JUSTIN

It was 10:42 a.m. I was doing my shift at the diner. I’d checked my appearance in the men’s room mirror at least 5 times. I was wearing a blue and gray sweater the one that brought out the color of my eyes and hugged my body and a pair of jeans that emphasized my small waist and molded to my round ass. 

My hair had started looking a little unkempt. I had it trimmed a little in the back yesterday. I’d been wearing it longer since moving in with Ethan. I guess my dark clothes and longer hair were my way of moving on. A different look with a different lover. I raked my fingers through the long locks again to give it that windswept casual look. Then of course I had to run back to the men’s room to check and make sure I hadn’t fucked it up by running my hands through it. I was so pathetic. When I came from the men’s room Deb gave me one of her knowing smiles. 

I didn’t use to care how I looked or what I wore on Sunday. That had definitely changed. It all started right after Christmas. I was pouring coffee for one of our few Sunday morning customers‘. I heard the bell on the door jingle. I looked up to see Brian walking through the door. Needless to say I poured the coffee all over the table because I was so be shocked to see him. I watched him as I frantically tried to clean up the coffee before it spilled from the table on to my customer‘s lap.

Brian walked through the door like it was nothing out of the ordinary. Just walked in looking *fuck me sexy* in that nonchalant way of his. He paused by the door, took off his shades, looked around the diner and headed for a table. It was the first time I’d seen or heard from Brian since Christmas.

I watched as Brian walked to a booth. I loved to see Brian walk. It was so hard to describe his walk. It’s so damn sexy in a predatory sorta way. It was not just the long legs. Other guys had long legs. It was the way those long legs moved. There were really no words to explain it other than Brian’s walk was pure, raw sex. It didn’t matter if Brian was in an Armani suit or a t-shirt and a pair of 501 jeans Brian wore all his clothes with the same casual, predatory grace.

I watched him as he strode to a booth in the back of the diner and sat down. I was so shocked to see him I just stood looking at him. Drinking in his beauty. That was another thing. Brian was gorgeous. I mean Brian could wake up from a night of excess in drugs, alcohol, and sex with only 15 minutes of sleep and still be gorgeous. He didn’t need clothes or accessories to make him gorgeous. He just was.

Of course I thought about what I looked like. I hadn’t slept well the night before and my allergies were going haywire. My eyes were blood shot and I had dark circles under them. To add to that my nose was Rudolph red. I was wearing a t-shirt that Ethan had faded while doing our laundry. A pair of wrinkled khaki’s that were too big, a grungy pair of tennis shoes and I had barely run a brush through my hair. I looked like living crap. 

So, I’d just stood drinking in how gorgeous Brian looked and hating that he was seeing me at my *not so best.* I didn’t know how long I’d been staring at him before it registered to me that he was talking to me.

“Sunshine can I get some coffee?” he smirked raising his left eyebrow.

I guess that was when I realized I’d been staring at him. I ran over and poured him some coffee. He asked for the Sunday paper that I produced. I don’t even remember if I asked him what he wanted for breakfast or if I just brought it to him. I remembered that when we spent Sunday’s at home not so long ago when I lived with him I’d cook him four scrambled egg whites, wheat toast no butter, a bowl of fruit, usually some type of melon, juice and black coffee. That’s what I brought him that first Sunday he showed up at the diner. He ate his breakfast and read the paper. We exchanged a few pleasantries, nothing major and just before 1:00 p.m. he placed a $20.00 tip on the table and left. 

That day set our routine for the following Sunday. I was just as surprised to see him but a little more prepared than the first time. For one, I had taken some time with my appearance. Not much. I had just made sure my eyes weren’t blood shot, my nose wasn’t red, my t-shirt wasn’t faded, that my khaki’s were ironed, my tennis shoes were clean and my hair was neat.

After the first few Sundays I started to get anxious about 10:20 a.m. because I knew he would be coming. We’d set up a routine. After he walked in and sat at what I was now calling his table, I’d pour his coffee, give him his paper and go get his breakfast. It sorta reminded me of our Sunday’s when I lived with him with a few exceptions---no before breakfast, during breakfast or after breakfast fucking. When it came to fucking Brian was insatiable, but then again when I was with Brian so was I. It’s not like that with Ethan and me. Now once a day or three times a week is fine with me. Ethan complained that we are like some old married couple. Well maybe he’s right.

