Title: Christmas Presents…
Story Type: AU
Word Count: 5747
Rating: R, Porn…
Warnings: Passion, Lust, M-Preg…
Beta Queen: BigJ52
Banner: aaa_mazing
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, plot, etc. are property of their respective owners, including, but not limited to Russell T. Davies, Cowlip, and Showtime. The author of this story is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended…
Summary: Everyone is making choices as they move forward with their lives…
Chapter Nineteen ~ Choices
Michael was flying high, his relationship with Keith was moving fast. It’s the first time he’s ever been involved with someone who so openly professes his love for him. Sure he’s noticed that he’s a little possessive, and slightly jealous. But he thinks it’s cute, and it makes him feel special. Now he just wants to see if Brian’s a little jealous, now that someone wants him and is more than willing to flaunt it. Michael’s sure that Brian will realize what he’s lost and finally admit to being in love with him.
Emmett’s tried to talk with Michael, tried to tell him that Keith’s not what he appears to be. But he’s even more delusional than usual, and he can’t wait for everyone to meet his new love. Emmett’s even showed him his bruised rib cage and the black and blue splotches that cover him from his stomach all the way around to his back. Michael doesn’t believe a word of it, he thinks Em must have just had rough sex with some one-night stand. After all, Keith loves him, even if they’ve only been seeing each other for a week.
The only good thing to come out of all this is the fact that Emmett met Josh. They’ve talked on the phone almost every day and have plans to go out to dinner on Saturday. Josh works a lot of overtime, and often has to be available on short notice. He’s trying to impress his boss Inspector Horvath, he’s up for promotion once he passes the sergeant’s exam. He hasn’t told Emmett yet that he’s a police officer because so many guys aren’t interested in dating cops.
Considering all the drugs, and sex that happens at gay bars, most guys don’t trust cops, they’re too afraid of getting busted. Josh keeps it on the down-low about being a cop because he does a lot of undercover work, and it’s best to blend in when needed. The last thing he wants to do is put anyone in danger because of his job. He’s totally smitten with Em, and hopes that something develops between them. Emmett refused to go to the hospital, or make a police report after Keith had beaten him up and Josh has tried to be understanding. So he’s taken it upon himself to keep an eye on Em and be there for him if he needs him.
~~~
Debbie is so excited when Michael tells her he’s met someone new, she hopes that he’s given up his ridiculous dream of being with Brian. From everything she’s heard from Michael, Keith sounds like a dream come true. She insists that Michael bring him to Sunday dinner, she’s looking forward to everyone meeting him. She’s so proud that Michael is finally moving on, and it’s time he turned his life around. She gloats, telling Emmett all about him.
When Emmett tries to tell her he has a bad feeling about this, she gets mad, telling him that Michael already told her that he was jealous and trying to break them up. The more he tries to explain, the more she’s convinced that Michael’s right. Emmett is just ridiculing him because he hasn’t had a steady boyfriend since Drew, and that was a couple of years ago now. She wonders why he can’t just be happy for him instead of making up lies, putting Keith down.
Emmett’s nervous. He thinks about making some excuse to get out of the family dinner. The truth is he’s frightened of Keith, and doesn’t want to be on the receiving end of his fist again. He considers asking Josh to Sunday dinner, but they’re going on their first date on Saturday and he hates to subject him to the family after only one date. But then again they’ve talked on the phone every night and he feels like he already knows him so well.
Debbie’s made sure that the whole family knows about Sunday dinner, and refuses to let anyone wriggle out of it. Ted tried to explain that it might not be a good idea, that Michael might harbor some resentment about him dating David. But Debbie reassured him that he was completely over David. She can’t wait to show off Michael’s new beau.
~~~
Brian finally gets home after fighting traffic, hungry and missing his boys. He sets the Chinese food down on the counter and notices the familiar cake plate from his childhood; he can’t help himself from lifting the lid. It’s his favorite chocolate-chocolate-chip. He runs his finger around the edge, licking up the crumbs and frosting. He wonders how Justin and his mother got along, worried about what she might have wanted.
