Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. You're all absolutely wonderful.
Chapter 62: Everything Comes out Eventually
August 31, 2010 8:23 AM EDT
Player Cory: You have the cutest kid. Thank you so much for sending baby pictures. Jamie is so adorable.
Monique: I figure you and all the other editors should get at least a few pictures from me. I'm sure Matt is your hook-up.
Player Cory: And Austin. I've heard a lot about his babysitting adventures. I'm glad he's bonding with his foster family.
Player Cory: I saw pictures of them playing in the closet. I sent him home because Cassandra asked really nicely.
Monique: That was adorable. We are so doing that again when I get back after fashion week.
Monique: We will check with Cassandra first because they probably did some damage.
Player Cory: Smart woman.
Monique: I try.
Player Cory: I thought you should know that Matt invited me to be his plus one at the Hartley Foundation Labor Day party.
Monique: Thank you for telling me. It's okay that you're going because Marc is already on the guest list. I'm happy about the additional Meade publishing representation.
Player Cory: I'm always happy to represent the company. I wanted to know if I could borrow something from the closet to wear? His aunt is loaning me something for the Black and White Ball. However, I don't want to ask again for a favor from her. I've worked catering at enough of these events to know that my usual jeans and T-shirt will not cut it.
Monique: You are right. However, you should know Breanna is dressing you up for herself. That's definitely not a favor.
Monique: You must really like Matt to agree to do that. I never volunteered to spend more time around Victoria Hartley than I absolutely have to. I'm mad we can't keep her out of the black and white ball. If we can't bar Anna W from coming, we definitely can't ban Victoria. At least that's what the lawyers told me.
Player Cory: No matter how much you wish you could.
Monique: Exactly.
Player Cory: Matt is a friend. Friends function as buffers against toxic parents all the time.
Monique: See, the problem with text-based communication is you can't see my double Vulcan-like eyebrow raise right now.
Player Cory: Friendship is all I can handle right now. Do you remember how badly my last relationship blew up?
Monique: I remember having to pick you up from the floor of a bar, literally. I was worried I would have to give you my list of rehab centers.
Player Cory: Exactly. Considering how things went down with Amanda, I think Matt needs a friend more than a boyfriend right now.
Monique: I'm not arguing this point because you're right. The breakup with Amanda was not clean. Matt and Amanda had their own problems. I'm not sure it would've been a viable relationship in the long run.
Player Cory: But I'm sure Victoria Hartley's little scam made things unravel faster. Which, in the long run, might be better for the twins. Maybe by the time the kids are toddlers, they'll be friends again. Unlike my sperm donor, I feel like Matt wants to be involved.
Monique: He told you?
Player Cory: Yes. Last night, accidentally at first. This is probably why he texted you a new phone number this morning.
Monique: I wondered why he was changing phone numbers early this week. Honestly, I'm not even surprised. I'm just glad it was you and not the high school friend/fuck buddy.
Monique: I feel you will not spill all your secrets to Victoria Hartley. The other one, I'm not sure.
Player Cory: You know I have no love for people like Victoria Hartley.
Monique: I'm aware. Actually, I'm surprised you're friends with Matt and me because we're both members of the future billionaires club.
Player Cory: I know neither of you are my sperm donor. Besides, you're a lot like me, except Vivian wouldn't let you be swept under the rug. It's why I like your mom.
Monique: She likes you too. She wants you to call her if you ever want to explore a career change.
Player Cory: I'll think about it.
Monique: In the meantime, you can hang out with her Monday. Austin is going to be her escort. He has a fitting Thursday for the party with Matt and Breanna's assistant, Pablo. It will be a cute bonding activity. I can make arrangements for you to join.
Player Cory: I already know about it. Matt invited me, but I said I would take care of it on my own.
Monique: Friends, you say? Is this the Vulcan definition of the word friend?
