The Gus Diaries

Part 48

Party Planning
 

My birthday is only a week away and for a while this past week I was ready to say fuck it and skip the whole thing. Who would have ever thought that turning 15 would cause so much trauma and stress in one family? I won’t be able to drive, I won’t be able to vote, hell, I still have to go to the doctor with my parents in tow because I’m not old enough to get a prescription on my own.

So why the fuck did everyone have to suddenly come down with temporary insanity!

It all started a few days ago when I agreed to meet my Mom and Mem at the diner. I knew that Jeff would be on and so would Deb so I felt pretty safe. Not to mention that Dad planned to meet Pop, Uncle Michael and Ben for dinner there too. It never dawned on me that this might be a meal that would be akin to cease fire negotiations.

When we closed Red Cape Comics Uncle Michael and I walked together to the diner.

“I can’t believe in just over a week you’re going to be 15 years old. I still remember when you were a newborn. You know I took the first picture of you and your Dad together, when he first held you in the hospital.”

I’d probably heard that a million times, but I didn’t think it necessary to hurt Uncle Michael’s feelings. “Yeah, I’ve heard about it and I love that picture. I know Dad and Pop both do to. In fact Pop used it as the basis for a painting.”

“That’s right; I remember seeing it at one of his exhibits.” We walked a few more feet in silence, but Uncle Michael likes to chat. “So what are you planning for your big day?”

Now, I thought for about a split second of telling him my personal plans for that day, but thought better of it since I really didn’t want anything revealed on the 11 o’clock news that night. Uncle Michael isn’t known for his ability to keep secrets.

“Not much. I’ll probably have a nice dinner with my dads sometime during the weekend and I know on my actual birthday Jeff wants to take me out to dinner at a fancy restaurant -- just the two of us.”

“Wow, you’re really entering the big leagues. Although don’t you want to do something a little more exciting than just dinner with your dads. This will mark your first year living with them and you’ve grown into quite a young man.”

“I’m not much different than I was last year.”

“We both know that’s bullshit. Look how much you’ve accomplished in school and with your personal life and taking charge of meeting your own needs, as your Dad would say. You’re a terrific worker. Not to mention I think you’re probably well over six feet tall now.”

I put my arm around Uncle Michael’s shoulder. He really is a nice guy and I know he cares a lot about me -- loves me, “I’m actually six - three now. I had a check-up last week, and the doctor isn’t convinced that I’m done growing.” I paused a minute and faced Uncle Michael, “And thanks for saying I’ve grown in those other ways too. It’s sometimes hard to know if I’m more a kid or an adult anymore.”

Uncle Michael paused and placed his hand on my shoulder, “Well, Gus, I’d say, for whatever it’s worth, you’re far more adult than kid. In my opinion you’ve proven that over and over, especially during the last six months.”

I nodded, “Thank you, good to hear sometimes.”

“I’ll remind you whenever you need to hear it in the future.” I smiled at him and we walked the next two blocks in a comfortable silence. I noticed that Uncle Michael’s smile matched mine.

As soon as we opened the door to the diner, ushered in by the loud bell above it, Jenny came bouncing over to us. Bouncing is the best way to describe how she approaches sometimes. It’s obvious that she’s getting into the teeny-bopper years and it’s kind of cute...I hope it stays that way, but something tells me it won’t.

“Hey Daddy, hey Gus. What took you both so long? I’ve been waiting for you two forever.”

“Jenny we were supposed to be here a few minutes after six. It’s six-fifteen.”

“Like I said, big brother, forever.” Then she poked me in the side of my ribs and dragged me to the booth she was sitting in opposite our mothers.

Before we even sat down I noticed Dad and Pop walk in and they joined Uncle Michael and Uncle Ben a few tables away. They both nodded to me and I gave them a little wave. It was now totally obvious that they were there to insure my comfort with my dinner companions and to help me if it became needed.

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who was still concerned about Mom’s motives, in particular.

The diner seemed really crowded for a weeknight. It was as if every gay man in town decided to eat dinner there that night.

I had Jenny slide into the booth first. No need to feel trapped if I wanted to make a hasty retreat. It was sad that I thought that way, but it also seemed necessary for the time being.