“Daddy! You have to wait until after dinner before you can have cake and ice cream.”
“Oh? Is that why two thirds of the cake is missing?”
“Well… Justy and I had to make sure it wasn’t poisoned.”
“A-ha…”
“Yum, that Chinese food smells good.”
“Well I would have been home sooner, but someone insisted that I go to “Lotus Gardens” way across town. Do you know how much traffic there is this time of day?”
Justin comes over, wrapping his arms around his neck and stands on his tippy-toes to give him a kiss.
“I’ll show you later how much I appreciate it, much later.”
“I can’t wait.”
“I see my mother was here.”
“Yeah, she brought us a chocolate-chocolate-chip cake.”
“I noticed that. If I didn’t know better I’d think that little butter ball you’re developing is a result of all the sugar you consume.”
“I’m going to pretend that you didn’t just call me fat.”
Brian pulls him in closer. “I love your little butter ball.”
Justin’s all smiles, it’s just the last couple of days that he’s noticed that he’s developing a round belly. He’s so proud that he’s carrying Brian’s baby. He loves being a father, loves being home with Jamie, being able to see him growing and developing right before his eyes. He’s grateful that he’s an artist, and will be able to work from home, and be with his children during the formative years. It’s all he can do to not call Brian all day. Instead he waits for him to come home to tell him about everything Jamie’s learned.
Justin sets the table as Brian transfers the food into serving dishes. Gus helps by putting the silverware and the napkins around the table. Gus wonders why they don’t just eat from the cartons like mommy and mama, but Justin told him that Brian likes dinner to be served properly. It’s just another one of Brian’s quirks, he’s very structured and likes things done a certain way. Justin gave up a long time ago trying to change him.
“No, Gus, you don’t want that.”
“Yes, I do, daddy. I want mine just like yours.”
“Here, try the soy sauce on your eggroll, that mustard is very hot. I don’t think you’ll like it.”
“Hot? Like the cocoa?”
“Cocoa?”
“We had cocoa this morning with your mom. I made him wait for it to cool off.”
“It’s a different kind of hot. It’s spicy, you have to develop a taste for it. Maybe when you’re older.”
“How old, daddy? A hundred? Daddy, are you a hundred yet?”
Brian turns and stares at Justin as he laughs uncontrollably.
“Careful there, little boy, it’s not nice to disrespect your elders.”
“Daddy, are you an elder?”
“Let’s focus on eating your dinner, then you can have more cake.”
“Oh yeah! I love cake.”
“And you can stop snickering anytime now.”
“I can’t wait until we have a table full of little munchkins asking you questions.”
“Don’t worry, it will happen soon enough.”
“I love you too, Brian.”
“Oh, by the way, Lindsay called and she wants to pick Gus up on Sunday night at Deb’s.”
“Deb’s making a special dinner, she’s all excited about everyone meeting Michael’s new boyfriend.”
“Mikey has a new beau?”
“Yeah, but Emmett said he’s a real creep. Super jealous and controlling. He said the guy actually punched him in the stomach and ribs, and now he has bruises.”
“What the fuck? Why would anyone hurt Em? I mean he’s so… So, you know.”
“Brian.”
“Emmett said he’s a real manipulator, and he has Michael completely snowed. He said Michael actually thinks it’s cute that he’s possessive. He thinks it means he loves him.”
“Oh God… Where did he meet this guy?”
“I don’t know, but it should be an interesting dinner. Ted and David are coming and you can imagine how that will go over, and Emmett’s thinking about inviting Josh. He just met him a few days ago, but he feels a real connection with him.”
“Well, good for Em, he deserves someone in his life. Michael, he’s never had good judgment. I can’t wait to meet this loser.”
“I just hope he doesn’t tell him about the schoolboy crush he has on you. I don’t want you in any danger.”
“Sunshine, don’t you think I can take care of myself?”
“I’m just worried about you.”
