Thank you to everyone who read or reviewed the last chapter. You are all wonderful. It's baby shower day. Almost. We'll get there by the end of the chapter, I promise.
Chapter 47: It's My Baby Shower, and I Will Hide If I Want to
July 30, 2010, 6:45 PM London time
Pretty boyfriend: I am reporting for baby shower text messaging duty. I totally wouldn't spend my weekend doing this if I didn't care about you. I'm at a party city deep in the suburbs looking for decorations that will not offend Wilhelmina Slater. Help me.
Justin: Technically, the shower is tomorrow. This is like the preshow or the behind-the-scenes backstage featurette.
Pretty boyfriend: I know you love all the backstage gossip. Seriously, what decorations do you buy for a baby shower for the fashion elite? There's a reason why I was so happy when they moved me to Player. It's nice to be at a place where jeans and T-shirts are the dress code, and I don't need you to preplan my outfits.
Justin: Even though Matt is your boss. I will still be choosing your outfits when I get back. They will just be more casual. Uncle Daniel does it all the time for Aunt Betty, which has been for the best for all of us.
Pretty boyfriend: Matt is not a horrible boss. He is definitely better than Megan. We even made a lot of progress on the ball, as you know. I really enjoy the project we're working on for October. His mom is going to kill him, possibly literally, because she's evil like that, but I'm going to enjoy it.
Justin: Do I want to know why you hate Victoria Hartley? You should. I'm pretty sure she sent Amanda a death threat via roses last week. But I just want to know why you hate her.
Pretty boyfriend: My mom told me the truth. She used to work for Matt's dad a long time ago before I was born. Victoria thought something was happening between my mom and Matt's dad, but it wasn't what she thought. Anyway, she forced my mom out of the company. So she's basically the reason why I ended up growing up in the middle of nowhere upstate New York for 14 years.
Justin: Yes, that deserves your hate alone.
Justin: Just follow the guidelines I sent you earlier regarding decorations, and you'll be OK. You have my binder, right?
Pretty boyfriend: Yes. I even brought it with me. Tamika printed a copy.
Justin: She's the best. Just stick close to the color palette and avoid crêpe paper. For the love of humanity, avoid crêpe paper.
Pretty boyfriend: Will do. OK, I suck at figuring out the time difference. Did you already do your show with the boss today?
Justin: I know, you keep texting me in the middle of the night. Thankfully, I'm a teenager who sleeps next to his cell phone and totally up for texting at 3 AM. At least, on the weekends anyway.
Pretty boyfriend: Some of the best texting happens at 3 AM, especially after Amanda took you shopping.
Justin: That reminds me. You'll be getting a present from me in a few days. If you get something from London, do not open it in front of your mom. And definitely not in front of your stepdad.
Pretty boyfriend: It arrived yesterday, and I opened it in front of Matt and Antonella.
Justin: Oh, God. I'm sorry. I sent it the day after the baby shower stuff. I thought it would get there later. How did that happen?
Pretty boyfriend: All the stuff from London arrived together at Mode in one big package.
Justin: I blame the Mode UK mail room.
Pretty boyfriend: Monique put Antonella in charge of gift wrapping. When she found one package was for me, she hand-delivered it. I couldn't wait to see what present you sent me from London, so I opened it in front of her and Matt.
Pretty boyfriend: Antonella responded by saying synthetic dicks never break your heart, only the human variety. Matt told me to be very careful with using organic lube if you're allergic to mushrooms.
Justin: I got the same story from Amanda, and I really don't want to know the details. Are you allergic to mushrooms?
Pretty boyfriend: Yes. Matt is, too, along with his aunt and father. It runs in his family.
Justin: Now we know not to use that stuff because that would be a very embarrassing visit to the emergency room. Also, we know what won't be on the menu at the ball.
Pretty boyfriend: That would definitely have been embarrassing.
Justin: But getting back to your earlier question, yes, I'm out of the musical. We are actually on our way back to the house now.
Pretty boyfriend: Did you have fun?
Justin: Yes. I love it here. Oh God, I'm gonna have to come here so much. Daniel's been negotiating with your mom. So if you get to go with me in February, we are going to see everything together. You will have so much fun.
Pretty boyfriend: I look forward to it. This does not surprise me. The theater is your soul.
Pretty boyfriend: Outside of the fashion industry anyway.
Justin: Being part of Mode means I can get the best tickets. It's a win-win situation for me.
Pretty boyfriend: Monique told me about the ticket lottery for sporting events. When they're not being used for luring in advertisers, I might get a ticket or two.
