Thank you to everybody who read the last conversation. You are all fabulous. I love your feedback. Reviews keep the writer writing, and she's quite needy.
Chapter 44: Of ultrasounds and overprotectiveness
Monday, July 19, 2010, 6:42 AM EDT
London Daniel: Hey, I got your voicemail. Sorry, after we got back from France, we just crashed. It was a long weekend. I am regretting that we scheduled Amanda's doctor's appointment for today. Otherwise, I would take the day off.
London Daniel: Anyway, what was the emergency? Was it magazine related? I feel like you would've left a voicemail on the work cell phone if that was the case.
Monique: Victoria related. We had an emergency meeting to talk about strategy. I had to bring in Wilhelmina.
London Daniel: What happened?
Monique: A lot. Amanda really can't know that you're not the father of those kids at all. Also, I have to figure out how to get Austin a bodyguard without the teenager realizing he now has a bodyguard. Security at just the office will not be enough. You should also look into protection in London.
London Daniel: That will be a little more difficult with Amanda working for Betty and not me, but I'll see what I can do. At a minimum, I'll let Becks know some of what's happening so he can be on the lookout when he stays over. Which is honestly, every night he doesn't have his daughter.
Monique: It wouldn't hurt. I know he has a black belt in Brazilian jujitsu. I've heard all sorts of fun tidbits from Candy. She thinks it's just sex, and I have too much going on to correct her.
London Daniel: I feel the same way. Amanda is making nursery space for baby Becks.
Monique: I am not surprised. I also need to get Austin a lawyer. That kid needs to start preparing for possible emancipation. His stepfather reminds me of my dad. I shudder to think of what would've happened if I wasn't heterosexual. I don't know which is worse, his narcissism or greed.
London Daniel: I can assist with getting a lawyer. I can put him in touch with the team that worked with Marc. Everything else I feel like I'm going to need more of an explanation on.
Monique: I finally managed to get Austin into Mode Academy.
London Daniel: I heard. Justin was literally shouting for joy.
Monique: The stepdad found out how much money he would be making and couldn't turn that down. Even though Tiffany is still worried. Considering she received more threatening roses from Victoria and her hours at work have mysteriously been cut, I think her concerns are valid.
London Daniel: That's not good.
Monique: Victoria also showed up at Matt's with photos of him with Austin. That's what triggered the emergency meeting.
London Daniel: That definitely qualifies for an emergency meeting. Before I dived headfirst into a pillow yesterday, Justin asked me if it is possible to change Austin's direct deposit information. That way, he can actually have control over the money he's earning. I'm definitely going to be sending that lawyer email.
Monique: I will talk to accounting and Austin. Although he definitely needs legal access. I think maybe Austin will be more inclined to take legal help from you than from me. If he accepts your offer, I'll pay for it, though.
London Daniel: That's fine. Also good because I just had to give some money to DJ's grandparents to get them to back the fuck off for a while. I'm still in the 1% but no longer in the .01%, and I will soon have two more kids. It's not like the old days when I could buy a $100,000 car and not even think about it.
Monique: You're a little millionaire, and Matt and I are billionaires. Breanna has given us access to an account for all Austin related expenses. Also, I thought Breanna arrange for the twins to have a trust fund?
London Daniel: That's actually going to go for the twins. You're an actual billionaire?
Monique: Once my mother dies, yes. Let us hope that isn't for a very long time. Although she might just decide to give all the money to charity. She always wants to outshine Warren Buffett whenever possible. I would not be against that. Mercedes would be pissed, though.
Monique: Which would be all the more reason to encourage it. Mercedes is the CEO of the company now, so she can make her own fortune.
London Daniel: Your relationship with Mercedes makes my relationship with Alexis seem healthy.
Monique: I love my sister, but sometimes we can't be in the same room together. She is still a little jealous of me for ruining her status as an only child. Although not for the divorce. There's a lot of issues that we are going to be working through for decades. She also thinks I married Gio just to get Antonella because I need to raise a child.
London Daniel: If that was the case, you could've gone for a single dad with a newborn. Go for that new baby smell.
Monique: Baby shit doesn't smell that good. I sometimes wonder what Cliff and Marc are feeding Jade. If we ever do adopt, I want at least a three-year-old.
London Daniel: You're thinking about adoption?
