Thank you to everybody who read and reviewed the last conversation. You are all so fabulous. All good things must end, and Justin is on his way back to New York. However, we have some awkward flirting first.

Chapter 61: Farewells and Confessions

XXXX

August 30, 2010, 5:50 PM London time

Sexy fiancé: Hey, I am not going to make the party. Leslie just decided we will have a budget meeting in 10 minutes. Sales numbers for the last issue were "soft," so there might be cuts. I just found out about it five minutes ago. I barely have time to prepare.

Daniel: Those are never fun meetings.

Sexy fiancé: Not at all. Tell Justin I'm sorry. You know I rather be there.

Daniel: It's okay. Amanda just sent a text, so we know what's going on. She will bring the cake to the Mode offices. So don't worry about that.

Daniel: She also promises not to eat it before arriving. Although I did call the bakery and told them to give her a cupcake.

Sexy fiancé: She is the best. I am going to miss her when she goes on maternity leave. I think my new assistant Hari is why I just found out about this meeting.

Daniel: Amanda just says it really did just show up. Hari taught her a bunch of new swearwords in multiple languages. Even he knows how much you were looking forward to this.

Sexy fiancé: Good to know. I just really wanted to be there for Justin's farewell party.

Daniel: You'll still get to say goodbye tonight. Or in the morning if things go really badly.

Sexy fiancé: I am mentally going through my résumé in my head. I can't quit until January. I have a six-month minimum commitment. If the magazine lasts that long anyway. Sales numbers were really soft.

Daniel: Probably because Lindsay interfered. He barely let you do any promotion. I would tell you you can turn things around, but I'm not sure if you want to.

Sexy fiancé: I wanted this to succeed, but I almost feel like I was set up to fail. Especially considering what DJ overheard.

Daniel: I know. It's okay to leave. It is almost September now. That gives you four months to deal with this until you can leave. I feel like six months would actually be December, but I'm not going to argue with your math.

Sexy fiancé: I think it is six months from the first issue. You, me, and one of your lawyers need to look over the contract together. I don't want to ask too many questions of HR because I don't want them to know I'm looking for an out. I really got to go. I'll see you tonight. Love you.

Daniel: Love you too.

xxx

August 30, 2010, 6:49 PM EDT

Boss Cory: Hey, I wanted to see if you're going to be able to do the staff meeting tomorrow, or do you have a ball commitment?

Matt: Things are mostly under control, which means I can do my day job at least for the rest of this week and some of next week. But don't expect to see me at all during Fashion Week. I might even have to appear at the Mode show since it's now public knowledge I'm a co-owner of Mead publications.

Boss Cory: Because your mom is evil and leak that to the press. She was very bitter about Mode taking Isabella's signature event away. I'm glad her attempt at spinning it failed miserably.

Matt: So am I. It's their own fault for not doing what Alexandria Lingerie asked. She's definitely mad at me even though I don't work for Mode. I just spent the last 20 minutes being yelled at by her over the phone.

Boss Cory: And you didn't hang up? Why did you even answer in the first place?

Matt: I've been ingratiating her lately, so she doesn't look too closely at Austin.

Boss Cory: Especially because you now live in the same condo complex.

Matt: Exactly. Unfortunately, to placate her anger, I need a favor from you.

Boss Cory: Since you are asking me via text message, I'm sure this is a favor I can agree to. I don't think you would ask me for an alibi in writing.

Matt: Of course not. They teach us better in prep school staple, How To Get Away With Murder 101.

Boss Cory: I always knew rich people had a class. How else would they get away with so much shit?

Matt: There's also good old fashion bribery. There's ass-kissing too. Unfortunately, I will have to do a bunch of that next Monday, and I would like you with me when I do so.

Boss Cory: You're being forced to go to your mom's Labor Day party, aren't you? That's prime ass-kissing territory.

Matt: How do you know about that?

Boss Cory: I've lived in New York all my life. Also, my mom worked as a maid for the top echelons of New York society.

Matt: And the maids know everything, and she told you everything.

Boss Cory: Yes. I also paid my way through school as a waiter at various rich people events, including several Hartley Foundation soirées. I'm pretty sure I worked the Labor Day party four times alone. My mom was well-connected.

Matt: I regret never seeing you there.

