by Jake Biondi
“So she was telling the truth. The baby is mine...”
As Mateo thought about how to deal with the news about Rachel’s pregnancy, Hugo and Jensen walked together through Maggie Daley Park in the bright July sunshine.
“Thanks for agreeing to spend some time with me today,” Hugo told Jensen. “There are some things I’d like to share with you.”
“I’m glad you wanted to talk.”
“I first want to apologize for being so aloof and emotionally unavailable lately. I have had a lot on my mind and have been dealing with some personal stuff.”
“I figured that was it. I just didn’t want to force anything. I knew if I was patient, you’d eventually come around. And here we are.”
“Let’s sit,” Hugo said, gesturing for Jensen to sit on a nearby bench. They sat down as Hugo continued. “I like you, Jensen. I mean really like you.”
Jensen smiled widely. “I like you, too.”
“But these feelings are all really new to me. I never thought of myself as gay. Maybe bi, but never gay.”
“Maybe you are bi,” Jensen said. “That’s cool, too.”
“No, I don’t think so. I think I was with girls to convince myself that I was bi. Somehow, in my childish mind, that was more acceptable. And not just to me, but to my father, too.”
“Your father can be a bit narrow sometimes, I’ve noticed.”
Hugo smiled. “That’s a kind way of putting it.” Hugo took a deep breath.
“What’s wrong? Hugo, you can tell me anything.”
“My father and I have always been a bit competitive. Combine that with my initial desire to not be gay and it’s a recipe for disaster. I did something really stupid.”
“I doubt that,” Jensen said. “You’re a bright guy, Mr. Notre Dame.”
“That’s another thing that’s been on my mind. I’m completely stressed out about school and I have to report to practice soon.”
Jensen put his hand on top of Hugo’s. “How about we deal with one issue at a time? It makes it much easier. What was the stupid thing that you did?”
“I slept with Rachel. Several times.”
Jensen’s eyes opened widely. “You did what?”
“I was jealous and scared and angry and stupid. I thought it would solve problems -- it only created more.”
“You thought sleeping with your father’s girlfriend was going to solve problems? Even after everything I told you about her?”
“I didn’t see it. She was sweet and kind and warm to me. She encouraged me.”
“Of course, she did. She’s a manipulative bitch. A pro. You didn’t stand a chance.”
“Ya, well, I know that now. Now I understand things a lot more clearly.”
“Why, because she turned on you?”
“Yes.”
Jensen sighed. “I hate to say I told you so but...”
“You did tell me so. You warned me about her over and over again.”
“Does your father know?”
“Oh, God no. He’d go nuts,” Hugo said. “The only good news is that I know she’ll never tell him because that would ruin her chances with him.”
“Maybe if you tell him the truth, you can get him away from her, though. That would be a good thing.”
“I don’t think he’s really interested anymore. He’s been seeing a lot of Joyelle lately.”
“That’s what I hear. That’s very good news.”
“The only problem is that she’s pregnant.”
“Why is Joyelle’s pregnancy a problem?”
“Not Joyelle, Rachel. Rachel’s pregnant with my father’s child. She says I’m going to have a little brother or sister.”
“This is a lot to take in on a Fourth of July afternoon.”
“I’m sorry,” Hugo said. “But I wanted to tell you the whole truth because...”
“Because?”
“Because I think I’m in love with you. Uncle Michael said I was.”
“You spoke to Michael about us?”
“I hope that’s okay,” Hugo said. “I needed his advice.”
“And what did he tell you?”
“That secrets wreck relationships. That if I really cared about you, I’d tell you everything.”
“Good advice,” Jensen stated.
“Look, I know this is a lot for you to handle. It was a lot for me to tell you, too. But I want to be with you. I want to build a relationship with you. You are really important to me.”
“You’re right about it being a lot to hear and process, but I do appreciate that you followed your uncle’s advice. I want to be with you, too, Hugo.”
“And you can live with what I just told you?”
“I’d be a hypocrite if I couldn’t. No one knows the manipulative powers of Rachel more than I do. She got me to do some pretty terrible things as well. That’s why I was trying to protect you and your father from her.”
“I wish I had listened to you, but I learned my lesson.”
Jensen smiled. “And what lesson is that? To always do as I say?”
“Maybe...”
“Then how about kissing me?”
Hugo smiled, leaned in toward Jensen, and kissed him deeply. Jensen put his hands on either side of Hugo’s face as their mouths continued to connect.
“Your uncle was right about something else, too,” Jensen said when the kiss concluded. “I do love you.”
“I love you, too,” Hugo said, kissing Jensen again.
“I just wish someone could finally bring that bitch down.”
Hugo hesitated before replying. “You know what? Maybe we can.”
“And I think I know someone else who would want to help,” Jensen added. “Are you in?”
“Let’s do this.”
Hugo and Jensen hugged for a moment, before rising from the bench and leaving the park.
