Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last conversation. You are absolutely lovely. I appreciate all the feedback.
This is the first chapter of the new batch. Thanks to the banking system, you had no idea I took a six-month break from this series. We also jumped a few weeks. I know you probably want cute baby bonding time, but the story must go on.
We're also gearing up for September Fashion Week 2010. I read a lot of articles to help me adequately cover the event since the show never did September Fashion Week. This seems strange, but I assumed they didn't want to do something twice a season. Maybe new seasons always started right after September Fashion Week. However, since this story did not follow the usual pattern of skipping the summer, we are heading into Fashion Week and the black and white ball.
Chapter 60: Let's Catch Up
Early morning EDT August 29, 2010
Justin: Good news. I'm flying back on August 31. I have my flight confirmation and everything.
Austin: I thought you weren't getting back until September 6. Not that I am not looking forward to seeing you six days earlier. I really miss you.
Justin: Yes, but with Monique out, Daniel felt like Marc could use more help for prepping for Fashion Week. So I'm going back a little early. Right after my big presentation tomorrow.
Justin: My UK boss Charlotte decided I will cover all the shows for Mode UK as their special correspondent. Apparently, I'm going to be working for both magazines even when I'm in New York.
Austin: That makes sense. Antonella says it's already chaos upstairs at Mode, and there's a 50-50 chance I could be drafted to help out.
Justin: I've already been helping remotely. The only reason you haven't been drafted yet is that you're working on the ball. That's immediately after. I wish they would've had a week or two between the ball and fashion week, but the ball is supposed to be our signature end event.
Austin: That makes sense. So I assume your uncle is not coming back to New York for this?
Justin: Daniel decided it wasn't necessary because he did not have to break up any fights between Megan and Marc for last month's issue. Instead, he chose to focus on London and Paris Fashion Week instead of coming back to New York to help with coverage. Although if it gets bad, I'm supposed to call him directly.
Austin: Smart.
Justin: He also doesn't want to be away from my Aunt and Amanda longer than necessary.
Austin: Can't they go with him? I'm sure he can afford it.
Justin: Not Aunt Betty because her boss is an asshole. She wanted to fly back with me but couldn't. I think she wants to smack my mom upside the head for ignoring her all summer. The apology balloon bouquet two weeks ago was not enough.
Austin: That's too bad.
Justin: Amanda is too late in her pregnancy to be flying right now. She is checking with her doctor to see if it's okay for her to take the train to Paris. She's always dreamt of being at Paris Fashion Week.
Austin: I hope she's able to attend. Monique will try to go to a couple of the shows.
Justin: Really? She's going to leave the baby with the sitter? I thought she hated doing that.
Austin: Yes, even though the nanny is her sister's now-former sister-in-law. However, Fashion TV has started a "where's Monique" segment, so she realizes she needs to make an appearance or two. She wants the fashion world to know she is still alive and in charge.
Justin: She just adopted a baby less than a month ago. She and Gio deserved to be able to bond with pudding pop.
Austin: You would think that, but fashion TV would disagree. Unfortunately, Byron no longer works there, so he can't help.
Justin: He started the new morning show already? Is he still using his Suzuki persona?
Austin: Yes, although the new Suzuki persona is more tamed and now ambiguously bi. Which seems closer to real life. Monique assured me that he is still one of us, just a Kinzie 2 and nowhere near as camp.
Justin: I'm sure his wife will appreciate that. At least it will be more accurate.
Austin: I am a little annoyed at fashion TV for perpetuating the camp gay stereotype. And Byron. It would've been nice growing up to see that there are different types of queer people out there.
Justin: It was more Fashion TV than Byron. I'm not watching anymore. I'm done with them.
Austin: That is going to be so hard for you.
Justin: Now that I am part of the industry, I realize that they're full of shit. I also don't like what they've been doing to Marcedes either. Let's not even get into the things they've been saying about my aunt all summer.
