The Gus Diaries

Part 122

Is It Time III

I survived my birthday. I wasn’t sure I would, but I did. The night turned out to be full of surprises, and since it wasn’t a surprise party that’s saying a lot.

I should probably back up to the afternoon. Uncle Michael gave me the day off, and since he was coming to dinner too, he was going to have Hunter and his fiancée look after the store. At first he and Uncle Ben were hesitant about coming, but Dad made sure they knew it was important to me and then they both agreed immediately. It sometimes amazes me how different they are from Dad and Pop, yet they get along better than best friends. Uncle Michael and Uncle Ben really are family. I hope mine and Marci’s relationship will be just as strong and long lasting as theirs has been, not only friends, but family too.

Speaking of Marci, I could kill her. She had the cheerleading squad show up at summer basketball practice this afternoon. They’d worked up a stupid cheer in honor of my birthday. Luckily, the fact that I am co-captain of the team saved me from getting too much flak from the rest of the guys in the team. As it is, I was already distracted at practice thinking about dinner and only sunk one out of every two baskets when we were practicing shooting from around the key. Coach wasn’t too pleased, to say the least.

“Kinney, what the heck is that? Did you like the cheerleaders so much you want to play ball like them too?”

“Sorry, Coach. I’ll practice all weekend. You’ll see the difference on Monday.”

“I’d better, or your butt will get very familiar with the bench at our first game of the season when school starts. These intensive end-of-summer practices are supposed to make you better, not show me how lazy you were over the break.”

“Got it Coach. I know school starts in a couple of weeks. I’ll be ready.”

“You’d better be, Mr. Co-Captain. Remember, I approve those nominations and I can arrange to take them away.”

“I know.”

“One more thing, Kinney.”

“Yes, sir.” I already felt like shit, and I could tell my teammates felt bad for me, which I hate. Pity sucks, and not in a good way.

“CMU may not be the leading university in basketball, but their team is well respected. They won’t take you if you stink, and I know you have your eye on that target.”

I nodded. There was no way I was going to fuck up joining Jeff. We’d gotten through our first year apart with just a few bumps. I had no intention of prolonging our separation by screwing up when the scouts from CMU were in the bleachers.

After practice, I showered and got dressed. When I left the locker room I found Marci waiting for me just outside the exit door. “Happy birthday, New-beeee.” She drew out Jeff’s nickname for me and I could feel my face heating up.

“What the hell was that? Are you trying to embarrass me to death?”

“You’re kidding, aren’t you? The girls all practically insisted we do something for the sweetest boy in the whole school. It’s nauseating.”

“What the fuck! I’m not sweet, and I sure as shit don’t want to be remembered for being a fucking sweet boy.”

“Well, if you used that trash mouth of yours in front of more people, especially combined with the ungrateful attitude, I’m sure you’d get your wish. Now shut the hell up and enjoy the attention, birthday boy.” She dug her hand into the sports bag that I knew she carried her uniform in. “Here!”

Marci shoved a wrapped box in my hand.

“Is this a present for me?”

“Now I know why you get such good grades. It must be your incredible powers of observation.” Marci rolled her eyes.

“You don’t have to be such a bitch.” I turned the box around in my hand. “Should I open it now, or wait until later?”

She smiled. “Now’s good.”

I ripped away the paper to find a box from one of those online places that makes custom designs on stuff. Opening the box, I pulled out a water bottle with a phrase painted on the side, Friends are forever, and our friendship will last even longer, Marci.

I grabbed her in a bear hug. Marci recognizing the depth of our friendship meant more to me than she could imagine, especially on such a stress filled day. To know she’d thought of me in such a special way was terrific; I thought the same about her.

“Oh, Gus, there’s something else I want to give you for your birthday, even though you can’t keep it.”

She handed me an envelope and I opened it. At first I wasn’t sure what I was looking at, but then I realized it was the results from Marci’s most recent lab work she’d had done at the local clinic. This was her six-month battery of tests after her asshole boyfriend fucked around. All tests listed came back negative. She was clean -- 100%.

I picked her up, sports bag and all, and swung her around. “WooHoo!”

