The Gus Diaries

Part 14

Jobs

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is coming up so fast. A couple of days before Christmas Mom, Mem and JR will come down and start to look for a house to rent. Then after Christmas they’re going to go back and finish preparing everything for their move back to Pittsburgh. I can’t believe how happy I am to have all those females back in my life. I guess knowing that I can still live with Dad and MJ makes it all okay. Living with my dads has been the best thing to happen to me. I mean, I love my moms, but they’re, well, women and we have absolutely nothing in common right now.

I just hope that my Mom understands that I still don’t want to listen to all of her advice but I guess I could just let her and Mem talk and then ignore what they say if I think they’re clueless.

Anyway, back to Christmas…I realized a few days ago that I really wanted to get some of my family gifts that were truly from me. I’m not an artist like MJ so that means I may need some cash to produce some good quality stuff. The days have passed when I could get Mom a 25 cent bracelet made of plastic. So I tried to think of a way to earn some money. I know I keep some crazy hours at school. At least the basketball season is ending for our local division soon and won’t pick up again until after February break. Now, maybe, I can get a job.

I know that Jeff was looking for one also but I thought it would be too clingy to look together. Besides, it probably wouldn’t be a great idea for us to try for jobs at the same place—what if one of us didn’t get hired.

That night at dinner I asked the experts. “Dad, MJ I really could use some cash.”

“How much, Sonny Boy?” Dad replied, reaching for his wallet.

“No, not from you. I want to make some money on my own. You know, so I can buy stuff that’s personal.”

“Gus, if you need condoms or lube your Dad and I will be happy to get that for you. We want to make sure you’re safe.”

“Oh my God, you two sure as hell have one track minds. I mean I want to be able to buy shit, like Christmas gifts, on my own.”

“Oh, sorry Gus.” At least MJ had the decency to blush more than me at that point.

“Well, you know Sonny Boy, not too many places will hire a 14 year old. It’s easy enough to get your working papers, since MJ and I will sign our approval, but getting a job will still be tough. There are still limits on where you’re allowed to be hired.”

“I know that Dad, I just want your permission to try. If I can’t find anything maybe I can do some odd jobs for the two of you to earn some cash, but I’d really like to try.”

“Justin, what do you think?”

“I think it’s a great idea for you to give it a shot, but don’t get too disappointed if you can’t find anything. Did you have any ideas where you might want to look for work?”

“Since you guys both work in Pittsburgh I thought that maybe I’d check some places out there so you could pick me up on the way home at night, or if it’s a weekend, maybe I could stay over at Grandma Jen’s house.”

“How convenient for you?” Dad smirked at MJ. “Why not stay at Grandma Deb’s or Uncle Michael’s, or your moms’ when they move back?”

“Shut up Dad.”

MJ got up to clear the table and continued, “So Gus, do you have any idea where you’d like to start this job search? Maybe you could act as a gopher at Kinnetik or for me at the gallery and studio.”

“I’d like to try on my own first, and I’m not really sure where, but at least knowing that I have your okay will help. Oh, by the way, I just happen to have my working papers upstairs. Can I go get them for you both to sign?”

“I knew I sired a budding genius. Not only does he have the contract all ready for signing, but he wants to leave to go get it just when it’s time to wash the dishes.” Dad snarked looking at Justin, and then turned to me. “We’ll sign AFTER dinner and the dishes are all put away.”

“Holy shit, you really do sound like a fucking full-time parent, leading the ultimate domestic life with the ultimate domestic conversations.” MJ laughed out loud.

“Shut the fuck up Mrs. Cleaver or Mr. Cleaver won’t be giving you any later.”

“Like that’s likely to happen.” Those two really do have one track minds.

“Hey guys, impressionable teen in the room.”

“Where?” they both laughed at the same time.

After dinner was over and the dishes rinsed and placed in the dishwasher, Dad and MJ signed all my paperwork, enabling me to begin my job search.