The Boys and the Booze was packed with customers enjoying the special Fourth of July barbeque. Adam, Max, and Emmett rushed about to make sure that everything was running smoothly and that guests were enjoying themselves.
Logan and Jesse, Cole and Derek, Jensen and Hugo, and Michael and Keith were all in attendance -- and David also sat with them as Adam made occasional stops at the table to spend time with his date.
As Emmett passed the bar, he noticed Patrick having a drink.
“Hey,” Emmett said, giving Patrick a quick hug. “I’m glad you stopped in.”
“Talk about a good crowd. This place is hopping.”
“We’ve been very lucky. Business has been steady since the opening.”
“That’s awesome.”
“Anything I can get you?”
“Actually, yes,” Patrick said. “We need to meet to discuss a few questions I have about the new youth center.”
“Sure thing. Although Gino and Jensen are taking the lead on that project. Maybe you want to talk to them instead.”
“No, I think I need to meet with you,” Patrick said. “How about over dinner?”
Emmett smiled. “Business and pleasure, eh? Sure, I’d like that. On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“That we don’t eat here. Let’s eat somewhere else...so I can check out my competition.”
Patrick smiled. “Ah, business and business and pleasure.”
“I guess so. Just let me know when. I have to run to the kitchen. Excuse me.”
“I’ll text you.”
“Perfect,” Emmett said, hugging Patrick again and heading into the kitchen.
Finishing dinner at Mateo’s condo, Joyelle and he stood in his kitchen. He placed the last few items into the dishwasher and then poured himself another glass of wine.
“Anything else I can get you?”
“No, thank you,” Joyelle said. “Everything was wonderful.”
“Thanks. It was always one of my favorite dishes growing up. Cooking it reminds me of my parents.”
“Funny how food brings back memories like that.”
Mate
o took Joyelle by the hand and led her into the living room. They sat down next to each other on the sofa and Mateo put his arm around her.
“Need anything?”
“This is perfect,” Joyelle said, cuddling with Mateo. “Where’s Hugo today?”
“I think he’s with Jensen at Emmett’s restaurant.”
“He’s a great kid -- you did a nice job raising him.”
“Thank you. It’s not easy being a single parent. I try to do my best.”
Joyelle ran her hand over her abdomen. “I’m about to learn all about the single parent thing.”
“Naw,” Mateo whispered. “You have a lot of people around you who are eager to help and support you, including me.”
“But in the end, I’m the parent. The responsibility will all fall on me.” Joyelle hesitated and then asked, “Didn’t Hugo’s mother want to be in his life?”
“That’s a complicated story for another day. Suffice it to say, everyone agreed Hugo was better off with me.”
“I didn’t mean to bring up a bad topic.”
“Not at all,” Mateo said, leaning in to kiss Joyelle. “We can always talk about anything you want.”
Joyelle kissed Mateo back. He pulled her to him more firmly and kissed her more deeply. Then she put her head on his shoulder.
“I always feel so safe with you, like you’d protect me from anything.”
“I would, Joyelle,” Mateo said. “You’re a special person.”
Joyelle laughed. “Rachel might beg to differ.”
“Why bring her up?”
“Just because I know she is still pursuing you.”
“I have made it clear to her that her pursuits are a waste of time. I’m not sure what else I can say to her.”
“I just don’t want to get caught in the middle of something.”
Mateo turned Joyelle’s face to him. “Look at me, Joyelle. You don’t have to worry about Rachel or anyone else. I care about you very much.” Mateo kissed her again.
“I care about you, too.” Joyelle pulled Mateo’s arm tighter around her and rested her head on his chest.
As the sun set on the holiday, Justin and Gino were out on Lake Michigan on a large yacht. With the beautiful Chicago skyline sparkling in the background, they sat on the deck finishing their dinner and wine.
“This has been the most spectacular Fourth of July I have ever had,” Justin said. “Your idea to spend the day on the water...amazing.”
“I know your brother was hosting a big event at the restaurant, but I thought we needed some alone time.”
“You were right, as always. Today was perfect.”
“You like the boat?”
“Boat? This thing is like a cruise ship. It’s fantastic.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Gino said. “Because it’s yours.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s my wedding gift to you. With us spending more and more time here in Chicago, let’s take advantage of the lake when we can.”
“But a yacht? Don’t you think it’s a bit extravagant?”
“With your family and mine together, we are a big group. We need something that can comfortably fit all of us,” Gino explained.
Justin leaned over and kissed Gino. “Do you know how much I love you? You are the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“Right back at you, babe.”
Suddenly, the night sky began to fill with fireworks. From the yacht, the men could see fireworks along the entire length of the shoreline. Each explosion of color cast its own warm glow down onto the yacht.
As Gino and Justin enjoyed the view from on the lake, Adam took David by the hand up to the roof top of The Boys and the Booze. From that location, they could see not only the fireworks over the lake but also all the suburban firework displays in the distance.
“Wow,” David said, looking at fireworks in every direction. “This is incredible up here.”
