BRIAN, JUSTIN & MICHAEL (Brian’s POV) I did exactly what Eve said I should do. I walked in the Diner at 10:30 Sunday Morning Sonny Boy in my arms. I saw Justin behind the counter. He looked up when the bell jingled over the door. Gus spotted him and started calling his name before we could get through the door. “Jus’n, Jus’n I come to eat wit you!” I saw the smile spread across Justin’s face. The one thing he couldn’t resist was Gus. He met us half way and lifted Gus out of my arms. Gus wrapped his arms around Justin’s neck. He looked so good. Justin always looked good. “Hi Brian,” he said shyly. “Your usual table is ready.” I sat down as Justin settled Gus on his booster seat. He ruffled Gus’ hair and made him giggle. “I’ll be back with your coffee, paper and juice for Gus.” And that was it. No fireworks. We just sorta picked up where things left off. Yeah, there was still a little awkwardness but not so bad. Justin brought my coffee, Sunday morning paper and Gus’ juice. He left the table and a few minutes later he was back with our breakfast. He sorta hovered around us. I figured it was because I had Gus with me. All I knew was that Justin was speaking to me civilly. I was so engrossed in trying to keep Gus from being completely covered in syrup I didn’t pay attention to the in and outs of the diner patrons. I heard Deb squeal *Michael* and looked up to see him. Deb wrapped him in her Mama Bear hug. He spotted me, untangled himself from Deb’s hug and made a beeline to my table. Great. Now Justin would avoid my table. Michael slid in beside me and kissed me on the lips. “What brings you to the diner. I thought you had stopped coming on Sunday’s.” “I was only on hiatus,“ I teased. “Sonny Boy was hungry and he wanted to see Justin.” “Oh,” he said dryly. I could tell Mikey didn’t like my answer. He pulled out some photos and started showing them to me. At least this time I was interested. They were pictures of Gus with Abe. There were a series of them. As I was looking at them my cell telephone rung. I looked at the caller ID. It was Stockwell. This guy just didn’t believe in *off the clock.* He thought I should be available to him 24/7. “Mikey can you watch Gus for a moment I need to take this call. *Privately.*” “Sure Brian take all the time you need.” I walked out the diner flipping open the telephone. Working for Stockwell was beginning to feel like I’d sold my life for a piece of gold. Believe me the price wasn’t worth it. ------------------------- JUSTIN & MICHAEL (Justin’s POV) I watched Brian walking out the diner talking on his cell phone. Gus was calling my name. “Jus’n. Jus’n.” I went over to the table and sat down next to him. As much as I didn’t want to be in Michael’s presence I couldn’t leave Gus when he was calling my name. “I’m here Sonny Boy,” I said ruffling his soft chestnut hair. “Finish your breakfast.” “’Kay Jus’n.” He went back to eating. “I don’t know why he is so attached to you,” Michael said peevishly. “But he’ll soon get over it. Now that Abe has been born I’m spending more and more time at Mel and Lindz‘s.” I looked at the peevish expression on Michael’s face and wondered why he disliked me so much. “Sonny Boy and I will always be friends.” I told him. “Well it will eventually fade. Now that you are no longer a part of Brian’s life. Now that his little infatuation with you is over.” “Brian and I are friends. We will always be friends.” I insisted. “You and Brian were fuck buddies. Now you are just acquaintances. I’ll admit you lasted longer than anyone else. Mostly because you wormed your way in with my Mom, Mel and Lindz. If it wasn’t for that Brian would have kicked you out for good when you ran away to New York. If my Mom hadn’t threatened him he wouldn’t have followed you to New York.” I guess he saw the look of surprise on my face. I always thought Brian had followed me on his own. Not because Deb had threatened him. I could see the pleased expression come over Michael’s face as he realized I hadn’t known that bit of news. He snorted derisively, “If it wasn’t for people forcing you on Brian he would have left you long ago. But that doesn’t even matter now. You see you have only been a fuck buddy to Brian. Two willing holes to satisfy his lust. I’m much more. I’m his best friend. For almost 16 years I’ve been Brian’s BEST FRIEND. Now we have something even more binding between us. Gus and Abe. Our sons are brothers. Nothing or no one can change that. We share a bond that no one will ever be able to share. Or to come between. Especially not a piece of *Blonde