Austin: The Trojan horse graphics during Victoria's bullshit press conference about Alexandra Lingerie leaving Isabella was a little much.
Justin: They put aunt Betty's face on the horse.
Austin: And Matt. They have been so awful to Mercedes. It's been bad mostly because her future ex-husband is a dick.
Austin: I've been getting lots of babysitting hours out of it since I've been taking care of the kids and keeping them entertained when she is with the lawyers. When the regular nanny is unavailable.
Justin: I feel like she's with the lawyers a lot right now. It seems really ugly between the media coverage and what you told me.
Austin: It is, but Mercedes is trying her hardest to keep it from the kids after the blowup at Ross. Besides, I like working with the kids. We've been doing a lot of dress-up in the closet.
Justin: You haven't sent me pictures? You're an awful boyfriend.
Austin: Sorry, I get into the babysitting zone when I'm with them. Next time we do it, I will have Cassandra film the entire thing.
Justin: You better. I can't wait to see you. I miss you.
Austin: I miss you too. I wish you could've been here for these last couple of weeks. You know how difficult it's been.
Justin: I know, but you are doing so well. Have you fully acclimated to life as the foster son of a billionaire socialite?
Austin: Better than being the illegitimate son of a billionaire ass hole.
Justin: Vivian Wyndham West is a more pleasant person. Also, I thought Matt reassured you that you would never have to take that role on?
Austin: Because my biological father is a dick. Thankfully, I have a better brother and aunt. I have enjoyed all the video calls with Breanna and little Lexi. My niece is adorable.
Justin: I just realized that my cousin is your niece. Does this mean that DJ is your step-nephew? Does Tyler know about you yet?
Austin: Technically, Alexis Junior is my cousin too, but Matt calls her his niece. Probably because they were raised as siblings for a while. So, I am too. But I draw the line at DJ. We are too close in age. I'm not telling any more people that I am a Hartley until you get here, including Tyler and Daniel's mother.
Justin: Good point. I'll be your emotional support for the entire conversation.
Austin: Thank you because I'm going to need it. I'm also happy that you're no longer arriving on Labor Day. I will have to make an appearance at Victoria Hartley's Labor Day party on her yacht. What does one wear to a Labor Day party? Especially when you think the host may have tried to kill your mom when she was pregnant with you. At least it will be easier for me to live text you when you're in the same time zone and not on a plane.
Justin: White, lots of White, mainly because this is a pre-fashion week event. I'll text Cassandra and see if we can come up with something. And Matt because he's paying for it if I can't get something from the closet.
Justin: I assume I'm coming with you?
Justin: Is it safe for me to come with you?
Austin: Let me ask Viv. BRB
Justin: It's just weird for you to address one of the richest women in the world as Viv.
Austin: That's what she told me to call her. She knows mom would be way too weird for me even though she is my foster mother right now. A lot of baggage comes with that word for me.
Justin: I know.
Austin: She says yes, you can come. Actually, that was the plan which is why she asked Daniel to send you back early. She doesn't give a fuck if it makes Victoria uncomfortable. Also, I will never have to hide who I am with her or the rest of the world.
Austin: She also made arrangements with my aunt regarding what I'll be wearing, and I have a fitting Thursday.
Justin: I really like your foster mom.
Austin: I do too. I can't wait to show you my room here. I just moved in yesterday.
Austin: [image attached]
Justin: I'm glad you went with my color scheme suggestion. I also like that you got a king-size bed.
Austin: I knew you would like the bed. It's also quite comfortable.
Justin: I'm looking forward to testing that out. Are you happy to be out of the hotel?
Austin: A little. Don't get me wrong, I had fun hanging out with the girls. However, I feel more settled being in an actual apartment. It feels like I'm here to stay and not just a guest.
Justin: That makes sense. Have you heard from your mom yet? I know you hadn't the last time we talked Friday.
Austin: I got a postcard yesterday. As you know, this is the first time I've gotten anything since they left.
Justin: Moving is hard.
