Daphne was just finishing up a ten-hour shift. Exhausted beyond anything she'd ever felt-bone weary, hair limp from being under a surgical cap and the sparkle usually found in her eyes gone, she stared at herself in the mirror in the doctor's lounge. God, I feel forty years old. The ten car pile up, which happened thanks to the driver of a tractor trailer who fell asleep behind the wheel, kept her hopping from procedure to procedure. As the lead trauma surgeon on duty, she had to make her round to each operating room after tending to her own patients. Sometimes, she was very grateful for her vast knowledge and experience but there were other times when she wished she'd chosen another profession altogether.

Sighing deeply, she removed her scrubs as steam from the shower clouded the mirror she'd been staring in a moment before. She was supposed to meet Justin at the Diner for lunch. She knew that she could call and cancel but with the way her work rotation was set up, she really didn't know when she would get another chance to get out and just be Daphne. Since she'd left New York a month ago, it seemed the opportunities to just be herself and not worry about being everything to everybody disappeared entirely. But hey she was happy, sane, had a beautiful home but most of all she was in the company of true and loyal friends. Even she and Lindsey had become closer, both overjoyed over the reunion of Brian and Justin. The area in which they all lived gave them much needed privacy but also a feeling of family since all were literally right down the street from the other.

Stepping into the shower, she remembered showing up at Brian and Justin's place the morning after they made things between them official. The secret smiles that wouldn't stay hidden, the quick but intimate caresses- every time they looked at each other, passion ignited thick and palpable. It was wonderful to watch two of her most favorite people openly in love and acknowledging what the feeling was for a change. She wanted to be jealous, wanted to be envious but she couldn't bring herself to. They had endured much and deserved their happiness. She picked up the lavender scented soap and began to scrub herself. She could still smell the scent of the operating room long after she'd finished up, an unavoidable occupational hazard. She had thought to tell Brian and Justin the reason she'd moved back to the Pitts but didn't want to ruin their moment in the sun. Knowing Brian he would have probably hired a hit-man to kill Stephen and with the way Daphne still felt about him, she wouldn't have been adverse to the idea. She laughed lightly remembering when she told Brian that her name wasn't Dexter but sometimes she wished it was that way she'd have the courage to at least chop his balls off for lying to her and his wife.

Drying herself off, she reached for her clothes, wobbling a little while doing so. That had been happening frequently especially when she was excessively tired. There were also dizzy spells and the occasional regurgitation of liquid when she refused or didn't have time to eat. It didn't make sense but everything else was normal. She just needed to get more rest and maybe she would take the weekend off to do so. Since landing the job at Allegheny General, she'd been at the hospital more than at the house she was paying the mortgage on. Damn why the hell am I so tired? Just slipping into her sneakers seemed a trial to her. She grabbed her jacket off the hook, cell phone in hand poised to dial Justin as soon as she made her way toward the parking lot.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Melanie Marcus was finally able to get off work. She handed case after case off to her subordinates in the hopes she would only be gone a few days and could get back to Toronto after collecting her wayward wife and son, to complete the case of her career. She was tired of playing phone tag with Lindsey- well really more like no tagsince she would call and Lindsey would not return it. Since she had taken the car and the emptied the money out of her personal account, Melanie couldn't even fall back on that money since Gus' college fund was no longer available. As she was loading J.R. into the car, she received a heavy placket she still had yet to open. The only address on it was from a William Eldridge in Pittsburgh; someone she didn't know or care about. Things with Lindsey had gotten way out of hand. Usually when they argued it was only for a few hours and then Lindz was right back home, especially if Gus was with her. Because of Lindsey's defection with the family car, Melanie incurred another expense renting the one she drove into Pittsburgh- a city she had no intention of ever visiting again, having avoided Debbie's repeated attempts for them to come down from Canada. Sure Debbie visited, but Melanie wouldn't and cajoled Lindsey out of visiting as well. She didn't want to be anywhere remotely close to Brian Kinney and his machinations or his influence over her wife. Instinctively she knew that's where Lindsey was...up under Brian's thumb again.

"Mama, are we going to see Dad while we're here?" J.R. asked from the backseat. She had been sour with Melanie since Gus and Lindz had been gone.

When Melanie would try to explain the situation was only temporary, she would roll her eyes, suck her teeth and challenge Melanie's version of the truth. Melanie acknowledged she had every right to be upset. What child accepted change of any kind at any time? But it still didn't change the fact that J.R. held her completely responsible for Lindsey's defection. What was worse was that Melanie had to leave for work later and leave work earlier because of J.R.'s schedules. When Melanie had asked the gallery owner if Lindz had been to work, he informed her that she hadn't worked there in a little over a month- around the same time she left home.