Boy Ass,*” he sneered. “You were nothing but an interlude for Brian. Maybe he enjoyed you while you were around but you have been short lived. Brian will never forgive you for leaving him for your greasy haired fiddler. NEVER! You did the one thing that Brian can never forgive. He gave you all he had to give and you lied to him, fucked around on him and embarrassed him in public. Do you think he’ll ever forgive you for that!?” All I could do was stare at Michael. He was right. So right. I would never be anything to Brian other than an interlude in his life. What was 2 years compared to the 16-year friendship he had with Michael. Now they shared fatherhood together. Their sons were brothers. Nothing and no one could come between that. Michael was going to make sure of it. AND Michael was right. I cheated on Brian. I lied to him. I fucked around on him and I embarrassed him in public. How could he ever forgive me for that? How could he ever trust me again? I wanted to cry. I sat looking at the self-satisfied smirk on Michael’s face. He knew he’d hit home. That everything he said to me had hit the target. I didn’t even hear Brian when he walked up. He was sitting at the table before I acknowledged his presence. He looked from my face to Michael’s. He could tell something was wrong. I stood up and excused myself. Brian grabbed my hand. “What’s wrong Justin?” I looked from Brian to Michael. “Nothing Brian. Everything is fine.” I pulled my hand from his and walked away. Suddenly I was sick to my stomach. BRIAN & MICHAEL (Brian’s POV) I turned to look at Mikey. I knew he had said something to upset Justin. “What did you say to him?” I asked. “ And don’t lie. I know the look on Justin’s face. He is upset about something. Something you said.” Michael gave me his puppy dog innocent look. His big brown eyes and his cute little button nose had long stop looking innocent to me. I’d learned the hard way where Justin was concerned Michael could be mean. Very, mean. And Jealous. “I just told him the truth.” He said innocently. “And the truth *IS?*” Michael let out a weary sigh, “I just told him that you and I had been friends for over 16 years and now we share a bond no one else could ever share with us. Our sons are brothers.” “Actually that’s not true.” I watched Michael’s face fall. I saw a chance to help Lindz and Mel. More I wanted to help Lindz. At the moment I didn’t’ much give a shit about Mel. Plus this was a chance to put Mikey in his place. I wiped Gus’ hands and face off and called to Justin. “Justin can you come watch Gus for a moment?” Justin hesitantly walked over. Gus was reaching up for Justin before he could get to our table. “Sure. He can help me bus a table. I’ll let him have the tip.” Gus was clapping. “I work wit’ Jus’n, Da da.” He reached for Justin. I waited until they left the table before I started. “You’re wrong Mikey. Our sons aren’t brothers. They are just two boys living under the same roof being raised by the same women.” “That makes them a family.” Michael persisted. “WRONG. That makes them roommates. Gus and Abe aren’t brothers. They don’t share the same DNA and since you won’t relinquish parental rights so Lindz can adopt Abe, They don’t share the same parents. Lindz isn’t Abe’s parent therefore he isn’t Gus’ brother. Gus and Abe are nothing more than two little boys living together. If Lindz or Mel breakup they won’t even share growing up together.” I could tell Michael was stunned by my revelation. He was also speechless. Good. It would give him something to think about. Hopefully he would do the right thing. Allow Lindz to adopt Abe. “I’m not like you. I love my son. I want to play a part in my son’s life. I don’t just want to be a weekend Dad. LIKE YOU!” His insult didn’t rattle me because I knew differently. “I love Gus. I have since the first moment I held him in my arms. As for Weekend Dad? I pick up my son every weekend to spend time with him and I stop by at least 2 or 3 times a week to see him. Mikey I pay over 5 times what you do in child support each month. I love my son so much to assure he would have a stable, happy family life I relinquished my parental rights so Mel could adopt him. That was the only thing that saved their relationship at the time. You do remember that don’t you?” “Yeah,” Mikey said quietly. “I love Gus so much Mikey I put aside my pride and gave him what he needed most. A happy family. That doesn‘t mean I‘m not his Daddy. Gus knows I‘m his Daddy. He loves me. A piece of paper won‘t change that. Giving up parental rights to Gus was the