Before There Was You, There Was You

Chapter 60

Authors Note: I’d like to encourage everyone to listen to Wilson Pickett’s song, “Hello, Sunshine”. It’s the perfect song for B/J, in my opinion.

“I want to hear the thunder I'm so quick to steal
Listen to the dreams you're dreaming and celebrate you
Let me show you what a treasure you are
A priceless gift from heaven to this thankful heart
I want to take this lifetime to celebrate you
I want to celebrate you.”

~ Steven Curtis Chapman

***

Brian and Mrs. Preston-Dolton exited the elevator just as Daphne and Justin were entering the hotel.

“Fuck!” Brian said under his breath.

The expletive did not go unheard. Mrs. Preston-Dolton turned her attention to the cause of Brian’s outburst.

Justin.

She grabbed Brian’s arm and ushered him in the opposite direction.

Brian blindly followed, surprised at the speed and strength of this woman. She used her cane to propel them down the hallway as quickly as her wobbly legs would let her.

Brian was impressed.

Once they were out of sight, Brian turned to her. “You are just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

She gave him a wicked smile. “A lady usually is. Do you think he saw us?” she asked, turning around to see if Justin had spotted them.

Brian looked over her shoulder. “I don’t think so. But the plan was for us to be in the hall before they arrived. Now that’s shot. I told Daphne twenty minutes!”

“Well, my dear man, it’s been my experience that when plans go awry, one should get a new plan.”

Brian furrowed his brow in concentration. She was right. Justin was walking into his surprise celebration, and Brian wasn’t there to greet him. Instead, the gang would greet him and they had no fucking clue as to what the celebration was about. Other than a second birthday party for Justin.

He needed another plan….
 

***

Daphne dragged Justin down the hall to the Aladdin room where the party was being held. She told Justin that Cari said to meet her there because she was hiding from her date.

Justin had a hard time believing her. Being at the Empire hotel again was eerie. He was not surprised that Cari was here. Many students came here for their sexual trysts. But meeting her inside the Aladdin? The room had so many memories for him. It was conceivable, but Justin could not believe it was mere coincidence. Something was up.

Daphne reached the closed doors and turned around to Justin with a huge smile on her face.

It hit him them. “What the fuck are you up to, Daph?”

“Hey, don’t blame me. Blame your boyfriend,” she said then threw the doors open wide.

Justin stepped inside. His jaw dropped.

The room was decorated in the oddest fashion. It looked like a country picnic had exploded onto a debutante’s ball.

The gang was all there, though no one noticed his entrance. Deb and Vic were fussing over the long elegant banquet table. Michael and Emmett were talking to some hot waiter. His mother, Molly, fuck, just about everyone he knew was there! Except Brian.

“Shit, I’m too early,” he vaguely heard Daphne say beside him.

Gus was the first to notice him. The little boy squealed in delight and ran up to him. “Jussin! Apphy Birphay!” he blurted out and jumped into Justin’s arm.

“Gus!” Justin greeted the boy and picked him up. He looked adorable in his little designer suit. It had Brian written all over it.

“Another birthday party?” he asked the boy, as if the child could explain this strange turn of events.

Lindsey was next to spot Justin. She walked up to him and kissed his cheek. When she pulled back, Justin could see pity in her eyes. He gave her a quizzical look.

She shrugged her shoulders. “It was Brian’s idea,” she said taking Gus from his arms.

Justin frowned in confusion. What the fuck was Brian up to? He looked around the room again.

Waiters dressed in tuxedos roamed the dining hall carrying platters of food and wine. Floral arrangements of every sort could be seen everywhere and there was even a band setting up. He noticed that everyone was dressed as if they were going to a wedding.

A wedding…A WEDDING?!

That mother fucker! Justin screamed in his head. He was going to kill him this time. Of course it looked like a wedding; this was Brian’s idea of how to burst Lindsey’s fantasy bubble. He was staging a fake wedding. Only question left unanswered now was...how many unintended victims would there be?

“Hey, Justin, um, you’re a bit early, but SURPRISE!” Michael came up behind Lindsey.