I was getting a little anxious. Brian was late. He was always at the diner by 10: 45 a.m. It was 10:55 am and no Brian. I was worried. I didn’t know why. Brian didn’t have to come to the diner for breakfast every Sunday. He could as easily stop coming just as suddenly as he'd started coming. Knowing Brian he was somewhere fucking a trick. I checked my watch again. It was 10:57 a.m. and still no Brian.

BRIAN

I’d started having breakfast at the diner on Sunday mornings. Mostly for the peace and quiet. Hell who was I kidding I was doing it to see Justin. He had the 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shift on Sunday’s. I found that out from Mikey. I started going to the diner the Sunday after Christmas. I just remembered waking up the Sunday after Christmas from a not so great night of fucking and sucking some nameless trick and I just wanted to see Justin. I missed fucking the one person that when the fucking was over I still wanted to be around him. So, I showered, dressed and went to the diner. Now on Sunday mornings no matter what time I’d dragged my ass home or kicked out the latest trick I always set the alarm for 9:45 a.m. I’d take a shower throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and be at the diner by 10:30 a.m. Sometimes I’d stay until Justin’s shift was over, maybe a little longer if Mikey dropped by. After the first few times Deb mentioned to Mikey that I was having breakfast at the diner on Sunday. She also mentioned it to the Munchers. They started stopping by with Gus and I’d hang around longer to spend time with my son but then again so would Justin. Of course after Abe was born the Munchers stopped coming by. There have been afternoons when Emmett and Ted came by and now even Vic and Rodney would drop in. I guess I started a family routine without even trying.

Maybe it was my imagination but it seemed as if Justin was always waiting for me to come in. The first few Sundays he seemed surprised to see me then a little nervous as he served me. Once he got over his nerves and awkwardness we sorta settle in to what I liked to call a routine. Before I could sit at my table he’d be by my side handing me the Sunday newspaper and pouring my coffee. I don’t remember if I ever placed an order. I just remembered Justin saying, “I’ll be right back with your breakfast.” And he’d come back with exactly what I wanted. Well, he didn’t come back with everything I wanted. Because if I had my way I’d eat, suck and fuck him for breakfast and the food would just be a side item. Unfortunately fucking and sucking Justin wasn’t on the menu.

On Sunday mornings the diner was pretty empty. The diners’ clientele were all probably at home recuperating from a night of overindulgence of drugs, alcohol, sucking and fucking. That first morning there were only about 10 customers in the diner. Not counting Justin, Deb and the cook. 

I settled back and started reading my paper and watched as Justin went about serving the other customers in the diner. I loved to watch Justin move. Watch the unpracticed sway of his hips; admire the way his jeans or khaki’s molded to the beautiful contours of his ass. And his smile. It could light up a dreary day. I guess since Justin had left me I was becoming sorta poetic. It was a little maudlin when I thought about it.

Deb had given me a knowing look when I walked in the diner the first few times. Now she just accepted and acknowledged my presence and went on about her morning. 

In between serving customer’s Justin would stop by my table to see if I wanted anything else with breakfast. We started out just exchanging pleasantries. “How are you doing? How are you feeling? Looks like rain or sun today.” We had finally moved to a more substantial and safe conversation. He’d tell me about his Mom, Molly and what Daphne was up to. Of course we touched on his courses at school, his art projects. He’d tell me about the new music CD’s he’d bought or movies he’d seen. I’d roll my eyes and berate his taste in music and movies. He’d usually laugh and make a reference about my age that I took in stride. Our banter had become familiar and easy. I looked forward to Sunday’s to unwind. Spending time with Justin mellowed me out for the coming week.

I was running late for my Sunday breakfast at the diner this morning. The Munchers had called just as I was getting out of the shower. Their regular baby-sitter was unavailable and they needed me to pick up Gus and keep him for a few hours. Lindz had been called in to work on inventory at the Gallery. Abe had stayed up all night whining and Mel hadn’t gotten but an hour of sleep. Lindz said she was totally exhausted and didn’t have the energy to run behind Gus. Of course I agreed to pick up Gus. I loved spending time with my son.
----------------------------------------------------

I walked into the diner at about 11:00 a.m. with Sonny boy in my arms. Justin was at the door to greet me before the bell had a chance to jingle and announce my arrival. “You’re late,“ he admonished reaching for Gus.

