The Gus Diaries

Part 16

Happy New Year

January 1st – another New Year -- and for a while I thought it was starting off as the worst ever!

Ever since Christmas Jeff and I have been on some kind of boyfriend high. It’s been great!

Since we’re both on vacation from school we’re both working our shifts, at the diner and at the comic store, and then the rest of the time we’ve been hanging out together. It doesn’t matter if we’re alone or with friends because either way we’ve been having a fantastic time.

Two days after Christmas my hours at Red Cape ended about half an hour before Jeff’s. I took my time walking over to the diner and then just sat and waited for him at the counter. Sometimes it’s rough watching him work because all the guys like to cruise him. Some even try grabbing, but I’ve been keeping my cool. After the fiasco at Uncle Michael’s store, shortly before the holiday, well…I just don’t want to seem like a jealous idiot. We both work on Liberty Avenue, we both look older than our actual ages and (if I believe Jeff) we’re both kind of hot. In Jeff’s case if he flirts he gets bigger tips, even if he’s just busing the tables.

While I was waiting I picked up my messages on my cell phone and one of them was from our friend Matt asking if we’d want to go with a bunch of the guys to see the newest Brett Keller movie. His movies suck, but the special effects are really cool.

“Hey,” I called out and Jeff came over and kissed me.

“Hey to you, too.”

“Do you want to go with Matt and the guys to see the new Keller film?”

“Sure, will your dads let you go?”

“I’ll ask but I don’t see why not. There’s no school tomorrow and if they don’t want to pick me up, maybe I can stay at Grandma Jen’s tonight.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’m off in ten so just let me know. Otherwise we can just eat here and then we can go to your house with your dads.”

“Thanks.”

“For what?” He really is clueless sometimes.

“For not ditching me if my dads say, ‘No,’ to the movie.”

“Gus, when are you gonna learn?” Then Jeff pulled the key necklace out from under his shirt and dangled it in front of me. I guess that was his way of saying we’re a team. I love that he can say so much with an action and not babble and get all mushy. There aren’t many guys like that around.

Dad and MJ were fine with me going to the movie and they both said they needed to work late so they’d pick us up when it was over.

When we met the guys at the theater it turned out that the, ‘guys’, meant, ‘the guys and their dates’. I wasn’t quite sure how Jeff would react but he just put his arm around me and led me to the back row of the theater with the rest of the guys. Whenever the actors in the movie started talking we made out, like everyone else, and whenever things started to explode on the screen we’d watch and cheer with everyone else. Did I mention how lame Brett Keller movies are?

It’s great that Jeff’s friends have all accepted us and don’t seem to think twice about us being a couple. I sometimes think how hard it was for MJ and wish he could have had it so easy.

While waiting for Dad and MJ to show up I asked Jeff, “So, uhm, what are you doing New Year’s Eve?”

“Until now I didn’t have any plans, but something tells me I’m about to get busy.”

“I hope so; Dad and MJ have to go to the big New Year’s bash at Babylon, so Britin will be empty. Do you think you can come over?”

“That would be cool. I’ll ask Ms. Taylor if she’d be willing to drive me out there.”

“When my dads pick us up we can ask if they’re okay with the idea.”

Dad and MJ pulled up shortly later in MJ’s SUV. He had some paintings in the back but he didn’t have to lower the middle seat so there was plenty of room for us.

“Dad, MJ, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, Gus, what’s up?” MJ responded for both of them.

“Jeff and I would like to spend New Year’s Eve together.”

“Sonny Boy, I detect an, ‘and’, in there somewhere. Keep talking.”

“We’d like to stay at Britin. I know you’ll be out but we’ll behave and won’t do anything stupid…”

“Or unsafe,” MJ added.

“Of course not!”

“Well, then, Sonny Boy, as long as you two clean up any mess you make…”

“Dad, that’s gross.”

“Justin, where did I go wrong?”

MJ started laughing and so did Jeff.

Jeff leaned over, “I think your dad meant snacks and shit like that.”

“No, Gus knew exactly what I meant.” I could see Dad smirking even from the back seat.

“Brian.”

“It’s okay, MJ, I’m getting used to your Dad’s bluntness.”

“Well, at least you can honestly say that your dad is NOT PC.”

Then Justin added with a snort, “We like Jeff; Jeff can stay.” I smiled but that got a huge glare from Dad, towards MJ, and I really have no idea why.

I really didn’t care what the fuck was going on. I would have Jeff all to myself on New Year’s Eve…or so I thought.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

It was only two days later when my world came crashing in on me from more than one direction.

