Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last conversation. You are all absolutely fabulous.
Also, please note that I will only be updating the story once a month for the next few months. This is because I recently was diagnosed with a blood clot in my legs. That means, among other things, that I probably shouldn't be sitting at a desk writing for long periods. So unlike some of my other stories, this is not as further along with updates. Once I start feeling better, I will go back to updating the story twice a month.
Chapter 49: The Stepdad Versus The Village
August 2, 2010 10:23 AM EDT
Work Justin: So, I tried to text my boyfriend this morning, and I found out his cell phone was disconnected. Daniel told me to text you on your work number.
Work Justin: Why you and not Monique, I have no idea. But here I am.
Matt: I think he told you that because I am Austin's direct supervisor right now. I'm the one who can authorize a work cell. I will do this because you and Austin are working on the ball together and need to be in contact. With the time difference, that means being creative and sometimes having to take calls from home.
Work Justin: Thank you.
Matt: Austin told me what happened. Apparently, he called you one time in London on his cell phone instead of texting or calling you from work. His stepfather was not very happy with the international call charge.
Work Justin: Actually, that happened a few times even though Daniel told us not to do that. It was just probably one on the current bill.
Work Justin: That means that losing his cell phone is my fault. We should have listened to Daniel.
Matt: I'm getting him a work cell phone with international calling because you two still have to work on the black-and-white ball together. We're only six weeks out. So we still have a lot of work to do. Also, I want to do an all-hands meeting at 6 pm your time Wednesday.
Work Justin: That works for me. I think we're in good shape. The catering contract has been signed. You and Austin have a menu tasting Saturday afternoon with Monique.
Matt: Right before your grandpa's going away party. I'm available since I'm not invited. Although I thought Austin was. Along with Monique, for that matter.
Work Justin: They will have time to do both. Honestly, I want Austin at home as little as possible. It's not a good environment for him.
Matt: I'm aware. I'm trying to run interference as much as I can.
Work Justin: Thank you.
Work Justin: Before I forget, the venue is also secure. I was able to negotiate a 10% discount because they screwed up Marc's baby shower.
Matt: I still think the only reason why we are not banned from all Wyndham West properties is Monique is an heir to the company.
Work Justin: I think it helps that Gio's ex-girlfriend is still incarcerated. I don't think we'll have to worry about another fire. Although Marc's mom crashing again is a possibility even without the restraining order. Although now that she has lost her source regarding Marc's schedule, I hope she won't be a problem.
Matt: I heard. I'm losing Katrina to Mode because she's taking the place of whoever Monique had to fire this morning for leaking the location to Mrs. Weiner. She was the most competent person on the team.
Work Justin: Which is probably why Monique moved her.
Matt: She knows all the good people at Player.
Work Justin: Tamika has been added to the team, and she will coordinate with security. Now that there's a restraining order against Mrs. Weiner, we have additional options.
Work Justin: It is unfortunate it had to come to this. I hate that Marc has to go through this with his mom.
Matt: As somebody who has an evil mom, I sympathize. We will take care of it.
Work Justin: Good. By the time I get back to New York, I only want to focus on choosing my outfit.
Matt: We will make sure that's the only thing you have to worry about. I do know what I'm doing.
Work Justin: Austin thinks highly of you.
Matt: That's good.
Work Justin: I still think you're an idiot for what happened with Amanda.
Matt: I think I'm an idiot for what happened with Amanda, so we're even. I'll send you a calendar invite for the meeting on Wednesday. I'll talk to you then.
XXXX
15 minutes later
Austin's boss: So why exactly did your husband take away Austin's cell phone? Austin thinks it's another effort to sabotage his relationship with Justin under the guise of financial austerity.
Tiffany: He did make a phone call to London that cost over $30. Which wouldn't be that hard to deal with if your mom didn't get me fired. I found out while Austin was at the baby shower.
Austin's boss: That wouldn't surprise me at all.
Tiffany: Also, George's hours are down, as I told you before. If it wasn't for Austin actually making decent money at Meade publications, we would have to leave. George is already looking for other jobs. Which I assume is what your mother wants.
