Ubiquitous Mr. Taylor-1 u-biq-ui-tous – existing everywhere – present everywhere at once, or seeming to be. Thanks to Judy for the bunny Dedicated to my friend Lois To: jtaylor@taylorandcompany.com From: dchanders@daphchanders.com Subject: moving on up I think it’s wonderful that you decided to give up your life of debauchery and come back home. Two years in Europe are more than enough moldy museums and ruined Churches. I mean really just because they sell well, doesn’t mean you have to paint every damn one of them. Men, paint naked men that’s what you should be painting. It’s been so long since I’ve seen one I almost forget what all the little bits are for. Damn it Justy why in hell do you have to be gay? We would have made beautiful babies once you figured out how to do it with girls. I’m assuming you’d get better with time. Not that I’m complaining, but I’ve since learned there’s more to it. Anyway, my third novel is out in a month and I start on the publicity trail once again. So I won’t be here when you arrive. You and Adam can stay at my place until you find yourself something. I think your mom has some lofts for you to look at. In fact there’s a cool building just off of Liberty Avenue that I think would be perfect for your gallery and for your loft. There are two rather large apartments on the second and third level and the bottom could be developed into a gallery such as Pittsburgh has never seen. Your mom has the info, so bug her about it. She didn’t think you’d like it because it’s so close to Liberty Avenue. You know your mom; de Nile isn’t just a river in Egypt. And bring me back some thing amazing and wonderful and bright and colorful. I loved that scarf you sent for my birthday. I’ve decided to give up men. They never work out for me. I’m not going to switch to women, I’m just going to be celibate for ever and raise cats, many, many cats. I’ve already bought shares in the Everyready battery company. I figure at the rate I go through them, I might as well. I did explain in my last letter that men suck didn’t I? And not in a good way. I sussed out the other galleries here and I agree that you can do better. For one thing your work is amazing as your bank account shows. I did switch those investments you wanted. And Justy, that picture of you in the Paris Globe was damn hot. You must have painted those pants on. I want to go with you to Babylon the night you wear them, maybe I can pick up someone who wants to switch when they can’t have you. Like that will happen, but I can lust, I mean wish. Oh and don’t forget to feed the cat. I did mention I started my cat collection didn’t I – that’s me, the little old black lady with a cat fetish. He’s kind of reclusive so don’t be surprised if he doesn’t like you. He only likes girls. Must go, I have another chapter to finish before I start packing. You have the key and the alarm code has never changed. It’ll be nice seeing you again. This email, telephone, letter thing is not all that personal. Love and hugs Daph Justin read Daphne’s latest email and laughed out loud. His long time friend never changed. She’d been that way since they’d first met in kindergarten and he loved her unconditionally. It was going to be great to see her too. He stood up from his computer and stretched. It would be nice to move home from Paris. The time difference alone played havoc with ever trying to phone anyone. He’d mostly relied on emails to keep in touch and they were never as personal as a phone call. Looking around the large and drafty loft that he’d used as both an apartment and studio for the past two years, Justin sighed. He was going to miss the drafty old place though he’d spent as much time away from it as he could. While he traveled Europe seeing everything and drinking in the atmosphere that the famous artists he’d studied had lived in. Daphne was right; it was time to go home. Justin had been exceedingly successful in selling his art while here. Between three gallery showings and five large private commissions, Justin would be returning to Pittsburgh a wealthy man. He thought back to his largest and most lucrative commission and smiled. Daphne would have loved it. She would have willingly been his dutiful apprentice just for the ambiance. He’d painted murals filled with naked men in every kind of sexual pose he could think of. Finally having to resort to the Kama Sutra for some of the more unusual positions. The men were all sizes and colors but with a delicious handsomeness to them that commanded attention from anyone who viewed them. The owners of the Quoin were so pleased with the end result that they doubled his already substantial