CHAPTER 32

Jeff sat in his first class seat and grinned to himself. He was going to have words with Nick over this, that's for sure. Somehow, his coach ticket had been upgraded, and if one more flight attendant came by and asked "Mr. Sterling" to just say the word if he needed "absolutely anything at all…" he would lose his mind. Warm face towels? Champagne? Not to mention this was the largest, softest, most comfortable seat he'd ever sat on in an airplane…but still, it was unnecessary. He chuckled, though, thinking of Nick, then shook his head.

He'd actually made it into the airport, checked in and headed toward his gate before his emotions got the best of him and he detoured to the men's room. He had splashed water on his face to keep the red eyes away, and let's face it, so it wasn't so apparent that tears were streaking down his face. He only received one odd look from anyone, and that was a middle aged man in a business suit at one of the urinals when he walked in, clearly sniffing and upset. What he found amazing was that an elderly man at the sink next to him seemed to take pity on him.

"Leaving a pretty girl behind, youngin'?" he questioned Jeff, looking at him in the mirror with a grin. Jeff considered his answer, blushed a little, and with a grin, replied to the man facing him in the mirror.

"Um…not exactly. I'm leaving behind the most amazing man I've ever met, though. And he's pretty damn handsome if that counts." Jeff answered. And here it comes, he thought. The man said nothing, and Jeff was certain if he met eyes with him in the mirror again, he'd see contempt and maybe even hatred. Boy was he wrong. The man gave him a sweet smile, cocked his head to the side and patted him on the arm.

"Young love. I miss it. I'd be jealous, but I sure wouldn't switch with you in this day and age. For all the advancements we've made in every other aspect of life, we still haven't made peace with the important things. You come back to him soon, you hear? Don't let a good thing get away from you, boy. They're far too hard to come by. Best of luck to you, son." He said, giving Jeff a blinding smile before walking away.

"Th-thank you, sir..." Jeff stuttered out, fairly amazed. He pulled himself together and headed out toward his gate to wait for his flight to be called.

2:13 pm from Jeff: Mr. Duval, you have some es'plainin' to do!

2:14 pm from Nick: Suck it up, pretty boy, and get used to it. Don't plan for it to end any time soon. And was that Lucy or Desi?

2:16 pm from Jeff: Desi! OMG, c'mon man! Wait...did you just call me pretty boy? ;)

2:17 pm from Nick: I did. I do. I will continue to do so because absolutely everything about you is beautiful. I miss you already.

2:18 pm from Jeff: Babe, I miss you too. I have to come back though, the old man in the bathroom says so!

2:20 pm from Nick: I'm afraid to ask?

2:21 pm from Jeff: Nah, don't be. He was a cool old dude. If I'd had my wits about me, I'd have hugged him!

2:23 pm from Nick: And just where were your wits, Jeffrey?

2:24 pm from Jeff: Unsure. I may have left them in that sleek piece of machinery that dropped me off at the curb, though? Did you find them?

2:26 pm from Nick: I'll go check around, but I don't think they're out there. You like my car? I thought you'd find it ostentatious?

2:28 pm from Jeff: Not ostentatious, especially if you know the owner. The simple fact that you can drive a stick shift was enough to make me…uhhh….. That's hot, Nicky.

2:30 pm from Nick: Uhhh? Define: uhhh

2:31 pm from Jeff: I can't, I'm in an airport and I …..NICKY! grrrrrrrr

2:32 pm from Nick: Oh! "Uhhh" is more like "uhmmmmmmm yesssssss….."

2:34 pm from Jeff: Shit…Nicky, stop. Stop right now! :p

2:35 pm from Nick: Mmmmmm, there you go with that tongue sticking out again…such a sweet tongue….and you weren't saying stop this weekend…..

2:36 pm from Jeff: I'm go…I

2:37 pm from Nick: ? lol

2:40 pm from Jeff: Damn you Duval! I'm going…until I get home. I'll let you know I'm there. I can't have THIS conversation with you HERE. You're an evil man!

