The Gus Diaries

Part 9

Dinner is Served

Tonight was definitely the most eye-opening night I’ve experienced in a long time. I thought I could predict my parents but they are really getting more complicated to figure out as they get older. I wonder if it’s an age thing?

Jeff and I had practice and we couldn’t miss it since we have a big game against Allegheny Public next week. They’re the toughest team we play, so Saturday practice was a requirement. It was a great distraction and I definitely needed something other than family to focus on, and basketball…and Jeff’s ass, made a great combo. After practice, which went about an hour longer than expected, I showered and changed. At that point I was so focused on getting home and hoping my parents wouldn’t embarrass me in front of Jeff that I didn’t even get any good “glancing” time in the shower. Let’s face it, 14 = hormone explosion. But I am discreet and VERY careful. No reason to get the straight guys pissed off.

After we changed, Jeff and I met up outside near his car. He was talking to Matt about some homework assignment so I just stood back and waited until they were done. Then Matt turned and saw me. “Hey, Gus, come on over. We’re not planning to take over the world…or the school.”

“Hi, Matt.” Mr. Eloquent strikes again.

“So you guys got big plans for the weekend?”

“Not really.” I don’t like to make any comments that involve Jeff, so I never talk about us at all. I figure if I actually say something Jeff might feel cornered.

Then Jeff added, “Yeah, we’re going to have din-din with Gus’ ‘rents. His short, blond dad is cooking and he’s pretty handy in the kitchen. Makes these cool meals that start out sounding sucky but taste great.”

“My moms are in from Canada to visit and…” I just faded off.

“No shit!” is Matt’s first reaction. “Your moms want to meet the new beau. That’s way too weird for words.”

At that I froze. While I’m pretty sure that Jeff considers me “something more” than just his friend, a beau might be taking it a step too far. Then he chimes in, “No shit is right! I nab the hottest guy at St. James,” then Matt fake coughs really loudly while laughing, “Make that the hottest gay guy at St. James…”

“I can live with that,” Matt snickers.

“And now I get summoned to meet not one, not two, but four parents and with his sister there, her two dads are coming for dinner, too. I guess I’ll just have to turn on the ole Jeff-meister charm and win them ALL over. I’ve already met the dads and they’re cool with me and Gus.”

I’m not sure if I actually gasped or fainted but I was definitely shocked. I guess I really do have a legitimate boyfriend. I just hoped that dinner with my moms wouldn’t turn him off.

After that Jeff took my hand and we got into his car. He must have noticed that I’d suddenly become even quieter than usual because he looked at me and then leaned in, “You do know I consider you my boyfriend, don’t you?”

“I, I, I guess I wasn’t sure. I figured you probably go out with a lot of guys and I’m just one of them.”

“Gus, I don’t like having to keep track of what I say and who I say it to. I guess I’m the kinda person that likes to go out with only one person at a time. You never know how long it will last, but if I don’t care enough to focus on one person I might become some sort of fucking robot…literally.

“My first boyfriend was a lot older than me. I was a freshman and he was a senior. As soon as he turned 18 he starting fucking everything with two legs and a dick and they all wanted him cause he was fresh meat. It really turned me off and it taught me a lot about who I want to be. I haven’t had a boyfriend since then.”

At that my eyes popped out a bit and my shock must have been written right across my face.

“I did try fucking around with other guys for a bit; just to see how it felt. I even got a fake ID so I could get into bars and check out all the action. It was fun for a while but it wasn’t me. Guys think I’m like that cause I’m okay with who I am, and tall, but I wasn’t having a good time.”

“And now,” I took a risk.

“Now, I feel pretty fuckin’ good. I found you, and the kooky family that goes along with you, but I really feel like this is a good fit for me…being with you. I know we’re young, especially you.” That made me laugh. You’d think he was 20 or something the way he was talking, he’s still pretty young. “But I figure, if something works don’t fix it, and definitely enjoy it.”

Then I did something I’d never done before, I leaned over, grabbed Jeff and pulled him close and gave him one helluva kiss. It probably looked a lot like the kisses MJ gives Dad when Dad’s done something amazing. We kissed for what seemed like an hour and finally Jeff pulled away and said, “I don’t think it would be too cool to walk into your house looking freshly fucked.”

At that I really and truly laughed out loud and let him fasten his seat belt so we could get going. Somehow, things were definitely looking up.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

When we got home everyone was already there. Mom and Mem were setting the dining room table. I couldn’t help but snicker as I remembered the last time I actually sat at that table. It was filled with sex toys, accessories and visual aides. I wonder what my moms would say if I told them we were about to eat where just a few weeks ago the surface was covered in dildos, butt plugs, condoms and lube…amongst other things. I’ll save that for when I really want to gross them out.