Justin: Monique, change the rules. Before, it was upper management only. Now it's interns who get first dibs. I think she's also going to change the closet rules.
Pretty boyfriend: I like these changes.
Justin: She's trying to be a benevolent boss. Speaking of bosses, I'm pretty sure Sumreen's daughter has a crush on me.
Pretty boyfriend: How old is your boss's daughter?
Justin: 11. I just showed her the picture of you and me dancing at my mom's wedding. She got really sad when I told her you were my boyfriend.
Pretty boyfriend: You can always introduce her to DJ.
Justin: DJ will meet her next week when he hangs out with her brother. I think Charlotte has a weekend project for me.
Pretty boyfriend: I'm glad DJ is making friends. I'm worried about him, especially because he wants to do Mode Academy.
Pretty boyfriend: We're doing it because we don't want to be around assholes. Why is he doing it?
Justin: He doesn't want to go to boarding school in France because the place is filled with assholes. He doesn't want to do boarding or even day school in London because he believes it will also be filled with assholes. DJ also likes working at London Hub.
Pretty boyfriend: It just means not making friends in his age group, at least not easily.
Justin: He has Rayan now. So hopefully, he will make more friends. Besides, our age group is totally overrated. Marc is the best friend I've ever had, followed by Amanda. Daniel was in that category, but he's now my uncle.
Pretty boyfriend: Very overrated. Is Ava still not returning any of your text messages or calls?
Justin: So, do you understand the philosophy of Coco Chanel?
Pretty boyfriend: Less is more or something like that.
Pretty boyfriend: Because I adore you, I'm just going to let you change the subject.
Justin: Close enough. Be thankful you're cute.
Pretty boyfriend: I prefer hot. If I wasn't in the middle of a party store, I would send you pictures.
Justin: You can send me something when you get home.
Justin: However, remember for tomorrow, I will be letting Amanda read these messages. She says she doesn't want to see shirtless pictures of you until you're at least 18. She definitely doesn't want to read our sexting attempts.
Pretty boyfriend: Glad to know you're sort of aunt has standards.
Pretty boyfriend: Did you know that we're now doing this at your grandfather's house tomorrow?
Justin: I thought grandpa was going to try to get you guys into his restaurant?
Pretty boyfriend: That fell through, so we are going to your grandfather's house. I have some very wonderful memories involving the porch.
Justin: We definitely make good use of that porch. I'm still mad that they had to switch locations from the hotel because somebody told mommy Weiner about the baby shower again. Although why couldn't they do this at Wilhelmina's? Her place is so beautiful.
Pretty boyfriend: The press is camped out at her place because of what came out in the August issue of Mode yesterday.
Justin: I read. I asked Bobby to get me a second hardcopy, but he said everywhere is sold out.
Pretty boyfriend: Per Antonella, the magazine is going to a second printing. They are also making plans for a possible third.
Pretty boyfriend: This might be the highest-selling issue of Mode in the last decade.
Justin: I just wish it wasn't for this reason. It's good that the truth is out there, but it's a painful truth. Also, Marc did a really good job on the article.
Pretty boyfriend: I'm sure he will get a nomination for writing again next year.
Justin: At a minimum. Cliff did the photoshoot.
Justin: Which was also fabulous.
Pretty boyfriend: Would it be in bad taste to get a baby-shaped piñata? Antonella wants one. I think she wants to work out some issues.
Justin: Yes.
Justin: Why are you even picking up decorations with the party being tomorrow? This should've been done like last weekend.
Pretty boyfriend: Because the hotel was supposed to do the decorating. However, because we had to change locations, we now have to do it ourselves.
Pretty boyfriend: They refused to turn over all the things already purchased despite incurring the wrath of Vivian Windom West. Although that probably happened because they did not believe Monique was their big boss's daughter. Monique says this happens a lot because apparently, she has the "wrong complexion" to be the big boss's daughter.
Justin: I am not surprised. Obviously, somebody's going to get fired. Although I'm sure, Antonella would love to exercise some stupid ex-boyfriend issues, beating a baby piñata would be inappropriate.
Pretty boyfriend: What about a stork piñata? It feels like it's less macabre.
Justin: That could be OK for Amanda's shower but not for Marc. I would say do the individual bags of M&Ms in the baby shower colors. Stork motif on the bags. Also, no table setting. You probably won't need them for the house set up anyway. I would just keep it simple yet elegant.
Pretty boyfriend: Monique wants me to pick up stuff for baby shower games. What are baby shower games?