Boss Cory: I saw you. You were like 13 at the first one I worked at. You were adorable, but I don't do jailbait.

Matt: I keep forgetting that you're older than me. You're right. It is about the Labor Day party. Although she's not forcing me to go.

Boss Cory: She's not?

Matt: I was already going for Austin. He is obligated to be there due to being a ward of Vivian Wyndham West.

Boss Cory: Being the good brother you are, you're not going to let him be thrown to the Country Club sharks alone.

Matt: Especially when Justin will be his escort.

Boss Cory: You can't leave the baby gays to deal with that alone. That's against the handbook.

Matt: Exactly.

Boss Cory: So, what's the problem if you already planned to go?

Boss Cory: I'm going voluntarily, but the evil one is forcing me to bring a date. She was trying to set me up with one of the Country Club girls again.

Boss Cory: Not Monique's sister?

Matt: Victoria dropped that after they had coffee last week. Mercedes says she's okay with her soon-to-be-ex being gay. Chad just should have told her what she was getting into upfront. They could have found a nice bisexual, like me, to be their third.

Matt: Yes, she mentioned me specifically. She said I would have been the perfect third because I'm of the right social standing to not be a blackmailing gold digger. Also, rumor has it. I'm very adventurous. Victoria was not amused.

Boss Cory: ROFLMAO

Matt: Obviously, she became unsuitable because she would encourage my deviant tendencies.

Boss Cory: Please tell me somebody recorded that?

Matt: Actually, it's possible. Nobody wants to meet with my mom without recording the conversation in case she incriminates herself. Mercedes is our current spy on the inside.

Boss Cory: Your mom is seriously fucked up.

Matt: You don't even know the worst of it.

Boss Cory: The fact that you keep switching phone numbers every week is a good indication of how bad things are.

Matt: I don't want her spying on me. I also don't want her spying on the company since she's a competitor now. Especially after she went on fashion TV and accused us of corporate espionage via family connections.

Boss Cory: I agree. So, what do you need from me? If you need me to be your date, I'm gamed. I'm already going to be your escort for the black-and-white ball.

Matt: You are? I thought I would need to bribe you first. We've only gone out to dinner twice. I figured it might be a little too early to meet the parents. Especially since I think those were work dinners. I didn't even get a kiss on the cheek.

Boss Cory: We are friends. And friends do not let their friends deal with their horrible parents alone. You don't have to tell her I'm your actual date. I could just be your boss coming with you for the connections.

Boss Cory: I would understand if you don't want to be seen with a guy before the October issue hit stands the day of the black-and-white ball. Besides, I don't want you to have to take someone you'll absolutely hate.

Matt: It's safer for you if you're just a friend. The world might not know I'm bisexual, but Victoria does. I told her that I was done with women after the stunt she pulled with Amanda. I mean it. After Amanda, I don't think I will ever meet another woman that I will connect with like her. I don't even want to try.

Boss Cory: Thankfully, you have options. Although considering how your last relationship imploded, you should probably take a break. I am after I got left for the other woman. Thankfully, I know you're really bisexual and not just pushing a heteronormative narrative for your inheritance.

Matt: After what Victoria did with Amanda, I really don't give a fuck about my inheritance. I'm done playing her games.

Boss Cory: Now I know the rumor mills wrong about many things, but I feel your break up with Amanda was your fault. Allegedly you didn't exactly handle finding out she was pregnant with her ex-boyfriend's baby very well.

Matt: I'm well aware that was a mistake. I screwed up badly. However, I wouldn't have had an opportunity to screw up if Victoria didn't do what she did.

Boss Cory: You can't change DNA test results. I don't know if you would have reacted better after the babies were born.

Matt: You can change DNA test results if you have enough money.

Matt: Shit, I didn't mean to actually hit the send button.

Boss Cory: Not at all. This is an in-person conversation. Are you still in your office?

Matt: Actually, I left like half an hour ago. I'm packing up my things from aunt Breanna's. My goal is to be moved into the new place before fashion week chaos begins.

Boss Cory: Which is actually walking distance from here. I'm coming to you. I'll be there in 20.

Boss Cory: I'm also having pizza delivered.

Matt: I'll let Austin know I have other dinner plans. Besides, I need to talk to somebody about this.

Boss Cory: Obviously, if you're accidentally sending messages like that.