"We'll try to see him, honey. I don't know if he's in town. Uncle Ben had a book tour and I'm not sure if they're back. I know they went to London but I'm not sure where else." J.R.'s noncommittal grunt was the only response she'd gotten as she always did after Melanie would answer her questions. Beyond that, there wasn't any conversation, at least not from J.R. There was plenty to her in which she would either pretend not to hear or answer with a blank stare. "Are you looking forward to seeing Gus and Lindz?"

"I am. I miss Gussie and Mommy," J.R. answered. Yeah...me too. "What are we doing here?"

Melanie pulled into the nearest parking space she could find. The lot was overfull which usually meant Brian was in conference. She hoped he was. "I have to ask Uncle Teddy something important, honey. Do you want to stay in the car or come in?" J.R. silently undid her seatbelt, opening the door and closing it a little harder than Melanie would have liked but she didn't push the issue.

Entering the lobby, it looked and smelled the same as the last time she entered the vaunted halls of Kinnetik. It still had the fresh paint smell emitting from the charcoal gray walls, the lighting was bright but never overpowering and the buzz of faraway voices and phones droned. It catered to four of the five senses intensely and effortlessly unless one could taste the success literally filling the air. The Justin Taylor Original painting enhanced the entire space providing a palpable sensuality. The business was more than thriving; it was a living breeding ground of creativity and innovation. She had to hand it to Brian- his success was hard-earned and well-deserved.

Approaching the security desk, she gave her name while showing her ID which was mandatory protocol. She advised J.R. to sit in the lobby and not to move as she disappeared behind the frosted glass leading to Teddy's office. Her steps, although muted by the grayish beige carpet, felt no less heavy than if she was walking the green mile to death row. She silently admitted that it had been wrong to take the money and give it to Rita, especially without speaking to Lindz about it but it wasn't like Gus was going to need it right away and Rita needed to move into the home for Seniors before the last room went. The house her cousin lived in for more than twenty years drained her finances even more than it was supposed to and it was getting harder and harder to explain the diminished paychecks to Lindz.

Music pumped the photo studio across the hall from Ted's office, sounding like the inside of Babylon. Ordinarily she would have made some snide remark but she couldn't think past her purpose for being there and the fear of running into Brian Kinney- a face she definitely didn't want to see at the moment. She let out a sigh of relief at finding Ted in his office alone. As usual his face was buried in a large ledger while he tapped away on the keyboard, lifting his head ever so often to remove a line or add a new one. She couldn't remember how many times prior to her relocation to Toronto she'd seen him thus.

"Cynthia, I'll have the portfolio done in a matter of minutes so can you tell the Almighty Kinney to keep his pants on?"

Melanie chuckled causing Ted to stop typing. "That would be a new one for Brian," she said laughingly. "And I would deliver your message if I was Cynthia."

"Mel, hey," Ted said rising out of his seat and embracing her at the same time. "What are you doing here?"

He let her go so that she could sit down in one of chairs in front of his desk. He closed the door, taking his own seat in the process. His office was the only staid room in the building yet it still spoke of the seductive elegance matching the rest of the decor within the building. His degrees hung on the light brown colored walls above the built-in bookcases. His massive mahogany desk dominated the room yet it didn't feel cluttered. The Tiffany lamp she'd given him as a gift for his one year anniversary clean and sober, stood tall on his desk. Looking at Ted thriving in the environment of Kinnetik, no one would have known he'd overcome a severe crystal meth addiction which he still refused to talk about. The malaise almost destroyed years of friendships that had meant everything to him. But he did. His skin held the healthy and happy glow of a man who'd gained his self-respect back, earned the respect of those around him and had the love of a good man. In short, Teddy looked well and for that she was grateful. She shook herself out of her reverie to address the problem at hand.

"Ted, you know why I'm here. Lindz hasn't been back to Toronto and I need to know what my options are. How much danger am I in if I'm unable to recoup Gus' college fund?"

He took a deep breath before answering and she had a feeling the news would be far from encouraging. She was right. "Mel, the biggest problem you have is if they decide to sue. Since- for some reason that is still unfathomable to me- you never went through with the formal adoption of Gus, technically you stole the money. You know that because you're a lawyer. The best advice I can give is that you talk to Lindz and see if she's willing to accept a payment plan."

"I will talk to her but not for that reason, Teddy. I miss her and so does J.R." Melanie jumped out of her seat to pace in front of the desk. "We've argued about money before, Ted. In fact most of our arguments have been about that but this time it was about Brian's involvement in our lives. Granted I know that if it wasn't for his support, we would have floundered financially long ago but that doesn't mean I have to like that he still has an influence on her and Gus. Even J.R., who was once sweet-natured has become a little Kinney by default. I can't get rid of the motherfucker for anything. So I asked her to sever the relationship- nothing I haven't asked in the past."

Ted held up his hand to stop the tirade he knew was coming. "Melanie, you have never asked Lindsey for anything...You demanded and cajoled but you never asked."