Monique: I may have a little baby fever. But then Marc lets me change Jade's diaper, and I'm OK for a little while.
London Daniel LOL. I'll send you ultrasound pictures later today, so you can get your baby fix. We are leaving in three hours for the appointment.
Monique: Also, I know you're giving Matt updates. Send them to 646-555-4355
London Daniel: Why does Matt have a new phone number?
Monique: Victoria. We are almost positive she is monitoring his phone calls.
Monique: I should probably get a burn phone for our little conspiracy group text message sessions too. You should get one as well.
London Daniel: You're probably right. I'll pick one up after the doctor's appointment.
XXXX
Fashion King: I am deeply regretting coming to work today. One should never have to go to work after a three-day vacation in France, even if two of those days were spent at Disney Paris avoiding unpleasant relatives. Actually, especially when two of those days involve avoiding unpleasant relatives. I just want to take a nap. Thankfully we are leaving at 3 PM.
Austin: I also want to take a nap. I didn't sleep because my mom and stepdad were fighting all night. She was okay at brunch, but now she wants me out of Mode Academy. There was also a fight about money, but I didn't hear all of that.
Fashion King: I'm sorry.
Austin: She even played on my stepfather's homophobia to get me out, but his greed won over in the end.
Fashion King: Now I am extra sorry. Although I'm still happy that you'll be with me during the school day, you know when we are not at our different magazines. [Pouting face emoji]
Austin: I don't have the energy to even think about it right now. Why are you leaving at 3 PM?
Fashion King: Amanda has another baby checkup today. I'm going to get to see my cousins. Amanda invited both me and DJ, but DJ is going to stay at the office. Becks will drive him home.
Austin: Are you excited?
Fashion King: I am, but I'm trying to temper my expectations. I was really happy about getting a new brother or sister at the beginning of the year. Then my mom had a miscarriage. I don't want to get my hopes up again. I showed you the poem I wrote at the time.
Austin: I know you are hurt. Isn't Amanda far enough that she could deliver at this point?
Fashion King: Yes, but it's been a rough pregnancy. I think leaving New York is the only reason why she's not on bed rest right now. She was way too stressed out there.
Austin: That would probably be Matt's mother.
Fashion King: You know about her?
Austin: Matt warned me that my mom used to work for his dad, and his father does not have a very good reputation.
Fashion King: As evident by the fact that Matt and Daniel share a half-brother. It doesn't matter if something didn't happen when everyone believes that it did.
Austin: Matt said that even if nothing probably happened, his mom made her own conclusions and reacted accordingly. He told me to avoid her and then gave me a muffin. This is good because I left so early this morning I forgot to eat breakfast. Mostly because I came in an hour early. He also told me not to tell my mom that I knew, and I feel it's best to follow Matt's orders.
Fashion King: That's probably for the best. You don't want to have some conversations with your parents, including asking if they were forced to have sex with their boss.
Austin: Very true, Hey, I have my morning meetings to go to. I'll try to text you afterward.
Fashion King: Go work. I have to edit an article that Charlotte, my immediate boss, wants to throw out a window.
Austin: That should be fun.
XXXX
A few hours later
Pretty boyfriend: Monique is the best. To celebrate the consolidation of Mode and Hudson, she's having lunch catered today. Also, Cory firmly believes that interns get to take all the leftovers. So I also have lunch in the fridge for tomorrow. If they don't eat everything. We'll see what's left. At least it means one less day of peanut butter and jelly.
Justin: A day without peanut butter and jelly is always a good thing. There are many good restaurants around mode even though I haven't tried most of them for dietary reasons.
Pretty boyfriend: After the meeting, I started going through my email, and I found a message from your uncle. Now that I am doing Mode Academy, he does want to see if he can convince my mom to send me to London and Paris with you in February.
Justin: He's the best uncle.
Pretty boyfriend: He gave me the name of a law firm here in New York that can help get me legally emancipated. He even offered to pay for it if I ever need to consider emancipation. What did you say to him?
Justin: I asked about changing your direct deposit because it isn't fair that your stepdad is taking all the money you're earning. I can understand contributing to family expenses because mom and Betty did that. Cancer treatments are expensive, even when you have insurance. But they still got to splurge on things like a hot dog from the stand on the corner. Also, it's pretty obvious from what you said earlier that things are getting worse. With what you're getting paid at Meade publications, you might be able to afford to leave with a little support.