2:42 pm from Nick: Baby, I'm not evil. I just wanna touch you again…already…more…rightttttt there.

2:44 pm from Jeff: Going. Til home. Shit Nicky….damn it! Uncomfortable! I'll text you then.

2:46 pm from Nick: It's ok, I'll know. Kisses babe….all the way down to…

Jeff couldn't read anymore. He turned his phone off and held his bag firmly in place on his lap, closed his eyes and sat quietly thinking of gory road kill. Something had to make this go away!

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Kurt sat on his sofa staring out the living room windows. He could see the windows in the building across the street ; the same windows he now knew to be Maggie's. The blinds were turned against the sun which was beating hard against that side of the building. No wonder she had the blinds shut, it was probably blinding. Just as he started to shift and look away, there was a slight movement of the blinds and a small head dipped under them looking out. Mattie was smiling and laughing and he saw hands grab around his waist to tickle him, then he disappeared again. Kurt smiled to himself, thankful that the events of the weekend had apparently been forgotten for at least a few moments.

Brian was comfy on his lap and had obviously missed him while he was gone over night. Kurt scratched the kitty's ears and Brian purred loudly, but his ears perked up at the knock on the door. Kurt moved him over and walked to the door, checking the peephole as he reached for the doorknob. Blaine's curly hair met his gaze. He pulled the door open and Blaine finally looked up into his eyes. He looked a little sheepish, if not contrite.

"Hi" he smiled shyly.

"Hi yourself" Kurt returned with a grin.

"I'm sorry…for pushing you. For the things I said, I think. I meant them, but I didn't mean them as harshly as they came out."

"You didn't push, and everything you said….well, most everything is probably partially true…to a degree anyway. It's ok, Blaine. I didn't leave because I was angry." Kurt explained.

"Then why did you leave…like that…storming out?" Blaine asked.

"I was….overwhelmed, really. I still am I think. I wasn't storming out, I was hurrying to get away….there's a big difference." He laughed. "This whole weekend has been overwhelming to someone like me who basically lives a quiet, uneventful life I guess."

"Where do we stand now?" he asked.

"On the threshold?" Kurt said, raising one eyebrow, then glancing down at the floor where they stood in the doorway. Blaine snickered.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Kurt. I really am."

"You didn't….Blaine, really, it wasn't that, I was….just…..overwhelmed by what you said, in a kind of good way, and I didn't want to break down in front of you….again. I feel like I already do that way too much." Kurt replied, uncertainly.

"Kurt, you don't…it's ok. I get it, you've been through a lot, and I just …I want to be here for you…with you…if you need me or want me around." Blaine said, hoping Kurt wanted him around.

"I really do, Blaine….really. I promise." Kurt smiled.

"Good….then, would you go out with me? On a date?" said his beautiful neighbor with a huge, infectious grin.

"A real date, huh? Where did you have in mind?" Kurt asked.

"It's a surprise! Will you go? I'm off Wenesday night…if you're available?

"I would be thrilled to accompany you out, Mr. Anderson. What time should I be ready? And what should I wear?"

"Um….I'll text you on that. It depends on a few things. Let me get to work on it and I'll let you know!" Blaine nearly squealed.

"It's a date then. I look forward to it." Kurt smiled. "Um, do you wanna come in?" he asked.

"I'd love to…but I can't. Have to shower, get ready for work, all that fun stuff. I can't believe the last time I was at work I had only known you for less than 24 hours. It feels like weeks since then, but it's only been three days!" Blaine smiled. He really was like a big kid….a smiley, crazy, big kid. Something in the apartment caught his eye and he looked over Kurt's shoulder and saw Brian sitting on the couch cleaning his paws.

"Hey Brian, how's it goin'?" He grinned. Brian just stared at him. "A feline of many words, obviously?" he teased Kurt.

"Clearly. He's not anti-social, but he'll have to get used to you first." Kurt grinned.