"But that doesn't mean I didn't have a right to, Ted." She threw herself back into the chair. "We were supposed to be an alternative family which means two moms- not two moms and a dad. This is not a polygyny relationship but it might as well have been."

"If that's how you feel, Mel, then why ask her back? She's not going to give up a friendship that quite honestly was there long before your marriage. In fact if you think about it, you never would have gotten together in the first place."

"Yes we would have," Melanie answered indignantly.

"Melanie, I was there. Remember? In fact if I remember correctly, Brian was responsible for you finding out her name, the first time you danced, the first time you fucked and-"

"Alright, alright already, Ted. Geez! So Brian fucking Kinney is a goddamn saint." She rolled her eyes. "He's also been responsible for many of our difficulties. She takes up for him even knowing he was wrong."

"But he took up for you when you were wrong and cheated on Lindsey with what's her name," Ted reminded her.

"He's involved himself in many of our arguments, taking her side or forcing her to make a choice between he and I. She always chose him."

"Of course he took her side, Mel. They were friends long before you were born to her. However, Brian has never been the type to just involve himself like Michael does. If he offers an opinion or a solution, it's usually because he was invited to and you know that. Besides, he was also responsible for your first wedding, even in getting Lindsey to remember what was important in spite of her parents' approval."

"Who are you and what have you done with Theodore Schmidt? Jesus, Teddy, you sound like his fucking cheerleader."

"Look, Mel. I am the first to admit Brian is far from perfect. In fact I'm more inclined to point out his imperfections and lack of morality more than most. But what I will say is that this was not his fight; he didn't involve himself in your problems. In fact, he tried to get Lindsey... you know what-you should really talk to her," he said.

"You don't think I've tried, Ted. She won't answer the phone. I thought she would have gone to stay with her parents but her father wasn't even aware she was in town. Her mother and sister are off doing God knows what and where. Gus' number isn't connected anymore and the friends in Toronto that have heard from him, won't give me the information because he asked them not to. When I asked them why, he told them that his mother asked them not to. What the fuck, Ted? It's like she's running from me or something."

"Maybe she's just not ready to deal with it all, Melanie. You know how Lindz is better than almost anyone except probably Brian." At her protest, he held up his hand. "Look whether you like it or not, that's the reality. Brian knows Lindsey as well as you do. Perhaps you should talk to him first." Ted shrugged.

"No fucking way. I don't want to hear anything he has to say. This is all his fault."

Ted shook his head in response when a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Cynthia walked into the office.

"Brian said I you don't have the figures in twenty minutes, you're fired," she said laughingly.

Ted chuckled. "He fires me just about everyday but since security hasn't shown up to throw me out, I think I'm relatively safe for now." Returning his attention to Melanie, he said, "Talk to him, Mel. He maybe the only person who can get you the results you want."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Come on. Let's christen my office again," Brian said as he attacked Justin's neck with a renewed resolve to seduce him.

"No matter how much I would love to, we're supposed to meet Daph for lunch," Justin said laughingly and breathless from both arousal and trying to fight off the hands of the most gorgeous attacker ever invented. "Oh God-" Justin moaned.

Brian laughed softly against the special spot behind his ear. "Do I need to remind you what name you should be calling right now?"

"Uncle Brian..." A small voice interrupted their interlude and caused them to jump apart like two naughty kids caught by their parents.

"J.R. Darling, what are you doing here and where's your mother?" Brian asked.

"She's visiting Uncle Teddy. Can I talk to you?"

He offered her seat on the couch across from the conference room. Justin still sat against the desk eying the two of them with a look of puzzlement and foreboding creasing his eyebrow.

"Now what can I do for you?" Brian settled himself next to her.

Despite what Melanie thought of him, he and J.R. had become friends especially during his last trip to Canada. Wherever he and Gus went, J.R. tagged along and he honestly adored her as much as he did Gus-although he wouldn't tell her that. She was the best of both Melanie (intelligent) and Michael (innocence-or what used to beinnocence anyway) but she also had a healthy dose of Lindsey's ability to see all sides to any situation.

She bit her lip as if contemplating her answer before she spoke. "Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course I can and so can Justin," answered he answered the ten-year old whose eyes were downcast.

She looked at him directly. Her bottom lip trembled and Brian waited patiently as she decided whether or not to trust them. Her eyes shifted to Justin, who also waited patiently. Brian could see the moment she decided to confide in them."I don't want to stay with Mama anymore," she said quietly.

Justin gasped and Brian issued a warning look toward him which settled him. He knew the conversation he had to have with her wouldn't be easy and that it might not bode well for any of them within the office. He had told her that she could come to him if she ever needed help but he never expected the type she asked for. "J.R. that's for your two mothers to decide. Have you spoken to either of them about it?"

"No. I can't talk to mama about it. In fact, I don't want to talk to her at all because she drove Mommy and Gussie away. But I don't want to be in Toronto without them and I don't think they're coming back there."