Austin: Yes, but she could at least send me a picture of their new apartment.
Justin: Valid point.
Austin: So who is picking you up from the airport? I'm still working on my driver's license, so it can't be me yet. Viv is making me do driving school.
Justin: Good to know. Mom is picking me up because she refuses to let me take a cab. Flying across the ocean by myself is okay but taking a taxi from JFK is too much.
Austin: I'm sure she just misses you and wants to see you sooner. Just so you know, I'm probably going to be at the house waiting for you.
Justin: I expect nothing else.
XXX
Midafternoon New York time August 28, 2010
Baby's other daddy: Hey, I have Jade, and we are in the car making our way back home. Sorry, it took longer than it should have. Jody was Jody. Do I need to make any stops on the way back?
Marc: No. I'll order takeout. Let me know what you want. Otherwise, I'm ordering thai again.
Baby's other daddy: What do we have that makes cheese fries?
Marc: Things were that bad? I thought I broke you of your French fry dependency.
Baby's other daddy: That bad. I knew Jody would make it that way. Jade wasn't even ready to go when I got there. There's a reason why I didn't want you to come with me to get Jade. Jody still doesn't realize what she did to you. I'm not sure that three years in jail it's going to make much of a difference.
Marc: Especially because that's not what she's in jail for.
Baby's other daddy: Exactly.
Marc: I know, and it bothers me too, but at least they'll be no more weekend visits for a while.
Baby's other daddy: Except we're going to have to bring Jade up there for her to see once a month. Which I am doing. I don't want you to see Jody ever again.
Marc: You don't have to keep doing this. I'm a big boy.
Baby's other daddy: We're in this together. I will handle all Jody interactions. You deal with buying clothes for all events, especially when I have to be arm candy.
Marc: I don't feel like this is a fair division of labor. I love shopping, especially now that I can send other people to do the actual shopping part of it.
Baby's other daddy: Good because Jade ruined the dress she was wearing yesterday. You're going to hate the onesie she's wearing right now. It wasn't in the bag. Also, I'm pretty sure Jade's current shoes won't fit after another week.
Marc: Don't worry, I already have three more pairs in the following three sizes. I am buying all the best pieces in multiple sizes. Especially the classics that transcend seasons. I'll send the smaller stuff to Monique. She has an aversion to buying all new things for Jamie. They are already out of the newborn sizes.
Baby's other daddy: I expect nothing less of you. I think it might actually be Gio now.
Marc: Possibly. Okay, I'm getting you ridiculously greasy cheese fries from the Greek Italian Place and pizza. You can have a cheat day.
Baby's other daddy: You are the best. You got yourself a grilled chicken salad, didn't you?
Marc: The Greek one. I deserve feta today. I also might have half a slice of pizza.
Baby's other daddy: Good. You do need to keep your strength up. You now have under two weeks before spring Fashion week chaos. I'm shocked you're not at the office today.
Marc: I'm testing out this work-from-home concept. Monique wanted to do a check-in phone call anyway instead of me popping down to the hotel. Her biological mom Monima is visiting her right now.
Baby's other daddy: You're sad because you couldn't get quality baby time.
Marc: Possibly. But I also had a conference call with Justin. The good news is he'll be back in the office Wednesday. Completely jetlagged, but he'll be there.
Baby's other daddy: I bet you're happy.
Marc: I'm already planning the welcome back party.
Baby's other daddy: Not your job anymore. Let me and Tamika do that. You have a magazine to run. I'll even work with Wilhelmina regarding catering. I think you'll be mad at me if I just pick up a sandwich tray from Costco. Even though you like their turkey rollup thing.
Marc: I acknowledge no such thing. But thank you. I can't do this without you.
Baby's other daddy: We're a team. We do everything together.
Marc: We are.
Marc: Oh shit!
Baby's other daddy: What happened?
Marc: A courier just dropped off an invitation to Victoria Hartley's Hartley foundation Labor Day yacht party next week.