Justin narrowed his eyes. “Where…Is…He…?” he asked, drawing out each word through gritted teeth.

Michael swallowed nervously. This was not going good. “He didn’t expect you this early.” Michael shot an accusing look at Daphne.

“Hey, don’t blame me! He insisted on driving, you know what a speed freak he is!”

The rest of the gang noticed the exchange and joined them.

“Oh, honey, Brian will be so disappointed he wasn’t here. He wanted to surprise you,” his mother said.

Justin was fuming. “Mother, do you know what this is about?”

She shot him a reproachful look. “Don’t you take that tone with me, young man. I think you need to calm down before jumping to conclusions.” She didn’t know exactly why Justin was so upset but refused to let his over active imagination ruin all of Brian’s hard work.

“Don’t tell me not to jump to conclusions! I want to know what the fuck is going on!” he practically screamed.

“JUSTIN!”

Justin whirled around at the commanding voice calling his name. Shock and shame fell across his face.

“You are NEVER to talk to your mother in that fashion again, do you understand me? I would think you were raised better than that,” the imposing elder said.

All eyes turned to her. Everyone held their breath.

Brian stood behind the voice that boomed, and shook his head. So much for plan B.

“Nana!” Justin called out in shock.

The elderly woman smiled and held her arms open. Justin walked into them in total shock and confusion.

She gave him a quick hug then released him. It was such a ‘waspish’ move Brian thought.

Justin stepped back and looked over at Brian. His eyes then returned to his Nana’s. “What are you doing here?”

“Is that the greeting you give your grandmother? I would think you’d be happy to see me.”

Justin blushed. “Of course I am! I’m just surprised.”

“That was the whole point. Though I have to say it was I who was surprised when Mr. Kinney showed up at my door in Boston. I was expecting the introduction to come from you, my dear boy, not from your partner,” she said, shocking Justin even more.

She had called Brian his partner.

The old woman laughed. “Don’t look so shocked. You’ve been talking about your ‘gentleman friend’ for several years now. I was wondering when I was going to meet him. I’m glad he made the first move and came to introduce himself to me. He showed fine character in doing so.”

Justin looked over at Brian with such gratitude in his eyes, it humbled Brian.

He looked back at his Nana. “And you’re ok, with, um, you know…” Justin stammered.

“With what? The fact that you are a ‘serious young man’?”

Justin took a deep breath. “Yes.”

Nana sighed. “My dear boy, you act like you’re the only one of your disposition to ever grace the earth. I’ve been around; I’ve met many people of many different persuasions, including those in our own family. You are not the first. We just don’t discuss such matters, Justin, you know this. Just like we don’t discuss your Aunt Edna’s affairs, or your Uncle George’s penchant for wearing women’s underwear. Lord knows though, I spend a fortune every year on Christmas gifts for that man.”

Justin didn’t think he could be more shocked. “Uncle George wears women’s underwear?! I thought those gifts were for Aunt Clare!”

She gave him a sly look. “Of course they were,” she countered with a Cheshire cat smile.

“Justin, our family has always been very reserved when it comes to divulging family matters. It does not mean we approve or disapprove. It’s just who we are.”

“Nana, you have no idea how much your approval means to me,” Justin said, close to tears.

“Who said I approve?” She shot a mischievous look over her shoulder at Brian. “He’s way too old for you.”

Everyone laughed, and the tension suddenly left the room.

“I keep telling him that,” Brian said, smiling at Justin.

“He does have excellent taste, however. Not only did he pick you, my dear boy, he picked these exquisite Tahiti un-cultured pearls,” she announced, gently putting her fingers to her neck so to draw attention to them.

Brian winced. Tahiti un-cultured pearls went for about a grand each pearl. The woman was wearing an impressive string of them around her neck. He shot Justin a menacing look. Justin didn’t flinch.

Oh well, the woman wore them well. Brian had to admire that. Those pearls lay against her neck as if they were made to reside there. She had class, and she was vain, Brian thought with amusement. She made sure everyone’s attention was drawn to her neck.