“Sorry, Dear,” I smirked. Justin rolled his eyes at me.

“Jus’n!” Gus exclaimed. Justin lifted him up in his arms. Gus giggled and wrapped his arms around Justin’s neck. “Me and Da da eat breakfast wit you, ‘kay?

“Sound good to me sport,” Justin, told him walking to the table with an arm full of squirming toddler. 

I wondered if Justin noticed that Gus looked more and more like me every time he saw him. Same dark hair tinted with reds and golds, same facial features, same greenish-gray eyes. Only difference was Gus’ openness. I don’t think I had ever been as open and loving as Gus was. 

Gus had on his *I’m a Big Brother* t-shirt and is Atlanta Braves Baseball cap. Justin laughed when he saw it and I frowned. Justin knew for Gus to have those items of clothing on and be with me he had thrown a major fit. I hated that baseball cap.

Justin stopped by the counter to pick up a booster seat and continued on to my regular table. I watched Justin and my son together. They were so comfortable with each other. Justin hadn’t stopped seeing Gus after our breakup. Lindz told me that every Friday Justin would come by the Gallery and pick up her car. Get Gus from day care and sit with him until she came home. She also said that Justin refused to take money for watching Gus. He told her that Gus was his friend. He’d never charge a friend to hang out with him.

Justin deposited Gus in his booster seat. “Okay sport. Let me go and get you some juice and your Daddy some coffee. I’ll be right back.” 

Justin tipped the bib of his baseball cap and affectionately touched my arm as he walked past. I doubted if Justin even realized what he’d done. 

Of course Justin brought Gus pancakes and eggs. I wanted to wring his neck for that. He gave me his mischievous sunshine smile and said: “It’s his favorite, Brian,“ then he sauntered away from the table his bubble ass swaying as he walked away. Watching his ass sway took my mind off my anger for a few seconds and firmly put it on my dick sinking in his tight pink puckered rosette of his asshole. I could feel the tight warmth of him encasing and contracting around my dick. Mikey’s whiny voice brought me out of my daydream. I looked at him and gave him a little smirk before turning my attention back to Sonny Boy and his breakfast. I knew how much Gus loved pancakes but he was just so messy. I spent more time wiping syrup off his face, hands and the table than eating my own breakfast. 

Mikey, Ted and Emmett had joined us at my table. I threatened to push them to the floor if they continued their PDA in my presence. It hadn’t taken them long to realize that I was serious. Mikey had spread pictures of Abe across the table and was regaling all of us with Abe's every, yawn, burp, spit up and baby poop. I didn’t know how much more of *Mikey the Best Dad In The World* I could take. Not to mention now that he had come in Justin was spending less and less time at my table. Of course Sonny Boy had gotten syrup on a few of the pictures that prompted Mikey to put them away. I reminded myself to buy Sonny boy a treat when we left the diner and to give Justin and extra generous tip for bringing him the pancakes.

I was just asking Mikey how long he had before he was expected at the Comic Book Store when the bell over the diner door jingled. I looked up from wiping another dribble of syrup off Sonny boys’ hand to see her walk through the door. I couldn’t believe how excited I got just seeing her enter the diner. She was back! I hadn’t realized how much I had been looking forward to seeing her again until that moment. Until I actually laid eyes on her again. She was visually stunning from the top of her elegantly coiffed head to the bottom of her well-shod feet.

Just as I’d thought she drew and held attention when she walked in a room. She stood by the door taking in the diner. She was wearing suede. A pair of tan suede pants with matching high-heeled boots and a suede coat that fell to her knees. The coat was opened to reveal a crisp white collarless shirt open at the throat and cut to a deep V to reveal just a hint of her impressive cleavage. The hem of the shirt stopped at the waistband of the suede pants. I imagined the pants buttoned or zipped on the side since there was no closure for them in the front. She carried a large multi colored suede drawstring bag on her shoulder. 

Eve’s neck was adorned with a three-strand smoky topaz and pearl necklace; matching earrings dangled from her ears. Her makeup was the bare minimum. Eve’s strong defined facial features, smooth skin and exotic beauty mark above her full sensuous lips didn’t require a lot of make-up enhancement. She looked just as I remembered, well maybe a little thinner and just a little tired. From what I’d heard from Vic the vultures had taken several pecks at her over the Reverend’s estate. Vic said she finally threatened to give the entire estate to charity if the relatives didn’t stop their bickering over who would receive what. Her threat had worked and she‘d been able to divide his estate among the relatives. 