Player Cory: I want to surprise him. I can also pay for my own outfit if loaning is not an option. I just don't know what to get, so I need Cassandra.
Player Cory: Also, I just hate buying clothes in general. This is probably why half of my wardrobe is promotional T-shirts I've received.
Monique: Also, this is more than just having to put on a nice tuxedo.
Player Cory: I am aware. This is why I came to you.
Monique: I am glad you're aware. I'll make other arrangements. Not Cassandra because I think she might be mad at me because of the kids. I'll send you a text.
Player Cory: Thank you. I hate to ask for another favor, but this one is work-related.
Monique: What do you need?
Player Cory: I think it would be good to send Matt to London for a couple of weeks. Our big boss is getting more grandchildren in October, right?
Monique: Yep. Of course, that was always the plan. Since the late Faye Somers took Claire's husband, Claire decided she would take Faye's grandchildren.
Player Cory: I should not have laughed at that. But as someone who's had their longtime partner stolen away, I sympathize.
Monique: Actually, this reminds me of something I want to talk to you about. Justin's study abroad internship this summer went so well that I want to send all the kids over to tour the UK and Paris Mode offices. Would it be okay if Matt went with them as their mentor/chaperone? Even with the Hudson transplants, we're still a little short staff. Marc will be that way for the Alexandria shoot around that time, but I can't keep him out indefinitely.
Player Cory: You are so much better at this than I am. I was going to suggest Matt go to London in October to look into the viability of creating a local edition of Player.
Monique: He can do both. That's not a bad idea. We actually get a sizable amount of subscriptions from over there, especially to the digital magazine. I was thinking about maybe localizing the digital version. Matt could look into that.
Player Cory: Perfect. I was almost going to ask you if I could come over to talk about this.
Monique: That would have resulted in less coded language. You should stop over after the fitting. I want to hear what's happening at the other magazines.
Player Cory: I thought Claire was covering that?
Monique: For now, but eventually, I want to be more hands-on than my predecessors. Since Player was my baby for so long, I feel like that's the one I want to make sure is still doing well. I know you're doing a fabulous job, but I want to keep a good thing going.
Player Cory: That makes sense.
xx
August 31, 2010, 11:45 AM. EDT.
Justin: 8 hour flights are just awful. Even when the uncle pays for business class. Thankfully they had fruit and veggies snacks. However, my traveling outfit is completely ruined.
Austin: At least you got business class. I feel like economy would've been so much worse. You would've been stuck with potato chips and regular soda.
Justin: That's very true. I definitely don't think they received fresh fruit. Actually, that might've been just me. But I look ridiculous right now.
Austin: I don't care what you're wearing. I'm just glad we will be in the same city again.
Justin: I care. I have to look cute after not seeing you for nearly 2 ½ months. You didn't somehow convince Cory to let you come with my mom to the airport? If so, I'm changing into my backup outfit.
Austin: You would bring a backup outfit. That's not necessary, though. Your mom is picking you up alone.
Justin: You never know when your luggage could get lost.
Austin: This is true. And if it was the other way around, I would, but half your wardrobe is already here.
Justin: But not all the new cute stuff from Paris. Thank your aunt for hooking me up with all the best fashion houses.
Austin: You're welcome. We are having lunch with her when she comes down for Fashion Week. There might also be another family meal with more extended family members at Ross.
Justin: Thank you for telling me now since I have time to plan the perfect outfit. I just agreed to be a paid fashion consultant for a friend of Monique's Thursday, so I'll be able to get something for myself. I'm not going to be meeting your aunt Monday, am I?
Austin: No. Too much time around the overly pretentious is bad for Alexis's heart. So, they're staying in Cleveland until the last possible minute. Besides, my aunt and her former sister-in-law try to avoid each other whenever possible.
Justin: Smart.
Austin: You can wait until you get to the apartment to change. I'm bringing food from Ross because I know that you stuck to the fruit cups and celery sticks. I would bring their signature tiramisu, but you won't eat it.
