CHAPTER 12: THE START OF SOMETHING

PITTSBURGH:

“So now what’s the big plan, Lindz?” Michael asked, as she sat there in shock at the revelations her father had just made. Not that he could blame her. He remembered when he’d met his own deadbeat dad, courtesy of the benefit he’d organized. He had to wonder, if that fateful meeting had never happened, would his mother ever had told him? It seemed to him that it’s the same questions Lindsay might be asking herself.

“I honestly don’t know, Michael. Granted, according to daddy- uh, Ronald- my father is from the same tier within the country club that my parents are. I wonder how no one thought to mention this.”

“Perhaps it was just one of the best kept secrets, unless…”

“Unless what?”

“You think someone knew but was paid to keep quiet?”

“It’s possible, but who would? The thing about being from that society is that there is always someone looking to claim the top spot. The secret of my birth would have been valuable gossip, but… well, perhaps it’s wasn’t my mother’s clout that had kept it quiet.”

“You think your father did so willingly?”

“Perhaps. Even though my mother and father had a very distant marriage, it wasn’t quite as hateful as Brian’s parents. But anyone with eyes and sense could clearly see that there wasn’t any love lost for either of them. It would have made sense for them to strike out at each other, but they never did.”

“Well, since this Foxx guy seems to be in the mood for confessions, why not go see him for some answers? According to the Pope and Ma, confession is supposed to be good for the soul, or some shit like that, right?”

Lindsay started to retort, but thought the better of it. It actually was a really good idea. “I’ll see if I can get the number and call over there.”

“Why? It’s not like he is going anywhere.”

She shook her head. Just when she thought she’d rubbed off on Michael in the brains department, he goes and says something absolutely stupid. “Michael, it just isn’t done in my circle. It’s not the revolving door of your mother’s house, or like the loft used to be before Brian got on his privacy high-horse. We really need to get him to understand that his action was unacceptable and should be reversed immediately. But it's more than likely that the butler or maid may have been instructed that the residents aren’t receiving company, hence calling first. It would be a wasted trip to just show up, trying to get answers.”

“And yet that’s what we usually do to Brian. I don’t understand the difference.”

“The difference is that Marcus Foxx doesn’t owe me anything, whereas Brian does,” she said through gritted teeth. Why couldn't he understand something as simple as common courtesy.

“Bullshit!” Michael exploded. “The man has neglected you all these years; denied you the chance to know your true father. He owes you some of his time if nothing else!”

“Well, I suppose you’re right…”

“Of course, I am!” Michael exclaimed. “Come on, Lindsay. We have some answers to get.”

“We? No Michael, you can’t go,” Lindsay protested.

“Sure, I can. While you’re trying to squeeze information out of the old man, I can maybe talk to the staff. There has to be someone who knows what happened to Christopher Hobbs, don’t you think?”

“Fine, you’re right, but you have to be nice to them, Michael. These aren’t the type of people you want to badger, even if they are the hired help.”

“But how the hell do you get them to do what you want if you don’t?”

“It’s not only about getting them to give up the information you want, Michael. Servants talk, even or most especially when they are from different households. I don’t need this business spread around before I make my appearance at my parent’s house tonight. I need daddy- uhm, Ronald- to think he has me cowed.”

“Okay, but you can’t forget to ask him about the connection to the Taylor bastard. Lindsay, I know you. You’ll probably be so happy being back in your element and hellbent on remaining there that you will forget our real purpose.”

“You’re one to talk, Michael. You almost blew it with my mother. Haven’t you ever heard of not biting the hand that feeds you?”

“She doesn’t feed me; Ma does.” Lindsay rolled her eyes at his response.

They left the cafe, even as Lindsay was trying to explain what the expression really meant and give an impromptu lesson in etiquette. Immediately after their departure though, the remaining patrons laughed at the ineptitude with the pair of them. One of the guys in the far table called out, “So Ben, where should we begin?”

“Uh, George, this isn’t…”

“Fuck that! I want in! In fact, I’m pretty sure we all do. It’s time they both got their just desserts, so we want to help Kinney and Taylor. Helping Taylor would be the added bonus since he’s just as benevolent as Kinney is, if you get my drift.”

“Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. But just to clarify, how many of us in here have received at the hands of Kinney?” Almost every hand in the place, including Ben’s, went up. “And Taylor?” the guy asked. Of those whose hands were raised for Brian, only Ben’s hand went back onto the tabletop. “See?”

