The two said their good-byes to one another and after Brian kissed Gus gently on the forehead Lindsay left him alone with his selection. As Brian walked up to the cash register he found that his mind wandered to Justin. The look in the young man's eyes as he'd invited him, amid the colorful maelstrom that was Babylon, was something that Brian had never seen before. It was something of a mix between adoration and desire. For a moment, Brian wanted to say "yes". However, reality soon kicked in and he sarcastically questioned Justin's sanity.
"Just this sir?"
Brian's recollection faded away and the face of a lovely young woman came into focus.
"Yes," Brian answered. "Just this."
The woman smiled and ran up the price.
"Would you like it gift wrapped, sir?"
Brian thought for a moment. Why the hell not?
"Sure."
She flashed his another bright smile and retrieved a white box and black ribbon from under the counter. Brian watched as her swift and delicate hands folded the scarf and placed it in the box before securing it with the ribbon. When she finished, Brian paid her in cash and, talking the box under his arm, exited the store.