“You do remember your pink posse days, right?”
“Yes. Okay. I guess you can take care of yourself.”
After dinner, and more cake and ice cream, Gus is one sticky mess. Brian runs him a bath adding Mr. Bubbles and his bath toys. He happily plays until his skin is pruned and the water is cold. Then he snuggles down between Brian and Justin in bed to watch ‘The Little Mermaid’. Brian can’t believe that Gus can watch the same movie practically every day and still love it. It was just a matter of time before Brian realizes that all his boys were asleep. He carries Gus to bed, and Jamie to his crib. Justin naturally snuggles up into Brian’s arms, as he switches from the DVD to CNN to watch the news.
~~~
The next morning Brian finds himself knocking on his mother’s front door. She is surprised to see him and even more surprised when he asks to take her out to breakfast. They find themselves sitting in a nice restaurant sipping coffee, waiting for their omelets to arrive.
“Justin mentioned that you stopped by yesterday and wanted to talk.”
“He’s such a nice young man.”
“Yes, he is.”
“You two seem so happy together.”
“Yes, we are.”
“He’s good for you Brian, and he really is in love with you.”
“Yes, he is.”
“I’m happy for you, for the both of you.”
“Thank you, and thank you for the chocolate-chocolate-chip cake. That was very thoughtful of you. You know it’s my favorite.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Brian.”
“Mom… What’s this all about?”
“Justin didn’t mention it?”
“He simply said that you wanted to talk.”
“Oh… I had hoped he might have mentioned… The thing is… I’m worried about your nephews…”
“What about the demon spawn?”
“Brian, please… I was hoping that you might be able to let go of the past. I can see that we’re both trying here. I’d really like for all of us to be closer. Family’s important, you know.”
“Mom?”
“Brian, I know I’ve made mistakes in the past. I know I wasn’t there for you when you were younger but I’m trying to change. Father Thom says the first step is acknowledging your mistakes, and asking for forgiveness.”
Brian looks directly at his mother. As hard as it is for him to be understanding, and let go of his resentment, he knows that’s what is necessary for them to be able to move forward. Now that’s he’s a father, he knows carrying around all this bitterness isn’t healthy and maybe it is time to truly make amends.
“Brian… I want you to know that I’ve stopped drinking. I’ve joined Alcoholics Anonymous, and I haven’t had a drink in over a month. I know that isn’t long in the scheme of things, but for me it’s a lifetime.”
As hard as it is for Brian to acknowledge it, he is proud of his mother, and prays that she’ll be strong enough to stay sober.
“Well, that’s a start. I hope you’re strong enough to stick with it.”
Brian can’t help thinking back to a year ago, when he found out he was pregnant. He realized that he had to quit drinking, and drugging, and basically change his lifestyle, especially if he was going to be a single father, or so he thought at the time. It was one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do, and now he rarely drinks. He never does drugs and he knows Justin will skin him alive if he smokes. And men, yes he could kiss his little blond beauty good-bye if he cats around these days.
Brian and his mother continued their conversation over breakfast, revealing more about themselves to one another than they had ever done before. Brian listened patiently as she mentioned Claire’s pending divorce, and how hard she is working to keep her family together. Brian contemplates her suggestion about getting to know his nephews better, and the possibility of coaching their soccer team. He doesn’t make any promises, but he agrees to consider it.
~~~
Emmett had tried on almost every shirt in his closet, finally settling on the first one he started with. Deb was there listening to him fret over every detail, knowing how nervous he was about his first date with Joshua. She was having a hard time keeping up with hanging his rejects back in the closet as he primped in the mirror. Now he wasn’t sure about his pants, as he started to toss pair after pair out of the drawer onto the floor.
“Oh, for crying out loud, Em, you look great. Stop all his fussing and go brush your teeth.”
“My teeth? My teeth. Oh my God, do I have something between my teeth?”
“No, no for Christ sake, you look great. Now just relax. Everything is going to be fine.”