Brian nodded. She was always an astute child so he couldn't and wouldn't lie to her. "No they aren't but have you asked your mama about moving back to Pittsburgh?"

Again J.R. shook her head. "Anytime Mommy would speak about moving back here, they would have a fight where you were always talked about. Gussie and I would be caught in the middle. He would always get Mommy to come back but this time it was worser than ever."

"Worse," Brian gently corrected her speech. "How was it worse this time?"

"Other than mama breaking the vases, she said some pretty mean things about you and about Gussie. She said she never formally adopted him. What does that mean, Uncle Brian?"

Brian and Justin looked at each other, the brief look of shock registering between them. They both remembered the events of the past where at first Brian wouldn't give up his parental rights. Then Lindsey was going to marry a fellow teacher who was about to be deported during Lindsey and Melanie's first break up. Brian had struggled with the idea of formally giving up his claim to his son. Justin laid all the facts out for him and essentially pointed out that he loved his son enough to give him the best life possible, including the benefit of a loving two-parent household so he'd signed the papers and presented them to Lindsey and Melanie. The stipulation was they had to give their relationship another chance and that he be allowed to see Gus from time to time. J.R.'s revelation sent his world spinning for more reasons than one. Looking at J.R. again, he said simply, "It means Uncle Brian has some pretty big decisions to make, J.R. but that's something different and not for you to worry about. Now back to you...is it that you want to stay with your dad?"

She rolled her eyes then and it almost made Brian laugh especially considering how he was feeling about Michael, too. He'd done his fair share of eye-rolling whenever his name had been mentioned in the last month, too. "I don't know him- not really anyway. I see him only once a year but Grandma Debbie comes to visit a lot. So no. I don't want to stay with him either. Only Mommy and Gussie. You and Justin can come too if you want."

Brian chuckled. "Thanks for the invitation and maybe we will." He sobered quickly as he heard the commotion just outside of his office. He would recognize the voice of Melanie Marcus anywhere. "Listen, J.R." When she turned to face him fully he spoke very clearly. "You have to go with your mother." When she began to protest, he held up his hand. Once she quieted, he said, "In the meantime, I have some work I'm going to do for you, okay?" She nodded so he continued. "First, I'm going to ask your Mommy to call you. Even though she is mad at your Mama right now, she would still want to speak to you. Then I'm going to arrange for you and Gus to see each other because I know you miss him. The other stuff that I have to do, I can't tell you right now."

"Why not?"

"Because it has to be a surprise but you have a job to do, too. Wanna know what it is?" She nodded again so he leaned his head closer conspiratorially. "You have to behave yourself. That's it. Be respectful to your mama. If she ask you a question, answer it nicely. I know that you aren't happy but you still have to be nice to people and that most especially includes your mama, okay?"

"Okay," she answered sighing lightly. He almost laughed because he understood the sentiment. Melanie could be a trial to deal with.

"Promise?" He pushed further.

She wrinkled her nose in response before she said, "I promise."

"And we never make promises we can't keep right?"

"Yes, Uncle Brian. But you promise that Mommy will call me, right?"

"Yes I do and don't worry J.R. Sometimes things just need a little time to work themselves out, okay?"

"Okay." She jumped up hugging him just as Melanie stormed into the room.

"Let go of my daughter," she demanded.

He did as she asked. "Nice to see you, too, Melanie. Where did you park your broom?"

"J.R., honey it's time to go," she said deliberately ignoring his comment. "Say good-bye to Brian and...Justin, what are you doing here?"

Justin put on his biggest smile and directed it towards Brian. "I'm back for good even though I'll still be traveling between New York and the office here in Pittsburgh."

"Don't tell me you're actually giving up your career to be with this asshole," she said scathingly.

His smile didn't diminish one bit when he said, "I don't consider it giving up anything. In fact, I've gained everything I want."

Before Melanie could answer back, J.R. cut in the conversation. She looked back and forth Brian and Justin. "Do you still want me to be nice to her?" she asked ingeniously.

Justin almost passed out trying to keep a straight face, whereas Brian snickered before blanking his features. "J.R., remember what we talked about. She is your mother and she deserves for you to be nice to her."

"But she wasn't nice to you or to Justin," she said.

Brian went down on his knee before her. "That doesn't matter. You cannot control what everyone else does or says, J.R. and just because someone chooses to be mean, does not mean you have to be mean, too. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Uncle Brian, I do. You will keep your promise, won't you?" Her lip trembled again.

"Yes," he answered. She nodded and turned toward the door.

"What did you promise her?" Melanie demanded to know.

"That's none of your business. It should be enough for you that she isn't throwing a tantrum." Rising off his knee, he went to stand by Justin deliberately slipping his arm possessively around him. "Now, get out of my office." He buried his head in Justin's neck who in turn lifted it to allow full access. He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the door close behind them.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"You handled that well," Justin said sighing as Brian went back for that special spot in his neck.

