Seeds of Jealousy

Mikey



We all sit at the table, eating chicken Parmesan which is Justin’s favorite. Ma wanted to try to cheer him up since he seems so down lately.



I’m watching Dee, who looks at Justin, smirks and then looks at Brian. He doesn’t even notice the tension between them.



“I was just telling the guys how much Brian has changed since Justin came into his life. I mean I wasn’t the biggest fan, but you know what, Justin? You are good for him.”



I look over to see Dee’s reaction and for a slight moment she looks a dagger at Justin.



“That’s because Sunshine, here, is an artist.” Brian smirks at Justin before leaning over to kiss him.



“Yup, he molded our King of Liberty into a fine piece of art,” Ma said.



“I tried everything I could to get to Brian, and he even admitted to us that Justin was his boyfriend. That was long ago,” Hunter chimes in.



“Brian is his own man,” Dee tells us.



“That was until Justin. Things change in ten years, Dee,” I tell her, smiling when she gives me a look. But she quickly replaces it with a smile.



“He’s done great for himself,” Brianna said, looking at her father.



“Yes, I have sweetie. I owe a lot of it to Justin. He came along, wouldn’t take my bullshit or stay away. I had no choice but to love him.” We all ‘awww’ as he kisses him once more.



“We had a blast at the zoo last week,” Dee blurts out.



“Oh, how fun. Did Justin draw you with any animals?” Ma asks.



“No,” she said.



“Did you have a good time, Sunshine? I know how much you love animals.” I see Justin flinch.



“Sunshine?” Ma puts a hand on his. He pulls it away.



“I didn’t go,” he tells everyone. Not like Justin to not go to the park. He takes Gus all the time.



“Why not?” Ma asked.



“Because I went to see Daphne.” He gets up and walks to the back door.



“Where you going, Sunshine?” Ma asks him with concern.



“To have a smoke.” He walks out. Brian goes to get up but I see Dee reach to him.



“Give him some time. Why don’t you tell them what happened in the bird area?” She looks at him.



“Ya Daddy, tell them. It’s so funny.” I see Brian look at the door and at Brianna.



“I’ll go check on him.” I stand up, grabbing Emmett to go with me. Let’s face it, if anyone can get someone to smile its Emmett. Leaning over to kiss Ben I whisper, “She’s a fucking bitch.” He looks at me. “I know her, she’s up to something.” He nods his head as I walk out.



**



Justin



I can’t believe the nerve of her. Damn I can’t fucking say shit or she could take Brianna away from him. I know she was his best friend.



He knows something isn’t right with me. But how can I tell him when all she has to do is walk off.



I feel arms wrap around me, pulling me back into a strong embrace. I know it’s not Brian. I know his touch.



“Hey, Baby. Want to tell Auntie Em what the big bad witch is doing?” I smile looking back at Emmett.



“We know it’s something, Justin. I have known her for as long as Brian. She didn’t like Brian and I being so close, so I know she can’t be happy with you and Brian.”



I look away.



“Baby, we are here for you. Now tell me, before Brian comes out and kicks my ass for holding you so close and tight.” He winks at me, which makes me smile again.



“It’s nothing. I am okay. Just please, leave it alone,” I tell them



“Honey, when have you ever known Mikey and I to mind our own business? Especially when it’s about someone we love and care for.” Emmett has a way with people.



“We want to help, Justin,” Mikey tells me.



“You can’t,” I whisper.



“Try us,” they both say in unison.



“I can’t risk it. I’m sorry.” I look down, feeling Emmett’s hold on me get tighter.



“Risk what, Baby?” he whispers.



“Justin, just tell us; it will help you feel better,” Mikey persists.



“Justin,” Emmett said, his concern growing.



“She wants me to..” I stop when Emmett’s arms move off me. Turning, I see Brian standing there with a smoke.



“How many times do I have to tell you, Queen Emmett, hands off of what’s mine?” Brian smiles at me, pulling me in. Kissing my lips.



“Mother Novotny told me to come check on you,” he tells me.



“How did you get away from Dee?” Michael asked.



“Deb is showing her and Brianna baby pictures. The ones she has of me and Mikey and Dee.” He smiles again. “But poor Mikey has more pictures since it’s his mother.”



Emmett starts clapping. “Ohh, baby pictures. I just love baby pictures.” He looks at me and I nod my head, letting him know I’m ok.



As we make our way into the house I hear Dee talking about taking Brianna to the Water Park.



“Can we, Dad? Go ride the water rides?” Brianna jumps up and down, clapping and looking like Emmett.



“Sure we can go. You’ll go Saturday. Your mom, me, you and Justin.” Brian tells her.



I see Dee look at me. “I can’t go. You know how my skin is. Being out in the sun that long with my pale skin, it isn’t healthy.”



“Plus, I asked him when we were outside to work on the comic book Saturday. He promised.” Michael chimes in. I look at him when he smiles.



“Ya and you are always telling me that I shouldn’t break promises,” I tell Brian. He nods his head.



“Well, maybe next time Justin.” Dee smiles.



**

Brian



Once again Justin turns down doing something with Brianna and Dee. I don’t understand why he is acting like this.



I know he isn’t like this and for Mikey to step in and say what he did is just as unusual, especially since the look of shock on Justin’s face tells me that he was lying.



After getting home, taking showers and looking at the layout for Monday’s meeting, Justin and I are lying in bed.



“Justin, you want to explain to me what that was all about at dinner? When you left?” I ask him.



“I just needed some air and a smoke,” he whispers to me.



“Justin, it looked like a tense discussion you were having and Emmett was acting so protective with his arms around you. Don’t tell me he wasn’t because I know he would never risk his life by trying anything with you. Then for Mikey to step up and take up for you with this whole comic bullshit I know there is something going on. Why the fuck are you declining anything that Brianna and Dee want to do as a family?”



He looks away. “I don’t want to talk about it.”



“Justin Taylor, I know you and your fucking bullshit. Are you still worried I am going to fuck her again?” I ask him. His head snaps up.



“NO, I’m not. Brian, I know you love me. Please just leave it alone. I can’t deal with it.”



“Deal with what?” I ask.



“Brian, I just want a little time,” he tells me.



“Okay, I will give it to you. But I want to know sooner or later, and I prefer the sooner side of what’s going on. I love you, and I know you will tell me when you are ready.”



“Thanks Brian. I mean it. And I love you to.” He whispers as he puts his head on my chest, snuggling in to me.



Wrapping my arm around him I can only hope that he will tell me soon, before it really destroys him. But I know Justin Taylor can not be pressured into telling something until he is ready.



‘Fucking stubborn Sunshine,’ is my last thought before I drift off to sleep.