The Gus Diaries

Part 165

The Sculptor III

Leading the way into the living room, Pop kept glancing over his shoulder.  I remembered meeting Ethan Gold in New York City a few years ago and learning he was the only man Pop ever dated seriously besides Dad.  I also remembered learning he had spent most of his life in the closet and there was definitely no love, or even friendship, lost between Pop and Mr. Gold, and Dad was even more adamantly unimpressed with him.  It seems he finally found his way out, but why try to reconnect with Pop now?  It’s no secret that Pop and my Dad are a serious couple.  In fact, some might say they’re a gay power-couple.

“I’ve seen a print of that work.  It’s one of my favorites.”  Andrew pointed toward the painting above the fireplace.  “The abstract work of Justin Taylor is unmistakeable, but I get a sense that tonight I might learn some of the inside story of your inspiration.”

“As in who or what his muse is?” Dad interjected immediately and then gave a sideways glance toward Mr. Gold.

“A muse is always an important influence for any artist.  I should know, I once lost my muse but I’ve been fortunate enough to find another in Andrew.” 

I have to admit; Mr. Gold was very cool and didn’t seem to react to Dad’s obvious dig with any level of concern.  It made me wonder if Andrew knew about his former relationship with Pop.  So far no one was talking about it, and I wasn’t about to let the cat out of the bag... although this was more like a lion in a den in my household.

The only music we didn’t listen to -- ever -- was violin music and it wasn’t because Dad or Pop were trying to sway my feelings regarding classical pieces.  Some family stories die hard and this was one of them.  Since my trip to New York City a few years ago, I’ve had most of the story filled in by Dad, Pop, or some other chatty member of our family.

It’s a good thing I wasn’t too wrapped up in my thoughts or I would have missed Uncle Michael’s first words since the arrival of our guests of honor.

“I thought it took years for me to come out at work, but at least I rectified that situation before I hurt others irreparably.”

“I didn’t realize I had made such a big impression on you.”  Mr. Gold offered his hand to shake Uncle Michael’s but he didn’t take it.  “It’s Michael, isn’t it?  If I recall correctly, you’re the comic book geek, right?”

Uncle Michael grinned.  “I didn’t realize I’d made such a big impression on you.  I can’t believe you remember my name.”

Pop appeared to choke at Uncle Michael’s answer to Ethan’s questions.  I wondered if he was uncomfortable or if it was the words themselves.

Dad finally broke into the discussion.  “Michael, Ethan clearly remembers quite a bit.  I’m sure he remembers his first big break and how he shared it with the person he loved... oh wait a minute, he shared it with the closest person at hand... my mistake.”

Andrew glanced from each man to the next and finally took Mr. Gold’s hand.  “Ethan, when you told me about having already met Justin Taylor, that you had in fact dated for a time, you never mentioned you also knew his family too.”

“I had no idea his family would be so willing to resurrect the past.  We were all so young and foolish back then.  Lots of us made silly mistakes in order to further our futures or out of an overinflated sense of loyalty to friends.”

“Speak for yourself, Ethan.”  Pop finally found his voice.  “I was the only fool back then.  Everyone else in my family just allowed me to grow up, find my way, make my own mistakes, and learn my own lessons.”  Pop stepped directly in front of Mr. Gold.  “Some of those lessons were harder to learn than others, but I dealt with them nonetheless.”

“And now we’ve all found our way to true happiness.”  Mr. Gold looked directly back at Pop.  “Some of us with a bank roll backing us up.”

Dad stepped forward and he had a look on his face I’d only seen once before -- when he dealt with Craig Taylor. 

“Brian, don’t.”  Pop spoke in a hushed voice as he placed his hand firmly against Dad’s chest, halting him as he moved toward Mr. Gold.

“I just want to make a couple of things clear.”  He faced Mr. Gold.  “Having money didn’t send Justin away, nor did it bring him back.  In fact, I have never seen anyone who fought all the odds to make a name for himself in a business that is harder than any other, including the music field.”  Dad looked at Andrew.  “I’m sure you know the trials and tribulations an artist goes through to gain recognition and respect.”

Andrew nodded and remained silent.  I hoped he wasn’t feeling nearly as uncomfortable as I was sensing.

“In addition, the only one who had misjudged Justin’s motivation for being my partner, and now husband, in case that piece of news escaped your mind, was you.  And if I recall correctly, which I’m quite sure I do, his only attraction to you was based on lies and subterfuge.”

“You can think whatever you like, Brian, but Justin and I both know better.  And, I was forthcoming enough with my current boyfriend to share that I knew Justin, even dating him, though only for a short time.  I explained how attached he was to you and how you truly never let him go even while he was a student and exploring other avenues.”

Dating him!  Everyone in the family, including Pop, admitted they lived together for about three months.  It may not have been long, but it was sure as hell more than dating.

After recovering from my own irritation with Mr. Gold, I noticed Pop bite his lip and wondered if it was true.  Had Pop gone off with Ethan despite still caring about my dad?  Had Dad never truly let him go either?  Had they always been in love and just both too stubborn to admit it?  I watched Jeff as he took in all the revelations from the past playing out before our eyes and took his hand.  Now I understood why my dads didn’t protest when we became engaged, despite being young.  They didn’t want us to repeat their less than stellar past of avoiding their true feelings.

Pop finally found his voice again.  “Brian, this is all ancient history.  Andrew and Ethan are clearly very happy together and I’m happy for them.  Tonight is about getting to know Andrew and allowing Gus the time to interview him for the newspaper.”

Dad looked directly at me and then turned toward Pop and nodded.  “You’re right.  Let’s leave the not so enjoyable walk down the proverbial memory lane behind and move onto the present.  Would anyone care to join me in the dining room?  I know Justin’s arranged a meal fit for a king -- at least a king of sculpture.”

“That sounds like an excellent idea.”  With his words, Uncle Ben let out a breath I think he had been holding the entire time the others were speaking about past history.

“I couldn’t agree more.”  Andrew looked equally relieved.  He leaned toward Mr. Gold, trying to whisper, but not quite making it.  “I think we need to talk about your decision to sign with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic.  It may not have been the best idea.”

Mr. Gold kissed him on the cheek and rubbed his back, but didn’t voice an actual response.  “The contract is signed.  Don’t worry, Andrew.  This is all water under the bridge.”

I have to admit, I was beginning to wonder if we would ever reach the planned purpose of the evening and if I’d ever get the chance to speak with Andrew about his work, coupled with the decision to move his home base to Pittsburgh for part of the year.  Things seemed to be unfolding one surprise after another and I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what might possibly come next. 

[TBC]

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