“Well I’ll be damned. You mean Taylor is…”

“Kinney’s match in every way that matters. So yeah, we want to prevent the PITAs of Pittsburgh from messing up our betting pool.”

“Pitas?” Hunter asked.

“Yeah. It’s an acronym for pains in the ass. Quite accurate, don’t you think?” George answered, causing everyone in the establishment to laugh and nod their heads.

“So what’s the betting pool, and just why are you betting on other people’s happiness?” Ben asked, uncomfortable with the idea that Brian’s life was being scrutinized for financial gain.

“Calm down, man. It’s not being done in malicious way. We’re just betting on how long it’s going to take Kinney to fall hard for Taylor and vice versa. From what we’ve all seen so far, it’s hard to call since they both seem to be going with the flow. As quiet as it’s kept, we’d all like to see the two of them settle down, preferably with each other,” George confirmed.

“Why?” Hunter asked. “I mean, if they do that, that means they won’t be doing you, right?”

“Maybe, youngen. But then again, just because you’re involved with someone doesn’t mean that you’re exclusive when it comes to getting off….”

“Hey, there’s an impressionable youth present who just happens to be my son,” Ben protested.

“I meant no offense, but he’s old enough to be taught the rules of dating. Son, a relationship is between two people, and it’s up to those involved to decide what the rules are between the two of them, not everyone else…”

“Sounds like the Brian Kinney Board of Relationship Advice to me,” Ben huffed in annoyance.

George laughed. “Be that as it may, it’s a good, solid, and honest way to live. The majority of us have been cheated on physically, emotionally, or even some combination of both. For some reason monogamy-such as it is- is always implied when people get involved, but never seems to be discussed. I mean, we all have verbal or written contracts for just about everything else, so why not that, too? Besides, we’re all of the opinion that even if Kinney and Taylor decide on an open-relationship, nothing will really upset it.”

“So you’re okay with an open-relationship?”

“Hell no, it’s not for me, but I respect the people who can deal with it. It takes a special brand of love and honesty between a couple to be able to navigate one successfully.”

“And you think Brian and this Justin guy are those types of people?” Ben asked in awe.

“From what we know of both of their commitment-phobic asses, if anyone can make that type of arrangement work, it’s the two of them.”

Ben thought about what George had said. Part of his anger at Peter was mainly because of his dishonesty, while fucking other people. It wasn’t even Ben’s idea to be monogamous in the first place, but Peter was pushing for that level of commitment from him. As a result of trusting Peter to be completely ready for the change in their relationship status once he agreed, Ben ended up positive when it could have been avoided if Peter had been honest with himself, and told Ben that he really wasn’t. They would have continued using protection, and would have at least maintained the illusion of happiness for a little while longer.

So with that thought in mind, Ben could understand the guy’s reasoning a bit better. He definitely didn’t agree with it for himself, but he could certainly see the merit of such an arrangement. Well as long as the lines of communication stayed open. Shaking himself out of his reverie, he asked, “So what do you guys suggest in thwarting the greedy guts that just left here?”

“Well, you do what you’ve been doing in updating Ted.” At Ben’s gasp, George laughed. “The only ones that weren’t aware of what you were doing are the nitwits, who were sitting at that table. In the meantime, I’m going to get my brother to call over to the Foxx residence.”

“Your brother?” Ben looked George over, who was dressed in leather from head to toe.

“Hey don’t judge me like that. I left the society of my own free will. However, my brother Jonathan and I are still very close, even if he’s the heir to the family fortune. I like being a cop, and didn’t want to spend all day behind a desk in a suit. Our respective roles fit our personalities.”

“Fair enough,” Ben said. George kind of reminded him of Brian in that he could blend in seamlessly with the masses, while still appearing to have been born wealthy. He was a chameleon, much like George. “So you’re going to call your brother. What else needs to be done?”

“I also need to find out where that Hobbs kid disappeared to.”

“Why?”

“I was there for that accursed wedding to Taylor’s young sister. The marriage was quickly annulled, but no one has seen or heard from the little bastard since then. I just need to make sure that he’s still alive, and not trying to reappear to make trouble after all these years. There are an awful lot of pieces to this puzzle that still don’t fit.”

“What do you mean?” Hunter asked, genuinely curious.

“First, let me get these calls squared away, both with my brother and the precinct. Then I will tell you the whole story about the Hobbs and Taylor families, as I know it. It’s a doozy!”

Ben watched as George moved away to the outside of the building, where he could call his brother to get everything underway. He couldn’t help but be more than a little intrigued by George. But more than that, he was anxious for the information to help Brian and Mel. Lindsay and her little minion, Michael, were menaces in the worst way. And it was time for them to be stopped, once and for all.