Pretty boyfriend: If I could access it. DJ actually suggested attempting emancipation yesterday, I think. Half of his text messages were in French. This made me realize I didn't pay attention in that class as much as I should have. I got about 30% of it.
Justin: Because John Luke was hot.
Pretty boyfriend: As fuck.
Justin: I know you showed me pictures. Your school has much hotter teachers.
Pretty boyfriend: My now-former school, and I'm so happy not to be going back next year. I should've never tried to act straight. I'm glad I won't have to navigate being out at that place now. It would've been awful.
Justin: You shouldn't have to. I went through that too. I still like girls, so that must mean I'm straight even though I wanted to make out with you for months. It was a very confusing time.
Justin: Hey, we're going into the doctor's office now. Wish me luck.
Pretty boyfriend: Good luck and perfect timing since Monique is here.
XXXX
About 90 minutes later.
Pretty boyfriend: Monique has drafted Me to help with Cliff and Marc's baby shower. I'm already collecting RSVPs. The good news is I get to hang out at Monique's place most nights this week, working on the shower stuff. She promises to feed me. They need to clean out the fridge since they're moving into a hotel soon because of the renovations.
Justin: This means all the food will be good because her husband is only second to my grandfather.
Pretty boyfriend: She also asked me many questions about what my stepfather does with my paychecks. How many languages is Monique fluent in? I did not recognize whatever curse words she was using.
Justin: At least six that I'm aware of. I'm so glad you're going to help with the shower. I already have a book together for Amanda's shower. Unfortunately, it's not going to happen until I'm back in New York. Amanda doesn't want to have one until after the babies are born. I'm turning it over to DJ and Candy. I tried to convince her to change her mind after her doctor told her all was well, but she still said no.
Justin: However, I do have a new sonogram of my cousins.
Justin: [image attached]
Pretty boyfriend: They still look like little blobs.
Justin: Adorable little baby-shaped blobs.
Pretty boyfriend: Sure, adorable blobs, but they are still blobs. Just a bit bigger than last time, and maybe I can make out a hand.
Justin: You sound just like DJ.
Pretty boyfriend: Your cousin is a realist. That's what I like about him.
Pretty boyfriend: Oh shit! I have a problem. Marc's mom just RSVPed for the shower.
Justin: Call Monique now. How the fuck did she get an invitation?
Pretty boyfriend: I have no idea.
xxx
20 minutes later
Mandy cakes: [image attached]
Mandy cakes: Hey, new sonogram picture. Are they just the best babies?
Marc: I'm now contractually obligated to say Jade is the best baby in the universe. Obviously, I'm biased. What did your doctor say?
Mandy cakes: She says I am doing fine. Although she is concerned that the babies are a little on the small side for 29 weeks.
Mandy cakes: If it wasn't for the stupid DNA test, our doctor would think I was only 25 weeks pregnant. So we're going to be a little cautious.
Marc: It's good that your doctors being cautious, and I'm so happy to have another sonogram for my baby book. I only have a copy of Jade's sonogram because Cliff did his own baby book during Jody's pregnancy.
Marc: How are you doing, though?
Mandy cakes: Good. It helps that I'm not throwing up all the time.
Marc: That's good.
Mandy cakes: Daniel's dream team also took me maternity wear shopping while they were in Paris and adjacent suburbs. Allegedly it was for article research, but I think it's just a way to get me to agree to Daniel buying me more maternity clothes. Apparently am getting extra big because of the twins.
Marc: Why didn't you go to Paris this weekend?
Mandy cakes: Part of it was because they would only be in actual Paris for one day. That would be spent in business meetings for Daniel. They would be at Disney Paris for the other two days, and I'm too pregnant for an amusement park right now. Although I do have a ton of toys for the baby. If something was approved for an infant, Betty and Daniel bought it.
Marc: This does not surprise me.
Mandy cakes: You might get a few trinkets. Your baby shower gifts were put in the mail express today.
Mandy cakes: Your new baby shower gift, actually. I actually sent my first gift to you like a week ago. However, I was asked to get you something else. Apparently, baby shower presents should be used by the baby and not just by the parents. That seems like a ridiculous rule but whatever. Hopefully, everything will get there before the baby shower Sunday.