"Ok, well, then I'll look forward to getting to know Brian better, and gaining his approval I guess. But for now, I should get going. I said I'd come in a little early tonight since I've been off for 3 of the past 4 days. Lots of stocking up to do, I'm sure!"

"Then I'll just say 'break a leg' and have a great night. Be careful getting home. I really don't like you walking alone out that late…it worries me!" Kurt whined, wrinkling up his nose in distaste.

"I'll take a cab if it makes you feel better?"

"Much better, thank you. I'll even pay for it if it's the expense you're concerned about?"

"No, you will NOT!" Blaine laughed, shaking his head at Kurt.

"Text me when you get home?" Kurt asked.

"If it'll make you feel better, but I'd hate to wake you up?"

"I won't sleep well until I know you're home safely anyway, so please do." Kurt asked.

"Ok, then….goodnight Kurt." Blaine smiled widely.

"Goodnight Blaine."

Blaine turned to walk away, paused after a few steps with a big grin, and turned back to Kurt, who was watching him walk down the hallway. Slowly he turned to see Kurt, impish grin on his face, still standing in the doorway. He turned to walk back to Kurt, raised his fingers to his own lips, kissed the pads of his index and middle finger, then gently raised them to Kurt's lips and pressed softly.

"We'll get there, Kurt. In time." Blaine smiled warmly, then backed his way down the hall to his own apartment. He slipped inside with a wink and closed the door.

Kurt's fingers automatically flew to his mouth as if keeping the kiss from flying away. His heart was racing and he felt all fluttery inside. The silly grin refused to leave his face and he closed the door with a little squeal.

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6:32 pm from Kurt: Rach?

6:34 pm from Rachel: Hi honey! J How are you?

6:35 pm from Kurt: Good. Well, as good as I can be while planning the murderous demise of my best friend, that is.

6:36 pm from Rachel: Um. I resign as your best friend, effective immediately?

6:37 pm from Kurt: Nice try, but no dice, Berry! What in the WORLD were you thinking sending my dad that photo?

6:39 pm from Rachel: Kurt, I know, I thought of that, but…..honey I KNEW he would be so relieved, so happy, just like I was. You idiot, I went home and stared at the picture and cried for half an hour. Finn thought I'd lost my mind.

6:41 pm from Kurt: What little tiny bit is left of it?

6:43 pm from Rachel: Honey, this past year has been so hard on you, but it's been hard on all of us as well. We love you…so much. Seeing you this broken has been a terrible weight on everyone. Not knowing how to help was torture. When I saw you two….God Kurt, you looked SO peaceful!

6:47 pm from Kurt: He's amazing, Rach. Clearly selfless, talented, smart, funny, just…..he's amazing. And OH MY GOD is that angelic perfect face to DIE FOR?

6:49 pm from Rachel: That it is, babe….he's delish! I haven't seen you that content in awhile. Even Finn said he was glad you two finally found each other. I shudder to think what that conversation will be like tonight at work, though! J

6:51 pm from Kurt: OMG. OMG…I forgot about that. I have to call Finn. Is he there? Oh God, Rachel, don't let him say something stupid! I know that's hard for him, but please intervene! You owe me after that photo thing!

6:54 pm from Rachel: I'll talk to him, Kurtie, don't worry. We're heading out for coffee before he leaves for work. I promise I'll reign him in so he doesn't threaten Blaine!

6:56 pm from Kurt: Thanks Rach. And I still love you. I'll put my murderous intentions on hold for now.

6:58 pm from Rachel: I appreciate that! I have tons of things to do this week for the show, I can't be dead!

6:59 pm from Kurt: ;)

Kurt set his phone on the coffee table and leaned back against the sofa cushions, smiling to himself. Brian crawled up in his lap again.

"We have work to do, buddy! Unless you've been over here sketching and cutting patterns, we're gonna fall behind. I hope you were busy while I was a slug most of the weekend?"

Brian didn't answer, he just continued to rub against Kurt's hands clearly begging for rubs. Kurt gave in and rubbed his belly, making him purr.