Justin: You know me too well. Okay, I got to go find my luggage. I'll see you in two hours.
Austin: I'll be there.
Xxx
Hilda knew that Austin really wanted to be here when Justin arrived. So did Bobbi, for that matter. But Hilda wanted some time alone with her son.
"I miss you so much. Oh God, it looks like you grew 2 inches." She said, wrapping him into a giant hug. She missed him so much.
"I miss you too. And it's the shoes." Justin pulled away to show her his new shoes.
"No, you definitely got taller," Hilda said as she placed what looked like a brand-new suitcase in the trunk. It looked expensive, which means Daniel bought it. "I am not surprised you came back with another suitcase."
"At least half of that suitcase is gifts for everyone. Mostly for Jade." Justin placed the last suitcase in the trunk and walked inside the car.
"That baby is so spoiled. They have to move just to give her more closet space." Hilda joked. Marc and Cliff really don't have much space in the current apartment. Technically Marc shares a room with Jade. In reality. Marc ends up falling asleep in Cliff's bed a lot. She's being good and not pointing that out to Marc right now. She's definitely not going to mention it to her 16-year-old.
"At least they'll have it at the old house," Justin commented as he put on his seatbelt.
"I think they might be turning your old bedroom into a walk-in closet." Hilda joked as she turned the car on and began to drive away.
"I always felt it was more of a closet than an actual room."
"It might have been at one time." Technically it was an office, but it was primarily used to store stuff before Justin was born.
"Uncle Daniel sent you a showpiece from your favorite designer, and I have chocolate and a letter from aunt Betty. However, I just remember that's in the trunk. So I'll give it to you when we get to the house." Hilda is not surprised that Betty sent a letter. Yes, Hilda sent apology balloons two weeks ago, but she mostly communicates through Daniel. She even got Justin's flight details from him.
"And did you read the letter?" Because she knows her son too well.
"Actually, I didn't." Hilda couldn't help giving him the "are you serious" look. They were stuck in traffic already anyway.
"I'm not lying. I know in the past that I have gobbled up every piece of gossip imaginable, but I feel like I'm maturing."
"Really?"
"After Austin accidentally figured out that Cal Hartley is his biological father, I have decided that maybe there are some things I don't want to find out accidentally." Hilda is grateful for that because she doesn't want Justin to figure this out the way she did.
"That's fair. I did warn Matt to tell Austin the truth. He didn't listen, unfortunately."
"You knew before Austin figured it out?" Her son asked.
"Yes," Hilda answered truthfully. She wasn't going to lie to him. "I was brought into the group to protect him from Victoria and the stepfather. Trust me, I know you do not want to accidentally find out that your father is a piece of shit."
"It doesn't feel better under any circumstance," Justin whispered.
"I know. But Cal Hartley is a whole another level of neglect. He was never really around for Matt or his sister. Both were raised by nannies and each other." Hilda explained.
"I am aware. Per Austin, the only good thing Matt has said about Cal is he's okay with him being bi. As long as he's not loud about it anyway." Justin rolled his eyes.
"Well, he's definitely going to be angry about Labor Day." Hilda knows about the date thing because Matt told her about his confession to Cory. She's just glad someone else knows that Matt can talk to.
"I've heard."
"I know you think I should have told Austin, but it wasn't my secret to tell. Unfortunately, I was horrible at persuading Matt." Hilda explained.
"You did try, though?" Justin asked earnestly."
"I did."
"Betty and Daniel did as well, and we're very unsuccessful."
"They're still in contact with Matt?" Hilda already knew they were in contact with Matt. But she wanted to know how much Justin knew. She doesn't think her gossip-loving son has changed that much overnight.
"Yeah, although I don't quite know why. DJ knows, but he won't tell me." Note to self text Daniel and see what DJ knows. "And I've decided that this goes in the category of things I probably don't want to know right now."