Justin: Third attachment of the email I sent you. Which should correspond to tab six in the binder. I think you might just need notebooks and pens. It might be more practical to stop at an office supply store or a Target since you are in the suburbs. Although you might be able to get presents for the winners at the party store. Honestly, I would just see if you can get some swag from the closet to give away.
Pretty boyfriend: OK, I will make arrangements with Monique for good presents. Although Gio, who is with us, suggested giving out $10 gift cards for the restaurant.
Justin: That would be OK in everybody's baby shower swag bag. You are making swag bags, right?
Pretty boyfriend: We are now. Apparently, there getting $10 restaurant gift cards, baby color M&Ms, and who knows what else.
Justin: I'll send you a list. Adding a framed family portrait would be good. Let Cliff choose that, though. He is a photographer.
Pretty boyfriend: They have picture frames here. I will go grab 30. I will also get gift bags for the swag bags.
Justin: Make sure they're cute and in the shower colors. I just looked at the game tab to jog my memory. You will also need clothespins and blindfolds.
Pretty boyfriend: Do I want to know what will be done with close pins and blindfolds?
Justin: Nothing you would find fun.
Pretty boyfriend: Pity.
Justin: There's also one in here about decorating onesies. It's number four on the list. That actually is the perfect thing for a Marc baby shower; you could have Monique, Marc, and Wilhelmina judge all the creations. You just have to get fabrics-safe markers and 30 onesies. If you don't go with white, make sure their baby shower colors.
Pretty boyfriend: Where would I get fabrics-safe markers?
Justin: I'll make some calls. Also, is Cassandra the new closet diva invited? They brought her on as the new head of the closet from Hudson. There hasn't really been a permanent replacement since Christina left.
Pretty boyfriend: Marc hand-delivered the invitation to her himself. He was sure she would give the best present.
Justin: I'll talk to her to see if she can round up 30 onesies in different sizes from top designers along with decorating supplies. Marc doesn't do cheap.
Pretty boyfriend: You're the best boyfriend.
Justin: I try.
Xxx
August 1, 2010 10:01 AM EDT
"I can't believe you have me coming all the way out to Queens on a Sunday for a baby shower." Wilhelmina glared at Monique directly as she got out of the car in front of the soon-to-be-former Suarez residence. It was barely 10 AM. It was a good time for brunch but way too early for her to be in Queens.
"This is our only option since we couldn't have a party at your place due to the swarm of paparazzi," Monique remarked.
"It's actually more legitimate press. As well as some of my father's staffers who are furious at me. How dare I let this come out during an election year." Wilhelmina rolled her eyes in frustration. Everything was always about him.
"Of course he's making this about him. He has plausible deniability, right? It was your stepmom that concealed your pregnancy?" Monique asked. "He didn't know. At least that's what you told Marc."
"He should have," Wilhelmina replied darkly. For years she's been upset about him not realizing what was happening in his own house. How he so easily believed his then-wife.
"Yes, he should have, but that doesn't matter now. We have a house to decorate." Monique said, grabbing a bag of God knows what from her SUV.
"Is it just us?" Wilhelmina asked.
"No, Gio is in the other car with the food and wine. However, he had to go pick up Austin first."
"So your new protégé is helping?" Wilhelmina asked, knowing exactly who Austin was. She was brought into the conspiracy to protect him from Victoria Hartley two weeks earlier.
"He's Matt's protégé, but I'm borrowing him because it would be in horrible taste for Matt to come to this."
"This is true."
"I have Antonella, which is enough at the moment. However, Austin would like to spend as little time at home around his stepfather as possible. I will make sure that actually happens."
"Since this is a Matt free event, it will not draw the ire of Victoria," Wilhelmina added.
"Exactly. My mom will be here and will report back that Matt and Austin only have a working relationship at best. As well as the fact that Austin's boyfriend hates Matt for dumping his aunt and then sleeping with Amanda the next day. Austin is obviously avoiding Matt for his boyfriend's sake." From what Wilhelmina understood, most of that was true outside of the last part.
"So we are feeding Victoria intel?" Wilhelmina asked
"My mom is happy to be a double agent. She can't stand Vicki. Also, this way, she gets to talk smack about my career choices for a good cause." Monique rolled her eyes.
"She doesn't like you staying in the magazine industry?" Wilhelmina asked.
"She wanted me to take over the family business like Mercedes did. But she is satisfied for the moment with me taking over another family business. Also, she now has Antonella to bring into the fold. She wants me to let her intern at Wyndham West worldwide next year."