I remember learning that MJ worked in the diner when he was 17. I know that I can’t use the kitchen equipment except for the dishwasher but I’d love to work there. Grandma Deb still does fill-in shifts a couple of times a week, so it seems like the perfect place.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

The next day in school Jeff and I had lunch together with a few of our friends. They were all talking about which girls had the biggest tits and the hottest asses. I just shut my mouth and Jeff rolled his eyes which made me snort…right when I was about to drink my water. I nearly choked and that got a good laugh from him.

I told Jeff my plan to go on a job search at the end of the day and he wished me luck, with a huge kiss of course. His lips and mouth are so fucking kissable! More of that would wait until later since we planned to meet up again at about 6:30 at Grandma Jen’s for dinner. I decided not to tell Jeff where I was going to search for my teen career.

Backpack over my arm I headed for Liberty Avenue. Now for some people my age Liberty Avenue would be intimidating but after growing up with my family it’s like coming home. I can’t go into most of the places here because I’m way underage, but as soon as I’m old enough to get my hands on a fake ID, I’ll be making my debut. For now, I’ll just keep that idea to myself. I’m not even sure how Jeff would like that, but since it’s at least a year or two away it’s not worth bringing up.

I headed right for my primary goal—the diner. It’s practically a family rite of passage to work there. Grandma Deb’s worked there forever, MJ worked there for a few years and even Hunter worked there until he went to college. It just seemed to make sense that it was finally my turn.

I went in and there was Kiki behind the counter yelling something to the cook. Then I knew it was my lucky day because Grandma Deb was there, too. That must mean that Betty or one of the other waiters was out.

“Hey Kiki.”

“Hi, you handsome piece of jailbait.” I just laughed. She must be in her 40’s now and her make-up doesn’t always do the trick. She reminds me a little of a clown.

“Gus!” Grandma yelled as she approached from the back of the diner.

“Hi, Grandma. I’m so glad you’re here, I missed you.” It doesn’t hurt to butter her up a bit. She loves flattery.

Then she looked at me, gave me a hug that nearly made me collapse from lack of oxygen and said, “Okay, honey, what’s up—you want something?”

“Huh,” that surprised me.

“Speak up, what do you want? A little extra cash, a free snack, what gives?” She’s good.

“Well now that you mention it Grandma, I was hoping…”

“Hey, Gus, check out the apron.” Coming from the backroom with a busboy’s tub in hand was Jeff.

“When I told your Grandma Jen that I needed some extra cash and was looking for a part-time job she hooked me up with your other grandmother and voila. I’m the newest busboy, working my way up to waiter at the Liberty Diner. I know it looks kind of geeky, but I bet the tips will be good.”

Then Grandma chimed in, “Oh, sweetie, with a body and smile like yours they’ll tip you for clearing the dishes even if you don’t do the serving yet.” Then Grandma looked back at me, “So, honey, what did you want?”

“Nothing Grandma, I really just hoped to see you.” Then I turned to Jeff, “Good luck with the new job.”

“I’m really glad you came in. I was hoping that while you were looking for a job I could surprise you since you said you’d be in this neighborhood.” Then he put his hand behind my neck and pulled me in for a kiss and I melted.

“Congrats on the new job. I hope I get one just as quickly.” Jeff smiled at me and kissed me one more time. I couldn’t be mad since I didn’t tell him where I was looking so I just sucked it up and moved on.

I wasn’t sure what to do now. I really was young and I sure as hell didn’t want to have to rely on my dads for work. I know they’d treat me well, but this was my time to find my own way without their help.

I must have walked around the neighborhood for about an hour filling out applications but getting lots of mixed reviews when everyone learned my age. There was one last shot before I finally gave in and decided that working with one of my dads was the only option. This had to work.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

That night when I arrived at dinner Jeff saw the huge smile on my face. “You did it, you found a fucking job. I knew you would. That’s one of the things I like best about you, you’re so fucking determined to succeed at everything you try.” He grabbed me and picked me up a little off the ground. Yep, having a boyfriend definitely was one of the best things about my life.