"Yeah yeah, I hear ya. You only love me when I rub you, and you did NO work this weekend! Sorry buddy, I have to get my butt in gear! David's going to stop over tomorrow and I have to take his measurements for the suit he wants. I finally got the fabric samples in the mail Saturday, so I hope I picked something he'll like? What do you think?" he asked Brian, showing him the fabric swatches. Brian wasn't interested in the least.

Kurt moved into his workroom and switched on his iPod, filling the room with sound. Brian wandered in after him and took up his usual place on the windowsill. It made Kurt think of Blaine sitting in his music room playing songs for Brian, and he snickered.

He pulled out his book that he wrote all of the measurements in and began moving each set to their own file. Outside, the file contained the name of the model, the date the measurements were taken, and a number. The number represented a sketch that Kurt had done, scanned into his computer and printed out in color. Inside the file he put the swatches of the fabric he had in mind for the design and photos that he got ideas from as far as notions and threads went. He wrote notes on the inside of the folder as he went along, often commenting on the models frame, facial features and coloring. All of these were important in the big scheme of things. Ignoring a models coloring could be catastrophic on the runway! Eventually he'd have a photograph of the model attached inside the file as well for reference.

He worked for a couple of hours, only stopping to grab some dinner around 9:30, and then went back to work. At 12:30 a.m. he got a text from Blaine that said he missed him. He sent Kurt a photo of himself with his bottom lip sticking out, pouting. Kurt laughed and sent back a short message that said "it serves you right for having something as petty and meaningless as a JOB!" with a little smiley face. Blaine sent him back a smiley face and said he was going back out to play, and that he'd text him when he was on the way home, but that in no way meant he expected Kurt to wait up for him. Kurt grinned, knowing he'd be awake until he heard Blaine come in, or else he'd lay in his bed worrying. They might live in a fairly quiet neighborhood, but it was New York City for crying out loud….and this late at night, anything could happen.

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Jeff got off the plane and moved through the concourse. Making his way toward the baggage claim, he gathered his luggage and turned to leave when he saw a man standing near the doors holding a sign with his name on it . For a minute he stood still, clearly thinking there was another Mr. Sterling that would come along and join the uniformed man at the door. When he approached the man, fully intending to walk past him and out the door to grab a cab, the uniformed gentleman smiled at him and said "Mr. Sterling!" with such certainty that Jeff nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Uh….yes?"

"Very good, sir" said the uniformed man, grabbing Jeff's bag and heading out the door.

"Whoa, wait…um….I think you have the wrong Mr. Sterling. I don't…..I'm not…..uh….clearly I can't put a sentence together. Why are you here?" Jeff finally managed to stutter out.

"I'm here to see you home, sir. I am to stop and retrieve dinner if you so desire, and then deposit you on your front steps and make sure that you don't have to lift a finger between here and there, sir." He went on. Jeff was dazed.

"Surely this is a mistake, Mr..…..?" Jeff left the rest hanging, not knowing the man's name.

"Edwin, sir. Just Edwin. There is no mistake if you are, indeed, Mr. Jeffrey Sterling? Mr. Duval rarely makes mistakes." He smiled.

"Oh….OH! Oh my God….what in the …Nicky!" Jeff hissed.

"Quite right….shall we venture out, sir?" Edwin asked with a grin.

"I'm going to choke him the next time I see him, will you pass that along to Mr. Duval, Edwin?"

"I will sir, if it pleases you." Edwin smiled.

"Oh, it would please me greatly…." Jeff said, trailing off as he spied the sleek limousine waiting at the curb. Edwin opened the rear door for Jeff, and closed it, placing Jeff's bags in the trunk before hurrying around to the driver's door and slipping in the car himself.

"The sound system is to your left, Mr. Sterling, if you'd like to hear music. I'll raise the glass if you require privacy, sir?" he asked.

"No…I um….no. I'm good. This is surreal." And it's not going to go over well with Nick's dad he thought to himself.