Matt: Possibly. But I feel your husband has other reasons to want to get out of Manhattan. He was trying to set up your son with every eligible woman around, including Monique's sister-in-law. I heard about what happened.
Matt: By the way, that was probably a work phone call. Justin and Austin are still working on the black-and-white ball charity event with me in September. We will reimburse you for that call, and I will get Austin a work cell phone. So you won't be charged again.
Tiffany: Thank you
Matt: I get things are tight financially, and my mom is making it worse. I also realized that Austin will have to contribute, but don't make him think these things are happening because George is mad at him for dating Justin. That's exactly the impression that your son is getting.
Tiffany: That's not what's happening.
Matt: It doesn't matter what's actually happening. What matters is what Austin thinks is happening. Just keep me posted, and I'll help out.
Tiffany: I don't want money from you.
Matt: Regardless, I think you're entitled to child support. Since you won't go to my father, I guess I'm gonna have to dip into my own trust fund to make sure my little brother doesn't end up on the street.
Tiffany: Your aunt wants me to fill out custody papers saying that Austin will end up with you if anything happens to me.
Matt: I don't know if that's needed. He'll be 17 in a couple of months, and he is working. I personally would prefer emancipation. You could leave and let Austin stay here. He could move in with Hilda; they have a spare room. Even Monique is an option. If I wasn't worried about my mom, I would say he could live with me too.
Tiffany: I think your mom wants Austin gone too.
Matt: Maybe, but I think her vendetta is more against you than Austin because you were the one who slept with her husband.
Tiffany: They were actually already divorced when it happened. I think I may have been the rebound.
Matt: Things like that mean little to Victoria.
Xxx
A few hours later.
Unknown number: Hey, new cell phone number. Apparently, one phone call to London was enough to get my cell phone taken away even though I could easily pay for it.
Unknown number: He's already taking my paycheck for rent, or at least that's what he told Tiffany. She went along with it because she got laid off last week but didn't say anything until this morning
Justin: You are going to go along with it because she was laid off last week.
Pretty boyfriend: I'm going to tell myself that was the real reason why my cell phone was canceled. It's better than the real reason.
Justin: I guess your stepdad is thinking if we can't talk to each other, we will break up? Obviously, he's not aware of how many times I've called you at work.
Justin: Although if money is tight, I can understand why a long-distance phone call to London can get your phone taken away. I'll just make sure to only call you at work.
Pretty boyfriend: It's OK. I now have a work cell phone. Also, anything that makes me more independent from the stepdad is good.
Justin: Which is good. Although now I feel like certain conversations are completely off the table.
Pretty boyfriend: Not completely off the table. Although I did give you a professional-looking name in my address book this time around.
Justin: Which makes sense because we do have to talk about work stuff. I'm going to switch you to Austin instead of pretty boyfriend.
Justin: Did you get a calendar invite from Matt? We have a 6 o'clock meeting my time Wednesday, I guess that is noon your time?
Austin: I'll have to check my calendar. I can't do the time difference in my head quite yet. I'm glad we can have a call. This week I have to start working on the corporate goodie bags for the guests. I feel like it will be more complicated than the ones for the baby shower
Justin: Not really; you can actually use some of the same steps from the baby shower. But you'll be dependent on sponsors. Wyndham West international is the major sponsor for this, so you should probably expect something like a spa gift card as being the top item. And of course, there should be gift subscriptions to Mode or Player in there. We used to do Hudson, but I assume Player has taken that magazine's place.
Austin: Actually, it's the West Hartley label now, although Wyndham West international is contributing a lot.
Austin: This is why we are also required to wear West Hartley formalwear to the event. I have a tux fitting next week. Matt just told me when he dropped my new phone off.
Justin: I'm going to need sketches. Now I have to go look through my emails to see if I've received anything about that. I know she has a London shop. They took care of aunt Betty's bridesmaid dress for Monique's wedding.