"I was always good with kids but then you should know that," Brian answered laughingly. Justin began to tickling him as the intercom within the office beeped. Fuck! Was there no rest for the weary? "What is it, Cynthia?"

"You're not going to believe who is standing in front of the security desk."

"I'm waiting with baited breath. The Pope, the President of the United States? If it's St. Joan or her worshiper, Claire tell them I have no bananas for the circus they usually bring when they come to my office."

"None of those, Brian and stop kidding around. Does the name, Kip Thomas ring a bell?"

Brian thought a moment. It was vaguely familiar but Justin remembered right away. "You're fucking shitting me, Cynthia," he said. "What the fuck is he doing here?"

Cynthia directed her answer towards Brian although she knew Justin could still hear. "Remember that new hot shot I told you Vance hired, Brian? Well Kip Thomas is it."

"Wait. He hired the little asshole who was trying to sue me for sexual harassment all those years ago?" Brian asked holding in the laugh that threatened to bubble up.

"One and the same."

"Well get rid of him," Brian demanded.

"No don't," Justin said quickly. At Brian's puzzled look he said, "He came all this way, you should at least hear what he wants. Besides you taught me in business that to be forewarned is to be forearmed. I think that rule applies here."

Brian looked at him closely but in the end he just shrugged it off. "Fine, Cynthia, show that Lil' Shit in." He clicked off the intercom. "This had better be worth it otherwise you'll pay for it later."

Justin kissed him quickly. "I'll look forward to the punishment."

They separated upon hearing his outer office door open; Brian returned to his seat behind the large desk, Justin still standing in the place before it. "Why are you standing over there? Come here."

Justin smilingly shook his head. "If I come back there, I'll be tempted to blow you up under the desk."

"All the more reason why you should," Brian returned quickly causing Justin to give a sharp bark of laughter.

The inner door opened to admit Kip Thomas. He still looked the same as he did before except his hair was black instead of the lackluster color he'd had when both Brian and Justin laid eyes on him although Brian didn't know about the latter.

"Mr. Kinney, I'm not sure you remember me," Kip began only to be cut off.

"Yeah, I remember you. What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Mr. Vance suggested that I introduce myself to you since according to him, we'll be going after some of the same accounts." Kip began to reach around the desk to pull the chair out from behind the desk but his way was blocked. "Oh excuse....what the fuck are you doing here?"

Justin just stared back with a slight smirk on his face. "What? No ‘hello?' Or ‘how have you been? I've been great. Thanks for not asking. As to what I'm doing here, you're standing in my partner's office. I wanted to make sure you couldn't accuse him of anything this time but knew he couldn't refuse the meeting without tarnishing his reputation. You're good at trying to destroy those, if I remember correctly."

"I wasn't aware he had a partner of Kinnetik."

"He doesn't."

Brian looked back and forth between them. "It's evident the two of you know each other but how?"

"This little shit was the reason, I didn't continue pressing charges against you which I should have. Because of him, I lost ground whereas I could have been sitting where you are."

Justin laughed. "First, you could never be sitting where Brian is. You were always meant to work for someone else. From what I've seen of your work, it is still mediocre compared to his and mine," Justin said before he cleared his throat. "Secondly, the night you went to the loft, I had just left. Thankfully, he has a remarkable recovery time otherwise he couldn't have fucked you." Justin told the lie only to prove a point. He remembered asking Brian to go to Babylon with him and Brian said that he had to work, which technically was the truth. It was supposed to be an informal brainstorming session for Liberty Air- an account Brian had won back when Vanguard was called Ryder Advertising. Kip had other ideas and Brian wasn't one to turn down a chance to fuck back then. At Brian's puzzled look, he said, "You know how my innate curiosity is, Brian. I had to know what he looked like. Truthfully he reminded me of a weasel then and actually he still does."

"You picked him up," Brian said a slow smile forming on his lips.

Justin winked and smiled smugly. "Yep. Two days before I turned eighteen. I couldn't let you lose your job and even though I never intended for you to find out, you have thanked me many, many times over the years."

"Well remind me to thank you again later." Brian chuckled but sobered quickly. "Now, Kip. I know that you know that there is no way we'll ever work together. Nor will you win any account I choose to go after. Your work is good but...well mine is better. Our ideas are completely different and even if they weren't, you're not me. So I think this meeting is concluded, don't you?" Kip began speaking as Justin's cell phone rung. Brian's attention immediately shifted to the pale look across his face. "What is it?"

"Is she alright? I know you can't give me too much information but...you know what, never mind. I'm on my way."

"What's wrong, Justin?"

"It's Daphne. That was the hospital. They found her passed out next to her car in the parking lot."

"What the fuck?"

"I know, Brian. I have to go."