Just then the doorbell rang, and Debbie trotted down the stairs to answer it. She knows that Carl is watching the game, and nothing would move him, short of a fire. She smiles when she sees Josh. Emmett wasn’t kidding; he sure is hot.
“Please come in. Emmett will be right down.”
Josh looks at Debbie and wonders if Emmett still lives with his mom. Then Carl turns to look at him, to give him the once over. He immediately stands up, recognizing officer Navarro. “Joshua, what a surprise to see you here.”
“Inspector Horvath, it’s nice to see you, sir.”
Emmett was coming down the stairs and saw the exchange between the two of them.
“You two know one another?”
Emmett hoped that Josh wasn’t some criminal that Carl had arrested. He wasn’t sure what was going on.
“Oh yes, Office Navarro and I work together down at the precinct.”
“Oh my, now I really do feel safe with you here to protect me.”
Josh smiled, glad that Emmett didn’t seem to have a problem with his occupation. He helped Emmett on with his leather jacket, and said that he had made a reservation at Pappagano’s. Emmett couldn’t help feeling special. No one had ever taken him some place so fancy.
Debbie says, “Now you boys have a good time and enjoy the evening.”
Emmett had heard about Pappagano’s but he had no idea just how classy it was. Josh was a total gentleman, even pulling his chair out for him when he sat down. Emmett was a little taken aback when he realized that the menu didn’t have any prices on it, unsure what he should order. Josh grinned, then asked if he’d like him to order for him. Em couldn’t help thinking it was totally romantic.
They sat by candlelight sipping a glass of merlot. Em is surprised how at ease Josh is in a place like this, and even more surprised that the wait staff know him by name. He knew that police officers didn’t make a lot of money, and he couldn’t help worrying about how expensive everything was.
“Emmett, stop worrying. I promise you won’t have to wash dishes.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just that this place is so elegant and, well… I don’t know.”
“Emmett, I have a little secret. I joined the police academy because I wanted to make a difference. I guess I’m a bit of a dreamer. I like to think I can change the world. You see, my older brother Tony… Well, he got mixed up with some shady characters, and one night he just didn’t come home. It was over two years before his body was found, and it looked like the work of a professional. The police think he overheard something, and someone put a hit out on him.”
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. But I’m okay now. It was over ten years ago. I became a policeman because I wanted to be a detective. I wanted to solve murders. I’m hoping to make sergeant soon. I work under Inspector Horvath and he’s one hell of a detective. I’ve learned so much from him, and he’s so well respected, his reputation precedes him.”
“Carl really is a great man, and a good friend. I know it seems a little strange, but Debbie is like a mother to our little dysfunctional family. When she met Carl, and fell in love with him, he just became part of the family.”
“That’s great. I’m glad you’re so comfortable with being around policemen. You know a lot of guys just aren’t interested when they find out what I do for a living.”
“Really, I find it to be a bit of a turn on… Promise me we can try out your handcuffs sometime.”
Josh burst out laughing; he loves Emmett’s sense of humor. They had a wonderful dinner and learned quite a lot about each other. Emmett was most surprised to learn that Josh came from money, old money. His grandfather made a killing in the steel industry back in the day and his family has been set for life ever since. But he’s not arrogant, or snobbish. He’s truly humble and prefers that people don’t know too much about his inheritance. He wants to be judged by his accomplishments, and not his background.
After dinner they went to the ice rink. Josh is an expert skater and Emmett, well, Emmett grew up in the south, so not too many skating rinks to speak of. Josh was a wonderful and patient teacher and after an hour or so Emmett really started to get the hang of it. It really was very exhilarating, so graceful, almost like they were floating on the ice.
It had been a long time since Emmett had tried something new and this was something he could really enjoy doing. Josh explained that he liked to skate to unwind from the stress of his job, and it took him back to his childhood when he and his brother would skate on the pond. It was obvious how much he loved and missed his brother.