Austin: It's better this way. I probably would've had to borrow something from the closet because I couldn't rent anything.
Justin: Regardless, we will be the prettiest people there.
Justin: Since I wasn't able to talk to you this morning or rather last night because of the phone situation, how did the rest of the baby shower go? Did Cliff and Marc make up?
Austin: I don't believe so. I think they'll be making very good use of Amanda's baby shower gift that apparently was much more appropriate for a bridal shower.
Justin: I don't think Amanda's actually been to a baby shower before except for maybe the one for Charlie, and I don't even remember if she was there or not. Maybe she just didn't get the concept, but I didn't correct her because I wanted to go into that store.
Austin: You warned me, but I still wasn't expecting that. Your mom covered my eyes.
Justin: She would be disappointed to know that not only do I have some of those things, but I sent you some of those things. I won't say what we've done with those things because we are on a work phone.
Austin: That's probably wise. Although it was kind of nice having a mom that actually cares.
Justin: Do I even want to ask what happened?
Austin: Your mom interrogated me on the drive home. She may know a few things about my family life that I haven't even told you yet.
Justin: That's expected because I know she's worried about you. Even though I'm talking to Bobby more than her right now. She needs to just get over whatever is going on with her and Aunt Betty.
Austin: She also told me that most of your conversations have been going through Bobby. From her tone, it seems like she regrets that.
Justin: However, I feel like your comment is more a reflection on your mom than my mom. I know you're upset about her waiting until the last possible moment to tell you about the layoff.
Austin: I should've told you earlier, but the stepdad was so happy that Antonella was coming to get me. Mom too. I think she hoped that she was my girlfriend.
Justin: Unsurprising.
Austin: But mom looked disappointed when I told her that Antonella was just a friend and I was still with you. That's when the stepdad took the cell phone away. I didn't even know until this morning it was because of the call to London and mom losing her job. I thought it was another attempt to break us up.
Justin: A bad attempt considering you already have a work cell phone.
Justin: I'm trying to decide if making Antonella your beard would be a good or bad thing.
Austin: She said she would do it if it would help. We talked over lunch because she brought me food. She also said she never wants to date again and is glad her only two friends are gay.
Justin: I'm going to have to tell her that I'm bi.
Pretty boyfriend: I think she knows, but you're dating me right now, so you're still safe-ish.
Justin: That makes sense.
Pretty boyfriend: Oh, guess who's moving into your old house?
Justin: I have no idea. Did grandpa decide to rent or sell?
Pretty boyfriend: He's renting it to Marc and Cliff.
Justin: Wait, seriously? Marc did not mention that at all to me.
Pretty boyfriend: I think he wanted it to be a surprise for Cliff, who is really happy about it. He wants Jade to grow up in a house.
Justin: I guess Queens is better than New Jersey. You're still technically in New York City, even if it is Queens.
Austin: You're from there, so that means it's pretty great. Although your mom isn't very happy about it.
Justin: You are such a flatterer. She's not happy because Marc renting the house means grandpa is really moving to LA. I don't think she's actually accepted that. I think she still hoping that he'll change his mind and not go.
Austin: I think you're right about that.
Justin: How were their interactions at the baby shower yesterday?
Austin: Most of their conversations were about food, and he has a large list of things he has to cook for her before leaving. Also, on his day off Thursday, I'm going over for cooking lessons with her.
Justin: You can referee if things go badly. This is how my family deals with stuff. I think it will be OK. I just wish I was there to help with it.
Austin: It's OK. I am here. Also, I like your family more than mine.
Justin: I think people like everyone else's family more than theirs. Especially when said family is a little bit more on the eccentric side.
Austin: True.
XXXX
August 3, 2010, 9:32 am EDT
The Sweet One: Hey, I just wanted to make sure that you got our presents. Monique did text to say that they arrived but planning a baby shower is a lot, and she could have miss something.
The Sweet One: Sorry I didn't text you yesterday, but things are crazy when you're doing a party at the end of the week.