Marc: Good news for you. As of five minutes ago, the shower has been postponed a week. So I think your gifts will definitely get to New York by August 1.
Mandy cakes: That's good, but why did you have to change the day of the shower?
Mark: Somebody leaked the original date to my mom. She had the audacity to RSVP. So we have to change the date and location. I tried to get it canceled entirely, but I was overruled. It's going to be a crêpe paper nightmare.
Mandy cakes: It won't be that bad. Monique has taste, and they're doing everything possible to make sure Mommy Wiener won't be there.
Marc: But Mo loves trolling people. Did you see what she did to Wilhelmina's wedding?
Mandy cakes: Wilhelmina did send her to Player and forced her to work with Damien. She likes you. So you'll probably get nice decorations.
Marc: If Justin was here, I wouldn't be worried, but he is with you.
Mandy cakes: I know. He still wants to throw me a baby shower before he leaves. I hate telling him no, but I really don't want to have one until after the babies are here.
Marc: That makes sense. Although maybe wait a few months until it's safe for everybody to hug the twins. Personally, I think the main reason for the shower is so people can cuddle with Jade.
Mandy cakes: That seems possible. I know some people at work are only nice to me because they want to pet the babies when they're kicking.
Marc: London is weird.
Mandy cakes: Very weird. So how is life with your baby's daddy?
Marc: Surprisingly good. He's been great, and he actually has taken over planning most of Ignacio's going away party. He is conspiring with Claire. All I had to do was pick out the color scheme.
Mandy cakes: When is it?
Marc: The week after the baby shower. This is good because Jodi has the baby that weekend. I need a distraction.
Mandy cakes: Maybe you should do something with just you and Cliff Friday as well. You need some non-kid bonding time.
Mark: I don't know how that would go. We will probably just fall asleep in front of the TV. I wish you were here to hang out with.
Mandy cakes: Except hanging out now will consist of Lamaze and parenting classes. Also, sleeping in front of the TV. Children are exhausting, apparently.
Marc: I signed Cliff and me up for a parenting class because we had very horrible parents. Monique says the classes have been helpful, although Britney is having problems. It is possible to kill your practice baby.
Mandy cakes: Good luck.
Mandy cakes: I feel like I would totally do that. I am so glad I have Betty and Daniel with me.
XXXX
Unknown number: You know I am really upset that I managed to see Amanda's latest ultrasound from Austin.
Daniel: Austin showed you the picture? And sorry, I had a dinner meeting, and I haven't had time to send them until now.
xxxxxx
Unknown number: I also wanted to get a burn phone before sending you the photos. Getting a burn phone with an international calling plan takes a little while. I think Justin send that to Austin soon after we left the office. Why did he show them to you?
Matt burn phone: That makes sense, and you should definitely be cautious. It was an accident; he was showing Monique when I walked in. They were having an emergency meeting because somehow Marc's mom found out about the baby shower.
Unknown number: That's not good. Even Betty says bad things about that woman.
Matt burn phone: Austin didn't want to rub it in my face that my girlfriend got pregnant by somebody else before we got together. He's such a sweet kid—nothing like me at that age. I was an entitled little brat at 16.
Daniel Amanda line: How considerate of him. Honestly, I was a brat until at least the second year of knowing Betty.
Matt burn phone: He's a good kid. This is a miracle because his stepfather is a piece of shit.
Daniel Amanda line: What happened?
Matt burn phone: Tiffany called me and wants me to try to get Austin out of Mode Academy because she's worried about Austin's safety. However, the stepdad agreed for Austin to do it solely for the money.
Daniel Amanda line: Which he shouldn't see any of. That's Austin's money.
Matt burn phone: Yes, but it has been going into the family bank account, which means Austin wouldn't have seen any of it. That came out when we had a talk over muffins. I paid because he couldn't afford it this morning. His allowance was cut severely since he started dating Justin.
Matt burn phone: Allegedly, it's because of recent financial problems possibly caused by my mom. But these cuts happened before George's hours were cut.
Daniel Amanda line: This explains why Justin asked me if it was possible to get Austin's paychecks directed into a different account. Now I'm really glad I sent him the contact information for the law firm that helped out Marc and told him I would pay for it.