With that in mind, he unzipped his bag and grabbed his cell phone. He pulled up the text message he'd received on Sunday evening from an unknown number with a Chicago area code. He could only believe it was from Nick's father, and the message was loud and clear. There were no words, just a photo of his mom helping his gram out of the car in her driveway, probably after church on Sunday morning. It made his blood run as cold now as it did the first time he'd seen it. Apparently Mr. Duval meant business, and Jeff was at a loss. There were no threats, no words, but he could think of no other reason for a photo such as this one. Clearly the man knew where to hit him. He felt his eyes sting before he closed the message, opening up a new one to Nick.

7:18 pm from Jeff: I'm home. And some guy tried to pick me up at the airport!

7:19 pm from Nick: Yeah? Was he good looking?

7:20 pm from Jeff: Devastatingly….and he's got a huge….

7:22 pm from Nick: WATCH IT BUDDY! Lol

7:24 pm from Jeff: WHAT? I was gonna say CAR. Sicko…..

7:26 pm from Nick: Brat. I'm glad you're home safely.

7:27 pm from Jeff: I'm not yet. I'm in a car with a strange man and I have no idea where he's taking me! In fact, we could be on our way to some underground tomb where we have to drink silly Kool Aid!

7:29 pm from Nick: His instructions are to see you to your doorstep, into the house, and not to leave until you're safely inside.

7:30 pm from Jeff: Sigh. What aren't you telling me, Nicky?

7:32 pm from Nick: I've kept nothing from you. You know my dad's an asshole. He is not above trying to rattle you, and I won't have it.

7:34 pm from Jeff: Yeah, I kinda got that.

7:35 pm from Nick: ?

7:36 pm from Jeff: Don't worry your pretty little head J

7:37 pm from Nick: Tell me, now, please.

7:38 pm from Jeff: Nicky, it's fine. Nothing is wrong.

7:40 pm from Nick: Jeff, so help me God, if he does something…..

7:41 pm from Jeff: All's well. Don't freak out. I'm almost home.

7:43 pm from Nick: Good. Ok, msg me later?

7:44 pm from Jeff: Absolutely. And Nicky? Thank you…this was totally unnecessary, but fun nonetheless J

7:46 pm from Nick: Anything for you, pretty boy ;)

"Edwin?" Jeff spoke out.

"Sir?"

"Change of plans, if you can. Would you take me to my Gram's house instead? She's right around the corner from my apartment, from the address you already have, but I want to make sure everything is ok since I've been away."

"Certainly, sir, but I'll inform Mr. Duval of our change in course."

"If you must" Jeff grinned, and sighed, shaking his head.

They pulled up in front of Gram's house and Jeff hopped out before Edwin could get the door. Edwin took up his post at the driver's door of the car and looked as if he planned to stay there.

"Will you pop the trunk?" Jeff asked.

"Sir?"

"My bags….I um…I think I'll stay here tonight. Just want to be sure everything is good here since I've been gone."

"Absolutely, Mr. Sterling." Edwin replied, grabbing Jeff's bags from the rear of the limo. He carried them to the porch, waiting while Jeff took out his keys and unlocked the door. Edwin followed Jeff inside and stood waiting for direction as to where the bags should go. Jeff laughed. This was just too weird.

"You can drop them anywhere, Edwin, and thank you….so much. It was a pleasant ride."

"It was my pleasure, Mr. Sterling…." He began.

"Jeffrey?!" his mother called out from the kitchen. "Is that you, baby?"

"It's me, mom!" he called back. She came around the corner and stopped in her tracks eyeing Edwin.

"Oh! Hello…..I'm Jeffrey's mother, Caroline. And you are?" She said, introducing herself and wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

"I'm Edwin, ma'am. I was given the great honor of seeing Mr. Sterling home from the airport this evening." He smiled back.

"Oh…..okaaaay." she said, not taking her eyes away from the two men before her.

"It's a long story, mom. We have a lot to talk about." Jeff grinned.