Marc: It's OK. I know launching a magazine is hard. But, yes, we did get your present and the gift card. The Disneyesque baby blanket was cute. Although, I really don't feel like you and your fiancé should get me anything else since you paid for the attorney. Cliff appreciates the stroller, though. He says it's perfect for the subway.
The Sweet One: I wanted to. Besides, I love buying baby stuff.
Marc: Don't you have your future step-kids for that? Mandy says that you're getting two of everything.
The Sweet One: Well, you are my friend too. Also, I felt like you needed a normal baby present after what I saw Amanda sending you.
Marc: And you didn't talk her out of it?
The Sweet One: You can't talk Amanda out of anything, and it's worse with her being pregnant. I keep telling her she doesn't have to keep the kids away on the weekends, but she does anyway. Thankfully the boys are arranging their own play dates now.
The Sweet One: Also, I didn't actually know what she sent you until after she sent it. But I did have her send the second present, which apparently was some Disney swag and a gift card.
Marc: Well, she is having your fiancé's kids. She feels guilty about that and wants to make things easier on you.
Marc: Plus, she was worried about breaking you and Daniel up until she moved to London. Which is apparently not happening.
The Sweet One: I knew coming into my relationship with Daniel that this was a possibility. Even though maybe there was a part of me that thought this could go the same way as last time, Daniel isn't Henry, and Amanda is not Charlie. And perhaps more importantly, I'm not the Betty I was a few years ago.
Marc: You're more sure of yourself?
The Sweet One: Yes. I also think that even if Amanda was Charlie, I would make it work with Daniel because it's real. Not like how it was with Henry. Because if it's real, you are going to make it work.
Marc: I am raising my daughter with my ex-boyfriend, who I'm still in love with. I can't criticize you on your life choices. I'm glad it worked out this way. If I can't be there with Amanda, I'm happy you're there.
The Sweet One: How are you dealing with that?
Marc: Better than I thought it would be. It's easier when you're not alone. I think the thought of being a single parent terrified me, but I have Cliff. We can do this together.
The Sweet One: I saw pictures of how well things are going.
Marc: Do you want to ask about the kiss? Because it was just a kiss, and we are dealing with it like adults. I'm not saying it didn't mean anything. But it was more like a commitment to our family and not trying to be lovers again because we need to put Jade first.
The Sweet One: Wait, you kissed?
Marc: You're a horrible actress, even in text message form. Austin took pictures, and he sent them to Justin, who obviously let Amanda know.
The Sweet One: Actually, it was Antonella who had the video. Amanda did not share those pictures with me until right now.
Marc: How sad, you're out of the loop.
The Sweet One: Although I did want to ask you about the fact that you're renting my childhood home.
Marc: Did Amanda tell you?
The Sweet One: My dad did. Actually, I'm the one who suggested that he offer it to you because I know he was ambivalent about selling. But also didn't want to rent to a complete stranger.
Marc: And you're OK with me being there?
The Sweet One: I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise. Although, I am kind of surprised that you're going with it. I thought you never wanted to be outside of Manhattan.
Marc: I like the idea of Jade actually having a backyard. Also, Cliff drives, and I get an executive parking space.
The Sweet One: No subway for you.
Marc: Cliff says we have to do it once a week, but I'm trying to talk him out of it. The DC metro was enough for the year.
The Sweet One: I saw some of that in the August issue. The shots at the zoo were brilliant.
Marc: That was Cliff. Although, I think nobody else will even pay attention to the DC shoot since we have the Wilhelmina retrospective.
The Sweet One: It was a good article. I think it's some of the best work you've ever done. You really humanized Wilhelmina in a way I didn't know possible.
Marc: Monique said the same thing. Unfortunately, everybody is just talking about Renee. I actually was invited to do an interview with fashion TV this weekend.
The Sweet One: You turn them down?
Marc: They wanted me on the Sunday show, and they refused to reschedule. I don't really want to talk about it. I want the article to stand on its own merits.
The Sweet One: I get that.
Marc: I also don't want to be reminded of the Jody situation.