Justin wasn’t about to rain on Brian’s parade and tell Nana that he was the one who purchased them, not Brian.

When he gave the pearls to her he told her they were from his ‘gentleman friend’. Now that he thought about it, he’d been throwing little hints for a while. He had wanted Nana to be impressed by Brian. He knew he would have to deal with Brian’s wrath over the cost at some point. But he had hoped that perhaps someday, the two would meet. And when they did, she would already have a favorable impression of him.

As it turned out, or more accurately, as Brian arranged it, that day was today, on his birthday. And from the looks of it, she did have a very favorable impression of him. All Brian had to do was make the first move and introduce himself. Justin was so proud of Brian, and so happy that Nana was actually there, with ALL his friends, celebrating his birthday!

Talk about a great gift.

Justin shook his head to clear his thoughts. Nana was here, where were his manners! He made his apologies and quickly introduced his Nana to his ‘other’ family.

They all took an instant liking to her and her to them. Ben led Nana over to her place at the dais. Justin noticed there were several place settings at that particular table.

Brian watched the small gang retreat with Justin’s grandmother. So far, so good he thought. He came up behind Justin and wrapped his arms around his waist. He rested his chin on his shoulder. “So? How do you like it?”

Justin looked out across the room.

“It looks like Wal-Mart’s threw up all over Saks Fifth Avenue.”

Brian laughed. “That bad, huh?”

Justin studied the room again. He didn’t need an artist eye to interpret Brian’s handiwork. “It’s a beautiful mess,” he said, leaning back against Brian.

Brian sighed. “Like us.”

“Yes, like us…”

“Bri, what’s this about? Is this about Lindsey?” he asked quietly. He knew Brian too well not to know that there was much more than a second birthday party going on here.

“Why do you always have to be such a twat? This is about US. Not Lindsey.”

Justin turned to look at him. “I don’t understand.”

Brian looked down into Justin’s eyes and smiled. “You will.” He then grabbed Justin’s hand and led him to the dais. “Sit with your Nana and Mother, I need to talk to the band.”

Justin took his seat by his Grandmother. Rena, Deb, Michael and Jennifer were also seated at the dais. There was a high chair at the end for Gus, though right now Gus was too busy running around the hall.

The waiters were pouring champagne, very expensive champagne, Justin noticed, while other waiters were carrying around trays of hors d'oeuvres. The band was warming up. Justin spied Brian talking to a woman who appeared to be the singer of the band, if her sparkling attire was any indication.

He leaned over and whispered to Rena, “What the fuck is this about?”

Rena shrugged. “You know Bean, he has to do things his way.”

“Yeah, but what ‘thing?’ He’s making me nervous as hell.”

Rena sighed. “You are the ‘thing’, sweetie. Now just sit back and enjoy yourself. This is your day, remember?” she said trying to reassure him.

“Tap, tap…” The sound of Brian tapping his fingers on the microphone to see if it was working echoed throughout the hall.

“I’m guessing this is on. Can everyone hear me?” Brian spoke into the mike.

A chorus of “yeah and yes” filled the room.

“Good. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone for coming tonight. Especially Justin’s Grandmother.”

Everyone gave a round of applause. Nana acknowledged the appreciation with a slight nod of her head.

Brian continued. “I’d also like to thank everyone who helped me pull this off. Emmett, amazing job with the flowers, Mel and Linds, for working with the hotel staff on my behalf to create this ‘beautiful mess’, as Justin called it.”

That elicited a round of laughter from the guests.

“Deb and Vic for their special brand of cooking. Justin, Deb made sure to make all your favorites.”

Justin leaned over and gave Deb a kiss on the cheek. Everyone applauded.

“And I’d like to give special thanks to my best friend Mikey, not only for finding the hottest waiters this side of the Pitts to work this special event, but for actually keeping his big mouth shut this time and not spoiling the surprise.”

Everyone laughed at that, while Michael pretended to be offended.

“Now I know most of you are curious as to why I threw this party. Some of you believe that my intentions behind this shindig are, let’s say, questionable. I can’t blame you. I never throw parties without some ulterior motive behind them, but let me assure you….this time…” He paused for affect. “Is no different.” He was pleased with the nervous response he got from the crowd.