Baby's other daddy: That's weird. It's the world's most pretentious party. I went as Breanna's guest before. It's part of the reason why she won't take over the planning for it now that she's the head of the charity. Why is Victoria inviting you? You're the acting EIC for the competition right now.
Marc: Possibly poaching. This is ridiculous. I'm not leaving a place that got me a nanny and allowed me to have paid parental leave during the middle of absolute chaos.
Marc: I'm double-checking with Tamika to see if I'm unaware of something. Although I kind of want to look the woman who forced my best friend to leave the country in the eye and tell her I will never ever work for her.
Baby's other daddy: So obviously you're going. I'm coming with you to play the ultimate partner and find any dirt. Actually, this is what I did when I was there with Brianna.
Marc: We will have to get a babysitter if we do that. Since you've been to one of these before, I rather you be there with me.
Marc: Nevermind, Tamika has informed me that Jade is invited to Monique's hotel room for a baby Labor Day party. Marcedes girls will also be there. Tamika says that Mercedes doesn't want them around the vultures for at least another year. Unfortunately, she can't get out of it.
Baby's other daddy: Mercedes is a very protective mom. That's a good thing. Also, if we're there, we can provide cover for her.
Marc: So true, and we will look our best doing it. I'll take care of the outfits.
Baby's other daddy: See, you're already keeping up your part of the deal. Plus, I expect you to do most of the packing as we get ready for the big move. I know you're already buying the furniture for the new place.
Marc: Of course I am. I'm allowed to hire help for that?
Baby's other daddy: Of course. You are running a magazine right now.
Xxx
August 30, 2010, 8:33 AM London time
Monique: [three images attached
Daniel: Jamie is so cute. They keep getting more adorable. Is that your birth mom holding them?
Monique: Yep, the doctor came down from DC this weekend to meet her first grandbaby and second grandchild. Antonella is the first. It was a good visit. Monima just left a couple of hours ago to catch the train back since she's working tomorrow morning.
Daniel: That's good. How does Antonella feel about having another grandmother?
Monique: She knows that all my mothers see her as another grandchild and has accepted it. However, Jamie is definitely her nibling, not her sibling.
Daniel: Which is good. The baby can use all the aunts and uncles possible.
Monique: Especially to make up for the fact that they won't have a grandfather. At least not one that lives on this side of the country. I am glad Inacio got to see the baby before leaving for the new job.
Daniel: I am too. Hilda sent those pictures. It was all adorable.
Monique: I'm glad she sent the pictures because I just realized I forgot to. Sorry.
Daniel: It's okay. You have a lot going on, especially with the sperm donor. How is the situation with your father going regarding Jamie? There's been more stuff in the press here about Chad than there has been about your father slipping his now-former wife fertility drugs.
Monique: Because of misogyny. Daddy dearest is friends with the Murdochs and Lindsay, so you know exactly how they will frame this. Primarily because of his new political aspirations. He also has no trouble throwing his daughter under the bus to get what he wants.
Daniel: I am so sorry. As a wealthy white man, I am fully aware I can get away with many things that neither you nor Betty could. Most of the articles about me getting Amanda pregnant have been much harder on Betty and Amanda than me.
Monique: In the words of Whitney Houston, it's not right, but it's okay. I think it's part of the reason why I've been in the baby bubble at the hotel with Gio for the last three weeks. I just wanted to avoid the paparazzi as I adjust to motherhood. But it's time to slowly go back to the real world, condescending questions and all.
Daniel: Are you going to end up going to any of the country club set Labor Day parties? Your mom asked me to send Justin back early just so he could be Austen's escort will at whichever one she's dragging him to. I agreed so he could be ready to go for fashion week.
Monique: My mom always loves to throw matches at the country club set after she tossed some gasoline on them.
Daniel: I'm glad I don't know enough people over here to be invited to any rich people parties. I don't have the energy or patience for them anymore. I can barely keep up the façade with DJ's evil grandparents.
