Brian walks into the editing suite to find Cynthia and the technician already hard at work. They exchange a grin and Brian takes a seat watching them work.
"This is what we have so far..." Cynthia waits for the video to get back to the beginning before she commences the pitch they had gone over ad nauseum the night before, giving detailed accounts how each segment will function as a separate station in the trip down Memory Lane. Brian focuses every ounce of his concentration into nailing this on the first try though it's not his confidence that is lacking, but the amount of time he has before he has to leave.
What happened to you, Kinney? You used to be the hottest stud in any and every room. No apologies, no regrets and now...some whipped sycophant rushing home to the little wife.
"Brian?" Cynthia touches him gently on the shoulder "You okay, boss?"
"Peachy. We all set?"
"That depends… Do you approve the campaign?"
"I have a few notes" Brian drops a small novel in front of the tech and opens the door "Please make it available by 2pm so that I can preview it before the meeting."
Brian goes upstairs and orders room service. While he waits, he returns some phone calls and emails.
Justin's arm snakes from under a sateen down-filled comforter and answers on the fifth ring.
"Hello?" he makes every effort to slip out onto the patio without disturbing anyone.
"Did I wake you?"
"No...what a pleasant surprise" Justin catches sight of himself in the glass door and scratches at the purple mud mask crackling on his face hoping it hasn't stained his porcelain skin.
"Missed you at the club last night."
"Yeah? Did I forget to pay my bar tab again?"
"You know drinks are always on me" Brandon leans against the corner of his desk flipping through bills to be paid.
"Yeah, sorry about that" Justin chuckles as he watches a couple across the way kiss before parting for work or whatever has pulled them out of bed at this hour.
"I told you…" he hands off the paperwork and moves effortlessly to sitting in the chair propping his feet up on the desk "I have never liked that shirt"
"Then I'm not sorry" Justin gives Emmett the signal that he's fine and gestures for him to bring his cigarettes.
"Now that we have made all the obligatory small talk, I state the real reason for my call."
"Oh good..." Justin sits on the concrete lighting the first from a fresh pack "I can never sustain much cute before I've had my coffee."
"Apparently, I'm required to attend the prom...presumably as the face of Babylon, but I don't really have a date."
"And you want me to fix you up with Emmett?" Justin watches ashes fall past his dangling feet with a smile.
"Emm...? No… Wait,what?"
Justin laughs inaudibly to himself as he takes another drag of the additive-free tobacco wrapped in quick-burning paper.
"It just so happens that I have already promised to escort him since we're co hosting."
"Bummer."
"Emmett will be so touched by your disappointment" Justin can barely contain his amusement at this point and loses it when his friend returns to the patio.
"I keep hearing my name so I figure I'm needed out here."
"Brandon was going to ask you to the prom."
"Now, boys..." Emmett grins revealing that loveable gap "there is plenty of me to go around".
Gus rolls onto his back wincing at the glare from his phone reflected off the high gloss peel dried on his face. He sits up slowly to find himself alone on Emmett's living room floor. The plush pile of pristine carpet still lovingly cradling his delicate frame. He presses his thumb to the home button and replies to some texts before heading to the bathroom to wash the sticky mix of charcoal and whatever from his face. Just as he is about to pass the patio door, it swings open and both chaperones step through deep in conversation about last-minute adjustments to the venue and event.
"Anything I can do to help?" Gus smiles up at Emmett picking at the ever-tightening mix of minerals and glycerine on his face. An incoming text breaks his concentration as he waits for the answer.
"Sure, baby..." Emmett reaches for his cheeks giving them a good hard squeeze before folding the ultra petite boy under his long arm "Make sure you get the word out about tonight's festivities so we'll have a good enough turnout to get media attention."
Brian reviews the updated tape incorporating his vision in just the nick of time to present it to the Calvin Klein people. He walks in toting his signature Granny Smith and gives the set up for his masterpiece then cues up the video. It opens with a rather convincing Marky Mark lip synching "Good Vibrations" sans Funky Bunch. He's wearing only a pair of white Calvin Klein boxer briefs stretched across his rippled body. They seem to glow against his tanned skin. The music lowers and the voiceover begins about a simpler, more fun time reflected by images of various other artists and fads from the height of the 90s. When the video ends, Brian explains his full-scale attack on all things Calvin Klein-from underwear to jeans, couture to fragrance. The whole time he speaks he is pacing the width of the conference table tossing the ample green apple as he goes; watching as his audience follows it with their eyes. As Brian finishes, his eyes lock on Quinton Charles whose face is devoid of expression and seated next to him, is the man himself-ageless and pensive. Brian ends flashing his most confident smirk.
"Any questions?"
Gus meets up with Fauna and Floyd at Liberty Diner and they take a table prominently in the window. Deb watches as she drops off a tray of plates and waits for the perfect opportunity.
"I see that the Kinney predilection for multiple paramours is strong in you, young man."
Gus gives her a big smile and braces for a huge squeeze.