“Most of you know me well enough to know I don’t do birthdays. And though it’s Justin’s birthday today, this is not what this celebration is about.” Brian paused and took a fortifying breath before continuing.

“I’ve always firmly believed that the only things worth celebrating are accomplishments gained through hard work and those rare joyous events that happen to you in your life no matter how much of a fuck up you are. Like becoming a father,” Brian said as he lovingly watched his son run around the hall.

Adam squeezed Shane’s hand under the table they were sitting at. He knew exactly how Brian felt. Soon, he’d be a father too.

Justin’s eyes misted. Brian was going to tell their family about the baby they were having. This was Brian’s way of ‘celebrating’ the life they were bringing into the world. He was so filled with emotion, he could barely contain himself.

Rena reached over and took his hand into her own. Her own eyes were suspiciously misty.

“Well, this is one of those rare occasions.” He turned to look at Justin. “Justin, today I celebrate you.”

The room got so quiet; you could hear a pin drop. Justin’s heart jumped in his chest.

“Not because it’s your birthday, but because you were born.”

A small gasp reverberated in the room. Brian believed it came from Lindsey. He looked around the hall; he had everyone anxiously awaiting his next words.

He turned his attention back to Justin. “Listen to me, Sunshine, are you listening?” He held Justin’s gaze so that it was just the two of them. The guests faded into the background as they focused on each other.

Justin numbly nodded his head. He felt like he was in a dream, more like a spell actually. A spell that Brian was weaving around them.

“I'm no stranger to your gentle reminders that the world does not revolve around me,” he said half jokingly. “You smile and my world disappears until there is nothing left but you. You are a priceless gift that I most assuredly don’t deserve, but am thankful for nonetheless.” Brian paused to take another deep breath. “That is why tonight, I celebrate you.”

A lump formed in Justin’s throat. He squeezed Rena’s hand tight, just to remind him he wasn’t dreaming. She squeezed his hand back reassuringly. He could hear her sniffling beside him; she was crying. But his eyes remained glued to the love of his life.

“Though I don’t think I can celebrate you properly in just one night. It would take a lifetime, my lifetime, to celebrate all that you are, all that you do and all that you bring into our world,” Brian said, his voice barely holding up.

He cleared his throat before continuing.

“And in that lifetime I want to share your laughter and your tears. I want to share your joys at your achievements, and your disappointments at your failures. Though knowing you, there will be very little of them.” Brian stepped down off the mini stage and approached Justin.

“And of course being the selfish prick that I am, I’m taking this opportunity to celebrate us.” Brian reached out to take Justin’s hand.

Justin stood up to face him. He let go of Rena’s hand and placed his hand in Brian’s.

All eyes were glued on them, even the waiters had stopped buzzing around and stood, mesmerized by the sight of the two beautiful men standing, facing each other, a love so profound surrounded them that it was tangible. Everyone was touched by it.

“Justin, WE are an accomplishment. Something to be celebrated. Against all odds and God knows they were stacked against us, we managed to hold on. But then again, as you so often remind me, the choice was never ours. We’re predestined to be. Whatever that may mean in our own fucked up non-conformist relationship.”

Brian led Justin out onto the dance floor. Justin followed him, in his dream state. It was all too surreal for him.

He took him into his arms, poised for a dance.

“Justin, will you join me in celebrating us?”

It took all of Justin’s effort, all of his will, to remain standing. He was so fucking blown away by Brian’s question; he thought his heart would burst. His eyes never left Brian’s as he gave him his answer.

“Only if you give me a lifetime to do it properly,” Justin said through choked tears, repeating Brian’s words.

“I will,” Brian whispered to him.

He looked over at the band and signaled them to start playing.

Brian danced with Justin to the sultry words of Wilson Pickett’s “Hello Sunshine.”


Hello Sunshine
(Hello)
So glad to see you Sunshine
Hello Sunshine
(Hello)
It’s been dark for a very long time.