commission. It was that large deposit in his bank account that helped Justin make the decision he’d been wrestling with for a few months. He was going back to Pittsburgh and he would open a gallery. Adam his friend from PIFA who had kept him sane for the four years he’d attended, landed at Justin’s studio apartment in Paris a month before. It was Adam who had suggested he open a gallery. Long talks late into the night accompanied by some righteous smoke and bottles of red wine while they relived the four years they’d been room mates at the dorms of their University brought them up to date with each other. Both of them had majored in fine art and minored in business administration. And both of them had families that objected to them attending PIFA though for different reasons. Justin’s father wanted him to attend Dartmouth, his old alma matter. He refused to believe his son had enough talent to make a living as an artist. And he was afraid that the effeminate artists who were known to attend this University would influence his already rather girly son. Not that he’d actually voiced this thought to his wife, but he’d certainly let Justin know. He’d been riding him about his choices since grade school. It was only Daphne’s friendship that kept the man from jumping to the correct conclusion regarding Justin’s sexuality. Daphne was always hanging onto his son. But Justin’s education fund had been begun by his grandfather when he was born and would be administered by his mother. So Justin was given permission to attend PIFA. Adam on the other hand, tall handsome and rugged, a rough and tumble jock kind of guy, loved fine arts. He couldn’t have been straighter if he’d tried. But he loved the arts. His father was convinced he’d be ‘turned’ once he’d met Justin. And he was also convinced that Adam would never be able to make a living with a degree in fine arts. It was that more than anything that made him resist Adam’s choice of school. Justin and Adam had become fast friends when they realized how much their father’s hated them attending the school of their dreams. Neither one minded that their sexuality was different. Their friendship was forged through their dreams of the future. “Hey Taylor get your head out of the clouds and your ass down here.” Justin grinned. It was Adam. He’d been helping him crate up his canvases. “Adam you know you’re the best one for this job.” Justin said as he bounded down the stairs. They’d been loading the crates into a container to be shipped. It was hard work more suited to the well muscled Adam than Justin. “I’ve been busy.” “You’ve been day dreaming again. Damn it Justy you need to get your head out of the clouds.” It was a familiar argument and meant in good nature. Adam had discovered the talent he had for drawing and painting ended at a mediocre level. But what talent he did have was in knowing everything there was to know about art. He was amazing in that and his knowledge was apparent to anyone who talked to him. Consequently he made a terrific sales person. Justin was counting on that. He’d hired his friend giving him a generous five year contract that would allow him to buy into his business at the end and become a full partner. “Adam do you realize that our dream is coming true. Daphne just wrote that she found us the perfect gallery. I’m going to email mom to check it out. And the best part is that there are two loft apartments over the ‘store’.” Adam started to laugh. The deep bass of his laughter echoing in the dusty loading area. “My dad is going to shit. His boy not only is a candy ass working in an art gallery, but he’s going to be living over the store. Do you know how hard my dad had to work to NOT live over the store? He is going to be so pissed with me.” “You don’t have to live there. But I bet we could fix the lofts up so they’re outstanding. And as for your ass tasting like candy, I wouldn’t know. Make sure your dad is aware of that.” Justin giggled. “But Daphne wouldn’t mind finding out.” “I told you Justy, I do not do blind dates. All these real great chicks you guys come up with usually are dogs. I don’t need a dog.” “Some day you’re going to meet Daphne and you’ll be sorry you missed the boat. She’s hot for a girl.” “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Adam laughed and shook his head. “Get moving Taylor I need some help here.” “Even though it’s going to mess up my manicure, I’ll help you.” Justin pushed up the sleeves of his sweatshirt and began to help his friend. “You are such a fag.” Adam joked. “You are such a straight boy.” Justin answered. The two of them were complete opposites in looks, but under their skin they were