XXXX

24 minutes later

"I'm going to hug you, and then you'll tell me everything," Cory said as he arrived at Matt's door with pizza in hand. He must've got there just as the pizza of person did. Honestly, Matt was pleased to see him there.

"It is a long story," Matt said as Cory hugged him. Matt actually did need that hug. That was a lot considering Cory was still holding the pizza.

"I want to know, though. We have pizza, and I brought something from the emergency wine stash." That's when Matt noticed the top of a wine bottle sticking out of Corey's bag.

"I hope this is the one you inherited from Hudson," Matt said as they moved into the kitchen.

"Yes, I figured we needed something nice for this. Now spill."

After Matt poured himself a generous helping of wine, he told Cory everything from the fake DNA test to the death threats. He even explained Tiffany's involvement. Matt felt like he had to since Cory adored Austin so much.

"I said it earlier, but your mom is very fucked up," Cory said as he took a very long drink of wine. They were already through most of the bottle.

"So very much," Matt said, taking another drink. He needed so much wine for this.

"Who knows the truth besides me?"

"Well, my aunt, obviously. I told you about her involvement. Daniel knows. It was actually his idea to go through with Victoria's scheme to make him the dad. He's also super protective of Austin and has been helping there."

"Is this a good thing?"

"It is. Amanda is his best friend right now, and he'll protect her no matter what. We're getting along better currently. He gives me baby updates and sends me ultrasound pictures."

"I feel like that is really awkward," Cory commented.

"Not as much as it used to be. We've made peace with each other. I think I acted the way I did because I was still hurt that not only did Betty choose him, I never ever had a chance. She was in love with him before we even met. I was just her Daniel placebo. Maybe I was worried that I was just Amanda's Daniel placebo again. At least that's what my therapist told me."

"I feel like your therapist might be right this time."

"She usually is. Am I happy Daniel is probably going to end up raising my kids? No, but I just want them to be safe. If I have to stay away to keep them safe from Victoria, I will because that's my number one priority."

"I'm so sorry that she put you in this position. It's good that you want to still be involved. Better than my sperm donor." Matt can hear the bitterness in Cory's voice.

"I feel like there's a story there, but we need at least three more dates before I hear it." Matt joked. He wasn't quite sure this was really a date. Matt is not sure where this is going with Cory. He just knows he doesn't want this to turn into one of his usual one-night stands. Also, considering how his last two relationships fell apart maybe, Matt should work on being friends right now. He doesn't have that many of them. Not once he can at least talk about the craziness that his life has become in the last six months.

"Exactly. Does Amanda know the truth? What about our big boss?" Cory asked.

"Yes, because Monique knows everything. She's helped coordinate a lot of things. However, Amanda does not." Matt acknowledged.

"Why?" Cory asked, confused. "This feels like something she should know about."

"I think we've established that my mom's just plain evil. It's safer for Amanda not to know while she is still pregnant. But Daniel wants to tell her before she signs the birth certificate."

"And you're not going to stop him?" Cory asked.

"No," Matt answered simply.

"I would ask you who else knows, but it's probably best that I don't know."

"Probably. Although Marc doesn't know, please don't tell him. Austin doesn't either." That will have to change eventually, but not until Amanda knows.

"Because he would tell his boyfriend who would tell everybody," Cory remarked.

"Yes."

"Your secret's safe with me. Although we will now have to plan the most spectacular outfit for my Labor Day debut. Do you think Monique will let me borrow Cassandra?"

"You're still coming with me? Even though my mom is severely unhinged?"

"I can't send you or Austin in there alone." That's when Matt leaned over to hug him. He almost considered kissing Cory, but he wasn't quite ready yet. Maybe a part of Matt was still morning Amanda even though he knew they shouldn't get back together. Perhaps a friend is what he needs right now.

"You're perfect."

"I try."

"If Cassandra is not available, I can set you up with my aunt's assistant Pablo. Austin and I are seeing him Thursday night after work. You can come with us. I owe you at least a suit for putting up with my mother."

"You don't owe me anything. I don't want anything from you."

"I'm just starting to get used to people like that. Betty was the first, and Amanda was the second."

"I'm going to be the third."

"I hope so." Matt really meant that.

