by Jake Biondi
“That’s why you want Mateo to perform surgery on them...”
“Well, yes. I realize now that I’ll never be able to get rid of the memories as easily as Mateo may be able to reconstruct these scars. I have to live with them forever.”
“Oh, Logan,” Jesse said, kissing Logan on the forehead. “But that’s all over. No one will ever lay a hand on you again, especially not while I’m around. I love you so much.”
“That’s why I keep encouraging you to make things right with Max. I can’t go back in time to fix things with my father or tell him how much he hurt me. But you and Max have the chance to build a good relationship.”
“Your father beating you as a child is completely different from my father cheating on Emmett.”
“Max and Emmett have been friends for a long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if they worked things out.”
Jesse kissed Logan. “Enough talk about them. Let’s focus on us.” Jesse rolled back on top of Logan and kissed him deeply.
Search lights circled high above The Boys and the Booze from both the rooftop and the sidewalk alerting all of Chicagoland that something special was happening in Boystown. Television station helicopters witnessed the event from on high while the red carpet outside of the restaurant and club was alive with reporters and photographers covering the opening of the establishment as well as the high-profile guests from all over the country.
Inside the club, which was set up for the Cio fashion show, people were seated along both sides of the runway. Designers from all over the world sat in the crowd along with the rest of the invited guests anticipating the start of the show.
Dressed in a tuxedo, Adam walked out onto the runway to greet the guests and begin the fashion show. He stood quietly in the spotlight as the other lights dimmed and the crowd quieted down.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official opening of The Boys and the Booze.” The crowd erupted with applause. “I am Adam Miranda, general manager of this wonderful establishment and on behalf of owners Emmett Mancini and Max Taylor, I’d like to thank you for coming to a night you will never forget. We have a spectacular evening planned for you here at Chicago’s hottest new restaurant and night club. It is now my pleasure to introduce you to Mr. Gino Ciancio, founder and owner of Cio Designs.”
Adam welcomed Gino onto the runaway and handed him the microphone as the crowd once again applauded. Adam left the stage as Gino addressed the crowd.
“Thank you, Adam. I, too, would like to welcome you to this amazing venue and offer my heartfelt congratulations to Emmett Mancini and Max Taylor on the opening of Chicago’s newest hotspot, The Boys and the Booze. Ciancio International and Cio Designs are honored and grateful to be a part of this memorable night. Tonight, we are excited to offer you a sneak peek at Cio’s brand new fall men’s line featuring the world famous ‘face’ of the Cio line, Cole O’Brien.” Again, the room erupted with applause and loud whistles. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the fall men’s line of Cio Designs.”
The room darkened as Gino left the runway and joined Justin at the side of the room to view the fashion show. The room filled with music as lights gradually lit the runway. Within moments, Nick DiCristina began walking the runway revealing the first of the spectacular designs of the Cio line to the audience.
Model after model made his way down the runaway, each with face makeup and colorful head pieces in the Carnivale theme. Those seated around the runway were mesmerized by each design that came into view and the models continued to captivate those in attendance with outfit after outfit.
When Jensen appeared on the runway, Hugo whistled loudly from his seat along the runaway. Modeling pants and a deep v-neck sweater, Jensen worked the runway with the perfect mix of sex appeal and charm.
Finally, Cole appeared on the runway and was greeted with thunderous applause. He made his way down the runway modeling a spectacular tuxedo without a shirt. When he reached the end of the runway, he pulled off the jacket and tossed it over his shoulder, revealing his chest and abs. The crowd again became enthusiastic and then all the other models, including Jensen, joined him on the runaway. Immediately, the crowd jumped to its feet to honor the models and the designs.
Gino joined the models on the runway and addressed the audience once more.
“Thank you very much for that outstanding reception. How about these models? Aren’t they great?” The audience showed its approval with more applause. “That concludes our preview of the new fall Cio line, but our night here at The Boys and the Booze is just beginning. I wish you all a wonderful cocktail hour and I’ll see you after dinner with another big announcement. Thank you.”
Gino escorted the models off the runway and into the backstage dressing area.
“You guys were fierce,” he told them all. “You had the audience hypnotized from the moment you stepped out on that runway.”
“My boys are the best,” Nick DiCristina declared.
“I would agree,” Gino said, hugging Nick.
“Now I need to get them into their Carnivale costumes and back out to serve the champagne.
Nick began to help his models change as Gino approached Cole and Jensen.
“Well done,” Gino said, smiling widely.
“Thank you,” Cole replied.
“Our pleasure,” Jensen added.
Gino addressed Jensen directly. “And you. You are a natural.” He looked at Cole. “What would you think about taking this one under your wing?”
“It’d be an honor,” Cole said. “Jensen does a great job.”
“I think I’d love to bring you on board with Cio, if you’d be interested,” Gino said.
“Wow,” Jensen replied. “That would be incredible.”
“You’ll already be working with us on the new youth center,” Gino continued. “I think it would be a natural fit.”
“I’m flattered,” Jensen replied.
“Let’s talk more when this weekend’s events are over. Enjoy the rest of your night.” Gino hugged Cole and Jensen and then left the area.