Afterwards they went back to Josh’s place. He has a modest two-story brick house on the Monongahela River. Emmett loves it. It was built in the forties and has character and charm with all its architectural details. Josh mentions that out front in the spring the landscaping is beautiful; the previous owner was quite a gardener. There is a red climbing rose covering the white picket fence, with a large hedge of lilac bushes running across the side yard, and wisteria growing on the pergola arching over the front porch. Out back there is a big multi-level deck facing the river and a winding fieldstone walkway down to the river. Josh mentioned that he has a couple of boats: a canoe and a speedboat.
Emmett can’t help thinking about having picnics and barbeques once the weather permits. He is sure he’s met the man of his dreams and only prays that Joshua is feeling the same way. He knew it was early in their relationship to subject him to all of his crazy family, but he couldn’t help the words as they escaped his mouth, asking him to come to Sunday night dinner. After all why should Michael bask in all the glory of having a new love? Besides, maybe everyone would be able to see through Keith’s manipulations and see his true self.
~~~
Sunday afternoon Debbie is rushing around, organizing everything, so it’s all perfect when Michael and Keith arrive. Emmett is dusting all the furniture, and knick-knacks covering what seems like every surface in the living room. Carl’s busy opening the extra leaves in the table, and gathering up the extra chairs from around the house, while Hunter is emptying all the trash cans and sweeping off the front porch.
Debbie is excited about meeting Keith. Michael’s been talking, practically bragging about his new boyfriend all week. He seems to think Keith’s the one, he’s never been happier. Sure he thought he loved Ben, but what he feels for Keith is so much stronger than that. Debbie just hopes Keith feels the same way, she hopes that this isn’t just another unrealistic infatuation on Michael’s part. She’d hate to think that Michael just simply transferred his fixation of Brian onto Keith.
The girls are the first to arrive, and Debbie can’t help making a fuss over holding JR. She acts like she hasn’t seen her in months, while it’s actually only been days. They get her all set up in her playpen so she’s can’t escape. She’s at that age where she’s getting into everything once your back is turned. Lindsay complains that she hasn’t seen Gus all week, that Justin insisted he stay with them. It’s obvious she’s still ticked off about having joint custody, making snide remarks, questioning if he’s actually capable of taking care of an infant, let alone two children.
Mel chides her, saying that it probably isn’t any harder for Brian and Justin than it is for her and Lindsay to care for two children. She starts to object when they hear someone else knocking on the door. She answers it, being closest. Besides she wants to see Gus as soon as possible. She’s surprised when she sees Josh, not having any idea who he is. Emmett rushes over and hugs him, introducing him to the girls. Both of them are surprised, it’s been a while since Em has had someone special in his life.
Josh comes over and gives Debbie a bouquet of mixed flowers, thanking her for allowing him to join them for dinner. She’s all smiles as she gives him a big bear hug telling him that it’s nonsense, he’s one of the family now. Next to arrive is Ted and David. Debbie welcomes them with open arms, remarking about how it’s been years since she’s seem him. David gives her a hug, and says he hopes it’s alright that he brought his son Hank, who’s just a year younger than Hunter.
No sooner have they all greeted each other than Michael and Keith come barging in the door. It’s obvious that they’re in the middle of some sort of snit; everyone can feel the tension in the air. To make matters worse Keith glares at Emmett, and turns to Michael asking, “What’s he doing here?”
You can hear the accusation in his comment that he thinks Emmett is interested in dating Michael. Michael notices David and Hank, and becomes very uncomfortable having them there. He pulls his mother into the kitchen questioning why she invited them. Didn’t she understand how he felt about Ted and David dating? He feels like she’s rubbing his face in it.
“Now, Michael, you told me that you were madly in love with Keith. So I just assumed that you were over David. Besides, Ted’s one of my lost boys and he’s always welcome in my home.”
It’s clear to Keith that there’s something upsetting Michael and he plans to find out what. To break the tension, Carl offers everyone a drink; the girls have wine while the boys all have beer. Michael goes over and picks up JR, swings her around, making her laugh. “Here, my little Honey-Bun! Daddy’s missed you so much.”