"Probably."
"At the same time, I know something is going on between you and aunt Betty. I feel like you sent apology balloons for more than your reaction to the twins. If that was the only reason, you wouldn't still be using uncle Daniel as your intermediary."
"You're very perceptive," Hilda commented.
"What's going on? I rather hear the truth from you than read something I'm not supposed to be reading."
"Something is going on. However, I don't think this is a story you want to listen to after an 8-hour flight."
"We have a long car ride back into the city."
"That will give us time to talk about your new bedroom. Bobbi says that we can hire an interior designer, but I feel like you want to do it yourself." There's no way Justin will not want to talk about decorating.
"You said earlier that you know exactly what it feels like to find out your father is not a good person." Obviously, she was wrong. "Did grandpa not tell you that he wasn't your biological father? Did you just figure it out by realizing the dates didn't match?" Wait, what the fuck? She was not expecting that question.
"You knew? You even knew about the first husband." Hilda asked, surprised. She's pretty sure they never told Justin about that. Of course, it was pure chaos at that time, and she was lost in her own world that summer. Who knows what Justin discovered while she was mourning Santos.
"You're well aware it's tough to keep a secret from me. I knew. Also, I knew that you were born less than six months after grandma and grandpa got here. It's possible they had an affair. However, early on, I figured out it was just one of those things that you don't ask questions about.
"They didn't," Hilda said quietly, and she knew that Justin understood the meaning of her words. "How did you figure this out before I did? I didn't even realize it until this summer. I was packing up the house, and Bobby pointed it out to me."
"He knows?" Justin asked.
"He knows. He's been holding my hand through all of this. Literally when I was getting the DNA test done." Hilda confessed.
"I'm glad you had that. Although I wish you would've told me that was happening. I could've been there for you too."
"I know, but this is one of those mom situations where I had to deal with it on my own." She explained.
"But you didn't have to. You have all of us."
"I wasn't entirely sure of that at the time, especially when I got the test results back, and they said I was not an affair baby," She joked.
"DNA means very little. Did you start pushing Aunt Betty away because you were afraid she would reject you when you told her the truth?"
"Yes."
"Do you realize how silly that is?" Justin asked as he gave her his "I can't believe you're being so ridiculous" glare.
"Fear is rarely rational. I think you should realize by now that your mom is a mess." Hilda told her son.
"You're getting better."
"I'm trying.
"You need to talk to Aunt Betty." Justin admonished.
"I will go to London after we do the Alexandria lingerie shoot," Hilda explained her plan to Justin.
"You know phones exist? You'll be surprised by the amount of deep and meaningful conversations Austin and I have had via text message in the last 2 ½ months. Actually, I think being apart for these last few months allowed us to get closer."
"Without the hormones clouding everything."
"Hormones were still involved, but we were in separate countries," Justin joked.
"Your aunt and I need to have this conversation in person. This is just one of those conversations that should happen that way," Hilda explained.
"Talking to your boyfriend about accidentally discovering that his boss is his biological brother is also a conversation that should happen in person. However, that wasn't an option," Justin told her poignantly. "I don't think that's an option here either. This can't go on for another month." Justin might be correct, but she wouldn't tell him that. Instead, he finally let her change the subject to design options for his new room.
xxx
Daniel: Since we now have one fewer mouth to feed for dinner, I want to know if you want to come over. It's been forever. Candy is coming with me because I owe her food for pulling off the last-minute party for Justin yesterday.
Becks: I bet you're missing the kid.
Daniel: I do. Betty cried this morning. The office did seem extra quiet today. He was like a fashionable ray of sunshine. Although DJ is joining us tomorrow.
Becks: I thought he didn't want to work at Mode.
Daniel: Mostly because his grandparents would want him to get into modeling again if he's at a fashion magazine. Although with DJ having a private tutor, it will be easier to work out of here. That starts Monday. I plan to meet with some of the other editors Friday to work out a rotation for DJ to spend time at all the different Meade UK publications.