kindred souls. Two weeks later Justin turned the key in Daphne’s door. Adam had gone to his parent’s place until they closed the deal on the building that would house Clouds. Named because Adam was always saying Justin had his head in the Clouds. They’d been back in Pittsburgh for a week and Justin and Adam had been busy. Justin had put in an offer on the building that Daphne had discovered and it had been accepted immediately. The deal closed today and construction would begin to make the place a vision. They had employed another classmate who had gone on to become an architect. He’d been a steady fuck buddy of Justin’s through their University years and they had remained close friends. Kamal had started up a small architectural firm and he had been thrilled to be a part of Justin’s dream. His plans for renovating the second and third floor of the building into two dream lofts met with Justin’s approval though the plans were viewed a bit suspiciously by Adam who thought they were too ‘gay’. Something that Kamal and Justin would be sure to remind their friend of often. “Adam” Justin said when his friend answered the phone. “I heard from the shipping company, the paintings have arrived.” “That’s great. I don’t want them at Clouds until we get some organization into the place. We’ll work on the shipping and receiving room first. I can’t believe our luck in finding this place. Kamal said that the vault will be perfect and he can have it climate controlled for storage. The building had been a former bank and it had come complete with a walk in vault.” “I have the first set of plans here. I think I’m going to go for it. Kamal has a opened up the first floor to the basement. So we’ll use both levels for the gallery.” “Won’t it be like going into a dungeon?” Adam asked. “That’s the beauty of it. When I say he’s opening up the first floor, I mean just that. There will be an upper gallery and two sets of amazing stairs leading to the lower level. Nothing will be closed in. The main level will be like being in the clouds and the lower level will have walls and partitions in strong earth colors. You’ll love it.” Justin was looking at the prints in his hands ignoring the baleful eyes of Daphne’s Siamese cat who watched him from his perch on top of a bookcase. “And our offices?” “Well I’m going to put them on the second level. I think an office for you and one for myself. We need a reception area, but that will be on the street level. I’m going to put the lunch room near the receiving area. I think it should be on the same level as the gallery so that catering for openings isn’t a big pain in the ass. But I will have a meeting room on the second floor as well as our offices. It still leaves plenty of room for your fuck pad. Oh sorry, your apartment.” “You are such a heterohobe.” Adam laughed. “I don’t get nearly the action you do.” “Well not from lack of trying. You need to work on your pick up lines.” Justin laughed; he was always teasing his friend about his lame attempts to pick up women. “I’m going to the lawyers to sign the last of paperwork. Do you want to meet me at Clouds in a couple of hours? Kamal should be there then. We can do some heavy duty planning.” “Anything to get away from my parents, you’d think it was some kind of a crime that I’m almost twenty six and not married with two kids like my sister. I’m tempted to bring you home and introduce you as the little woman.” “Very funny asshole.” Justin shook his head which was a mistake as the cat who was fascinated by Justin’s rather long blond hair, jumped down on his shoulder causing him to shriek. “Issy got you again.” Adam roared with laughter. “Damn I love that cat.” “Fuck you” Justin snarled as he was attempting to dislodge the cat and hang up the phone at the same time. Finally knocking the cat off of his shoulder onto the sofa, Justin turned on him. Both of them had their blue eyes flashing. Justin with anger and Issy with the arrogance that only a Siamese can have. “Look you piece of mangy fur. Stop doing that or you are sooo going to be a very small rug.” If Justin never had a cat it would be too soon. Daphne needed to return soon before he strangled this one. Justin wanted to appear his best before his lawyer. He’d never used this one before, but she’d been recommended by his mother who had used her in a number of real estate transactions. He slipped on one of his Armani suits over a silk shirt of blue the color of his eyes. Looking into the mirror, Justin decided to leave two buttons undone at the neck of the shirt. He added his class ring it was one he’d designed and his first well paying commission and a gold bracelet. Not sure if he should and then thought why not, he was an artist after all, Justin added a sapphire stud to his left ear. He adored fine jewelry and indulged his passion for it when ever he could. It was time to find the downtown offices of Melanie Marcus. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Mr. Taylor, come on in.” Melanie greeted Justin when he’d been shown to her office. They shook hands and Justin took a comfortable chair in front of her desk. “I have every thing ready for your signature. It makes things a lot easier when a mortgage isn’t involved.” “Yes, I don’t want to be bothered with mortgage payments when I don’t need them.” He smiled at her and signed the papers where she indicated. “My partner is an artist.” Melanie began. “I was asking her about you and she says you’re rather well known in Europe. Of course I didn’t tell her why I was asking but I’m sure she must have assumed that you were my client. I hope you don’t mind.” “No I don’t mind. Why don’t you have your partner bring her portfolio over to Clouds. It’s under construction at the moment, but I’ll be there most days. I’d love to see her work.” “Oh, I didn’t mean, I … I wasn’t pushing Lindsay on you. I’m rather proud of her work. “ Justin laughed. “I don’t mind. I’ll need work other than my own in the gallery and truthfully, I prefer to sponsor local artists when I can. Maybe your partner, Lindsay is it, maybe she’ll be able to give me some insight into the local art scene. I haven’t been in it for two years.” “I’ll tell Lindsay that you’re interested in seeing her work, but I warn you, she’ll more than likely have our son Gus with her. He’s eight and passionate about art even now. He’ll want to come with her.” “Ahhh, a boy after my own heart.” Justin laughed. “I was like that at his age too.” “If you don’t mind my asking, do you have a wife or partner?” Melanie sat back at her desk. Business was over for now. “No, I’ve had lots of guys in my life, but between school, traveling and the fact you can’t trust men as far as you can throw them, I’ve never had anyone special in my life. Who knows, maybe I’ll find someone to settle down with here in Pittsburgh.” “Frankly I don’t know any gay men I’d recommend, but then recommendations from a dyke lawyer might not be the best thing.” And they both laughed. They could easily become friends; there was a trouble free rapport between the two of them. “I’ve never had much of a problem finding men.” Justin laughed. “The trick is finding a good one.” He stood up. “I’ll look for Lindsay in the next day or so and by all means, Gus is more than welcome to come as well.” “Thank you Justin, I appreciate it.” Melanie stood up and shook Justin’s hand again. “It was a pleasure doing business with you. I’ll have these papers filed and copies delivered to Clouds by the end of the week.” “That would be good. I have a manager in place for the gallery, but I’ll be looking for someone in a number of other areas. If you know of anyone send them over to see me.” “I’ll do just that. I know an accountant who is looking for a different job and I have someone in mind that might just be perfect for your reception area.” Melanie walked Justin out to the lobby. This time he gave her a quick hug before he left. Leaving her to bask in the wonderful scent of his cologne, it hadn’t been noticeable before, but when she’d hugged him it was subtly apparent. Brian Kinney was getting out of his car that he’d parked in front of Melanie’s office when he noticed her through the glass doors hugging a rather delicious man. He hurried without seeming to. Timing his entrance at the same time as the man who was leaving making sure that he brushed up against him. He too breathed in the scent of the young handsomely dressed blond. “Excuse me.” Brian said apologetically, hoping to start up a conversation. “Don’t worry about it.” Justin murmured and continued on out into the street. He was no dummy; he knew what the handsome panther on the prowl was doing. He smiled to himself. It didn’t matter whether it was Pittsburgh or Paris, the jungle animals were all the same. “Hey Mel, who was that?” Brian asked when he got inside. “That is none of your business Brian.” Melanie turned and headed for her office. “I have the papers ready you wanted but I’m afraid you’re too late for the bank building. It’s been bought.” “It was still for sale last week.” Brian threw himself down on her sofa. “I wanted that building to expand Kinnetik.” “Well it’s going to be an art gallery.” She smiled sweetly. She could have given Brian the heads up about the building the week before, but she loved it when he lost one of his battles. “Maybe the purchaser