I can’t explain what I’ve been through
(No, no)
Trying to live my life without you
People say I act so strange
(Oh yeah)
But you got the power to make me change

Hello Sunshine
(Hello)
I’m so glad to see you Sunshine
Hello Sunshine
(Hello)
It’s been dark for a very long time

Without you Sunshine
The world is such a lonely place
And without you Sunshine
My heart was filled with an empty space

Without you Sunshine
The wind and the rain
The wonders of spring
Don’t mean a thing

Now I know everything is alright
No more pain, no more sleepless nights
(Oh yeah)
My days were dark, but now I see
(Oh yeah)
Because my Sunshine has come home to me.

They danced until the last verse was sung. The woman in the sparkle dress put her heart and soul into the song, affected by the obvious love between the two beautiful men dancing.

Every eye in the room was fixed on the two beautiful men dancing. They moved together in perfect harmony.

When the music ended, Brian kissed Justin hungrily. Thunderous applause filled the hall accompanied by more than one cat whistle. Most of those came from the waiters.

When Brian finally pulled away from Justin, he saw his boy was crying. Big whopping tears of joy.

“Easy, Sunshine,” he whispered into his ear. “You’ll ruin my best Armani suit.”

Justin laughed and wiped his tears away.

Brian looked around the room for Gus. He spotted him over by the food table, on tiptoes, trying to see what goodies were there. “Gus,” he called over to him.

Gus turned with a guilty look over at his father. Brian smiled at him.

“Come bring Justin’s gift. It’s time.”

The boy squealed in delight and ran towards his Mama.

Mel had the gift, Brian had given it to her to hold onto. He told Gus when the time came, to go to Mama, (Lindsey was Mommy), and get the gift so Daddy could give it to Justin.

The boy was smart. He knew his role, and had pride in having such a big responsibility. Mel handed him the gift and Gus ran over to his father with the box in his hand.

Brian picked up his son and kissed him. They both turned to Justin. “Give Justin his gift, sonny boy.”

Justin could hear the subtle strain in Brian’s voice. He was nervous about giving him this gift. Justin very carefully took the box that Gus held out to him.

He just held it, afraid to open it. Brian was watching him intently.

“Open, Jussin, Open!” Gus blurted out, breaking the tense moment.

Justin laughed. “I guess I better open it,” he said to Brian.

“I guess you better,” Brian countered.

Justin gently tore the wrapping off, and then opened the box. He gasped.

Gus leaned over to see what was in the box. Everyone in the room was straining to see what was in the box.

Brian’s eyes remained fixed on Justin’s. Waiting for his reaction, his response.

Justin couldn’t speak, he couldn’t move. His eyes traveled to Brian’s wrist. Brian saw the direction his gaze took and smiled to himself.

Justin looked back at the contents of the box. He then looked up into Brian’s eyes. “Bri…” he said, afraid to say anymore

“Yeah,” Brian said, answering Justin’s silent question.

“Yeah?” Justin asked, still bemused, and overwhelmed.

“Yeah,” Brian repeated, more firmly this time.

Inside the box, was an exact replica of Brian’s cowry bracelet.

Brian kissed Gus on the top of his head. “Good job, sonny boy,” he said then put the boy down. Gus beamed and hugged his fathers’ legs. He then ran off to find something else to do now that his role was over, and he’d done good.

Justin took the bracelet out of the box and held it up.

“Read the inscription.”

Justin threw the empty box onto a nearby table and turned the bracelet over to read the inscription.

“If lost, please return to owner, Brian Kinney.”

Justin looked up at Brian, his face shone with total joy, and wonder.

Brian undid his own bracelet and handed it to Justin.

Justin took it from him.

“Read the inscription,” he repeated.

Justin turned Brian’s bracelet over and read.

“If lost, please return to owner, Justin Taylor.”

Tears flowed from Justin’s eyes. He couldn’t stop them if he tried.

Brian took the bracelet he bought for Justin from him and proceeded to attach it to Justin's wrist.

He then held his own wrist out, urging Justin to put his bracelet back on him.

Justin managed, through blurry eyes, to refasten Brian’s bracelet to his wrist.