"I'm coming with you," Brian stated. "One more thing. Kip, get the fuck out of my office and don't come back. The next time you do, I'll have you thrown out- head first." Brian waited until the dark haired man stormed out of his office before he left locking the door behind him. Cynthia wasn't at her desk when he passed her office so he dialed her number on his way to the car. Justin was already in the front seat buckled in, shaking his left leg as he always did when he was on edge. He lit up a cigarette as Brian threw his jacket in the backseat of the car. "Cynthia, Justin and I are on the way to the hospital. Daphne...no, we don't know what the situation is yet. I'll call you when I know. In the meantime, the idiot who just left here. Under no circumstances is he to come back here. He's definitely not allowed in my office or the art department for any reason. Let Charles and his staff know immediately. I don't trust his ass as far as I can spit. I'll let you know later what he actually wanted. First and foremost though let the security guard at the front desk know and ask Charles to have the guys upstairs run a video, still it and capture the photo to be plastered at the front desk. I will not tolerate mistakes but especially in the matter of Kip Thomas." Brian started the car and immediately backed out of the parking spot. He floored the engine understanding that time was of the essence.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Colby sat in the Liberty Diner listening to one particular conversation which peaked his interest when a loud red-head with a bubbly personality offered to refill his coffee.

"Haven't seen you around here before, stranger?"

He put on his brightest smile addressing her while still listening to the conversation going on in the booth directly behind him. "New in town, Ma'am."

"Pfft...don't call me ‘Ma'am,' I'm not that old. The name's Debbie. And you are?"

"The name's Colby, Debbie."

"Holy shit. That accent of yours can make a woman really forget herself, Colby."

"Aw, Princess, stop it or I may have to sweep you off your feet to make you forget more," he said adding a little on his natural brogue. As Debbie moved away, he couldn't help but shake his head and laugh. She was charming-unlike her whiny little son who was currently sitting behind him detailing the meeting he'd had with Brian and how Justin had threatened him if he didn't mind his own business.

"Well Michael, if Brian is telling you that he knows what he's doing, shouldn't you respect his wishes? It is his life and whereas I know you care, really you're interfering in a relationship between two men. Two stubborn, belligerent men who are tired of denying themselves to please others. Look, remember when we first started dating and your mom was totally against it because I'm HIV positive? Remember how you felt then?"

"Yeah but that was different, Ben," Michael answered.

"Different how exactly? If I remember correctly, you told her to mind her own business. It was right around the time she started dating Carl and told you to do the same. It's the same principal, only the players changed. And frankly I really don't understand your issue."

"Justin always used Brian, Ben."

"From where I've been sitting on the sidelines of the Brian and Justin show as well as the Brian and Mikey show, Brian is perfectly capable and more than willing to do exactly as he pleases even at the risk of alienating others. So what's the real reason you can't except Brian and Justin's relationship for what it is?"

"And what's that?"

"None of your business," Ben answered. "Look. If you keep up what you're doing, you're going to drive an even deeper wedge between you two. Is that what you want?"

"Of course not but-"

"There are no ‘buts,' Michael," Ben said sternly. "It is his choice just like I was yours; just like Horvath was Debbie's. Leave. It.Alone." Ben moved out of the booth at the same time Colby decided to make his presence known.

"Long time no see, Stranger," Colby said facing Ben.

"My goodness," Ben said moving forward and embracing Colby with a kiss on the cheek both laughing and smiling in greeting. "What are you doing here? It's been...what fifteen years?"

"Ah more like twenty and you still look like the young lad I remember," Colby said, pleased that Ben looked well and healthy. He remembered the good times they shared during college and beyond until they'd parted ways.

"Likewise. So seriously what are you doing here?"

"I recently moved into the area to be closer to my cousin who is the only family I have that I care about. You remember how uptight the rest of those bastards were."

"Ben?" Michael stood there staring back and forth between the two tall men.

"Oh sorry honey. Colby this is my ...my husband, Michael." Ben said.

Colby almost burst out laughing at the slight hitch in his voice; like he'd forgotten all about Michael for the brief time they had been speaking. "Nice to meet you, Michael," Colby said soberly.

"So how do you two know each other?" Michael asked, smile in place but Colby could here the edge in his voice.

I should let the little fucker wonder. "We actually went to Penn together many, many moons ago."

"Oh that's good. Don't you have a lecture to get to, Ben?"

"Yeah. I actually do. Hey since you're staying in town and all, why don't we get together for drinks later this evening. Say about seven at Woody's?"

"That works for me," Colby said brightly. "What about you, Michael?" He looked down at the little man from his advanced height. Ben was a moderate six-foot-three but Michael's height topped out at Colby's elbow. The mental imagery almost made Colby cackle aloud.

"I can't tonight. You know I'm supposed to help mom with redecorating since Emmett is in New York with Drew and Carl will be home tomorrow. But hey you guys go ahead and if I finish early, I'll meet you there."

