Boystown Season Five

by Jake Biondi

  “I haven’t said a word, Logan,” Patrick replied softly, his hands folded across his lap.

  “What do you know about any of this anyway? You have no idea what it’s like to be me.”

  “That’s why I’m asking you questions, so I can learn.”

  “Are you gay? Have you been in a relationship before? Do you know what it’s like to need a drink to get through the day?” Logan asked, walking to the other end of the room. “I mean, who the hell are you to think you can fix me? What did Jesse and you talk about before you got me to come here?”

  “Logan, this program isn’t about me. It’s about you -- helping you to better understand yourself and deal with the feelings you’re experiencing. Jesse and I didn’t plan or plot anything. We both just want you to be healthy, happy, and safe.”

  “Well, this isn’t the way to do it. Locking me up in here for a week? Really? In a psycho ward?”

  “Does the name of the place matter to you?”

  “There you go again with these questions.” Logan ran his fingers through his hair and let out a loud sigh. “Why don’t you just go to your other patients? I don’t want to talk to you.”

  “Because I’m dedicated to helping you and that’s our goal. We are going to do this together. You don’t need to worry about any other patients. We are talking about you now.”

  Logan groaned and walked to another corner of the room. “God, you’re so frustrating.”

  Patrick spoke calmly. “Logan, why don’t you sit down here next to me and relax? I’m just asking you some pretty basic questions today, that’s all. And you don’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to answer. But getting yourself all worked up isn’t helping.”

  Logan walked the perimeter of the room one more time and finally took a seat next to Patrick. He looked up at the ceiling, then down at the floor, and then directly at Patrick.

  With a warm smile, Patrick proceeded. “You mentioned that you’re gay.”

  “As if you didn’t know,” Logan mumbled.

  “Tell me about when you came out.”

  “It didn’t happen all at once. It was a process.”

  “Okay. Walk me through the process.”

  Patrick leaned forward in his chair as Logan prepared to speak.

  While Logan shared his history with Patrick, Gino stood at the head of his father’s casket addressing those gathered near him.

  “Fathers and sons have a unique relationship. Because of my father’s hard work and generosity, my brother Marco and I grew up wanting for nothing. But more than all the material things our father gave us, not the least of which is this magnificent home in which we grew up, our father gave us love. Through his word and deeds, he taught us the importance of family. He used to say that even if we lost everything we owned, we would still have an amazing family and that’s what really mattered.”

  Justin watched from his chair as his fiancé held back his tears.

  “As soon as he learned that David and Tyler were related to us, he reached out to them and welcomed them into the Ciancio family with open arms. They quickly came to know him as the amazing father that I had known all my life. Now Tyler and he are in a better place together. And both of them remain in our hearts from this moment forward.”

  Gino paused a moment and took an audible breath. Joyelle and Emmett each wiped tears from their faces as Justin and Derek maintained their focus on Gino.

  “For me personally, Father was a rock and source of great support when I first came out. I was so afraid to tell him that I was gay, but when I did, I realized that all my worries were needless. He was loving, supportive, understanding, and compassionate – a sometimes tough businessman with a heart of gold. And when I told him that Justin and I were getting married, rather than using an old family feud as an excuse to question my decision, he was again loving and supportive. Even in the last moments of his life, he expressed his support for us and our future together.”

  Gino was no longer able to hold back the tears and his crying appeared to be contagious as the few remaining dry eyes of those in attendance grew wet with grief.

  “And so my father and I come to the end of our journey together. I cannot bring myself to say goodbye to him. So, instead, I will say…see you soon, Father. I love you.”

  The priest stepped forward and put his hand on Gino’s shoulder. Then he gestured to Chadwick Stadt to step forward and begin his song.

  As Chadwick’s incredible voice sent the words of the Les Miserables song “Bring Him Home” toward heaven, family and friends stepped forward one at a time to place roses on the two caskets in front of them. One by one, Derek, Joyelle, Emmett, Camille, Rachel, Justin, and the others paid their respects to the deceased, with Gino and David doing so last.

  At the same time in Chicago, Max Taylor was discussing some design plans for The Boys and the Booze with his construction team. The entire crew was rushing to complete work on the restaurant and club so that it could open Pride weekend at the end of June.

  In the midst of the construction chaos, Adam Miranda entered the restaurant. He looked around for Max and, finding him, walked across the space to where he was standing.

  “Hey, Adam,” Max said. “Right on time.”

  “Things are really moving along,” Adam said, looking at all the progress around him.

  Max smiled. “Happy to report that we are ahead of schedule.” Max handed a clip board to one of the construction workers. “Come on, let’s go into the office to talk.”

  Adam followed Max into the office and they each took a seat at the small table.

  “So how’s my new manager?” Max asked with a wide grin.

  “Really? You’re going to hire me?”

  “Just as we discussed when you first met with me. With Dustin gone and our opening coming up quickly, we need someone like you.”

  “Thank you,” Adam said. “It’ll be great to get settled and feel more at home here in Chicago.”

  “I’m glad you decided to stay. We need you here.”