will let us lease a couple of floors.” “I doubt that. I saw the city variance papers. The whole building is being used.” “The Pitts doesn’t need an art gallery that big.” Brian snorted. “It’s probably some shady bastard who’s going to run a porn site or something out of the place.” “Don’t judge everyone by yourself Brian. Now sign the papers, I have another client coming in.” Brian reluctantly signed where Melanie indicated. He tried to read the files she had on her desk to see if he could discover the name of the client who had just left, but Melanie was too fast for him and turned the folders over. “That’s rude Brian.” She commented. “You wouldn’t want someone else snooping through you private paper work.” “Happens all the time.” Brian drawled but he stood up ready to leave, dismissing both Melanie and mystery man. Melanie watched the father of her son walk out the door. Brian would never change. She shook her head and began to work through some of the files on her desk. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin had stopped back at Daphne’s apartment to change into something more casual. The building he’d bought was a mess and it would be get much worse before it was better. Not only would Adam and Kamal be meeting him, but the construction superintendent as well. He wanted the renovations done quickly. Ignoring the entreaties of Issy for attention, Justin changed into a pair of tight fitting jeans he’d picked up in Paris. He loved the cut of French blue jeans, they knew how to show off an ass in the best possible way. He topped off his jeans with a silk tee that molded itself around the nipple ring he wore. But then he added an Armani suit jacket, loving the contrast between the soft wool of Armani and the crisp cotton of the jeans. Justin enjoyed the sensuality of clothing and he wore everything with that in mind. He checked his hair and then reached down and ruffled the Siamese head that persisted in following him wherever he went. “I’ll bring you back some tuna Isssy.” He told the cat before leaving the apartment to the music of the cat’s yowls. Justin parked his red convertible two doors down from what was soon to be Clouds. He hopped out not bothering to open the door. He liked the way his ass looked when he did things like this and he was well aware of an audience consisting of three men standing not too far away. With what could only be considered a strut, Justin headed for Clouds, disappearing through the heavy metal door of the old bank. “Oh, my, my, my.” Emmett commented when he got his breathing under control. “So not my type but delicious never the less.” “He’s my type.” Ted said. “I wonder who he is.” “Well he sure isn’t my type. He looks struck on himself completely. I hate guys like that.” Michael shook his head and opened the door to Kinnetik. “And Brian isn’t struck on himself?” Emmett said and laughed. “Honey where have you been all your life?” “Since he went into the building next to Kinnetik I’ll bet ten bucks Brian has him before the week is out.” Ted knew that the blond would never go for him, but he also knew that Brian would never be able to resist a tasty morsel like the blond next door. “Hell we’d have to be crazy to take that bet.” Michael laughed, soon joined by Emmett. “Boys, don’t you have anything better to do than hang around here?” it was Brian laughing at his three friends. “We were admiring the scenery.” Ted answered. “Yes, I admit the streets of downtown Pittsburgh are highly amusing.” Brian drawled. “Now why don’t you boys go play with the other children? Daddy has to work.” “Brian we wanted to see if you’d join us for a beer at Woody’s.” Michael was always trying to get Brian away from his office. “Much as I’d like to idle the day away, I do have a business to run. I might stop by later for a game of pool, but I have a client meeting in half an hour and work to do before then.” He paused and watched a tall strikingly handsome man stroll into the building next door, followed by another equally as striking. “I see what you mean by admiring the scenery.” “You should have seen the first guy. Now he was hot.” Ted licked his lips unconsciously and Brian winced. “I don’t need your recommendations Theodore.” “Well he was Brian.” Michael agreed. “Not that he was your type or anything, but he was not bad. Even Emmett liked him.” “High praise indeed.” Brian said tongue in cheek. “See you later boys.” He really wasn’t interested in what was happening next door, now that it didn’t involve him. As long as it wasn’t a shelter for homeless cats, he didn’t give a fuck what was going in there. Inside what was to become one of the better known galleries