Becks: Practical.
Daniel: Which reminds me, does your contract allow you to do a cover for another magazine? DJ will do the December cover with me to placate the asshole grandparents. Do you remember the shoot with Chloe and the creepy ex at Betty's house before everything imploded? We want to do something like that.
Becks: Betty already told you that she had to let me go?
Daniel: Why do you ask?
Becks: Because you wouldn't hand over your cover idea to somebody working for the competition.
Daniel: Normally, yes, but I am actually engaged to the competition.
Becks: Really, Daniel?
Daniel: Yes, she told me. I actually did want you to do this cover because DJ hates modeling. It would feel more like a family friend just taking pictures and not a photoshoot if it's you.
Becks: I understand. I've heard many stories about how his grandparents treated his mother from others in the industry. We should definitely tread carefully. We could shoot at Candy and Amanda's house because the light is beautiful in their living room. Although we would have to ask Monique's Aunt Claudette for permission. I heard she's coming back soon.
Daniel: Yes, for fashion week, but I heard she would stay in the guest apartment. Then she's going back to Tokyo, I think.
Becks: Or Pretoria. She has houses everywhere. Regardless, I'm definitely in.
Daniel: Good. The real question is, do you want this to be just a freelance gig, or do you want to be my new staff photographer?
Becks: Am I getting this job offer because I am your friend?
Daniel: I'm not going to lie and say it's not a factor. But it's not the only factor. You're good at what you do. There's also the fact that Cliff has saved us a lot of money being the staff photographer for Mode US. We don't have to pay quadruple overtime to a freelance photographer for last-minute shoots anymore.
Becks: Will you be covering daycare expenses? Cliff told me that's part of his contract.
Daniel: You might have to share Amanda's nanny. But that should be easy since you are at her house most nights.
Daniel: Which reminds me, I need to find one.
Becks: I thought Amanda was planning to stay with the babies. She is also supposed to be staying at your house for the first few months.
Daniel: That's the plan, but that could change. I'm still trying to convince her to go to design school in January. Also, I feel like it should be two against two with the twins at all times.
Becks: Point.
Becks: You know this is happening so Lindsey can isolate Betty again. He is trying to get her to quit.
Daniel: He doesn't actually have to try that hard. She would if she could. Unfortunately, she can't before January. At least that's her interpretation of the contract. I'm going to have someone in my HR look at it. We all know this was to weaken Mode US before buying Isabella.
Daniel: Honestly, I expect him to fire her before then. Or shut down the magazine.
Becks: You know the numbers weren't that soft. Not the real numbers anyway. I overheard some things today because they don't know I speak six different languages. Besides, they actually make more money with digital subscriptions.
Daniel: I need to get the actual numbers?
Becks: Well, it's good for you to know what's going on with the competition.
Xxx
The nephew: Hey, I'm here safe.
The nephew: I'm on my way back with mom. New York traffic is still awful. Austin isn't with her.
Betty: I bet you're really sad about that.
The nephew: Very sad. I really wanted to reenact the scene from Love Actually in the airport. He's meeting me for lunch, giving me time to change outfits.
The nephew: And maybe take a shower. International travel is too sweaty.
Betty: It really is.
Betty: So, I know you read my letter to your mom during your eight-hour flight. Do you have any questions?
The nephew: You were expecting me to read it. You trust me that little?
Betty: Justin, you used to read my diary for fun. Of course, I was expecting you to read it. If I didn't want you to read it, I would have snuck it into your checked luggage and told you about it only once you arrived in New York.
The nephew: That is so unfair. You'll be happy to know that I did not read the letter.
Betty: Really?
The nephew: I'm maturing.
The nephew: And Amanda put it in my check bag instead of my backpack like I thought she was.
Betty: Amanda really is a true friend.