“Holy shit,” Jensen said, excited.
Cole smiled widely. “You clearly made an impression. Welcome aboard.” Cole hugged Jensen and then added, “Come on, let’s get into our tuxes for the party.”
“Excuse me,” Rob said cautiously as he approached the two men. “Hi Cole, I’m Rob. Remember we met at Boystown Bistro when I asked for your autograph?”
“Oh, yes,” Cole replied. “How are you?”
“Good thanks. I feel so lucky that I scored an invite for tonight’s event. That way I get to see you again.”
“Awesome,” Cole said hesitantly. “I hope you have an amazing time. This is Jensen, by the way.”
Rob extended his hand to Jensen. “Great to meet you. You must be so excited to work with Cole.”
“It’s my pleasure for sure,” Jensen said. “Good to meet you.”
“Have a great rest of the evening,” Cole told Rob.
“See you around,” Rob said as he left the area.
Cole looked at Jensen. “You’re going to get a lot of that. Sure you’re ready for it? I wasn’t.”
“We’ll see,” Jensen stated. “Besides, I doubt I’ll ever be as big a name as you are. Maybe I’ll attract fewer fans.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve seen you work a crowd when you’re dancing. You’ll have a huge fan base, believe me.”
“Let’s get dressed and join the party.”
As Cole and Jensen put on their tuxedos, servers circulated throughout the crowd offering champagne and warm appetizers to everyone in attendance. After taking a glass of champagne from one of the servers, Keith made his way through the crowd to Emmett.
“You look so handsome,” Keith told him. “How are you holding up?”
“Thank you. I’m actually doing great. Now that everyone’s here and having a great time, my nerves have calmed.”
“That’s good. You have worked so hard on this place for so long. I am s
o proud of you,” Keith said, hugging Emmett.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Emmett said. “I really am.”
“Where else would I be? This is the perfect night to celebrate you and the amazing guy you are.”
Max walked over to Emmett and Keith.
“Mind if I steal you away?” Max asked Emmett. “There are a few things to go over before we start serving dinner.”
“Sure,” Emmett said. “Excuse me.”
“Max…congratulations,” Keith stated reluctantly. “The place looks great.”
“Thank you,” Max replied, leading Emmett away toward the kitchen.
Keith made his way through the crowd, passing Mateo and Joyelle along the way.
“I have the most beautiful date in the room,” Mateo told Joyelle. “Honestly, you look gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” Joyelle said smiling. “I don’t feel so gorgeous. I just feel…. big.”
Mateo laughed. “Not at all. You look amazing and that little one inside of you is going to be the luckiest kid around to have you as a mother.”
“I don’t know about that.”
Mateo put his arm around Joyelle. “Come on, let’s go to our table.”
Mateo led Joyelle through the crowd toward their table as David and Michael spoke with Jesse and Logan.
“It’s so good to see you looking so well,” David told Logan.
“Thank you,” Logan replied, putting his arm around Jesse. “I have this handsome man to thank for it. I don’t know what I would do without him.”
“You did it all on your own,” Jesse declared. “I’m so proud of you.”
“We all are,” Michael added. “So great to have you back to your old self again.”
“Thank you.”
“And I did speak to my brother on your behalf as you asked,” Michael added. “I think he’s willing to do the surgery, if you’re still interested in that.”
“Thank you,” Logan said. “Patrick told me that you had a hand in Mateo changing his mid.”
“He’s a great doctor,” Michael said. “You’ll be fine.”
Logan smiled. “I have no doubt. He must be around here somewhere. I’d like to talk to him myself.”
“He’s here with Joyelle,” David stated.
“I’m going to see if I can find him,” Logan said. “I’ll see you in a bit. Excuse me.”
As Logan walked away through the crowd, he spotted Patrick, who was holding a flat box in his hand.
“Patrick,” Logan said, giving his counselor a hug. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Emmett invited me,” Patrick explained. “You look great, by the way. You really have come a long way.”
“Thanks to you.”
“No…thanks to you. You have accomplished a lot. I’m very proud of you.”
“Thank you,” Logan said. “I’m looking for Mateo, but I’ll see you later on, I’m sure. Enjoy the party.”
“You, too,” Patrick said as he continued on his quest until he found Emmett. “Hey, handsome.”
“Patrick,” Emmett said, embracing his new friend. “Thanks so much for coming. You look amazing.”
“My mother always said I clean up nicely,” Patrick joked.
“Well, moms are always right, aren’t they?”
Patrick laughed. “I guess so. The place looks fantastic. All your hard work really paid off.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Patrick handed the flat box to Emmett. “This is for you.”
Emmett raised his eyebrow as he took the box from Patrick. “For me?”
“It’s your big night. I thought it warranted a little memento.”
Emmett slowly opened the box, peeled away some tissue paper, and peered inside. “Oh, my God, Patrick. It’s so cool,” Emmett said, as he lifted a small painting from the box. He looked more closely at the artwork, which was a painting of the front of the restaurant and club with the date underneath it. “It’s beautiful.”