“I thought you’d think it was cool.”
David wrapped his arms around Adam’s waist. “You’re pretty cool, too.”
Adam smiled. “Am I?’
“Very,” David said as he kissed Adam.
The two kissed passionately as fireworks from the entire Chicagoland area vibrantly lit the night sky.
With the summer holiday behind them, Chicagoans returned to their daily work routines. Justin and Derek were at the Mancini Global office first thing in the morning to address the situation regarding the Mancini vineyards.
“I have already reached out to two other vineyards in the valley that are willing to work with us,” Justin explained. “They are smaller ones but assure me that they can meet our demands to keep production on schedule.”
“Good work,” Derek said. “But you know this is about more than the wine itself. If anyone finds out our secret at the winery--”
“Relax, Derek. No one will. It’s been buried there since we were kids and it will remain that way.”
“How can you be so calm about this? We’re both about to be married. This could jeopardize not only our marriages but our futures, including Emmett’s.”
“We’ll do whatever we have to do, okay? Let’s start with this offer to buy back the vineyard. It’s ridiculously generous. She’d be a fool not to take it.”
“Come on, Justin. This isn’t about business for her. It’s personal.”
“Speaking of personal, Gino and I would like Cole and you to get married with us, if you’re interested in a joint ceremony.”
“You mean in place of Max and Emmett?”
“It’s not about replacements,” Justin explained. “It’s about family unity. I know this is your second wedding, so maybe you want to do something different. But Gino and I would love to share our day with Cole and you.”
“Thank you,” Derek said. “Why don’t we all have dinner and discuss it?”
Before Justin could respond, Gino and Camille were standing in the doorway of Derek’s office.
“Good morning,” Gino said.
“Oh, good morning,” Derek replied. “Come on in and have a seat.” Derek gestured for them to take a seat at the table near the window. “Is there anything I can get you? Coffee? Water?”
“I’m fine, thank you,” Camille said, taking a seat. “I don’t have a lot of time. I’m flying back to California today.”
Justin sat down next to Gino and Derek took the chair next to Camille.
“I understand you have an offer to present to us,” she added.
“We do,” Justin said, passing two folders across the table, one to Camille and one to Gino.
They carefully opened the folder and examined the document inside while Derek and Justin exchanged glances.
“That’s very generous,” Gino said. “The vineyards aren’t worth nearly that much.”
“They belonged to our father and they are very special to us as I’m sure you can understand,” Derek explained.
“My aunt and I understand the importance of family.”
Camille looked up from the document. “Yes, we do.” She picked up the document, tore it in half, and tossed it in front of Derek, who looked horrified. “And that’s why we reject your offer.”
“Camille, that was an obscenely generous offer,” Gino told his aunt. “It deserves discussion and consideration.”
Camille stood up from the table. “No,” she told her nephew. “Your father gave me clear and strict instructions on how to run this company. He told me to destroy Mancini Global and this is just the beginning.”
“But Camille...”
“Gentlemen, I am putting you on notice. Enjoy running this company while you can, because I’ll soon be taking it from you. Good day, gentlemen.” Camille walked out of the office.
Gino stood up, apologized to Justin and Derek, and followed his aunt out of the office.
“Camille. Camille.”
She turned around to face her nephew. “What is it, Gino?”
“How could you do that
without even consulting me?”
“You forget that I am in charge of this company, not you.”
“But you can’t treat people like that.”
“They aren’t people, Gino. They are targets. The sooner you begin to understand that, the better off you will be.”
“No,” Gino said. “They are about to become part of my extended family and you had better learn to get along with them.”
“Or what?”
“Or I’ll take you down, even if it means destroying our company in the process.”
“You haven’t got the guts, Gino. You’re not your brother and you never will be.” Camille stepped into the elevator and the doors closed between them.
Across town, Logan was in his office working on his computer when there was a knock on his door.
“Come in,” he said, not looking up from this desk.
“Hey,” Jesse said as he entered and closed the door behind him.
Logan looked at Jesse and then stood up. “There you are, handsome.” Logan walked around his desk, wrapped his arms around Jesse, and kissed him. “I just heard the news. Congratulations.”
“I’m in shock,” Jesse said. “I can’t believe it.”
“They saw what amazing work you did when I was away. You juggled your job and mine beautifully and people took note.”
“But to make me a partner? I never imagined...”
Logan smiled. “No one deserves it more than you. We need to celebrate.” Logan kissed him again.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? I love you and I want you to have all the success you deserve.”
“But me becoming your boss?”
Logan smiled. “Jesse, I couldn’t be happier for you. And tonight we’ll celebrate, okay?”
“Okay, okay,” Jesse agreed, smiling. “Nothing too crazy, though. It is a school night, after all.”
“You’re the boss now,” Logan laughed. “You can come in late.”
“Now that wouldn’t make me much of an example for the rest of you, would it?”
Logan kissed Jesse once more and then put his head on his shoulder in a warm embrace.