"It would be a valuable opportunity."
"I know, and she will probably mention it when she gets here. She's coming with Tamika and the swag bags. I'm just thankful my cousin loves my mom more than me." Wilhelmina would ask about that, but she had a little house in Queens to decorate. She hoped this turns out better than her wedding. She would never forgive Monique for all the crêpe paper.
August 1, 2010 11:45 AM EDT
Fashion King: Did you just send me a picture of Wilhelmina in jeans and a T-shirt? I didn't even know Wilhelmina Slater own jeans and a T-shirt?
Austin: I'm sure they are designer.
Fashion King: Of course they are designer; they wouldn't be anything but designer.
Austin: Monique's mom is here, too, and similarly dressed. It's weird.
Fashion King: Actually, Vivian dressed like that doesn't surprise me because she's like a fashionista Jimmy Carter. She's always building houses literally through her foundation.
Austin: We're putting up decorations, so Wilhelmina doesn't want to get dirty. I'm glad I went with your color scheme. The balloons look lovely.
Austin: Yes, I did not buy anything made of crêpe paper. Which is good because I would've been kicked out of the house if I did.
Fashion King: You're so well trained, baby.
Fashion King: I am expecting lots of pictures.
Austin: I promise. Cassandra just arrived with the onesies and the fabric markers, along with a few mini sewing kits and hot glue guns. I'm a little concerned that this will not be baby-safe.
Fashion King: But it will all look good.
Fashion King: Cliff will make sure that nothing goes to Jade that will hurt her.
Austin: Oh, I got to try the food. It's so good.
Fashion King: Of course the food is good. My grandfather and Gio are preparing it. There's no way it wouldn't be good.
Austin: I'm shocked that you're as skinny as you are. Not that I care because you will always be hot to me.
Fashion King: You are sweet.
Fashion King: I am thankful for cardio and the fact my grandfather knows how to make healthy food that tastes good.
Fashion King: Thankfully, he did teach me how to cook. I've actually been doing most of the cooking in London. Otherwise, we would be living on take-out and pizza. It's OK occasionally, like Friday, but they are so busy it's happening almost all the time.
Austin: You're going to have to teach me to cook when you get back. I only know how to make sandwiches. Lunch is getting very monotonous. Let's just say I'm glad everybody keeps feeding me at work.
Fashion King: You can afford to buy lunch now with that little trick of Monique's.
Austin: No, because the stepdad is holding all the money that I making or at least the money that he's aware I'm making. I'm not gonna touch anything going into the other account. I'm saving that in case things get really bad. So peanut butter and jelly it is for now.
Fashion King: Practical. I like that in a man. You should definitely talk to the lawyer that Uncle Daniel gave you the contact information of. He's paying for it.
Austin: I will think about it.
Xxxxx
August 1, 2010, 3:21 PM EDT
Fashionista BFF: Why did I let Monique talk me into having a baby shower?
Mandy: Because you like presents. I was told mine arrived, but I have no idea what it looks like. Monique wrapped everything there.
Fashionista BFF: [Image one attached]
Mandy: Oh, god, that wrapping paper is hideous. I hope she did not put my present in that. That's the ugliest shade of green ever. Why are there baby kittens?
Fashionista BFF: I don't know. At least Justin successfully kept us from having a baby-shaped piñata. That just would've been ridiculous and in bad taste. Antonella wanted one, apparently.
Mandy: I don't think Monique would have approved that.
Fashionista BFF: She probably wouldn't; it was the husband's idea.
Fashionista BFF Justin probably saved him from sleeping on the couch.
Mandy: Probably.
Mandy: Is it a good sign or a bad sign that you are texting me from your baby shower?
Fashionista BFF: We are in the middle of the make your own onesies game. The only ones that don't look hideous are currently being designed by Cassandra and, surprisingly, Austin. Monique and Wilhelmina are on the judging panel with Cliff and me.
Fashionista BFF: I may have told everybody that I wanted to be surprised and decided to hide in Justin's old room while they finish decorating. I just needed a minute, especially after spending 15 minutes talking to Terry.
Mandy: Understandable.
Fashionista BFF: Terry is overbearing but sweet. She's also one of the few people downstairs not talking shit about me. I'm just tired of all the gossip.
Mandy: I'm not surprised that they are. You're in Wilhelmina's old job, and we always talked shit about the people who were on top. Are people still bitter about you getting the new job?
Fashionista BFF: The current theory is I knew all along about the deep dark Slater family secret and was blackmailing Wilhelmina with it to get the new job. I honestly prefer that rumor to the one about me fucking my way to the top.