I filled Jeff in about my real reason for having gone to the diner and at first he tried to apologize but I shut him up with one of my own killer kisses. I’m getting really good at those. I think it’s hereditary.

I told him about my new job. He was really happy for me and I asked him to keep it a secret until I told my dads. I wanted them to know before anyone else in the family since they were being so supportive.

After dinner with Grandma Jen and Tucker, Jeff and I had a few minutes alone before Dad and MJ came to pick me up, “Jeff…”

“Yeah, newbie?”

“I’d really like to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with you, but I understand if you want to try to get together with your mom.”

“It’s cool, Mom and I are getting together for lunch the Sunday before Christmas. That way she’ll be with my dad for the holiday.”

“So you want to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas at Britin, or wherever the fuck we end up with the family?”

“Can’t think of a better place in the whole world.” Then we made out for a while before my dads picked me up. I love ending our times together in Jeff’s bed cuddling. I’d never tell Dad that I cuddle. He hates that word, even though he and Justin do it all the time. Jeff just makes me feel so great. I’m really glad I’ll have the cash to get him something special.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

After we got home, Dad and MJ changed into more comfortable clothes and decided to have a light supper, since neither had eaten before they picked me up. This time of year is really busy for both of them.

Lots of clients seem to want to finalize ad campaigns for the Spring season right before Christmas. Go figure? And MJ gets lots of rich clients buying and/or commissioning paintings. Now that I can understand.

“Dad, MJ, can I sit with you guys. I want to tell you about my job search.” Both of them looked at each other knowingly. They really thought I’d bombed-out and needed to ask them for help.

MJ and Dad always say, ‘A man needs to know when to ask for help,’ but this time they would get a surprise. Maybe I will go into acting after all.

“I just want you guys to know that I found a job.”

“Oh shit, please tell me you’re not working at the diner. I can’t deal with more years of the smell of fried food in my home.” MJ gently smacked Dad in the arm.

“Asshole, you got me that job.”

“To pay me back. I didn’t think you’d make it a four year career.”

“What did you have to pay Dad back for?”

Both Dad and MJ turned to me, “Sonny Boy, that’s a story for another day. So let’s hear it, where’s the big job.”

“Well, I’ll mostly be stocking shelves and straightening up, and the boss seems pretty straight-laced.”

“Fuck, our son is working for the heteros.”

“Brian.” It’s really hard to get a word in edge-wise with these two constantly talking. And they say my father isn’t a talker. If they only knew.

“Dad, MJ!” Both of them finally shut-up and turned towards me.

“My boss is not straight, he’s just straight-laced. And his name is Michael Novotny.”

MJ burst out laughing, almost uncontrollably.

“All the teens in my life work with my oldest friend. Is this some sort of fucking rite of passage for all of you? Just make sure you don’t EVER work late at night with him.”

“Why the fuck would I do that?”

“It’s a pattern I don’t want to see repeated.”

“Gus, we’re really happy you got a good job with someone we can trust. After all, I’ve been working with Michael for years on Rage, and while we don’t always agree, he’s always been fair.”

“Thanks MJ, I’m really happy about it too. I kind of like some of those crazy comics, but I’m still not allowed to read Rage. When will that happen?”

“Soon enough, Sonny Boy. Justin, can we go upstairs, I think I may be getting a headache.”

MJ just rolled his eyes. “I’ll get you a shot of Beam and bring it up and then I’ll nurse you back to health.”

“That’s what I’m counting on, Sunshine.”

As MJ started to follow Dad out of the kitchen he turned around, came back and gave me a hug and a kiss. “I’m really proud of you and so is your Dad.”

“I know, he’s just being a drama queen. He may be reaching Uncle Em’s status soon.”

“Let’s just keep that to ourselves. Oh, and can you clean up for us?”

“Hey, you guys wouldn’t let me get away with that.”

“Just consider it training for working to straighten up all those messy comics each day.”

“Sure.” I rolled my eyes and headed for the dishes.

Those two really are unbelievable! But I love them anyway.

I better finish this up, get my homework done and get to sleep.  I start work tomorrow!
 

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