Monique: I completely understand how they can be draining. If you ever want to start making connections with the country club set of London, I can call my Aunt Claudette. She will be back for fashion week. I should warn Candi about that since she'll be using the other part of the house.
Daniel: That would be good. I want to say no, but it might be helpful for work.
Monique: It's the only reason I bother going to any of the spoiled rich people parties now. However, I get to skip Labor Day. Unfortunately, Mercedes will be forced to make an appearance, which is enough. I'm actually watching the kids along with Tamika. I even have Jade now because Marc was invited, probably for poaching reasons.
Daniel: Not Skye?
Monique: Skye is going as Mercedes' plus one, possibly to fuck with Victoria.
Daniel:?
Monique: It's the Hartley Foundation annual Labor Day yacht soirée. Unfortunately, it's one of the events that Victoria is still in charge of. Especially this year with the ex-sister-in-law in Cleveland.
Daniel: I understand not going. I missed last year's due to grieving and just not wanting to go. The only person I wanted to be around last year was Betty.
Daniel: Will Cal be there since it is a Hartley Foundation event?
Monique: Victoria always invites him, but he usually doesn't show up. I think he only showed up last year because your mom was his escort.
Daniel: They were together at that point? I'm not even sure. There are about six months from 2009 that I don't remember.
Monique: Yeah, I have my own lost year. Honestly, summer 2009 was a little blurry for me too. In addition to losing Molly, I also had to help Gio acclimate to raising Antonella. That was a crazy couple of months.
Daniel: It really has just been a year. It feels like five. It is kind of amazing to realize how far I've come in the last year.
Monique: You really have. I'm proud of you.
Daniel: You don't think it's too fast? Last year at this time, I was grieving Molly. Now I'm engaged to Betty, and we are raising DJ together.
Monique: No.
Monique: I've told you this before; Molly would want you to be happy. She adored Betty. Molly ordered me to help you get your head out of your ass and get together. It was her deathbed wish. So, I feel like that's permission for you to get your happily ever after. Besides, it's not like you're getting married this year.
Daniel: Because we put our foot down due to the babies.
Monique: Which I totally agree with. Just so you know, I'm trying to find a way to get Matt to London around when Amanda is due. Would you be willing to host all the kids for a week-long learning trip with Matt as the chaperone? It will be big brother bonding time for him and Austin.
Daniel: I'm not against it. Mainly because it will get Justin back, which will make DJ happy. Does Matt know you're planning this?
Monique: No. After being with Brittany for the miracle of birth, I feel like he should be there. Even if you're going to have to raise the twins because Victoria Hartley is a sociopath.
Daniel: See, this is why I'm glad I'm in London and do not need to go to Victoria Hartley's Labor Day party.
Monique: Aren't you really glad I told you not to come for Fashion Week? Otherwise, you might have to make an appearance.
Daniel: I would if you need me there. Are you sure you're gonna be okay without me?
Monique: You're still going to be helping us. You're just going to be covering Paris and London for us with your team. I'm starting to read my work emails again, and I think Megan and Marc actually have this without me.
Daniel: I only had to fix a couple of tiny things with the book. I agree with that assessment.
Monique: Good to know.
Monique: I decided that fashion week will be the best place to make a public appearance or two. I'm going to go to a couple of shows and do a few interviews.
Daniel: Which ones?
Monique: Well, I have to go to Brianna's show and the Mode showcase. We're still trying to determine the third one. At least the main event is at Lincoln Center this year.
Daniel: Very true. Is Brianna coming back for her show?
Monique: Yep, especially because it's on September 16. Then they're going to stay for the Black and White Ball on the 17th. Alexis is making her come.
Daniel: Alexis is going to do Fashion Week? I feel like her doctor will be upset about that.
Monique: No, Alexis will stay at the house with her daughter. I've already been told I'm dropping the baby off for playtime during the show.
Daniel: Smart. Wait, they are going to be at the house? Isn't Matt still squatting on her couch?