Mandy: That's ridiculous. You may have known about it, but you wouldn't use anything like that against Willy. She's your good mom. She gave you all of William's baby furniture.
Fashionista BFF: I also got some of Nico's old stuff.
Mandy: You are definitely Willy's child. But that doesn't mean she gave you the job. You earned it.
Fashionista BFF: You're right.
Mandy: Is it better or worse with the Hudson transplants?
Fashionista BFF: Better, actually. Everybody loves Monique, and they're happy to be under her. Most of them do not think I've got my job on my back or by nefarious/notorious means.
Mandy: So what if you did, though. That's like part of the Mode culture. You have to be ruthless.
Fashionista BFF: That's old Mode; this is new Mode.
Mandy: What does that mean?
Fashionista BFF: Monique and I are trying to figure that out together. We might have to do some housecleaning like what happened at Player.
Mandy: I heard and saw the video. Did Matt actually replace the guy?
Fashionista BFF Yes. Monique felt it was poetic justice to replace the homophobic with someone that is bisexual. Even if it's not publicly known yet.
Mandy: Yet?
Fashionista BFF Sorry, I can't elaborate. You don't work for Mead publications anymore. However, the October issue of Player will celebrate national coming out Day in a very special way this year. Ironically it comes out the same day as the black-and-white ball.
Mandy: Send me a copy.
Fashionista BFF: I will.
Fashionista BFF: Oh shit! She's here.
Mandy: Who is here?
Fashionista BFF: my mother.
Fashionista BFF: I have to go.
Xxx
August 1, 2010 3:42 PM EDT
Fashion King: Amanda just texted me to text you to ask what the fuck is going on at the party. Marc's mom showed up?
Austin: Yep. Monique is pissed, and Wilhelmina is out for blood. Both are already trying to figure out who told Mrs. Wiener about the location change. I expect somebody might be dead by the end of the party.
Fashion King: Monique and Wilhelmina know how to hide a body.
Austin: I don't think that's hyperbole.
Fashion King: What's happening? Is Marc OK?
Austin: Mrs. Weiner wants to see her grandchild. Marc said no. Then Cliff came out and told her to leave.
Fashion King: Please tell me that you're taping this?
Austin: Antonella is in case we have to give it to the police. I am too busy live texting you to film. Your mom is guarding Jade.
Austin: So anyway, they're arguing right now, and Mrs. Weiner just asked who the hell Cliff is. Marc told her that he is Jade's other dad and grabbed his hand.
Fashion King: Oh, that's going to go over well.
Austin: Yep. I'm not going to type out all the homophobic words being spoken, but most of them are favorites of my stepdad.
Fashion King: I am so sorry.
Austin: Mrs. Weiner seems a lot like my stepdad. They both think this is a phase. Marc said it isn't and said he's always going to love Cliff. Then Cliff kissed him.
Austin: [Image one attached]
Fashion King: That is so not a stage kiss. I'm pretty sure Cliff is grabbing Marc's ass. They are worse than Uncle Daniel and Aunt Betty.
Austin: Not one little bit. It also lasted so long I was able to get a picture. They didn't break apart until Marc had trouble breathing.
Austin: Monique's mom is now out there and is threatening to call the police. The evil mommy called Cliff more nasty names, but Mrs. Weiner just left because everybody is afraid of Vivian.
Austin: I totally get why Marc changed his last name. I am planning to do the same thing as soon as I turn 18.
Fashion King: I feel like in your case, it is because you don't want to have the same last name as your stepdad.
Austin: You know me so well.
XXXX
July 25, 2010, 4:03 PM EDT
Mandy: You kissed Marc after his love confession.
Cliff: How do you even know about that?
Mandy: I have my sources.
Cliff: Austin or Antonella? I know it can't be Monique because she's on the phone with her lawyer right now working on the restraining order.
Mandy: I thought one would be in place by now after she kept showing up at the Mead offices.
Cliff: Marc didn't want to do it because she is still his mom despite everything. However, she threatened Jade, so he agrees to it now.
Mandy: Threatened how?
Cliff: That she would try to challenge us for custody. Apparently, we are not a real family.
Mandy: Is that when you kissed Marc?
Cliff: Yes.
Cliff: I'm going to have to apologize.
Mandy: Why? I am sure he enjoyed that kiss. Actually, Justin is texting him now to figure that out.
Mandy: I'll give you a readout.
Cliff: How wonderful of you.
Mandy: Did you kiss Marc just because you were angry?