  “I just need to find a more permanent place to live.”

  “Well, I have an idea,” Max explained. “Emmett and I own condo that we rent out. Unfortunately, one of our tenants, Tyler, was killed in that plane crash. I haven’t spoken to David about this yet, but I think he’ll be looking for a new roommate. Maybe this will work out well for you. The place is huge and David is a great guy.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me.”

  “David should be home in a few days. We can talk to him then.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So, you said you had some ideas for the opening?”

  “Actually, yes. I know what happened at the last opening.”

  “The fire.”

  “We need to do something completely different and exciting so that all memories of the first opening are wiped out.”

  “And I suppose you have that ‘something completely different’ idea already in mind?”

  Adam grinned. “I do. I’m thinking a Carnivale theme would be really festive and exciting, especially tied into the city’s Pride celebrations.”

  “Interesting,” Max replied. “The color scheme would certainly work well with the look of the restaurant.”

  “There’s more. I’d like to talk with Gino and Cole about launching the Cio autumn clothing line at the party. We could feature a huge fashion show. It’ll heighten interest in the opening and bring in reporters and restaurant reviewers from all over -- New York, Los Angeles, maybe even Paris and beyond.”

  “Wow, you sure think big.”

  “Don’t you?” Adam asked. “You said this restaurant has always been a dream of Emmett’s and yours. Why not dream big? I also think we need a float in the Pride parade; it’s important to have a presence in community events like that.”

  “A float in the parade...”

  “And a volleyball team. All the local businesses sponsor teams.”

  “Wow, you really have done your homework. Do you
really think you can pull all this together in just a few weeks?”

  “You get the restaurant done on time and I’ll take care of the rest. The opening will be an event the likes of which Boystown has never seen. Just having Cole here will be a draw. He’s a celebrity now. And with Jensen recovering, I’ll talk to him about models and dancers. It’ll be a three-phase event: fashion show, dinner, and dancing -- all with the Carnivale theme.”

  “I love it. You have my blessing. Let me know what you need from me.”

  “Don’t you want to check with Emmett first?”

  “I will run it by him when he gets back, but I’m sure he’ll be okay with it. It’s a fantastic idea. What’s not to like?”

  “Great. I’ll talk to Gino and Cole right away.” Adam paused a moment.

  “What is it?”

  “It’s Dustin,” Adam said cautiously. “What’s going to happen to him?”

  “I don’t know yet,” Max declared. “I’m not sure. But he’s got the best criminal attorney there is, so he’s in good hands.”

  “That was very generous of you, Max. Almost too generous.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m just wondering what’s going on between you two. I’ve never known an employer to help out an employee like that.”

  “Adam, you and I don’t know each other very well yet. You just moved here, after all. Just know this: I love Emmett very much and I am going to marry him. It’s as simple as that.”

  “If you say so,” Adam said. “If we are done here for now, I have an appointment with Cole to discuss my ideas for the opening. I’ll let you know what he thinks.”

  “Of course. And thank you again for all your ideas. I think the opening is going to be amazing under your leadership.”

  “Thank you,” Adam stated as he stood up to leave the office. “I appreciate you helping me get on my feet here in Chicago.”

  In California, the unseasonably warm day allowed for the post-funeral reception to be moved outdoors around the Ciancio swimming pool. Floral arrangements and candles decorated the outdoor terrace and some even floated gracefully on the still water in the pool. Staff members circulated passing champagne and hors d’oeuvres to the guests.

  As Rachel took a glass of champagne from one of the server’s trays, Justin approached her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side of the pool.

  “What the hell are you doing here?”

  Rachel pulled her arm from Justin’s grip. “Why wouldn’t I be here? After all, I was engaged to Marco at one point. I’m practically family.”

  “Luckily, he came to his senses and dumped your ass before you became a permanent appendage.”

  “He was certainly an upgrade from you. At least he was a real man.”

  Justin laughed. “Do you have any idea how pathetic you are? Why don’t you finish your free champagne and get out of here?”

  “Stop acting like this is your home. You’re not married to Gino yet.” Rachel sipped her champagne. “Maybe that wedding will never happen…” Rachel smiled and made her way back toward the bar.

  Gino walked over to Justin and put his arm around Justin. “Everything okay?”

  “She’s up to something, I can feel it.”

  “Don’t worry about her. She just likes the attention.”

  Bella cautiously approached the men so as not to interrupt them.

  “Excuse me,” she said politely. “You told me to get you if a certain call was returned.”

  “Oh, great. Thank you,” Gino replied. He turned to Justin. “It’s about the hospital matter I mentioned to you.”

  “Great,” Justin said. “I’m sure they are jumping on it.”

  “Only one way to find out. I’ll be right back.” Gino followed Bella back into the house.

  Justin made his way around the pool to see Chadwick, who was playing his guitar for those at the reception.

  “Thank you so much,” Justin told him. “You’re the best.”

  Chadwick stopped playing and hugged Justin. “How are you guys holding up?”

  “It’s a hard day for Gino and David, in particular. You did such a fantastic job with ‘Bring Him Home.’ Really.”