Keith’s expression changes dramatically. He had no idea that Michael had a kid and he’s not happy about it. He hates children, and he hates the idea of sharing Michael with anyone else. It’s bad enough that Michael committed them to coming to this family dinner; this is the last place he wants to be. He made it clear on the way over that this is the last family dinner they’ll be attending. Michael is not to spend time with anyone else when he’s not at work.
Everyone’s doing their best to make small talk, ignoring the elephant in the room. Deb’s already disappointed; she had such high hopes for tonight, and it seems like everyone is having trouble with someone here. Finally they hear Brian pull up and they’re grateful for the distraction, knowing that when the man is in the room he’s always the center of attention. Brian holds the door as Gus comes barreling in, running up to his mommies, already telling them all about his week with his daddies.
Justin’s holding Jamie, and Brian’s loaded down with all the baby paraphernalia. Soon Debbie once again is smothering the baby with kisses, saying how much she misses him. She scolds Brian for never bringing him into the diner to see her anymore, even though he was just there the day before yesterday when Justin and the kids met Brian for lunch.
Michael can’t help getting that misty eyed look, thinking that it should be him and Brian with their perfect little family. The look isn’t lost on Keith as his blood starts to boil, and of course he can’t believe there’s more rotten children under foot. God, he can’t wait to get out of here, and Michael has a lot of explaining to do once they get home.
Once all the introductions are made, Justin grins at Emmett, seeing how happy he is with Josh. It’s also been years since him and Brian have seen David, and for all the sparring they did in the old days, Brian’s actually happy for Ted. Hunter and Hank go up to his room to check it out, and mostly get away from the tension between all the grown-ups.
While no one is looking, Keith pulls Michael into the bathroom, questioning just what the hell is going on. He still has a hold of Michael’s arm, twisting it behind his back, making Michael beg for him to stop. Michael’s sure if he twisted it just a little more his bone just might pop. Keith is sure that practically every male in the living room, short of Carl, is interested in bedding Michael. The only thing that breaks them apart is Debbie calling for Michael; she wants him to run to the store. She forgot to get ice cream for the cake she baked.
Keith pours on the charm saying that they’d love to, asking sweetly if there’s anything else she needs. Possibly more wine for dinner? She thinks Keith is just a sweetheart, so polite and gracious. She agrees Michael just might have found the perfect man for him, he seems so attentive. Of course, once they get out of the car at the grocery store Keith has Michael right up against the car, his face just inches from Michael’s, threatening him with bodily harm if he doesn’t come clean about him and Em, him and David and him and Brian.
Michael just stammers, “Nothing, there’s nothing going on.”
Keith doesn’t believe it for a minute as he presses his arm against his windpipe, cutting off his breathing.
“There better not be! We’ll continue this when we get home and we will be leaving right after dinner. I’ve already had too much family time! Do I make myself clear?”
Michael’s still in denial, thinking to himself that it’s his fault he didn’t know who was coming to dinner. He’s still telling himself it’s cute that Keith gets jealous so easily. He just can’t see that this is the start of a very abusive relationship.
Once they all settle down to dinner everything seems to be going smoothly. Josh and David are made to feel welcome, the conversation steering towards occupations. David talks about his chiropractic practice, and Ted mentions he works for Brian, an advertising genius. Debbie asks Keith what he does for a living, and he temporarily pauses, thinking, then says that he’s in security. Josh glances at Carl, and then Carl asks who he works for. Defensively Keith says he freelances. Carl and Josh both look at each other questioningly.
Michael hates that Keith is being scrutinized, so he asks Josh what he does for a living. Josh knows there something up with Keith, so he gives his standard response that he works in construction. That certainly explains his well-built pecs and abs, which are blatantly seen as his shirt hugs his body. Michael looks a little confused. He knows that Keith is not a security guard, but has no idea what Keith does for a living. It was obvious that he was lying, and Michael can’t figure out why.