Cliff: No. I just wanted to prove to her that we are real, even if we're really not.
Cliff: Actually, I don't know what the hell we are right now.
Cliff: Terry clapped. She is so happy we're getting back together. I'm gonna hate telling her the truth later.
Mandy: You don't have to. It was just a heat of the moment thing. Or at least that's what you tell her.
Cliff: Then you will send her an invite to the Cliff and Marc conspiracy group.
Mandy: We don't have a conspiracy group for you and Marc.
Cliff: [Eyebrow raised emoji.]
Mandy: We don't have a conspiracy group anymore. We're not going to push you and Marc to get back together because you two have Jade now. She comes first.
Cliff: Exactly.
Mandy: OK, I have text messages from Justin.
Mandy: Marc knows that you only kissed him to piss off his mom and adores you for that reason alone. But he knows it doesn't mean anything because you're never going to be able to forgive him for the neighbor blowjob fuck up. He'll never forgive himself for it.
Cliff: He actually said that?
Mandy: [Image attached]
Cliff: He did say that. Also, apparently, I'm still a great kisser. And he still really loves me and doesn't think he will ever stop. Which means he wasn't lying to his mom. Shit!
Cliff: We don't need things to get complicated.
Cliff: They don't need to get any more complicated than they already are.
Mandy: They don't have to get complicated. You two just need to talk to each other. Not talking to each other is how things got fucked up in the first place. Granted, you got Jade because of it, but things are a bit of a mess at the moment.
Cliff: An absolute disaster, but I can't talk about it right now because we have to go open the gifts.
Mandy: Open mine first. Although not in front of the baby.
XXXX
August 1, 2010, 5:36 PM EDT
Cliff: You got us sex toys?
Mandy: It's not like you're going to have time to date, especially when you're co-parenting with the love of your life. I got a set for both of you. At least you can think about one another when you're getting off.
Mandy: This afternoon notwithstanding, it's probably going to be a while before you two work out all your issues.
Cliff: There were kids there.
Mandy: You're being ridiculous; Jade's too young to remember anything that happened at the shower. Antonella just had a pregnancy scare, and I accidentally read some of Austin's text messages to Justin. Somebody needs to give him the talk.
Mandy: I already gave Justin a version of it and took him shopping. He picked up something for Austin. So I don't think he's going to be that scandalized.
Cliff: I am going to let Matt handle that. Austin is his new protégé for reasons known only to him.
Mandy: Probably horrible controlling parents.
Cliff: I think you're right.
XXXX
"Please tell me you were texting Amanda to ask her why she sent us sex toys? She does realize that baby showers are different than bridal showers?" Marc asked, finding Cliff in Justin's old bedroom. Jade was currently with Tamika and Vivian "call me Nana" Wyndham-West. His mom was a nightmare, but Jade was getting lots of adopted grandmothers. Clare practically bought Jade a whole toy store and was even almost cordial to Wilhelmina at the party.
"That seems like a possibility. Apparently, Amanda bought that for us because she felt we needed something since we won't have time to date." Cliff explained.
"At least she sent a set for both of us. In addition to a more traditional baby shower gift." Marc remarked. It was an adorable blanket that he knew Jade would love.
"That was considerate of her," Cliff remarked.
"We're going to have to talk about what happened with my mom?" Even after his text message conversation with Justin earlier, Marc was still freaked out about this conversation. Not just because of the Cliff kiss. That was actually the least stressful part.
"Not if you're not ready too," Cliff said as he reached out for Marc's hand. He really did need the support at that moment.
"Why does she hate me?" Marc asked earnestly as he sat on the naked bed in the room.
"I don't know," Cliff said down beside him. "But that's her loss because you are a wonderful person."
"I'm really not. I did some things that were probably illegal when I was working with Wilhelmina. Then there's the very bad Betty outfit website, which I really feel bad about because Betty is the sweetest person in the world." Marc lamented.
"You regret your past actions, and you won't do it again. That shows growth," Cliff tells him.
"You're the second sweetest person in the universe, and I hurt you."
"You did, but I forgive you." Cliff placed an arm around him.
"You shouldn't have to. You shouldn't be here with me helping me with Jade. You should still hate me. I hate me." Marc confessed.
"I want to be here. There's nothing more that I want than to be with you and Jade."
"You kissed me just to piss off my mom." Because they definitely need to talk about this.
"I kissed you because I want Mrs. Weiner to see that we are a family, even if we don't follow her definition of it. I wouldn't be here if I didn't care about you."