  Chadwick blushed. “Thank you for saying that.”

  “I know you were supposed to be here to sing at our weddings, but I am glad you could be here with us regardless.”

  “I am, too,” Chadwick agreed. “It’s always good to be with friends and family at times like these.”

  “I promise you’ll be singing at a wedding soon.”

  Chadwick smiled. “Just tell me when and I’ll be there.” Chadwick added, “And thanks for letting me stay here at the house with the rest of you. I really appreciate it.”

  “Like Emmett said last night, Chadwick -- you’re family as far as we are all concerned. Thanks for being here.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “Please excuse me a moment. I need to catch up with Emmett.”

  Chadwick nodded and resumed playing his guitar.

  As the reception progressed at the Ciancio estate, Hugo Martinez entered Jensen’s hospital room carrying a large vase filled with brightly-colored flowers.

  “Hey, handsome,” Hugo said,

  Jensen sat up in bed. “Wow. They’re beautiful.”

  “This room needs some cheering up,” Hugo said as he placed the vase on the counter near Jensen’s bed. “You look much better today.”

  “Thank you for the flowers. They’re awesome,” Jensen said. “But what I could really use from you is a hug.”

  “As many as you want,” Hugo said as he reached over and hugged Jensen as best he could without disturbing the tubes and wires around him.

  Jensen smiled. “Don’t worry, you won’t break me. Squeeze as tight as you want.”

  Hugo tightened his embrace and then stepped back. “You really do look so much better. I was really worried.”

  “Mateo said you’ve been here night and day since the accident. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

  Hugo sat down in the chair next to the bed. “I was worried, but I’m glad you’re on the mend. My father says you’ll make a full recovery.”

  “Phew,” Jensen said with a smile.

  “You’re quite the hero. You saved Keith’s life.” Hugo paused, then added, “Don’t ever do anything that stupid again. I could have lost you.”

  “The car came out of nowhere. I just reacted on instinct, I guess.”

  “Have they…found the driver?”

  “Not that I know of. Michael was in here asking me a lot of questions, but I don’t remember a whole lot, to be honest.”

  “You’ve been through a lot. Cut yourself some slack.”

  “I just want to get out of here. I’m getting stir crazy.”

  “You need time to rest and rejuvenate from the accident and from the surgery.”

  “I know. But I can rest at home. I spoke to Emmett on the phone this morning. It was great to hear his voice and know he’s okay, too.”

  “You love him a lot, don’t you?”

  “He’s the only real family that I have. I owe him a lot. And you, too.”

  “Naw, you don’t owe me anything.”

  Jensen shook his head. “But I do. You make me feel valued and special.”

  “Because you are.”

  “Well, I’m not used to that.” Jensen paused. “I’ve had a lot of time to think as I sat here in this room. I’ve been thinking about the future. I have lots of ideas and plans.”

  “Oh?”

  “And some of them include you.”

  “One day at a time, handsome. Okay? Let’s just focus on you getting better and getting out of here.”

  “You bet. We have a bright future ahead of us and I’m excited to get it started.”

  Hugo smiled and held Jensen’s hand.

  In the hospital cafeteria, Mateo Martinez and his brother Michael were getting coffee. With coffee cups in hand, they headed across the room to an empty table near th
e window overlooking Lincoln Park.

  “He’s doing better, but he’s nowhere near ready to be released,” Mateo said as he sat down at the table. “I know how eager you are to arrest him, but his health comes first.”

  “I’m not eager to arrest anyone,” Michael said, taking the seat across from his brother. “I just want to know a timeline so I can prepare.”

  “You already got to ask Dustin a few questions, what more do you want right now?”

  “Mateo, he tried to kill Derek, a friend of ours.”

  “Allegedly,” Mateo added.

  “Regardless, he is a dangerous person.”

  “And he’s a patient in his hospital who is entitled to the best care possible while he is here.”

  “No one is denying that. I’m just trying to carry out my investigation.”

  “Well, it’s going to take time.” Mateo sipped his coffee. “Now you wanted to talk about something more personal?”

  “I know about the lawsuit,” Michael said bluntly.

  “What lawsuit?”

  “You know. The reason that you’re not doing surgeries anymore.”

  “Have you been digging through my past? How dare you. You--”

  Michael put his hand up. “Hang on a minute. I’m not digging. I just wanted to better understand why you weren’t doing plastic surgery anymore. You were one of the best in the country.”

  “And now you think you know?”

  “I believe I do. But I don’t understand why.”

  “It’s no one’s business.”

  “I’m not just anyone. I’m your brother,” Michael explained as he drank more of his coffee.

  “That’s a fact, but things haven’t always played out that way between us, have they?”

  “You were the best plastic surgeon in the country, Mateo. And you gave it all up because one crazed patient sued you?”

  “You have no idea what that’s like.”

  “I’m sure it’s horrible,” Michael admitted. “But it’s still just one patient out of hundreds that you have cared for.”

  “Don’t you remember what Dad used to tell us? Perfection, perfection, perfection. A malpractice suit like that is hardly perfection.”