Daniel Amanda line: Please tell me this was something addressed during yesterday's emergency meeting?
Daniel Amanda line: Sorry, I fell asleep early. France was exhausting. Mostly because I hate my nephew's grandparents with a fiery passion.
Matt burn phone: Actually, we only address my mom messing with Tiffany's employment part of the problem. I didn't know about the allowance issue until today.
Matt burn phone: Monique is creating another bank account. Breanna and I will be secretly adding money to it. We're going to pretend that we're actually paying him more than we really are. Also, Hilda will be offering Austin a place to stay just in case. Although it wouldn't hurt for him to get a lawyer and start looking at emancipation options.
Matt burn phone: In the meantime, we will also try to come up with things to keep Austin out of the house. That doesn't involve him being seen with me.
Daniel Amanda line: It's the best plan. Does Tiffany still want you to help get Austin out of Mode Academy?
Matt burn phone: Yes, but that's not happening. Austin is safer here where the security guards are and away from his stepdad. Keeping him away from his homophobic classmates is a bonus. Going back to a normal school would be toxic for him right now.
Daniel Amanda line: Justin told me things. So I could understand how a public school would not be the best right now.
Matt burn phone: It's my fault he's even on Victoria's radar right now. Victoria saw me with Austin Saturday. Apparently, Tiffany got more threats Sunday morning. This is obviously why we now have burn phones for these conversations.
Daniel Amanda line: More roses?
Matt burn phone: Yes, actually.
Daniel Amanda line: I hate your mother.
Matt burn phone: The private investigators are looking into it.
Daniel Amanda line: I've heard. Maybe it isn't safe for Austin to be at Meade. I know you mentioned security guards, but I really don't trust your mom at all. We could come up with another nonpublic school option.
Matt burn phone: I told Tiffany I would leave first if it came to that. We are hopeful the security will be enough. I also told Tiffany that Austin really doesn't want to go back to his old school. He doesn't want to come out this year with his classmates, but he doesn't want to stay in the closet. That's something he won't have to worry about at Mode Academy.
Daniel Amanda line: Because everybody knows that Austin is dating the Boss's nephew. They know better than to say anything.
Matt burn phone: Everybody knows what happened to my predecessor at Player for violating Monique's zero-tolerance policy last week.
Daniel Amanda line: The video managed to circulate here through the London rumor mill. Although that might be because Amanda is still tapped into the New York rumor mill and may have passed some stuff to my Co-EIC when maternity clothes shopping.
Daniel Amanda line: I have pictures of that as well. Amanda has definitely popped.
Daniel Amanda line: [Image one attached]
Matt burn phone: She's so much bigger. Although as beautiful as always because I know better than to say that she's gained weight.
Daniel Amanda line: lol. That's what happens when you're pregnant with twins. I have been adequately praising her beauty at all times. Betty has been doing the same.
Daniel Amanda line: You should know the doctor knows that I'm not the twins' biological father.
Matt burn phone: How did she figure that out?
Daniel Amanda line: The twins are too small for the date that Amanda swears they were conceived on. So the good doctor took me aside when Amanda wasn't around, and I told her the truth.
Matt burn phone: That my mother is an abusive megalomaniac?
Daniel Amanda line: Well, a version of the truth. Amanda just got out of a bad relationship with one of the rich elites of New York. To avoid paying child support, he faked the DNA test results. I know this because I had a second test done. Thankfully, I convinced the doctor that it was safer for Amanda to not know since the ex is shady.
Matt burn phone: His mom is anyway.
Daniel Amanda line: I really hope the private investigator gets something on your mom.
Matt burn phone: I hope so too. Otherwise, we will figure out some way to ship Austin to Ohio to be with Breanna.
Daniel Amanda line: Or here. I told Justin I would try to convince Tiffany to let Austin come to Europe in February when Justin comes back to cover the fashion scene.
Matt burn phone: I'll work on getting Austin a passport.
xxxxx
Unknown number: OK, good news, the babies are healthy and are developing on schedule. Your sister-in-law is a sociopath, so I got a new phone just to send baby emails.
Breanna: Victoria is my former sister-in-law, and I'm well aware. This cell phone number is actually in Jordan's name and is not the number my former sister-in-law has. If I thought I could get away with it, I would have my assistant filter all her calls, but I don't want to be that cruel to my assistant.