The nephew: I wasn't going to look anyway after the talk I had with Austin. We agreed that there are some family secrets that I don't want accidental confirmation on. I got it from mom anyway today.
Betty: She told you?
The nephew: I figured out it was possible once we knew grandma had a first husband. It was just one of those things I wanted plausible deniability about and chose not to ask for clarity. I was personally hoping for an affair love child.
Betty: We all were.
The nephew: Unfortunately, the DNA test said otherwise.
Betty: How is she handling it?
The nephew: Probably better than she was when I left. She said Bobby helped. Although she is not really ready to talk about it.
Betty: I'm glad you know. Do you know if grandpa knows that she knows?
The nephew: No, and I was afraid to ask. We've actually been talking about my decorating plan for my new room. It's still mostly a blank slate. I've been given a generous decorating budget. Also, I now have a queen bed that will need all new bedding. She doesn't care that Tiffany doesn't want us to share a bed. Tiffany doesn't get a say anymore.
Betty: Good choice of conversation.
The nephew: I'll let you know when I have more.
Betty: Thank you.
The nephew: I'll try to convince her to talk to you now. She wants to wait until she sees you in October. Apparently, she's planning to come to visit after the shoot.
Betty: We're going to try to line up one of DJ's required visits for when she's in France.
The nephew: Will you be able to go? You ended up missing last time at the last minute. You couldn't even get out for my party yesterday.
Betty: I'm sorry about that. I doubt Lindsay will do me any favors, but your mom can go with Daniel to terrorize them. Then he can bring her to me.
The nephew: Good plan.
xxx
Austin: Are you at the house yet?
Justin: We just got here. I'm changing.
Austin: You know I don't care if you're in wrinkled travel clothes. Actually, I would prefer it if you had no clothes on.
Justin: I do. Also, my mom, because I don't know she would be okay with us being in a room naked.
Austin: Vivian bought me a dental dam. She also told me to bring an overnight bag.
Justin: LOL
Austin: Actually, I got an entire safe sex starter kit. She knows I won't end up in a Mercedes situation, but she would like me to avoid picking up an STD. It's why Antonella is on the pill now, even though she's taken a vow of celibacy after the asshole.
Justin: I do not blame her.
Austin: We're 20 minutes out. Your food was not waiting for us when we arrived at the restaurant. This is what we get for ordering from somewhere, not Ross.
Justin: Why?
Austin: They're catering your big welcome back lunch tomorrow. So Cliff wanted something different for today.
Austin: Okay, Cliff wanted chili cheese fries to celebrate Jody's incarceration. That's only available at Ross when Gio is there. He's not coming back until fashion week.
Justin: I understand celebrating that. I'll see you soon.
XXXX
The sister-in-law: Hey, Justin is here. We're actually at the house now.
The sister-in-law: Sorry, I should've texted you when I picked him up, but I am trying not to text while driving.
Daniel: It's okay. Although you could've called. I know Bobby got you the good calling plan.
The sister-in-law: That he used more than I did.
Daniel: You should be glad about that. I think Bradford called me twice when I spent the summer studying abroad.
The sister-in-law: I feel like you wouldn't have responded as much.
Daniel: That is possible. So, I have to ask if Justin gave you the letter from Betty? How badly was the envelope damaged?
The sister-in-law: Yes. It's sitting right in front of me as I wait for Austin and Marc to bring lunch. Marc couldn't wait until tomorrow, and Austin needed a ride here anyway. Although his new mommy is willing to get him a driver for security reasons.
Daniel: Please get pictures of that reunion. I have £10 on Justin jumping Austin the moment he's in the room.
The sister-in-law: That's a sucker bet.
The sister-in-law: The letter is actually intact. Although I have my doubts about Justin not actually reading it. I haven't opened it yet, so I have no idea if he rewrapped it.
Daniel: I think he's getting better. He hasn't pressed DJ on what he obviously knows that Justin doesn't.