XXX

August 31, 2010, 5:23 AM London time

"Do you have everything?" Betty asked Justin as he stood in front of the door to their house. The car was already waiting outside. Betty wished she had time to take Justin to the airport but couldn't. She barely got to see him last night before he went to bed. The meeting with Leslie went three hours. He was making her fire four people, including DJ. She's going to have to talk to Daniel about that this morning. Betty was too tired last night, and she knew she would be getting up early today.

"Yes, including all the clothes we bought last time we were in Paris. It's why I have a whole other suitcase. Thank you, Uncle Daniel, for the nice luggage." Justin held up his new bag.

"You're welcome. I expect you'll need it because I want to see you here as often as your mom will allow." Daniel remarked.

"At least something good came from that visit," DJ said as he walked over to hug his cousin.

"That really was a disaster." Let's just say dinner ended in tears. The whole thing ended up in the Daily Mail. Betty couldn't even be there because of work issues. "I'm sorry I won't be here for the next one. I expect you to live text me the entire time. I don't care what time it is."

"I was planning to anyway since it will be during Paris Fashion Week at one of the shows," DJ explained.

"Seriously?" Justin stared at Daniel incredulously.

"Sorry. It was the best option for minimal time. I feel like we won't end up in the Daily Mail this time. Also, it's not like you're not going to be a VIP guest in New York. You're the official correspondent for Mode London."

"But Paris is Paris."

"Which is why I'm trying to make sure you'll be here on March 1 for fashion week. Charlotte wants you to help." Daniel promise.

"If I didn't want to see my boyfriend so badly, I would totally stay." DJ rolled his eyes at that. "However, I expect pictures from every show."

"Of course,"

"I would promise to do the same thing from the New York shows, but I feel like you wouldn't appreciate it the same way." Justin joked as he grabbed his suitcase.

"I would appreciate the models."

"There is much to appreciate. I'm glad there will be male models at the Mode show this year." Betty sees her fiancé rolling his eyes at that. Betty decided not to mention his annual "bed the model" bet with Becks.

"I expect actual articles to be written, not just gushing about the clothing or the models. Otherwise, no VIP pass next time."

"Of course, I'm a professional."

"You did a good job this summer. We are all sad to see you go." Daniel told him

"I'm aware. Charlotte cried yesterday." Betty is not surprised at all.

"You're the best intern she's ever had," Daniel told him.

"She already wants me to come back next summer," Justin tells everybody.

"It's an option. You're always welcome here."

"It was really great having you here this summer," Betty adds to Daniel's words.

"Okay, give me a hug before you go," Amanda said, walking over to him. She spent the night last night. Partially because she was too tired to go home. Also, Becks and Candy are loud. Candy still hasn't acknowledged that they're dating yet, but Amanda hopes it soon. "I'm going to miss my shopping partner."

"I'm going to miss you too," Justin said, pulling out of the embrace.

"Although you will make sure that my goddaughter gets all her presents?" Amanda asked.

"I will," Justin promised.

"As well as make sure Marc and the chunky one get it together. They're so exhausting, and I'm not even in the same country."

"I thought we were backing down from the matchmaking," Betty commented.

"The conspiracy group is on hiatus, but that's because the ship is on the tracks. We just have to make sure it doesn't get derailed." Amanda explained

"That feels like a mixed metaphor, but I will do my best to not have the ship sink," Justin said as he walked over to Betty.

"Be good for your mom, okay."

"Even though she's not being really good to you? I know she's still avoiding you. The apology balloons notwithstanding."

"A lot is going on with your mom right now. Not all of it you're aware of." Like the fact she is actually my half-sister, "Just be kind to her."

"I will be."

"That's all I ask. Hilda will talk to me when she's ready to talk about it, not before then. But I'm hoping this will help." Betty said, grabbing a letter and a box of chocolates from the table. Since Leslie will never let her have a day off anytime soon, she decided to let Hilda know she knows in a letter. At least writing the truth down feels more personal than an email or text message.

"Why am I bringing her a letter and chocolates?"

"Because she's probably going to need to eat the chocolate after reading the letter." Also, she knows her nephew, and there is a good chance he will read the letter. In the long run, it would be for the best. Although Betty didn't put anything about Amanda in it just in case.

"It was so good to have you here this summer. I will miss you so much. No matter what, remember that I love you." Betty said, wrapping her nephew in a hug.