“Hi Mom, Mem.” I nodded to them both. Fortunately they didn’t make anything awkward by getting up and forcing hugs on me that I really didn’t want. I know that being hugged by my parents wasn’t cool anyway, but I still didn’t seem to mind them from Dad and Pop -- the moms were a different story.

“Hi Gus, how’ve you been. Jenny and I were so glad you were going to join us tonight.”

“I’ve been okay, Mem. I’m not looking forward to all the work I’ll have in school this year but it’ll be great being on the basketball team as a non-rookie AND being the news editor for the school paper.”

“You’ll have a lot on your plate. Remember to make time to be a kid.”

“No problem, I seem to always leave time for fun. Besides, I really like those two things, and I’m continuing my membership in the Gay-Straight Student Alliance. After all, I’m considered a legacy.”

“Hey, that’s right! Uncle Justin started that group at St. James, didn’t he?”

“Yep, and I have to admit that I’m proud that I can be a part of it. Did I ever tell you guys that his picture is in a big display in the hallway?”

Mom looked uncomfortable, “No Gus, you didn’t. Do you always talk about Justin in that way?”

“What way?”

“As your father, your Pop.” She started tugging at her napkin and ripping it into tiny pieces.

I almost got up to leave, not wanting to deal with Mom if she was going to start in on my relationship with Pop but then Mem placed her hands over Mom’s fidgeting fingers. “Linds, it’s right that he should be proud of his father’s legacy at St. James. You know that deep down, don’t you...that he should be proud...and that Justin IS his father?”

Mom nodded and whispered, “I know, it’s just hard to admit.”

“Maybe for now, but it’ll get easier, trust me.”

I watched the interaction between Mem and Mom. They no longer seemed like former spouses or partners. It almost seemed like Mem was acting like Mom’s older sister and voice of reason. This new dynamic was strange, but I hoped it might help both of them move forward with their lives.

“Mommy has a new girlfriend.” Jenny chimed in. I was grateful that she changed the subject.

Jenny had told me that Mem was really lonely for a while after Mom left and that she never left the house except to go to work, so this sounded like good news.

“That’s cool, what’s her name?”

“She’s not a girlfriend, we’re just dating, but at least I’m leaving my short-lived hermit persona behind. Her name is Marie and we’re actually old friends reuniting after many years apart.”

Mom looked at Mem, “Marie, as in Dusty’s Marie?”

Mem nodded, “Yes, Linds, that Marie.”

“She never found anyone else?”

“No. I think she spent all her time with the kids. I mean they had three kids and one was just a baby when Dusty died.”

I looked up at both of them and the confusion I was feeling must have been written all over my face.

Mem looked at both me and Jenny, “Marie and her partner Dusty were dear friends.”

We both nodded.

“But when Babylon had that bombing about ten years ago Dusty was one of the casualties.”

“Shit!”

Jenny nodded, “Double shit!”

I noticed Mom looking at us both, but decided that our language was appropriate for the situation so she remained silent.

“Anyway, Marie has been raising the kids and her only social life has revolved around them and a few GLC social or fundraising events. We met up at the recent GLC dinner to support the Vic Grassi House and decided to get together a few times. That’s all it is right now.”

I understood that Mem was being cautious, but I really hoped that she’d find someone to make her truly happy.

“Anyway Gus, the real reason we wanted to see you is that...”

Jenny chimed in once again, “It’s time to plan your birthday bash. You’re too old for kids’ parties but maybe we can have some sort of wild pool party or something at your house.”

Mom cringed. I have a feeling hearing Britin referred to as my house didn’t quite sit well with her but she wisely let it go.

“Well, you guys, I was kind of hoping for a quieter celebration this year.”

Just then Jeff came by to take our orders. “Hey Newbie, we have a reservation at Papagano’s for seven on the first of September.”

My face lit up knowing he’d made the plans without having to be reminded once, and looking at his face I knew he was as excited about our night together as I was.

Mom lifted her head, “When are you two going out to dinner?”

“On Gus’ birthday. I asked him and he was cool with it.” Looking at the strange look on Mom’s face he added, “We cleared it with Gus’s dads.”

“Well what about clearing it with Gus’ mothers, or don’t we count for anything?”