The sister-in-law: Possibly.
Daniel: Regardless, you really need to read what Betty wrote you. I love you both, but I'm tired of being your intermediary. You need to work this out.
The sister-in-law: I know. I'm just afraid of what it's going to say.
Daniel: Look, Justin already texted Betty, and she sent me screenshots. It turns out our hypothesis was correct. We completely get why you close yourself off for a couple of weeks, but that ends now.
The sister-in-law: So, you know?
Daniel: Yes.
The sister-in-law: Am I the very last one to figure it out?. I think Justin realized it before I did. He just didn't want to point it out to anybody.
Daniel: Justin is very observant and scandal-minded. He would naturally go to the worst-case scenario.
Daniel: Not worst-case, but you know what I mean. You kind of had to tell us before we figured it out. You said a little too much when you texted me when Brittany was in labor. Ending the conversation abruptly did not help things.
The sister-in-law: Oh God.
Daniel: Betty loves you. No matter what, she's going to always love you. She knows this has been hard for you, and she's not mad at you. But you have to reach out to her.
The sister-in-law: I know. I just don't want to do this via email or during the phone call.
Daniel: I know. Unfortunately, the best I can do is probably a video call this weekend. Trust me, we wish we could have come with Justin for a few days. We tried.
The sister-in-law: I understand it's a busy time. You have to gear up for Fashion Week chaos, too.
Daniel: Yes, it is already chaotic here. Thankfully we're just cohosting the Paris fashion week event with the home office. Although we're covering all the shows for Mode US this year. Monique feels like it's a waste of money to send somebody from Mode US or the other international outlets to cover. At least the English-speaking ones.
The sister-in-law: She has a point. Also, be glad you do not have to plan out the hairstyles for 20 different models for the 10+ size designers to watch show. I'm also trying to find someone that can do Monique's hair because I can't be in two places at once. That's going horrible to the point where I think I will have to overhaul most of the rest of the hair team.
Daniel: Call Wilhelmina. She has a list of hairstylists who know how to do black hair properly, especially for a runway show. Just so you know, you were on it.
The sister-in-law: Did you really just tell me to call Wilhelmina?
Daniel: Because I'm not sure if she ever shared the list with Marc.
The sister-in-law: I'll ask Marc first because he's coming to the apartment in a few minutes. Then I'll go to Wilhelmina.
The sister-in-law: We are not the only ones dealing with work chaos. Things are going terrible at Hub. Betty tried to take off a few days to come to talk to you and couldn't. She also missed Justin's party last night and couldn't go with me to DJ's last visit with his grandparents.
The sister-in-law: Because her boss is a Jackass.
Daniel: He's really bitter about us getting the Alexandria Lingerie contract.
The sister-in-law: Understandably, they are angry at us. It was their signature event, and now they've moved over to us.
Daniel: There's some other stuff going on too, and Betty really needs you. I don't think she wants to tell me too much because we are competitors. She's worried I'm just going to try to run and fix it. Although I have a right to be upset that they snuck a non-competitive clause in her contract after I negotiated the lack of one. I regret not telling your sister about that. That way, she would have known to look for it before signing the bloodied thing.
The sister-in-law: I feel like you've been in London too long. You use pounds earlier as well.
Daniel: Probably. Amanda caught me referring to a stroller as a pram this weekend.
The sister-in-law: Just so you know, I'm reading the letter now.
Daniel: What does it say?
The sister-in-law: I feel like you probably already know.
Daniel: I may have looked at an early rough draft.
The sister-in-law: Betty says she loves me and doesn't care that biologically we have different dads.
Daniel: She doesn't. However, she realizes that even though nothing changed for her, a lot has changed for you and how you see yourself. We both know it takes time to process that.
The Sister-in-law: It has. Marc thinks I should see a therapist. He just sent me more recommendations.
Daniel: He is not wrong. Since you're no longer a freelancer for us, you do have health insurance that will cover it.