"I'll be back in a few months." Possibly sooner if Monique gets her way, but Justin doesn't know about that yet.

"Good, I don't have a lot of friends yet," DJ remarked as he walked over to pick up one of Justin's bags.

"You have to let go, Aunt Betty. I have a plane to catch."

"I really don't want to let you go." Although she does reluctantly.

"It's okay. I'll text you when I get home." Justin commented as he opened the front door.

"I'm going to help Justin take all his bags to the cab." DJ starts to follow Justin out the door.

"I don't have that many bags."

"You have 4. You only came here with three." DJ remarked.

"We bought a lot of stuff in Paris. Because somebody knows where all the discount boutiques are."

"When your stepmom is the head of a design house, you learn things." Both Betty and Daniel look at each other when DJ refers to Breanna as his stepmom. Technically, Alexis and Breanna are not back together. But baby Lexi has sent them enough pictures of mommy and Alexis sleeping in bed together that Daniel and Betty are sure that's a technicality.

"Which I appreciated because you guys brought me back maternity clothes and more baby outfits. I'll carry out your toiletry bag. I need to get pictures for Marc anyway." With that, the others were gone leaving Betty and Daniel alone. Betty was crying at that point.

"Are you okay?"

"Not really. I'm going to miss Justin. It was easier with him here. I didn't miss home as much," Betty told her fiancé.

"He really will be back in October with Austin and Antonella. Austen's brother will be their chaperone since Vivian can't do it. She'll be too busy."

"Sneaky, very sneaky," Betty comments as Daniel places a kiss on her neck. "I'm just extra emotional because I feel like maybe I made the wrong choice in coming here."

"I don't know if we would've gotten together if you didn't leave. I needed that final push to get my head out of my ass." Daniel tells her.

"True. I'm just stressed out about work."

"The meeting was that bad yesterday?" Daniel asked.

"I have to let four people go, including DJ."

"Unfortunately, you can't fire yourself."

"I would if I could. I'm starting to realize the contract I thought I signed wasn't actually the contract I signed. I will take up your offer to help with the contract." Betty reluctantly acknowledged.

"I'll make an appointment. I can help in other ways. I did promise Charlotte I would get her a new intern. Although I'm probably going to have to let DJ go to one of the other magazines part-time."

"Probably."

"We can also take Becks if he's on the chopping block."

"One of the accountants suggested that it will be more cost-effective for writers to take their own pictures. We don't need an in-house photographer. We are not a fashion magazine. So he's definitely on the chopping block. However, I don't know if Candy and Becks should work for the same magazine." Betty feels that will be disastrous, or Candy will finally accept the truth.

"Same company, but he won't be at Mode all the time. He'll be like Cliff in New York, Mead publications resident photographer. He's done several shoots for the craft magazine. Monique saved a lot of money by having a staff photographer. My job as your boyfriend is to make things easier for you in any way I can." Betty couldn't help but lean over to kiss her fiancé.

"Why are you guys always kissing?" DJ said a few minutes later, causing them to pull out of the kiss. It was probably best that DJ disrupted then because Daniel was just seconds away from unfastening her bra.

"They're making up for being idiots for four years," Amanda answered in amusement. "Let's go make eggs as they continue to make out. The smell is not making me throw up anymore. The babies want an omelet." With that, they were in the kitchen.

"We better go make breakfast." Daniel reluctantly pulled away from Betty. "Amanda will burn the kitchen down otherwise. Becks told me he's doing most of the cooking."

"You're completely right. I did most of the cooking when we were roommates after that first fire." With that, Betty followed her fiancé to the kitchen.

XXXX

About 100 minutes later

Justin: Hey, I'm at the airport. The business class lounge is tolerable. I'm getting orange juice in a champagne flute.

Justin: Sorry, I woke you up in the middle of the night. I'm just kind of bored waiting for the plane. Getting through security did not take anywhere near as long as I thought it would. I need something to do.

Justin: Although I did think for a moment aunt Betty wouldn't let go.

Austin: You know I wouldn't fall asleep until you texted me. I took a nap with baby Mo this afternoon in preparation. I'm good. I'm glad you're on your way back to me.

Justin: I am, too. Although I hate leaving DJ alone to deal with his grandparents.

Austin: DJ told me he was making new friends.