greatest gift of love I could give him.” I stood up and threw a few bills on the table. “That’s what a real father would do.” I walked away and left Mikey gaping at me. ----------------------------------------------- MEL& LINDSEY (Lindsey’s POV) I had bathed both Abe and Gus and put them down for the night. Mel as usual had brought work home leaving dinner and bath time to me. To say that I was getting tired was an understatement. Things had to change or I didn’t know how our relationship would survive. I went down to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of wine. I was tired. Two children were tiring. Gus was so active now. He was three and into everything, asking questions that sometimes to be honest I had no answers to. Mel came in and poured herself a cup of coffee. “I decided to take a break. The boys settled down to bed,” she asked absently. She was reading a brief as she talked to me. “Yeah. It would have been nice if you would have found the time to kiss them good night before they went to sleep.” She let out and exasperated sigh, “I was really busy Lindz. This case is complex. I just got a little engrossed and didn’t realize the time.” “Mel sit down we need to talk.” “Can this wait till later?” She asked looking up from the brief she was reading. My tone was firm. “No it can’t. It has waited long enough.” Mel knew the tone. She knew that when I used it I meant business. She grudgingly sat down. “Mel this isn’t working.” “What isn’t working?” “Our life as it is right now. Tonight when Brian brought Gus home you insulted him right in front of Gus. That has to stop.” “Oh, is that what this is about. You don’t want Brian’s feelings hurt. I keep forgetting how much he means to you.” I hated when Mel’s petty jealousies and anger surfaced. “Yes, Mel. I do care about Brian. I always have and I always will. You need to accept that. But right now I’m more concerned with our son. I don’t want him to live in a household where his Father is put down and insulted. Gus loves Brian. If you continue to berate Brian around Gus eventually Gus will come to resent you. Is that what you want?” Mel tried to interrupt but I wouldn’t let her. I held my hand up to silence her. “Mel you have selective memory as far as Brian is concerned. Let me remind you of a few things.” I started counting things off on my fingers. “If it wasn’t for Brian you and I might not be together now. I might be married to Gui and you would be who knows where. Brian was the one that pulled our friends together to assure that we had the wedding of our dreams. When Ted lost his job jacking off to porn at work Brian got him a job at his office. If it wasn’t for Brian’s generosity in a birthday gift Mikey wouldn’t have his comic book store. He sold the gift Brian gave him to buy it. Brian provided the front money to launch the RAGE comic book. He’s paying for Justin’s tuition although they are no longer together. He picks up Gus so I can spend time in the Gallery on Sunday. He signed that $1,000,000 insurance policy to insure Gus’ future. Mikey hasn’t done that for Abe. Say what you want about Brian, but he has been good to all of us. I’m tired of listening to you down him when you should be singing his praises.” Mel was quiet. I knew I was hitting a sore spot with her. I could see her trying to formulate an argument. I didn’t give her a chance. “I will not allow you to build up Mikey to Abe as you tear down Brian around Gus. If that is the way things are going to be perhaps we need to rethink our relationship. Our living arrangement. I will not have Gus living in a household where his Father is berated and ridiculed around him. It is cruel for a child to grow up like that. The next time you want to berate Brian remember this--if it wasn’t for his kindness you would not be Gus’ legal guardian. Brian showed how much you and I AND mostly Gus meant to him by giving up his parental rights so you could adopt Gus. That is more than I can say about Michael. The next time you want to ridicule someone perhaps you need to take a look at Abe’s father. Another thing Brian no longer has parental rights to Gus yet he pays almost five times the child support that Mikey pays. And last Mel. You wanted another child. Yet Abe spends more time with the Nanny and me than he does with you. That needs to change. You need to start spending more time with you son. Abe is more important than any case you are working on now or in the future. Abe should be your priority. Not winning some legal case. I love you Mel and I want our relationship to work. But it won‘t unless you start paying it as much attention as you do your legal cases.” I stood up and walked to the door. I spoke my last words without turning around, “If things don’t change Mel, I don’t think our relationship is going to last.” As I walked out the kitchen Mel used her trump card. “If you think about leaving me remember I have legal guardianship over Gus. You have none over Abe. If we break up I’ll take Gus. I have every right to.