Chapter Seven: A Trip to the Mall

As they are driving to the mall Justin thinks of something else. "When I get back from Toronto we should probably move into Bri-Tin right away, so Gus has his own room. I'll just decorate the house as we go along, starting with his room and the living room. We'll need some place to sit. The only room done is our bedroom, which by the way did I tell you I absolutely love?"

"I think you showed me."

"The chaise will definitely fit right in there. We need the glass table too, and the shower and the bed."

"No, just the chaise. I can't remove the shower and there have been too many men on that bed or against that table. Don't forget we're keeping the loft, so those things can stay there. However, the chaise is special. I never had any man but you on that chaise, so it's intimate and needs to stay close."

"Here you go again. Gus, did you know that your daddy was such a romantic? I think you're really going to like living with us." Justin thinks it's probably better not to discuss Lindsey right now unless Gus brings it up.

"Just remember…" Brian makes sure to add, "When we move into our new house, you never try to walk right into Daddy's bedroom. Always knock first, okay?"

"Okay Daddy, I'll knock."

Justin puts his hand on Brian's leg to let him know how great he's being with Gus.

When they get to the mall, Justin tells Brian to drive around back.

"What's around back? I don't want my kid wearing any cheap Gap clothes or anything."

"I figured as much, so that's why we're going to Saks. They have Armani for boys. I bought Gus a sweater there once. I know what a brand snob you are."

"Dam… err, I mean dang straight, and my kid only wears the best from now on."

"Good catch. Maybe it won't be so hard for you after all."

"We'll see about that."

As they begin to cross the parking lot to the mall Gus grabs each of their hands proudly and crosses the street with his daddies. When they walk inside Brian notices that people are looking in their direction, but instead of scornful sneers, they seem to be smiling. Nobody ever smiled at Brian when he was with Gus before except for lesbians wanting his sperm. This was different and he realized he kind of liked it.

Justin noticed the people looking and then saw the satisfied expression on Brian's face. "We do make quite a cute family, don't we?"

"I guess we do. I just wish it wasn't under the current circumstances."

"Me too, look there's Saks. Come on Gus; let's go find you some clothes."

"Toys too? You said, right Daddy?" Brian isn't sure who he is talking to so he answers, "Yes, toys too, after we get you some clothes."

They go to the children's department where they are greeted by a nice looking sales girl in her mid-twenties. "Hello, may I help you?"

Justin takes the lead. "Yes please. Our son needs some new clothes and you see my husband is rather particular about what brands he buys."

Brian notices that she's looking at them like they are phony wannabes, looking disheveled in their tuxedos that they are still wearing from the night before. "I know it doesn't look like it, but I DO have quite a bit of money to spend if we can find the right salesgirl to help us."

Justin senses what is going on. "I'm so sorry. We must look an awful mess. We haven't had a chance to go home and get cleaned up or changed. We spent most of last night at the hospital and were lucky to get a few hours' sleep. Our son, Gus, is in need of clothes because all of his are in Canada. There was no point in going home to get changed if he didn't have anything to change in to."

"We don't need to explain ourselves to her. All she needs to know is that my platinum card will go through just fine. Kinnetik made over 10 million last quarter, so I think I can afford to buy some Armani shirts and slacks for my son."

"I'm very sorry sir. I didn't mean to offend you. I would be happy to show you the latest line of young men's clothing."

"Don't mind my husband. He's not really a people person, especially this early in the day."

"Hey, stop trying to make excuses for me. It's pathetic."

"Brian, could we not argue in front of Gus. Let's just get him some clothes and get out of here."

"Fine, but don't think we won't finish this later."

"Are you mad Daddy? Did Daddy do something wrong?"

"I'm sorry Gus. I'm not mad and Daddy didn't do anything wrong." He realizes that he will have to watch his temper around Gus too. Man this parenting shit is hard. I don't know how Lindsey did it.

They pick out an entire wardrobe for Gus; shirts, slacks, socks, underwear, a couple of sweaters and one nice suit. Brian glances to the left and sees a leather jacket that looks like it's just about Gus' size. "Hey sonny boy, would you like to have a jacket like your dear old dad?"

"Uh-huh, then we can match." Gus now looks like a properly dresses young gentleman. He turns to Justin and says, "Do I look good Daddy?"

"You look absolutely fabulous sweetie, doesn't he Brian?"

"Yep, he might even look better than his old man, but don't tell anyone I said that."

"As always, your secret is safe with me. Alright Gus, let's head to the toy store. Do you know what you want to get? Remember we can only get a couple of things. I'm going to go get the rest of your stuff from Canada tomorrow."

"Can I get some Legos and maybe a monster truck? Grave Digger is my favorite."

"Sure Gus, we'll see what they have at the toy store."

"Why should I not be surprised that Mel let him get into monster trucks?"

"Brian, there's nothing wrong with monster trucks if that's what Gus likes, right?"

"Sorry. Monster trucks are great Gus."

They pick out a couple of trucks and a huge Lego set that Justin promises to help Gus build when they get home.

Next up is Chapter Eight: Gus' First Night with his New Family.