Justin: He is, but I worry. I'm not sure they are the type of friends you talk about your really shady grandparents to. It's been a tough summer for him with his mom sick. The grandparents made him cry last time. It's like they're waiting for Alexis to die so DJ will become their piggy bank again. They were cruel, even worse than they were at Disney Paris.

Austin: He's your cousin. You're going to worry. It's because you're such a good person. I think he will be okay, and he has us, even if we are on the other side of the ocean. Also, I feel like your uncle is much more of an advocate than my biological mom ever was.

Justin: This is true. Are you up for talking, or do you want to sleep?

Austin: We can talk a little bit. My nap lasted an hour longer than it was supposed to. Matt was supposed to come over for dinner after dropping off some of his stuff at his new condo. Instead, he decided to have pizza and wine with Cory.

Justin: I am so sorry you got dumped for the not-a-boyfriend.

Austin: This is fine because I had late pizza and juice boxes with Mo and Freddie. Besides, they're cute together, even though Matt swears they are just friends.

Justin: I hope this isn't Daniel and Betty part two. Why did you have Mercedes kids yesterday afternoon?

Austin: Betty and Daniel part two is Marc and Cliff. My brother and my boss are part three.

Justin: True

Austin: Mercedes had a last-minute lawyer meeting because Chad is up to his usual bull shit. Vivian had to go too. Cory let me leave early to spend time with my foster nieces. Antonella was with me. So, she took Freddie, and I took Mo. Monique was invited, but she didn't want to disrupt Jamie's nap time because otherwise, they wouldn't get to sleep tonight. Monique was in the room next door just in case, though.

Justin: Smart. I know you love time with the kids, but doesn't Mercedes have a regular nanny, especially for summer?

Austin: She did. Unfortunately, the usual bullshit involved Chad getting the nanny to quit with only an hour's notice. The lawyers are convinced he is trying to prove that Mercedes can't handle the kids on her own.

Justin: There's a video of him trying to slap his 8-year-old. I don't think someone like that should have custody.

Austin: He doesn't want custody of the kids; he wants Mercedes to pay him to just go away. Because he got caught cheating, he's not entitled to alimony per the prenup. Daddy dearest also made him resign because he embarrassed the company. He claims it's for trying to slap Freddie, but we're sure it's all for the Ryan thing. He's the kind of person that thinks hitting children is okay.

Justin: I guess, under those circumstances, he could really use the child support money. I assume he's entitled to that?

Austin: Yep, and Mercedes children are entitled to a lot to stay in the lifestyle they are accustomed to. On paper anyway. Chad wants her to pay that much without actually having the kids. Otherwise, he will make her look like the worst mom possible.

Justin: He seems like such a horrible person.

Austin: He really is. Unfortunately, Mercedes can't prove that he got the nanny to quit early since her hours would be cut back due to baby mo starting preschool next week.

Justin: So, it's possible she just got a new job?

Austin: Yep. It's okay since the babies will stay with Aunt Monique tomorrow.

Justin: Good plan.

Justin: I just realized that Amanda put my reading material in my checked bag.

Austin: That won't do you any good. Do you have time to go grab a magazine?

Justin: No need. I have that reading material. I don't have the letter that Aunt Betty wrote to mom.

Austin: Which is good because you shouldn't be reading it anyway. I've learned way too much recently by accident that I didn't want to know. Don't go looking for things.

Justin: Point. I don't know how many more are deep family secrets there are. I already know that my grandfather is actually my grandmother's second husband. My mom was also born six months after they ran away together to the states, so make of that what you will. We don't talk about it.

Austin: Got it. I wonder if mom would've tried to pass me off as George's child if I wasn't preschool age when they got together. That would definitely keep me from figuring out I was a Hartley.

Justin: I could see your mom doing that. Hey, we're starting to board. The first-class people are lining up.

Austin: Then I better let you go. Text me when you get to New York.

Justin: I will. Try to get some sleep while I'm in the air. You have to work tomorrow, don't you?

Austin: Only in the morning. Cory is letting me leave early again to be there when you get home. I think Cory is a romantic at heart.

Justin: Or he's sucking up to your brother. Or possibly sucking other things.

Austin: That is entirely possible. Also, no sex jokes about my brother.

Justin: Noted. Go to sleep. I'll see you soon.

To be continued…