"Clearly….um….would you like to stay for dinner, Edwin?" Caroline asked.

"Oh! No ma'am, although whatever is cooking smells divine, I couldn't impose! I'll be on my way now that I have seen Mr. Sterling safely home. I thank you for the invitation, though!" he smiled brightly.

"Well, you're very welcome, and it's no imposition if you'd like to stay. We have plenty."

"Thank you, Miss Caroline. But I would be remiss in my duties if I did not return the car to the garage in a timely manner. Again, I thank you for your kindness, and I hope that perhaps I could have…a….um….a raincheck? Perhaps?" Edwin said with a slight blush.

Jeff stood stock still, not believing what he was seeing. His mother was flirting. Oh holy cow, this was seriously….uncomfortable. He cleared his throat.

"Buy a vowel ya moron!" Jeff's Gram yelled from the other room.

"Ok then….Edwin, you can hang out for dinner another night, maybe? Mom, how's Gram?" he said, moving into the family room, calling out to his Gram who was watching Wheel of Fortune. A few minutes later Caroline made her way into the family room with wide, bright eyes and a smile Jeff hadn't seen in a long time.

"That wasn't weird at all." Jeff said, looking at her with narrowed eyes and a grin.

"Yes, my son arriving home from his trip to New York City in a limousine….not weird at all!" she smirked back.

"That's not what I was talking about and you know it!" Jeff laughed.

"Maybe…." She smiled widely.

"So…what did I miss while I was gone?" Jeff asked.

"Clearly not as much as we missed while you were gone?!" Gram snarked. "Limousines? What the hell's up with that, short stuff?" she teased Jeff.

"Oh my God, not this again. Gram, I'm 6'-1" tall…..I can't be 'short stuff' anymore!" he laughed.

"I missed you. C'mere and give an old lady a hug, handsome! And you'll always be my short stuff. I don't care how tall ya get!" Gram said into his ear.

"Everything ok here while I was gone?" Jeff asked, still on edge.

"Right as rain, boy. Did you 'spect the house to burn down or somethin'?"

"No gram, just ….I worry, you know."

"Yeah, you get that from your Grandpa. He was a worrier too. But all's well. Now let's eat, I'm starvin'!" she ordered. "Now tell me about the limo ride. Was it dreamy?" she asked.

"Gram….it was weird. I've only been in a limo once and that was for Senior Prom, but this one was….holy cow, it was top of the line I guess. A guy could get used to that!" he grinned.

"So tell us, then, why the limo, and what in the world happened this weekend?" Caroline prompted.

"Mom…..it was the most amazing weekend. I spent time with Nick…" he began.

"Nick? I thought he wasn't going to be in town while you were there?" Caroline said.

"He wasn't supposed to be home, but there was a change of plans in Chicago, so he came home early. He showed up Saturday night at the bar when the guys were playing and BAM! There he was." Jeff said with the biggest, cheesiest grin his mother had ever seen on his face. "Mom…Gram….he's the most amazing guy…I think I'm in big trouble with him." He smiled.

"So why the limo?" his mom asked.

"Yeah, about that…." He began hesitantly. "Nick…he works for his dad. His dad's in Chicago with the rest of his family, but Nick runs part of the company in New York. He um….apparently he's kind of….well off. His dad, though….I don't know how to put this kindly, so I'm just going to say it. His dad doesn't find me worthy of Nick….apparently my social status is not up to his standards, so he has asked Nick….or rather told Nick that his is not to associate with me anymore." Jeff said, rather dejectedly.

"Soooo….he broke things off with you and sent you home in a limousine?" Caroline asked, confused. Jeff laughed.

"Not exactly. He told his dad to kiss his ass, in no uncertain terms, and that he planned to keep me around as long as I'd have him. He's worried his dad will…um….retaliate. This was his way of making sure I got home safely I guess.

"And are you unsettled about it?" Caroline asked.