“ I took a deep breath before I turned around to confront Mel. “You used that threat before Mel. So let me reiterate what I told you then. I’m Gus biological Mother. You’re just a legal guardian. Who do you think the judge is more likely to reward custody of Gus? And I am Gus primary care giver. I always have been. You are just the woman that pays the bills. And Mel if I have to I’ll go to my parents. I’ll marry some WASP guy my parents pick out for me and pretend to love to lick, suck and fuck dick. Who do you think a judge will award custody to…Gus’ biological mother and her husband or Gus’ dyke legal guardian?“ I knew my arguments were hitting home. I could see the fear in Mel’s eyes. She tried to hide it but it was there. “My parents are very influential people in this state Mel. They have many important friends. Remember that when you try to take my son away from me. And if we do end up in court Mel. You’ll be your worst enemy. You have this very abrasive personality and quick temper. Where as I am sweet and easy to get along with. I’m not afraid of you taking Gus from me Mel. It will never happen. Don’t push me and don’t threaten me again. The next time I won’t be so forgiving.“ I made sure that she understood this would be the last time we had a conversation about her taking Gus from me. I walked out the kitchen leaving Mel sitting at the table. EVE & VIC (Vic’s POV) It felt good being with my baby girl. She’d grown up to be a stunning woman. An intelligent loving and caring woman. Eve wasn’t beautiful in the classical sense of the word but she was a *real looker.* Tonight as we had shopped for tonight’s dinner ingredients I’d noticed how men and women had looked at her. Of course the fact that her picture was plastered all over the Pitts was one reason the other was she had this magnetism that just drew people to her. I saw several men and a few women give her their number. She sorta reminded me of what it was like to be out with Brian. Not that I spent that much time with him, but the few times I’d been at Woody’s or the diner I’d seen how the guys cruised him. I had cancelled a date with Rodney to spend time with Eve. It was her first night back from New York. The bruises on her face had completely faded. She didn’t seem to be suffering any after effects from the ordeal. She was happy and smiling. Her usual self. This house was so big. Eve only utilized a small portion of it. When I broached the subject to her she said eventually the space would be needed. I smiled. I could see Eve marrying and having children. Although she did tell me that first night that she would never marry. I was hoping one day she would make me a granddaddy. Our dinner tonight consisted of grilled salmon and vegetables, chilled citrus fruit and I‘d made Eve’s favorite Chocolate, Carmel, and Coconut cake. She’d thought it up when she was 5 and for seven years I’d baked it for all her special occasions. It was a chocolate cake with caramel in between the layers, chocolate frosting with coconut sprinkled on top. “So, how was your trip?” I asked. An indulgent smile spread across her face. “I got lectures about my *choice* of companions. I had to promise Nana that from now on I’d make sure that you or * Brian* met my potential dates before I actually went anywhere with them. They have never met Brian but they think of him as my Knight in Shinning Armour. Of course Grandfather called him while we were in New York and they spoke on the telephone for over an hour.” “Do you know what they talked about?” I asked. “Probably protecting what’s left of my virtue,” she bemoaned. I found myself laughing at the faces Eve made as she related the conversation between her Nana and grandfather. “So, what else did you do?” “Saw a few plays, museums, musicals and shopping. Lots and lots of shopping. Nana thinks shopping cures whatever ails you.” I couldn’t help but tease, “From all the packages I saw you should be cured for life.” Eve’s throaty laughter filled the air. I loved her laugh. I loved seeing her happy. “You are so right. How are you doing Daddy? Is everything all right with