Uncle Michael and Uncle Ben were hanging out with Jenny in the den. They’re pretty cool and I know Jenny really misses her dad when she’s at home. I feel bad for her because I know exactly how she’s feeling. I felt that way for over 8 years. She’s had to get to know her father by only visiting during random weekends and every summer from the time she was born. I think it really sucks.

Dad and MJ are in the kitchen. I’d like to say they were cooking but Dad never volunteers to actually do the cooking. MJ likes to cook so that’s his department, but Dad always helps with the extras, like salad or just taking out the serving pieces. They have this really cool set of modern pottery dishes with matching serving dishes. They look like modern art, but I guess with a label queen and an artist for parents I’d be surprised if they didn’t have really creative dishes. Oh my God, I’m turning into Uncle Emmett—I’m actually noticing dishes!

“Hi Dad, hi MJ.”

“Hi Mr. Kinney, Mr. Taylor,” Jeff nodded to each of them.

“Well, if it isn’t the ubiquitous Jeffrey Fields,” Dad said with a slightly sarcastic tone.

Justin tilted his head and smiled at Dad. Then he went behind Dad’s back draped his arms around his neck, leaned down and said, “All the best men are.” There they go again, talking in code. I really wish I could figure out how to translate.

“How was practice, boys?” Dad continued. “Did you meet your quota of baskets?”

“Dad, we don’t have a quota of baskets.”

“Hey Gus, if you think about it we really do—if we don’t make enough baskets we run extra laps.”

“I thought this young lad was quite bright. He continues to prove it each time I see him.”

“Why don’t you both go help Gus’ moms set the table and let Jeff meet them before we all sit down to dinner together.” MJ said. The idea made sense so we starting heading off.

I realized I’d left my backpack in the kitchen and I wanted to put it on the stairway with Jeff’s so I headed back to the kitchen while he waited in the hallway. Just before I entered I heard MJ again, “You’re purposely testing Jeff each time that he comes here. For a while I wondered if you were stirring up shit for the fun of it, but now I see what you’re doing.”

“And what would that be, Sunshine?”

“You’re making sure that he’s bright enough and self-assured enough to be worthy of Gus. I’m not sure if I should be annoyed or kiss you for taking such good care of our son.”

Then Dad took Justin in his arms, twined his fingers in Justin’s hair and drew him in for the hottest kiss I’ve ever seen. These are my dads and even I could tell they are one VERY hot couple.

“Let’s go the kiss route,” Dad said softly.

“You’re a genius, Brian Kinney.”

“You’re just figuring that out now, I gave you more credit than that.” Dad said with his tongue pressing his cheek.

“Oh, I figured it out long ago, it just bears repeating regularly.”

“Now you’re reminding me what a genius you are.” Justin laughed at that one. My dads really are lucky to have each other.

Then I just went in as if I’d just arrived and picked up my bag.

When Jeff and I entered the dining room both moms looked up at once. It was actually kind of funny. They were like two old-fashioned bobble-head dolls moving simultaneously.

“Mom, Mem, Lindsay Peterson and Melanie Marcus, this is my friend Jeff, from school and the basketball team.

While Mem was sizing up Jeff, Mom came over, shook his hand and said in her best WASP tone, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Same here, I’ve heard a lot about you.” Jeff offered.

Then Mem chimed in, “I wish we could say the same. I hope we can really get to know you tonight. We’ve heard so little about you.” Then she glared at me. Mem definitely had a first class ticket to the winners circle for Mother Guilt. Jeff actually snickered.

Before we got any further, MJ yelled that dinner was ready and for everyone to come and sit down.

At the dinner table the rest of the introductions were made. Jenny drooled, as expected (she’s the straight maverick in the family), and Michael was, well, Uncle Michael. He’s like a slightly toned down version of Grandma Deb, but he means well and he really loves us and shows it. It’s a good thing he’s not as strong as Grandma Deb or we’d all be in the ER with broken ribs.

Uncle Ben was actually pretty cool. Let’s face it, he’s built like a brick God and he’s smart, too. He asked Jeff if he’d been looking into colleges and since Jeff really likes reading and English, he and Ben started talking about the great literature programs at Carnegie Mellon.

Then when Ben asked Justin what was in the wonderful casserole that he had served as a side dish was I thought Jeff would snort his water out of his nose, but he just smirked and held the glass up to his mouth to cover his amusement. Dad on the other hand, snorted and said, “It’s one of Justin’s secret recipes but I bet he’ll be willing to share it with you…for a price.” Everyone laughed and Justin winked at Dad.

When MJ brought out dessert Mem let the lawyer in her out. It was time for the cross-examination. “So Jeff, why are you so interested in a freshman? A guy like you could probably get anyone in the school he wanted.”

“I probably could but I guess I’m picky. I don’t want just anyone.”

After I coughed a bit, Dad got up to help MJ, patted my back on the way and loudly whispered, “Touché,” in Jeff’s ear.