in Pittsburgh, Justin, Kamal and Adam were pacing out room layouts with the contractor. “It’s a big job Mr. Taylor.” The man said as he looked at the ruin that had once been a bank. “I know that Jack, but I want it done and fast. I don’t care if that means 24 hours shifts. I’ll pay I’d like the gallery completed within a month and that includes the offices and the first apartment. My studio and apartment can wait until you’re finished here.” “You’re talking at least double the contract price I quoted for labor.” You could hear the skepticism in the man’s voice. “I’ll sign a contract and see to it that you have regular draws as long as the work proceeds on time. In fact we’ll write in a bonus for early completion.” “Well then Mr. Taylor you have a deal.” The contractor held out his hand and Justin shook it sealing the deal. “I’ll have my lawyer draw up the contract and have it delivered to your office by tomorrow morning.” “I’ll order the material this afternoon and have a crew here first thing tomorrow.” Justin, Kamal and Adam watched the man leave. “It’s kind of exciting.” Adam said. “I can’t believe it’s really happening.” “I can.” Kamal laughed. “I’ve had to listen to our friend here for days and the changes, if there was one there was a hundred and one.” “You love the attention admit it.” Justin kissed his cheek. “Why don’t we all go out tonight? Have a three D night.” “Dance, drink and drugs.” They all said, once again University boys. “It’s my turn to choose the club.” Kamal laughed. “I want Babylon, I feel the urge to feel the beat.” “Shit are you sure it’s your turn. All those guys keep hitting on me.” Adam grumbled. “Smile pretty and tell them you’re taken.” Was Justin’s advice. It was always Justin’s advice to his friend. They’d had this argument off and on for six years. “We’ll go to a straight club the next time. I promise.” Kamal said with a grin. It was an empty promise as they always went to gay clubs. When it was Adams turn inevitably they’d end up at some kind of pub singing karaoke. Justin and Kamal didn’t mind that much, but it wasn’t their idea of a fun night out. “Babylon it is. I’m heading home I have to feed Daphne’s cat. I promised him tuna.” Justin gave his friends a quick hug and left the building. “Justin hates cats.” Kamal commented. “No it’s pussy he doesn’t like, cats are okay.” Adam and Kamal both laughed. They had some more work to do at Clouds before they could leave for the day. Justin sauntered out of his building. He preened in the sunlight a human version of a sleek blond cat. He was aware of how terrific he looked, his skin sun bronzed, and his hair blonder than usual from two weeks in the south of France. As he passed the windows of Kinnetik he glanced inside and saw the man he’d run into at his lawyers staring out. Justin winked and gave a half salute before moving to his car. Panther man was following him in one of life’s strange coincidences. Justin could learn to like big cats. He flashed the man a grin before getting into his car and driving away. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian watched the blond strut down the street and get into a red convertible. He flushed when the blond flashed him a smile. He snorted and turned away from the window. He had work to do. It was almost three hours later when Brian stood up and stretched. His meeting had gone well with the signing of yet another client. Maybe he would join the boys at Woody’s for a beer. It had been a long time. He arrived in time to see the blond leaving the bathroom a self satisfied smile on his face. He threw some money on the bar to pay for a shot of whisky. Said something to the barman before downing it and then left. This time when he passed Brian he winked before leaving. Brian shook his head. This guy was beyond belief. “Hey Brian, we’re over here.” It was Michael, he waved to his friend. “Hey Mikey.” Brian got a beer from the bar and headed over to the table. “What’s up?” “Not much, we were just taking bets on how many times that blond guy would get his dick sucked.” Ted offered. “I think he was alternating with fucking them.” Emmett said. “I can tell he’s a top.” “Nobody can go as much as this guy, well except you Brian.” Michael had a satisfied smile on his face. “I was almost going to take him up on it myself.” “Getting a little horny Mikey?” Brian asked. “You don’t have exclusive rights on fucking Brian.” Michael snapped. “We all like doing it.” “But do we all get lucky every night, that’s the question.” Ted said before he emptied his bottle of beer. “I do, but then why wouldn’t I?” Brian smirked at the three looking at him. “Well honey, you have to be