"Fauna...Floyd...this is Deb" he searches for the appropriate moniker "She's my grand-mère."
"Ooh la la...enchanté" Floyd gives Deb's hand a gentle tug and kisses the knuckles.
"Nice to meet you, ma'am" Fauna adds giving her a nod with a generous smile.
"You kids excited about the prom tonight?" Deb pours coffee into each of the cups sitting before them.
"About that..."
"I know you don't know me, Miss Deb" Floyd cuts him off "but I have a sort of seventh sense about all things celebratageous so..."
"We can hardly wait..." Fauna covers her twin's mouth "Just fueling up before marathon makeovers ." She kicks him under the table for good measure.
"You kids have fun and make sure you party safe" Deb pops her gum a couple of times as she turns on her heels and walks behind the counter to pick up an order.
Gus drops a stack of fluorescent flyers before each of them and takes down a full cup of hot coffee in little more than one gulp.
"In order for Em and Justin really to have the numbers to make this an annual thing…"
"Say no more" Floyd speaks up "It would be my honor to be squired around by the son of the greatest gay artist of our time. Justin Taylor is like Mapplethorpe and Warhol all rolled into one. I have to look absolutely gorge."
"You're such a girl" Fauna flicks ashes from a cigarillo into the ashtray centered on the table "We'll do this thing for you...but what about me?"
Gus cuts her off, his years surrounded by bitchy queens telling him a full-on rant is in the works.
"I have the perfect solution to that...just let me make a phone call."
Hunter climbs down from the ladder to address the blaring in his back pocket.
"Geez, you're really becoming the crazy ex girlfriend...I said I'd meet you at…"
"Shut up. There's been a change of plan."
"Okay…."
"Our one-on-one is now a group thing. You don't mind, do you?"
"Mind? The more the merrier. You, of course, realize I charge extra for groups."
"Whatevs. Come by at eight and we'll all get acquainted."
Hunter hangs up and climbs back up to finish dusting the shelves hoping he could still catch the formal store before it closed.
Fauna and Floyd leave money for the check then join Gus outside each taking an arm. They ask an endless stream of questions without waiting for the answers until he pulls away to answer his phone.
"Sonny boy…I need you to listen to me. Are you listening?"
Gus rolls his eyes in lieu of a verbal response as Brian continues.
"I have given Cynthia a small vacay here in California which leaves you to go to the loft and accept delivery of my new Calvin Klein suits."
"Hi, pop...sure I would love to take out time from my own schedule to do this rather intrusive favor for you."
"No one likes a smartass, boy."
"You'd know. How much does this favor pay?"
"Nothing. That's why it's a favor. Just get your ass over there RIGHT NOW or I'll make sure Grandma Joan is aware that you're unsupervised in the city."
"Fine, fine…I'll head over right now" the twins are still walking ten paces behind speaking in what could be a made-up language. Gus releases the call and waits with that Kinney smirk that conveys equal parts annoyance and joy.
The flight attendant taps Brian on the shoulder and he sends his last emails and shuts off the iPad then switches his phone to Airplane mode. He finishes his drink and covers his eyes with an aromatherapy mask.
Justin and Emmett walk the length, width, and periphery of the auditorium checking that the music has the desired effect on every nook, corner, and cranny before making last-minute adjustments to one another. Emmett's elation shines brighter than the iridescent tuxedo he's chosen quickly though concerned that the Novotny-Bruckners are the first through the door; possibly the worst omen for the night.
"You make quite the statement in purple, Em" Ben embraces him with a kiss as Michael and Justin do likewise.
"I had no idea Hugo Boss made a children's line" comes a familiar voice over Justin's shoulder.
"Funny…" he turns with a smile "I was just thinking how Versace has a knack with fags and cunty hags. We could have coordinated our outfits." He grabs Daphne and swings her around narrowly missing a swarm of new arrivals.
"You clean up rather nice, counselor" Emmett inserts himself.
"Nicely." Justin corrects switching places with him to allow a more optimal exchange.
"Anyway...thank you for coming and I hope you'll save me a dance for later. If you'll excuse me...a good hostess, like a shark, never stops moving."
"Sure thing." Daphne calls after him before directing her gaze back to Justin.
"I know what you're going to say and…Thanks, Daph."
"Anytime" she takes his hand and covers it with her other "How crazy is it that I seem to always be your date to the prom?"
Justin smiles nodding toward Emmett as more and more young guests show up. He takes a deep exasperated sigh as they exchange a gesture of relief and continue mingling throughout the crowd.
"Do you think this night will be an exact repeat of that one...minus the wooden bat to the head, I mean?"
Justin shrugs keeping his hopes in check as he watches all the queer teens envious of their freedom to just be. Sure there would still more like Chris Hobbs who would try to break their spirits, but the world was growing more accepting every day, right?
