CHAPTER 5 - KNOW I GOT YOUR BACK

ANGELCARS - FRIDAY MORNING

OFFICE

RUTH

I have been working out a sub-clause in the Kinnetic contract to include Emmy’s catering business. He sent me a picture of his current van, I just sent him the picture of the Mercedes van and he responded by text with Lana Loves!  

I’m still trying to work how to handle knowing what I know about the mendacious morons but I’m going to take a chance and not tell him. I want to wait to see how he reacts and see if he blows up at Justin like they say he will.  But I do have a safety net in place.  

I look at the caller ID on the phone and it’s one of the morons. “AngelCars, good morning.”

After the conversation, I just stare at the phone. I don’t know why I’m surprised he is already summoning me to do his stupid bidding like this.  I think back to the way Debs behaved in the car and wonder what the hell she sees when she looks at her precious boy and how the fuck Ben puts up with him and her.  

Sighing, I pick up the mouthguard I actually bought and head out to the car.  It is going to take over an hour to get there pick him up...but as my mom always says it’s easy to spend other people’s money.

MICHAEL & BEN’S HOUSE

BEN

I stare at Michael and wait for his explanation. He chews for a very long time. I just fold my arms and wait.

“So I offer you a lift, you decline and then call Ruth to come and do the very thing you turned me down for?  Explain.”

“I changed my mind and by the time I had done so, you had gone.”  

“So instead of calling me to say come back, you call Ruth?  That makes no sense Michael!”

“She’s coming now so what’s the problem?” He adopts his usual defensive stance of huffing and folded arms. “She can give you a lift too instead of you driving.”

“And tonight what do you suggest?” I grab the books I had forgotten and head back to the car.  “I’ll drive myself to and from work.”

“Thought you wanted to help the environment? Isn’t taking another car detrimental to that?”  His sneer is unmistakable.  

“Yes Michael, that’s exactly what’s in detriment right now!”  I snap and head out.  

MICHAEL

AngelCars have texted to say that the car is outside. I grab my things and head out, smiling and wondering what car it is that is causing envy amongst our neighbours today. As I close the door and turn around not only is there no fancy car in the drive but there is also no Ruth.  I immediately go back inside to call them, I still don’t see why I can’t have her cell number...

“AngelCars good morning.”  A man’s voice answers.

‘I need to speak to Ruth. This is Michael Novotny!”

“I’m sorry she’s been called out to pick up a client.  Can I help at all?”

“Yes, I’m the client she’s supposed to be picking up. You’ve sent the wrong car to me.  I come under the account of Kinnetic.”

“Can I take your name again, please?”  

“Michael Novotny.” I growl out.  

“Ah I see. We have sent the right car to you, Mr Novotny. Mr Taylor called and as joint account holder, he takes precedence and he wanted her. Do you wish to cancel the car and wait for Ruth?”

“I’ll take the car.” I snap and hang up abruptly.  What’s this joint account holder bullshit?  

When I get outside, I stalk to the car and wait for him to open the door. I have to knock on the window to get his attention.

“Mr Novotny?”  

“Who else would it be?” I declare.

“Well if you can get in, sir, we can be on our way.”  He puts his seatbelt back on and waits for me to get in. “Estimated time of arrival is 1045 with traffic.” 

“Drive on.”  I order and make myself comfortable.

When we get to the store, he finally does part of his job and opens the door for me, but then he drops a cloth in my lap.

“You need to wipe the seat sir.”  He states.  “That’s why we tell people not to put their feet on them.”  I glare at him but he merely stares back.  “It will be harder to get off once it’s dried on, sir.”

I start to wipe the seat, fifteen minutes later it is finally done to his satisfaction.

“Thank you sir, most co-operative of you.  Would you like me to book a return journey?”

“No.”  I snap and stride straight into some dog shit outside the front of my store.  I hear his laughter as he gets into the car and drives away.

Fucking bastard!

BLOOM GALLERY - EARLY AFTERNOON

SIDNEY

I stare at the email in disbelief and then call the gallery in New York. After a thirty minute conversation with them, I have to do some major damage control.  I grab the paperwork and head to my attorney’s office.