"Okay then seven it is," Ben said cheerily leaning in to give another hug to Colby. He could feel the tension radiating off of Michael as he stood watching the exchange. Finally backing away he let them pass only to be confronted by Debbie again.

"Listen you charming son-of-a-bitch, as long as you remember that Ben's my son-in-law and I'm a lioness when it comes to my cub, you and I won't have any problems. We clear?"

Colby bent down to look her directly in her blue eyes. "Crystal," he whispered and leaned in to buss her cheek. He was gratified to see the blush on her cheeks which took the bite out of her warning. He gave a final wave as he left the diner, dialing Cynthia's number as he walked toward Kinnetik.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I'm taking my own freedom, putting it in my song

Singing loud and strong

Grooving all day long

I'm taking my own freedom

Putting it in my stroll

I'll be high-stepping y'all 

Letting the joy unfold

I'm living my life like it's Golden*

Lindsey Petersen was making a comeback. She couldn't remember a time she had ever been happier, except perhaps the night Gus was born fifteen years ago. Thanks to Justin, she had purpose and was doing what she loved to do and she didn't have to compromise her wants, needs and opinions to do it. As his personal assistant in Pittsburgh, she earned a hefty salary- enough to live her life, pay her bills, take care of Gus and put money into the account to help with J.R. which was legally her responsibility due to third-party adoption. Even though Melanie never filed the adoption papers for her son, she had filed them for Jenny Rebecca so Lindz was tied to Melanie through her daughter. She didn't mind that so much as J.R. was a loving child and truthfully she spent more time with Lindsey than she did Melanie anyway. She thought about her often and if there was one regret in the whole episode, it was that she couldn't see J.R. without returning to Toronto because Melanie would never bring her to Pittsburgh.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Lindsey made her way to her favorite spot on the property by the pond, sketchbook in hand. The beautiful part about her job was that it allowed her to indulge her three favorite pastimes in addition to raising her son in peace and no arguments. When Justin ran behind on projects, Lindsey worked them using the blueprint he set before her. It was the same with Amy in the New York office- who was an artist as well as the office manager. When Justin was unavailable to take a meeting, Lindsey went in his stead which sometimes allowed her travel outside of the state. Because Brian lived nearby, it wasn't a problem in terms of Gus' school and sports schedule. Although Emmett was in New York for the interim, she and he Skyped regularly in preparation for opening the Justin's art gallery in which there would be an emerging artist exhibit- his way of paying the opportunities forward the way Lindsey and others had done for him. The more she worked with him, the more she understood the man he'd grown to be and the more she realized how perfect he and Brian really were for each other.

Her cell phone rung as she made herself comfortable on the new Brian had put in when he'd furnished the house. Justin in turn furnished Daphne's although the poor child barely spent any time in hers.

She cheerily answered. "Ironically, I was just thinking of you."

"I shudder to ask what you may have been thinking," Brian sardonically replied. "But listen up because there are a couple of things you need to know."

A loud piercing alarm rang in her ear along with a message over the PA system announcing "Code Blue." She instantly went into panic mode. "Brian, are you okay? Where's Justin? Oh my God, why are you at the hospital?" The instant quiet made her more nervous. "Brian? BRIIAAAN?"

"I'm here. Damn it, you didn't have to shout. Thank you for the fucking headache I'm going to have for a week."

"Well next time, answer when I call you," she answered huffily. "Now what is it you need me to know?"

Brian unexpectedly chuckled at her response causing her to respond in kind and roll her eyes even though he couldn't see. "Have you spoken to William Eldridge today?"

"Not yet. He said the divorce papers would be delivered this morning- one set to go to the house and another to go to Melanie's office."

"Okay. Well Melanie is in town and so is J.R. Apparently, Mel had some business with Ted- probably trying to figure out her options now that we both know that Gus is not legally her child and she basically stole the money no matter how well-intentioned to put it back."

"That sounds about right, but what of it? We both agreed that we weren't going to press charges."

"That was the intention and it still is. But that isn't the issue you really need to be aware of. J.R. confided in me and Justin that she doesn't want to stay with Mel anymore especially since you and Gus are not there."

Lindsey sighed deeply. "That puts a completely different spin on things, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it does. What you need to do is ask Eldridge what rights you have and decide what you want to do. The truth of the matter is that you and Melanie are both her parents- Michael shouldn't even have a say since he's barey there but there's a good possibility it will end up being a situation like when she was first born. Which is the main reason you need to know what you're dealing with and quickly, Lindsey. If you're absolutely sure things cannot be worked out- which honestly they can't be since you've sent the divorce papers- then you need to secure your place in J.R.'s life and protect her and yourself. Don't forget, you have a stable home and job now but you also have a hefty salary to match."

"So what should I do?"