“Gus, put me down. Are you crazy?”

“Yes, crazy about you! I couldn’t be happier. This is the best birthday gift ever!”

“If you’d like I’ll return the water bottle.”

“No fucking way.”

“There’s that sweet mouth again.” She winked.

“What are you doing tonight? Do you want to join us for dinner?”

“No thanks. I have a date.”

I grinned.

“Not sure what to make of it. Apparently your Uncle Emmett, who hangs around your Grandma Debbie’s house a lot, is fixing me up with his partner’s younger brother who, as it happens, is in town.”

“Holy shit! Another football player? How could you?”

“Apparently Drew Boyd’s younger brother isn’t an athlete. He’s a brainiac. The guy just finished his second year of pre-med at Pitt.”

I knew my eyes opened wide. Uncle Drew’s brother was pre-med. Talk about family differences. “I wonder what he looks like.”

“It doesn’t matter, although I did ask Emmett.”

When Marci didn’t continue, I glared at her. “So?”

“According to Emmett, Rick, that’s his name, could be his brother’s twin only younger.”

“Won’t you be the envy of all the girls at school.”

Marci poked me in the ribs. “And some of the boys too, I bet.” Uncle Emmett pulled up in his new SUV, painted pink and green. “I’m heading over to your Grandma’s to meet him now. How do I look?”

“Great, as always. Enjoy your date. I hope I have as much fun at my own birthday celebration as I bet you’ll have tonight.” I gave Marci another hug as Emmett got out of the truck. “I’m so happy for you, and I don’t mean the date.”

“I know, and I love you for it. Happy birthday, Gus. Say hi to your hunky Jeff for me.”

I nodded and then Uncle Emmett gave me hug. “Happy birthday, Sweetie.” There was that word sweet again. “I still remember the night you were born.”

“I bet you do. Thank you.”

“By the way, tonight’s dinner is on its way to Britin. Justin ordered all your favorite side dishes and desserts, and I understand he’s making you lobster. Yummy!”

“I know. It all sounds great!”

Uncle Emmett leaned against his car. He had a faraway look in his eyes. “The night you were born. It was a great summer night. Your dad, Uncle Ted, Uncle Michael, and I all went to Babylon, and then after the rest of us waited outside while your dad got a--” He stopped short mid-sentence and Marci and I started laughing so hard we were both crying.

Biting his lip, Uncle Emmett’s cheeks turned completely red.

“It’s okay, Uncle Emmett. I can guess what Dad was doing before he met Justin and me that night. We just keep that as an unspoken awareness in the Taylor Kinney household.”

He kissed me on the cheek. “Well, happy birthday. Come on, little lady, it’s time for you to meet the man of your dreams.” Uncle Emmett held open Marci’s door for her.

As she got into the car she whispered, “Let’s just hope it’s not a nightmare.”

“Call me tomorrow if you’re not still busy with the brainiac.”

“I will,” she called as Uncle Emmett closed the door.

I watched the two of them take off and then Pop and Dad pulled up in a brand new black Jeep. Most of the team had left by now, but a few of the guys were still around waiting to get picked up too. They whistled at the car. I almost did too, until my fathers got out and handed me the keys.

Pop gave me a hug and a kiss. “Happy birthday, Gus. We love you and know you’ll be responsible.”

Dad remained silent for a minute, staring at me as I gripped the keys in shock. “You’d better be fucking responsible. The insurance for a boy your age, in a car like this is high enough without any incidents to add to the fees. Drive safe and sober.” Dad looked all around, seeming a little embarrassed, and then he shrugged and grabbed me in the tightest hug he’d ever given me. “I love you, Sonny Boy. You always make me proud to be your father.”

After another few seconds of hugging I took a step back. “I love you too, Dad, Pop. Thank you so much. I promise not to fuck up.”

“Let’s go home, Gus.” Dad put an arm around my shoulders. “Your better half is babysitting the live lobsters and I don’t think he’s happy about it. And I definitely want to be home when your mother arrives.”

Shit! I’d almost forgotten it was time to see Mom again.

[TBC]

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