~AC~

New York:

“So what is the verdict?” Donatella asked, as the three men re-entered her office.

“We decided to keep the business relationship as it is, but I do have a request,” Cesare answered.

“And that is?” Both Justin and Brian asked at the same time.

“I would like to hear what’s going on with you two.”

“Us… two?” Justin asked, slowly.

“Yes. You see I have it on good authority that you two are… shall we say Mr. Jonesing?” He cackled at the look of uncomfortability and confusion on both of their faces.

Daphne laughed outright, even as Justin looked at her sternly. “Wherever did you learn that term, Cesare? Don’t tell me that someone introduced you to old school R&B music.”

“What are you talking about, Daphne?” Ted asked, although he too, was enjoying Brian’s obvious discomfort.

“There’s an old song my parents used to dance to. The lyrics go: Me and Mrs. Jones, we got a thing going on. So?”

“So what?” Brian asked.

“Dumb doesn’t become you, Handsome,” Daphne teased. “Now answer the question!”

“Daphne, we’re friends,” Justin answered her, exasperated.

“Well, I think Ted and I know firsthand just how friendly you two are,” Cynthia chimed in, loving the idea of making the two normally unflappable men squirm. “We all want to know if there is the potential to be… more, Brian.”

“Oh, God! Why is this even a conversation, especially from you four?” Justin gestured to the three DeCampos, and his best friend. “You all know how I feel about entanglements!”

“Same goes for you two,” Brian said, looking sternly at Ted and Cynthia, who continued to snicker.

“Which is all the more reason the question needs to be answered,” Cesare said. “I feel like you both are my sons in a sense, and I like doing business with the both of you. I don't want there to be any problems with you two being in the same room later on.”

“Oh they already have trouble being in the same room for too long…” Cynthia mumbled, earning her a glare from Brian. It only caused her to chuckle harder.

“What do you mean, Cynthia?” Donatella asked, noticing the tell-tale blush creep up on both men’s cheeks. “Ah, desiderio di diventare già amore?” {Desire to become love already?}

“NO!” Brian and Justin said at the same time, causing laughter all the way around.

“I say ‘yes’, Donatella,” Jennifer said, as she and Molly arrived into the office. After kissing her son and then everyone else, including Brian and his staff, who she had yet to meet officially, she continued. “Let's just have fun watching them tangle themselves up like cats with a ball of yarn, trying to fight the inevitable. I’ve always found that with Justin, inaction on my part always works best.” Her eyes twinkled at her son in mirth, when he huffed and folded his arms.

“You all are mistaken. Brian and I just have common interests. Love is the illusion you straight people need to get yourselves laid. Brian and I have no such qualms. We prefer the lust; it’s honest, efficient and immediately gratifying, without all the bullshit of having to consider another person’s feelings.” He said as he rolled his eyes. “It makes it easier to have a friend, without ulterior motives and sanctimonious tendencies.”

“Speaking of sanctimonious tendencies, what the hell are we going to do about your wife, Mr. Kinney?” the young blonde woman asked.

“Wife?!” All the DeCampos exclaimed at the same time.

Brian shook his head. “This incorrigible young woman must be Molly, I take it?” He said, extending his hand towards her. “I’m Brian, and I can assure you that I am definitely NOT married, especially to Lindsay Peterson, although she obviously wishes otherwise.”

“Good to know, even though your choice of friends makes me question your sanity a bit.”

“Mine, too.”

“Especially in terms of that mouse of a man. I swear his screeching reminded me of an evil version of Mickey Mouse!”

“Ah, the melodious strains of Michael’s eternal refrain,” Ted drawled. “BRIAAANNNNN, I’m your best friend! You can’t have a life that doesn’t include me!”

Brian, Cynthia, Justin, and Molly cringed. “Jesus, Ted don’t do that! You have me ready to grab a broom, and start beating you the way I would do him if I could stay out of jail afterwards,” Cynthia said.

“Well, tell me how you really feel, Cyn,” Brian said, as he turned to Ted. “And just how long have you been feeling that way about Michael?”

“It’s not just Michael, but Lindsay, too. Em and I have been watching for years how they have played on your friendship, and then used that friendship against each other. They only join forces and put their animosity for each other aside, when they feel a trick is overstepping their bounds and needs to be gotten rid of, or when they have the common goal of keeping you contained to their specifications. I didn’t really begin to notice, until I started working for you. But I think Em knew it long before that. He used to try to tell me when I would be pissed at you for the way you treated Michael.”