MEL & LINDSAY’S HOUSE - FRIDAY EVENING

LINDSAY 

Everything is set. We’re having everyone around for take-out and I will congratulate Justin on his show then let the cards fall where Michael and I want them to! I can’t help the little chuckle which escapes as I anticipate the surprised look to be on his face at my announcement. He has the opportunity of a lifetime and he’s squandering it!  I see it as a service to the art world to get him where he should be. In New York and away from Brian.

And when Brian gets upset, Michael will be the consoling voice in his ear.

Mel still isn’t speaking to me properly and any attempts to find out why is met with glares and snippiness. To be honest, I’m getting fed up with it. The doorbell rings and I wait for her to answer it but of course she doesn’t. She calls down that she’s changing...and I hope that includes her pissy mood!

The first to arrive, as usual is Ems, he’s followed by Michael and Ben and now we’re just waiting for Brian and Justin.

“No prizes for guessing why they are late!”  Debs snarks, shaking her head.  

Just then the doorbell rings and finally they are here. Gus calls down to his daddy and Brian goes to see him. Michael tries to follow presumably to see JR but Mel stops him saying she’s just gone to sleep.  

Finally, at Carl’s insistence, Brian comes down so we can eat.  

Dinner’s it’s usual robust affair and soon we are just sitting around talking.

“I hear congratulations are in order Justin. You must thrilled that you can finally tell us!”

The look on Brian’s face is just what we hoped for. “Lindsay, what are you talking about?”  Justin asks.

“The Rathman Show in New York. I had a feeling you were protesting too much. So tell me which pieces you submitted and how you kept that secret for so long?”

“Yes Justin, why don’t you tell us about that?”  Brian glares at him.

“I have no idea what she’s talking about. I never entered the Rathman Show. I thought about it and changed my mind.”

I frown and tilt my head. “Strange the winners list was announced and you are definitely on there.”

Justin looks at Brian, who has started to close off. Bingo. “I need a some air!”  

As he gets up, Michael goes to follow with a glare at Justin, who looks like a deer in headlights.  “Keeping secrets again Justin?!”

“Michael, can you sit down please?”  Ben asks, much to everyone’s surprise. 

“Why?  I’ve got to speak to Brian. He’s obviously upset about this!”

“And you know what he’s like when he’s upset.  Let him calm down or he will lash out at you. You're not the person he should be angry with, right?”

“Baby, are you sure in the hubbub of the wedding, you didn’t just forget?” Ems asks and I roll my eyes.  

“I filled in the form but I never submitted it. In fact, I don’t even think I signed it.” He gets up and goes outside.

Too late Justin! The damage is done and Ben can stall Michael as much as he likes. He’ll get Brian to send Justin on his way.

BRIAN

I call Ruth; I just want to get out of here.  I hear the back door open.  “I didn’t submit it Brian.”  I blow out a smoke ring and he comes to stand next to me. “I didn’t.” He repeats, taking the cigarette out of my fingers and grinds it into the floor. “No more... you promised, no more.”

“So did you.” I snap but then I sigh and look at him, really look at him. “How did they get them then?”  

“I don’t know. I’ll have to check my pieces because I have all of them bar the ones in Bloom and I would need to...”

“Guys! You need to get in here!!”  Emmy shouts.

We rush back in and Lindsay is staring at a piece of paper. A very angry man is also in front of her.

“What’s Sidney doing here?”  Justin looks at Mel but she just shrugs.

“What’s happening?” I look around as everyone seems to be in shock still.

“I think Lindsay has just been fired.” Carl replies. “For reputational damage and misrepresentation? I think that’s what he just said.”

“Sidney, you can’t be serious! I did nothing wrong!” Lindsay is looking at Mel for support but she doesn’t seem to care.

“This is an email from you to them withdrawing Miles Stanhope in favour of a more prestigious artist.  Do you realise how insulting that sounded?!”

“I will admit that the wording could’ve been a bit more…”

“Professional. Miles was threatening to walk away but I’ve managed to placate him. And no, sir, I have not fired her, but I have suspended her for a month and demoted her to gallery assistant. I don't know who this prestigious artist you deemed so worthy of replacing him with is but I hope they appreciate how much it has cost you!”  