First Mom and Mem were pissed at Dad and MJ for agreeing to leave us alone to do what-ever-the-fuck. They thought it was irresponsible and that kids our age couldn’t be trusted. I thought we’d proved over and over that we could be trusted. I spoke to Mom and told her that I was hurt that she didn’t think she could trust me to be mature enough to handle a night alone, especially since Dad and MJ would be back after the party at Babylon. Then I pouted and she said she’d smooth things over with Mem. I can be pretty charming when I want…or need to be.

Then things got even worse when it turned out that Betty couldn’t work on New Year’s Eve because her mother was unexpectedly coming in from Chicago to see her. So since Jeff was the bottom of the seniority ladder he had to work at the diner on New Year’s Eve.

“Grandma, why the fuck is the diner open at all?” I couldn’t help being rude. I was so pissed off!

“Because my dear, sweet, gorgeous Gus…with the great big trash mouth, there are actually kids out there who don’t have anyplace to go for the New Year and this can be a safe place for them to hang out if they don’t have a warm bed for the night.” It took me a minute, but then I remembered Hunter and realized what she was talking about. “So be thankful for what you fucking have and cope with having to blow your boyfriend on New Year’s Day.”

When my Grandma Deb wants to make a point she definitely does not mince words. While I was still pissed off, I understood what was up. I thought about hanging out at the diner with Jeff, but MJ convince me that was a bad idea. “Gus, the only one working, besides the night cook, will be Jeff. The only people for you to talk with will be the hustlers and homeless of Liberty Avenue.”

“So what the fuck am I supposed to do? This is my first New Year living back in the U.S. Shouldn’t it be special?”

“Well, you can visit with your moms and Jenny.” I rolled my eyes at MJ. “Okay, bad idea. I’m sorry your plans got fucked up, but you are way too young to join your dad and me at Babylon.”

“My guess is that you’ll be spending most of the night in his private office anyway.” I started to pout.

“Just be patient Gus, you’re only 14.”

“And a half.” MJ just raised his eyebrow and laughed. I have to admit I was being really selfish and childish.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Jeff was really bummed about missing our big night together, too, but he couldn’t figure a way out of taking that shift. He really needed his job and he was doing really well. We just spent all the time we could together and looked forward to having him visit on January 1st. Dad said he’d even go and pick him up despite the fact that Kinnetik would be closed that day and he didn’t need to go into Pittsburgh.

Dad and MJ bought me a whole shitload of junk food and soda and bought me five newly released dvd’s to watch while they were out. I tried to appreciate all they were doing but it just wasn’t the same.

After dinner on December 30th, while MJ and I were clearing dishes from the table, Dad started to talk, “You know Sonny Boy, you’re really disappointing me.”

That really shook me up. I never want to disappoint Dad…either of my dads, for that matter. “How?”

“You’re pretty fucking lucky.”

“Lucky, how the fuck am I lucky?” MJ gently put his hand on my shoulder to calm me and then he stood behind Dad. Somehow, I think he knew what Dad was going to say because it almost looked like he was literally supporting him as he rested his hands on Dad’s shoulders.

“Not everyone has parents who support them unconditionally.” Oh, so now he was going to defend Mom and Mem, and this entire mess, by showing the comparison to Jeff’s dad.

“Some parents would rather they never had their children, and even let them know that regularly.” Okay, now this was going a little far off the beaten path so I really started paying attention.

“Some parents don’t give a shit if their kids live or die other than how it reflects on them. Some parents would rather condemn their children than support them in anything they choose. Some parents think their children are destined for hell.”

I saw MJ start wiping under his eyes discretely. With no idea where this was coming from, I just stared at Dad. He had this far off look in his eyes. I suddenly let all that he said sink into my thick skull and I realized what a real selfish little shit I had been over one stupid night.

Then I walked over to Dad and put my arms around him and squeezed. He started running his hand gently through my hair and I began to cry like a baby. Dad’s parents must have been a real nightmare, only he didn’t get to wake up.

MJ stepped back and moved towards the sink full of dishes and started rinsing them. I had a feeling he wanted to give us a moment of privacy.

“I love you, Dad. I’m so sorry I’ve been such a fucking shitty son.”

“You are NOT a shitty son, but I just want you to appreciate your life. We can’t give you everything on a silver platter, no matter how much we’d like to.”

“I know.”

“I also want you to know that if I could I would change Jeff’s schedule just for you. But that would be disrespectful to Deb and I wouldn’t want to hurt my mother that way.”

I looked at Dad through wet eyes, “I’m such a fucking asshole.”