I looked at my Mom and was shocked by her harsh tone towards Jeff. “Mom, I’m going to be 15 AND I don’t live with either of you.”

“I still think we should be consulted on anything that might get in the way of family plans, and this certainly does.”

Now I was beginning to lose my temper and I was panicking about her fucking up my after dinner plans as well. “Like you consulted Dad whenever he wanted to see me, and you seemed to make other plans for us.”

Jenny put her arm on my shoulder, “Gus, cool it. We’re in a restaurant.”

“This isn’t a restaurant, it’s the diner...and I will not cool it until Mom apologizes. I’m not fucking five years old anymore. I make my own choices for the most part and that includes how and with whom I spend my birthday.” I took a deep breath and tried to calm down and get my thoughts in order. “By the way, there are a couple of other days in the weekend for us to get together so don’t get all possessive about a specific day.”

Jeff leaned down and whispered very quietly in my ear, “Take it easy Gus. I know this bullshit with your moms is tough, but don’t lose the battle by acting like a brat.”

I glared at him and then realized he was absolutely right. What was that phrase that Uncle Emmett once told me...You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. I think I just figured out what that meant.

“Sorry for yelling. I didn’t mean to jump down your throats. It’s just that I really am looking forward to this date with Jeff. I hope you can both understand.”

Mem looked at me and smiled but I still got no reaction from Mom. Jenny squeezed my hand under the table and whispered, “Good rebound,” in my ear.

I hadn’t noticed Dad getting up from his booth but he suddenly appeared at the side of our table. He put a hand on Jeff’s shoulder, “Is this waiter trying to get fresh with you, Gus?”

We all laughed at that. “I hope so.” Count on Dad to lead us through a minefield without any wounds.

“Now why don’t you give this young, hot waiter your order and if the rest of you are smart you’ll follow suit. Otherwise you may not get fed tonight from the looks of all these hungry faggots.”

I nodded and mouthed a thank you to Dad and then we gave Jeff our orders.

“Well, Gus, can we come out to Britin on the Saturday before your birthday? I’d really love to get another chance to swim in that gorgeous pool before the summer is over.”

“It’s a good thing that my birthday is in the summer or that might not be nearly as appealing.”

Jenny laughed, “I’m the winter baby, remember. Maybe Mom and Mommy will take us skiing or skating for my birthday.”

Mom smiled for the first time that evening. “Why don’t we work on planning one birthday at a time?” Mom took a deep breath as if preparing for her next sentence and afraid she might lose her nerve. “Do you think your fathers would mind if the whole family came out to celebrate your birthday on the Saturday before? I’d like to have some birthday celebration time with you before you’re too old to even care to celebrate with your family.”

Mem held Mom’s hand and I noticed her give it a squeeze. When Mom looked in Mem’s direction they nodded at each other. Mem simply added, “I think that sounds great. Is that okay with you, Gus?”

“I’m sure Dad and Pop would love it. Maybe Uncle Em can bring all that great food he makes for his catering business. He’s got a great cooking staff.”

Before anyone could say anything else Jeff returned with our dishes with Deb right by his side. “Honey, that sounds like a great idea. Couldn’t help overhearing. That’ll give me an excuse to go out and buy a new swimsuit during all the big end of season sales.” Grandma snapped her gum as an exclamation point to her statement.

“I have to ask my dads first.”

“Hey Brian, Sunshine, the Saturday before this handsome young man turns 15, how about letting Emmett cater for the whole family. I think a swim and sun party is in order. Maybe we’ll get some fucking appetizers shaped like sunbursts or flotation devices.”

Uncle Michael nearly choked on his burger and Uncle Ben just laughed. Pop finally answered after he managed to swallow. “I think that sounds great Deb, maybe Brian can mix up some great concoctions at the bar for the over-21 crowd.”

Dad nudged Pop. “From the looks of it Sunshine, that doesn’t include you yet.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere, stud.” The two of them kissed.

“Hey you two, save it for when you get home and when the kid is out of eye and earshot.”

By now everyone was much more relaxed.

But most of all, my night with Jeff was securely in place, with no interference.

Now I could focus on eating my dinner, and thinking about a birthday night, that hopefully, I’d never want to forget.

 

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