“Demoted?! Sidney please!”

“No Lindsay, this action could’ve have seen you fired. Be grateful for small mercies!  As I said Mel, apologies for interrupting your evening but this had to be done immediately.  Lindsay, I will see you in a month.  Good evening all.”

When he closes the door behind him, there is nothing but the sound of Lindsay’s weeping.  

“Well it just seems to be a bad news day for you, doesn’t it Lindsay?”  Mel tells her and she looks confused. “And for you also, Michael?  Can you two explain to me why you felt it was okay to have JR christened and to tell Brian he’s her godfather without consulting me?!  As her mother and primary caregiver, these decisions are to be made by me first and foremost.  As I’ve said before, she is going to be brought up in the Jewish faith. So apologies Brian, your godfather status will be a token one.”

“Michael, what is this about?”  Ben sighs.  

“I have the right…” He begins.

“He’s JR’s father!” Debs declares, causing Carl to roll his eyes.

“But not her primary parent! We agreed that this would be Mel and Lindsay’s role.” Ben reminds her. “You have got to respect boundaries, Michael. You were highly disrespectful to Mel and you should apologise.”

We are all looking dumbstruck at Ben. He’s never ever spoken to Michael like that in front of us.  

“Ben, you don’t get to…”  Debs begins.

“Yes, I do get to call him on his bullshit behaviour. And this was bullshit!  If you don’t want to call him out on it then that’s your prerogative.”

“How dare you speak to my mother like that?!” Michael berates him.

“Like what?” Mel retorts. “I’ve heard you speak to her worse than that. But that’s neither here nor there, I’m waiting for my apology from both of you.”  She glares at Lindsay.

Just then Ruth texts to say she’s 10 minutes away.  I take Justin’s hand and jerk my head to the back door so while it escalates into a full on bitchfest, we head outside.

I put my arms round him and he melts against my chest. “Do you believe me?” He asks, looking up at me.

“Yes, I believe you.”

“Good. That’s all I care about.”

“Guys sorry to interrupt the hug-a-thon but Ted and Blake have gone. They were my ride.”  Emmy steps out.  “Can I share Ruth with you, please?”

“Sure Emmy.  She’s here now.  How bad is it in there?” I ask.

“Defcon 3.” He grimaces. “Debs realised how Ben told her off so started in on him and he’s gone too!”

“Some serious shit has gone down today. Hey hands!” I yelp as the coldness of Justin’s hands hit my back.

“You’re nice and warm and my hands are cold.”

“I noticed!”  I scowl down at him but pull my jacket tighter, keeping them against my body.

“Sweet!”  Emmy coos.

“Want to walk?”  I growl.

“Not sweet, not even remotely!”  He chuckles.

“Come on, let’s get our asses home.”  I order and lead them to the car.

RUTH

I can’t help the smile as Emmy runs to the car. I get out and open the door for him. He gets in but doesn’t bring his feet in.  

“Um Emmy, she can’t shut the door with your feet outside.”  Justin points out.

“I know Baby. Be patient; this has to be done properly.”  He tells him before pulling out a bag from inside his bag. “I took a chance and packed these and I’m so glad I did!  Now will these do Ruth?” We watch incredulously as he pulls out a pair of slippers. “I think they are perfect travelling slippers.”

“Yes, they are indeed!”  I giggle. “Although, you could’ve saved yourself the expense by just taking off your shoes.”  

He curls up along the seat and stares at me as if I have gone mad.  “Shopping, of course, what was I thinking.”

I get back in and start the car. As we drive along, they are chattering away. “Isn’t that Ben?”  I call back.

“Yeah it is. He must be freezing. Pull over and pick him up please.”  Justin asks.

I pull ahead of him and Justin winds down the window to call out to him. He gets in, rubbing his hands.

“Thanks. I was so mad, I just left and no cabs were stopping. Not the smartest of moves!”  He sighs.  

“Emmy, under your seat is used for storage. It has blankets in there or will just pumping up the heating be okay?”  I call out.