The Sweet One: I can't believe I trusted her or looked up to her. I'm so sorry she did this to you.
Marc: You did stop after she took your job. At least you learned quickly.
The Sweet One: Apparently, she did that because she was pregnant. It still hurts, though, despite knowing why she did it.
Marc: It worked out for the best. I'm not angry because I have Jade.
The Sweet One: Maybe it did. London has been good. Not the way I thought it would be, but I'm happy here.
Marc: I'm glad.
XXXX
A few hours later
Terry the crafter: Hey, do you want to have breakfast tomorrow to go over the shoot for Friday? I know you're the best at what you do, but you haven't done anything for us for a while. You're really too good for us. If this wasn't for our November Christmas cover, I'm sure Mo would've said no.
Cliff: You're such a flatterer. You just want to gossip.
Terry the crafter: There are so many things I want to talk to you about. We didn't get to catch up at all at the shower, especially after that unfortunate business with Mrs. Weiner. You deserve a waffle for how you handled her.
Cliff: I so do. I wish that was a possibility, but I'm gonna have to leave at 4 am for an all-day Mode shoot at the Jersey shore.
Terry the crafter: Seriously, the Jersey shore? I didn't think the people at Mode knew that the Jersey shore exists.
Cliff: Monique does, and we are going to the more subtle part, a.k.a. mommy Wyndham West's personal house there. Although this might be because she has something against the Hamptons. We're trying to do it all in one day. So I don't have to stay overnight, which I'm grateful for. I hate being away from Jade.
Terry the crafter: Although I'm sure you and Marc could use a night alone together.
Cliff: Marc is not going. Marc and Monique are trying to be a little more hands-off than Daniel and Wilhelmina. So Megan is in charge. Although if things go badly, I am supposed to text Marc right away.
Terry the crafter: That makes sense. Also, why be a helicopter editor when your boyfriend is there to do it for you.
Cliff: I should probably tell you that Marc and I are not actually back together. Sunday was just me being really pissed off at his bitch of a mom.
Terry the crafter: Oh, that was obvious. You looked ready to kill her.
Cliff: She wants to take custody of my daughter away. She's not taking Jade away from us. I won't allow it; she's ours.
Terry the crafter: I will be the first in line as a character witness for you if she tries.
Cliff: Thank you.
Terry the crafter: That being said, I think you're lying to yourself about your relationship with Marc. Because that kiss Sunday was very real.
Cliff: I've seen the pictures. I understand how it seems that way, but we're just co-parenting right now.
Terry the crafter: You still love him?
Cliff: That is not the question that has to be asked.
Terry the crafter: Well, I won't ask if he loves you because that's obvious.
Cliff: Love is not everything. We broke up for a reason.
Terry the crafter: Because he was terrified of commitment and screwed the next-door neighbor. Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part at the wedding when I suggested the gestational carrier thing. You went along with it because you wished that was the truth.
Terry the crafter: Unfortunately, I would have to be living under a rock not to know better. Although I hope half of what the rumor mill has said was untrue—definitely the part about the predatory yeti professor.
Cliff: The rumor mill?
Terry the crafter: We may not be as good as Mode down in the world of crafting, but I do you know a thing or two.
Cliff: This is not surprising.
Terry the crafter: There's currently a betting pool on when you and Marc will officially get back together.
Cliff: I am not even surprised, but don't waste your money because nothing will happen. We have Jade to concern ourselves with.
Terry the crafter: And you also have the sex toys from Amanda.
Cliff: I bet the rumor mill loves that.
Terry the crafter: That actually got buried by the kiss and Mark St. James of all people moving to Queens. That's the other reason why nobody believes you two were just coparents. You broke up because Marc was afraid of commitment. Raising a child and buying a house together screams commitment.
Cliff: Technically, we're just renting at the moment. However, we have the option to buy in 18 months if both parties want to move forward.
Terry the crafter: I'm sure you'll be buying in 18 months.
Cliff: So I'm not available tomorrow, but what about a late lunch Thursday? We can even look at the sets afterward. I have 2 PM available.
