother?"

Justin looked across the room at his father who was looking decidedly uneasy. 

"It was an accident," Craig shouted at the dead man on the screen.

"What is he talking about, Craig," Jen asked.

"Shut up, Jen," Craig hissed.

At that point everyone was staring at Craig, then the preacher stepped up to the podium and cleared his throat.  Everyone turned back to the front and were surprised that the screen was blank, and the casket gone.

"It was Mr. Taylor's wish that no one stay for the interment.  You may all leave now."  With that, the preacher left.

Justin sat there wondering what the hell was going on.  By now he was positive that he had not attended his uncle's funeral last time around and wondered where this was leading.  Marcus hurried over and ushered them out to the gravesite. 

They were the only ones out there and Marcus stood solemnly by as they lowered the casket, his eyes glistening with tears.  "Goodbye, My Love."

Once things were done, Marcus ushered them to a waiting limo after promising that they'd be returned for Brian's jeep.  The drive wasn't too long, and they stopped at a building that at one time had been a factory, much like the building that contained Brian's loft.  They entered, finding their way into an office where Craig and Jennifer Taylor waited. 

Craig rose and shouted.  "What the hell is he doing here?"  Pointing at Justin he continued.  "He doesn't belong here."

"Yes, he does," George's voice said from the screen on the wall behind the desk, which was kind of spooky.

"How does he do that?"  Daphne asked, holding tight to Justin.

"Sit down, Craig," George demanded.  "Now, let me start.  I hereby declare that this is my last will and testament and that I hereby revoke, cancel, and annul all wills and codicils previously made by me either jointly or severally. I declare that I am of legal age to make this will and of sound mind and that this last will and testament expresses my wishes without undue influence or duress.  Being that I have never married, I hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint Mark Marcus Executor of my estate and hereby give and grant the Executor all powers and authority as are required or allowed in law, and especially that of assumption.  Pending the distribution of my estate, my Executor shall have the authority to carry on any business, venture, or partnership in which I may have any interest at the time of my death.

My Executor shall have full and absolute power in his/her discretion to sell all or any assets of my estate, whether by public auction or private sale and shall be entitled to let any property in my estate on such terms and conditions as may be acceptable to my beneficiaries.

My Executor shall have the authority to borrow money for any purpose connected with the liquidation and administration of my estate and to that end may encumber any of the assets of my estate.

I bequeath to Jennifer Taylor, whom I've adored for more years than I'd care to remember, the following:  the sum of one hundred thousand dollars to do with as she wished.  It's my hope she'll divorce my worthless brother and live her life happily. 

To Molly Taylor, Jennifer Taylor's daughter, I bequeath a like sum to be held in trust for her with Mark Marcus until she comes of age.

To her son Justin Taylor I bequeath the remainder of my estate, property, and effects, whether movable or immovable, where-so-ever situated and of what-so-ever nature.  At least that's what the legal beagles tell me.  Justin, I wish I had your courage to come out and I never want you to be without a home.

To my 'dear' brother Craig Taylor, I bequeath one dollar. And, Craig, don't try to break this will.  I have a written will all legally signed and notarized.  You have been a thorn in my side for many a year." 

"You can't do this.  I'll fight it," Craig shouted shaking his fist at the screen.

George smiled evilly and the screen went blank.  Marcus pulled the legal documentation out of a folder and handed them to Jennifer, Justin, and Craig.

"Craig, honey, we have two hundred thousand dollars."  Jennifer tried soothing her husband.
 

Marcus sighed.  He, too, had hoped Jennifer would use the money to distance herself from Craig.  But she seemed to have blinders on as far as he was concerned.

Craig scowled, then a smirk lit his face.  "We have more than that.  Justin's a minor."

Marcus shook his head and looked up to the heavens.  Then he pulled out a sheet of legal paper from his briefcase and handed it to Justin.

Justin read through the paper and handed it to Brian than to Daphne to read.  He didn't say anything but waited to get Brian's opinion. 

"It looks good,” Brian said, and Daphne nodded her agreement.

Marcus pointed to where Justin should sign, and then handed it over for Brian and Daphne to witness.  There was a knock at the door and an elderly gentleman was ushered in with a young lady at his side.  Marcus handed him the paper for his signature and the young lady took out a funny looking device from her briefcase and stamped the paper.

"What are you doing?"  Craig demanded.  "Who are these people?"

"This, Craig, is an emancipation document, and may I introduce Judge Frank Hardy and Miss Mary Walker a notary public." He went to the copy machine behind the desk and had three copies made and passed one copy to Craig and gave the other to Justin.

"What does this mean?" asked Jennifer as she looked over the paper in her husband's hand.

"It means that Craig can no longer try to appropriate Justin's inheritance," Marcus explained.  "I will be keeping the original if that's okay with you?"  he asked Justin.

Justin was shocked when Marcus explained just how much he'd inherited.  He wouldn't have to rely on Brian to pay for his schooling and could avoid the whole Sapperstein episodes.

"What do you plan to do with your newfound wealth?" asked Marcus as he settled back in the limo.

Justin glanced at Brian who seemed to be pulling away and sighed.  "I was thinking about investing it."

"In what?"  Marcus appeared interested.

"An advertising agency."

Marcus frowned.  "Which agency."

"It's new.  Kinnetik," Justin responded ecstatically.

Brian was shaking his head.  "I can't ask you to do that."

"You're not asking.  I'm offering.  You're damn good at your job.  You need an influx of cash to start and I have that.  I could be a silent partner."

"You silent!?"

Justin merely smiled his sunshiniest smile and knew he'd won.