Breanna: How can the twins develop on schedule when Amanda thinks she is four weeks further along than what she actually is?
Danny line 2: Because the doctor actually knows the truth.
Breanna: You told her?
Danny line 2: Amanda has a really good doctor, and I had to tell her a version of the truth.
Breanna: What was the version of the truth?
Danny line 2: Amanda's wealthy, manipulative, and abusive asshole ex faked a DNA test to avoid child support. I know the truth, but Amanda doesn't, and it safer for her not to know. Because Amanda is my best friend, I'm helping in any way I can.
Breanna: That's close to the truth. Considering you have a burn phone, I'm sure you know that Vicki has a private detective watching Matt.
Breanna: Or Austin. That's what I suggested last night anyway. Apparently, it was already too late in London for you to join us.
Danny line 2: Monique gave me a rundown. Thankfully I had the new number by the time I sent the sonogram pictures.
Breanna: Victoria would be incensed.
Danny line 2: Do you think she's watching his phone?
Breanna: I do, and so do you considering you got a new phone line. It's best to be cautious, considering Tiffany got more threats.
Danny line 2: I heard. Do we have enough to go to the police yet?
Breanna: Not when we're going up against somebody in Vicky's economic bracket. Oh, those threatening roses could come from anyone. You can get away with a lot of bull shit if you're a rich white woman.
Danny line 2: I'm aware.
Breanna: Right now, the plan is to keep Austin and Amanda safe from the wrath of Vicki. I've hired security guards and my own detectives who are watching everything. We will eventually have everything we need.
Danny line 2: I just hope there won't be dead bodies first.
Breanna: I know. You're doing a good job of preventing it.
Danny line 2: Amanda is my friend. Also, I kind of owe her for the shitty way I treated her the first time we were together.
Breanna: Sometimes, it takes people a little while to grow, but they will eventually.
Daniel, line 2: How is Alexis doing?
Breanna: She's good. Tired and sad she couldn't go with us to Cedar Point this weekend, but Jordan's mom is hopeful.
Breanna: You should call your sister.
Daniel line 2: I texted her pictures from Disney Paris. We also talked a lot a shit about the grandparents together.
Breanna: That doesn't count as a phone call or conversation, for that matter. Although she already printed half the pictures you sent her.
Danny line 2: I know it's just easier talking to you. I am afraid.
Danny line 2: She already died once, and I barely survived.
Breanna: I know. I'm scared too. I don't want to have to go through this again. It broke me the first time. If I wasn't pregnant with Alexis, I don't know if I would have made it. But I have two kids to be positive for, and you have DJ to be positive for.
Danny line 2: I wish you would've told me that you were pregnant, though.
Breanna: I was just furious at your dad. I shouldn't have taken that out on you. I was also in a bad place during my pregnancy, like seeing a therapist every day bad place. No one knew about Alexis's paternity outside of Jordan and my brother; I'm not very good at keeping secrets from him.
Danny line 2: I don't know. My mom kept a few, and so did Tiffany, apparently.
Breanna: OK, I have trouble keeping secrets from my brother. He raised me. Matt has similar issues. However, apparently big brother is blind to the treachery of his significant others.
Danny line 2: I seriously question how significant any of them were.
Breanna: Right there with you. I'm not sure if he even remembers Tiffany's name. I plan for him never to find out about Austin.
Danny line 2: Good plan.
Breanna: I saw some of your text messages to Alexis, but I have to ask how bad was it?
Danny line 2: I had to give them $50,000 just so they wouldn't go to court about the boarding school thing. I'm also going to have to book DJ to do at least one modeling gig that they will get most of the money from.
Danny line 2: DJ hates modeling. I think that's part of the reason why he opted to be at Betty's magazine.
Breanna: Yes, significantly fewer models at a London lifestyle magazine. I'll reimburse you for the hush money, though.
Danny line 2: Thank you.
Breanna: How is DJ doing there?
Danny two: Really good, actually. Betty is also 99% sure her employees respect DJ more than her. They feel like he can do his job, and they think she got hers by fucking me.
Breanna: There wasn't even any actual fucking until last month. Honestly, your emotional attachment to each other may have held her back careerwise. You should've promoted her after the first six months, and you know it.