"A little. Ok, a lot. I didn't tell Nick, but his dad…at least I think it was from his dad, sent me this photo last night. No message in words or anything, but I got the idea." Jeff said, showing his mom and Gram the photo of the two of them. Caroline was silent, clearly taking in the implications of the photo.

"Guy sounds like a jerk to me!" Gram said around a mouthful of lasagna.

"He's um…he's apparently a pretty powerful guy. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with pissing him off the way Nick is. Not when he clearly knows what's important to me." Jeff replied sadly.

"Jeff, baby, you need to tell Nick about this. I know you like this man, but honey….his father seems a little bit….what's the word? Unhinged? Zealous?" Caroline began.

"Pretty sure asshole is the word you're groping for, Caro." Gram said, making Jeff nearly spit his milk across the table.

"I don't know what to do. I really….REALLY like Nick, mom. I mean….he wants to meet you guys….I told him I wanted him to meet you and he said he would like nothing more. He's important. He's…." Jeff left off, shaking his head, glancing back down at his plate.

"You love this boy, Jeffrey?" Gram asked. Jeff's eyes shot up to his grandma's and he was slightly taken aback, as his Gram had never said anything like this to him. It wasn't that she didn't care, but she didn't delve into his personal life much.

"Well that's a dumb question on my part. Look at his face, Caro. Your boy's head over heels in love and he knows it. That's what has you frightened, isn't it? You're not afraid of this guy's dad, you're afraid of your feelings. Overwhelming?" Gram asked.

With a deep sigh, Jeff raised his eyes from his plate. Eyes wide and sparkling with the start of a few tears, he closed his eyes and nodded.

"Yes….no…..I don't know, Gram. Yes, I'm head over heels in love with him. No, I haven't told him yet, and now I'm really upset that I didn't say it before I left. I don't want to say that to him for the first time over the phone. Yes, I'm upset by Nick's dad, I mean, David Duval is apparently a pretty influential man in the big scheme of things, but that doesn't matter to me. Nick matters to me. He says not to worry about it, to let him handle his father, but sending that photo…..that really upset me. It means he knows who you guys are, where you are, and he knows you're the most important thing in my life. It's a threat, is what it is. And I don't take that lightly when it's you guys in the mix. If something happened to you I'd never forgive myself."

"You need to tell Nick, baby. Don't go to him as if you're telling on his dad, because I know that's what you're thinking. Just forward him the photo and say 'just wanted to keep you advised of what's going on…' or something? Let him in. Let him handle his father. He knows him better than we do." Caroline advised him. "Don't you worry about me and Gram….we can hold our own. We won't let this jerk scare us away, or scare you away from Nick. In fact, I have half a mind to text that number from my own phone and say a few things to David Duval myself!"

"MOM! No! Don't antagonize him! Geeez!" Jeff said, laughing.

"I agree with your mom, Jeffrey. You need to let Nick know what's happened and let him take care of things as he sees fit. Until then, you keep your head up. Clearly this man doesn't know you or he would be proud and overjoyed to have you by Nick's side." Gram said, reaching out to grab Jeff's hand across the table.

"Thanks Gram….but I think you're a little biased…maybe just a little bit?" Jeff smiled.

"Maybe just a little bit." Gram grinned at him and winked. "But he's an asshole anyway for judging you so swiftly without knowing you first."

"Gram!" Jeff yelled, drowning out Caroline's shout of "MOM!" across the table.

"Well, he is…." She said, and went back to her lasagna.

"So, define 'well off'. Does he drive around in a limo all day?" Caroline asked.

"No, I don't think so. But he lives in a huge penthouse." Jeff grinned, still staring into his plate. "I don't care mom….I don't care what he does, what he doesn't do, what he has, what he doesn't have. I just…..I just care about him, mom. You'll love him. He's really down to earth. He's not snobby, he's not uppity or too big for his britches as Gram would say. He's just a normal guy with a huge, warm smile and…." Jeff paused and took in a deep breath…"he's everything I've ever wanted and then some. He's perfect."