running out of fresh meat with this one fuck only policy.” Emmett grinned. “Of course I haven’t had my turn yet and neither has Teddy.” “Brian doesn’t fuck his friends.” Michael said defensively. “For a number of reasons.” He saluted the three with his bottle, drained it and stood up. After seeing the blond today, he wasn’t interested in any of the boys in Woody’s he’d have to see what Babylon had to offer later. “Later boys.” Brian strolled out of the building and down the stairs. It was too early for Babylon, but he had to eat and change into his fucking clothes. Tonight was a night for celebration. Justin, sated if not actually satisfied, had been glad he’d stopped in at Woody’s for a beer or two. He’d forgotten the number of men who hung out in there early in the evening. Seeing Panther man had been the icing on the cake. That guy was hot and he was definitely making Justin’s return to Pittsburgh worthwhile. He loved seeing the sparkle in those green cat eyes. Speaking of cat eyes, two blue ones glared at him through the apartment window at Daphne’s when Justin approached the entrance of the building. He grinned at the cat and stuck his tongue out not caring if he looked foolish. He was late coming back with Issy’s dinner, but hell, he’d needed to get his dick sucked didn’t he. Surely Issy would understand well maybe he would have if he hadn’t been neutered. Justin winced as he thought of Issy’s surgery. He could hear the cat yowling behind the closed door. Why did Daphne have to have such a loud cat? It was a thought that he had frequently since staying at his friend’s apartment. “Hey Issy, you can shut up now. I’m home and I brought food.” Justin stepped through the door. “I hope it’s pizza.” Daphne replied and threw her arms around her friend. “I’m home.” “No kidding.” Justin grinned and kissed her thoroughly. “Damn you kiss good for a gay boy.” “Us gay boys are the BEST kissers in the world.” Justin took a deli wrapped package from the pocket of his Armani jacket and handed it to Daphne. “It’s tuna not pizza.” “Yuck, I’m ordering pizza, but Issy can have this. Holy shit you paid six bucks for this tiny bit of tuna?” “It’s good tuna. The deli guy said it was fresh.” Justin looked at the cat. “You know he’s going to jump on your shoulder.” “He does that all the time.” Daphne laughed. “He doesn’t use his claws, he’s very gentle.” “But he does weight ten pounds and if you aren’t expecting a ten pound furry budgie to land on your shoulder it’s rather unnerving.” Justin stared at Issy who looked at him and yowelled just before levitating to Daphne’s shoulder. She steadied her cat absently as she searched for the number of the pizza company. “You know I should have them on speed dial.” “You should eat better. Have you discovered that wonderful modern convenience called a grocery store?” “I’m too busy and I hate to cook.” She held a flyer aloft triumphantly. “There I knew it was in here somewhere.” “Daphne, forget the pizza. I bought groceries; I’ll make us something that even you’ll enjoy.” “I’m hungry now. I want pizza.” “I’ll give you pizza, but I’m going to make it and it won’t take any longer than if you had it delivered, but it’ll be fresh.” “Justy, even I know that pizza from scratch takes a long time.” Daphne was heading for the phone. “Go ahead, order your pizza, but I’ll be eating mine before yours gets here.” Justin headed for the kitchen. He’d made the pizza dough earlier in the day. The dough shell was already in the refrigerator waiting to be topped and popped in the oven. The vegetables and cheese were ready to add to the topping and the sauce was in a pot on the back of the stove. Justin loved pizza, but he loved his own better than anyone else’s. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Hey Adam, where’s Justin?” Kamal asked. The two had met outside Babylon. Justin was late as usual. “He’s coming; he called a few minutes ago. Daphne, his landlady is coming with him.” Adam looked uncomfortable under the lustful gazes of the men walking by. It was always like that for him. He was handsome to the point of being beautiful and had never come to terms with it. “Cool, I haven’t seen her in years. You were at home the last time she came to visit Justin at school.” “I remember.” Adam shrugged. “So what’s she like? Justin talks about her all the time.” “She’s wonderful, we go out every now and then to the clubs when she’s not too busy writing. I’m sure she puts some of the club scenes in her books. I know I’m in one of them. Cleverly disguised of course to protect the innocent.” He laughed. “You’ll like her. She’s straight you know.” “Just because she’s straight doesn’t