Justin spotted her and like the Drama Princess he was he squealed her name and ran over to hug her. She hugged him just as enthusiastically as he was hugging her. Then Deb, Emmett and Ted joined in. Mikey didn’t move. Hugs and kisses were exchanged all around. They finally directed her towards my table. I stood with Gus in my arms and watched as she approached. 

“Hello, Angel Cakes.“

She gave me that enigmatic smile of hers. She leaned in and kissed me on the lips my tongue darted out to lick her full bottom lip and nip it playfully all without anyone noticing our byplay. The same electric static buzzed across my lips and body at her touch.

“Hello Kinney.” 

She smiled at me warmly her eyes burning into mine. She gave me an *I’ll get you for that* look. I tried to give an innocent smile. Innocent doesn’t work on me. She looked down at the squirming bundle in my arms. 

“Gus looks just like you. I see he likes my little gift.“

“He has terrible taste in clothes,” I told her.

There was that laugh of hers, sultry, erotic, deep and husky. “Hello, Gus how are you?”

Gus leaned over grabbed her face between his sticky chubby hands and since everyone else had planted a kiss on her lips he did too. “You pitty.“ Gus turned back to me and pointed at Eve, “Her pitty Da da.“

“Damn, I knew being raised by Munchers was going to ruin my son.” 

We all laughed. Deb ushered everyone around until Eve was sitting next to me, which pissed Mikey off even more than having someone take attention from his pictures of Abe. Emmett and Ted had been squeezed next to Mikey, and Gus who was instantly in love with Eve had taken a seat in her lap. Eve didn’t seem to be concerned about him soiling her white shirt or her Suede suit. Deb had made a call to meals on wheels to asked Vic to stop by the diner. She decided not to tell Vic that Eve was at the diner. She wanted to surprise him. 

Mikey got over his sulking when Eve showed an interest in looking at Abe’s pictures. Gus sitting in Eve’s lap kept pointing to the pictures and saying: *My lil’ brother.” Justin leaned across the booth over my shoulders his hair brushing against my face, his hands casually touching my shoulders as he looked at the pictures Mikey was showing. 

I felt as if my senses were on overload. Between Justin and Eve I wasn’t sure who to focus my attention on. The sexual wanting I always felt around Justin was in overdrive with his nearness, with his casual touches more so today than ever. I don’t know if it was because I was overly sensitized with having him and Eve right next to me touching me or if it was just this *something* I always felt around Eve. 

I still felt that jolt of awareness around Eve like I was waiting on something to happen. I didn’t know what I expected to happen I just knew that something was going to happen. And it wasn’t just sex. Hell I’d fucked women before. Plenty while in high school and college before I’d given up on the hetero facade and admitted that I was a 100% functioning Homo and loving every minute of it. Since I made that decision I’d never looked back. Never been interested or tempted to fuck a woman. So, fucking Eve wasn’t what the awareness I was feeling around her was all about. It was something else. Something deeper. The thing was I didn’t know if she felt the jolt of awareness. She didn’t seem to notice anything. She was always calm, cool, seductive and playful around me. But the truth be told she was like that around everyone. 

Justin finally moved away to go wait on a customer and Deb brought Eve her lunch although she lamented about how a bird couldn’t live off what Eve was eating. I didn’t find anything wrong with Eve’s lunch. A garden salad, oil and red wine vinegar dressing, bowl of fruit, bottled water and iced herbal tea sweetened with honey.

“You need to eat meat, get some protein,” Deb admonished Eve.

Eve took a forkful of her salad and whispered for my ears only, “I eat meat and get plenty of protein…just not off a plate.”

I almost choked on my coffee as she sat there looking perfectly innocent after making such an outrageous and sexually charged statement. Everyone looked at me trying to figure out why I was choking. Eve's innocent expression never changed.

“I just sipped it too fast,” I lied as I squinted a meaningful *I’m going to get you for that* look at Eve.

She just fed my son a piece of fruit and sat there with an angelic expression on her face. Something told me she'd perfected that angelic expression many, many years ago.

Deb told us we were having Sunday dinner at her house again to celebrate Eve’s visit and she expected everyone to attend. She even told Justin to invite Jennifer, Molly and Daphne.