"Uh-huh, Lindsey. I'm not going to tell what to do," Brian said. At her silence, he continued. "But if it were me, I would think of this in terms of business and leave personal feelings out of it. Now I know that's hard to do because you're a cwazy wesbian but that's the real of it. You have to protect your interests and that includes J.R. to an extent. Just remember, no one stays clean in custody hearings nor divorce. Oh and I did promise J.R. that you would call her. So that's the first thing you have to do...even though you're not going to be happy having to go through Melanie to get to your daughter. Believe me Broom Hilda was none to happy today."

"Okay," Lindsey sighed heavily again. She did not feel like dealing with Melanie but she did want to speak to J.R. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way...why the fuck are you at the hospital?"

"Justin and I are fine but we're waiting to hear regarding Daphne. Apparently, she passed out by her car and no one knows why. They're running test now so we're waiting. Justin has practically threatened everyone and God, if someone doesn't get answers for him soon. Her parents are unreachable so since she listed him as the emergency on her personnel file, he and I are the only ones here."

"I'm on my way. In the meantime, I'll make the calls."

Lindsey disconnected from Brian and called their mutual attorney. William Eldridge was one of those smart people who could have been a mass murderer if he was into bombs. Brian often called him a genius in terms of interpreting the law fully and correctly. In addition to family law for high-profile clients, he also specialized in Corporate Law and dabbled in Criminal Law. The man was a veritable font of information at only thirty-five years old. She left a message on his voice mail knowing he would call her back as soon as he could. She stared out over the still water of the pond. What did she really want? Financially she was stable and even if J.R. lived with her she still would be. She could opt of an arrangement like the one originally in place for Gus, where J.R. would visit during the summer and every other holiday but would that be enough? The only other option would be for her to seek full-custody of J.R. and that would literally break Melanie's heart although Lindsey had been the full-time parent for both Gus and the little girl from the time they moved from Pittsburgh. Besides Melanie would never be willing to compromise anyway. Then there was Michael who paid his measly child support and visited once a year. Brian was right about the possibility of it becoming a three-ring circus again.

She dialed Melanie's number hoping it would just go voice mail. No such luck.

"Lindz, where are you?"

"Hello to you, too, Melanie. I just called to speak to J.R., is she around."

"Talk to me first."

"I would rather not, Melanie. I said all I needed to before I left. Now I just want to speak with our daughter."

"Lindz, look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for any of it to happen and I didn't mean any of it."

"Apology accepted but don't delude yourself into thinking you didn't mean any of it, Melanie. It wasn't the first time and I know it won't be the last," Lindsey snapped.

"Honey-"

"Don't you dare call me ‘honey,' Melanie. You know what...I don't want to do this with you. I can make that choice now and I am. Now can I please speak to J.R."

She heard the resignation in Melanie's voice as she called J.R. It was a relief to hear her voice. Lindsey listened as J.R. detailed everything from her studies to her soccer tournament and how the trick shot that Gus taught her worked like a charm-all of the things Lindsey would have heard daily if she had been there.

"When are you coming home, Mommy?" J.R. asked.

"I have a new home now, sweetheart. Maybe some day you can come and visit."

"But I don't want to visit...I want to stay," J.R. said like the ten-year old she was.

"That's something that has to be decided between your mama and I and it won't be decided immediately, Love. But in the meantime, I will try to work out a schedule to see you while you're here in Pittsburgh okay?"

"Okay," she said quietly.

"I have to go now but I will talk to you again soon, okay?"

"Promise?" J.R. asked.

"I promise, Darling. Bye now.

"Lindz? When are you coming home?" Melanie asked before she could disconnect the call.

"I'm not, Mel. My life is here now. My attorney will be in touch about a possible visitation schedule for J.R."

"You know you really have no rights," Melanie said spitefully.

"Well now see, that's where you're wrong, Mel. Whereas you don't have any rights where Gus is concerned, I am considered an equal parent thanks to your immediate filing of the adoption paper. Would that you had been that diligent when it came to my son. But that is two tears in a bucket now, isn't it?"

"Why are you concerned with why I didn't file the fucking papers now? It's because of him, isn't it?"

Lindsey laughed. It was always the same argument with her. "You know, Melanie, this is really pointless and Brian has little or nothing to do with what we're arguing about but as always you make it about him. You know what...I said I wasn't going to deal with this right now and I won't. I'll be in touch to speak to J.R. soon, Mel." And Lindsey disconnected the phone softly singing the lyrics to Bon Jovi's "It's My Life," while traversing the graveled walkway leading to her house.

And it's now or never

Cause I ain't gonna live forever

I just wanna live while I'm alive

My heart is like an open highway

Like Frankie said I did it My Way

I'm just gonna live while I'm alive

Cause IT'S MY LIFE!**

Golden- Jill Scott, Anthony Bell*

It's My Life- Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Max Martin**