"I think any plans you all make needs to include Emmett, and especially, Melanie,” Justin said. “This affects the two of you more than the rest of us, Brian.”

“Melanie Marcus is here?” Jennifer asked.

“She’s back at the hotel with Emmett and our son,” Brian answered her.

“Well that explains that harridan’s comment a bit more.”

“What comment?”

Molly answered, “Well, the she-wolf known as your-baby-mama tried to get us to convince Justin not to hire you because it would affect the time you’d be available to visit with your son.”

“More like it wouldn’t leave you time to entertain her,” Cynthia said.

“What do you mean?” Donatella asked.

“The only way Brian was allowed to spend time with Gus was that he would have to go through Lindsay to arrange it.”

“What about Melanie?” Jennifer asked.

“Up until the very recent past, Melanie and Brian couldn’t stand each other.”

“Yet she’s carrying your second child?”

“That’s true,” Brian said. “They, meaning Melanie and Lindsay, wanted another child blood-related to Gus. Originally, I said no. I didn’t want to jump through another set of hoops because of Lindsay. But then I found out that Melanie would be having the child, since she had a procedure done that would allow her to become pregnant. I honestly don’t think Lindsay meant to tell me that part, but she needed to since I still wouldn’t have been agreeable if it was going to be her. Lindsay thinks it was her convincing me to do it, but the reality is, I wanted to do it for Melanie. We may have always had our differences, but once she and I talked, we both figured out that Lindsay was at the core of our problems with each other. From there, it became about mutual respect. We may never be best friends, but we have been managing to co-parent Gus just fine.”

“Wait! Why did you want to do it for Melanie?” Ted asked, genuinely confused.

“It’s her story to tell, but suffice it to say that over the last four years, I would see a certain look in her eyes every time she looked at Gus. It didn’t help that every single time Lindsay wasn’t getting her way about something, she would lord it over Mel that she was Gus’ mother. I didn’t like it then; I still don’t. Besides Lindsay continues to prove that biology can’t actually make someone a mother, which is something both Joan and Claire taught me long ago.” Ted nodded in understanding.

“Well, I think we should talk more about this over dinner,” Justin said, just as his stomach grumbled.

Brian snickered. “Just like a german train. It always comes in on time.”

“True, but so do you,” Justin responded, before he caught himself. He closed his eyes, realizing what he’d said aloud, even as he heard Brian snicker beside him.

“I’ll address that comment later, when there aren’t so many interested parties around.”

“Oh, I’ll certainly be interested then, too,” Molly said.

“Molly!”

“Yes, Mom?” she asked innocently, but no one was buying it.

“Come on, Troublemaker,” Chaz said, taking her by the hand. “I’ll give you all the details Ted and Cynthia were so gracious in giving me. Brian and Justin had an interesting beginning, si?”

“Oh, do tell!” Molly laughed at the twin looks of chagrin on her brother’s and his hopefully-partner’s, faces. She really wanted Justin to be happy and settled down with a man who understood him; someone who wouldn’t try to change him. Upon meeting Brian Kinney in person, she was of the same opinion as her mom. Justin had met his match, in more ways than he bargained for. “Cynthia, Daphne, and Ted, you all come, too.”

“Theodore…”

“Yes, Bri?” he tried Molly’s tactic, but it wasn’t working judging by the hard stare of the hazel eyes regarding him. “I know, I know. Zipping… zipping.”

“Good.”

“But you said nothing about confirming, which is exactly what I’m going to do.” Ted walked hastily away.

“That’s it! I’m calling Blake!”

Cynthia and Justin laughed. “He’s even worse.”

Brian threw up his hands in exasperation, following behind all of the occupants chattering and gesturing wildly about the beginning of what was fast becoming the Brian and Justin Saga.

“Cheer up, old man. Let them have their fun, while we keep them guessing. We both know that nothing is going to go that far between us. So let’s just continue to enjoy the ride, while they dream up their little romantic soap operas at our expense,” Justin told him, as he wrapped his arms around the slender waist. Brian returned the gesture around Justin’s shoulders, without thought or regard of whom was watching.

As Jennifer looked back at her son, gazing up into the taller man’s eyes, she smiled. The looks on their faces confirmed her earlier thoughts. Brian bent his head to kiss the proffered lips of her son, oblivious to everyone and everything around them. Yes, Justin darling, it’s going to be so much fun to watch you both tie yourselves in knots, and it’s just getting started.