When it was secured, Brian once again took Justin into his arms and kissed him. Only this time, the kiss was more possessive and demanding.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

When they parted, they were both breathing heavy.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

Justin couldn’t imagine what more there could be.

“You smell good…”

Justin blinked, not sure if he heard right. Then it hit him. The conversation they had at the clinic while waiting for Lucy. He was teasing Brian that day.

“I love you, you know. And since you also love me, this is the part where you can say something ridiculously romantic like, ‘I love you, too’….. Or you can say something less obvious, but equally romantic like… ‘You smell good’.”

Justin threw his head back and laughed. Brian laughed with him.

“How ridiculously romantic of you,” Justin said.

Lindsey got up from her table and ran out of the room.

The next few moments were pandemonium. Everyone rushed the couple anxious to give their well wishes. No one dared congratulate them; they knew Brian too well for that. They just hugged and kissed, and said how nice the gift was, and how wonderful the ‘celebration’ was. And of course, wishes for many, many more “Celebrations” to come.

Mikey couldn’t stop crying. Rena was a mess herself. She nearly crushed Justin and Brian in her over enthusiastic hug. John had to pry her away from them.

Adam approached the happy couple, an envelope in his hands. “Do you think you’re ready for your next gift?” he asked Brian, his own eyes suspiciously moist.

Brian took the envelope from Adam’s hand. “Thanks.”

Adam smiled. “You owe me for this one. I’m probably going to have to fuck Judge Mason for this favor. The woman smells like old moth balls, not to mention she looks like one too.”

Brian laughed. “I knew you could do it.”

Adam nodded his head in acknowledgement of the compliment. He left the happy couple to look at the contents of the envelope.

“I don’t think I can take any more surprises, Brian. What’s in the envelope?” Justin asked. His heart was overflowing as it was.

“We can go over them later. Right now, I feel like dancing.” Brian put the envelope inside his breast pocket and twirled Justin around.

The band picked up on the festive mood and played the song “Celebration”.

Everyone started dancing. The mood was beyond festive. Justin and Brian’s happiness was infectious and everyone was high on it.

Mel approached Brian and Justin carrying a sleepy Gus as they danced on the floor.

She tapped Brian on the shoulder. He turned to look at her. Her breath caught in her throat. She had never seen him happier. It was eerie, and beautiful. For the first time in her life, Mel saw beauty and love in Brian fucking Kinney. Something she NEVER thought she’d ever see.

“We’re leaving. Actually, Lindsey already left.”

“I’m so sorry, Mel,” Justin said reaching out for her.

“Don’t,” Brian said.

“This wasn’t about Lindsey, Mel. But if it set her straight, it’s for the best.”

Mel sighed. “I know. She had to face the truth sooner or later. And I’m glad to see you finally own up to it, Kinney.” She was trying to hide her smile. She couldn’t help but be affected by their joy.

Brian sighed. “I’m not going to live this down with the family, am I?”

“Not a fucking chance, Kinney!” Mel said laughing.

Brian huffed.

“I better get going,” she said.

Brian and Justin kissed Gus goodbye.

“Mel, she’ll be fine. I promise you. I know Lindsey. She’s made of strong stuff. But for now, I think it’s best I deal with you concerning Gus,” Brian suggested.

Mel nodded in agreement.

“I don’t want to ignore her, but some space is in order. At least until she comes to terms with us.”

“You’re right. It’s not your concern now, though. Let me worry about Lins. Hold onto your happiness, Bri. It looks good on you.”

“As if anything wouldn’t look good on me.” Brian made a face.

Mel laughed and said her goodnights.

Brian turned back to Justin and pulled him to him. He grinded against him in rhythm to the music.

Justin threw his head back and laughed. “You are so fucking bad! You know Nana is probably watching our every move?”

“I have a feeling Nana has seen a lot worse in her day.”

Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s neck. “Thank you.” Every emotion he had poured into those two simple little words.

Brian smiled and kissed him.

“You know, we are so going to take one of these hot waiters home,” Brian said, reverting back to his rebel self.

Justin laughed. “Anything you say dear.”

 

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