“I had a friend of mine paint it for you with tonight’s date on it, so you’d always remember.”
Emmett embraced Patrick. “It’s so thoughtful. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. Thank you for including me tonight.”
“You’re my friend,” Emmett said. “The night wouldn’t have been complete without you being here.”
Patrick smiled. “Thank you. Listen, I know you are busy tonight so I’ll let you do what you need to do. I just wanted to give you that gift.”
“Thanks again. I love it. And I’ll see you around tonight, I’m sure.”
“Have fun,” Patrick said as he walked away.
Emmett watched as he blended into the crowd.
Without Emmett noticing, Keith walked up behind him.
“Well, it seems that someone has a crush on you.”
Emmett turned around to face Keith. “What are you talking about?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“He’s just a friend.”
“So was I once. So was Max.”
“I have work to take care of,” Emmett said. “Excuse me.”
Keith smiled and drank his champagne as he watched Emmett head toward the club space.
Upon reaching that area, Emmett greeted singers Chadwick Stadt, Amy Armstrong, and Brian Felder.
“There you all are,” Emmett said, giving each a hug. “I’m so glad you made it.”
“You think we’d miss the social event of the season?” Amy asked. “You really pulled out all the stops tonight. This event is incredible.”
“That fashion show? Wow,” Brian added.
“Well, it was important to Max and me that you got to be here tonight as guests, rather than performers. After all, you’re our friends first and foremost.”
“We feel the same,” Chadwick said.
“Nonetheless, I do have some business to share with you. Our new GM Adam is going to set up a meeting with you for next week. We’d like to offer each of you a permanent contract to perform regularly here at the club. Of course, we’ll have guest performers here and there, but we’d like to hire you three as our performers in residence. Our musical directors, if you will.”
“Damn,” Chadwick said. “Where do we sign?”
Amy smiled, “That sounds perfect, sweetie. Thank you. But don’t worry about us tonight. Tonight is your night to celebrate and enjoy.”
“Thank you,” Emmett said. “But The Boys and the Booze is a family effort and you are all part of that family. So I hope you all will enjoy your evening. I think we are getting ready to serve dinner.”
“Great,” Brian said. “And thanks again.”
Outside the club on the red carpet, Camille was talking on her phone.
“Look, I got you several hours of uninterrupted time to search Gino’s condo while he’s here at the gala. Don’t blow it. If the key isn’t somewhere in the mansion, then it has to be here at his Chicago residence. I don’t want excuses. Just find that key.”
Camille ended the call and forced a smile for photographers as she headed back inside.
As guests took their seats for dinner in the restaurant, Emmett and Max stood at the front of the room. The lights dimmed as Emmett stepped forward holding a microphone.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to The Boys and the Booze. Tonight is a dream come true for both Max and me and we are so honored to have you all here to celebrate this opening with us. We hope you enjoyed the fashion show and, after dinner, we invite you to join us on the dance floor of Chicago’s hottest new club.”
Emmett handed the microphone to Max.
“Before we share an exciting announcement with you, I wanted to take a moment to thank this special man standing up here beside me. I have never known a more loving, more giving, more selfless, more compassionate person than Emmett Mancini. The journey to tonight’s opening has been an exciting one, filled with many ups and a few downs, too. I can’t think of anyone I would rather have had at my side during this
process than you, Emmett. I love you and I thank you.”
The guests applauded to acknowledge Emmett.
“And now, I would like to invite the other members of the Ciancio and Mancini families up here for their special announcement.”
Gino, Justin, Derek, David, Camille, and Jensen came forward to join Emmett at the front of the room. Jensen took the microphone from Max.
“Good evening. My name is Jensen Stone and, while I am not technically a member of the Ciancio or Mancini families, they have both welcomed me into their lives and hearts as if I were. As many of you know, my parents threw me out of the house when they learned that I was gay and I spent a lot of time on the streets just trying to survive. Then I met Emmett Mancini, who changed my life. He welcomed me into his home as if I were his brother and he helped me to finally stand on my own two feet. He gave me a job and helped me to get into college. I am forever grateful to him for all he has done for me. But not every young person has an Emmett in their lives. As you know, many youths struggle every single day for a variety of reasons. They need our love, our understanding, and our support. So I came up with an idea -- what if we had a youth center, right here in Boystown, to help and support not just gay youth, but all youth who needed our love and understanding?” Jensen handed the microphone to Derek.
“When Jensen brought his idea to my brothers and me -- as well as Gino and Camille Ciancio, we jumped at the chance to help him and make his dream a reality right here in the heart of our community. So it is my pleasure tonight, on behalf of everyone up here with me, to announce the development of the Ciancio-Mancini Youth Center.”
Applause again filled the room as Gino took the microphone.
“Together, Ciancio International and Mancini Global have purchased the site just up the street a few blocks from here. We are already working with architects and builders to make the Ciancio-Mancini Youth Center a reality as soon as possible. Providing youth with social, educational, and employment opportunities will be some of the goals of the center, along with providing emotional support and counseling services under the direction of our friend and colleague, Dr. Patrick Provenzano.”