"Just something new I'm trying for the prom. My friend Lola Brigida gave me some tips." Gus pulls Hunter through the entryway by his wrist. He does a slow spin to allow ample views and angles of his midnight blue jacket paired with matching kilt. The light catching in his polished buttons. Fauna and Floyd follow using each other as a mirror.
"I take it these are the aforementioned additional members of our party."
"I'm Fauna…this is Floyd." she steps forward giving the first real smile anyone has seen.
"Hunter…" he takes her gloved hand giving her a comparative once-over "You both look quite exquisite."
"Exquisite? Really?" Gus rolls his eyes
"Methinks I have chosen too hastily" Floyd hooks his arm through Gus's while his eyes have a long feast on gingerbread. He takes a good long beat before Gus breaks his concentration.
"Looks like fashionable is in T minus 15. We'd better get a move on."
Hunter helps Fauna with her recently acquired second-hand fur while Gus and Floyd give each other a final roll with the lint brush. The magenta crushed velvet of Floyd's ensemble proving to be more needy.
By the time they arrive, things are in full swing. The dance floor is packed with a mixture of the artfully decorated and flawlessly fabulous prompting them to take to the floor themselves. While Fauna and Gus battle over Hunter, Floyd seeks out Justin trying to muster the courage to talk to him. Once he sees his opening, he makes his way to the bar where he can eavesdrop his way into a another introduction.
"I'll have a virgin mojito, por favor" he sneaks a glance with his peripherals then turns to raise his glass just as he thinks they'll make eye contact.
Justin and Daphne walk close enough to drop off their empty glasses before giving into the extended version of Heather Small's haunting rendition of "Proud". Floyd improvises and follows suit easing into their open formation with a goofy grin aimed at Justin. Seemingly out of nowhere, the trinity reclaim him and he kicks it up making sure to stand out in the eyes of his crush.
The Kinnetik jet lands twenty minutes later than estimated and Brian gets into a Town Car waiting outside Baggage Claim.
"Welcome home, Mr. Kinney. Where to?"
Brian checks his phone and thinks for a moment then says, "Home…"
The driver pauses watching him in the rear view mirror.
"Corner of Fuller and Tremont" Brian rolls his eyes.
"Right, sir..." the driver merges into airport traffic while Brian checks messages on his phone.
"Pardonnez, s'il vous plaît …" Emmett gently taps the bedazzled mic in his hand "It's just about that time, kiddies...and I am absolutely humbled by the success of Liberty Belle's first official event. Be sure to take one of the gift bags on your way out filled with promotional goodies from our wonderful sponsors."
The assembled guests clap in unison. Justin looks over the crowd proud to have been a part of such a successful.
"Speaking of which..." Emmett's voice goes up as the spotlight follows his line of sight "representing our largest donor, Babylon"
Justin's looks up hoping all his nonchalance has worked. He surprises even himself when his feet carry him toward the tall handsome figure now entering. The crowd parts to reveal...
"Brandon Thibadeaux! Isn't he dreamy, boys and girls?"
Justin takes his offered hand and they begin to move to the music while everyone watches. Justin stares up at him admiring the beauty of his complexion...the delicate way his blonde curls frame his face...the crystal of his blue eyes. Emmett descends the stage and Daphne takes his arm joining them on the dancefloor. One by one other couples surround them, but Justin isn't present in this moment. He's 18 again and the man he loves came to his prom though he said he wouldn't. He looks over at Daphne and she's smiling like she did that night. Then everything goes sideways and there's a flash of red. For a brief moment, Justin's smile fades and he falters, but he gathers himself. Brandon tries to walk him off the floor, but he insists they finish their dance despite the concern of his friends.
To Gus's surprise he and Fauna end the night dancing together while Hunter and Floyd each entertain a couple of wallflowers. As the sappy romantic song reaches a glorious bridge another surprise guest slips in just before everything shuts down.
"Molly?" the highlights in her hair pick up the violet in the lights as she walks toward them on the arm of a tall older gentleman wearing a classic black Calvin Klein tux with the bow tie dangling free. He stops looking up with timing that could only be orchestrated in a RomCom smiling in that dopey way he does.
"Brian?" Justin takes a few steps toward him and stops himself.
Daphne and Emmett appear in the periphery along while the others remain in the background. Brian produces a single red rose holding out to him taking only one step forward. Justin looks back at Brandon whose entire face is alight gesturing with his head and eyes.
"Get over there and kiss him already!" Daphne grunts in his ear before giving him a nudge.
The entire auditorium falls quiet and every eye is on Justin as Brian pulls him into his orbit. Like an asteroid, he crashes into him and Brian lifts him telling him everything he needs to know in a single passionate kiss. When they finally do come up for air and Brian lowers him back to the ground, he fishes in his pocket.
"I have something for you..."
"Brian...there are children present"
As Brian slides the thick platinum band onto his left ring finger, Justin notices it feels different and that Brian is also wearing one.
"You had it engraved?"
Brian gives a single nod biting his lip.
"Shakespeare 116…what?"
"It's only time."