Danny line 2: That's very true, but other people don't know that. Amanda and DJ are trying to mitigate the damage, but there's a ton of resentment.
Breanna: They're mad about the young American outsider brought in?
Danny line 2: I feel like that's part of the problem. Also, maybe we shouldn't have had that July 4 party.
Breanna: That seems like a reasonable possibility.
Breanna: How is DJ handling the new babies?
Danny line 2: I'm not sure. He doesn't really want to talk about it. DJ doesn't want to talk about many things, so I leave that to Justin and don't ask too many questions.
Danny line 2: Although Amanda invited him to the ultrasound today, he didn't come with us. He stayed in the office, and Becks drove him home.
Breanna: I'm going to take that as a sign of possible resentment. You should do something with just you and DJ. You're well aware that sibling rivalry can go badly.
Danny line 2: I'll try to schedule something.
Breanna: Good. Hey, I have to go. I scheduled a video chat with Austin today.
Danny line to: Is this the first time that you're actually going to talk to him?
Breanna: We spoke at the rehearsal dinner/lunch and at the wedding. I was planning on keeping my distance. But with Vicky acting up, I'm taking the gloves off.
Danny line 2: Understandable.
Breanna: Tiffany is letting her husband fuck with Austin's emotions and self-esteem. I would like one of us Hartleys to not need a truckload of therapy or have serious addiction issues.
Danny line 2: Good luck with that.
XXXX
10:30 AM EDT
July 20, 2010
Pretty boyfriend: How much did you tell people what's going on with my family? Did you say anything to Daniel other than what you told me yesterday?
Justin: I didn't say anything else. However, Daniel has a tendency to read my text messages to you when I'm working. That's why I don't write certain messages during lunch. Considering everything that happened with Alexis, Daniel is protective. Also, I know you have been talking to Matt.
Pretty boyfriend: Which is why I got so many strange questions from his aunt when she called yesterday. She's very concerned with how my stepdad is treating me. I think he told her a little too much.
Justin: That seems like something Matt would do.
Pretty boyfriend: Anyway, when we talked, she told me that she would make sure to have a safe place for me to go if things go badly. Apparently, she counts you as her family, and I guess that makes me family by extension. It was just weird. I wasn't expecting that when Matt said he would schedule a video conference with his aunt.
Justin: I am flattered to be part of the Breanna West Hartley extended family. Although I'm not surprised because her charity does a lot for LGTBQA youth. She started a youth shelter outside of the Hartley foundation years ago.
Pretty boyfriend: Matt said something similar during our meeting this morning. He's made it his mission to make sure I get breakfast. He said he would take me to dinner, too, but he's doing volunteer work at the Hartley center most evenings now.
Justin: I'm surprised he didn't stop that once Amanda was gone.
Pretty boyfriend: Maybe he likes it. I've checked out their website, and they have this after school and summer tutoring program for elementary-age kids that they could use extra help with. I think I want to put in an application. Does volunteer work count against my work hours?
Justin: I have no idea. Although if you're at the Hartley center, you're not home dealing with your stepdad.
Pretty boyfriend: Exactly. I want to not be around him at all. It's getting worse because I feel like my mom will let him do whatever he wants and doesn't care about me.
Justin: It's not the worst strategy. I'm so sorry about your mom, though.
Pretty boyfriend: It's not right, but it's okay. Your mom also said I could come over whenever I need to. She brought me a croissant this morning.
Justin: She said that before.
Pretty boyfriend: She suggested that I leave clothes in the guestroom.
Justin: That's different.
Pretty boyfriend: Monique also said that she will deposit my checks into an account neither my mother nor stepdad know about. I'm actually getting paid more than my stepdad thinks I am, and she's putting that extra money in a separate account.
Justin: I think you're surrounded by very pragmatic people. If things really go badly with your stepdad, then I think you should start preparing a way out.
Pretty boyfriend: I know. I just hate the fact that I have to do this. I think I will keep some stuff at your mom's house because I need to be pragmatic.
Justin: You do, and I really wish I was there to help you with this, but I'll always be around to talk.
Justin: Usually, anyway. Charlotte is looking at me right now, so I have to stop texting.
Pretty boyfriend: How dreadful.
To be continued...