Monique: Matt just closed on a condo three days ago. It's in the same building where my mom lives. He should be cleared out of Monique's apartment by then. Which is good because I don't know if I want Matt and Alexis in the same house. Matt's kind of mad at her for abandoning his aunt when she needed her the most.
Daniel: That would be a volatile combination. Alexis's doctor would be upset if she got in a fistfight.
Monique: Which might still happen at the ball. Alexis senior is going to be Brianna's escort for the ball. Although Alexis is only allowed two slow dances and no alcohol. Fistfights are definitely on the no list.
Daniel: I hope Victoria is not there because I feel like alcohol would be necessary to be in the same room with that woman.
Monique: Unfortunately, she is. The best we could do was put them on opposite sides of the room.
Daniel: I'm so glad I'm going to be in London.
Monique: Yes, busy partying it up at all the shows there.
Daniel: I'm taking DJ to a few and possibly Amanda if her doctor gives the all-clear for Paris. So there won't be that much partying. Apparently, VIP tickets to a fashion show can count as one of the forced grandparents' visits. I hope Amanda can come to run interference since Betty won't be allowed to go with us.
Monique: Amanda can come, but Betty can't? That seems weird. Also, I'm a little worried about how the press will see you bringing your baby's Mama with you to various events.
Daniel: I really don't care. If the press makes a big deal out of it, I think Amanda is planning to just tell everybody we're a triad. Actually, Betty might do it herself. They're both really annoyed with the UK press.
Monique: I do not blame either of them. It's none of their business.
Daniel: Leslie is punishing Betty because we got the Alexandria lingerie event. Also, Amanda's maternity replacement will be fully trained by that point. I'm hoping that Betty will be gone by the time Amanda's maternity leave is up, and she won't have to go back there.
Monique: I hope so too. You're doing the right thing. I doubt the horrible grandparents will make a scene in front of all the cameras.
Daniel: That's what I'm hoping for, at least. God, I hate them so much. I'm trying to come up with ways for DJ to spend as little time with them as possible. I may have looked the other way when he drank half a glass of wine at the last forced family meeting.
Monique: Did you already have the don't drink and do drugs at Fashion Week talk with Justin and DJ, or do I need to do that?
Daniel: Possibly. My speech was don't take drugs from people you don't know. Definitely don't take any while you're supposed to be working. Don't drink anything already open that you didn't see being poured into a glass. I also told him how to get virginal drinks from the bartender and nurse one glass of champagne the entire night. Finally, always use a condom.
Monique: Probably not the version Hilda wanted but practical. I will also ensure that the bartender is appropriately compensated for giving Justin and Austin the correct drinks.
Daniel: I think she would be cool with it. She was only mad about Amanda taking Justin to his first sex shop because she felt she should have done it.
Monique: Honestly, I think she's just happy that Justin is coming back on the 31st. I feel like this summer has been really hard on her.
Monique: Justin is still coming to the office on September 1, isn't he?
Daniel: Of course he is. When do you think you're coming back besides your fashion week drop-ins?
Monique: I'm not planning to show up at the actual offices until after Fashion Week, and the black and white ball chaos is over. However, I'm doing emails and taking briefings. Earlier today, or rather yesterday at this point, Marc gave me a complete rundown. I can't wait until I'm no longer feeding Jamie at 8 AM your time.
Daniel: It's probably better to go slow after being in the baby bubble for three weeks.
Monique: I think Marc and Megan have been doing well. I'm not as worried as I was when I first came up with my schedule. Therefore, I am not in as big of a rush to get back. They have been well behaved, right?
Daniel: They have been. Your magazine is still standing.
Monique: Good.
To be continued
I apologize for this ending up an all text message chapter. I was planning to have an actual in-person seen in this chapter. Unfortunately, it ended up in the next chapter because this got way too long. Even my cute Betty Daniel scene ended up in the next chapter. It just worked better there. Sorry.