you?” I wanted to tell her about my HIV status but I didn’t. There would be plenty of time. For that later. “I’m fine Angel Cakes. I just missed my little girl.” That earned me another one of her smiles. “Well, your little girl won’t be making any more trips until June. That’s when Nana, grandfather and I go on our annual summer trip.” “I’m glad you have a relationship with them. Everett and Allison would be pleased.” “It’s hard sometimes Daddy. When I think about the fact that they have never introduced me to their friends. Then I think about who they are and their friends. I know their friends know about me. People like my grandparents have access to information we could only dream of having. So, I know after all these years someone in their little circle has figure out where they go every June and who they see. Still they continue to come and see me. To call me every week. That makes me realized that they love me.” I went over and hugged her. “You are a very special. How can anyone not love you?” She hugged me back. I had one more question I wanted to ask. “What is going on with you and Brian?” I held her face between my hands, “and don’t tell me nothing. A Daddy knows.” She gently moved my hands and walked away from me. I thought that she was going to tell me to mind my own fucking business. She didn’t. Although she did seem to be weighing how much to tell me. “I have a crush on Brian.” When she saw the look of shock on my face she held up her hand to keep me from speaking. She must have known a warning was about to leave my lips. “I know it’s pointless. I’m not about to become a man and Brian isn’t about to start liking hetero sex. Still I find him attractive. He’s beautiful, intelligent, caring,” she laughed before she stated the next part, “and full of shit. I admire the HELL out of him. I think he gets a raw deal from everyone. I don’t think anyone gives him the credit he deserves. I don’t think anyone takes his feelings into consideration--about anything.“ She paused for a moment. “I like the way Brian treats me. He doesn’t treat me like I might break. He’s not uncomfortable around me. He doesn’t resent me.” I knew the last statement was about Michael and eve Mel. For some reason the two of them had formed a dislike for Eve. I didn’t like it but there wasn’t much I could do about it. “He’s my friend,” she said softly. “I love him.” The way she said it I knew it was trouble. I had to ask even if she lied to me or told me to fuck off. “Have you had sex with him?” I already knew the answer. It was something about the way Brian watched her and she watched him. The closeness they shared with each other. They were so comfortable with each other. I knew Brian loved Justin and was trying to get him back if albeitly I thought he should just seduce him and be done with it I still think he and Eve felt something for each other. Maybe like she said they were friends. “Yeah. Brian and I have had sex, but we were both high and it just happened. It won’t happen again Daddy and I prefer that this conversation stays between us. Please don’t say anything to Brian Daddy. PROMISE!” I responded to the urgency in her voice. So they had sex once. It was in the past. Eve didn’t seem to be suffering any ill effects. It was just a crush. I could see why the two of them would be attracted to each other. They had satisfied their curiosity. It would probably never happen again. I walked over and hugged my daughter. “I won’t tell baby. And I PROMISE I won’t mention it to Brian.” ------------------------------------ JUSTIN & ETHAN (Justin’s POV) I got home tired as hell. Kendra formally Kenneth the waiter/waitress called in sick so I did a double shift. I didn’t much mind while Brian and Gus were there but once they left the day was long. I was really excited to see Brian. When I looked up and saw him walking in the diner holding Gus I though my heart would burst. I’d really missed him. Yeah, I was still pissed about the whole Stockwell thing but shit my current boyfriend’s manager had him pretending he was straight and I accepted that. Why couldn’t I accept that Brian was doing business with Stockwell. It was just business. Everything was going good until Mikey came. I’m beginning to really dislike him. As much as I hate what he said he was right. I betrayed him like no one else. Took his money, lived in his home, ate his food, slept with him and fucked him all while I was cheating on him. Mikey was right why would he forgive me. Shit if the shoe was on the other foot I don’t know if I could forgive him. Then there