Daniel: Marc knows?
The sister-in-law: He's been my confidant during this. He got me to talk to dad before he left for California. Bobby isn't as pushy as him.
Daniel: That seems like Marc. How did that conversation go?
The sister-in-law: Well, although that's kinda where I found out about the twins. By the way, does DJ know? Because Justin thinks he knows something that he's not telling him.
Daniel: Oh, thank God that kid can keep a secret. That's what I was referring to when I said Justin wasn't pushing. Yes, DJ knows. This was kind of why DJ was freaking out for a few weeks. He was mad at me for being willing to raise the twins as my kid but not him. Unfortunately, I had to fill him in on a lot of the ugliness with his grandparents. I wanted him to know that I wanted him, even if I'm just Uncle Daniel and not dad.
The sister-in-law: You know titles don't actually change the role that you play? You're the closest thing to a dad DJ has. Alexis is his mom.
Daniel: Neither do DNA test results. Ignacio is your father.
The sister-in-law: I get that a little more now. Especially because he has been texting me nonstop with pictures from the new apartment. I think I've seen every single one of his new pots. He only brought the family tortilla press with him. I inherited everything else.
Daniel: Betty has been getting them too. I think it might be a group chat.
The sister-in-law: I'm surprised he even knows how to do that.
Daniel: I am too. I'm sure Justin sent him instructions.
Daniel: Did you see Elena in some of those pictures? I can't get a clear answer from him, and neither can your sister.
The sister-in-law: They're just friends for now. I don't know whether they're friends like Marc and me or you and Betty.
Daniel: I may have laughed at that. Anyway, I need to get dinner. I'll text you when I have a time for the video call.
The sister-in-law: Thank you.
XXXXX
"Hey, we brought food. And Austin." Marc said as soon as the front door opened.
"And you brought my baby. Give me hugs." She quickly grabbed Jade from Cliff.
"You get to cuddle with her every day at the office." Marc just shook his head and traded an exasperated look with Cliff. Austin feels like they've mastered the art of silent couple communication despite their adamant denial about not being a couple. Austin totally saw them holding hands in the car.
"Yes, but I was out today. Justin, your boyfriend is here," Hilda yelled.
Before anybody could say anything else, Justin was running toward him. Austin felt himself being pushed up against the closest wall. In seconds Justin's lips are on his. That's all he can feel. He missed this man so much.
"I don't know why we came. I think they are just going to make out for the whole lunch." He could barely tell who was talking because Justin was doing that thing with his tongue now, and his brain was melting.
"They're young and in love. Don't you remember that? It's cute. I have to get pictures of this for Daniel and Vivian." Justin's mom remarked. If Justin wasn't touching his ass, he would wonder why Vivian wanted pictures. Probably for the same reason he was supposed to text her good night if he stayed over. Austin was definitely staying over.
"I didn't fall in love until my 20s, and I screwed that up spectacularly. Do better, kid." At that moment, Austin accidentally pushed Justin into the coffee table. Seconds later, he heard the lamp crashing to the ground. That caused Jade to start screaming.
"Sorry," Justin replied sheepishly to his mom.
"It's okay. I'm glad that you're back." Hilda said as she started rocking the infant.
"I'm glad to be back. I miss all of you so much." Justin said as he went over to hug Marc and Cliff.
"Especially Austin," Marc whispered.
"So much," Justin remarked, pulling out of the hug.
"Okay, I will get this baby quiet again while you catch up and clean up the broken glass. Then we're having lunch. After, you can try to sleep off the jet lag or do whatever else. Austin, Vivian, is okay with you spending the night, and so am I. But the door stays open."
"Considering George band Justin from the apartment, I'm fine with that. Thank you for letting me stay over." Austin is so happy that George is in Chicago right now.
"Have I mentioned how much I love your foster mother," Justin said before kissing Austin again.
To be continued…