“But isn’t Gus a bit immature for you?” Mem continued, “Or do you like chicken?”

“Mem, what the fuck are you talking about?” I finally found my voice.

“I’m not into chicken Ms. Marcus. I just like Gus. He’s really smart and he’s a lot more mature than you give him credit for being. He really holds his own with all the guys on the team and they’re all older than him. Haven’t you ever known anyone who seemed mature beyond their years?” Jeff is sooooo cool!

Then Dad just had to add, “Hmmm, now let me think. Justin, have I ever met anyone mature beyond his years? Maybe someone who was more mature than all those I was friends with.”

“Brian, behave,” was MJ’s reply.

At that point both Uncle Michael and Mom must have thought of a joke at the same time because they both started laughing. Michael blurted out, “I can’t imagine who you’d be thinking of Brian, can you Linds?”

Mom was turning red as she laughed, “Why Michael, I’m beginning to wonder who Gus takes after most. Obviously DNA has less to do with it then any of us thought.”

Now the grown ups were all acting like they’d gone off the deep end and needed some sort of group intervention. Jeff, Jenny and I had no idea what they were talking about. The next thing we knew, MJ got up…I think he was blushing but I couldn’t figure out why.

“I think I’d better get some more coffee,” was all MJ said and he left the room.

After that everything seemed to relax, and Mem seemed to back off. Jeff even had the guts to hold my hand under the table and give it a victory squeeze. Clearly, whatever he said gave everyone a laugh and they somehow believed he wasn’t using me. Although, I’m sure he could find much better prospects if that’s what he was looking for. We were taking it pretty slow, which was just fine with me.

When dinner was cleared I started helping MJ and Dad clean up in the kitchen while Michael, Ben, Jenny and my moms brought Jeff into the media room to play a new video game that Uncle Michael just got in the store.

“MJ what was all that about at dinner?” I finally got to ask.

“Gus, a long time ago I learned a lot of life lessons at an early age. I was also pretty smart for a kid.” Justin started. He sort of had a faraway look in his eyes, it was kind of weird. I wasn’t even sure he was still really talking to me.

“I remember some kick-ass SAT scores that shocked the hell out of me, considering the schedule you kept.” Dad added.

Justin smiled at him and continued, “Due to a series of unfortunate, or maybe they were ultimately fortunate, circumstances I grew up much faster than I ever planned. Despite some ups and downs I always knew how I felt and that my feelings were much more mature than anyone gave them credit for.”

“Anyone or someone in particular?” Dad interjected.

“Maybe someone more than the rest. But still, I never questioned my ultimate goal.”

“What was that?” I asked.

At that MJ and Dad approached each other. I wasn’t even sure that they realized I was still in the room. They were standing, facing each other in front of the sink and cabinets. Dad put his arms around MJ’s back and MJ put his hands around Dad’s neck and started rubbing the back of his neck gently. Then he continued, “I always knew that I had to be an artist. It was in my nature just as sure as I always knew I was gay. I also knew that while it was fun playing around with different guys that someday I really wanted to be married to a man that I could love for the rest of my life. There are some things that no matter how much we think we should walk away from we can’t. It would go against my nature to be in business and it would go against my nature to marry a person whose soul wasn’t connected to mine.”

“It would go against my nature to become an over-the-hill club boy. I needed someone who was mature beyond his years to show me the way.” Dad softly said.

“Do you know what I told Daphne after you and I met?”

“I can’t imagine.”

“I told her, amongst other things, that I was going to live with you.”

“Is that all you told her?”

“No, there’s much more, but I think your ego is big enough already. We’ll save the rest for another day.”

Then they kissed. I think the temperature in the room went up about 10 degrees because even I was feeling hot and that’s just too gross to think about. Although I have to admit I was feeling a bit confused by MJ’s answer and Dad’s responses, I also really wished Jeff was standing beside me at that moment.

As if coming back to reality, Justin turned to me, “It seems that I’ve had a slight influence on your life, Gus, because you have similar characteristics to me, especially in how capable you are of fitting in with friends who are older than you. I think that natural ability led me to my true destiny. I hope it will do the same for you.”

I’m not 100% sure I understood or could relate to MJ’s entire story, but all I know is that I suddenly felt like everything was going to be okay, no matter what direction my life took me.

Now I’m actually kind of looking forward to seeing Mom, Mem and Jenny again during the U.S. Thanksgiving. Even better than that, Jeff took me aside before he left and said, “Gus, I’m okay with your family. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been this comfortable with any adults before. You’re really lucky to have them. And Gus, I hope I can say that I’m really lucky to have you, too?”

“Oh yeah, you can definitely say that all you want!” That was the last thing I said for quite a while. Then Jeff ran his hand through my hair, got into his car and left.

Yeehaw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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