Trying as hard as they can to get along, everyone at the table keeps sizing up each other. Even though the conversation is polite, the underlying tension could be cut with a knife. Surprisingly, after dinner, Justin sits with the girls as Lindsay holds Jamie, bouncing him on her lap as they talk about how fast he’s growing, and how JR is headed right into the terrible twos.
Melanie chuckles and says, “You can laugh now, but just wait. Jamie will be there before you know it.”
Josh and Carl weren’t the only ones giving Keith the third degree. Brian senses that something is really off with his and Michael’s relationship. First of all, Michael’s quiet, very quiet, especially for Michael. At most family dinners by now, Michael usually has put his foot in his mouth, acting like a fourteen year old. Everything just seems too good to be true. Of course Debbie thinks he’s a dream come true, and Lindsay’s right there with her. Mel, on the other hand, thinks she recognizes him from court, but she can’t put her finger on it.
Lindsay talks about the new exhibit at the gallery that’s coming up, and asks Justin if he’s christened his new studio. Of course he blushes fifty shades of red, and Brian states they sure did.
“Brian, you know that’s not what I meant!”
Michael is irritated, just the mention of Brian and Justin making love burns him deeply. So he decides it’s time to announce that he and Keith have decided to move in together. Emmett can’t help being shocked. “Michael, you’ve only been dating a week!”
“Em’s right, Michael. This seems a little fast. Not that I don’t think Keith is a wonderful and charming man, but maybe you should wait a bit.”
“Ma! I’m thirty-four years old. I don’t need your permission!”
Mel steps out back to smoke a cigarette, Ted and Brian follow. They mention that they know they’ve met this guy before, but where? Mel agrees she’s seen him before. She has a feeling that he works in security alright, but more like as a thug.
That’s when the light goes off… Of course, it was Christmas day and Michael was being shaken down for his gambling debts. Some guy who worked for Big Jake drove them, blindfolded, to the payoff location and Keith was the guy who collected the debt.
Ted says, “Shit! He really is a thug!”
Mel is flabbergasted. “My God! How could Michael get caught up with some loan shark type?”
“Oh God!” Brian cried, “He better not be gambling again! Christ, I’ll kill him…”
“I don’t want that thug anywhere near my daughter!”
“Or your son, right?”
“Yes, yes, of course, Brian. That goes without saying.”
“We have to tell someone! We have to tell Carl!”
“Ted’s right. We have to tell Carl, maybe he can talk some sense into Michael. Lord knows he’s so mad at me right now, he’d never believe anything I say.”
Everyone else has now moved to the living room, drinking wine, the conversation now revolving around the kids. Keith is getting antsy as he hates all this ‘make nice’ family time, and he hates kids even more. Of course Michael is all starry eyed, playing with JR on the floor, realizing he isn’t spending enough time with his daughter. No one seems to notice when Ted comes in and Carl and Josh disappear back outside with him. Minutes later Em joins them.
At some point David looks up and all the men have somehow disappeared, except for Michael, Keith, Justin and him. He wants to investigate what’s going on but if he were to leave just now it would be obvious that something was happening. So David quietly plays cards with Hank and Hunter, as he eyes the back door, wondering if this evening could get any stranger.
It’s not lost on Hunter that everyone’s out back, and even though he hasn’t said anything, he knows all too well who Keith really is. Back in his hustler days, it wasn’t unusual for a group of boys to be taken out to Big Jack’s for the high rollers to have their way with them. Usually it involved rough sex, and multiple partners. They were paid well, but he only went once. That was more than enough; he couldn’t work the streets after that for almost two weeks, he was so banged up.
Keith’s more than ready to leave, and Michael can’t seem to take a hint. Finally Keith stands up, announcing that he has to work early the next morning, and he and Michael have to leave. Michael looks at him, a little startled with a questioning look in his eye; he really is slow on the uptake. He wanted to protest, he wants to stay and play with his daughter. But he finally sees the glint of anger in Keith’s eye, so he hugs his mom good-bye and says good night.
TBC…