Terry the crafter: I'm a good person, so I'm just going to let you change the subject. I'll also see if I can find someplace that will allow you to order waffles at 2 PM.
Cliff: Thank you.
Terry the crafter: However, did you know that I dated my current husband almost a decade before we actually got married. We were practically engaged.
Cliff: What happened?
Terry the crafter: He proposed, and I freaked out by making out with his best friend. Obviously, things ended.
Cliff: But you are together now?
Terry the crafter: It's amazing how much a person can change in a few years. If something is meant to be, it will happen eventually. Maybe not when you think it will, but it will.
XXXX
August 4, 1:45 PM EDT
Junior fashionista: So, I heard you're taking over my old house and not from you. I'm offended. I even gave you two days to tell me. Yet nothing. I've talked to Matt more. Actually, I just did an hour and ½ conference call with him. I'm exhausted.
Marc: Sorry, I meant to, but work has been ridiculous. Monique fired Calista yesterday, and I'm training the transplant from Player. I know I need to make more text message time. Your aunt told you?
Junior fashionista: Austin did Monday, actually. Although that conversation led to calling my mom because his stepdad is awful. Grandpa told her at the shower, and she pretty much went into denial about it per Austin. Which actually worries me more than the two of them fighting.
Junior fashionista: BTW, you are having lunch with my mom today. Per Antonella, you're not eating, and I had to fix that.
Marc: Normally, I would be upset about that, but this means I will get to eat something. Lunch yesterday consisted of a protein shake as fed Jade. I think Tamika is planning to schedule me more lunch meeting so I won't starve.
Junior fashionista: Why are you moving to Queens?
Marc: Because even with our combined salaries, we cannot afford that much space in Manhattan. Although I apologize now because were replacing your swing-set was something else.
Junior fashionista: It's OK because I broke it when I tried to make a runway out there. I don't entirely remember what happened.
Marc: That seems like something you would have done.
Marc: Last year, I would've been completely against moving out of Manhattan. I would like for Jade to live in an actual house and be out of the city at least a little bit.
Junior fashionista: Queens is still a city. Just not like Manhattan. It's just weird I've finally got out of Queens, and you're moving there.
Marc: Manhattan is for teenagers and twentysomethings. Unfortunately, I am an almost 30-year-old father of a four-month-old. Besides, what you hated most about Queens was high school. I'm not going to have to deal with that for at least 13 more years, and then maybe by then, we can send Jade somewhere private.
Junior fashionista: Because they were homophobic assholes. I am looking forward to Mode Academy. I think it works better this way. I feel like I'm learning more working than I do in a regular class environment.
Marc: This is very true. I should have asked before I signed the lease but are there any neighbors I need to worry about?
Junior fashionista: The red house four doors down. They texted mom about you making out with Cliff in front of the house. She may have told them to go fuck themselves.
Marc: There was no making out. It was just one little kiss.
Junior fashionista: Don't lie, we had this conversation Sunday. However, since then, I saw the video and the pictures from everyone. It's kind of like last Christmas where Betty and Daniel made out at Monique's not-a-Christmas-party. Then afterward, I was handsomely bribed not to tell anybody.
Marc: Because your Aunt was still with Matt at the time.
Junior fashionista: They're idiots. I think your denial won't be as bad because at least you acknowledge that you're in love with Cliff.
Marc: There's no point in lying to anyone, especially myself. I am well aware I am still in love with Cliff. I don't think I would've agreed to share custody of Jade with him if I didn't love him.
Junior fashionista: Again, you are in a better state than my aunt and uncle last year at this time, and they're engaged now. There might be hope for you yet.
Marc: But we have a daughter together, so things are just going to be the way they are. He forgives me for what happened with the neighbor, which is more than I hoped for. So it's a place to start, at least.
Junior fashionista: It's a good place to start.
Marc: Your mom is here. She brought food, and Tamika also had her drop off Jade because I'm not paying her enough for full-time baby duty.
Junior fashionista: I feel like this is true.
To be continued…