"Ok, then…" Caroline sniffed. "Ok. Then we tough this out. Nick's a keeper even if his dad is a piece of work. We work through it." She said, a tear running down her cheek now.

"Mom….mom don't get all sappy on me!" Jeff teased her.

"I'm not! I'm just….I'm happy for you, baby. I really am." She smiled.

"I am too, short stuff. Now pass the damn garlic bread and stop the sniveling!" Gram yelled.

It was good to be home, even if he did miss Nick so much it hurt. Feeling fairly certain all was actually well and good for the moment, Jeff finished dinner with his family, loaded the dishwasher and fell asleep early after texting a sweet goodnight to Nick at work with a promise to call him the next day. Sleep came easily, and he drifted off thinking of Nick's smile.

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The Dive was rocking for a Monday night. Generally the week nights were slower than the weekends by a fair margin, but tonight was the Dive Deeper Diva Dance-off, and the place was filled with party goers. They were laughing, drinking, dancing and having a great time. Nick, on the other hand, was not his usual fun self. Clearly, he was missing Jeff.

"He'll be back soon, Nick, even if I have to drag him up here." Blaine said, trying to comfort Nick in some way.

"I know….it's just…I miss him, and he's only been gone a few hours, and before that he was only HERE for two days with me. I just….I miss him and I can't focus." Nick said dejectedly.

"Ya know what? I'm sure he's at home feeling the same way you are, buddy." Blaine smiled at Nick.

"I don't know if that makes it better or worse, though? I don't want him to be miserable!"

"Do you think he wants YOU to be miserable? Not Jeff. He'd want you to have a great time tonight and tell him all about it tomorrow morning when you wake up and text him, because let's face it, we both know you will!" Blaine laughed.

"I will….in fact, he texted me goodnight a bit ago and it was all I could do not to stop playing mid-song and answer his text. He's amazing, you know that?" Nick grinned.

"Hmmmm, I believe I told you back in the days of Maria spinning on the mountain that he was fabulous. You have to learn to trust my judgement, Nick!" Blaine laughed.

"I'll never doubt you again! But really, Blaine….I can't begin to tell you how much I care about him...seriously. This past month my whole life has been turned upside down by that crazy boy and I've never been happier! But I know he'll tell you…if he hasn't already, so I'll just say that I'm fighting my dad on every little thing he's done or will do. My family is on my side, and from the look on your face, I know that you have no idea what I'm talking about!" Nick laughed.

"Um…none whatsoever….but it sounds…interesting?" Blaine said, unsure of his wording.

"I'll let him tell you all about it. I don't want to over-step. But know this, Blaine….and I haven't said it to him, which really upsets me that I let him leave without….oh hell…anyway, Blaine…I just love him. So much it hurts, and I won't let him go. I won't. Unless he tells me to get lost, he's stuck with me." Nick smiled. "And thank you….thank you in SO many ways, Blaine, for bringing this amazing man into my life. I owe you so much for that, truly I do." Nick said emotionally.

"You can repay me by making Jeff happy, and making YOU happy. He's the best friend I've ever had, and I can't see him hurt by anyone else. It's happened too many times, and I hope you guys are the real deal." Blaine smiled at Nick.

"Yeah….yeah, me too. Anything he wants, Blaine….anything at all. I'll do my best to do it for him, get it for him, be it for him. Anything. I promise." Nick said seriously. "You ready to finish this night?"

"I am, man….let's get back out there!"

A/N: I'm completely overwhelmed with the amount of love ya'll send my way. I'm grateful for every kind word, every review, every pm. They make me want to keep writing!

Thanks, especially, to the girls that keep me sane, the ones who allow me to p.m. them to death and bounce ideas around. Who knew, when I started this, that my story would let me find friends in Italy, Germany, UK, Canada and the good ol' US of A! I'm insanely grateful for your kind words and your insight! You guys are the best!

Claudia, I hope tonight went spectacularly for you. I've been thinking of you all day and sending good thoughts your way! :)