"Even if we're not together?" Marc asked.
"We are us. I'm here, and we're in this together. We will figure out the rest eventually." Cliff said as he gently stroked Marc's fingers. It felt like maybe Cliff was telling him that they could be more someday, even if not right now.
"In the meantime, we have sex toys." Marc joked. When in doubt, tell a joke.
"Amanda also sent a giant big ben plush and a Toys "R" Us gift card in addition to the blanket."
"Because she knew I would want to pick up my own stuff, but we're probably going to end up using that for diaper money." He doesn't trust Toys "R" Us, and the baby does not need more toys.
"And that's one less thing we have to pack or return," Cliff remarked.
"Thankfully, most people remember to include gift receipts. Half of the things we received were so tacky." They will have to return so much stuff because nobody followed the registry instructions outside of Hilda.
"I don't think everything is going to fit in the car," Cliff told him.
"Actually, we don't need to take the stuff with us if you don't want to." He would have waited a little longer to make the suggestion to Cliff, but he might as well do it today. Especially because he barely talked Betty's father out of giving him the house keys as a baby gift. That would've been really hard to explain.
"What do you mean by that?" Cliff asked.
"You know I've been talking to Ignacio a lot because we are planning his going away dinner party."
"I thought Claire took over most of it from us? All I have to do is show up and bring a camera next week."
"She took over a lot of it because she knows we are busy with Jade. However, I'm decorating because I'm definitely not turning that over to anyone. It's a small miracle this turned out so well, and that's only because of Justin's intervention." Marc remarked.
"They did a really good job considering they had to redo everything last minute due to the venue change."
"That still did not prevent my mom from crashing," Marc said, annoyed.
"This is true."
"Anyway, I've been working with Ignacio, and he still trying to decide what he wants to do with the house," Mark explained.
"Which is understandable. Things may not work in LA, and he might want to come back."
"Which is why he's hesitant about putting the house on the market," Marc explained.
"I can understand that."
"But he's also worried about renting because sometimes you can get really bad people that will wreck the place," Marc explained.
"Valid point. Although how does this connect to us not having to drag everything to Manhattan?"
"We wouldn't have to drag everything to Manhattan if we already lived here," Marc told him.
"Are you Marc St. James actually suggesting that we move to Queens? I didn't even think you could point to Queens on a map before you knew Betty." Clift asked, surprised.
"Yes, I could, mostly because of the airport." Cliff just gives Marc an 'are you kidding me look.' Cliff is good at that look.
"You know we're going to have to get a bigger place with this arrangement being permanent. Jade needs her own room." Because I'm never going to be moving into yours even if I'm not sure this is 100% platonic anymore. "Even though I am making a lot more money, a three-bedroom apartment in Manhattan is still going to be expensive." They would really need four bedrooms because Cliff needed space for his camera equipment and Marc needs a home office. Marc has successfully talked Monique into letting him telework one day a week.
"And we still wouldn't have any green space," Cliff added.
"Exactly, and we could have that here." Marc pulled Cliff over to the window. "Here would actually have four bedrooms and a space for a swingset and maybe even a sandbox." He said, pointing to the backyard. Right now, it was kind of a mess with just the spice garden back there, but Marc could make it work.
"I do like the idea of a swing set, but again, you in Queens. The commute will be awful. Do you even know how to use the subway?" Cliff asked dubiously
"Yes, you know I know how to use the subway. You've been with me on the subway, in DC anyway."
"And I'm still shocked you didn't get highly confused or lost. Although their system is simpler than ours. You also complained the entire time." Cliff pointed out.
"I like their cards better." Cliff just looked at him again. Now Marc is regretting letting Tamika and Nana Wyndham West keep the baby. "We wouldn't have to take the subway. Remember, I get parking, and you have a car. This is in addition to me being approved to telework."
"That you're not allowed to drive ever again, especially when Jade is in the car," Cliff said in all seriousness.
"So you forgive me for cheating but not for wrecking your car?"
"Did you ever apologize for wrecking my car?" Marc may have done so in DC, but that whole week is a blur at this moment.
"I'm sorry I wrecked your car."
"And?" Cliff prompted.
"I should've told you about the neighbor blow job incident instead of going to Tiffany's and buying a wedding ring. I think I had a moment of clarity because I realized I didn't want to lose you. But I lost you anyway. It's my biggest regret." OK, maybe had a few too many cups of the apparently spiked punch downstairs after his mom showed up. That's the only explanation for being this honest.