mean I’ll hit it off with her.” Adam grinned at his friend. “You of all people know that.” “Yeah, Justin has fixed me up with some nice guys, but that’s all they were, nice guys. I’m hoping to meet someone hot tonight.” “Clubs aren’t the place to find boyfriend material.” Adam advised unnecessarily. Kamal was always falling in love and his love affairs rarely lasted more than a couple of days, though he did make it for a week once despite the teasing Adam and Justin had levied on him. “Hey” It was Justin and Daphne. Kamal and Adam turned to them. Adam was so struck by Daphne he couldn’t speak. “Hey Daphne.” Kamal hugged his friend and gave her a kiss. “You look amazing girl.” And she did as she stood on the sidewalk glowing with health and a dusting of some kind of sparkly powder. She was dressed in a short red dress held up with straps so thin they could barely be seen. “You just like my ‘fuck me’ shoes.” She laughed and stuck one leg out for them all to admire the four inch heeled strappy sandals that sparkled red. “I love your shoes.” Kamal said. “Hey Adam, do straight boys like shoes like that?” Adam nodded, still unable to speak. Justin and Kamal looked at each other and burst out laughing. “Adam, earth to Adam.” “Hey Adam, it’s nice to finally meet you.” Daphne stood on tip toe and kissed the tall man’s cheek. “You are as hot as Justin said. But can you dance, that’s the question.” She laughed and put her arm through Justin’s. “Come on boys, Justy promised me a night of dancing.” There was no long wait in line for the group of beautiful young people. The door man waved them on through the heavy doors that muffled the thump thump of the music. They didn’t even bother getting a drink first, but instead all of them hit the dance floor. “Oh mother let me die and go to heaven now, I’ve seen an angel.” Emmett drawled in his most syrupy southern drawl as he leaned over the cat walk railing, a beer in his hand observing the dancers. It was almost eleven and the dance floor was full, but a group of friends was taking the spot light. “It’s that guy we saw on the sidewalk.” Michael commented. “Hot as ever.” Ted observed. “How can he move wearing pants that tight?” “I don’t know, but I’d love to be next to that white leather. There’s no way he’s wearing any kind of underwear.” Emmett shivered dramatically. “Hot sweaty skin and the smell of designer leather.” “Control yourself Em.” Ted laughed. “He’s with someone. No doubt he has a boyfriend.” Justin and Kamal, a contrast in color, were performing a well choreographed dance the kind that only long time friends who’ve danced together often can do. “My gawd, he’s taking his shirt off.” Emmett couldn’t take his eyes off of Justin, a vision in white leather and silk. “My, my, body jewelry, lots and lots of body jewelry.” “I always think body jewelry is so pretentious.” It was Ted jealous of the attention Emmett was giving this new guy. “Honey, that’s because you’d look silly wearing it. This guy looks good enough to eat, every precious honey’d drop.” Emmett sighed. “Brian’s a lot hotter.” Michael finally managed to say. “I wonder where he is, he was supposed to be here.” “Right behind you Mikey,” Brian kissed his friend’s cheek. “Now what has all your panties in a bunch?” “Out there, it’s that guy we were telling you about.” Emmett offered not taking his eyes off of the sight of Justin and Kamal dancing. “Will you look at that man move?” Brian didn’t say anything. Instead he drank deeply from his bottle of beer as he watched the dancers. It was the blond and he was radiating sex. You could almost feel it just by watching him dance with the guy he was with. A girl stepped between them, and the blond grabbed her, dipping her low to the beat of the music before writhing suggestively with her. He laughed softly when a tall handsome man pulled her close to him and she moved into his arms leaving the blond to dance with his previous partner. The blond threw his head back and laughed, his smile lighting up his face. It was that look that drew Brian. He set his bottle down on the bar and with an intensity of purpose began the hunt like the jungle beast he was. Dressed in black, his favorite tricking clothes, Brian glided down the stairs and through the crowd. A black panther on the prowl. His prey dressed in white. A tasty morsel to take back to the panther’s lair for the black beast to play with. Brian cut in front of Justin’s partner, blocking his view. Justin, eyes closed sensed the older man’s presence and smiling to himself for luring him to him. Moved in for the kill, the prey had become the hunter as sometimes happens. Too bad the hunter didn’t know it.