“Can you do both please?”  Ben asks and he really does look cold.  

“Sure. Be right back though. There’s a coffee shop over there so what do you want?”  I ask him but he demurs even though he clearly needs to be warmed up quickly. I’m about to get cross when Brian interrupts.

“I’ll get them Ruth. Hot chocolate for you, twat?” Brian asks and he gets a nod. “Emmy?”

“Oh yes with extra cream please.”

“Okay a hot chocolate for me too with sprinkles.”  Ben concedes.

He gets out and I pull up around the corner and we wait for him. He doesn’t take long and I refuse to drive until they have finished drinking. I’m pleased to see that Ben has a bit more colour back. Just as I’m about to pull out a cab pulls ahead of us, so I reverse back.

“I hate to be a bad news bear but isn’t that Michael getting out of the cab and waving at us?”  Emmy sighs. I keep reversing and then pull out into traffic. “Oh you are wicked!”  He cackles.

“Why? What did I do? I was concentrating on the road.” I check the mirror and he’s making his way quickly towards us but then the lights change and he gets stuck on the crossing.  “Oh thank fuck.”  I mutter to myself and catch Brian’s eye but then his phone rings.

“Hey. You’re where? No, I didn’t see you. Why did you get out of the cab though? It seems a little silly.  Well no because we’re almost at the loft and then she’s gotta drop off Emmett and Ben. Yes Ben!  We passed him on the way so she picked him up.” He lets him rant for a few seconds before he cuts him off. “Battery died.” He shrugs at the astounded expression on Justin’s face.

“Thanks Ruth, guys see you for another round of family fun on Sunday.” He quips and after taking Justin’s hand, they’re gone.

Once I drop Ben off, it’s just Emmy and I and he leans over the partition.

“Can I ask an opinion on something?”  He asks.

“Of the slippers? Very nice.”

“No, not that, though they warrant more than very nice. I just want an outsider’s view on something…”

By the time he’s finished telling me what happened this evening, I start to see Mel in a different light, though she’s not off my shitlist.

“Well I know I would’ve been beyond pissed if my partner did that to me. So I can understand her reaction. What I don’t get though is why Lindsay brought that up about the show in the first place. I mean if he kept it quiet, why steal the moment and announce it on his behalf? Seems a bit mean spirited.”

He looks reflective. “True and then there’s Michael’s comment about keeping secrets again to Justin. Okay they don’t get on but that was a real bitchy potshot…”

“You, kind sir, are home.” I can’t help the chuckle as he changes back into his shoes then leans through the partition to kiss my cheek. “Goodnight Emmy.” He scrambles out of the car with a grin. “Oh Emmy! One thing...we’re not painting the Mercedes pink!”

He roars with laughter as he makes his way indoors and as per my instructions, he double flashes his lights when he’s safely in his apartment.

RUTH’S CONDO - AN HOUR LATER

I boot up my laptop and stretch. Tomorrow I have blocked off as I need to go to B&B and put in an appearance. I pour myself a glass of wine and go to check my messages. I smile as I read the reply from Miles Stanhope.  

Dear ArtLover, Two simple words can’t convey my gratitude over your previous email.  But here they are, thank you, thank you so much for the warning.  Regards Miles Stanhope.

“You’re more than welcome.”  I raise my glass.  “Now let the fun really begin!”

THE LOFT

BEDROOM

JUSTIN

“Oh!  Oh!  Mmm!  Ah!  Uh!”  I writhe and arch as he deep throats me. One leg is over his shoulder and two of his fingers are toying with my prostate. We’re also holding hands and I’ve never felt more connected to him as I do right now.  

“Oh God!”  I yelp as he begins to hum.  “Brian!  I...oh fuck...coming!”

As the pleasure wracks through me, he waits for me to quieten. Sliding up my already sensitised body, he plants kisses on his way up to my mouth...little sparks of pleasure jolt through me. When we’re finally face to face, he gives me a shy smile.

“I trust this is an acceptable start to the apology I owe you for having the slightest doubt?”

“Oh yeah. That was only the first letter though. You still have another six letters to go.”

“I’d best get on with it then…”  He growls before kissing me deeply.