"It was a pretty guilt present, but an apology and an actual conversation would have worked a lot better. Also, I was expecting you to say you would never endanger Jade by recklessly driving. However, I think you needed to say the other thing."
"That's a given. Which even if you didn't ban me from driving, I couldn't drive home tonight because I'm pretty sure the punch was spiked."
"That would've been me. I figured you needed a couple of shots after your mom. However, I promise I didn't drink anything."
"You are too perfect. I don't want to do anything that would hurt either of you; I was stupid back then." I lost you. "I was afraid of commitment. Now, this is more than just moving in together. Jade is for life. My commitment to you… to us is for life." Marc said, lacing his fingers with Cliff's again.
"I believe that." Cliff looked directly at him.
"And as long as I'm with you and Jade, I don't care where we are," Marc confessed.
"Although I assume Jersey is still off the table?"
"Not off the table but very, very low on the list. Again, I would need you there and would only ever do it for you, but I would." Marc realizes now that he would do a lot for Cliff. However, Queens is definitely preferable.
"And we wouldn't have to put an entire baby wardrobe in the car. I didn't know that many fashion houses made baby outfits." Cliff remarked.
"You should. Most of Jade's wardrobe is already designer. This is just the latest batch."
"Gucci onesies,"
"When she outgrows them, we will just send them to Amanda," that gets a glare from Cliff. "They're not hand-me-downs when they're high-end items. It's vintage."
"Our current apartment really doesn't have room for the rocking horse or baby indoor playground sent by Monique's sister."
"I'm just glad her mother just gave Jade a college fund. Although Monique told me there's also supposed to be a rocking chair coming." There was no way they would be able to put that anywhere.
"Our daughter does not need this much stuff." Marc always smiles when Cliff refers to Jade as 'our daughter.'
"I've made rich friends. So we are getting lots of stuff. The question is, where should it all go."
"I'm leaning toward here." Marc smiled at that.
"Although the commute is going to be horrible because you know I'm the one who's gonna have to drive. Honestly, the subway would be faster even if you're able to telework some."
"Then we will take the subway. We received two strollers perfect for the subway. Because either Monique and Wilhelmina did not coordinate their gifts, or they just decided to get us the same thing to compete." Either was a possibility.
"I think the other stroller was from Daniel, although Monique picked it up. The only stuff they actually sent came from Disney Paris. Which wouldn't have gotten here in time if we kept the shower on the original date despite the party crasher." That was a nice way to refer to his mom. He is still so angry about what she said. How dare she questioned their family.
"If it's Daniel, then he's definitely competing against Wilhelmina for the best stroller. This way, we will get one each. I'll take the blue one." A.k.a. the one Wilhelmina gave him.
"Of course you will. Before I say yes, I have a couple more questions. Are we renting or buying?" Cliff asked.
"Renting for now, at least. However, our rent is going to be the same amount as the mortgage note. If in a year or two Ignacio is 100% sure he's going to stay out west and we decide we actually like Queens, we can buy." They would be paying less than market rent, which would be nice. Maybe Marc could get a car. They would need one out here. He should also look into driving lessons.
"So this is a trial?" Cliff asked.
"Yes. It will give us time to see if we can actually do a house, or maybe we should just decide on a condo or co-op." Or maybe it was a chance for Cliff to be sure he wanted to make a family with Marc. Because they could always get two apartments next to each other in the city. Jade would love to have two rooms. They didn't have to live together.
"Getting this place at the price of his mortgage is a lot less than the market rent price. It's a good deal."
"We can do whatever we want to the backyard and completely redecorate." Weeks ago, when Amanda first proposed the idea, Marc started thinking about what he could do with this place. If he didn't think it was an excellent blank canvas, he wouldn't even consider it.
"You are going to enjoy not having any restrictions."
"So much." He is so tired of the white walls.
"So, do you want to make this the nursery?" Cliff asked. Marc is going to take that as a yes; they're taking the house.
"Actually, I think we can turn the master into the nursery. That way, we can put the indoor play area from Mercedes in the room." Marc suggested. "Do you think we can get another bathroom in here?"
"When we actually buy it, we're adding three. One for each of us. We are going to need more space for your hair products." Cliff suggested.
"There actually is ½ bath downstairs. Since you are planning long-term renovations, I assume we are taking this house?" Marc asked.
"Yes," Cliff said, hugging him. It wasn't the kiss from earlier, but Marc will take it.
To be continued…
I actually had to rewrite the end of this chapter. It got lost in editing, and because I change the file name a couple of times, I also lost the history in Office 365. I hope this ending is better than what I originally had.