“Gus, you’re not an asshole. You’re just young.” Dad held me close. “I know what it’s like to deal with unappreciative teen brats.”

“Hey, fuck you,” was all MJ added, but we all got a chuckle out of that and it helped ease the mood.

So I was destined for a night of dvd’s and Cheese Doodles. Oh well, things could be much worse…my moms could have forced me to visit with them!

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Dad and MJ came to say good-bye before they headed out for Babylon. The two of them actually looked hot. It was kind of scary thinking that they were actually my parents. Parents are never supposed to look THAT good.

Then they each gave me a kiss and wished me Happy New Year. Then Dad held MJ at arms’ length and just stared at him, “You are…”

“What?”

“Beautiful,” Dad practically whispered.

Then MJ started to blush, “You’re not so bad yourself.” Then the two of them looked in the front hall mirror together, Dad with his arms wrapped around MJ from behind. They really did look like a fucking poster for the bliss of gay marriage…or a tooth whitener.

That’s pretty good. I’ll have to remember to tell that one to Dad. Maybe he’ll use it in an ad. Being an ad man might be a fun career. I’ll have to think about that.

I watched the two of them leave in Dad’s Jeep. They said they’d be back after the midnight Champagne Sucking contest at Babylon. Where does Dad think of these weird things?

Now I was alone. Just me and my dvd’s. First I actually read a little and watched some lame-ass show on TV. Then at about 11:00 PM I made myself some popcorn and got ready to settle into watching a movie when the doorbell rang.

Who the fuck would be visiting at this time? I was actually kind of scared since no one was around and this house and the grounds are fucking huge AND quiet. There was no way I was letting some stranger in to make a phone call…I’d seen enough chainsaw movies to know that was a lousy idea.

When I looked through the peek-hole in the door I nearly squealed like a girl. That would have been pretty embarrassing since my voice is finally settling where it should.

There was Grandpa Carl and Jeff.

I immediately opened the door and grabbed Jeff in a huge hug. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Nice to see you, too, Newbie.”

“Sorry,” I blushed.

“I’m not quite sure how this all worked out so I’ll let Mr. Horvath tell you.”

“Grandpa?”

“Well, my boy, your Grandmother got it into her head that New Year’s Eve is all about being with the one you love.” Both Jeff AND I blushed at that. “Personally I always thought that was supposed to be Valentine’s Day, but when your grandmother gets an idea in her head it’s in like glue.

“She decided that it would be romantic for she and I to be alone at the diner, dancing to one of our favorite, slow juke box songs, since that’s the place I first asked her out on a date.”

“So what are you doing here?”

“She also figured that with the few people that might wander into the diner, she could handle it between dances and it would be ‘fiscally responsible’—her words not mine—to only have one employee on for the night.”

“So your grandmother told your grandfather to get me the fuck where I belong and to get his ass back to the diner with plenty of time to spare so they could suck face at midnight. Is she for real?”

I laughed out loud. “She’s definitely for real and she’s definitely the best.”

“I think so too,” Grandpa Carl added. “Oh, and one more thing, she left a voicemail for your dads so they won’t be shocked when they see Jeff here and she told your moms to ‘chill out’—again her words not mine.”

“Well I better get back. Goodnight boys, and play safe.”

“You have been with Grandma a long time, haven’t you?” I laughed.

“Thank you, Mr. Horvath…for everything.”

“Yeah, Grandpa, thank you. This is the best start to a New Year I could ever imagine.”

“Don’t thank me, thank your Grandma the next time you see her. She’s the one with all the brilliant ideas and philosophies.”

“I will.”

“Me, too,” added Jeff.

After Grandpa left us Jeff and I looked into each other’s eyes. I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling but then I remembered Dad from earlier in the evening.

“You’re so beautiful.” Then he kissed me really hard. It was amazing. We continued to look into each others eyes.

The moment was perfect…

And then Jeff said, “Newbie, I’m fucking starving.”

“My dads got me all this great snack shit and a bunch of hot new dvd releases.”

“Fuckin’-A!”

I really do love Jeff, he knows just what to say and do!

It was the best New Year’s Eve -- especially at midnight. We lit a fire in the fireplace, roasted marshmallows and lay naked on a thick comforter in front of the fire, touching, kissing and everything for hours…or minutes; I can’t remember.

We showered and lay in my bed after we cleaned up downstairs. Looking into Jeff’s eyes I realized that someday I want more than just one of his fingers inside me. I wonder what Dad would say if he knew I wanted to bottom for someone…but not just yet. Maybe I’ll talk to MJ about it first.

I think my new favorite holiday is New Year’s Eve.

 

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