“So how long are you staying, honey?” Deb asked as she smacked on her chewing gum.

“Well, Aunt Deb,” Eve hesitated as she looked around at the expectant faces waiting for her answer. “I’ve moved to Pittsburgh. I bought a house from Jennifer a few months ago and I’ve moved in. I’ve been here since Friday unpacking my things. Don’t kill me for not telling everyone sooner,” she winced as she waited for Deb’s explosion that of course did come.

“Why didn’t you call and tell us you were arriving Friday! Your Daddy is going to be pissed that you’ve been here two days! I would have made everyone come over and help you settle in. Your Daddy is going to be so happy that‘s after he’s through being pissed at you.” 

At this point I watched the water works start first with Deb, then Emmett and of course my own little Drama Princess Justin. 

“To think you’re here for good. The newest member of our family and you’re going to be staying on with us.” Deb put her hand on her heart. “It just makes me feel so warm inside. Come and give your aunt a hug,” she said stretching her arms open. 

Eve dutifully stood and obeyed. Holding Gus on her hip she leaned in and hugged Deb tightly. Then of course the Drama Queen Emmett had to hug and kiss Eve, then the Drama Princess Justin and finally Mr. Boring Ted gave her a hug. Mikey was the last to give her a hug and he did it reluctantly. I could see I was going to have to have a very long talk with Mikey.

It took about 15 minutes of hugs and all around *kisses and good cheer* but everyone finally seemed to adjust to the news that Eve was staying. Then it dawned on me that she said she’d bought a house from Jennifer. I remember Jennifer gushing about the Victorian house she’d sold and I took an educated guess.

“So, you are the buyer of the Victorian that needed the renovations?”

Eve gave me a smile of acknowledgement, “That’s me. Vic mentioned that Justin’s mother worked in real estate. She’s family. I needed a home I looked her up. I bought the property through my grandparents so Jennifer wouldn’t recognize me as the buyer.”

That elicited another hug from Justin. “Mom was so hyped about selling that house and the renovations were so extensive. Wow! I’d love to see the inside of the house. Plus with the commission she earned on the sale she took me to Nike town and the Gap to shop.”

“Well, give me a few weeks to get settled in and I’ll have a family dinner at my place then everyone can see the house,” she promised.

I noticed everyone congratulated Eve on the purchase of the house and was giving her advice about shopping, restaurants, bars etc but Mikey. He seemed to be a little quiet. He wasn't as enthusiastic about Eve’s move to Pittsburgh as everyone else. I figured Mikey was so used to having Vic and Deb’s undivided attention that it was really going to be hard for him to learn to share. Well, he was a grown man now with a kid of his own. Learning to share was part of growing up. Deb and Justin had to go back to serving customers.

Eve lifted Gus up and handed him to me. “I’ll be right back, Gus.” She leaned over to place a kiss on his cheek. 

His little chubby hands grabbed both sides of her face as he kissed her back. “Kay, Eve.”

“Where’s the ladies room, Kinney?“

“Why would you ask me? I don’t use it. You should ask Emmett,“ I smirked raising my eyebrow at him. “He’s the only one at this table that has ever been inside it.”

“Very funny,“ Emmett replied but told her where the ladies room was located. “It’s in the back. Third door on the right. I think you might want to leave your coat and you really shouldn’t sit on the seats.“

”Oookay,“ Eve said pensively. 

I could see her silently debating whether to use the bathroom or wait until she went home. She finally decided she couldn’t wait. She took off her coat and laid in on the back of the booth. As she walked away I watched her. Eve had a strong back, tiny waist and a beautifully rounded ass. Her pants zipped up the back. The zipper discreetly hidden but my discerning eyes found it. It split the twin globes into equal halves. I shook my head. Only women would put a zipper in such an inconvenient place.

I found myself watching the sway of her hips and the movement of her ass as she walked. I turned around and caught several other patrons- men and women watching her. As I said before. She was a woman that commanded attention. I was still wondering whose attention did she most want. Men or Women. I didn’t count. I knew what I was to Eve. A challenge. She saw her equal in me. Another predator. Eve and I would talk the talk but never do the deed. Fucking was not in our future. It would ruin this game of cat and mouse we were playing. As I looked back in the direction she’d gone I wondered which one of us was the cat and who was the mouse.