was the fact that Brian and Mikey have been friends for over 15 years and now their sons were brothers. I couldn’t possibly mean anything to Brian now other than a convenient fuck. I know that Brian will fuck me. The day in the employees lounge proved that. But I didn’t know if it would be more than that to him. At the moment it didn’t matter. I was just too tired to contemplate the mystery that was Brain. I walked up the many flights of stairs and let myself into our cramped little apartment. I just wanted to get some sleep. I opened the door to the sound of Ethan’s recorded violin music. Candles were lit around the living room and on the dining room table. Ethan walked toward me completely naked and handed me a glass of wine. He kissed me on the mouth. “Welcome home. I thought you’d be tired so I ran you a bubble bath come on.” I let him lead me to the bathroom. I stood numbly as he stripped me, set my wine glass on the floor and we both climbed over in the tub. I leaned back against his scrawny chest as he slowly soaped my body. “How does this feel?” he asked. I closed my eyes picturing showers with another’s hands soaping my body. Large hands with long elegant fingers gliding over my skin. “How does it feel?” Ethan asked again. I was still thinking about Brian. “Like Heaven.” I muttered still caught up in my fantasy. “I have something for you.” I opened my eyes, turned to look at Ethan. “What?” He held out a silver band to me. I realized he was wearing one on his ring finger. “What’s that?” I ask stupidly because I already have an idea of what it was. :”It’s a commitment ring. I thought that it was time you and I had a symbol of our undying commitment to each other. So I bought these. They are sterling silver.” He held the ring so I could see the engraving on the inside of the it. “It says E & B forever.” He was smiling at me like he was presenting me with the *keys to the kingdom* whatever the hell that phrase meant. I really didn’t want this. To take this ring and slip it on would mean I was really committed to this relationship in a way that just staying together didn’t mean. It would mean I just couldn’t get up and walk away. I looked at the ring like it was a snake about to strike. I could tell from Ethan’s expression that he didn’t like my reluctance to accept his gift. “Justin I know that you have been upset about me pretending to be straight. I know that you almost died coming out. I know that you won’t out me but you won’t pretend to be straight I understand that. I just want you to know I understand how hard this is for you. Having to pretend that you are my cousin instead of my lover. Of not being able to attend concerts with me. This won’t be forever. Soon we’ll be able to be out in the open. Until then I want you to have this. As a token of my love.” When I made no move to take the ring Ethan continued talking. “You know every time I see you in that coat, scarf and gloves he bought you I’m insecure.” I gave him a surprised look. I never told Ethan where I got the coat, scarf and gloves. He gave me a crooked sad little smile. “I knew it was from him. Your Mom is making good money but I didn’t think she was making enough to buy you a $500.00 coat with matching scarf and gloves. I knew it was from Brian. It didn’t take much to figure that out. Plus he’s paying for your tuition. It didn’t take much to figure that out either. After I thought it over I realized there was no way your Dad would pay your tuition. That only left Brian. He’s given you so much monetarily. But nothing emotionally. He’s given you everything but what you really need and want. Love and commitment. That’s what I’m giving you with this ring Justin. My love, my commitment. You are the only one for me Justin. Only you.” I thought about what Mikey said in the diner. I thought about the parade of men that Brain slept with and would continue to sleep with. I thought about how I’d betrayed Brian for Ethan. This is what I betrayed Brian for. This is what I told myself I wanted. This is the life I chose. I held out my hand and watched as Ethan slid the ring on my finger. Mentally I could hear the bars being shut and the key turning locking me behind the bars. This should have made me the happiest Queer in Pittsburgh. It didn’t . A tear slid from my eye down my cheek. Ethan took it as a tear of joy. It was a tear of defeat. Utter defeat and heartbreak. Ethan wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. I was officially the unhappiest Queer in Pittsburgh. My interlude in Brian’s life had officially ended.